Triona McCarthy: The Vibrant Voice of Irish Fashion and Beauty

Introduction: A Star in the Making

Some production company out there is missing a trick. Triona McCarthy needs her own show. She’d never have the audacity to say as much, but we’re saying it for her. This proud Schull mum-of-two, who has spent 22 years writing beauty brilliantly for The Sunday Independent, is wasted in print. Words aren’t flamboyant enough for Triona; the woman deserves 3D!

A Colorful Personality

Just like her wardrobe, Triona is wild, bright, and brazen. Time spent with her is time well spent. You will laugh – you may even need a double gusset in your knickers! With a treasure trove of stories and anecdotes, she’s a total attention seeker, proudly declaring, “I come from a family of 8.” Triona rings every drop of craic out of every day because, as she says, “terrible things happen in life.”

Her nickname, Party McCarthy, is a testament to her love for life and celebration. Yet, even with her gift for entertaining, she still finds time for everyone. Back in her college years, while studying Fashion and Marketing at the Barbara Burke College of Fashion, she often found herself bored and would nip upstairs to see what Helen Steele was designing. Inspired, she set up a vintage clothes stall in the Grafton Flea Market at just 18, calling it Trina Chelie, which means dazed and confused.

A Vintage Journey

Triona’s early days in the fashion world were nothing short of serendipitous. She recalls selling a pair of leggings to actress Catherine Zeta-Jones for £4, and Sex Pistols star Johnny Lydon and his girlfriend were among her eclectic clientele. Comedian Katherine Lynch, who had a nearby hair salon, would do Triona’s hair in exchange for clothes.

Today, Triona still operates a sort of barter system with her wardrobe. Unable to afford the magnificent pieces she often wears at events, she swaps them with friends and has an online store on Depop. Her daughter Mini (9) is forever playing dress-up in her mum’s wardrobe, and Triona jokes that if she had another child, she’d call it Midi!

A Peek into Triona’s World

At home in Ranelagh, Dublin 6, where she lives with her adoring husband Will and their two kids, we step into Triona’s bright and brilliant world for a photoshoot full of hijinks and high fashion. Being in her company is highly entertaining, and her gift for storytelling shines through.

The Gift of Storytelling

Triona attributes her storytelling prowess to her upbringing as one of eight children. “Growing up, you had to have some sort of routine to catch my parents‘ eye!” she laughs. Her father, a busy man, often struggled to remember which child was which. This chaotic environment fostered her love for attention and humor, especially during her time at a strict Catholic boarding school. “You had to find humor through the dull days,” she recalls, emphasizing the importance of finding joy even in dark times.

Creating Her Own Path

Triona’s vibrant life is a whirlwind of travel, interesting encounters, and parties, which is why her nickname, Party McCarthy, fits her so well. “I had to create my own type of job because I could never work in an office,” she explains. Her entrepreneurial spirit, inherited from her father, led her to open a stall at the Grafton Flea Market at just 18. “All the children in my family work for themselves. I think it’s the only way we know how.”

Navigating ADHD and Mental Health

In a recent article, the discussion around ADHD diagnoses has sparked debate. Triona believes that in today’s information-saturated world, many people exhibit ADHD-like symptoms. “I think we all have a bit of ADHD now!” she quips. Reflecting on her own diagnosis at 35, she admits to feeling embarrassed at first. “I’ve always felt completely out of step with everyone else,” she shares.

However, she has learned to embrace her quirks, incorporating them into her vibrant personality. “I’ve just learnt to incorporate all my quirks into my personality and make it part of The Triona Show!” she says, highlighting the importance of accepting oneself.

The Reality of Aging

As she approaches 50, Triona candidly discusses the challenges of aging, including her recent experiences with menopause. “I’ve caught a very bad dose of the menopause!” she laughs, acknowledging the difficulties it brings. Despite the challenges, she maintains her belief in choosing happiness. “You can choose to find the lighter, brighter side of life,” she insists.

Beauty Through the Years

With 22 years of experience writing about beauty for The Sunday Independent, Triona has witnessed countless trends come and go. “The fun has gone out of beauty a bit,” she laments, noting that the industry has become overly serious. Her beauty philosophy is simple: “I keep it simple. I think a serum is really important.” She emphasizes the importance of quick and easy routines, steering clear of the 17-step beauty regimens that have become popular.

Injectables and Role Models

At 50, Triona has recently decided to explore injectables like Botox, not to look younger but to maintain her appearance. “I want to be like Joan Collins when I grow up!” she exclaims, inspired by older role models who continue to thrive in the fashion world.

Meeting Fashion Icons

Triona’s encounters with fashion icons have left a lasting impression on her. She recalls meeting Iris Apfel at New York Fashion Week, where the 98-year-old icon was dressed better than women a quarter her age. “I’m never going to say things like, ‘I can’t wear this anymore, I’m too old,’” she asserts, embodying the spirit of embracing age with style.

Celebrating Irish Creativity

Triona is also involved with the new magazine D’naleri, which celebrates Irish artistry. Founded by James Brown, a close friend, the magazine aims to honor Irish creativity and innovation. “James wants to celebrate Irish creativity…he’s a real visionary,” she explains, highlighting the importance of showcasing local talent.

Conclusion: The Triona Show

Triona McCarthy is more than just a beauty editor; she is a vibrant force in the world of fashion and beauty. Her infectious personality, unique style, and unwavering spirit make her a true icon. As she continues to navigate the complexities of life, she remains committed to celebrating joy, creativity, and individuality. With her own show, the world would undoubtedly be treated to a dazzling display of The Triona Show!