Exclusive to RTÉ Player, Capsule Style Challenge is a 4 part fashion series with rivalry at its heart.
Two best friends are dropped into a custom wardrobe – stocked by celebrity stylist Clémentine MacNiece (Dancing with the Stars) – to style a look for each other, based around one capsule wardrobe must-have.
Each pair have very different styles, and relish the chance to dress up their bestie the way they’ve always wanted to — while giving the audience several new ways to style one item.
While one friend chooses an outfit, the other must watch from backstage, reacting with alternating amusement and horror… until it’s their chance to turn the tables.
With a cast including Roz Purcell, Niamh Cullen, Rosie Connolly and Lorna Weightman, there’s plenty of banter, laughs and sartorial sass.
Episode one: Rosie Connolly and Niamh Cullen
Best friends and high-profile influencers Rosie and Niamh have seen each other through many looks. Since having her daughter earlier in the year, Rosie has taken to florals, pinks and ruffles. Niamh, always the edgier of the pair, wants to take her out of her “mom style” for a day, while Rosie wants to give Niamh a girlie makeover. They style a neutral blazer on each other, with their own twist.
Rosie Connolly
An experienced make-up artist and fashion professional, Rosie now creates fashion and beauty digital content for her blog, YouTube and Instagram. She also hosts regular fashion and beauty events around Ireland.
Rosie has a Diploma in both Fashion Buying/Merchandising and Event Management, and her big break came when she was signed as the first blogger on the books at Andrea Roche Modelling Agency. She has been featured in U magazine, Stellar, VIP Magazine, RSVP, Image Magazine, The Irish Independent, as well as appearing on television.
Niamh Cullen
Fitness fanatic Niamh Cullen is a social content creator, with an interest in fashion and lifestyle. She’s known for her wild festival looks, and is one of the few people who can rock a pair of fringed chaps in a stylish way.
Niamh’s fashion start came from working as a personal shopper, and she hit new heights this year with a Nasty Gal festival edit. Branching out from fashion, Niamh also hosts a chatty podcast with fellow blogger Aideen Kate, interviewing young stars from different walks of life.
Episode Two: Roz Purcell and Rachel Purcell
Model-turned-foodie-turned-entrepreneur Roz is well-known for her recipe books and her stylish online presence. Her sister, PR pro Rachel has always wanted to tone down Roz’s wild style and get her into something a little more chilled out. Rachel’s wardrobe leans heavily on jeans and neutrals, and Roz is keen to style her in a less conservative look. Sibling rivalry unleashed, the pair create an outfit for each other around a denim jacket.
Roz Purcell
Roz has her finger in many pies. After years of modelling, she turned an interest in cooking into a blog, YouTube channel and series of best-selling recipe books.
She has appeared on TV shows including Celebrity Bainisteor, Come Dine With Me and The Restaurant — and is a familiar face in magazines. Her popular YouTube channel and blog mix healthy recipes with travel guides, challenges and chats.
More recently, Roz has launched a body-positivity podcast, opening up about her own journey, and started a hiking club, encouraging people to discover new trails and make new friends.
Rachel Purcell
Rachel works in PR and has become a recognizable face through her sytish instagram presence and public appearances with her sister, Roz.
She shares Roz’s interest in food, fitness and health, posting regularly from hikes in beautiful locations. Rachel was diagnosed with leukemia in 2016, and has spoken publicly about the experience and its effect on her life and outlook.
Episode Three: Emma Dabiri and Jess Kav
Writer Emma Dabiri and singer Jess Kav both have distinctive personal styles, but they’re worlds apart. Emma lives in dresses, and Jess hasn’t worn one in years, instead rocking more androgynous looks. Challenged to style black ankle boots for a special occasion, it’s time to step out of their comfort zones.
Emma Dabiri
Emma is a TV presenter, social historian and writer, with a flair for fashion. Her book ‘Don’t Touch my Hair’ hit shelves this year and has been described as “groundbreaking”.
Growing up in Dublin with Irish and Nigerian Heritage, Emma’s style evolved through lots of distinct phases, and after a move to London, she was spotted by a modelling scout. Emma has written for numerous publications including The Guardian and presented several documentaries and historical series for BBC and Channel 4. She is a teaching fellow at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London.
Jess Kav
Performing since her teens, Jess is well known in the Irish music scene. She has toured with acts such as Hozier, Kodaline and the Waterboys, playing in LA, New York and SXSW. She now fronts high-energy soul band Barq, with a magnetic stage presence and a distinctive voice.
Her iconic Hotpress cover showed off her trademark silver curlhawk, which she loves to top with a bowler hat. Jess traces her unique style partly to her Nigerian-Irish background, which she feels led her on a different path to her peers, growing up.
Episode Four: Lorna Weightman and Jo Archbold
Stylist Lorna Weightman and photographer/YouTuber Jo Archbold are longtime friends, since working together when Jo was a model. Jo’s street-style look is filled with colour, which she wants to bring into Lorna’s more chic, tailored vibe. Lorna wants to create more structure in an outfit for Jo and put her into something more classic than she would normally choose. Styling a pair of blue jeans is the perfect way for these two to settle the style score. The pair create an outfit for each other around a pair of blue jeans.
Lorna Weightman
An established stylist and tv presenter, Lorna splits her time between Ireland and UK. She has worked for MSN UK as a fashion reporter on global fashion events, and is a stylist and commentator on Xposé .
Alongside her work with international brands and publications, Lorna was also an early adopter of blogging. She creates digital content for her blog and social channels, ranging from fashion and beauty to travel and lifestyle.
Jo Archbold
Former model Jo is a music photographer, with a portfolio of stunning live images and portraits under her belt. She has worked with stars such as Hozier, Sigrid, Tom Odell, The Coronas and G-eazy.
She’s also a part time YouTuber, creating popular videos with her boyfriend, YouTube star Scott Fitzsimons. Jo’s colourful style is a big feature of her popular Instagram page, where she shares fashion and beauty looks from her busy life at music and fashion events.