The magnificently restored No. 15 St. Stephen's Green was the location for the last in the series of the Laurent Perrier Culture Club events last night. Internationally renowned designer John Rocha was the guest speaker, delivering a humourous and insiteful account of his professional life.
As well as being well known for his clothing lines, Rocha is now getting more involved in interior design since the success of his collaboration with the Morrison Hotel a few years ago. He is currently working on new apartment developments in Bristol and Budapest.
Run in conjunction with The Dubliner magazine, the events have been a huge success, with past speakers including authors DBC Pierre and The Hon.Toby Young, artist Louis Le Broquy, musician Gavin Friday and broadcaster Janet Street - Porter.
The inimitable editor of The Dubliner, Trevor White, gave an endearing introductory speech to Rocha, paying homage to the talented designer.
Enjoying the Laurent Perrier champagne reception (in John Rocha Waterford Crystal glasses, of course) were Odette Rocha and Maureen Ryan, Ciarán Coleman, the ever glamourous Anne Boylan, Stephen O'Carroll and Suzanne O'Dea from Edelman, solicitor Graham Duggan, journalist Frances Winston with Jamie Plenderleith and restaurant critic Ross Golden - Bannon, who is celebrating his birthday tonight with a bash in the Odessa Club.
You can bring a whore to culture but you can't make her think, as they say in the best bars around the world.
New Shoes
One of the world's most recognised shoe makers, Clarks, opened their latest concept store on Dublin's Grafton Street yesterday morning. Featuring a clean, white, streamlined shopping environment, which above all else provides a backdrop for showcasing their products.
A new range of footwear supporting Clarks 'Soul of Africa' project were also unveiled. Founded in December 2003 by Lance Clark (6th generation of the Clark family), 'Soul of Africa' enables those affected by AIDS to learn a skill a help themselves, something they are rarely given the opportunity to do. The scheme teaches women of the village how to make shoes, from cutting the pattern to the finsl stiches. The shoes will be sold for €45 in Ireland, with all profits going to 'Soul of Africa'.
Also unveiled yesterday were a specially commissioned array of celebrity customised shoes. Joanna Lumley, Terry de Havilland, Tracey Emin, Shaun Leane, Antoni & Alison and Red or Dead all put their own marks on Clarks shoes. In return Clarks donated €3,000 to the 'Soul of Africa' fund for each pair.
Claire Lalor, Penny Brooks and Caroline Kennedy were among the guests at the event.
