TV PM

So many parties, so little time. So little time for anything these days really but I guess everyone is in the same boat. I took a well earned break recently and sampled the delights of Italy, so apologies for not reporting.

What’s been going on lately? Well it’s all about TV, or “the idiots lantern” as an old teacher of mine used to refer to it as - but I’ll bet he didn’t know what Jo Lo, et al, were up to or which country is the cool place to adopt a child from. And now, dear readers, you can get all that information from TV3’s new entertainment show, Xpose, which will be beamed into your living room every evening.

In true TV3 style, Xpose was launched with a swanky party in City Hall which was attended by a host of well-known faces as well as the TV3 posse, natch. Debbie O’Donnell, former head honcho at Ireland AM, has been given the top job on Xpose so expect great things during the week from the 6pm slot.



Speaking of TV3, the new CEO Dave McRedmond recently hosted a gala dinner in The Shelbourne Hotel (look out for the new courtyard which will be opening there soon) for the founder and retiring chairman of the station, James Morris. It was a veritable who’s who of the business, film, TV and arts world as the guests gathered to pay homage to the man responsible for breaking the state monopoly and bringing variety into Irish homes.

Some of the guests included Denis O’Brien, film director Noel Pearson, Olive Braiden of the Arts Council, U2 manager Paul McGuinness and his wife Cathy Gilfillan, Eamon Dunphy, Sinead Desmond of Ireland AM, Dave Fanning and his wife Ursula Courtney, Jim Sheridan and political spin doctor PJ Mara.

On the evening, Doughty Hanson, the new owners of the television network, handed over a (substantial) cheque to a charity nominated by James Morris and his wife Fionnuala. Expressing his gratitude to all involved, Morris detailed the rocky road to the start of TV3 and made reference to all those who helped establish the independent station. Bravo Mr. Morris, this country needs more visionaries like you.

In other TV news, Smirnoff recently hosted a party in the Clarence to celebrate the launch of the latest ad campaign from the vodka brand (remember kids, drink responsibly). The slick commercial takes you on a trip throughout the world as it tracks the origins of the brand through the ages. Marisa Mackle, Rebecca O’Neill and Nicolas Nannetti (who is set to leave Dublin for Miami soon) were among the guests.



Ever wondered where the “in” crowd will be setting up home in the near future? When they get sick of the city they surely will have Belmayne on their list of possible habituées. This new mega-development will eventually encompass over 90 acres and come complete with a town centre.

Special guests on the evening were Jamie and Louise Redknapp who flew in from the UK for the party. She set the fashion stakes high and looked stunning in a simple Stella McCarthy navy baby doll dress teamed with this season’s must-have Christian Louboutins. Susan Stanley wife of Michael Stanley exuded simple elegance in a little black wrap dress with Louise Doheny of LM Developments supporting a super funky leopard print dress accessorised with Cavalli.

Other stylish guests included celebrity Belmayne garden designer Diarmuid Gavin, the ever beautiful Miss Ireland Sarah Morrissey, top model Andrea Roche, RTE favourite Derek Mooney and the popular TV3 presenter Alan Hughes. The ever glamorous Avila Lipsett was also there and spent the evening chatting with Karl Broderick. Ireland’s uber couple, Rosanna Davison and Wesley Quirke were also there, as were Richie Stokes, Nadine Wai – O’Flynn and Fiona Roche, who is looking forward to the White Tie & Diamonds Ball in Marbella on the 7th of July.

Gorgeous Living (as the provocative ad campaign for Belmayne declares), indeed.

People

Out and about with... 1. Glenda Gilson at the launch party for the new Yamamori Restaurant; 2 & 3. The latest collection from fashion designer Helen Cody; 4. Actor David Kelly, Senator David Norris, TV3’s news anchor Colette Fitzpatrick and Den 2’s Kathryn McKeown and Barretstown campers pictured at Smyth’s Toys in Dublin City at the launch of Barretstown's Bandana Day which takes place on May 12th; 5. Sandra Byrne and Katie Jane Goldin at the Walkers Sensations TV Now Awards.

Xposed

TV3 recently hosted a mega bash to celebrate the launch of their new entertainment show, Xpose, in City Hall. Pictured are: 1. Lorraine Keane; 2. Rosanna Davison and Wesley Quirke; 3. Louis Walsh, John Reynolds and Celia Holman - Lee; 4. The Xpose team - Lisa Cannon, Aisling O'Loughlin, Lorraine Keane, Karen Koster and Sybil Mulcahy.

Most Stylish Woman in Ireland

Winner of the 2007 VIP Peter Mark Style Awards, the stunning Lisa Fitzpatrick.

VIP scenes

Scenes from the VIP Style Awards: 1. Emily O'Donnell and Nadine Wai - O'Flynn; 2. Wayne Cronin and Andrea Roche; 3. Katie Jane Goldin and Sandra Byrne; 4. Astrid Brennan and Michael O'Doherty; 5. Karen Koster.

VIP Peter Mark Style Awards

The red carpet was rolled out at the newly opened (and very impressive) Shelbourne Hotel for one of the social highlights of the year. Outside it was a miserable wet evening as the doormen ran with umbrellas to and from the line of black chauffeur driven cars which snaked around the corner from Kildare Street.


Inside, the glamour stakes were high as the beautiful people, all in their finery, milled about the marble foyer. The twinkle of bling, the warm glow of a tropical tan, the click clack of Christian Louboutins. Further in there was more click clacking, but this time it was the unmistakable sound of the paparazzi, shouting names, trying to get the best shot, straining at the velvet cord that kept them at bay.

Welcome to the VIP Peter Mark Style Awards!

This is the night that began months ago in the pages of VIP magazine when the 20-strong shortlist of the most stylish ladies in Ireland was announced. Since then thousands of readers voted for their favourite, with some of the nominees mounting their own personal campaigns to secure the coveted title of Most Stylish Woman of the Year.


All 20 nominees short-listed for the Award attended and looked amazing - Miriam Ahern, Rachel Allen, Claire Byrne, Valerie Craughwell, Rosanna Davison, Lisa Fitzpatrick, Glenda Gilson, Celia Holman Lee, Rachel Kavanagh, Lorraine Keane, Mary Kennedy, Karen Koster, Caroline Morahan, Jenny McCarthy, Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh, Andrea Roche, Annette Rocca, Grainne Seoige, Kathryn Thomas and Laura Woods.


At the Bollinger champagne reception the clinking of glasses, the mwah-mwahs of air kisses and the peals of laughter added to the tremendous air of excitement as the 280 guests mingled before enjoying a sumptuous 5- course dinner with Torres wines. As we entered the Shelbourne's Great Room we were astounded by the spectacular floral and crystal display, designed specially for the evening by Appassionata Flowers. Hosts for the evening Emer O’Reilly – Hyland and Michael O’Doherty kept the evening going with their banter and witty one-liners, much to everyone’s amusement.


