Les Misérables

Les Fizz: 1. Alison Canavan; 2. Aisling Rice and John O'Malley; 3. Karen Koster. (Pix. Anthony Woods)

There was no place for misery at the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield last week, the venue for the premiere of the much anticipated feature film “Les Misérables”.  Hosted by Universal Pictures, in association with Moët & Chandon, the screening was the first time that the widely acclaimed film adaptation of the beloved global stage sensation was shown in Ireland.

The world’s longest-running musical brings its power to the big screen in Tom Hooper’s sweeping and spectacular interpretation of Victor Hugo’s epic tale.  The film includes international superstars and beloved songs including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and “On My Own”.

Set against the backdrop of 19^th-century France, “Les Misérables” tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption — a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.  Hugh Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Russell Crowe) after he breaks parole.  When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Anne Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

Guests on the night included TV personalities Brendan Courtney from RTE’s Off the Rails and TV3’s Karen Koster. Also enjoying the champagne reception were Caroline Sleiman, top Irish model Alison Canavan along with Noel Sutton from GAZE Film Festival.

Always playing a glamorous role in the history of film, both on and off screen, Moët and “Les Misérables” made for a perfect fit and a memorable evening.  Santé!

Rugby Lunch

Sunshine: 1. Vinny Gough and Dr. Sean Rowland; 2. Aileen and David Wallace. (Pix. Paul Sherwood)

The annual Rugby Lunch took place at The Shelbourne again this year, in aid of the Laura Lynn Children’s Sunshine Home charity.  Risteard Cooper and Brent Pope were hosts on the day with much needed funds raised for this most worthy cause.  The hospice supports children with life limiting conditions and their families by providing high quality transitional care, home support, respite, crisis and end-of-life care.

http://www.lauralynn.ie/

Dubarry

 
Into the West: 1. Katie Condren and Richard d'Esterre Roberts; 2. Melanie Young; 3. Ali McKeever and Charles Coyle. (Pix. Kieran Hartnett)

Dubarry footwear has long been the standard of the low key preppy brigade and many of that group will surely rejoice in the opening of a new flagship store in Dublin.  With collections inspired by the wild West Coast of Ireland (and stocked around the world from Harrods in London to outlets in Australia) Dubarry’s reputation and success has grown from humble beginnings.

Dubarry opened its first factory in Ballinasloe in 1937 and has gone from cottage industry to global brand.  Clearly the brand has achieved great success and plaudits, but happily has never lost sight of its roots and felt it important to open the first store in Ireland.

As part of the company’s 75th Anniversary this year Dubarry produced limited edition versions of its Galway country lifestyle and Ultima sailing boots incorporating the iconic Pink Ribbon logo. All proceeds have been donated to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

A big fan of the label is Ross O’Carroll – Kelly, the rugby loving fictional character created by writer Paul Howard.  On the evening fans of Ross enjoyed an in-store exhibition of images The Ort of Ross O’Carroll Kelly, by Alan Clarke and even an appearance by the man himself.

Kiehl's with Kenny Scharf

Limited edition: 1. Doireann Garrihy and Aoibhinn Garrihy; 2. Kristina Luykx; 3. Alison Canavan and Margaret Canavan. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Happy new year everyone!   

Let’s kick start 2013 with a very special launch hosted by an iconic beauty brand to benefit a most worthy cause.  Friends of Kiehl’s and Temple Street University Children’s Hospital came together for a special evening hosted by Kiehl’s marking a special collaboration with iconic Pop Surrealist, Kenny Scharf. 

Best known for his paintings, performances and installations that incorporate pop and comic imagery in evocative and nuanced reconfigurations, the legendary Scharf was invited to design its annual Crème de Corps Holiday Collection, which set to raise $200,000 for children’s causes around the world.

Guests, including stars of Irish television, art, fashion and the media world, mingled at a champagne reception held at the Kiehl’s boutique on Wicklow Street. TV presenter Darren Kennedy spoke about his online fashion series on ITV.com.  He’s also recently been appointed Creative Director of the LA College of Creative Arts.

TV3 news reporter Dyane Connor spoke about her nuptials taking place in Italy later this year and confirmed quietly that Cathy de Stafford will be designing her gown. RTE weather sweethearts Nuala Carey and Audrey McGrath joined socialite Avila Lipsett, whilst man about town Norman Pratt took the opportunity to stock up on Kiehl’s popular men’s range Facial Fuel.

Scharf’s newest, unconventional medium is Kiehl’s 4th annual limited edition Creme de Corps Holiday Collection featuring his vibrant work Globo Mundo.  Customised for Kiehl’s, Scharf describes Globo Mundo as “representing the whole world or globe; this application of my art was inspired by Kiehl’s, its patrons and their work in communities around the world.”

Weir & Sons

Sparkling: 1. Emily Moss and NIcola McDowell; 2. Natasha Sherling; 3. Daragh O'Donovan and Mary Jayne McFerran. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

Well known fine jewellery store Weir & Sons invited a host of loyal customers to their annual festive evening in their iconic Grafton Street premises recently. Guests were treated to seasonal drinks and canapés while they perused the many premium brands available such as Patek Philippe, Rolex, Cartier, Chopard and Mikimoto.

Guests were also able to experience how a sculptor from well known Spanish brand Lladro prepares one of its famous porcelain pieces. All Lladro pieces are handmade and guests were able to witness Raúl Rubio as he went about the intricate process of making one of these exclusive pieces of sculpture.

Weir & Sons Marketing Director, Chris Andrews, explains how he is “delighted to have Raúl here with us tonight. Customers can see the many fine Lladro pieces we have on sale here in Weir & Sons, but now they can also experience the very detailed and precise work that goes into producing
one of these pieces.”

Weir & Sons was established in 1869 and over the years has welcomed many famous faces including Walt Disney, Rita Hayworth and Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco.  Among those at the party were Ali Toolan, Ann Cheung, Gemma and Michael Maughan and Tina Koumarianos. 

There were a number of bright young couples in attendance on the evening, shopping for engagement rings for a festive proposition perhaps?  Well, diamonds are a girl’s best friend!