My Fair Melady

Fiona Melady, a singer-songwriter who has worked with Declan O’Rourke and Paddy Casey, believes Irish people have a fantastic sense of fashion.

But does she regard herself as a snappy dresser? “My fashion style is pretty low key,” she says. “I generally feel most comfortable in jeans and vest-top, but I make more of an effort when I’m on stage.”
With fashion influences such as Bjork and Roisin Murphy, one wouldn’t expect any less! “I love Bjork’s onstage style – her outfits are part of her persona. They’re crazy and kind of out there.”
Naturally Fiona likes to pull the stops out when she hits town. “I love dressing up when I go out. All Saints do great tops and Diesel jeans are good too. I have a pair of red Guess wedges that come out occasionally when I really want to go all out.”
When it comes to shopping, her favourite spot is New York “There’s absolutely nothing like it! You can’t beat it for variety and value. You can find the most amazing shops along Broadway and Century 21 is great for shoes and bags. The market squares such as Greenwich in London are good for finding vintage pieces as well. I got a t-shirt there before and all of the sequins had been hand sewn. I like buying things directly from the people who have made them.”
Despite the many benefits of overseas shopping, you don’t need a passport to pick up a new wardrobe, she adds.
“My favourite shops in Dublin are probably Arnotts, BT2 and Topshop. I love to shop abroad when I can, but that’s not always feasible!”
With all this expertise, you’ll be surprised to hear that there have are numerous “wardrobe malfunctions” in the Melady back catalogue.
“I’ve had my fair share of fashion disasters. A lot of the crazier things I’ve bought remain in my wardrobe with the tags still intact. It’s good to have them there in case I’m invited to an impromtu fancy dress party!”
What are her fashion reliables? “I own a lot of black leather jackets – too many to count! If I had to pick my favourite it would be a French Connection biker jacket that I got about three years ago. It has patches and detailed stitching. My best bargain buy was a little PVC jacket that I got while in New Zealand for $25. My friends told me it looked like something Mick Jagger would own and that can only be a good thing! Unfortunately I’ve since lost it.”
From one end of the spectrum to the other, Fiona’s most expensive clothing purchase were a pair of Nine West boots.
“It’s my mam’s fault I bought them! They were very expensive, but as a fellow shoe nut she encouraged me.”
For her Hot Press shoot she sports a jacket bought in the States, a pair of BT2 jeans and some stylish boots.
“I love my high-heeled boots but comfort is very important too. I like shoes that you can wear while walking from A to B without having to take them off. I’m not into pain!”
As any savvy fashionista worth her salt knows, accessories truly make the outfit. “I feel naked without my jewellery – I always wear rings and earrings.”
Any items left on her wardrobe wish-list?
“Penelope Cruz has just launched a new clothing line for Mango, some of the pieces look really nice. I’ve also seen a pair of Bronx boots that I’d like. Yes, more boots!”
With a burgeoning solo career ahead of her, she will no doubt soon be able to buy all the footwear she desires.