Some of the TV stars in attendance included Pamela Flood, Anne Doyle and Eileen Dunne from RTE; Lisa Burke from Sky News; Channel 6 beauties Michelle Doherty and Jenny Buckley, TG4’s Sinead Ní Loidean, Sorcha Ní Cheide and Aine Ní Dhroighnean, TV3’s Colette Fitzpatrick, Elaine Crowley, Martin King and Laura Bermingham, to name but a few.


Caroline Morahan won the much anticipated accolade of Best Dressed on the night, which was voted by the guests. She looked stunning in a gown from Cathy de Stafford and was surprised and delighted to have won.


Other guests attending included top models Roz Lispett, Aoife Cogan and Miss Ireland Sarah Morrissey, along with Clodagh Hopkins, Vivienne Connolly, Niall McCrudden, Triona McCarthy and Leyton Denny, Mark Kershaw and Katy French, Stephen Kelly and Sandra Byrne and Gail and Hazel Kaneswaren (who are both expecting babies this summer). Peter Mark boss Barry Dempsey and the Keaveney family chatted to the many guests, most of whom are their customers!


There could only be one winner though and it was the beautiful Lisa Fitzpatrick, who was there with her husband Paul. She dazzled on the night with a sequined marine blue long dress form Lara in Dame Lane which was topped off with diamonds from Paul Sheeran jewellers. A stylist on Ireland AM and for The Gerry Ryan Show, Lisa (who really is one of the nicest people you could ever meet) also runs her own image consultancy business.


She walked away with the stunning award, designed by Louise Kennedy for Tipperary Crystal, to great cheers from all the guests. She also won Peter Mark hair care for a year, €1,000 worth of customised Lancôme products and a sumptuous weekend for two at the Penthouse in Aghadoe Heights Hotel, Killarney.


After the excitement most people continued on to Renards where the unofficial after party continued and the post match style analysis took place. Each year the VIP Style Awards goes from strength to strength (it started as a lunch event) and is now a firm favorite in the ever expanding social calendar.


Plans, I’m sure, are afoot for next year.

Strike a Pose

Looking glam at the VIP Peter Mark Style Awards were 1. Karen Koster, 2. Celia Holman - Lee and 3. Caroline Morahan.

Nokia fashion

At the Nokia Young Fashion Designer of the Year were: 1. Sarah Horgan and Alannah Murphy; 2. Rachel Wise and Sara Kavanagh and 3. Lucy Kennedy and Anne Doyle.

Music, fashion and everything else

Style HQ in suburbia, that Harvey Nichols, threw a mega bash last week in their hip restaurant to celebrate the latest issue of Image magazine, which profiles brilliant boys and all their glories. Entitled “The Boys are Back in Town”, the piece pays tribute to those guys who are blazing a trail in whatever they do.

Melanie Morris and Dee Breen hosted the magnificent party with Moet & Chandon, open decks and the coolest of cats in attendance. Some of those featured include actor David Coffey of Dan and Becs fame, lead singer of The Blizzards Niall Breslin, James Hyland and Lee Walsh of Bubble Hits, TV presenters Aidan Power and Ryan Tubridy, Conor Buckly of Krystle nightclub, restauranteur Paul Cadden, Trevor White of The Dubliner, singer Paul Byrom, photographer Richie Stokes and rugby star Gordon D’Arcy to name but a few.

The place was hopping and some of the guest included Gail Ferguson and her actor boyfriend Mark Macauley, Nicolas Nannetti who was in town on business, Andrew Rudd, designer Virginia Macari, Astrid Brennan and James Flanagan, Samantha McGarry and Sarah Ryan and Aisling Kilduff of the Design Centre.

With the open decks music policy going down a storm (think Bon Jovi after 2 Unlimited followed by Dolly Parton and you get the idea) the bash went on till the small hours, with many repairing to Krystle to keep the night going.



The Nokia Young Designer of the Year awards and show was hosted recently, with a record number of attendees present. A champagne reception kicked off proceedings in City Hall, with guests making up a rather stylish parade across to the Olympia theatre, where the actual show and presentations took place.

Among the guests were Director of Dublin Fashion Week Sonia Reynolds, TV presenter Pam Flood, Declan Leavy, newscaster Anne Doyle, Emily O’Donnell and Avila Lipsett (whose beautiful sister Sarah recently got engaged to Clive Roche), Roisin Tierney – Crowe and Norman Pratt and TV3’s Karen Koster, who is gearing up for her new presenting role on the much anticipated new show Xpose.

In a tense finale hosted by Lucy Kennedy, the international judging panel including Caren Downie, Buying Director for Topshop, Paula Reed, Style Editor for Grazia Magazine and designers Pauric Sweeney, Leigh Tucker and Jonathan Saunders finally gave the results after a nail biting deliberation.The runner’s up were Carol Hopkins and Jane Horgan who both won €1,000 and crowned the overall winner was Deirdre Brennan from Limerick School of Art and Design who won €5,000 plus a work placement with Topshop.



This years Electric Picnic line-up was announced at, what can only be described as a mini Electric Picnic. The outdoor terrace at CrawDaddy was taken over with décor, visuals and even food stands to recreate the venerable music festival.

Some of those I spotted included Larissa Nolan and Enda Leahy who are back after a sojourn in Geneva, DJ Mo Kelly, Deirdre Crooks, Stevo Berube, Siobhan O’Dowd and Dave Brittain.

Some of the acts set to play the gig at Stradbally on August bank holiday weekend are Primal Scream, The Good, The Bad & The Queen, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Jarvis Cocker, Bjork, The Beastie Boys and Iggy Pop (who I hope will do a better job than he did at Slane a few years ago). If you don’t have tickets yet then I fear it may be sold out – but try, try, try again – it’s worth it.

Matthew Williamson

Motorola presents Dublin Fashion Week concluded recently and here are some scenes from the final shows: 1. Elaine Sheridan from Motorola and Matthew Williamson; 2. John Rocha with his daughter Simone; 3. Matthew with his models; 4.On the catwalk at the Joanne Hynes show.

Joanne Hynes

Scenes from Motrola presents Dublin Fashion Week: 1. Robin O'Reilly and designer Joanne Hynes; 2. The Matthew Williamson Show; 3. Jane Reynolds and Joanne Hynes.

Coole Swans

Coole Swan, Ireland's first premium liquer, was launched last week at a very stylish event in the Millenium Wing of the National Gallery. Among the guests were 1. Gary Kavanagh & Bill Hughes; 2. Louise Rafter & Lisa Fitzpatrick; 3. Ronan Ryan & Niall Morris; 4. Louise Kennedy & Paddy Bollard.

