Limerick designer Derek Anthony Purcell leaves his mark with Beyonce collaboration

Limerick native Derek Anthony Purcell Beyonce collaboration leaves a mark on the world of costume and design for the Rennaisance world tour

Limerick native Derek Anthony Purcell Beyonce collaboration leaves a mark on the world of costume and design for the Rennaisance world tour

From beginnings in Limerick’s Garryowen, Limerick fashion designer Derek’s artistic journey has been nothing short of inspiring, leading him to collaborate with Ivy Park for none other than global superstar Beyoncé on her Renaissance world tour.

Clips of the tour have been trending online, with crowds from all over the world attending the shows in silver-sparkling accessories, including futuristic cowboy hats, boots, sunglasses, rhinestones, and everything that mimics the vibe of the overall Renaissance album. Much like the Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed album, the tour is like an over-the-top dance party. This includes the costumes worn by Queen Bee herself.

All her outfits complement the powerful dances on the stage and radiate a sense of confidence. These custom-made ‘Renaissance’ wardrobe looks have now become a highlight of the concert. Major fashion brands like Off-White, Alexander McQueen, Lanvin, Balmain, Brandon Blackwood, and many more have collaborated with Beyoncé for her tour looks and Derek and his team were also asked to collaborate on the project.

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Speaking about the incredible achievement, Derek posted to Instagram saying, “It’s been such an honour to collaborate with Ivy Park for Beyonce’s Renaissance world tour. Massive thank you to the Ivy Park team for having us.”

The Limerick designer and creative director of Bang London began his design career working alongside Limerick fashion-icon Celia Holman Lee before deciding to give London a try and he hasn’t looked back since. As creative director of Bang London, Derek made a vision come to life in the costume and design industry, that the world took note of such raw and genuine talent.

Since the creation of his business, Bang London has grown strength by strength, year after year. 2018 has turned out to be a starting point of well-deserved success for Bang London. Having dressed Kate Moss in a six-page exclusive for Beauty Paper Magazine, Derek explained: “it wasn’t until the invitation for the launch party of the shoot came through, that I thought … WOW, this is my first publication and it’s with Kate Moss.” 

Derek’s determination is truly inspiring and striking during the conversation. Derek added, “I’ve learned over the years that if something doesn’t happen, that it is just not meant for me and something better is going to come my way instead.” 

Now, he is working and dressing style-icons, such as Kate Moss, not to mention Rita Ora, Anne-Marie and Zara Larson who have all been ‘Banged.’ In his time with Bang London, Derek Anthony Purcell has seen his designs appear on many other incredible artists including Nicki Minaj, Little Mix, and Christina Aguilera. In 2019 Derek worked with the designer, Gabriella Slade for the Spice Girls world tour and his team at Bang London created seven out of twenty-four outfits for the Spice Girls World Tour, which were all designed by Gabriella Slade.

When he is not dressing stars, Derek creates truly original and bespoke pieces for individuals of all ages and sexes that simply want to feel amazing in a one of a kind piece. Throughout the years – particularly after his move to London – Derek realized that he wasn’t a designer that wanted to create collections, as he wanted to, “cater to the individual’s needs and design something truly original for them, for me, it’s all about the individual and what that person wants from a garment rather than creating collections.” Congratulations Derek! Limerick is rooting for you!

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Find out more about Bang London here