Read on to learn more about her characters retro looks.
It was the scariest thing Id ever done and the hardest thing Ive ever done, she says.
The costume designer also settled on another reference early in the pre-production process: her mother.
Kerry Brown
My mum had a dress like it, recalls Dicks-Mireaux of this sweet butter-yellow number.
I found it from a shop in Montreal, and this dress reminded me of hers immediately.
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As Eilis embraces life in America, her outlook and her wardrobe become more colorful.
Kerry Brown
In keeping with real-girl habits, Eilis wears the closet staple throughout the movie.
Says Ronan, I love that she wears it a few times.
So as time goes on, Eilis would buy different outfits to wear as her uniform.
Youd never see that sort of dress in Britain at the time, says the designer.
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For a sentimental courthouse-set scene, Dicks-Mireaux outfitted Ronan in a sleek skirt suit.
I had no idea whether it would suit Saoirse, but I bought it.
Kerry Brown
Luckily, it fit her perfectly and looked incredible on her.
Sometimes you just have to be bold and go with your instincts, hoping that it works.
Though exquisite, each piece was incredibly fragile.
Kerry Brown
Though stylish, the cotton bathing costume made before the days of modern Spandex didnt hold up once wet.
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Ronan fell in love with the feminine fashion her character wears throughout the period-set flick.
I dont want anything where your lungs are shriveled at the end of the day, she says.
Kerry Brown
Kerry Brown
Kerry Brown
Kerry Brown
