Stylist and creative director Aisling Farinella shares her favourite fashion finds
A woman with a deep seated adoration and appreciation for fashion, Aisling Farinella gives us a glimpse into her capsule wardrobe and talks us through some go-to looks…
A love for fashion and Irish design flows through Aisling Farinella. Having spent the past 20 years working as a creative director and consultant for a diverse range of brands and organisations, Aisling’s experience is extremely far reaching.
Aisling is also a board director for the Institute of Designers of Ireland, and has worn many hats over the years ranging from magazine founder to curator, generally working to create new or innovative platforms for fashion. Her styling work has been featured in Irish and international magazines, and she has worked with some amazing talent across music and the arts.
As Aisling says: “I feel my career is a great example of how rich and multifaceted fashion careers can be!”
Aisling’s most recent project is that of course coordinator for Ireland’s very first Professional Diploma in Fashion Communication at NCAD. Launched in 2024 as part of the Creative Future Academy framework, the diploma is tailored as an inspiring, collaborative and industry focused course, designed to break down barriers and open up possibilities for everyone who wants to build a career in fashion outside of the design making process.
“I’m so proud to have been tasked with researching and developing this course,” Aisling tells us. “Fashion photography, styling, film, social media, art direction, brand building, curating, publishing, PR and journalism are all strands of fashion communication. We’ve been so honoured to welcome an amazing line of of guest speakers to the courses including photographers Perry Ogden and Tom Johnston, art director Grace Margetson, stylists Kieran Kilgallon and Celestine Cooney, PR talents Niamh O’Rourke and Isabella Davey to name just a few!”
How would you describe your own personal style?
Functional! Life is busy, I have two young daughters and run my own business. I cycle to work most days, my studio is up four flights of stairs and I am always carrying something. I really like wearing big, oversized shirts. I like to wear them with big dresses or skirts, but with anything really! I’m small and I love to wear volume… take up a little extra space!
What is your approach to clothes shopping?
I’m very thoughtful about shopping, but I also really know my style and can snap something up if I see a great fit and fabric. I wouldn’t buy on impulse, but I can be quick and decisive! I invest in good pieces that can be worn every day.
What are your thoughts on ‘haul culture’?
Oh not great! My wardrobe is pretty much Irish designers and carefully selected pieces from local or independent stores. I’ve been buying and wearing Irish designers for many years and am so attached to these pieces. They very much connect me to a particular time. I take care cleaning and mending, sometimes putting pieces away for a while and then bringing them back to life, maybe styled in a new way.
Tell us about five capsule items in your wardrobe
An oversized Our Legacy blue & white striped shirt; Natalie B Coleman high waisted black wool wide leg trousers; Simone Rocha black cotton dress with pearl embellished collar; Wright & Doyle black wool tailored jacket in the autumn/winter or a pink crisp cotton over shirt in the spring/summer by the same designer… 5 & a half?
Your most hard working piece of clothing
Universal Works navy bandana from Indigo & Cloth worn as a neck scarf every other day. It feels quite like protection.
The hand-me-down you treasure
A handknit Aran jumper, knit by my mother-in-law Anne for my husband David when he was a kid. It fits me perfectly and there is even a matching handknit bobble hat!
The most quintessentially ‘you’ piece
A very big heavy bag! I am literally always carrying something. I had a long love affair with bows. I even have a tattoo of one.
The go-to shoe/trainers
At the moment Simone Rocha x Crocs Stomps — black platform Crocs covered in pearls and studs! My feet have never gotten so much attention. Also my girls have matching ones, or rather I matched theirs!
The does-it-all coat
A Landskein tweed.
The perfect jeans
I have a pair of Norma Jeans by Orslow Denim from Envoy in Belfast which I love. High waisted and baggy! Also so soft and perfectly lived in.
The must-have knitwear
Sphere One cashmere. My favourite is a black bobble jumper. Everybody hugs me in it!
The everyday jewellery
A locket from my husband David for my 40th birthday with pictures of Franca and Olive in it.
The wear-everywhere handbag
The handbag would be an Officine Generale large woven black leather from DOPL Dublin, but actually the everywhere bag is a XXL denim tote from Stable of Ireland.
The Sunday cosy casual look
Jennifer Slattery Irish linen. I have a B&W gingham check wrap shirt that I love or a long loose linen skirt (with pockets!).
The ultimate pyjamas
Four Threads handprinted Indian block technique on organic cotton, but so sorry this beautiful label has taken a break to go back to school! I also love HAY pjs and The Ethical Silk Company.
The party look essential
Hair clips always make me feel fancy! I have a mini collection with pearls, crystals, bows and beads.
The most treasured piece
Love woven into everything.
The wishlist item
I’d love a piece by Roisín Pierce.
The vintage shop(s) to know
You can’t beat a good charity shop find, but Loot and Jenny Vader on Drury Street always have special vintage pieces and I hear the Cobblers Wardrobe in Sandymount is fab for circular fashion.
Who to follow online for style inspiration
The always inspiring Celestine Cooney!
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