Childrens charity the Bubble Gum Club recently organised a Helecruise for sick children which saw over 50 helicopters mobilised around the country, scenes of which are captured here.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Bubble Gum Club Helecruise
Childrens charity the Bubble Gum Club recently organised a Helecruise for sick children which saw over 50 helicopters mobilised around the country, scenes of which are captured here.
Sweet Smell of Success
The latest instalment of the hugely popular Shrek movie franchise premiered in Dublin last week to much fanfare. Fittingly hosted in the largest movie theatre in the land, Savoy No.1, the place was abuzz with excitement, from adults and kids alike, many of whom arrived early to meet the ogre himself.
Keith and Lisa Duffy, Marty Whelan, Niall McCrudden, Gerry Ryan and Taragh Loughrey – Grant were all in attendance and accompanied by their cute offspring. Also there were Joanne Byrne, stylist Cathy O’Connor and socialite Richard Spence, who has just launched his latest venture, www.myoverseasproperty.ie. I highly recommend it (the website - and having a property overseas).
As you would expect, Shrek the Third is full of witty one-liners aimed to please a broad audience – the aforementioned young and old. It’s funny but I thought not as funny as the first two and it would have been wise for the producers to leave it at that (but I see that Shrek 4 is already in the making). Sure to be a huge hit, it’s quality chewing gum for the brain.
One man who knows when to leave on a high note is writer, producer and actor David Coffey. He’s the brains behind the RTE hit Dan & Becs, which has been commissioned for a second series and will be broadcast in September. However, Dave has decided not to continue the series after that and wants to leave on a high note, alá The Office.
The second series has already been completed and he is now working on his next projects, he told me when I met him at a party hosted by Finlandia Vodka last Thursday. We were in top nightclub Renards to celebrate midsummer night, which apparently is a huge event in Finland and is marked as a joyous occasion. As the club was transformed from blue to green to red (to signify the changing elements of the day) we were treated to a range of different cocktails from the mixologists at Finlandia.
Society fave Avila Lipsett provided the DJ intro (she’s currently the most in demand DJ in town) with Mo Kelly and Arveen playing into the night. Trevor Musgrave (just back from Marrakesh), Rachel Kavanagh, Ivano Cafolla, Nadine Wai – O’Flynn, stylist Graham Cruz, music mogul Simon Rudd and Richard Kavanagh, who is getting ready to host the Social & Personal summer party this week, also enjoyed the evening.
A party with a difference was hosted by Fragrances of Ireland last week, to launch Inis Or, the latest scent in their ever popular perfume collection - fact fans: Inis is the best selling perfume in Ireland. Apart from the new perfume itself, the bash took place on board the Jeanie Johnston, a stunning replica of a 19th century sailing ship. Very Pirates of the Caribbean.
The intimate and trés exclusive event (numbers were restricted due to the location – and girls couldn’t wear heels!) was attended by a host of style setters lead by Sophie Labbé, the French lady who is the 'nose' for Fragrances of Ireland and the person who is responsible for Inis Or.
While I'm on the subject of style setters, I have to tell you how impressed with new gourmet burger joint Jo Burger in Rathmines. These guys know about understated cool. Graffiti art on the walls, vintage comic annuals as menus, live DJ everynight. And the food! The last time I was there I saw a gang from Food & Wine magazine at the next table, and they're not easily pleased.
Jo Burger - the sauce on a bun burger.
Keith and Lisa Duffy, Marty Whelan, Niall McCrudden, Gerry Ryan and Taragh Loughrey – Grant were all in attendance and accompanied by their cute offspring. Also there were Joanne Byrne, stylist Cathy O’Connor and socialite Richard Spence, who has just launched his latest venture, www.myoverseasproperty.ie. I highly recommend it (the website - and having a property overseas).
As you would expect, Shrek the Third is full of witty one-liners aimed to please a broad audience – the aforementioned young and old. It’s funny but I thought not as funny as the first two and it would have been wise for the producers to leave it at that (but I see that Shrek 4 is already in the making). Sure to be a huge hit, it’s quality chewing gum for the brain.
One man who knows when to leave on a high note is writer, producer and actor David Coffey. He’s the brains behind the RTE hit Dan & Becs, which has been commissioned for a second series and will be broadcast in September. However, Dave has decided not to continue the series after that and wants to leave on a high note, alá The Office.
The second series has already been completed and he is now working on his next projects, he told me when I met him at a party hosted by Finlandia Vodka last Thursday. We were in top nightclub Renards to celebrate midsummer night, which apparently is a huge event in Finland and is marked as a joyous occasion. As the club was transformed from blue to green to red (to signify the changing elements of the day) we were treated to a range of different cocktails from the mixologists at Finlandia.
