Tuesday was a busy day for me, as I ran from pillar to post, in order to attend the best parties around town. My day kicked off with a fashion show hosted by Tesco Ireland in Frank's Restaurant, a little gem on Grand Canal Street.
Showcasing was the Autumn / Winter 2005 Florence + Fred collection, with cosy knits and sharp suits in rich colours dominating the catwalk. The fashionistas, including Cathy O'Connor, Bairbre Power and Sive O'Brien, were out in force and all enjoyed the show.
Later on, two baby penguins greeted me on a beautiful sunny evening when I arrived at Four Seasons Hotel Dublin. They were there to celebrate the announcement of an exciting new development in Dubai called Snowdome. Sun, sea, sand … and now snow!
As Ireland's multi-millionaires continue to fight over expensive property here, the wise man is looking further afield, to places such as Dubai, where the living truly is affluent - at half the price. We gathered in ICE (it's no longer called the Ice Bar), where we were treated to an exclusive preview of this adventurous project, which is being marketed by Irish agent Larionovo.
MD of Larionovo, Raymond Norton, informed me that the Snowdome would rise to a height of over 70m and offer top class residences with every winter activity available, all under the largest freestanding dome in the world. Very James Bond, I think you'll agree.
Chief architect Steve Lumby, Charlie McCreevy Jnr., Mitchell Allen, property magnate Paddy Kelly and solicitor Ivor Fitzpatrick were among the impressed faces gathered.
I also bumped into Roisin O'Hea, who is busy with preparations for the forthcoming Barretstown Ball, which takes place in Barretstown Castle on October 1st. Paul Newman, The Edge, Paul McCartney and Heather Mills attended last year. For information call 045-864115.
My natural Habitat
What was surely one of the best-attended launch parties of the year so far took place in the amazing new Habitat store on Tuesday night. Malcolm Brighton, MD of Habitat Ireland hosted the spectacular event, which was the official launch of his new Dublin store. Every sofa, table and chair in the place was put to good use as guests were made to feel right at home.
After over a year of planning and development, the flagship store, which borders Suffolk Street and College Green, is now open for business and includes a Twentieth Century Design concession, the Relax Café and Patisserie and all the stylish home furnishings and accessories that Habitat is famous for. Stretched over 4 floors and covering 35,000 sq.ft., the store occupies a restored former bank premises and a contemporary retail space, designed by award winning Irish architects Douglas Wallace.
Enjoying delicious Kinnie cocktails, Bombay Sapphire and Wolfblass wines, the crowd were entertained by the burlesque dance troupe from the Tassel Club, who are gearing up to perform as part of the Dublin Fringe Festival next week.
A stylish gang were out in force, including Chief Executive of the Habitat Group Jens Nordahl, who flew in from London for the event, Sonia Reynolds, interior designer Martha Lovett, Alex Fitzgerald and Siobhan Buchanan - Johnson. Anna Nolan and Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh of RTE's The Afternoon Show were also in attendance as was architect Simon Walker, whose father designed the original bank building.
Dancing went on till the early hours in the lower ground floor of the store, which had been turned into a night club-type space especially for the evening.
Ah, my natural habitat.