Colour me beautiful

When I was at London Fashion Week last September I couldn’t help but notice that the trend for early 90s was everywhere. At all the after parties, on the catwalks, on the fashionistas – bold colours, Nu Rave music and (God forbid!) bumbags and shell suits. If it didn’t work first time round then don’t bring it back I say.


Anyhoo, the people at Daz are obviously on to this revival and their latest ad campaign features Right Said Fred no less. Yes, I’m too sexy for my whites, and most other things. Actually, come to think about it, that song is one of those guilty pleasures – you like it but you’d never admit to liking it (btw check out the club night Guilty Pleasures if ever in London), but I digress.


Getting into the swing of things the people at Daz hosted a Roller Disco in Club 92 last week. Roller Disco? How naff! And Club 92? Perfect venue for naff event! Well, to say that it wasn’t a bag o’ fun would be a downright lie. Most guests upped the ante by dressing up in perfect roller disco outfits (think knee length socks, tight tight shorts, day glo colors next to dazzling white).


The Daz Dancers led the pack with guests such as Caroline Morahan, Nalini Nathan, Julian Benson and stylist Graham Cruz, who was celebrating his birthday that same evening. (And if you fancy getting in on the Daz Dance then the crew will be visiting later this month - St. Stephens Green SC on the 24th and the Pavillions in Swords on the 25th).


Somebody else clearly influenced by the current wave of Nu Rave is internationally acclaimed designer Matthew Williamson. He hosted a massive fashion show which was the penultimate event of this weeks Dublin Fashion Week, presented by Motorola. Organised by Sonia Reynolds, herself no stranger to the catwalk, DFW has gone from strength to strength.


The Round Room at The Mansion House was the locale for this stylish event where the champagne flowed like the rivers of Babylon. There were many wearable pieces in the show with some featuring acid colours with plenty of glitz too. Among those I spotted at the show were style guru Leanne de Cerbo, Alan Hughes and Debbie O’Donnel of TV3, designer John Rocha, socialite Jane O’Donnell and her daughter Jennifer, Natalie Axter of MAC, Fiona Gratzer, Paddy Bollard, Helen Steele and Emma Kelly.


Also at the MW show was Dee Breen of Harvey Nichols, who hosted a magnificent event last week to showcase their Spring / Summer 07 collections. “A decadent evening of modern romance” was what the invitation promised and we were not disappointed on the evening.


In store there was the most amazing fashion installation I’ve ever seen. Picture this: a picnic area set-up with real grass, real flowers and sleeping models in beautiful clothes positioned across the area with various props such as champagne bottles, glasses etc. strewn around. It was breathtaking and every guest, such as Colette Fitzpatrick and Laura Ryan, Astrid Brennan and James Flanagan and Emily O’Donnell, thought so. Harvey Nicks, creative and innovative, I applaud you.


And not an acid colour or bumbag in sight.

NY - NY

At the Fitzpatricks Hotel NY party in the penthouse of The Morgan last week were: 1. John Fitzpatrick and Diane Henderson; 2. Malcolm Byrne and Roisin Tierney - Crowe; 3. Wayne Cronin and Ben Bringer.

At the Patrón tequila launch party in Lillies last week were: 1. Kevin J. Ryan and Melanie Finn; 2. Steve K and Wanjiku Migunda; 3. John Ralph and Katy French; 4. Emma Myler and Edel Kirke; 5. Sarah Kavanagh.

Stateside

New York, New York, so good, so good. For years the Irish have been blazing a trail in the big apple and for many, the only address to stay at when in town is 687 Lexington Avenue, a.k.a. Fitzpatricks Hotel. Head honcho at the NY operations, John Fitzpatrick, jetted into Dublin last week to host an exclusive party to showcase New York and all it had to offer.


The hip penthouse of the Morgan Hotel was the venue for the champagne fuelled bash, which was in association with Delta Airlines and NYC & Co., New York’s official tourist board. Personally I didn’t think NYC needed much promotion, it’ll always be top o’ the heap in my book.


John is very excited about the massive revamps that his NY hotels are about to undertake, and rightly so. President McAleese will be dropping in soon when she’s in town, as will An Taoiseach, and I’m sure John and the team will make then feel at home. As he did with all his guests at last weeks party, who included Gerry Ryan, Sandra Byrne, Andrew Rudd and Katie Jane Goldin. Publisher Michael O’Doherty (who’s busy with plans for the upcoming VIP Style Awards) was there too, as was Glenda Gilson, Andy Boase, Rosanna Davison and Wes Quirke, who, coincidently, were just back from NYC.


After leaving the Morgan I popped into of The Porter House in Temple Bar, where Oliver Hughes was hosting the launch of the Stout Fest, which continues until March 19th in all Porter House bars. The famous Chocolate Truffle Stout makes a welcome return and among those I spotted were Roisin Tierney – Crowe, Jonothan Sultan, Malachy Geelan, PJ Gibbons and DJ Steve K. I also met Michelle Power, who runs a company called Boozeberries. Having sampled my first ever Boozeberrie a few years ago I am an ardent fan and so it was great to meet the woman who made it all happen!


No doubt there were a few booze berries at the end of last Monday nights launch party for Patrón, the premium tequila brand from the States. Not only has it been immortalised in many a rap song but it was also one of the official drinks at this years Oscar ceremony. With premium products, comes premium prices. Patrón tequila typically sells from €35 a shot in all good cocktail bars and €229 a bottle in quality off licences. Something to spend your SSIA on then.


Actor Kevin J. Ryan attended the party in Lillies (he himself making waves in the U.S.) as did the boys from DJ outfit Bodytonic, Killian O’Sullivan and model Sarah Kavanagh, despite it being a wet and windy night.

b young

Danish fashion label b young recently hosted a fashion lunch at No. 10 on South William Street. Pictured at the event are: 1. Caroline Scott and Tracy Ormiston, 2. Sinead Desmond and Finbar Ryan, 3. Sandra Bothwell, 4. Mary Malone and Jessie Collins.

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Pretty People

1. Astrid Brennan and Declan Leavy, and 2. Halina Ashdown Sheild and her daughter Debbie at the cocktail party hosted by Advanced Cosmetic Surgery in Cocoon to celebrate the first screening of TV3's Inside & Out.

Top Cats

At the Nokia / Topshop party were 1. Anna Pfeifer , 2. Sarah Deeney and Mundy and 3. Lisa and Carath Quinn .

Fashion statement

Look good, feel good I say. I can’t understand why people would not want to look their best at all times. On occasion I’ll ring up a gal pal and invite her out for a few after work cocktails only to be told that she can’t as she looks like a knacker and will not show her face around town.


