A popular venue for high-end parties is No. 16, St. Stephens Green. An imposing townhouse near the corner of Dawson Street, it was completely renovated and refurbished last year by Hugh O’Regan, the man behind the Thomas Read Group. Each large reception room is like a blank canvas and they are always dramatically lit according to whatever party is being hosted there.
The launch of the special edition Nokia 8800 Sirocco was one such party that had the building looking at it’s best. In keeping with the sleek, ultra modern design of the mobile (which is exclusive to Brown Thomas), the house was kitted out with state-of-the-art lights and plasma screen TVs. In keeping with the exclusivity, delicious canapés were a plenty and Veuve Cliquot champagne flowed freely.
Among those I spotted were designer John McCormack, Avila Lipsett and Emily O’Donnell, who is one of the organisers of the huge annual DIT fashion show in Vicar Street. Avila’s sister, top model Roz Lipsett was also there (she’s been tipped as a possible new face of Guess? clothing). Benoit Bringer brought a certain je ne sais quoi to the party, as did Gráinne Seoige who interviewed artist Graham Knuttel, after he unveiled a painting specially commissioned by Nokia for the event. The painting, by the way, was pretty much like every other one he’s ever done, but with the added feature of a Nokia.
A highly anticipated event on the social calendar is the Irish Tatler Woman of the Year Awards, which was held in the Mansion House recently. Broadcaster Bryan Dobson and publisher of Irish Tatler magazine Norah Casey were hosts for the evening (Norah definitely has a career in TV if she ever gets tired of publishing).
The glamorous ladies present broke out the diamonds for the occasion and the red carpet was like the runway of a couture show. Among the guests at the sumptuous dinner were Lancome’s Helen Feely, TV3’s Debbie O’Donnell and Laura Bermingham, Ruth Negga, Barry Egan, Sharon McCabe (whose new Radisson SAS Farnham Estate hotel in Cavan is the toast of the country), designer Ciaran Sweeney, Sally – Ann Flanagan, Minister Mary Hanafin TD, Norma Smurfit and Lainey Keogh.
The top accolade went to tireless charity worker Adi Roche. Her amazing achievements ensured that she was a most worthy winner and she received a standing ovation as she accepted the award.
Continuing the glitz and the glam, international bling masters Swarovski hosted a party in City Hall to celebrate the opening of their two new Dublin stores, Grafton St. and Henry St. – equal opportunity locations! Famed for their collections of crystal figurines, the design powerhouse is now better known for jewellery and fashion accessories (Swarovski was all over London Fashion Week this year).
Irish fashion journalists were out in force getting a sneak peak at the new Spring Summer collection. Sarah McDonnell from The Gloss was among the many fashionistas who enjoyed front row seats for the slick show, which was produced by Graham Cruz. Other representatives from the world of Irish fashion included stylists Sonja Mohlich, Paula Hughes and Aisling Farinella as well as fashion photographer Barry McCall.
Other guests enjoying the Moet & Chandon reception included Anna Wood from the Clarence Hotel, Brendan Scully and Sean Montague, Delores Delaney, Daniela Sabitini and Audrey Brennan (who have just launched their new company Develop) as well as author Marissa Mackle. After the spectacular fashion show models Kathryn Calvert and Irma worked the room allowing the magpies to get a closer look at the glittering array of jewellery available. Blingtastic!
The much-loved Meteor Ireland Music Awards will take place on Thursday the 1st of February and it was announced recently that the hosts will be Deirdre O’Kane and the inimitable duo of Podge & Rodge O'Leprosy (who kindly sent me a big box of their new Culchie Crisps yesterday!). The announcement was made at a luncheon in Fire last week and among the guests were Caroline Downey, Trish and Julian Fallon (busy searching for the country’s next top model), Fergal Breen of Irish Dev, Andrew Kelly of Meteor, Paul Trainer, Ray Shah and Deirdre O’Kane (who certainly was on fire as she made her witty speech). Get voting for “The Meteors” now.
Shopping, you either love it or hate it. But when the opportunity to shop at a sample sale arises then you gotta love it. Paddy Kelly of the RB menswear store in the Powerscourt Shopping Centre hosted a shopping evening last week and there was no shortage of punters to snap up D&G jeans for half nothing. I spotted stylist Leoné Amor (it’s a good sign when a stylist shops at your store), photographer Yvonne Kelly (who hosts a vernissage at the same centre on the 14th), writer Barbara McCarthy (she’s off to Goa soon) and Chris McDonnell of rock band Latitude (their new single “No Room for the Timid” is in record stores now).
In case you need a reason to visit RB, Paddy also stocks the amazing shirt brand 1 Like No Other, which is designed by Bronagh Griffin in Derry. Handmade, there are only 500 of each design produced so you are guaranteed not to clash with the high-street-shirt-wearing boys at the Christmas party.
While I’m on the subject of menswear, luxury gift brand Newbridge Silverware recently named rugby star Ronan O’Gara as the new face of its latest men’s line. Sporting a slick watch and cufflinks at an event in the members club of the RDS, O’Gara was obviously thrilled at the association (he’s up there as a face of Newbridge now). Among those wishing him well on the day were Amanda Brunker, Michael O’Doherty, Anne Boylan, William Doyle and Today FM’s Paul Collins.
Incidentally, Newbridge Silverware has kindly decorated the Christmas trees at O’Connell St., Grafton St. and The Mansion House this year. The specially commissioned star decorations will be auctioned off after the festive season with proceeds going to the charity Trust. The trees were lit on Sunday evening by the Lord Mayor, Cllr. Vincent Jackson, and a host of beauties including Rosanna Davison, Andrea Roche, Rose of Tralee Kathryn Feeney, Phil Donnelly and Celia Holman – Lee.
Each of them stars in their own right.
