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Fashion
MEET THE MODEL
MARIA TRAYNOR SHOWS US HOW TO DRESS EFFORTLESSLY FOR SUMMER
For those who’ve indulged in a few weeks of luxe loungewear, now is the time to harness the power of summer style. We talk to model Maria Traynor, who photographed herself at home for us, here she shares her style tips, favourite modelling moments and more...
What’s the best thing about modelling?
The people I get to work with! Whether it’s with my model friends at a Brown Thomas show, the stylists, photographers, hair and makeup artists and press coordinators; I’m working with a different team on every job. It keeps things interesting and I’ve met some incredible people who all bring their own thoughts and opinions to a shoot, which means I’m always learning something new. Wearing beautiful clothes is a bonus too.
Maria is pictured here in the Rhode Billy dress.
Describe your personal style?
I would say my style is quite minimal, I mostly wear neutral colours and I love tailoring with a touch of masculine and feminine elements. I’m trying to be more conscious and sustainable with my shopping and I only buy pieces that I know I will love and will work in my wardrobe for many years to come.
Maria is pictured here in the Rhode Billy dress.
What do you do to relax?
I read a lot and I always have both a fiction and non-fiction book on the go. Right now I’m reading “Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race” to try and educate myself about everything that is going on in the US. I also love to cook, Lockdown has given me the chance to try lots of new recipes and experiment in the kitchen and I have been doing a lot of armchair travelling via Chef’s Table and every movie set that's set in exotic locations.
Maria is wearing Totême straight leg jeans and organic cotton t-shirt.
Maria is pictured here in the Rhode Billy dress.
Who are you following on Instagram?
I follow @shotfromthestreet and @ceciliemoosgaard for their great classic outfits, they are both blazer fans like myself and I always get ideas on how to style items already in my own wardrobe. @nycbambi, @mvb, @lindseyholland_ and @olivecooke have beautiful, neutral, mood-board-style Instagram pages from different corners of the world. Closer to home, @kellyhorrigan, @smythsisters and @ashley_doyle are gorgeous, aesthetically pleasing Irish accounts that I check regularly for beauty, home and outfit inspiration.
Maria is wearing the Nautique dress by Rebecca Vallance.
Maria is pictured here in the Rhode Billy dress.
What are you planning to do in Ireland this summer?
I’m hoping that I will be able to explore more of our beautiful island. I want to go on hikes, relax on some of our windswept beaches and visit parts of the country that I haven’t been to before. I’m looking forward to spending time with my family and friends, having lots of BBQs together and enjoying each other’s company after so much time apart.
Maria is wearing La Reveries Floral Print Jumpsuit.
Maria is pictured here in the Rhode Billy dress.
What key piece from the shoot did you most enjoy wearing? How will you style it?
I really love the polka-dot Ganni look. Shorts of all lengths are proving very popular this summer which I am very pleased about as they are comfortable and tend to stand up to a strong Irish breeze better than skirts and dresses. Styled with the co-ordinating blouse and kitten heel sandals, as they are in the shoot, they look dressy and perfect for a BBQ or drinks with friends. For days exploring the city I’ll style them with a white t-shirt or vest-top, a pair of white trainers and a blazer thrown over the top. I’ll also definitely be pulling them on over a bikini with a pair of sandals for warmer days at the beach or just sunbathing in my back garden.
Maria is wearing Ganni Printed Cotton Blouse and Polka Dot Cotton Shorts.
Maria is pictured here in the Rhode Billy dress.
Who is your role model?
I have a few different role models for different aspects of my life. I have always admired my parents strong work ethic which is something I try to emulate. I have inherited my dad’s ability to keep calm under pressure which has helped backstage at hectic shows. In terms of modelling, I admire Elsa Hosk and Georgia Fowler for having such varied careers being both cover girls and runway models.
Maria is wearing Rixo London Skylar Embroidered Dress.
Maria is pictured here in the Rhode Billy dress.
What have you learned during Lockdown?
I have learned a lot - how to cut my boyfriends hair, how to make homemade dumplings and the importance of sun screen even if I’m only sitting outside for my breakfast. I have learned how inspired I am by the art, architecture, people and culture I come across on a daily basis and that online interactions don't compare to experiencing first-hand the physical world around me.
Maria is wearing a Retrofete Ella Mini dress.
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Like what you see here from Rebecca Vallance? Find out more about this breakthrough designer in She’s Got The Look.