Your M&S

Marks & Spencer last night hosted their Autumn / Winter collection to a large number of guests in City Hall. Among the highlights was the GD25 range which was created by legendary fashion designer George Davies to celebrate his 25 years in the business. Responsible for revolutionising high street fashion, his capsule collection is beautiful, affordable and limited - it's only on sale for the next 25 days!

Enjoying the pre-show party were: 1. Nadine Wai - O'Flynn; 2. Sarah McGovern, Karen Fitzpatrick, TV3's Colette Fitzpatrick and Ruth Griffin; 3. Actress Rachel Kavanagh; 4. Jenny MulHolland and George Davies; 5. Jane McDonnell of The Gloss and couturier Peter O'Brien.

L'Oreal celebrate new MD

L'Oreal hosted a champagne reception in the library of Dylan Hotel last week to celebrate the appointment of Trevor Tye as head of the L'Oreal Luxury Proucts division in Ireland. Many well-known faces, greeted by Helen Feely and Sian John of L'Oreal, turned out to wish the new boss every success in his new role including Image magazine editor Melanie Morris, Triona McCarthy, Richard Kavanagh and Leanne De Cerbo of Social & Personal and stylist Cathy O'Connor.

Pictured at the party: 1. Jean Pierre Charriton and Trevor Tye raise a glass; 2. Ramona and Canice Nicholas; 3. Claire Byrne; 4. Carol Wallace and Cliodhna Crowley; 5. Wayne Cronin and Joanne Hegarty.

Italian Job

At the Benetton show were: 1. H.E. Thomas C. Foley and Michelle Megan; 2. The collection; 3. Daniella Capone and Lucy Pilgrim; 4. Scenes from the show; 5. On guard at the Italian Embassy.

Benetton AW 07

United Colors of Benetton presented the Autumn/Winter 2007-08 collections at Lucan House, the official Italian Ambassador’s residency, last week, thanks to the kind invitation of H.E. Dr. Lucio Alberto Savoia, the Italian Ambassador to Ireland.


On show were items from the very special 40th Anniversary collection, which was the protagonist of the celebrations that Benetton held in Paris to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the brand. This collection takes its inspiration from the typical Benetton elements of colour and wool, used in an ever-new and creative way to convey the brand’s spirit as a point of convergence of cultures, races and nationalities.


The Benetton company is present in Ireland with more than 50 stores and new openings are planned. Among the guests welcomed by Nicola & Daniela Capone of Benetton Ireland were US ambassador H.E. Thomas C. Foley, writer Marisa Mackle, Fashionfilosofy.com's Arsheen, top model Alli MacDonnell of Compton Models (John Compton co-ordinated the show) shared the catwalk with her son Alex, RTE's Orchestra leader Frank McNamara attended with wife Teresa Lowe, Lucy Pilgrim and Denise Kennedy and event organiser Puffin Moynihan. With catering from La Banca restaurant in Lucan, the event oozed Italian style, typical of Benetton.

Hotel & Catering Awards

Hotel & Catering Review, Ireland’s leading magazine for the hospitality industry, announced the winners of their hotly contested annual Gold Medal Awards at a gala dinner in The Shelbourne Hotel this week. The Gold Medal Awards recognise and reward excellence within the Irish hotel and catering industry. At the awards were: 1. Siobhan Barret & Terri Fagan; 2. Sue & Frank Grennan; 3. Kieran Moore & Micheline Corr; 4. Top chef Dylan McGrath of Mint restaurant picks up a Gold Medal Award from Michael Barry of Remy Martin.

Ladies Who Lunch

At the recent Brown Thomas ISPCC fashion show in The Shelbourne Hotel were: 1. Valerie & Patricia Roe; 2. Clodagh Hopkins & Penny Dix; 3. Alison Doody & Aisling Purcell; 4. Tara Logan & Valerie Craughwell.

Fashionistas

Even more fashion was celebrated last week (despite Dublin Fashion Week having ended the previous). On Thursday Louise Kennedy showcased her A/W 2007 collection at her beautiful home and atelier on Dublin’s Merrion Square. Invited guests, such as Lisa Fitzpatrick, Eimear Mulhearn and Jackie Bolger, were treated to a salon style fashion show, while enjoying champagne from Louise’s new Tipperary Crystal Aurora line.



