Being Prudent

At the Prudence awards were: 1. Carina Corbett & Annmarie O’Connor; 2. Romy Carroll & Aideen Lernihan; 3. Rachel Kavanagh & Kerrie Cheung. Pics. Paul Sherwood.

Prudence Magazine was somewhat ahead of its time when it launched five years ago, pushing a lifestyle philosophy that’s all about living life rich without breaking the budget. If only we’d all had that foresight.

In a recession that ethos is more important than ever, so when Prudence decided to launch the Best Buy Beauty Awards the Pru team were determined to make sure that they’d differ from any other beauty gongs. Forget posh purchases that are more about packaging than performance, and say hello to prudent picks that very definitely pass muster.

Hundreds of products from more than 80 brands were under scrutiny from a judging panel that included Xposé presenter Lisa Cannon, dermatologist Dr Katherine Mulrooney and beauty expert Laura Bermingham.

The winners were announced to a captive audience at an event at Dublin’s Radisson Blu Royal Hotel this week. Check out the winners in the current issue.

Franc's Secret is out!

At Franc’s party were: 1. Jenny McCarthy & Martin King; 2. Kathryn Thomas; 3. Laura Woods & Franc. Pics. Leon Farrell / Photocall


Camp wedding planner Franc, aka Peter Kelly, and RSVP Media have collaborated to create a new wedding magazine which will hit shelves nationwide this month and aims, says Franc, to be “a magazine for ALL brides and will be packed with tips and secrets”.

This week ‘Franc – Wedding Secrets’ was launched at a Mumm Champagne reception in The Marble Bar in the Westbury Hotel. Guests were treated to wedding favours from Cakes & Co, and cupcakes by Louise Lennox.

Among the many guests were bride-to-be Laura Woods, Kathryn Thomas, Brian Ormond & Pippa O’Connor, Louis Copeland, Gerald Kean & Lisa Murphy and designer Synan O’Mahony.

Fashion BreakThrough presents: Uprising

At the Fashion BreakThrough event: 1. Holly White & Karen Koster; 2. Zoe Boomer & Lyn Greer; 3. Kirsten O’Mahony & Linda Sloane. Pics. Richie Stokes.


Fans of up and coming designers, who like to get their hands on the trendiest threads before the rest of the crowd, were treated to a sample of what Spring Summer 2010 has in store at the second bi-annual Fashion Break Through: 'Uprising' event in Meeting House Square, Temple Bar this week.

Among those in attendance were Xpose's Karen Koster, top fashion stylist and fashionista Annmarie O'Connor, stylist Suzie Coen and founding director of The Loft Market in Powerscourt Town Centre, Aisling Farinella.

The usually unpredictable Irish weather stayed pleasant for the show, which took place under a marquee, as guests were treated to the unveiling of collections from celebrity favourite, Zoe Boomer, who has been touted as Ireland's answer to Stella McCartney and who counts Natasha Bedingfield as a firm fan.

Also showing were Sophie Rieu, whose latest collection of lush, tactile pieces are created with concern for the environment; Bebhinn Flood, whose bold prints, strong lines and beautiful sense of texture are fast becoming fashion favourites and Heidi Higgins, whose label already has a firm identity with her gorgeously iconic, sweeping dresses that enrobe the figure like magic.

Wearing a stunning dress by Sophie Rieu, host Holly White kicked off the show by reminding attendees about the great design talent Ireland has to offer and praised the organisers of the event, designer Lisa Shawgi, who also showed her collection, and Therese McKenna, for spotting a gap in the Irish market for such a great fringe fashion event.

Oh and, speaking of all this fashion, those of you who are into your handbags (and manbags!) can now get some real therapy out of them ... Kildare Village Outlet Shopping has launched the ‘What’s in your handbag?’ digital campaign at www.handbag.kildarevillage.com - an online initiative inviting you to upload a photo of your handbag and its contents for a chance to win a €1,000 shopping spree at Kildare Village and a fun handbag therapy analysis by Debbie Percy.

Mister International Ireland

At the Mister International Ireland: 1. Winner Francis Usanga & organiser Deric Hartigan; 2. 1st runner-up Shane Lennon & Simone Power; 3. Kayleigh Fitzsimons & Andrea Kane. Pix. Brian McEvoy.


It was one of the hotly tipped favourites, Francis Usanga, who impressed the judges and walked away with the 1st Mister International Ireland title at the national final selection in the Button Factory in Temple Bar.

Francis fought off tough competition from 14 other finalists in a night that set pulses racing, as the boys strutted their stuff in casual wear, formal wear and swimwear rounds. Following individual interviews of the top 10 finalists with host Amanda Brunker, the final decision came down to the judges which included Alan Hughes (TV3), Paula Lenihan (Editor, RSVP), Sonja Mohlich (Stylist) and Ray Shah (DJ).

Commenting on his new title as the 1st Mister International Ireland, Francis said: "I never expected this, I'm absolutely thrilled. I'm looking forward to representing my country and doing Ireland proud’.”