“Have you had a stroke?” I’ll enquire, thinking that the only reason anyone would leave the house looking like a knacker is because they’ve taken leave of their senses.


OK, so it’s a figure of speech, but all the same I think you should be dressed up and ready to go anywhere at the drop of a, well, hat. I don’t understand all those celebrities who are pictured looking awful in tracksuit bottoms and oversize cardies. It’s not a good look and you really should know by now that the paps are out to get you. As for the phenomenon of wearing pyjamas to the shops / chipper / dole office here in Dublin, well don’t get me started. My time is precious enough without ranting on these pages about that fashion faux pas.


It’s nice to see that so many of the social set take pride in their appearance. Granted, some have the fashion sense of a blind person in TK Maxx, but thankfully they’re in the minority - and I guess they do provide the rest of us with good entertainment value, but I digress. It’s not easy dressing up all the time. Everyone scrutinising your outfit, accessories and hair – and that’s just the boys!


Thankfully there is always inspiration on the horizon. Nokia, those arbiters of style, recently announced the names of this years 12 finalists in the Nokia Young Designer of the Year competition. Moet & Chandon provided the fizz and Image Magazine.


The finalists were selected from design colleges across 32 counties, with eight of them chosen from the Limerick School of Art and Design and four from the National College of Art and Design – a great demonstration of the colleges’ commitment to fashion. The 8 LSAD students, chosen for their creativity and vision include; Sinead Lawlor from Co. Dublin, Aimée O'Beirne and Carol Hopkins both from Co. Kildare, Jane Horgan and Alanna Murphy from Co. Louth, Sarah Greer, a native of Co. Waterford, Fionnuala Donnelly from Co. Meath and Deirdre Brennan who hails from Co. Westmeath. The finalists selected from NCDA include Aislinn Sweeney from Co. Kerry, Paget Scott – McCarthy from Co. Cork, Jennifer Browne from Co. Dublin and Aoife Perry from Co. Kildare.


The panel consists of some of the leading figures in Irish and international fashion; Buying Director of Topshop, Caren Downie, Style Editor of Grazia magazine, Paula Reed, London based designer, Jonathon Saunders, young Irish fashion designer Leigh Tucker and accessories designer, Pauric Sweeney.


The finalists are now tasked with bringing their designs to life on the catwalk at a glittering finale in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre on Tuesday 27th March, where the overall winner will be crowned. Every year this show seems to get bigger and better (I remember fondly when it was an intimate event in Dundrum Town Centre car park) and it’s marvellous to see it prosper.


On the same evening Halina Ashdown Sheils and her crew at Advanced Cosmetic Surgery hosted a cocktail reception in Cocoon to celebrate the first screening of Inside & Out, a new 4 part makeover show on TV3. Nothing much new here in terms of originality, but the fact that it’s Irish, with Irish participants was enough to make me tune in. Cindy Caffola, Alan Amsby, PJ Gibbons, Sinead Ryan and Andrew Rudd were just some of the guests on the evening.


Three of the four candidates featured in the series were also there on the evening - Denise Hayes (the subject of the first programme) Deirdre Whelan and Carl Owens. And they looked pretty good to me.Ireland's first personal extreme makeover show, it’s a joint venture between TV3 and Edge Films and airs on TV3 each Wednesday at 8pm for the next four weeks (repeat on Sunday I think), with each programme following an individual over 12 weeks as they undergo a journey of self-discovery and transformation.


Speaking of transformations, Harcourt Street has been home to many nightclubs in it’s time, with many of them going through various incarnations. Krystle is one such place (and I’m afraid I don’t know what it was before, but that hardly matters). They recently launched their Thursday night club and if you’ve never been to Krystle then what are you waiting for?


It’s slick and stylish and has the most amazing outdoor smoking area in the city. Very Nikki Beach (without the pool, natch). Some of the heads I spotted there on Thursday night were Thomas Black of You’re A Star, Triona McCarthy, Helen O’Dwyer and Rosanna Davison.


Dress up and get down!

Bombay Sapphire

At the recent Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass Competition in Ely CHQ: 1. Kate Earlie, Wayne Cronin and Trish Algar, 2. Edel Kellet, 3. Rosanna Davison.

Drink up!

Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die. That’s an adage that I try and live up to. Its origins are from the Bible itself. Who am I to disgree? When party organisers want nothing more than for us to eat, drink and be merry it’s pretty hard not to. Lately there’s been a plethora of alcohol lead parties (remember kids, drink responsibly!), and as every socialite worth his or her hangover knows, they’re the best ones.


The large open expanse of the RHA Gallery (a hidden gem on Ely Place) was the venue for the extravagant relaunch of Rosemount Wines recently. In this day and age of ever changing consumer habits, it’s important to keep ahead of the competition, so Rosemount have not only improved on their wines but also introduced a new funky “diamond” shaped bottle. Basically the bottom of the wine bottle isn’t round but kinda square shaped. Or diamond shaped (depending on how much of the stuff you’ve had to drink).


Some of the cool cats at that soiree were Sophie Flynn – Rogers, back from Goa and an inspiration to us all; Avila Lipsett and Emily O’Donnell added a touch of glam as always, the former accompanied by her new beau, Stephen Day. Fraser Brown, Fergal Breen and Roisin Ni Mhordha were also among the guests who enjoyed themselves. One person who really enjoyed himself though was Jamie Macken who won a diamond worth €14,000 from http://www.diamond.ie/. Rumour had it that he was going to use it for an engagement ring, but I guess we’ll just have to wait and see if that happens!



I’m often asked to recommend good bars in Dublin and I tend to rattle off a list of my favoured watering holes. We all have our faves and it really is a matter of opinion – one persons Keoghs is another’s Cocoon. Guess which of that pair I’d recommend?


Anyhoo, the inimitable Trevor White has solved this conundrum by publishing The Dubliner Top 100 Bars book. Like his hugely successful Top 100 Restaurants guide, this handy little number will guide you through the good, the great and the best of Dublin pubs. Oddly enough Cocoon doesn’t make it onto the list (something about change of ownership as the book was going to print) but Keoghs is in the Top 10. Go figure.


The cavernous Odeon bar played host to the launch party (itself in the Top 10). To say the place was packed would be an understatement, but that’s a testament to the popularity of the boys at The Dubliner magazine. Some of the heads to pop along and show their support were Astrid Brennan, Sinead Ryan and Malachy Geelan, Kate Candon, Jonothon Sultan and John McKibbon, Elaine Byrne, Niall McCrudden and Fiona Roche. Incidentally, three of the aforementioned will be hosting lavish 40th birthday parties soon. If I’m lucky enough to score an invite you might be lucky enough to read all about them!