Society fave Avila Lipsett provided the DJ intro (she’s currently the most in demand DJ in town) with Mo Kelly and Arveen playing into the night. Trevor Musgrave (just back from Marrakesh), Rachel Kavanagh, Ivano Cafolla, Nadine Wai – O’Flynn, stylist Graham Cruz, music mogul Simon Rudd and Richard Kavanagh, who is getting ready to host the Social & Personal summer party this week, also enjoyed the evening.
A party with a difference was hosted by Fragrances of Ireland last week, to launch Inis Or, the latest scent in their ever popular perfume collection - fact fans: Inis is the best selling perfume in Ireland. Apart from the new perfume itself, the bash took place on board the Jeanie Johnston, a stunning replica of a 19th century sailing ship. Very Pirates of the Caribbean.
The intimate and trés exclusive event (numbers were restricted due to the location – and girls couldn’t wear heels!) was attended by a host of style setters lead by Sophie Labbé, the French lady who is the 'nose' for Fragrances of Ireland and the person who is responsible for Inis Or.
While I'm on the subject of style setters, I have to tell you how impressed with new gourmet burger joint Jo Burger in Rathmines. These guys know about understated cool. Graffiti art on the walls, vintage comic annuals as menus, live DJ everynight. And the food! The last time I was there I saw a gang from Food & Wine magazine at the next table, and they're not easily pleased.
Jo Burger - the sauce on a bun burger.
Ahoy!
On board the Jeanie Johnston for the launch of Inis Or, the new perfume from Fragarences of Ireland, were: 1. Niamh Hickey, Jane Morgan and Marie McGrath; 2.David Cox, Sophie Labbé and Lilabeth Horn; 3. Carol Hayes, Lisa Brady and Corina Kenna.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Shop 'til you drop...
Kildare Village, the newsest designer outlet on the block, hosted their grand opening last week with a magnificent party. Among the guests were: 1. Ian Galvin and Fran Nolan; 2. Tamso doyle; 3. John Minihan and Maureen Bergin ; 4. Davido Crescenzi and Eileen Dunne; 5.Virginia Macari and Tara O'Leary and Tara Leinster. According to CondéNast Traveller, it is one of Europe’s “best sources of chic yet affordable clothing”, with thirty-six international designer labels .
Friday, June 15, 2007
Open!
Newbridge Silverware recently opened their new Style Icons Museum with a gala evening. At it were: 1. Ronan O'Gara and his wife Jessica; 2. Jackie Lavin and Bill Cullen; 3. Commissioner Charlie McCreevy; 4. Katy French and Andrea Roche.
Summer Feeling?
As I write this, the weather outside is more akin to a damp, cold November day – not mid June! Have we had our Summer already? No, of course not, but it’s a saying that pessimists bandy about every year. I always see the bright side and I’m sure there are more tropical climes just over the horizon …
Just like the clear blue sky, hot sunny days that we had last weekend – the perfect weather for Garden Party, the intimate music event that took place at Ballinlough Castle last Saturday. The Pet Shop Boys played a blinder and Hot Chip did not disappoint the capacity crowd they played to. Among those I spotted around the fabulous walled gardens were fashion designer Virginia Macari, Sinead Ni Chonaill (just back from Rome), Andrea Dillon Horan, Eoin Higgins from The Dubliner, Melanie Morris of Image and DJ Hugh Scully, all getting some practice in for Electric Picnic which happens at the end of August.
Tuesday night saw the reopening of the very famous Ierne ballroom as Caffertys @ The Ierne on Parnell Square. The VIP reception saw many of those who had been involved with the Ierne, and bands of the time, attending. Now, if you don’t know what I mean by ‘of the time’ then don’t worry, it probably wasn’t your time but may have been your parents.
Joe Dolan came to see the wonderfully restored and modernised ballroom and former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds was in great form as he officially opened the venue. He owned and operated a group of ballrooms many years ago so was in familiar territory. Also attending was the legendary performer Sean Dunphy who represented Ireland in the Eurovision many years ago (and whose son Brian will be appearing later this month in the venue). Others at the reception included Hugh Hardy who managed Larry Cunningham and The Mighty Avons, Corrina Grant, Miss Ireland Sarah Morrissey and Aoife Cogan. After the party the first performer to take to the stage was Jimmy Buckley who performed to the opening night audience.
The venue plans to have a mixture of top bands, like Jimmy Buckley, Mick Flavin, Indians, Louise Morrissey to middle of the road bands like Dickie Rock, Showband Show, Bjorn Again Dominic Kirwan to late night discos and is aimed at the 25 plus age group with late bars nightly. Rock on!
Sarah Morrissey had a busy week. She was also at the ‘tasty’ Dressing up for Summer party hosted by Helmanns on Wednesday. Her year as reigning Miss Ireland comes to a close at the end of this month as the Miss Ireland finals take place in Cork. She was one of the models at the fashion show and party in Fallon & Byrne, with Samantha Mumba, magic man Keith Barry, actress Amy Huberman, Andrew Rudd, Roisin Ni Mhordha and Katy French also in attendance.
