Jamie Dornan goes hard for Northern Irish designers at the Met Gala 2024

Jamie Dornan is at a point in his life that, when he sees something that he likes, it’s time to go big. “If I find a pair of trousers that I like, I’ll often buy a few pairs of the same ones,” Dornan says over the phone ahead of the Met Gala 2024. “Because, being in my 40s, feeling physically comfortable is what that matters the most to me.”

“Classic” and “safe” are the words that the Northern Irish actor would use to describe his menswear. But that hasn’t always been the case. In the early 2000s, Dornan was at a store opening for Asprey. He recalls it being his first big event ever, and at the time, he rocked up with stripy shirt and a leather tie with a zip on it. “I don’t know where the fuck I found that thing. I certainly don’t have it anymore. I remember seeing the photographs of it and thinking to myself, ‘wow, I can’t believe that’s a real thing.’” He lets out a big chuckle.

That fit wasn’t classic nor was it safe. But according to The Tourist star, you should be taking all of those risks when you’re young. Because, ultimately, you’re still trying to work out who you are, and who you want to become. And before all of that, his childhood actually played a major role in his fashion guy knowledge of today.

Rugby was a pretty big deal for Dornan when he was a kid. He used to play for his school, and his family were good friends with big shot coach and former Ireland international Willie Anderson. Dornan didn’t really know the Anderson family too well. But he had heard of Willie’s son, Jonathan, a few times before. Chances are you’ve heard of him too.

Jason Lloyd-Evans

Fast forward a couple of years, and Dornan would sign himself a sweet modelling contract. While he wasn’t keen on the whole thing at first, his sisters got it over the line. “I remember the first time hearing about this guy, JW Anderson, and being told that he was going to be a next big thing. And I remember realising that this was the same JW Anderson that I knew from home. It was mad. You sort of know everyone from home who’s in the industry, but we never crossed paths until about 20 years later.”

“What Jonathan has done with Loewe is remarkable, really, you know?” says Dornan in deep thought. “It has some of the outlandish stuff, for sure, but it also has all the classic stuff and the timeless stuff. For me, Loewe feels like home, and with Jonathan there, it’s a really cool thing. Even at fittings for the Met Gala, hearing his Northern Irish accent among some really exotic people, it makes me feel really proud, to be honest.” For this Met Gala, it’s a classic morning suit that’s been appropriately Loewe’d with fuzzy fabrics.

It’s been about two decades since he tripped over stripy shirts and leather ties. These days, Dornan’s all about solid shirts, and chinos, and trainers – all in navy and white. He calls it “preppy” and talks about how it’s definitely not something that he would’ve seen himself wearing back in the day. But then he stops. A few seconds later, he says: “My school colours were navy and white, so maybe I’ve based my entire style off of that. Who knows?”