Diarmuid Gavin, one of Ireland’s best loved home grown (sorry, couldn’t resist - groan) talents, was in town lately to announce the winner of the Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass competition. Hosted in the impressive Ely CHQ restaurant, the finale attracted some of the hottest names in the future of Irish design.


There were an abundance of specially concocted Bombay Sapphire cocktails (made by the expert mixologists) served on the evening with the likes of Rosanna Davison and Wesley Quirke, RTE weather girl Audrey McGrath, Nadine Wai – O’Flynn, Andy Bowse, Ozzy Osbourne's son Louis and his wife Louise Osbourne (one of few outings for the couple since the birth of their son), Norman Pratt, stylist Graham Cruz, Malcolm Byrne, City Channel 's Izabela Chudzicka (with her new copper red hair do) and her new beau Eoin Mullally all enjoying them.

The American heat of this international contest attracted some 50 entries, while here some 300 were received, such is the talent on this fair isle. The top prize went to Edel Kellet, a third year student of NCAD, with her creation "NARINA", who now goes on to represent Ireland at the world final in Milan. Best wishes to her.




Speaking of Ely, the ever popular restaurant has just opened at yet another location, this time on Hanover Quay. Cleverly called Ely HQ (although perhaps confusing with the existing Ely CHQ?), it has the look and feel of a trendy Manhatten joint. As always the food is top notch (with chef Thomas Doyle in the kitchen), while the wine list is a connoisseurs dream. The launch party on Valentine’s Day proved to be a massive hit and was jammed with fans and supporters including Brendan O’Connor, Shirley Beere, Eoin Higgins, Joanne Rochford and Joan Scales.


While I’m on the subject of wine I have to mention that ENO Wine has just opened a new dedicated wine shop and restaurant in the IFSC on Mayor Square. In place there is an innovative card system that you credit and then use to sample the various different wines on offer. So you can taste very expensive wines that on a menu you normally might baulk at!




Rounding off (what reads like a special edition) I’ve heard that Dowlings on Baggot Street is to close. Former stomping ground of Gavin Lambe – Murphy, who has moved to Harry’s on Dawson Street, the premises will be turned into a new restaurant / food hall. Meanwhile the future of Maguire’s pub on Baggot Street is uncertain with rumours that apartments are to consume the building, ditto for The Pembroke pub around the corner.


Not to worry, with your new Top 100 Best Bars guide from The Dubliner you’ll have no end of new places to hang out in.

Winos

At the Rosemount party were: 1. Avila Lipsett, Stephen Day and Emily O'Donnell, 2. Anne Boylan and Triona McCarthy, 3. Jamie Macken and Aoife Gormley.

Crystal Clear

Last Monday night was a decidedly glamorous affair, as society darlings anddesigners joined RDS's Minerva Suite for an exclusivepreview of Waterford's new collections - including Evolution withdramatic shapes and striking designs, Grafton Street, a collection whichwas inspired by the architectural perfection of the Georgian era, andnew introduction of Clarendon Emerald to the existing Colleen and Clarendon collection as well as existing ranges such as the John Rocha collection.

Guests, who included John Rocha himself, sipped sparkling Moet et Chandon from stunning Waterford Seahorse flutes, while the room literally glittered under the brilliance of 12 exquisite chandeliers. Also among those present were Bill O’Herlihy and his wife Hilary and writer Marisa Mackle, who recently signed a publishing deal with Hodder Headline, which will see her work distributed around Europe.

From behind the counter of a bespoke built bar, dressed with Waterford Crystal pendants, Dublin's hottest mixologist, Ger Healy created delicious Bombay Sapphire 'Blue Sapphire' cocktails - which perfectly complemented the 'Raspberry Rose' served in the beautiful Siren martini glass.

In advance of this, Alan Crowley, Master of Wine for Edward Dillon & Co. , treated invited guests to a wine tasting event with Waterford Crystal shiping 12 bottles of the renowned Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir into Ireland especially for the event especially for the tasting. Also there were fashionistas Bairbre Power, Roxanne Parker and Cathy O’Connor, wedding planner Tara Fay (in full bloom of pregnancy) and model Alex Fitzgerald.

Stylish girls

At the Yana K fashion show in Floridita: 1. Lara Casey and Rebecca Davis. 2. Kate Scully Owens and Pam Flood. 3. Pippa O'Connor and Gail Kaneswaren.

Gormley's Fine Art

At the Michael Smyth exhibition in Gormley's Fine Art gallery: 1. Wayne Cronin and Benoit Bringer. 2. Roisin O'Hea and Michael Smyth.

First batch of 2007

Rumours of my demise are greatly exaggerated; I just took a brief respite over the holidays. A quick trawl through my 2006 appointment diary revealed that I attended 278 events last year (I deserved that rest)! That’s a lot of canapés, wine, champagne and goodie bags. And even more hangovers (I drink responsibly though and always take a couple of LifeLine Hangover Defence capsules pre party).


As always, the social scene is slow to kick off in the New Year. People are still away, nursing those headaches and making promises that will be broken come February. Slow though it may have been, it’s back. Champagne flutes are being polished, guest lists updated and plans are afoot for what is set to be a great year.


One of my first engagements this year was the opening night of Michael Smyth’s exhibition at the Gormley Fine Art on South Fredrick Street. The Belfast born artist has had a busy few years taking on commissions and fans alike. Joanna Lumley loves his work.


The exhibition, entitled ‘Still Changing’, featured paintings and sculpture (with the central theme being the female form and fauna) and built on Smyth’s earlier solo show in Belfast. Among the guests enjoying the hospitality of gallery owner Oliver Gormley were Darren Kennedy and Loraine Brett, Roisin Ni Mhordha (who has just set up her own PR consultancy, Impression) and fashion journalist Bairbre Power, who was jetting off to Paris the next day.


The first fashion show of 2007 also took place recently. Eponymous design Yana K is now available in Ireland, thanks to the keen eye of Kate Scully Owens, whose agency will distribute the gear. Celebrity admirers include Paris Hilton, Lisa Marie Presley, Megan Good and Nicole Richie.

Floridita, one of the hottest new bars on the Dublin circuit, was the location for the show which attracted many of this town’s fashionistas. Among them were TV presenter Pamela Flood, Nadine Wai – O’Flynn, Brendan Rogers, Emily O’Donnell, Richard Kavanagh and Sandra Bothwell, model Gail Kaneswaren and DJ Hugh Scully.