Incidentally, I also had dinner there during the week and spotted Bill Cullen and Jackie Lavin, TV presenter Taragh Loughrey – Grant and writer Lorcan Roche amongst the diners. Lorcan has just released his latest novel The Companion and is in the process of choosing which studio is to get the film rights to the book.
Speaking of tasty food, Taste of Dublin is on this weekend in the Iveagh Gardens, off Harcourt Street. Among the celebrity chefs in attendance are Anthony Worrell Thompson, Angela Hartnet of The Connaught in London, Frederic Condonnier of The Mill at The Village at Lyons and Derry Clarke of l’Ecrivain. Should the miserable weather stay away I recommend you head there for some great grub and vino collapso in what used to be Dublin’s best kept secret.
Just like the clear blue sky, hot sunny days that we had last weekend – the perfect weather for Garden Party, the intimate music event that took place at Ballinlough Castle last Saturday. The Pet Shop Boys played a blinder and Hot Chip did not disappoint the capacity crowd they played to. Among those I spotted around the fabulous walled gardens were fashion designer Virginia Macari, Sinead Ni Chonaill (just back from Rome), Andrea Dillon Horan, Eoin Higgins from The Dubliner, Melanie Morris of Image and DJ Hugh Scully, all getting some practice in for Electric Picnic which happens at the end of August.
Tuesday night saw the reopening of the very famous Ierne ballroom as Caffertys @ The Ierne on Parnell Square. The VIP reception saw many of those who had been involved with the Ierne, and bands of the time, attending. Now, if you don’t know what I mean by ‘of the time’ then don’t worry, it probably wasn’t your time but may have been your parents.
Joe Dolan came to see the wonderfully restored and modernised ballroom and former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds was in great form as he officially opened the venue. He owned and operated a group of ballrooms many years ago so was in familiar territory. Also attending was the legendary performer Sean Dunphy who represented Ireland in the Eurovision many years ago (and whose son Brian will be appearing later this month in the venue). Others at the reception included Hugh Hardy who managed Larry Cunningham and The Mighty Avons, Corrina Grant, Miss Ireland Sarah Morrissey and Aoife Cogan. After the party the first performer to take to the stage was Jimmy Buckley who performed to the opening night audience.
The venue plans to have a mixture of top bands, like Jimmy Buckley, Mick Flavin, Indians, Louise Morrissey to middle of the road bands like Dickie Rock, Showband Show, Bjorn Again Dominic Kirwan to late night discos and is aimed at the 25 plus age group with late bars nightly. Rock on!
Sarah Morrissey had a busy week. She was also at the ‘tasty’ Dressing up for Summer party hosted by Helmanns on Wednesday. Her year as reigning Miss Ireland comes to a close at the end of this month as the Miss Ireland finals take place in Cork. She was one of the models at the fashion show and party in Fallon & Byrne, with Samantha Mumba, magic man Keith Barry, actress Amy Huberman, Andrew Rudd, Roisin Ni Mhordha and Katy French also in attendance.
Incidentally, I also had dinner there during the week and spotted Bill Cullen and Jackie Lavin, TV presenter Taragh Loughrey – Grant and writer Lorcan Roche amongst the diners. Lorcan has just released his latest novel The Companion and is in the process of choosing which studio is to get the film rights to the book.
Speaking of tasty food, Taste of Dublin is on this weekend in the Iveagh Gardens, off Harcourt Street. Among the celebrity chefs in attendance are Anthony Worrell Thompson, Angela Hartnet of The Connaught in London, Frederic Condonnier of The Mill at The Village at Lyons and Derry Clarke of l’Ecrivain. Should the miserable weather stay away I recommend you head there for some great grub and vino collapso in what used to be Dublin’s best kept secret.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Caffertys @ The Ierne
At the opening night of Caffertys @ The Ierne were: 1. Ben Dolan, former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and Joe Dolan; 2.Corinna Grant and Aoife Cogan; 3. Corinna Grant and ballroom owner James Cafferty; 4. Sarah Morrisey and Baiba Neilande.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Lucien Freud
Pictured attending the opening of the Lucian Freud Exhibition, which was held in the Irish Museum of Modern Art and runs until September 2nd, were 1. Nicola Gordon-Bow and Janet Mullarney; 2. Betty Ballagh and Mick O’Dea; 3. Professor John S. Ratcliffe and Mark Pearce; 4. Marianne Kelly and Kim Warnock; 5. Anne Mahon and Joe Mulholland.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Freudian slips
Hollywood, hhe land where showbiz was born (and rehab, but that’s another story), has come to Co. Kildare! If you fancy seeing a slice of tinseltown history get yourself down to the newly refurbished Newbridge Silverware showrooms in Newbridge, where the Style Icons museum as just opened.
