IRISH DESIGNER AND creative director of Theia, Don O’Neill, was very busy preparing for his upcoming show when he received an inquiry from Meghan Markle’s stylist.
Although the bridal show was a week away, Don said he “stopped everything and immediately went to work on Her Royal Highness’ gown”, which she wore during her Australian press tour.
Working flat out, Theia completed Meghan’s dress within two days. When they shipped it out to her, Don was told they “needed to remake it with extra seam allowance”.
We knew immediately why this extra allowance was required, but mum’s the word, and with less than one week to my bridal show, all hands were on deck once more. We re-made the gown and I literally had to run down Broadway that Friday night to catch the UPS truck, making it with just two minutes to spare!
So, who is Don O’Neill?
As previously mentioned, the 52-year-old is the creative director of the brand Theia. He’s from the seaside village of Ballyheigue in County Kerry, and initially planned on being a chef. His culinary aspirations were cut short after he received a full scholarship to the Barbara Bourke College of Fashion Design and eventually ended up settling down in new York.
Before kitting out Meghan Markle, O’Neill dressed this year’s New York Rose for the Rose of Tralee festival.
And Meghan Markle’s not the only big name that Don O’Neill has worked with over the last few years. At the 2012 Oscars, Oprah Winfrey was wearing one of Don’s dresses as she collected her honorary award.
Carrie Underwood also wore a piece by Don at the Grammy Awards in 2013.
Kendall Jenner, Priyanka Chopra, Amy Poehler and Taylor have all been spotted wearing designs made by Don’s company while on the red carpet over the last few years, so Meghan Markle’s in good company. You can see the full list of celebrities who have worn a gúna made by Theia on their website.
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