Classically trained artist, NCAD graduate, Chara Nagle has been acclaimed as one of Ireland's greatest new talents.
She was born to paint. Her style is Modern Romantic, bold and dramatic. She formed her own company Chara Nagle Design with her very stylish husband Jason McChesney, who she met six years ago at a midsummer's ball in Tipperary.
Chara's flair for design and colour goes beyond her paintings and is reflected in her personal style, which is unique, modern and daring.
We caught up with the talented painter for a quick Fashion Fix.
Chara Nagle
Age: 34
From: Originally from Model Farm Rd, Cork City, now lives in Killiney, Co. Dublin.
Background: Eldest of 4 girls.
Past times: sailing and racing competitively. I tend to travel a lot for inspiration for my work and I love to go away to spend time on my own painting.
Georgina Heffernan: How important is fashion in the world of art?
Chara Nagle: I don’t think too much emphasis is put on it generally speaking. However I personally believe that what you wear does say a lot about you. First impressions do last! Think what you wear does reflect the type of person you are and the style of work you create.
I like to create drama.
GH: What do wear when you are working in the studio - does it contrast much with your day look?
CN: Absolutely! I wear tracksuit bottoms with long sleeved t-shirts and fleeces because they are easy to move in under white heavy duty painter’s overalls. Because I am standing all day painting I wear my pale blue sued MBT’S. Would feel weird painting without them on. Part of my ritual. Really helps my back. Even if I am in Ibiza painting, I will have a bikini on but the overalls and MBT’S have to be on otherwise I would feel like something was missing!
GH: You're clearly a fan of fashion. Do you enjoy experimenting with your look?
CN: I love to have fun and mix and match things like you would least expect one to. Love hats too. As a child I adored dressing up for fancy dress parties and getting into theme. Raiding my mum’s wardrobe for her furs and long slinky vibrantly coloured dresses.
Still love fur and colour! Again reminiscent of my work – texture, drama mixed with vibrant colour.
GH: Who is your fashion icon or your greatest influence in matters of style?
CN: I think Kelly Brook always looks beautiful. She has a curvy body and plays it so well with that vintage sweetheart look.
If only I could have her hair. It always looks so good. Grace Kelly was also SO graceful. Old fashioned glamour days appeal to me in the winter time. For summer time I love the Ibizaan hippy rock chick, anything goes look finished of with a hat! Spend a lot of time there with my work in the summer.
GH: What is your essential beauty item that must be in your handbag at all times?
CN: Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream. Great for everything! Also love the slightly medicinal smell of it.
GH: What is your favourite item of clothing that you've ever purchased?
CN: My Botkier handbag. It is a traditional style soft black leather bag with a rock chick look. I got it last year and can see myself still using it in years to come as it will never date. It has attitude! Also it can hold my very big camera which I bring everywhere with me when looking out for those fleeting moments which just have to be painted…..sad but true! A few times I have forgotten my camera – saw a moment that was just beautiful. As you can imagine I was in foul form all day because I couldn’t record it with my camera!
GH: How would you describe your personal style?
CN: Always different. A good friend said to me last week, that she never knows what I am going to turn up in! I am influenced by everything around me. Magazines, travel, themes I am working on in my paintings. The movies. Fashion. Vintage. I’m always looking.
GH: Who is your favourite designer?
Paul & Joe – quirky.
DVF – her summer dresses are always gorgeous and make you feel fab when you put one on.
GH: And your favourite high street store?
CN: Marks & Spencer for my basics. The quality is good. They always have great classic style hats in the men’s department. They also have the best shade of claret nylons at the minute too!
GH: What is your favourite city to shop in and why?
CN: New York. So much choice and great for vintage. Milan is great for classics. Every shop you walk into has beautiful clothing and shoes at affordable prices. What you would expect from a nation obsessed with their clothes!
GH: What do you feel best wearing?
CN: High waisted satin pencil shirts with claret nylons, very high heals and my fur stole. Feel like a lady!
GH: What is the best style advice you have been given?
CN: Posture! My Mum always told me growing up to stand up straight. Shoulders back, bum and tummy in. You automatically look taller and leaner. Very hard to do though!