Inspiration for this seasons collection was taken from early 20th century Russian nobility, who fled the Russian revolution and went on to influence the world of fashion. Opulent colours, sumptuous fabrics and subtle detailing made it one of Kennedy's most exciting yet.



Meanwhile, the ladies who lunch took pleasure in viewing the Brown Thomas A/W collections at the annual ISPCC lunch, which was hosted by Pamela Flood in The Shelbourne Hotel. A Jacobs Creek Sparkling Rosé reception greeted the 350 patrons, who marveled at an Hermès ensemble (flown in especially for the event) which opened the show. Other labels showcased included Burberry Prorsum, Giambattista Valli and Gucci.



Enjoying the luncheon were Shelly Corkery and Stephen Sealey of Brown Thomas, ISPCC Committee members Valerie Craughwell and Penny Dix, Alison Doody, designer Helen Cody and Aishling Kelly, who, with her husband Cpt. Tom Fox, hosted the christening of their first born, Daniel, the following day in Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

LK AW

At the Louise Kennedy fashion show at 56 Merrion Square were: 1. Louise Kennedy and Lisa Fitzpatrick; 2. Louise Doheny and Laura Doheny; 3. Annette Rocca and Valerie Craughwell.

House of Fraser A/W 07

Enjoying the House of Fraser show at the British Ambassadors residence were: 1. Caroline Pernham, Jane O'Brien and Ciara Mullaney; 2. Jean Ann Taylor and H.E. Ambassador David Reddaway; 3. Glenda Gilson and Baiba Gaile; 4. Colette Fitzpatrick and Lorraine Keane; 5. Sarah Davey and Laura Bradley.

House of Fraser

The British Ambassadors Residence in Sandyford proved to be the ideal setting for the launch of House of Fraser’s Autumn/Winter collections ’07 on Wednesday evening. The new look for House of Fraser’s exclusive own brand “Linea” was showcased on the evening with exclusive jewellery, footwear and handbag ranges joining the fashion ensembles.


The Ambassador, H.E. David Reddaway, welcomed guests, including Rosanna Davison, Lorraine Keane, Jane McDonnell of The Gloss and designer Helen McAlinden, to his beautiful home and even gave guided tours. A Moet & Chandon champagne reception set the tone of the evening as the fashionistas swapped summer holiday stories. House of Fraser representatives Matt Chambers Caroline Perham flew over especially for the event and were thrilled with show, commenting that an event like it would be hard to rival in the UK.

Picnic-ers

In the VIP Bacardi B-Live area at Electric Picnic were: 1. Ruth O'Hare, Tara Duff and Loraine McCrawley; 2. Evan Saier and Marcina Manraj; 4. Chantelle Megan and Maria Lynch; 5. Sandra Ryan and Louise Looney; 6. Lisa Bergkvist, Johan Alennius and Monica Wolff.

Electric Picnic

Probably a highlight of the entire Irish summer was last weekends Electric Picnic, which saw over 32,000 revellers descend on the Crosby family’s Stradbally Hall estate in Co. Offaly. With the VIP area resembling a typical weekend night in Renards, there was no shortage of well-known faces among the crowds.



Event organiser John Reynolds made sporadic appearances, taking time out of his busy schedule to ensure that his guests were enjoying the festivities. Among those I spotted were Jonathan Rhys Myers, singer Paul Brady and broadcasters Dave Fanning and Ryan Tubridy.



As always Naoise Nunn’s Leviathan marquee, with its lively mix of debate and discussion, was a popular haunt. David McWilliams, Minister Eamon Ryan TD and writer Irvine Welsh were some of those in attendance, while publisher John Ryan paid a special visit from New York.



Meanwhile enjoying the cocktails over at the Bacardi B-Live VIP area were TV3’s Collette Fitzpatrick and her boyfriend Neil McDermot, Niall McCrudden, artist Darryn Lee and publisher Trevor White. The big after parties, however, continued at the luxurious Heritage Hotel in nearby Killenard where many of the performers were based.



