Georgina Heffernan: You have created show-stopping dresses for some of the most famous women in the world – including Oprah Winfrey, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. What is the secret to your success?
Don O'Neill: When designing dresses, I always bear in mind that the dress needs to be flattering and that the women who wear them look and feel gorgeous in THEIA. It’s not about ‘Oh my God, that dress is amazing’ its all about ‘Oh my God, she looks gorgeous!’
Did you always want to be a designer? Who or what inspired that creative impulse?
I wanted to be a fashion designer since I was 12 years old. I saw an amazing documentary on Karl Lagerfeld, when he was at Chloe, and I felt an overwhelming rush of adrenaline and excitement, witnessing his art and seeing in the end results, in a spectacular fashion show.
Suddenly this show fused together with the influence of my very chic Mom - who had closets full of Ib Jorgensen suits and coats and stunning dresses from Bergdorf Goodman in New York. It lit a fire that has been burning ever since
I understand that you left Ireland in the 80’s because of the recession. Now, when so many talented young creative’s are being forced to make the same decision – could you offer them any words of advice?
My first word of advice is to have no fear, just go out there and do your thing but you need to be determined. I headed off to London and worked in a pub while interning at Gina Fratini.
After that, I headed off to Paris with no French, very little money, no contacts, and worked hard in restaurants and cafes while learning the language and trying to get my foot in to a fashion house.
It took a year and a half before I got a break. When I moved to New York, It wasn't easy either and I also worked many humbling jobs before getting break after 9 months; I just kept going.
Taylor Swift wearing a THEIA design
What motivated you – even when your fashion dream seemed impossible?
There were many times when I felt as though I had chosen the wrong path. I was down on my luck, broke, seemingly going nowhere but I just took one day at a time, and kept my dream in front of me.
Even as I waited tables in Paris, every check that I gave to a table, had a fashion illustration quickly sketched on the back of it with a big " Bonne Journee, Merci Beaucoup, Don".
Keeping fashion alive in me, and in the hope someone would see it, and rescue me. The rescue came from a fellow waiter, who connected me to a costume designer, for whom I started working, which led me to an apprentice with Christian Lacroix.
When did you first establish the Theia label – and what was the thought process behind it?
THEIA was established in 2009 when I was given the opportunity by the company I was working for to create a brand new evening wear label.
It was exhilarating and exciting but I couldn’t settle on a name. I happened to working on a white chiffon gown that was very Grecian. This led me to do research on Greek Goddess and I was drawn to THEIA - the incredible goddess of light. It felt like a match made in the heavens; evening wear inspired by light that made women feel like goddesses.
Is the fashion world as competitive and catty as it's made out to be?
I have always been oblivious to cattiness; I tend to see the best in everyone, even when their faults are being pointed out to me in huge big billboard size warnings!
What has been your greatest achievement in your career to date?
My fashion show last February during New York Fashion week. I finally got to see my complete vision made real in a beautiful fashion show, to which my entire family came from Ireland to witness. It was a long time in the making, having been the man behind so many other successful designers during their fashion shows, it was surreal that I finally got my turn to walk out on the catwalk and take my bow. The highlight was seeing Mom and Dad giving me a standing ovation.
What do you do to relax?
I love to cook and find it very soothing. During the summers, Pascal and I love to go to the beach every weekend, and lay in the sunshine, and swim in the ocean. We love to travel, especially to hotels with great spa's and take advantage of their soothing relaxing treatments.
Describe your own personal style?
My own style varies. I don’t like to look like everyone else. I like to wear interesting clothes, great prints, and cool cuts on jackets; almost everything is worn over skinny jeans. I tend to only buy two or three items per season - usually statement pieces - some Alexander McQueen (from when he designed the collection), some Rick Owens, some key Prada Pieces. This season it was a Givenchy printed shirt, with a funky tuxedo jacket and satin t-shirt from Behaviour in London.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
I love my job. I go in to work in the morning at 8.30 and before I know it, it’s 3pm and I haven't had lunch. No sooner have I eaten lunch but its 7.30pm.
The days just fly by and always have. One of the most rewarding parts is seeing women in my dresses feeling great and loving how they look.
Where do you see your label going in the future?
I would like to see the label expand into a lifestyle brand, incorporating, shoes, bags, cosmetics, perfumes and wellness spa’s - an entire lifestyle based on the unique qualities of Light and radiance associated with THEIA.
Carrie Underwood wears a THEIA design to the AMAs
