Crystal Clear

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

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

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

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

Stylish girls

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

Gormley's Fine Art

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

First batch of 2007

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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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

Good Health in 2007

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