Luxury marketing and public relations manager Val Forde has a wardrobe filled with glamorous dresses, investment pieces and covetable accessories. She tells the stories behind her best-loved buys …
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Tales From My Wardrobe, a style series that explores the wardrobes of THE GLOSS community, is a love letter to the pieces we reach for again and again; the hard-earned investment purchases that make us smile with each wear, and the items that supercede mere ‘clothing’ to carry memories and foster emotional connection.
In this edition, Dublin-based marketing and public relations manager Val Forde shares her creative approach to fashion, her favourite boutiques to source statement pieces and her support of Irish designers.
“Fashion has always been a passion of mine, ever since I was a little girl. Even as a toddler, I insisted on choosing my own outfits! My wardrobe is filled with vibrant colours and bold prints – a trait inherited from my mum – who was an artist and always wore bright colours. I think I have definitely embraced her creative approach to fashion.
Having worked in the fashion industry for most of my career, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and collaborating with some incredible people, which has certainly influenced my style and allowed me to collect some amazing pieces in my wardrobe.
Recently, I took on the role of Marketing & Communications Director at Paul Sheeran, and it’s been fascinating to dive into the world of diamonds and luxury watches. It’s an exciting time to have joined the company, which is scaling up and leading the way in luxury retail in Ireland. It has also made me level up my accessories game!
As a mother of two-year-old twins, I love dressing them in fun, stylish outfits and I probably spend more on their clothes now than I do on my own!
Right now, a favourite piece in my wardrobe is a coral balloon sleeve top from designer Roksanda Ilincic. I got this top a few years ago, at a sample sale in London. I spotted it straight away as it was such a vibrant colour and it had the statement sleeves that Roksanda pieces are known for. I literally climbed over people and railings to get it, and it has been one of my favourite pieces ever since.
The most sentimental piece in my wardrobe is a rose pink Aje midi dress. It is such a statement piece with a pleated wave detail that flows beautifully. It’s so special to me as I wore it to my twins’ first birthday celebration, which was such a happy day, with lots of friends and family around. I know I will treasure that piece forever.
My latest purchase was a red hand knit sleeveless sweater vest from Stable of Ireland, who are our neighbours in The Westbury Mall, Dublin 2. Stable is one of my absolute favourite boutiques, and I think owners Sonia and Francie do such an amazing job of curating such a beautiful collection of Irish design. I love hearing all of their stories about the different suppliers they work with as I try to support Irish design as much as I can.
One of my favourite Irish designers is Simone Rocha, but I don’t own anything of hers (yet!). However, one time I had a big work event and the zip broke on the dress I had brought to wear. The stylist on site had a stunning Simone Rocha dress that no-one was wearing and it miraculously fit me like a glove. I got to wear this amazing Simone Rocha creation for a night. Just like Cinderella, I had to hand it back at midnight …
The best bargain in my wardrobe is a Burberry trench coat. I always wanted a Burberry trench coat and I managed to nab a patent leather cream trench with the signature Burberry check lining for an absolute steal at €200 in Kildare Village. The original price was €2,000, so a huge saving. It’s a real showstopper and I always get asked about it when I wear it as the fabric is a bit different to a regular trench coat.
My biggest investment purchase was a dress I bought for day two of my wedding from French brand, Rochas. It’s a stunning purple colour in silk with a pleated fan detail at the front. I loved it so much when it arrived that I ended up wearing it for my hen party, too. I have worn it quite a few times since, so I think it was a good investment.
The piece that paid for itself in price per wear is a black strappy dress from Lennon Courtney that I have had for ten years; I bring it out and wear it every summer. It’s so flattering and such a classic piece. I was working with Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney at the time, when they were launching their label into Dunnes Stores, and everyone went crazy for it. It came in a gorgeous lemon yellow too, so I really regret not buying that as well.
I love to shop in some of the smaller boutiques around Dublin as I think you get more of a curated selection and can find more unique pieces. I love to pop into Bow & Pearl, Beautiful South and 99b, which are all close to where I live. I also love picking up bits and pieces when I am away, in little markets or vintage stores. CREATE in Brown Thomas is also great to discover some of the smaller Irish brands.
The least “fashion” thing I own are pyjamas. I really appreciate nice nightwear, and love nothing more than a new set of pyjamas and fresh bedlinen. My current favourites are a pair I got in The Little Wooden Peg in Dun Laoghaire.
I always wear some form of jewellery, particularly earrings. I got a pair of Chanel earrings for my thirtieth birthday, which I love. I am a serious magpie, so I am in the right job!
I have a big birthday coming up next summer, so I have my eye on a Cartier Tank Must watch in a beautiful burgundy colour to mark the occasion. I must have tried it on around 50 times at this stage, I cannot wait to own it! I definitely believe in marking the big milestones in life.
When I got the job with Paul Sheeran Jewellers, my husband bought me a Montblanc briefcase. I never owned a briefcase before,and wasn’t sure I would use it. However, I take it to work every day – I feel it makes me look more sophisticated and put together.” @val_forde
See more: Sustainable, Sentimental And Stylish: Lara Wasson Shares Her Wardrobe Secrets