Regularly topping the polls as the best music festival in Ireland (and Europe) Electric Picnic continues to go from strength to strength, just ask any of the 34,000 revellers.

Knuttel MINI

At the party to unveil the Knuttel MINI were: 1. Graham Knuttel with his MINI; 2. Mo Kelly; 3. Anusia Grennell and Rasher; 4. Emily O'Donnell and Marissa Mackle; 5. Jenny Huston and Ingrid Goodwin.

Knuttel MINI

Associated with everything young, hip and trendy, MINI cars once again pushed the ‘cool’ factor to the extreme at a party this week. They recently commissioned artist Graham Knuttell to paint a MINI and unveiled the finished piece at the Gallery of Photography in Temple Bar on Tuesday evening.


Encapsulating the true spirit of MINI, the one-off car is a vibrant expression of Knuttell’s work, with vivid colours and his trademark faces adorning the body. A long time fan of the car (he’s owned several throughout the years) he wanted to portray the sense of adventure that begins with owning one. And he’s in good company too - other creatives who have customised MINI cars include Donatella Versace, Mario Testino and Missoni.


Among the guests admiring the art on wheels were TV presenter Sile Seoige, Ben Bringer and Emily O’Donnell, Marisa Mackle, top chef Dylan McGrath of Mint Restaurant and Dee Breen of Harvey Nichols. Maria Fusco, who recently closed her popular Ave Maria fashion boutique, was also there and informed me of her plans to open a new wine bar.


The Graham Knuttel MINI will visit dealerships throughout the country over the coming months and, according to brand manager Nicola Bissett, will then be auctioned for charity.

CROSS Cancer Action Rugby Ball

Pictured at the CROSS Cancer Action Rugby Ball in the Four Seasons recently were: 1. Jeannie Regan; 2. Aine Dempsey & Maddi Jefferies; 3. Kate Gleeson & David Clarkin; 4. Alison & Greggor Brown; 5. Professor & Mrs John Reynolds.

CROSS Rugby Ball

The inaugural CROSS Cancer Action Rugby Ball took place recently in the Four Seasons Hotel in Dublin. Raising funds for CROSS (Cancer Research of the Oesophagus and Stomach), a charity led by Professor John Reynolds of Trinity College and St James Hospital, the Rugby Ball saw over 380 people out en force to support the rugby themed event.

On arrival, guests enjoyed Mickey Finns Appletinis before making their way into the rugby themed room. Elvery Sports created suitably themed centre pieces with the green, gold and white of Ireland in a mix of rugby balls while Risteard Cooper from Apres Match entertained the crowd with his litany of impressions.

After enjoying a menu of treats specially designed by the team at the Four Seasons, David Agar took to the stage to oversee the auction. In keeping with the theme, the lots under the gavel proved popular as many were ‘must-have’ items for any rugby fanatic. From private training with Irish coach Eddie O’Sullivan to signed and framed Irish and Munster jerseys, all inclusive trips to the Ireland v France game at the 2007 Rugby World Cup to a St Michael’s SCT winners jersey, as well as a host of other items, the auction was a fiercely fought out by the many rugby fans at the event and raised over €150,000 for the worthwhile charity.



After the auction, guests hit the dance floor led by The VIPs and the partying went on until the wee hours. Among the guests attending included designer Helen Cody, Paul Shearan, RHA Artist Laura Cronin, ex Irish rugby player Paul Wallace, Conor and Marie Headon, Ronan and Michelle Murphy, Sonny and Sheila Knowles, Barry Connolly from Richmond Marketing, Mark Wilson from Babco, Michael O’Boyle from Absolute Rugby, Kate Gleeson from Diffusion Boutique and Nikki Creedon from Havana Boutique.

CLRP Gala

The Childrens Leukemia Research Project hosted a gala fundraiser in the Four Seasons Hotel last weekend. Among the glamourous guests were: 1. Yvonne & Ronan Keating; 2. Glenda Gilson; 3. Sinead Ni Curnain & Kathryn McKiernan; 4. Itan Besry & Katy French; 5. The Edge.