Deputy Editor Niamh Devereux chats to Anne O’Shea on how this “match made in fashion heaven” came about, plus we get exclusive wardrobe details (that we’re all dying to know about) from the hit RTÉ show.
Last year, stylist Anne O’Shea and I took a flight to London to meet the fabulous Co Cork actor and presenter Siobhán McSweeney. We were there to shoot her for our May|June cover, and from the moment she arrived, the atmosphere was electric – Siobhán was so genuinely excited to be our “cover girl”, and in particular, to model the incredible Irish design Anne had flown over. As I wrote then, she was “like a child in a couture sweet shop”.
Little did I know that this meeting of Anne and Siobhán would lead to the magic we’re currently seeing on our screens for The Traitors Ireland. Siobhán felt so aligned with her styling that she requested Anne to work with her on the show, and I must also mention the fantastic Nicki Minshull on hair and makeup. Nicki, who has worked with Siobhán for a number of years, also worked on our shoot and is creating beautiful looks for each episode. Plus, our Fashion and Features Journalist Megan Fox assisted Anne with dressing Siobhán. I caught up with Anne, currently in the midst of planning for Ireland Fashion Week, to share the story of this stars-aligned collaboration.
“The process began organically,” she says. “I met Siobhán for the first time on set for the Irish Country Magazine cover, where I worked as Contributing Fashion Editor for two years. It was a match made in fashion heaven.”
“Siobhán and I first spoke about The Traitors over lunch in London while I was preparing for a fashion show in Abu Dhabi. Initially, I wasn’t sure I could take on both projects, but Siobhán’s enthusiasm was contagious, and our mission began that very day. A few weeks later, I followed up with a tour of her wardrobe. It was all about building blocks, and that became the foundation of the creative process.”
The goal was similar to our cover shoot: to promote homegrown fashion as much as possible. “The looks we curated are in perfect alignment with Siobhán’s personal brand and the script, ensuring her presence on screen is both authentic and impactful,” Anne says. “The wardrobe also weaves elements of Irish history, myth, and folklore, creating a rich and meaningful connection to Siobhán’s character and the narrative of the show. Pieces from Éadach, a brand known for its inclusivity, feature hand-inscribed messages such as “Fealltoir,” meaning “faithful” in Irish, which reflects the depth of Siobhán’s character and the team’s commitment to the project.
“Additional inspiration came from the otherworldly costumes of Death Becomes Her and the elegance of 1930s ultra-femininity, both of which helped inform the unique aesthetic of Siobhán’s wardrobe. Sustainability has been a key aspect of this project, and we’re incredibly proud of it. By collaborating with Irish designers, we not only support homegrown talent but also make a conscious effort to reduce our environmental footprint. The wardrobe choices reflect a new wave of fashion that prioritises longevity, originality, thoughtful design, and sustainable practices. This is a movement that Irish people can truly take pride in, as we spearhead the change needed within the industry.”
She continues: “In keeping with the spirit of collaboration, we worked with a range of exceptional Irish designers: Oran J Aurelio, Sarah O’Neill of The Zero Waster, Orla Langan, Sara O’Neill of Éadach, Ciara Murray, Magee 1866, and Stevie Blake of Monto & Perri. Jewellery designers included DakiDaki Design and Delphi Antiques, while accessories came from Margaret O’Connor, Paula Rowan, 5178, and Michelle Kearns. Shoes were generously gifted by Loake.”
The Co Meath filming location also provided plenty of inspiration. “Slane Castle deeply influenced the designs. For the Children of Lir silk and tulle cape by Éadach, designer Sara O’Neill was inspired by the story of Augusta Magan, a Dublin heiress said to have inspired Charles Dickens’ Miss Havisham,” Anne says.
“The castle’s atmosphere provided a natural backdrop for storytelling through clothing, elevating the sense of myth and history we wanted to infuse. One of the most memorable moments was a playful dress-up session at Brown Thomas, an Éadach stockist, with Sara O’Neill, Siobhán, a giant suitcase, and me in tow. Afterwards, over soup in Bewley’s, a man stopped Siobhán to compliment her on her role in Derry Girls. All I could think was: you haven’t seen anything yet.”
Of course, Siobhán herself shaped Anne’s vision, and she says the experience of working with her on this has been one for the books. “Working with Siobhán has been an inspiration in itself. She is a true professional, with strong conviction in her principles, clarity in her beliefs, consistency in her actions, and unwavering integrity.
“Beyond that, she is generous, kind, loving, and fun. These qualities made the entire collaboration a joy. She even allowed my sister and I to stay in her place in Cork when my sister was visiting a couple of months ago, a gesture that perfectly demonstrates the kind of thoughtful, generous woman she is.”
If you’ve been hooked to the style on the series so far, Anne breaks down just some of the epic outfits; we can’t wait to tune in for more.
Last night’s episode. Episode six: Casino
The card hairband was a happy accident. Margaret O’Connor trusted her instincts and included it in the selection of pieces she sent me. When we later heard there would be a Casino Night, it was a no-brainer. Nicki Minshull absolutely understood the assignment, painting Siobhán’s face beautifully — honestly, these looks wouldn’t work nearly as well without her artistry. The outfit is by bespoke tailors Monto & Perri. Owner Stevie sent me this note: “In September of last year, I was greeted by a lovely message from Siobhan showing an adoration for my work and a proposal for the opportunity to make something for her. From our first meeting, I knew this would result in something truly special. Over the coming months, I designed over 30 looks through which we closed in on what would suit her best, bringing it down to a finished design.”
Episode three: The church
During the show, Irish designer Oran Aurelio messaged to say this piece had been returned and would we like it. It could not be more perfect for the scene it features in. Sometimes you just have to trust that the universe is conspiring for you. Where your attention goes, the energy flows!
Episode four: Round table
How could you style The Irish Traitors without a nod to Dunnes? This blouse was already in Siobhán’s wardrobe, sans pearls, until Ciara Murray worked her magic and adorned it with them. The headpiece is another by Irish designer Margaret O’Connor.
Episode five: Round table
This beauty was a lucky find on Vinted. While the blazer was the perfect fit, the trousers had been sent for someone else. Drawing inspiration from Irish fabrics, Ciara Murray added a striking panel that brought the look together. I honestly believe Siobhán deserves an open house or gallery dedicated to her, as she collects beautiful pieces and has a deep appreciation for all forms of art. I learned so much from working with her, and if she said ‘jump,’ I’d be asking ‘how high?
Upcoming: Episode seven
This look reaffirms our commitment to sustainability. Every piece here was re-worn from a previous episode or sourced from Siobhán’s own wardrobe. The socks were a lucky find on a trip to Brighton, before I even knew I’d be working with her. I photographed them in a boutique, knowing they would come in handy for a future project. See the outfit in full this Sunday!
