The Don of Glamour... From rural Ballyheigue to Brooklyn
Kerryman Don O’Neill has dressed some of the world’s most famous women - and now he can add Meghan to his illustrious list
HOLLYWOOD actresses, musical icons, the world’s most influential female chat show host and now royalty — Don O’Neill has dressed them all. From humble beginnings in his beloved hometown of Ballyheigue to a roaring couture and bridal label, Theia, based in New York, it’s fair to say it’s been quite a journey for this softly-spoken designer, who is unashamedly proud of his Kerry heritage, which he says, continues to inspire him every day.
And although his name is renowned in fashion circles in Manhattan and Hollywood, he prefers to play down his talent and success, letting his beautifully constructed gowns steal the limelight.
But this week, Don is firmly in the spotlight, as the designer of a beautiful Grecian-style gown worn by the most famous of them all.
Meghan, who recently announced her pregnancy, looked sublime in the form-fitting white dress pictured in Tonga alongside Harry for a private audience with King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u.
And as our pictures show here, Don is a master at the art of elegance. He is a couturier with a difference — believing all women, no matter what age or shape they might be, deserve to look and feel like goddesses.
So it was no surprise when Oprah Winfrey came to him for a glittering gold gown at the Oscars in 2012, where she picked up a matching gold statuette.
Actress Rebel Wilson regularly rocks Theia on the red carpet, and Taylor Swift has worn Don’s designs several times.
And with the Meghan effect in full swing, women all over the world will queuing up for that goddess transformation...