Ros na Rún is celebrating a milestone twenty-one years of broadcast and costume designer Blánaid Ní Nuanáin has been on set since day one.
1. Did you always know you wanted to work in fashion? How did you get your start?
I always knew I wanted to work with clothes and in fashion – at the age of seven I was able to use a sewing machine and I used to make a lot of clothes for my dolls so then it progressed into making clothes for myself.
2. How did you get involved with Ros na Rún?
I went to Trinity actually and did something completely different but did a postgrad in film studies and focused on Costume and Set design. Then I went and studied with people in LA and I did various other TG4 programmes and documentaries and ended up in Ros na Rún in the first year.
3. What have your favourite pieces from the show been?
The costume that I most enjoyed was dressing Diarmuid Nestor as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.
4. What’s the hardest part about your job?
Trying to keep within the budget every year! We have quite a number of existing cast and then a lot of characters that come in for a short period of time.
5. What’s the best thing about your job?
Seeing a character coming together!
6. Do you follow fashion trends or stick with the classics?
I do follow fashion trends for some of the characters in the show, especially the younger ones. Personally, I wouldn’t so much.
7. Do you have any style/fashion rules?
No, I think fashion can be anything that you have the confidence to wear, but I do have an aversion to socks and sandals and runners with suits.
8. What’s your favourite go-to outfit for yourself?
I like comfort when I’m working but if I go out I’m a leather and lace gal.
9. Who are your favourite designers?
Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Donna Karen, All Saints, Yves St. Laurent.
10. What are your favourite high-street shops?
Topshop, River Island, Warehouse.
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