INTERVIEW: DEIRDRE McQUILLANinterviews Peter Sweeney, organist
DESCRIBE WHAT YOU'RE WEARING: The black jacket is by John Galliano from Harvey Nichols, and it was the most beautiful thing I'd seen before I knew it was by Galliano. These are my favourite trousers and they're by Alexander McQueen, from his London shop, where I also bought the most wonderful khaki rubber trench coat. The striped socks are by Hugo Boss, and the shoes are by Oliver Sweeney – no relation, unfortunately. I have to confess I have five pairs of his shoes. A friend called me Imelda the other day, and I was very upset by that, because I am a pretender, as you might gather.
AND THAT GREY SHIRT?It's from All Saints – my daughter's boyfriend plays with Basement Jaxx and his favourite shop is All Saints. I'm aware of the effect of buying clothes that are out of synch with one's age – older people wearing trendy gear are suspect.
ANY JEWELLERY? The black watch is Rado – a present to me when I sold my house. I studied music in Geneva for two years and it was there I first saw Rado watches. I love it because it is ceramic. The silver pendant is from Links and it represents what I love about contemporary art. It is very plain and says what I would like it to say. The glasses, in polished titanium with floating lenses, are by Lindberg, and I bought these in Optica.
SO YOU ARE DESIGN LED? Design has been in every aspect of my life since I can remember. I have found a métier in the design world and it is the language of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. All our endeavours are very basic in our script. It is man's search to be the best he can be.
THE MOST YOU'VE EVER SPENT? It was on a Gucci suit with thin trousers and wide lapels that I bought three years ago in Brown Thomas – where I buy most of my things. It is black with a blue shadow stripe and it cost €1,500. It looks exactly as it did when I first bought it, so that's €500 a year. I wear it to concerts. I've just invested in a black skinny Dior suit for my second concert of 2009. I've spent €190 on a beautiful DG tie – it is black with a grey front. Fashion should be personal to you.
DO PEOPLE COMMENT ABOUT YOUR ATTIRE? I have never worn anything that somebody hasn't admired. I wore a beautiful Paul Smith dress suit for one of the many concerts I gave in 2007, including the opening recital at the Beijing Conservatory of Music. I have to admit that I have quite a good eye.
FAVOURITE SHOPS:My favourite is the shop connected to the London Design Museum, because each item can be used in everyday life. I love having beautiful things around me.
YOU'RE A MUSICIAN – DO YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN ART AND CRAFT? The difference between craft and art is the same in any discipline, including fashion. It is not just about craft, but the addition of the individual creative spark. It is the same in musical composition, rock music. Music is technical and interpretative.
ANYTHING YOU WOULDN'T WEAR? I don't like wearing hippy-style clothes such as wide-flared trousers, but – oh God – when I saw my wedding suit from Alias Tom!
YOUR FAVOURITE ITEM? It's a black wool jumper with a relief diamond pattern by Issey Miyake that I bought in London.
SO WHAT DO YOUR CLOTHES SAY ABOUT YOU? I think fashion says that you are an alive person with an interest in fellow artists – and in particular with the contemporary. I always pride myself on being contemporary. Contemporary fashion is very exciting and gives me a huge buzz.
Peter Sweeney will be giving the first Irish performance of Gloria, an organ work by Handel, in St Michael's Church, Dún Laoghaire tomorrow , August 16th, at 8pm, with Rachel Talbot (soprano). Tickets €12 €8. www.dunlaoghaireorganconcerts.ie