30 August 2011 (Interview)

Interview by: Caroline Foran

There's only two weekends left of the Jervis Street Fashion Movement and if you haven't had a chance to get down there yet, then pencil this one into your diary. Fronted by celebrity stylist Brendan Courtney, whether you want to find out what's hot this season, you fancy a mini makeover or you could do with a few tips in the jeans department, he'll be there to share his wisdom. Although up to his eyeballs putting together a Katy Perry styled outfit and preparing for his upcoming trip to London Fashion Week, Brendan took time to chat to entertainment.ie about the ongoing fashion event.

The Fashion Movement has been running for 2 weekends now, can you tell me a little more about it and what's involved?
Well it's basically to create awareness about what's available down at the Jervis St shopping centre. I mean you have Marks and Spencers, Topshop, New Look and Forever 21 down there. There's a whole gammot of fashion available, so myself and Jervis decided to put together a live fashion show to showcase everything you can get in the centre. But also in middle of all that we have the Jenius-Jeans Style Station with people advising you on the perfect pair of jeans for your shape and I'm in and out of there the whole time giving tips. I'm also running a live make over competition which is lots of fun. I made over a really gorgeous girl last week and we'll be doing the same again this weekend.

How has it been received so far?
It's been fantastic! It's been packed so far. There's been thousands of people down there.

If people haven't been yet why should they come along?
Well come along to get your perfect jeans first and foremost. We have every single pair of jeans available on the North side of Dublin in one shop. Come to see the shows and also come and see a live make over! I'll do a before presentation at 1 and then I'll be revealing her at 1.30. We have shows at 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm and 5, and it is lots of fun. There are also lots of discounts going on for the day.

With so much focus on jeans, do you think that that is an area of the wardrobe that people need most help with?
I'm not saying they do but they're telling us they do. We decided to go with this based on our reaction to feedback on my Facebook and Twitter, (just search for Brendan Courtney). People say it's the one little thing they find really hard to get right.

So can you share some denim do's and don'ts with the readers of entertainment.ie?
OK. So... unless your pair shaped don’t do boot cut. Go for the skinny jean. Start with a jegging to break you in and remember, it's all about what you wear on top. Do go for indigo, but avoid stone wash if your over 35. Big bums need small pockets and small bums need big pockets. And most people should avoid low waisted jeans because unless your super skinny, you'll end up giving yourself a muffin top!you'll risk entering the land of trying a little too hard...population: YOU!!

Is there any particular jeans brand that works well across a number of different shapes and sizes?
Well the women I work with mostly are real size women of a certain age and I'd always recommend Not My Daughters jeans which you can get in Wallis. They are high waisted with support across the back of the bum and the hips – they are genius.

So you don't have to spend a lot of money for decent jeans these days?
I don’t think so, no. I think the likes of River Island have great denims for younger girls, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on them anymore.

What is the biggest trend coming our way this winter?
Well I'm off to London next week for London Fashion Week and I expect to see a lot of jewel colours, orange, rubies, all those warm tones. Androgyny is going to be a big look too. 'Get your manitude on' and all that y'know.

Will colour be a staple in the male wardrobe too?
God no, never.

Which do you prefer working with, Mens or Women's style?
Mens fashion is my personal love but women's fashion is my career and my passion.

Is there any one trend that you particularly despise?
I'm always asking boys to throw out their boot cut jeans, I mean if you're a student who cares what you look like, but you know when you're of a certain age, you have to get rid of the boot cuts.

What's the one staple item that you would recommend that would see both women and men through the winter?
For a girl, it would have to be a tailored tux, but not with shiny lapels. More like what Beyonce wore at the VMA's, a nice tux jacket... Throw it over a dress for formal or over jeans on a Saturday for lunch with the girls. For a boy, the dandy trend is still going strong but there's also an emphasis on oversize shirts. I'm really into the oversize look, so boys don't be afraid to go oversize on the jackets.

I'm sure there's many a girl and guy that would look to you for fashion inspiration and advice but who do you follow?
I've got a few. I just love that madness of it all. For women I love Lanvin. What he does for women, I love. For myself I'm a big fan of Andre 3000. He is amazing. I love what he does, he really pushes the boundaries but he's a bit too young for me though. I also love the American designer Thom Browne.

Before I let you go, we're all fans of Off the Rails here in entertainment.ie. Will it be coming back to our screens any time soon?
Yes we're in the middle of recording it right now (he's just literally pulling together a look for a makeover segment) and we're on the lookout for makeover applicants. It's going to be so exciting! So if you know of anyone interested we want to hear from them! There are more details available on www.rte.ie/offtherails

More details on the Fashion Movement here.