Five Mins with Sonya Lennon
Ahead of the Dublin Fashion Festival (8th - 11th Sept 2011 DFF) we speak to fashion icon, TV Presenter, stylist and the face of this year's festival, the gorgeous Sonya Lennon.
Q: How important to retailers, designers and the industry in general are events like the Dublin Fashion Festival?
A: I think the important thing is that the savvy shopper can feel good about what's on offer in Dublin City. Not only in fashion terms, but also the experience. It's the perfect time to have money in your pocket, the value from high end to high street, works in favour of the consumer right now. For me, it's important to surf the retail landscape to make sure we are making the purchases that offer the best value for us as individuals. For me, that will always include independent boutiques and Dublin city has a fantastic fraternity of these.
Q: There are many different facets to this particular Festival. What are you most looking forward to personally?
A: I'm compiling a collection from my own wardrobe that I consider heirloom pieces. They will be photographed and exhibited and I will talk about why they are special to me and why I hope they will be special to my daughter when the time comes. That will happen on the Thursday. But really there's so much going on that there's something for everyone - and it's all free!
Q: You are very busy right now between Off the Rails, Dress for Success, the Dublin Fashion Festival, your public appearances at events around the country etc and of course, being a mom, how are you managing to juggle it all?
A: To be honest, I'm not sure. I keep saying 'The next three years are going to be very busy', but frankly, I think I've been saying it for about four years already. I love my work and I love my family even more. I'm just at a point in my life when these are the things that I have to do. I know that I couldn't survive without my bi-weekly fix of Bikram yoga, it keeps me physically and mentally strong.
Q: What would be the ultimate tip you would divulge to other busy working mothers?
A: My mantra is be generously selfish. No one will thank you for being a martyr or putting everyone else's needs before your own.
Q: Probably for the first time in a while, we are really excited about the many gorgeous autumn winter collections making their way to our stores as we speak. What is your take on this coming seasons highlights?
A: I love that suiting is back on the agenda, wonderful rich Autumnal colours with 1970's undertones. Let's power our way out of this mess!
Q: What one item is top of your wishlist this Autumn?
A: Actually, there's a clash print shirt dress with neon trim from TopShop that I feel pretty serious about.
http://www.dressforsuccess.org/affiliate.aspx?sisid=142&pageid=1
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