Nokia Young Fashion Designer 09

Angelica from Brazil models a dress made from a single piece of wool by Irish Knitwear designer Tim Ryan as Nokia launch the Nokia Young Fashion Designer Award 2009.

The dress was re-constructed in a video filmed by up-and-coming London based Irish-artist Laura Gannon, to give peoplea taste of how much work goes into making a single garment and in turn, how much work this year’s 20 NYFDA finalists have put into making their designs.

See the fascinating video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XeIbYI5I0I

The Nokia Young Fashion Designer Award 2009 live finale will take place on March 25th in Dublin, where an international judging panel including top fashion blogger Susie Lau from www.stylebubble.typepad.com, Senior Menswear designer at Hermés, Brendan Mullane, Irish designer Louise Kennedy and Godfrey Deeny of www.fashionwiredaily.com, will choose one winner from 20 finalists, after they show their creations live on the catwalk.

Samsung Pixon

At the Samsung event were: 1. Brian Ormond and Pippa O'Connor; 2. Norman Pratt and Triona McCarthy; 3. Laura Toogood and Rosanna Davison.

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The treacherous weather conditions didn’t prevent Dublin’s top party people descending upon the Royal Hibernian Academy recently for the launch of the Samsung Pixon 8 megapixel camera phone.

Stylish guests included Rosanna Davison, just back from her trip to Germany. Rosanna has clearly been taking style tips from new best friend Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger as she dazzled guests in a sequinned jacket and jeans combo. Rosanna hinted that she is looking forward to hitting the Dublin party scene with Nicole in the coming weeks.

TV presenter Brian Ormond was spotted looking at his watch as he waited for his other half Pippa O’Connor to arrive. Pippa made a brave dash across town from the RTE studio’s where she was appearing on RTE 2’s The Café. Later in the evening Brian was spotted proudly taking pictures of Pippa and friends on his new Samsung Pixon mobile. The Pixon offers the image quality of a high spec digital camera on your phone, allowing users to capture those ‘unexpected moments’ while on the go.

Daniela Crawley and Leone Amon from the St. Patricks Day Festival took time out from their busy schedules to attend. Other guests included RTE TV presenter Darren Kennedy, former Miss Ireland Sarah Morrissey and up and coming model Nadia Forde.

On arrival guests truly experienced the unexpected as they were greeted by a number of contortionists’ including a pink mouse and blue cat. The evening culminated with guests sipping champagne as the contortionists’ wowed guests with their bizarre moves.

The Best a Man Can Get

At the launch party for the new Gilette range of skin care products were: 1. Laura Toogood and Brian Purcell; 2. Brian O'Driscoll with models Lynn Kelly and Juile Devine; 3. TV presenter Glenda Gilson.

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Gillette ambassador Brian O’Driscoll hosted an exclusive launch party for Gillette’s new shave care range, which is set to revolutionise how Irish men view their grooming regime. The event, held in Dublin’s Sycamore Club in Temple Bar, attracted a host of Gillette fans and Ireland’s social scene.

Fresh from his heroics against Italy, O’Driscoll jetted straight in from Rome to be part of the event. He commented “Gillette’s refreshing new look and product range offers a complete top class shaving experience for men from start to finish. The full range has revitalised my locker”.

Brian Purcell from The Apprentice, Norman Pratt and Angie Grant, Deric Hartigan of TV3, Aengus Og MacAnally, Astrid Brennan and Triona McCarthy were among the guests.

The new Gillette Series shavecare range includes: pre-shave scrub and wash which prepare the skin before the shave, shave gels which shield the skin during the shave, and after-the-shave moisturiser, balm and gel which refuel the skin after the shave.

Hennessy Gold Cup

At the Hennessy Gold cup were: 1. Karen Koster; 2. Fiona Grant, winner of Best Dressed Lady; 3. Colette Fitzpatrick.

The Hennessy Gold Cup returned to Leopardstown Racecourse on Sunday, and in the inimitable style of Hennessy, saw a unique blend of personalities from all walks of life come together for this premier sporting and social event.

The elite crowd in attendance included Karen Koster, Colette Fitzpatrick and fiancé Neil McDermott; models, former Miss World, Rosanna Davison, former Miss Ireland Aoife Coogan and Jenny Lee Masterson; acclaimed film director Jim Sheridan and the Hon. Desmond and Penny Guinness.

Those in attendance were entertained by the sultry tones of Maria Tecce and for race aficionados and novices alike, top tips were offered throughout the day by MC Des Cahill.

The fashion stakes were high as ladies donned their most glamorous outfits in the hope of winning the Best Dressed Lady Competition in association with The Design Centre. Judges Sonya Lennon, Off the Rails presenter and stylist, Aisling Kilduff of The Design Centre and Caroline Sleiman, of Moet Hennessy saw stunning ensembles and beautiful accessories on show.

Winner Fiona Grant from was presented with a €5000 Design Centre voucher to enhance her wardrobe from a superb selection of magnificent designer styles, while in 2nd place Fiona Barry received a €1000 voucher. Third place was received by Raychel O’Connell and all three winners walked away with a bottle of the exclusive Hennessy X.O.

This year saw the 19^th running of the Hennessy Gold Cupand as always the feature race was greeted with anticipation and excitement and the crowd were not disappointed as Ruby Walsh brought Neptune Collonges to a stunning win and then share his experience with race-goers in the Hennessy Suite at the Leopardstown Pavilion.