William and Oonagh Doyle hosted a lavish opening party last week to celebrate this latest feather in the Newbridge hat. The museum, located above the showrooms, is a breathtaking space and resembles a trendy Gordon Ramsey restaurant more than anything else, such is the interior design and lighting. With memorabilia from the likes of John Wayne, Marlynn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, the beautiful space dedicated to the stars of the silverscreen is worth visiting.
Invited guests enjoyed a pink champagne reception (and beyond) followed by a gala dinner in the Silver restaurant. Among those in attendance were designer Synan O’Mahony, Brendan O’Connor and his wife Sarah Caden, model du jour Katy French (on again, off again!), Meg O’Keeffe of Image Magazine, Andrea Roche, rugby star Ronan O’Gara, Mary Treacy of Clerys and Jackie Lavin.
Commissioner Charlie McCreevy, who was accompanied by his wife Noleen, officially open the new space and was delighted to be on home turf, such is his hectic Euro schedule in Brussels. The opening was made all the more special with the addition of several unique pieces on loan form world famous memorabilia auction house Juliens, which were on view to the public for a limited period.
An exhibition of the works of Lucien Freud, arguable one of the most influential and important living artists of our time, opened at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) this week to much excitement. Comprising of some 50 paintings and 20 works on paper and etchings from the last six decades, several being completed just months prior to the exhibition, with others never shown before in a public venue.
Best known for his portraits and nudes, Freud’s subjects include his family, friends, lovers and fellow artists. His early paintings and works on paper are often associated with a meticulous control of the brushstrokes and line, depicting people, plants and still-life, including several made while living in Ireland. Grandson of the father of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud, Lucien, who is now in his 80s, was unable at attend, but the show was opened by his daughter Rose Boyt.
Maura McKillen and designer Mairead Whisker, poet Anthony Cronin and Anne Haverty, Lord and Lady Burlington, artists Louis Le Brocquy and Anne Madden, The Hon. Desmond and Penelope Guinness, Patsey Murphy of The Irish Times, Christine Ryall of Christies were among those enjoying the evening summer sun as the party spilled outside.
Back to Kildare, and last night one of the most dramatic fireworks displays ever seen in that part of the country lit up the night sky. Celebrating the official opening of Kildare Village, Ireland’s premiere outlet shopping venue, the pyrotechnics were just one part of the entertainment on the evening.
Dancers, performance art, parades and music all added to the spectacular evening with food from Richard Corrigan and Fred Cordonnier of The Village at Lyons and Derry Clark of l’Ecrivain to feed the hundreds of guests, including Ian Galvin, Roxanne Parker, Julian Benson, fashionista Bairbre Power and socialite Cindy Caffola.
With discounted shops like Calvin Klein, Reiss, Karen Millen and Cotton Club offering 30 - 65% discounts (as well as Starbucks and Dunne & Crescenzi) there’s something for everyone. Bargain!
William and Oonagh Doyle hosted a lavish opening party last week to celebrate this latest feather in the Newbridge hat. The museum, located above the showrooms, is a breathtaking space and resembles a trendy Gordon Ramsey restaurant more than anything else, such is the interior design and lighting. With memorabilia from the likes of John Wayne, Marlynn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, the beautiful space dedicated to the stars of the silverscreen is worth visiting.
Invited guests enjoyed a pink champagne reception (and beyond) followed by a gala dinner in the Silver restaurant. Among those in attendance were designer Synan O’Mahony, Brendan O’Connor and his wife Sarah Caden, model du jour Katy French (on again, off again!), Meg O’Keeffe of Image Magazine, Andrea Roche, rugby star Ronan O’Gara, Mary Treacy of Clerys and Jackie Lavin.
Commissioner Charlie McCreevy, who was accompanied by his wife Noleen, officially open the new space and was delighted to be on home turf, such is his hectic Euro schedule in Brussels. The opening was made all the more special with the addition of several unique pieces on loan form world famous memorabilia auction house Juliens, which were on view to the public for a limited period.
An exhibition of the works of Lucien Freud, arguable one of the most influential and important living artists of our time, opened at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) this week to much excitement. Comprising of some 50 paintings and 20 works on paper and etchings from the last six decades, several being completed just months prior to the exhibition, with others never shown before in a public venue.
Best known for his portraits and nudes, Freud’s subjects include his family, friends, lovers and fellow artists. His early paintings and works on paper are often associated with a meticulous control of the brushstrokes and line, depicting people, plants and still-life, including several made while living in Ireland. Grandson of the father of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud, Lucien, who is now in his 80s, was unable at attend, but the show was opened by his daughter Rose Boyt.
Maura McKillen and designer Mairead Whisker, poet Anthony Cronin and Anne Haverty, Lord and Lady Burlington, artists Louis Le Brocquy and Anne Madden, The Hon. Desmond and Penelope Guinness, Patsey Murphy of The Irish Times, Christine Ryall of Christies were among those enjoying the evening summer sun as the party spilled outside.
