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LISTEN: RichardKnows Podcast Episode 1 – Derek Anthony Purcell

Orla McLaughlin/ilovelimerick.

RichardKnows Podcast Episode 1 : Pictured is Derek Anthony Purcell, Bang London, and Richard Lynch, Founder of I Love Limerick. Picture: Orla McLaughlin/ilovelimerick.

LISTEN: RichardKnows Podcast Episode 1 – Derek Anthony Purcell

So you want to get to know more about a person or a topic? Get in the know with RichardKnows right here!

Join Richard Lynch on his brand new Podcast RichardKnows. Richard is a professional networker and a ‘Connector’ As a ‘Connector’, Richard has a network of talent available at his fingertips and works closely with other creative visionaries. Join Richard as he interviews the people in his life. Get to know with RichardKnows. 


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To kick off our brand new Podcast join Richard as he gets to know Derek Anthony Purcell, creative director of Bang London. 

Four years ago, the world was missing a little bit of ‘Bang’ in its life. It wasn’t until Limerick native, Derek Anthony Purcell, creative director of Bang London made a vision come to life in the costume and design industry, that the world took note of such raw and genuine talent. Starting out from humble roots in Garryowen, to his inspiring dance journey, not forgetting the beginning of his design career working alongside Celia Holman Lee, Derek decided to give London ago and hasn’t looked back since.

Most recently, Derek worked with the designer, Gabriella Slade for the Spice Girls world tour. Gabriella is a set and costume designer. Derek 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. She recently won the Off West End Award for Best Costume Design ‘SIX’ 2019. Derek said, “It was such a pleasure working with Gabriella Slade designer for the Spice Girls tour, her direction and eye for detail is nothing short of incredible.”

The Spice Girls performed together for the first time in seven years at Croke Park on Friday, May 24, 2019, Derek said this unforgettable experience was made possible by the amazing and hardworking team around him. Derek was very grateful for the opportunity and thanked the Spice Girls saying, “Having worked with each of you personally I can say you are four of the most amazing women I have ever met true ICONS with respect and love for everyone on their team. I will never forget this experience and I am so proud to be a part of something so ICONIC!”

What truly blew me away was Derek’s courageousness, ambition, and drive which was so well-matched to his positive and authentic outlook on life. Derek Anthony Purcell grew his ambition of designing by beginning a make-to-wear shop located on Sarsfield Street but as demand grew, London began calling.

However, it wasn’t all sunshine for the young costume designer following his move to London, following a year-long internship Derek was unsure of what the next move was. Derek mentioned, “It was two days before I had planned to return to Limerick and all of a sudden, I decided to put some graphics together… thus, Bang London was born… I clicked on the send button and ever since then, I have been blessed with a business simply from word of mouth.”

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.” Two years ago the company came to a crossroads and Bang had to re-invent itself – this was one of the best and toughest decisions that Derek could have made. Now, he is working and dressing style-icons, such as Kate Moss in a six-page exclusive; Not to mention Beyoncé, Rita Ora, Anne-Marie and Zara Larson who have all been ‘Banged.’

When he is not dressing stars, Derek creates truly original and bespoke pieces for dance 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.”

Having entered into the costume and design world without being formally trained, Derek has put a huge emphasis on the importance of creativity for young people. This can be seen through his work with the North West Fashion Project (NWFP). NWFP is a program that Derek runs which allows young people to explore their creative sides and find their true passion – something Derek never got the chance to explore when he was at school. Derek added: “making clothing wasn’t a conscious decision, it was just something that happened for me personally… this program gives young people the opportunity to explore their creative side with the reward of working in the Bang London studio as an intern.”

The conversation never strayed too far from Limerick. Derek commented on the talent that exists in the city, as well as the amazing opportunities for fashion students in the Limerick School of Art and Design. Derek’s design career wouldn’t have started without people putting their faith in his skills as a young designer – this included Celia Holman Lee when she asked Derek design pieces for the Rose of Tralee fashion show.

As our chat came to an end, I was truly inspired by Derek and his story – a story that is far from being complete anytime soon. 2019 is looking to be a great one for Bang London as Derek aspires to bring his designs to the States, early next year. One thing that stuck with me was Derek’s gratitude: “I am truly grateful and lucky that I get to do a job that I truly love doing every single day.” Derek Anthony Purcell is certainly one to keep up with next year as he is a true inspiration to anyone who has a dream and wants to achieve it. #ijustgotbanged

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Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.