The genuine article: Helen Cody

On the advent of the release of The Shirt Project, the designer reveals why she wants to put real women front and centre when it comes to her creations

The Calder family are Alex (seated), Anna (standing) and their mum Susan. They describe themselves as “talkers, riders, writers and painters”. Alex wears the cotton piqué shirt with broiderie anglaise sleeves, €295. Anna wears the high collar Swiss broiderie Anglaise top with button details and hook and eye closing, €695, and black stretch waspie, €295. Susan wears the off-shoulder broiderie anglaise shirt with piqué bib front, €350.

‘I’m exhausted by the influencers – the bloggers, vloggers and celebrities – always making their way to the front pages of magazines. I know they have their followers, sure, but I dress real ...