Back to Kildare, and last night one of the most dramatic fireworks displays ever seen in that part of the country lit up the night sky. Celebrating the official opening of Kildare Village, Ireland’s premiere outlet shopping venue, the pyrotechnics were just one part of the entertainment on the evening.
Dancers, performance art, parades and music all added to the spectacular evening with food from Richard Corrigan and Fred Cordonnier of The Village at Lyons and Derry Clark of l’Ecrivain to feed the hundreds of guests, including Ian Galvin, Roxanne Parker, Julian Benson, fashionista Bairbre Power and socialite Cindy Caffola.
With discounted shops like Calvin Klein, Reiss, Karen Millen and Cotton Club offering 30 - 65% discounts (as well as Starbucks and Dunne & Crescenzi) there’s something for everyone. Bargain!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Giddy Up!
Pictured enjoying the recent Boylesports Guineas Festival at The Curragh were: 1. ‘Fashion on the Turf’ Best Dressed winner Nicola Clancy with finalists Rose Buggy and Eva Hayes; 2. Niall and Gillian Quinn; 3. John Higgins, Liam Boyle and Ken Doherty; 4. HRI Fashion Ambassador Kathryn Thomas.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Barbie
Ireland’s 3rd National BBQ Promotion kick starts this year with National BBQ Week running from Monday June 4 until Sunday June 10. Celebrity chef Kevin Dundon was cooking up a storm at the recent launch in the Trinity Capital Hotel.
Pictured enjoying the launch evening were: 1. Sharon O'Rourke and Nicola O'Reilly; 2. Karen Doyle and Laura Connolly; 3. Shane McGonigle, Keith O'Haire and Ealron Kennedy; 4. Chef Kevin Dundon, Paul Kelly and Joanna Brennan; 5. Wayne Cronin and Triona McCarthy; 6. Neasa Curran and Caroline Byrne.
For more info check out www.nationalbbq.ie
Friday, June 01, 2007
Idolize
Idol Vodka, the new premium French vodka made from Pinot Noir & Chardonnay grapes, was launch recently at an exclusive party in the Trinity Capital Hotel. Pictured were: 1. Gail Ferguson and Abbey Smith; 2. Emily O'Donnell, Sara Jane Wai - O'Flynn and Nadine Wai - O'Flynn; 3. Avila Lipsett; 4. Simon Paul and Laura McCarthy.
Fashion Reigns
With finger permanently on the pulse, fashion giant Topman know what’s hot and what’s not and with the new southside store Dublin guys now have a style mecca to rival the girls. Skinny jeans and distressed t-shirts never looked so good.
To celebrate the opening of No.41 Grafton Street, Topman hosted a music bash at the cavernous CHQ last week which attracted a hip crowd of trendsetters. Looking like they just stepped off the set of the latest Hot Chip video, the guests enjoyed an aural extravaganza from bands such as the 1990s, Good Shoes and The Holloways. Irish band Fight Like Apes won a slot at the gig too.
Among the fashionistas there on the night were Alex Fitzgerald, Niall O’Farrell (jetting off to Monaco for the GP the next day), Bairbre Power (just back from Madrid where she was recording a feature for the Afternoon Show) and Eoin Higgins (who is leaving The Dubliner for pastures new very soon).
Also there were Tania Adams of Topman, Brendan Rodgers, and Siobhan O’Dowd of Pod concerts. She’s busy organising the upcoming Garden Party music festival in Ballinlough Castle, home of the Nugent family. The 1-day, intimate event takes place on Saturday June 9th and with acts like the aforementioned Hot Chip, Pet Shop Boys, Carl Cox and the Bodytonic crew, it’s one gig not to be missed. Think of it as Electric Picnic’s little brother.
The Boylesports Guineas Festival at the Curragh last weekend was a huge success, wind and rain regardless. The ladies stepped up to the plate in the fashion stakes with competition rife for the Best Dressed title. The lucky winner, Nicola Clancy, bagged a cool Mitsubishi car for the year among other prizes, after the judges decided she was the most stylish on the day.
Fashion Ambassador Kathryn Thomas (elegant in a black and white crazy striped dress) and her fellow judges Alan Hughes, Triona McCarthy, Gillian Quinn and Jacinta O’Brien, had a tough deliberation, such was the level of style. Other winners on the day included Finsceal Beo, who won the feature race of the day – the Boylesports Irish 1000 Guineas.
Other racegoers on the day included snooker players Ken Doherty and John Higgins, rugby star Ronan O’Gara, Sir Anthony O’Reilly and Lady O’Reilly, Ray O’Brien, songwriter and producer Karl Broderick and business tycoon John Magnier.
