We talk to Ciara O Doherty - the new LEGS of Pretty Polly
This year, in celebration of the year of ‘Legs 11’, Pretty Polly decided to invite a very lucky member of the general public to become the new brand ambassador for Pretty Polly. The competition which ran on the brand’s Facebook page, was flooded with entries – each entrant simply uploaded pictures of their legs in the hope that they would be voted as the favourite by the general public. The Lucky winner was an Irish girl, 22 year old Ciara O Doherty from Galway, who will now go on to become the Pretty Polly brand ambassador and will also win a modelling contract at Leni’s Model Management and £1000 to spend in River Island.
In association with online hosiery store legslove.ie, we spoke with the gorgeous Ciara about her experience.
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Q: What did you think when you first entered the competition?
A: When I first entered the competition my thoughts we're "sure why not?!" It seemed like fun, and Im always up for trying something new! Never in a million years did I think I would get as far as I did, it just goes to show you anything can happen!
Q: What was the background to the competition?
A: Pretty Polly were looking for an ambassador for their tights brand, someone to represent them, and who they could work alongside in the coming year to promote their brand. They wanted someone not only with a great pair of legs, but with a good personality behind them!
Q: After it was narrowed down to the final eleven what was the next step?
A: The top eleven girls were invited to london to the final selection day, where we would meet the judges, including the brand director David Hinchiffe, executive fashion directior with Glamour magazine Julia Yule, scout for Lenis' model management Sophie Burles, and designer and pretty polly collaborator, Henry Holland.
Q: What does it mean to be Ambassador for the Pretty Polly Brand – what will your work entail?
A: I'll be doing a mixture of things, writing, blogging and modeling to name a few, but there's so many directions myself and Pretty Polly can go with this! All I know for sure is its going to be very exciteing, a bit of a roller coaster, so watch this space!!
Q: How will winning this title impact your next year?
A: Oh, in so many ways, I couldnt even begin to express! By the looks of things, im going to be too busy to breathe in the coming year! But im so grateful because having such an interest interested in fashion, writing, and the media as I do, this kind of opportunity enables me to really get my name out there, and most importantly have fun while im doing it!
I hope to embrace any challenge or task Pretty Polly set for me, and Im just delighted to be working with such a great brand.
Q: What do you think of the inclusion of designer Henry Holland to the Pretty Polly stable?
A: I think he's done wonders for the brand. They are already so well established, but having the inclusion of such a renowned designer as Henry Holland, you know he's going to mix things up a little!! I think he's taking the brand in more of a creatively adventurous direction. For example the suspender tights, they were nothing short of iconic, when they came out people went absolutely wild for them, they had the shock factor. They still do!
Q: What is your favourite design from the Pretty Polly A/W collection?
A: Hmm thats a tough one! There are just so many to choose from. I would have to pick the "Pretty Sparkly" tights from the new collection, they were the tights I chose to wear on the final of the Legs Eleven competition. They are black tights with a scattering of sparkles on them, they might sound crazy, but just wait till you see them on. When the light hits them, magnificent! They really are something Ive never seen before tights-wise.
Q: Any inside secrets on S/S 12 Pretty Polly collection?
A: oooh they'd kill me if I told you that! But all I will say is stay tuned, they've got some amazing creations this year, fans of the brand certainly wont be disappointed... and then there's Henry Hollands new tights collection, of seen some sneak peaks, and its amazing, so unique. You'll just have keep your eyes peeled for their release!
Q: Why do you think tights are undergoing resurgence over the last few years?
A: Well, tights are no longer the last thing you think about when you're choosing an outfit. Because of brands like Pretty Polly, tights are now a bona-fide fashion accessory, they've become the focal point of an outfit. You take a pair like the Henry Holland suspender tights, or the Pretty Sparkly tights, and you plan your outfit around them. They're louder and bolder than ever before, you can now make a fashion statement with the tights you make. And I think people really like that idea, and thats why there's such a resurgence in recent years.
Q: Do you think Irish ladies wear tights enough?
A: Do they ever! With the weather we have here in ireland and the Uk, tights are a girls best friend! They are perfect for keeping you warm and dry, without hiding under a million layers. Especially with winter on its way, Its not really viable to go bare-legged, but luckily with Pretty Polly tights you have great quality and warmth, and you can be fashionable and make a statement with your tights.
Q: In relation to fashion style who do you draw inspiration from?
A: I draw inspiration from everywhere and anything! Fashion Blogs and magazines, my amazingly stylish friends, music im listening to, books, movies, even fictional characters! You can get inspiration from just about anywhere if your eyes are open to it. I recently did an outfit post on my blog, Wild Child Stories, that was inspired my the 90's teen movie The Craft, and that gothic grungy look. **please mention my blog and give address: wildchildstoriesblog.blogspot.com**
Q: It's Saturday night, describe your ideal look........................
A: It could be anything, Im a bit of a chameleon! But its usually some-thing leggy, maybe leather of high-waisted shorts, a loose satin shirt, teamed some badass chunky heels or wedges and non-fussy hair. My only "ideal" thing is that I have to be able to dance in it. Gotta show off those killer moves like!
To shop for your own Pretty Polly hosiery - including the much talked about Henry Holland collection, see www.legslove.ie
See this video of the selction day below
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