Well, there goes another summer, all too short in my opinion, but then I guess it depends on how much (or how little) you squeeze into the few months.
I decided to abandon my writing and coverage of events as the social scene really does wind down during this time and the frequency of events slows somewhat. It was great to receive loads of e-mails enquiring about my whereabouts; nice to know I was missed! Equally so, the number of readers who mentioned my absence to me in person. No doubt, however, many of you were tuned into The Juice on FM104 for my weekly social digest!
So, what’s been happening over the summer? Well, The White Tie & Diamond Ball in Marbella was a big hit, raising a huge amount for the Water Angels charity. Among the guests, many of whom were Irish, were Glenda Gilson, Rebecca Jane Higgins, Lisa Murphy, Aysha Campion – Awwad, Brendan Courtney, Rebecca Loos and Liam Cunningham.
The Galway Races were a huge success, as always. Andrea Roche married PJ Mansfield. The Horse Show was a glamorous occasion, with record numbers attending Ladies Day. The British Ambassador, HE Stuart Eldon, hosted his last Horse Show soireé in Glencairn before taking up his new post in Brussels. Anna Nolan announced her departure from presenting The Afternoon Show, Corinna Field departed Ireland for the world and Lord Kilbracken departed the world (R.I.P.).
Few and far between the parties may have been lately, but the quality and excellence of them made up for that. One of the big bashes this summer was thanks to top model Roz Lipsett, who hosted a fundraising event to aid her humanitarian trip to Brazil, where she currently is, working in an orphanage. Her parents, Robert and Therese, threw open the doors of their beautiful Rathgar home, and guests enjoyed an evening of food, drink, music, fireworks and a bouncy castle! Thankfully Roz’s gorgeous sisters Avila and Sarah were on hand to avert any potential firework / bouncy castle disasters.
Among those in attendance were Rosanna Davison and James Montgomery, Robbie Wootton, Astrid Brennan and James Flanagan, Miss Ireland Sarah Morrissey, Zach Jordan, Emily O’Donnell and Colm Farrell, publisher Michael O’Doherty, Richie Spence and FM104’s Jodie King, all of whom helped raise much need funds for the disadvantaged children.
A fashion event with a difference was held in the ever-popular Design Centre recently. Aisling Kilduff welcomed the glitz and the glam to her style emporium to celebrate the very trendy Preen label, by Thornton Begazzi, which is now available in the store. Caroline Sleiman, designer Synan O’Mahony, Tara O’Connor, John Rocha and Celia Holman – Lee were some of those enjoying the Moet & Chandon reception. Talk on the night was of the Rose of Tralee festival and Celia’s now legendary Newbridge Silverware fashion show. Congrats to The Queensland Rose, Kathryn Anne Feeney, who won the coveted title.
While I’m on the subject of fashion, this week sees Dublin Fashion Week take place for the third season. The brainchild of the gregarious Sonia Reynolds, this event continues to go from strength to strength with more designers, an increased number of visiting press and buyers and a new location in the FitzWilliam Hotel.
The official launch party took place on Monday evening in the Absolut Garden @ Solas, with Graham Cruz, film producer Mills Goodloe and Bianca Bezdek from L.A., designer Eileen Shields and Andrea Horan all lending their support.
This weekend sees the music event of the year, namely Electric Picnic, take place at Stradbally Hall in Offaly. Big attractions include the Bacardi B-Live arena, political cabaret and lively debate Leviathan, Southern Comfort Crawdaddy arena, the Haagen Dazs cinema tent and of course the music. The event has been sold out for months but for those of you without tickets, RTE will broadcast coverage throughout the weekend. Those of you lucky enough to have tickets, I’ll see you there.
