I dashed from Fire to the most anticipated launch party of the year so far. That veritable institute that is Harvey Nichols has finally landed in Dublin, much to the joy of the hoi polloi (and me!).
After following elaborate directions on the invite I arrived at the swanky store, which itself had stilt walkers, flames and a brass band outside to greet guests. Really, do we care about such extravagancies? But I digress.
Style was a plenty in the hallowed designer halls with the likes of Louise Kennedy, socialite Panti, Triona McCarthy, model Fergus Kealy, singer Brian Kennedy and Roxanne Parker all leading the field. Enjoying Grey Goose vodka cocktails in the top floor bar I spied producer Bill Hughes, Gary Kavanagh of Peter Mark, Nicola Connolly and Ken Hutton, who looked fit and well after recovering from a recent illness.
Burlesque queen Dita Von Teese was special guest on the evening and performed one of her spectacular shows, which had the basement entertainment area swarmed with people. She dumped her clothes faster than H&M dumped Kate Moss, much to the delight of many. I can only guess that she was also the reason for the group of paparazzi who were camped outside the entire night.
Regarding the new Harvey Nichols, I think some people were quite surprised at the size of the place. Or lack thereof. I overheard one society girl compare it to the Knightsbridge store and call it "the poor relation"! Nonetheless, it is an impressive place, with beautiful design features, particularly the bar and restaurant areas.
Brendan O'Connor (who is looking forward to being a judge on the forthcoming You're A Star TV show) and his lovely wife Sarah Caden, style writer Eoin Lyons, Maria Fusco, Bairbre Power, model David Brittain and publicist Emma Kelly were also among the guests. The champagne-fuelled party went on till well after midnight with all guests picking up a generous Harvey Nicks goodie bag upon departure.