Love is in the air at Lillies

At the Valentine's night party in Lillies were: 1. Barry Byrne & Suzie McAdam; 2. Leslie walsh & Lorna Kennedy; 3. Karen Smith, Geroge McMahon & Kim McMahon.


The atmosphere was electric on Saturday night as the club hosted its special Valentine’s party with a Moulin Rouge theme. Guests were treated to a cocktail reception, usherettes and dancers from the Tassel Club all wearing Burlesque outfits, led by glam hostess Haley Rock. A number of well known faces seen to be enjoying themselves at the club included U2’s The Edge, actor Patrick Bergin, Abi Titmuss, Gavin Friday and actor George McMahon.

Aviva Stadium

The worst kept secret about the new Lansdowne Road was revealed today with the announcement that the new sports ground is to be called Aviva Stadium, after insurance giant Aviva agreed a 10-year sponsorship deal. Due to open in April 2010, I was given a sneak preview of the place this week and was amazed at progress so far.

The 50,000 seater stadium will feature world class facilities and be home to both Irish rugby and football, with the IRFU and FAI in partnership. As well as sporting events it is envisaged that there will be a number of music concerts staged every year.

Designed by HOK Sport Architecture (which was also responsible for Emirates and Wembley stadia, among others) the new grounds will be state of the art with optimised viewing of the pitch while retaining the old atmosphere of Lansdowne Road. I was particularly impressed by the eco credentials of the development, for example the vast opaque roof makes the most of natural sunlight and also collects rain water which will then be stored to irrigate the pitch.

While many of the seats and corporate boxes have been sold in advance to finance the development the FAI still have a number of options available through its Vantage Club, go to www.faivantageclub.com for more information.

dylan

At the party in dylan were: 1. Sonya Lennon and Gregory Curran; 2. Darren Kennedy and Rachel Wyse; 3. Hilary Rose and Ciara Whelan.

Also at the party in dylan were: 1. Lisa Murphy and Gerald Kean; 2. Joanne Hynes; 3. Sarah McGovern and Jenny Lee Masterson.

dylan, Dublin’s leading boutique hotel, launched its newly re-styled eatery last week, which has been transformed into a vibrant, yet relaxing space. The event, which was the most well attended I’ve seen in quite a while, attracted the crème de la crème of Dublin’s social elite including Gerald Kean and his partner, the stunning Lisa Murphy, fashionista and host of RTÉ’s Off the Rails, Sonya Lennon and Dublin footballer, Alan Brogan. The champagne was flowing as guests partied the night away to the sounds of DJ Mo Kelly and enjoyed delightful canapés and oysters prepared by Executive Chef Padraic Hayden and his team.

Other guests in attendance included actress Holly White, presenters of The Holiday Show, Ciara Whelan and Jon Slattery, Glenda Gilson and Rachel Wyse. TV producers Sharyn Mitchell and Mark Wooderson, Maire Lee Geary, artist Chara Nagle and a catwalk of models were also among the guests.

To add spice and excitement to the event, leading jewellery brand, Theo Fennell, donated a handmade Ampoule necklace crafted from 18 ct yellow and white gold and decorated with round brilliant cut diamonds, which was won by one lucky male guest, much to the disappointment of all the well-heeled ladies in the room.

The re-design of the restaurant at dylan boasts sensual, tactile fabrics in lush on-trend colours such as elderberry, amethyst and metallic mercur and the furniture completes the look perfectly. Rich sobrano wood on the table tops and subdued 1950’s inspired lighting creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. During the day the dining room is flooded with daylight, while at night, the mood changes to a more intimate candle lit setting.

I must admit I am a little reluctant to recommend dylan as it’s of my personal favourite local hostelries and I don’t want it packed out - but I am a selfless human being ... it’s off Upper Baggot Street if you fancy popping by.

The Dubliner 8th Birthday

At The Dubliner party were: 1. Geoff Power and Andy Carter; 2. Sarah Williams and Barry Crussell; 3. Lorna Nolan and Sasha Coen.



The best little magazine in the country, The Dubliner, celebrated its 8th birthday last week with a rumbunctious do in Renards. Friends, supporters and fans gathered to toast the cultural tome and publishing manager Paul Trainer who was also celebrating his birthday.

The Dubliner always throw a good party and past events are the stuff of legend (Chris de Burgh on the piano singing Lady in Red at the Christmas lunch in Town Bar & Grill last year, par example). Now that mag magnate Michael O'Doherty has taken over The Dubliner I'm sure we can continue to expect such Stellar soirees.

Meanwhile Trevor White, who brought us this great little read in the first place, is in Melbourne, Australia soaking up the sun and counting his millions no doubt ... or planning The Melburnian perhaps?

Facebook Megaparty

At the Facebook party were: 1. Maria Przybylska, Barbora Feketeova; 2. Emmanuele Angione, Desiree Van Der Laan, Aleksandra Mac.

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Following the phenomenal success of Facebook Megaparties in London, Milan, Budapest and New York, the Megaparty event finally land in Dublin recently.

Over 1100 FB users packed The Purty Kitchen in Temple Bar with DJs Aidan Kelly and Mark Kelly playing into the small hours.

The Megaparty was entirely organised and promoted online through the social network Facebook. Since the group formed last November, more than 3000 members signed up and signalled their interest in attending the event. The party was a chance for all the Facebook users in Ireland to get together and meet face to face with their Facebook friends – no virtual poking or hugs here, it was the real thing.

Due to the massive success of the party there will certainly be more to follow. Check out http://en-gb.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45207820379&ref=ts to keep in touch with the group online.