Despite the pouring rain of Wednesday evening the style brigade turned out in their droves to attend a chic cocktail party at the Trinity Capital Hotel for the launch of Idôl, the new premium vodka from France. Famed for fine wines, France is now home to the first vodka in the world produced from grapes – the vodka for wine lovers! Despite the inclement weather, or perhaps because of it, talk on the evening was of upcoming holidays and summer plans.
PR guru Sinead Ryan and her beau Malachy Geelan were just back from a long sojourn in Nerja, Norman Pratt was shopping in Milan, while food connoisseur Andrew Rudd had been filming for TV3 in Madrid.
Popular party girl Avila Lipsett proved that she’s more than a pretty face as she entertained the crowd with her DJ skills. An essential element to a good party, she’s being booked for all the big bashes this season and is busy planning her forthcoming trip to Marbella. Astrid Brennan is jetting off to LA and Vegas soon, while Triona McCarthy will be hitting the social scene in Monaco. Gavin Kilduff is also off to Marbella as is popular novelist Marisa Mackle, who will be putting the finishing touches to her next book.
A surprise guest on the evening was Jean-Claude Boisset, president of Boisset France, the makers of Idôl Vodka. He also happens to be the third largest wine producer in France, so he knows his Pinor Noir and Chardonnay grapes. He thought the Dublin launch was one of the best he’s been to of all the Idôl events worldwide.
Among the other guests enjoying the specially commissioned cocktails from Gareth Lambe of Venu Brasserie were Halina Ashdown – Shiels, Dr. Marco Lombardi, deputy head of the Italian Embassy, TV presenter Taragh Loughrey – Grant, Katie Jane Goldin and Sandra Byrne.
To celebrate the opening of No.41 Grafton Street, Topman hosted a music bash at the cavernous CHQ last week which attracted a hip crowd of trendsetters. Looking like they just stepped off the set of the latest Hot Chip video, the guests enjoyed an aural extravaganza from bands such as the 1990s, Good Shoes and The Holloways. Irish band Fight Like Apes won a slot at the gig too.
Among the fashionistas there on the night were Alex Fitzgerald, Niall O’Farrell (jetting off to Monaco for the GP the next day), Bairbre Power (just back from Madrid where she was recording a feature for the Afternoon Show) and Eoin Higgins (who is leaving The Dubliner for pastures new very soon).
Also there were Tania Adams of Topman, Brendan Rodgers, and Siobhan O’Dowd of Pod concerts. She’s busy organising the upcoming Garden Party music festival in Ballinlough Castle, home of the Nugent family. The 1-day, intimate event takes place on Saturday June 9th and with acts like the aforementioned Hot Chip, Pet Shop Boys, Carl Cox and the Bodytonic crew, it’s one gig not to be missed. Think of it as Electric Picnic’s little brother.
The Boylesports Guineas Festival at the Curragh last weekend was a huge success, wind and rain regardless. The ladies stepped up to the plate in the fashion stakes with competition rife for the Best Dressed title. The lucky winner, Nicola Clancy, bagged a cool Mitsubishi car for the year among other prizes, after the judges decided she was the most stylish on the day.
Fashion Ambassador Kathryn Thomas (elegant in a black and white crazy striped dress) and her fellow judges Alan Hughes, Triona McCarthy, Gillian Quinn and Jacinta O’Brien, had a tough deliberation, such was the level of style. Other winners on the day included Finsceal Beo, who won the feature race of the day – the Boylesports Irish 1000 Guineas.
Other racegoers on the day included snooker players Ken Doherty and John Higgins, rugby star Ronan O’Gara, Sir Anthony O’Reilly and Lady O’Reilly, Ray O’Brien, songwriter and producer Karl Broderick and business tycoon John Magnier.
Despite the pouring rain of Wednesday evening the style brigade turned out in their droves to attend a chic cocktail party at the Trinity Capital Hotel for the launch of Idôl, the new premium vodka from France. Famed for fine wines, France is now home to the first vodka in the world produced from grapes – the vodka for wine lovers! Despite the inclement weather, or perhaps because of it, talk on the evening was of upcoming holidays and summer plans.
PR guru Sinead Ryan and her beau Malachy Geelan were just back from a long sojourn in Nerja, Norman Pratt was shopping in Milan, while food connoisseur Andrew Rudd had been filming for TV3 in Madrid.
Popular party girl Avila Lipsett proved that she’s more than a pretty face as she entertained the crowd with her DJ skills. An essential element to a good party, she’s being booked for all the big bashes this season and is busy planning her forthcoming trip to Marbella. Astrid Brennan is jetting off to LA and Vegas soon, while Triona McCarthy will be hitting the social scene in Monaco. Gavin Kilduff is also off to Marbella as is popular novelist Marisa Mackle, who will be putting the finishing touches to her next book.
