Celia steps out in style

In October 1997, Celia Larkin's name appeared for the first time with that of the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern on an official invitation to a state dinner for Bill and Hillary Clinton. Their long-term "arrangement" was out in the open, and they were now officially partners. Having been his constituency secretary for years, she was appointed to a state job as his personal assistant and constituency adviser. Since then, we have got used to her public presence. Recently she left the political arena for the world of fashion and image consultancy. In an interview with Journal 2 she talks about her new career, her views on fashion and offers readers advice on how to make the best of what they've got.

When Celia Larkin agreed to meet me, the real problems started. What on earth would I wear? While I thought about it, I had the hair done. At least that wouldn't be a disaster zone like everything else. There's nothing quite like a consistently elegant lady to bring out the sartorial shivers in the rest of us. I met Celia at her home in Castleknock. On a warm summer's morning, she looked cool and sophisticated in a cream linen trouser suit. Hair and makeup were perfect, and the only dashes of colour were vivid red toenails. For someone who has worked in the tough end of politics for many years she is remarkably quiet spoken and understated.

When meeting clients at home she works in a bright airy conservatory. The tools of her trade - swatches of material, makeup, full-length mirror and lights - are all to hand. A lovely silver flying swan presented to Bertie Ahern during a visit to Toronto in 1998 is the only ornament on display. While I meet clients here, I also travel all over the country to talk to groups or meet people in their own homes, so I am by no means just Dublin based," said Celia.

Fashion always interested her, and having thoroughly researched the subject, she completed a four-week intensive training course with Belfast based Evelyn Burns of the Flying Colours organisation. She opened for business six months ago and is delighted with how things have worked out. It's going really well, and I take it one day at a time," she said. As for the sudden change of direction in her career, she said: "For people who know me, it's not a change at all. I have been studying style and beauty since I was a kid. I had three maiden aunts who always looked after themselves very well. I can still remember the smell of face powder in their house. They always had the latest fashion magazines, and I loved being with them," she recalled.

Knowing how to look well (or, as Celia says, make the best of what you've got) doesn't come naturally to most people. As someone for whom a style mistake could end up all over the newspapers, she is very conscious of the need to get things right. Until recently, it was considered frivolous, even vain, to look for professional advice on your appearance. Not anymore, according to Celia: "Money was scarce and people did without this kind of professional service. Now things are very different, and both men and women are prepared to spend that little bit extra to look their best. Good clothes are expensive, and one mistake can cost more than a consultation. That advice will stand to you for all future purchases," she said.

The lady speaks the truth. Be honest - most of us have something lurking in the back of a wardrobe that was an impulse buy and seemed like a bargain at the time but matched nothing and was hardly ever worn.

The service Celia offers concentrates on two elements - style and colour. A colour consultation lasts for up to two hours and costs £105. A similar session on style makes about an hour, and costs £70. If you have the time and money, Celia offers the two for £150. "At the end of a session you'll know that what you're wearing is right for you, how to accessorise it and what makeup best suits you," she said. She loves working with small groups of women and for a very reasonable fee will travel anywhere in the country to give her advice.

So what should you avoid. "I hate calf-length clothes. They are very difficult to wear as they come in at the widest part of the leg. Women need to be careful with slits, especially those up the back of skirts. Double-breasted jackets are out if you are any way large chested or overweight," she said.

Most women can be divided into two figure types - curved or straight. And it doesn't matter what weight you are; the same principles will apply. "Princess Diana had a straight figure, and that's why shift dresses suited her so well. As a general rule, you should wear short on long and long on short. For instance, a short skirt and long jacket looks well. A good pair of trousers is a must no matter what size you are. Look for a flat fronted pair with no pleats. Make running repairs before you put something back in the wardrobe, and above all find someone who is good at alterations as proper fit is very important ," she recommended.

Audury Hepburn and Sybil Connolly top Celia's list of style icons, and she believes Irish women can match the best when it comes to presenting themselves. She worries about young girls being too weight conscious, and rather than dieting she feels they should get involved in sporting activities to stay fit and trim. While not a fan of body piercing or plastic surgery, Celia believes it's a matter of personal choice, and if you want to get it done, make sure you deal with a reputable company.

Apart from working with private clients and groups Celia also works with the corporate sector. "I lecture Unislim group leaders because people who have lost a large amount of weight can need help with their new look. Often, they won't have bought smaller clothes sizes for years and need advice on how to make the most of their new appearance," she said.

Another group she offers a service to are brides and their mothers and mothers-in-law. "A wedding is a special occasion in people's lives, and they really want to look their best. It's an expensive time, and people don't want to make mistakes. I meet the bride and her mother and recommend styles and colours that best suit them. I check out their makeup and will also check out the outfits they buy and suggest what looks best," she said.

In a profile in the Irish Times in December 1997, Celia Larkin was described as building her whole life around Bertie Ahern. It added: "She has submerged her political ambitions in service to Bertie and makes no bones about it. There are no personal comments about anything. She has strong opinions, which the general public is unlikely ever to hear." How things have changed. Celia Larkin is out of the shadows and making a life of her own. Not a bad way for anyone to begin the 21st century.