Styling one complex, contradictory, sensitive and vibrant character in a show might be hard enough, but what about five?
Such was the task at hand for Leonie Prendergast, the stylist behind The Walsh Sisters, RTÉ's eagerly anticipated new show, which kicks off on RTÉ One tonight.
Based on the bestselling novels of Marian Keyes, the show follows five Irish sisters as they navigate addiction, grief, motherhood, relationships, and the beautiful chaos of a family that can't live with—or without—each other.
Prendergast explains that costuming is "an emotional response, not just what looks good", a mantra that is visible in every scene of the new series. From elegant Claire's form-fitting waistcoats to Rachel's love for metallics and Anna's cosy knits, each sister's personality is worn on her sleeve.
Here, she speaks to RTÉ Lifestyle about working with the cast - Mairead Tyers, Danielle Galligan, Stefanie Preissner, Caroline Menton and Louisa Harland - and leaning into the psychological worlds of each character.
When you started planning the costumes, what was on mood board?
The mood boards are essential for the creative process. I create the mood boards when I've read the scripts. I present the mood boards when I'm interviewed so that the director can see my vision, instinct plays a huge part. When a script is written so well all the creatives usually land on the same tone for the project.
Marian Keyes is a stylish woman herself, was there pressure to impress?
Marian is a very stylish woman. She is very inspiring as a person. I wanted to honour her beautiful work. Marian was extremely generous with her trust in all the creatives. To see her face light up when she visited the set was heart melting and encouraging.
Each of the sisters are at such different stages in their lives, from trying to get pregnant, to divorce, to marriage - how did you find ways to channel that in the costumes?
How I channel the characters journey in the costumes is through the palette, the structure of the clothes and the fabrics I choose.
Each character has such a deep psychological world, not least Rachel. How did you reflect that in the costumes?
The casting is crucial as the actors bring layers and layers, unseen. My role is to work with the tone of their character. All the sisters are exceptional actors so I worked with them to help express their individual journeys. Costume is an emotional response, not just what looks good, it's a feeling, it's hard to describe. You hope it translates through the clothes.
Were there specific brands you wanted to work with?
I always try to choose brands that are sustainable and Irish brands. I avoid fast fashion where best I can. I incorporate charity pieces and vintage pieces into characters wardrobe.
Was there a character that was a little more difficult to crack when planning looks?
The character that was most difficult to crack? Probably Maggie only because Stephanie who plays her, wrote, produced and stars in show. So we both were finding moments wherever possible to have costume fittings because her schedule was so packed. She is the hardest working person I know, I don't think she sleeps! Stephanie is a phenomenal woman.
What was the most surprising item you sourced for the costumes and from where?
The most surprising find was Rachel's purple sequins dress. We found it in a treasure trove of a shop in Rathmines in The Swan Centre. Greenwich Village Boutique is the name of the shop.
There's a part in the first episode where each character says what kind of food they are. In terms of clothes, what item do you thing represents each character?
Rachel's suede jacket, Anna's love heart red jumper, Claire's suits, Maggie's Sinead Keary clothing and Helen's knitted tank top.
Watch The Walsh Sisters on Sundays at 9:30pm on RTÉ One. Catch up later on RTÉ Player.
