DEIRDRE MCQUILLANtalks to Paul O'Connor, director of menswear buying at Brown Thomas
DESCRIBE WHAT YOU'RE WEARINGThe blazer is Ralph Lauren Black Label, the tie is also Ralph Lauren, the jeans are DSquared, the shirt Bagutta, cuff links Tateossian, the shoes Bottega Veneta and the red socks Paul Smith.
YOU CAN CHERRY PICK WHAT YOU WEAR, OF COURSEWell, I have to be seen, I am travelling and I am attending shows so I can't wear last season's clothes. It's difficult to change around each season dramatically anyway, because menswear doesn't change so much.
WHAT DOES EVERYDAY MEAN TO YOU?I will always have staples such as a navy blazer, a striped or white shirt – I am addicted to white shirts and if I find one I like I will end up buying a couple of them. Something a little bit different with some detail – Dior is good for that.
WHAT COLOURS DO YOU WEAR?I stick with navy, grey, blue and white – I don't wear black because it can be very draining for the Irish complexion.
EXPLAIN THE TUXEDO CRAZEEverybody from Tom Ford to Zara does the look – the tux jacket with the white shirt or a V-neck T-shirt and a pair of jeans. It's popular because guys can wear it during the day and at night. It is smart and elegant.
ANY FASHION WEAKNESS?Yes, I have a thing for shoes and when I am away travelling I usually find something a bit different, whether trainers or dress shoes, normally in Italy.
FAVOURITE SHOPS?Bergdorf Goodman in New York is usually my first port of call. In in Milan it's Corso Como, and in Paris, Colette.
WHAT ARE KEY PIECES FOR MEN?A guy's suit is a uniform in which they feel comfortable and most should wear the two-button rather than the three-button. Men make mistakes mostly when it comes to casual wear and shoes.
WHAT MISTAKES?Tan shoes – they are lovely, but a good pair of classic brogues as opposed to pointed toes will last a lot longer. The fit of jeans and chinos is important – guys should get advice in the store and buy what suits them. If you do find right-fitting jeans or chinos, buy them in two colours.
WHAT'S YOUR OPINION OF MALE POLITICIANS?Some Irish politicians have improved. Enda Kenny looks sharp. Some are wearing suit jackets that are too long, or cuffs and sleeves the wrong length. And grooming is important. You never see politicians like Obama and Sarkosy wearing too much colour – a suit with a plain or striped shirt always looks fresh and crisp.
HAVE IRISH MEN BECOME MORE FASHION CONSCIOUS?Yes, definitely. We've been able to sell runway pieces in the last few seasons, which makes my job more exciting because we can be more daring. I think men are still influenced by women – women tend to get involved with shirts and ties particularly. Guys get frustrated shopping – I do too, and I am in the business.
DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?I would be slightly more classic with a twist.
WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MENSWEAR DESIGNER?I think Tom Ford is very elegant – he dressed the Bond movie well [ Quantum of Solace]. His style may not be cutting-edge, but the clothes are beautifully made, they suit the slightly older male and will last – it's not like super-shiny Dior.