A surprise guest on the evening was Jean-Claude Boisset, president of Boisset France, the makers of Idôl Vodka. He also happens to be the third largest wine producer in France, so he knows his Pinor Noir and Chardonnay grapes. He thought the Dublin launch was one of the best he’s been to of all the Idôl events worldwide.
Among the other guests enjoying the specially commissioned cocktails from Gareth Lambe of Venu Brasserie were Halina Ashdown – Shiels, Dr. Marco Lombardi, deputy head of the Italian Embassy, TV presenter Taragh Loughrey – Grant, Katie Jane Goldin and Sandra Byrne.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Chi - Chi
Chi, the trendy Asian restaurant in Blackrock Co. Dublin, celebrated its 1st birthday this week. At the party were: 1. Siobhan O'Connor and Norman Pratt; 2. Una Healy and Eoin Macken; 3. Louise McDermott and Sonia Harris and 4. Rebecca Lawless and Sinead Farrell.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Go Racing!
At the launch of the upcoming racing season in the Four Seasons were: 1. Tamso Doyle and David Cox; 2. Caroline Morahan; 3. Debbie O'Donnell and Marisa Mackle; 4. Astrid Brennan and Sienna Cunningham.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Good Sports!
The Summer vibe is well and truly in the air. The proverbial ‘stretch’ is in the evenings and cocktail hour is al fresco (weather permitting, natch). It’s safe to venture out sans coat these days (better bring a brolly though, just in case) and don those oversize dark sunglasses.
One favourite pastime of mine during this social season is horse racing. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not down track side talking about the ‘going being good to soft’ or trying to figure out my exacta strategy. No, I’ll be wining and dining (or whining and dining if I’ve lost a few quid) in the corporate hospitality area watching all the action from within. It’s the style and fashion, gossip and laughs from the racing set that interests me and this year is set to be a bumper racing season.
Horse Racing Ireland recently launched the season at a party in the ICE Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel, where it was also announced that TV presenter Kathryn Thomas is to be the fashion ambassador this year, taking over from Caroline Morahan. In fact, this coming Sunday (27th) sees the Boylesports Irish Guineas festival at The Curragh, with mega prizes up for grabs for the best dressed lady, so girls get those hats out!
Another date for your diary is the White Tie and Diamonds Ball which takes place at the Finca de Concepcion in Marbella on July 7th. A truly glamorous affair, it is in aid of the charity Water Angels, which was set up a few years ago by Mark and Lynn Quinlan to raise awareness about water safety. Rebecca Jane Higgins, Gerald Kean, Lisa Murphy and Aysha Campion – Awwad are some of those who will be there. Gabriel Byrne, who is a patron of the charity, is also on the guest list. Checkout http://www.waterangels.org/ for more info.
One of my favourite artists, Chara Nagle (aka CN), hosted her first major solo exhibition recently in the beautiful surrounds of No.15 St. Stephens Green. Chara, who paints huge, vivid pieces, was delighted with the event which attracted a huge number of her fans, among them Debbie O’Donnell and Sinead Desmond (who is the subject of one of Chara’s dramatic pieces). Keep an eye out for her work and buy it now, because a piece by Chara will be worth a fortune in years to come.
Talking of pieces, the number of hair pieces used at last weeks L’Oreal Colour Trophy Awards must surely be a world record. Dubbed the ‘Hair Oscars’, this event just gets bigger and better every year and is a firm fixture in the social calendar, taking over the O’Reilly Hall in UCD.
Some of the guests included Pamela Flood (who did a tremendous job as Emcee), Melanie Morris and Lisa Maher of Image, model Catriona Mannion, Gavin Lambe – Murphy, Triona McCarthy and radio presenter Adrienne O’Hora. It seemed like House of Colour swept the board this year but in the end Toni & Guy took the top prize and we all celebrated at the after party in Lillies till the next morning (where the hair styles didn’t fare as well).
I took a trip out to Portmarnock recently (who knew it was so far away?) to attend the gala dinner hosted by Brian McFadden and John Aldridge after their Celebrity Am Golf tournament. In aid of the Temple Street Childrens University Hospital, a number of well-known faces took to the golf course, including Ronan Keating and his wife Yvonne (who is just learning to play golf but was well able to keep up with the rest/best of them).
Halina Ashdown - Sheils of Advanced Cosmetic Surgery hosted a table with daughter Debbie, the gorgeous Delta Goodrem, PR supremo Joanne Byrne, Brendan O’Carroll and Phil Neal were among those there. The after dinner auction raised tens of thousands for Temple Street (with the aforementioned Ashdowne - Sheils girls generously dipping into their purses) and we were even entertained with an impromptu duet from Ronan and Brian.
Par for the course at a celebrity do I guess.
One favourite pastime of mine during this social season is horse racing. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not down track side talking about the ‘going being good to soft’ or trying to figure out my exacta strategy. No, I’ll be wining and dining (or whining and dining if I’ve lost a few quid) in the corporate hospitality area watching all the action from within. It’s the style and fashion, gossip and laughs from the racing set that interests me and this year is set to be a bumper racing season.
