New platform aims to support up and coming Irish stylists

Created by Nigerian-Irish stylist Zeda The Architect, The Art of Styling is set to become an online platform supporting emerging and established stylists within the Irish fashion industry.

As part of its soft launch, the newly established business delivered an exceptionally stylish event as part of Irish Design Week 2024, celebrating the immense talent of Irish stylists and designers.

Held at the historic Belvedere Townhouse in Dublin and hosted by Ngozi Elobuike, the evening highlighted the innovation and artistry of Ireland's unique fashion scene, and gave those in the industry an excuse to dress to the nines.

"This was the first ever from me - from my brain - event," laughs Zeda. "The fact that so many people came was just a shocker. So many people I didn't even know came. It was just really cool and I felt really supported."

Reflecting on her career, she insists that although the ends justify the means in terms of gaining experience and building a career, she feels that there should be an easier way for stylists to earn their stripes in the industry.

"Over the last 10 years, I think I've done every thing you can possibly do when it comes to putting clothes on people," insists the 28-year-old. "I've been a personal shopper, I've been a stylist, I've been a costume designer, I've done TV, I've done ads, I've done films, I've done game shows, celebrities, magazines, sports - every kind of fashion you can think of, I've done it."

"I had no guidance, I had no connections in the industry," she continues. "There was no platform or place where people could go to for advice and tips for a relatively cheap and affordable price."

With inclusion at the heart of her work, Zeda put the first Art of Styling event on free of charge so as to allow a diverse audience. The platform, she says, will be made with the same mindset.

"I always say that I wish I could have helped 18-year-old me," she says. "I wish this existed 10 years ago for me."

The event featured panel discussions led by Digital Creator Kwanele Nomoyi and Tech Powered Luxury podcast host Ashley McDonnell. Panellists included established stylists Catherine Condell, Sinead Keenan, Aisling Farinella, as well as celebrated designers Joanne Hynes and Aoife McNamara, photographer Evan Doherty, Tailr founder Shana Chu, and more.

Alongside the panels, a mini-exhibit showcased the work of Irish designers like Pellador, Colin Horgan, and Natalie B. Coleman. This was followed by a flash fashion show directed by Liam Maughan, with models and dancers styled by Zeda and Eoin Gavin - all in Irish designs, of course.

Speaking on the recent wave of Irish success across the globe - Vulture recently unpacked the country's impact on pop culture in a now-viral article - the Nigerian-Irish woman says she's happy that audiences are finally catching up.

"It's the year of the Irish, honestly," she says. "I'm not from Ireland originally but I am Irish now, so I have an internal and external view and it's beautiful seeing this renaissance.

"But I'm also like, 'you're a bit late'," she laughs. "For such a small nation, the fact that we're getting to play on this global field is amazing."

The tag line of the event, 'Kiss Me, I'm Stylish' - a reference to the famous phrase 'Kiss Me, I'm Irish' - was a way to celebrate the Irish stylists thriving both at home and abroad.

"We have this global passport now, in a sense," she states. "That's what my next step is looking at: how can I represent Ireland on an international level?"

For more information, follow @theartofstyling.ie on Instagram.

Click through the photo gallery above to see snaps of the Art of Styling event as part of Irish Design Week.