Speaking of fashion, supermodel Yasmin Le Bon was in town recently in her capacity as an ambassador for luxury lifestyle brand Newbridge Silverware. They hosted a champagne reception at the recent Showcase Ireland fair in the RDS to celebrate their latest additions to the ever popular range. A new dedicated men’s line called ‘Style for Men’ is sure to be a big hit.


William and Oonagh Doyle of Newbridge Silverware played host to the large number of guests who included Mary Irwin of TV3, Triona McCarthy, designer Rachel Mackey and rugby star Ronan O’Gara. Oh, and about 20 members of the paparazzi.

Good Health in 2007

Pictured at the recent SANAS health salon party: 1. Aine Killilea and Priscilla Kotey. 2. Siobhan O'Connor and Fran Cosgrave. 

Festivities begin

Appreciators of art were out en force on Wednesday for the opening of the new Urban Retreat gallery on Hanvoer Quay, in the newest part of the Dublin docklands development. The evening kicked off with the rousing sounds of the bodhran, as Liam O’Maonlai and Ronan O’Snodaigh of Kila sang with the aid of radio mikes while rowing a currach in the waters off Grand Canal Dock. That sound was soon replaced by that of champagne corks popping inside the state-of-the-art gallery, which is run by the Cill Rialaig Project, the artists retreat in Kerry set up by Noelle Campbell – Sharpe.


The new gallery will feature works by Irish and international artists who have been resident at the Kerry retreat, with the inaugural exhibition featuring Cork based artist Martin Finnin with “The World is Blue like an Orange”. Judging by the number of pieces that were sold on the night, it was a massive hit with the assembled guests. In fact, Martin’s last show in Limerick sold out in just thirty minutes with many buyers disappointed at being unable to acquire one of his highly prized, colourful and sensitive pieces.


Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism John O’Donoghue TD, himself a Kerryman, officiated on the evening and delivered a passionate speech full of pride and praise for the Cill Rialaig Project, echoing everyone’s sentiments and delight at the new venture. He even joked that An Taoiseach should hire Noelle as a campaign manager come the next general election!


The 400 guests were treated to an after party in the impressive new Ely restaurant next door, which officially opens to the public in January. The diplomatic corps was well represented with ambassadors from France, Spain, Japan, Slovenia and Brazil all in attendance. Also present were Diarmuid Gavin and his wife Madeline Keane, interior designer Peter Willis, Marie Louise Kenny, architect Hugh Wallace and Jackie Lavin, who has just launched a new perfume with her husband Bill Cullen. The sweet smell of success perhaps?



I’m already a little bored of mince pies and mulled wine so I popped into Jaipur, my favourite Indian restaurant, on Dublin’s Georges Street yesterday for some lunch that didn’t have the ubiquitous Christmas flavour. Well, to say that the place was buzzing with a who’s who of people would be an understatement.

PR guru and co-star of the RTE show It’s My Party Sinead Ryan was there with Andrew Rudd, foodie extraordinaire. He’s just completed a series of cookery demonstrations which took in most of the Munster counties and still has a few Ireland AM appearances penciled in before the holidays.

Naiose Nunn was celebrating the success of his Leviathan political cabaret show which took place the previous night in CrawDaddy. A 3rd Anniversary special, it featured Harry Crosbie and Katie Hannon amongst others and was compared by the inimitable David McWilliams. Naoise was dining with Paddy Cullivan, a.k.a. Clint Velour, who many of you will know heads up the popular Camembert Quartet band, residents on the Tubridy Tonight show. At an adjacent table were Sharyn Mitchell, Mark Wooderson and Jim Sheridan of acclaimed TV production company Another Avenue, no doubt plotting their next small screen hit.

Creative ladies who lunch were well represented by publicist Roisin Ni Mhordha, artist Elaine Byrne and writer Carol Hunt. Elaine tells me that her latest project, The Collectors Club, is going from strength to strength with the aforementioned Harry Crosbie among her many fans. Elsewhere I spotted cartoonist Tom Matthews, Brian Barnes of Spirit nightclub and photographer Malachy Geelan. Despite the welcome non-festive food a very merry time was had by all.




It’s only fashionable to be late when you’re a model. And there were plenty of them at two stylish events this week. Brendan Scully and Sean Montague of the BScene agency hosted a Jameson cocktail party in SPY on Tuesday night for their good looking troupe and they’re admirers, who included stylist Leone Amon, Benoit Bringer and Ireland’s Miss Europe Jill Macken, who looked stunning in a Tyrell & Brennan dress.

The BScene agents have had a hectic few weeks, which culminated with a trip to London last week to see one of their protégés in action. Dean McCarthy, a BScene acting student, has just taken to the stage as Billy in Billy Elliott, the hit West End musical. The 14-year-old scored the top role after a grueling round of auditions earlier this year and last week started his run as the lead, with no less than three standing ovations on the opening night of his debut performance.

Last night, the young and the restless (or should that be “guest list”?) included Glenda Gilson, Andrea Roche and Rosanna Davison, who were all at the Assets Model Agency annual Christmas bash at Parker Browns nightclub in Dundrum Town Centre. The beautiful Lisa Murphy, who I’d spotted earlier in the week at the opening of the new Chinatown Christmas Market in Smithfield, told me of her recent charity trip to Uganda. An international model if ever there was one.



The Loft space at the Powerscourt Centre was packed out on Thursday evening for the one night only exhibition by photographer and photo artist Yvonne Kelly. Having traveled extensively throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe, Yvonne has shown a flair for capturing moments and moods and has that rare and valuable gift - a natural eye for the 'perfect shot'.

Having built up an impressive portfolio of work over a number of years, she decided to hold an exhibition, with the sale proceeds going to the Entally Children's Orphanage in Calcutta, a project she visited while on her travels. Delighted with the turnout on the evening, Yvonne thrilled: “My aim is to raise funds so that these orphaned kids can receive an education, make a contribution to society and be helped achieve their dreams! The amount raised tonight will go a long way to help make that happen”.

Some of the many supporters on the evening included Yvonne’s father, Cavan based solicitor John V. Kelly, Anna Cullivan and her daughter Yvonne, TV and radio presenter Taragh Loughrey – Grant and Daniela Crawley from the St. Patricks Day festival, who told me that they are already very busy with plans for next years celebrations.



Glitz and glam was the name of the game at the Smirnoff Casino Royale Christmas Extravaganza that took place at Wrights Café Bar in Swords on Thursday night.

Roulette, blackjack, entertainers, flame throwers and DJ’s made it a night to remember as the great and the good of Nouth County Dublin, including Killian O’Sullivan, Brian Ormond and Siobhan Mc Clafferty, turned out in their finest.

The Bond themed event attracted some 500 revelers with high rollers such as Keith Duffy, model Jenny Lee Masterson, Niall Mc Crudden and Ray Shah taking to the tables. Everything was all Wright on the night though with no major losses reported.