Horse Racing Ireland recently launched the season at a party in the ICE Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel, where it was also announced that TV presenter Kathryn Thomas is to be the fashion ambassador this year, taking over from Caroline Morahan. In fact, this coming Sunday (27th) sees the Boylesports Irish Guineas festival at The Curragh, with mega prizes up for grabs for the best dressed lady, so girls get those hats out!
Another date for your diary is the White Tie and Diamonds Ball which takes place at the Finca de Concepcion in Marbella on July 7th. A truly glamorous affair, it is in aid of the charity Water Angels, which was set up a few years ago by Mark and Lynn Quinlan to raise awareness about water safety. Rebecca Jane Higgins, Gerald Kean, Lisa Murphy and Aysha Campion – Awwad are some of those who will be there. Gabriel Byrne, who is a patron of the charity, is also on the guest list. Checkout http://www.waterangels.org/ for more info.
One of my favourite artists, Chara Nagle (aka CN), hosted her first major solo exhibition recently in the beautiful surrounds of No.15 St. Stephens Green. Chara, who paints huge, vivid pieces, was delighted with the event which attracted a huge number of her fans, among them Debbie O’Donnell and Sinead Desmond (who is the subject of one of Chara’s dramatic pieces). Keep an eye out for her work and buy it now, because a piece by Chara will be worth a fortune in years to come.
Talking of pieces, the number of hair pieces used at last weeks L’Oreal Colour Trophy Awards must surely be a world record. Dubbed the ‘Hair Oscars’, this event just gets bigger and better every year and is a firm fixture in the social calendar, taking over the O’Reilly Hall in UCD.
Some of the guests included Pamela Flood (who did a tremendous job as Emcee), Melanie Morris and Lisa Maher of Image, model Catriona Mannion, Gavin Lambe – Murphy, Triona McCarthy and radio presenter Adrienne O’Hora. It seemed like House of Colour swept the board this year but in the end Toni & Guy took the top prize and we all celebrated at the after party in Lillies till the next morning (where the hair styles didn’t fare as well).
I took a trip out to Portmarnock recently (who knew it was so far away?) to attend the gala dinner hosted by Brian McFadden and John Aldridge after their Celebrity Am Golf tournament. In aid of the Temple Street Childrens University Hospital, a number of well-known faces took to the golf course, including Ronan Keating and his wife Yvonne (who is just learning to play golf but was well able to keep up with the rest/best of them).
Halina Ashdown - Sheils of Advanced Cosmetic Surgery hosted a table with daughter Debbie, the gorgeous Delta Goodrem, PR supremo Joanne Byrne, Brendan O’Carroll and Phil Neal were among those there. The after dinner auction raised tens of thousands for Temple Street (with the aforementioned Ashdowne - Sheils girls generously dipping into their purses) and we were even entertained with an impromptu duet from Ronan and Brian.
Par for the course at a celebrity do I guess.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Belmayne
At the launch party for Belmayne were: 1. Miro Kaljajic and Maria Fusco; 2. Diarmuid Gavin and Sarah Morrissey; 3. Michael and Suzanne Stanley and 4. Jamie and Louise Redknapp.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
The Feast is Back!
Top model Roberta Rowat grabs her relaunched HB Mint Feast from the gasp of iconic 90’s character the incredible Hulk ( aka Darragh Hayes).
Friday, April 27, 2007
TV3 honors James Morris
At the TV3 dinner for James Morris were: 1. Mary Finan and James Morris; 2. Harry Crosbie and Jim Sheridan; 3. PJ Mara and Eamon Dunphy; 4. Sinead Desmond; 5. Kathy Gilfillan and Olive Braiden; 6. Denis O'Brien, Paul McGuinness, Lorraine Keane, Eamon Dunphy and Noel Pearson.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Sign this..
At the Smirnoff Signature party were: 1. Emma Roche and Marisa Mackle; 2. Jayne Harrison and Patricia Field; 3. Aoife Cogan and Ruth Griffin; 4. Richard Stearn, Rebecak O'Neill and Eoin Kavanagh.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
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.
Friday, April 13, 2007
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.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Strike a Pose
Looking glam at the VIP Peter Mark Style Awards were 1. Karen Koster, 2. Celia Holman - Lee and 3. Caroline Morahan.
Friday, March 30, 2007
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.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
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.
Friday, March 16, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, March 09, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Thursday, March 01, 2007
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.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Top Cats
At the Nokia / Topshop party were 1. Anna Pfeifer , 2. Sarah Deeney and Mundy and 3. Lisa and Carath Quinn .
Friday, February 23, 2007
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!
“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!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
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.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
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.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, January 15, 2007
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.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
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.
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