Stuart Montgomery (second left) with models during his fashion slot on the Today Show.

Style expert Stuart makes TV debut

Stuart Montgomery of Stuart’s Select Style fulfilled a lifelong ambition when he was chosen to be a fashion correspondent on RTÉ’s Today Show. The influencer, events manager and style consultant was “thrilled” to share his expertise on the popular show, which has an average of 200,000 viewers daily.

“I’ve been working in fashion in some form or other for over 13 years, and having a style slot on TV is something I’ve always wanted to do, but I never thought I’d get the opportunity,” he tells the Westmeath Examiner. Although Stuart seemed like a natural in front of the camera, he said: “I’m not going to lie; I definitely was nervous!”

RTÉ’s regular stylists block-book their slots at the start of each season, so it’s competitive and challenging for a “new face” to break through. Stuart had to take two camera tests for RTÉ, in Donnybrook and in their Cork studio, before being offered the slot. “There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes that no one sees, from liaising with the shops to getting all the looks ready, styling the models backstage, and making sure that you cover everything in the brief.

“You only have eight minutes to get through everything, build a rapport with the presenter, and answer any questions they may have, or feel the viewers at home would have. I’m happy enough with how the first slot went but I know there’s definitely room for improvement!”

In his first TV segment, Stuart focused on formal and smart-casual menswear. He suggested pairing bold patterns with bright shades, emphasising how that lifts a mood as well as an outfit. “For me, wearing a pop of colour can brighten up the dullest of days. There’s just something about wearing your favourite colour or colours – I’m not saying you have to wear all the colours of the Rainbow together; there are subtle ways of adding colour to your outfit that can help elevate the look.

“I actually don’t have any particular favourite colour and my wardrobe is testament to that. I have everything from neutrals to pastels, to bright, bold colours. Spring is on the horizon and, as I showed on my style slot, there are many ways of adding colour or print to your look and pairing it with pieces you might already have in your wardrobe,” said Stuart.

It’s an exciting time for men’s fashion especially as “Irish men’s style has evolved in recent years”.

“Fashion has never been more accessible and we’ve never had such a wide spectrum of colours to choose from, and that is reflected in what we see in shops up and down the country.”

Stuart has always been stylish and has the pictures to prove it. “Even as a child, I always wore completely different clothes to my brothers. I look back at old photos of when I was a kid; my brothers would be in tracksuits, and I was wearing a cardigan and a bowtie!”

When in his early 20s and living in Dublin, Stuart first started working “behind the scenes” at fashion events, but it was many years before he “found the courage” to host his own.

These were a “huge success” all over Ireland pre-Covid. “I haven’t had much time to delve back into that world again but I’m hoping that this TV slot might open some new doors and new opportunities,” he said.

Asked where he finds inspiration, Stuart said: “David Beckham has always been one of my style icons, he always looks so well-presented and put together. Jude Law is another one who springs to mind. More recently, I have loved Harry Style’s fashion evolution – he is one of the most interesting people in music now; he’s not afraid to push the gender boundaries in terms of what a man should or shouldn’t wear and is unapologetic about it, which is refreshing.

“I don’t think there are many of his looks I personally could pull off, but I really admire his commitment to it!”

That said, Stuart feels it’s important for people to “be their own inspiration and wear what they like, feel comfortable, and look good in”.

“Of course, it’s fine to draw inspiration from people, trends, but sometimes we try and push ourselves too far out of our comfort zone, so it’s knowing what works for you rather than trying to replicate someone else – style is so individual.”

Stuart hopes to make a few more appearances before the Today Show finishes up for the summer and his style suggestions aren’t restricted to men’s fashion.

He said that in upcoming TV slots, his focus will be on, “a mix of menswear and ladieswear with an emphasis on summer occasions such as weddings, heading to the races or even going away on holidays, there will be a lot to cover!”

Follow @stuarts_select_style on Instagram and @stuartsselectstyle on Facebook to stay updated on Stuart’s seasonal looks, events and media appearances.