There were a plethora of Christmas parties on this week, but who better to host a party than another party (political, that is). Fine Gael hosted a drinks reception in the Alexander Hotel this week, which was well attended by the entire parliamentary party, movers, shakers and the media. Indeed, a great number of the Labour party were on the guest list too. Among the party faithful were David Davin – Power, GAA star Graham Geraghty and TV3’s Ursula Halligan.

Fianna Fail hosted their festive soiree at Ron Blacks on the same evening, a low key event but well attended by the party nonetheless. An Taoiseach welcomed RTE’s Joe Duffy and Mary Wilson, Martin Macken and Rodney Rice amongst others.

That same evening I attended an intimate champagne reception hosted by The Gloss Magazine. Dynamic duo Sarah and Jane McDonnell have had a very busy year, producing one of the most exciting and impressive publications this country has ever seen. Many well-wishers turned out to support the sisters, including Norman Pratt, Gillian O’Loughlin and charity PR Sophie Flynn Rogers, who, by the time you read this, will be on her way to Goa where she plans to spend the next month. Now that’s what I call The Gloss.

Party Pics

At the opening party party for the new Rudd Brothers food store: 1. Barbara Connolly and Brendan Rogers. 2. Elaine Byrne and Simon Rudd.

Pictured at the opening of the new Rudd Brothers food emporium in Blackrock Market were: 1. Andrew Rudd. 2. Aoife Meldon and Alex Dickson. 3. Ross Robertson, Naomi Caroll and Jane McMahon.

At the PSP+ME event were: 1. Des Bishop and 2. Simone Rocha.

Food for thought

Acclaimed writer Fran Leibowitz once said that food is an essential part of a healthy diet. I couldn’t agree more. And neither would Andrew and Simon Rudd of the newly opened Rudd Brothers food store in Blackrock. I took a trip out there recently where the brothers Rudd were hosting an informal soirée to celebrate the opening of their latest venture. Broadcaster Derek Davis was delighted to be there doing the honours and gave a passionate speech about how we should all strive to eat well and support those who produce good food. Again, I couldn’t agree more.

Among the guests on the evening were Brendan and Ruth Walsh, Joanne Byrne, John McKibbon and Jonothan Sultan (off to NYC for some festive shopping the next day) and photographer Malachy Geelan, who had just returned from Florence where he did a fashion shoot with Kip Carroll for Salvatore Ferragamo no less.

The shop, in Blackrock Market, is a gourmand’s heaven and stocks a wide variety of foods (including the delicious Prue & Simon’s line of rashers and sausages) as well as essential bits and pieces for the kitchen. Perfect Christmas gifts for the foodie in your life.

Top of many Christmas lists this year will, no doubt, be a PSP (Play Station Portable) and those who can’t get their hands on one in time for the 25^th may not have appreciated the PSP+ME show which was hosted in FilmBase last week.

For the project, a plethora of creatives produced original work across a range of disciplines including art, design, fashion, music, motion, illustration and photography, which challenge the perception of PSP. My friend thought it a huge waste of good PSPs but it was art, and very good art too. PSPs well spent if you ask me.

On the same night (and a wet miserable one it was too) I ventured up to The Village where Coke and iTunes were hosting an exclusive event to celebrate the launch of their joint venture. Irish group The Blizzards played a storming set as the crowd, who included Jenny Houston, TV presenters Michelle Doherty and Taragh Loughrey – Grant, Tonie Walsh and Deborah McGee, got bigger and bigger. They were all there to see The Rapture, who practically blew the roof off. The Killers were also supposed to make a brief appearance, but alas they cancelled their big gig in the RDS that night.

Incidentally, nearly every launch event with any link to music is held in The Village, and, while I like the place (the excellent Songs of Praise rock karaoke of a Sunday night is a must), it does get a bit boring after the umpteenth party. Here’s hoping that Tripod, the long-awaited John Reynolds venue at the old Harcourt St. railway station, takes some of the action. I was there last Saturday night and I have to say the place looks great. After all the delays and false starts in opening it was worth the wait.

During the week I also attended the Barnardos Spirit of Christmas Gala Ball in Dublin Castle. Usually the location for State dinners and Presidential inaugurations, St. Patricks Hall made for an amazing venue and guests were even encouraged to wander the state apartments and have a look. Well worth a visit if you haven’t already been.

Miriam O’Callaghan was the MC for the evening, with Minister for Children Noel Dempsey TD the guest of honour. Among those in their finery were Dee Breen of Harvey Nichols, Triona McCarthy, Brendan Howlin TD, Paddy Bollard and Eimear Quinn and Jane O’Keeffe, who has recently been appointed Marketing Manager for Dundrum Town Centre. Being the busiest time of year for retail, I really hope she has the spirit of Christmas!

Party People

At the Social & Personal Top 100 Party People of the year bash in Cafe en Seine were: 1. Lisa Fitzpatrick. 2. Kim Byrne and Halina Ashdowne - Sheils. 3. Lisa Cummins and John Compton. 4. Johanna and Caoilinn Taylor. 5. Neasa Mellett, Cindy Cafolla and Amanda Brunker.

Top 100 Party People

The big party that kicks off the Christmas social season is the Social & Personal Top 100 Party People of the year event, and last weeks bash certainly had everyone in attendance in a festive mood. Definitely one of the most well attended social occasions of the year, it brings out the party faithful in their glitz and glam and the theme of “ghetto fabulous” didn’t disappoint. Even the venue, Café en Seine, resembled Mortons of L.A. at Vanity Fair Oscar party time.

Inclusion on “The List”, this year in association with Corona Extra, is determined by a panel of judges who start with over a thousand names and then narrow it down to 100. The esteemed panel was made up of top model and Bubble Hits presenter Glenda Gilson, publicist (and star of TV show It’s My Party) Sinead Ryan, Sunday Indo social diarist Barry Egan, TV presenter Laura Woods, Lillies Bordello boss Dave Morrissey and fashionista Maria Fusco, of Ave Maria.

Claiming the top spot this year is An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, TD, who is usually guest of honour at any event he attends. With a diary more packed than my own, he also plays host to the world’s leaders on a regular basis. A deserving winner of this most sought after accolade, he was, ironically, unable to attend the party but met with Social & Personal publisher PJ Gibbons at government buildings earlier in the day to receive his award.

Making up the rest of the top 5 positions were Rosanna Davison, who attended with her boyfriend Wes Quirke – the hottest couple about town; the glamorous Lisa Murphy, who is currently in Uganda on a charity mission; TV3 fashion stylist Lisa Fitzpatrick, who was the belle of the ball and broadcaster Gerry Ryan, who had been rushed to hospital earlier in the week and was not present, natch (although if he had been there then that really would have upped his party cred).

Among the other favoured few to make the list were Miss Ireland Sarah Morrissey, actor George McMahon, Sir Jack Leslie, beauty guru Triona McCarthy, Conrad Gallagher, Brian O’Dricsoll, Enya and newscaster Anne Doyle. My position on the list is just beneath the gorgeous Andrea Roche, who is joined by her pals Gail Kaneswaren and Roberta Rowat.

As I said, it was a very well attended event and some of those I spotted were Amanda Brunker, Ross Robertson, Paul Byrom and Niall McCrudden, Mr. Ireland Simon Hales, Keith Foran and Ivano Cafolla Jnr., Robbie Fox, Sonia Macari, Rachel Kavanagh and Phil Cosby (Bing’s grandson, no less).

The festivities continued in Lillies and Renards until late night (or should that be early morning?), with the party people living up to their well-earned reputations.

Swarovski

In City Hall for the Swarovski show and party were: 1. Kate Synott, Derrick Carberry and Paula Callen - O'Keeffe. 2. Avila Lipsett and Emily O'Donnell. 3. Irma modelling Swarovski. 4. Nikki Hayes and Marissa Mackle.

Nokia 8800

At the Nokia 8800 Sirocco Limited Edition launch party were: 1. Caroline Sleiman and Karl Purdy. 2. Gráinne Seoige and Graham Knuttel. 3. Aisling Kilduff and Siobhan Carnigie. 4. Benoit Bringer and Wayne Cronin.

Festive Bling!

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 1^st 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 14^th), 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.

Pictured at the recent opening of the fabulous new Karen Millen store on Grafton Street are (l-r): Karen Millen, Ian Galvin, Caroline Morahan and Pamela Flood.

Guggi and Gavin Friday (left) and Astrid Brennan, Orla Deane and Rachel Kavanagh (right) pictured at recent Top 100 Best Restaurants launch by The Dubliner.

Fabulous Food & Fashion

Not many fashion labels can claim to be top of their game for over 21 years. And even less of them are Irish. Congratulations then to Kartel, the menswear brand that has been a staple of the golf course for over 21 years. They celebrated with a big party in Samasara recently with invitations that were accompanied with the “key of the door”. If your key fit the lock then congratulations, you won a prize (the first birthday party I’ve attended where the guests get gifts).

International golfer Padraig Harrington was a guest of honour – he’s been a supporter of Kartel (and vice versa) for many years – and was high on his recent European Tour Order of Merit win. Other guests there on the night included Social & Personal publisher PJ Gibbons, Declan and Derbhla Leavy, Glenda Gilson, Alan Amsby, rugby player Malcolm O’Kelly and Richard Kavanagh.

Later on that evening I ventured down to the IFSC where Budweiser were hosting an event to launch the BudLight brand in Ireland. The vast space of chq was the location and TV / radio star Vernon Kay was the man of the night. I’m still not sure what the point of drafting in Mr. Kay was but as far as entertainment goes it was, well, entertaining. More wedding DJ than club DJ. And the vast chq space left some looking for an atmosphere.

Nonetheless, guests such as Eoin Higgins, Nadine and Sarah Jane Wai – O’Flynn, author Marisa Mackle and Norman Pratt enjoyed the gig, with some of them continuing on to SIN for Maria Fusco’s fashion show which featured her trendy Ave Maria store and, which I’m reliably informed, went on till the wee small hours.

One recent party that certainly did not lack atmosphere was the launch of The Dubliner's Top 100 Best Restaurants Guide. The magnificent Banking Hall in The Westin hotel was the location for what has become one of the best-attended parties of the year. Publisher Trevor White (fresh from a trip to NYC) certainly knows how to play host and at one stage I even spotted him topping up guest’s glasses with Santa Rita vino, which flowed all evening.

This years people’s choice award went to l’Gueuleton, the very popular French eatery on Fade Street which still has punters queuing up around the corner in the hope of securing an 8pm table. A triumphant Troy Maguire was on hand to accept the award.

The guide itself has experienced somewhat of a makeover and now sports a funky new look, which no doubt will ensure a broader appeal. There are a number of new additions this year (and indeed a few omissions) but as always it’s the discerning gourmands of Dublin’s public who have the greatest say in what restaurants make the cut.

Some of the discerning gourmands present on the evening included Gavin Friday and his artist pal Guggi, Sinead Ryan, Brendan O’Connor, model Carmel Mannion, TV chef Andrew Rudd, Fiachna O’Braonáin, Jay Bourke and RTE’s Kelly Barnes. Bon appetit (which, as my French friend tells me, they don’t say in France)!

It would appear that many of the aforementioned gourmands are also beauty junkies, as many of them went from The Dubliner party to Cocoon, where Donna Ledwidge was hosting a birthday party for her popular Donnybrook beauty salon High Maintenance. Stylist to the stars Leoné Amore was looking every inch an effortless high maintenance girl, as was Triona McCarthy and her sister Laura. Rosanna Davison was also there with her new beau, the dashing Wesley Quirke. Incidentally, look out for Wes’ brother Andy’s new single, Skanger Me Banger, which will be in shops before Christmas. No, seriously!

One of the most glamorous events of late has been the opening party of the swanky new Karen Millen store on Grafton Street. The fashion stakes were high (and the heels too) as the paparazzi scrum outside the store caught the arrival of the stylish guests, who included hot duo Pamela Flood and Caroline Morahan, Gayle Killilea, Lisa Breen – Fitzpatrick, Roisín Ní Mhordha and Margaret Nelson.

Inside, the store looks amazing. It could easily be the interior of London’s latest hip club or New York’s newest hotel. Lights, mirrors, glass and that ceiling! All offset of course by the beautiful threads that hung “off the rails”. TV presenter Anna Nolan, Alan Bruton and Sonya Mohlich, top model Andrea Roche, The Sunday Times’ Enda Leahy (who recently picked up a Law Society Justice Media Award) and Larissa Nolan, Collette Fitzpatrick and Debbie O’Donnell were also among those present.

The Tattinger flowed all night as we were treated to a fashion show of the latest KM pieces, after a touching ad-libbed speech from Ian Galvin, head of Mosaic Ireland, the company responsible for the brand and many others including Coast and Whistles.

Of course the star of the evening was Ms. Karen Millen herself. She leapt from a chauffeur driven car into the arms of the paps and subsequently glided around the party from air kiss to air kiss wearing the highest heels I’d ever seen. She’s a petit woman, but as I said, the fashion stakes were high.

Nik Quaiffe and Louise O'Reilly enjoy The Dubliner Top 100 Best Restaurants launch party at The Westin recently.