National Director of the Mister International Ireland franchise Deric Hartigan commented on the winner: “I think Francis is a great choice and a fantastic representation of the Mister International Ireland brand. With his smouldering good looks and toned physique, he represents the modern man and modern Ireland. Congratulations to our 1st runner up Shane Lennon, 2nd runner up Daniel Moriarty and indeed to all the other contestants, who did themselves proud on the night.”

Francis scooped a prize package worth in excess of €10,000 including a photoshoot with RSVP Magazine, grooming for a year from Grafton Barbers as well as a year’s free membership with Total Fitness gym. In addition, he will now go forward to represent Ireland in Taiwan in November, where he will compete against national finalists from 30 other countries.

Sundown Club @ Fitzwilliam Hotel

At the Fitzwilliam were: 1. Singer Eibhin Eviston; 2. Deirdre Hynds, Carol Donaghy & Sarah Kelly; 3. Lauren Bannon & Marisa Mackle. Pics. Marc O'Sullivan.

The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Stephen’s Green Dublin, launched the new Sundown Club with a host of guests including stylist Cathy O’Connor, Derrick Carberry and author Marissa Mackle. GM Fergal O’Connell welcomed all in attendance and live, laid back music was provided by sultry, singer-songwriter, Eibhin Eviston and the talented Anthony Ward.

Guests feasted on delicious Fitzwilliam canapés and indulged in fabulous bespoke cocktails, including The Sundown, created by resident mixologist Matt Jupe.

The Sundown Club at the Fitzwilliam’s Inn on the Green will run throughout the Summer on Friday and Saturday evenings from 9.30pm, and offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in a chic, New-York style cocktail culture, enjoy a laid back, stylish, music experience and indulge in the Fitzwilliam’s delicious canapé selection.

Horse Show Hustle

At the Horse Show Hustle: 1. Deidre Denham & Sophie Flood; 2. Doug Ferris & Diane Henderson; 3. Robert Murphy & Sarah Moorhead. Pix.: Brian McEvoy.

Music lovers turned up in their droves to the inaugural Brainwave Horse Show Hustle at Krystle and with such an amazing line up it was very easy to see why. David Kitt along with The Chapters, All Star Charge & History of Harry thrilled the audience with an array of eclectic hits. Guests were treated to a drinks reception courtesy of Budweiser Aluminium as well as a feast of nipples before taking to the dance floor.

The super raffle on the night which included first prize of five weekends away, a Shannon cruise, digital cameras and much more, was a huge success. DJ Rick O’ Shea who is part of the organising committee for the event was delighted with the night. ‘Everyone here had a fantastic time and the music was the best I’ve heard in a while. What makes it even better is knowing that all funds raised tonight are going to such a worthy cause’, he said.

5

Enjoying the 5 party: 1. Louise & Louis Osbourne; 2. Sandra Byrne; 3. Mark Noble & Nadia Forde. Pics. Brian McEvoy.

Dublin's party set descended upon Krystle on Tuesday evening to celebrate the launch of Wrigley's new gum 5 – a stylish gum which takes its inspiration from the five human senses.

Guests on the evening were treated to the most stimulating of nights out as the club was transformed into a fully sensorial experience with celebrity DJ Louis Osbourne pumping out the sounds and getting everyone into the party mood. Louis was just fresh back from an Italian boutique music festival with his stunning wife Louise, who is gearing up for a trip stateside to the famous Osbourne mansion and said that she is excited about spending some time with the Osbourne clan and will be in the audience for the final of America's Got Talent.

As guests arrived, they were given a sensorial tour of Krystle which included a chamber of hands which proved popular with models Alison Canavan and Chloe Arnold who were spotted taking the tour for a second time!

DJ and face of 5 Michelle Doherty looked stunning in a little black dress. Michelle was accompanied by close pal Fergus Kealy and Morgan Agency colleague Carl Shaaban. Never one to miss a good party, Sandra Byrne arrived on crutches along with celebrity hypnotist Katie Jane Goldin.

G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra

At the G.I. Joe premiere: 1. Donna McConville & Ian Davy; 2. Morgan Weymes & Sinead Waters; 3. Niamh Farrell. Pics. Brian McEvoy.

G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra was premiered in Dublin’s Cineworld recently. The movie is probably the last big summer blockbuster action movie of this year. It’s big, brash and fast paced and will undoubtedly do very well all around the world.

Starring Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Marlon Wayans and Christopher Eccleston among others the story is farfetched and ridiculous but hey, that doesn’t matter!

Some great chase scenes and high octane fight scenarios keep the whole show moving at break neck speed. Interestingly Paramount Pictures didn’t show this movie to many critics in advance of release, I guess they didn’t need to. It does exactly what it says on the tin.

Galway Knees Up

At the Galway Knees Up: 1. Karen Koster; 2. Eugene Murray, Evelyn O’Rourke & Gerry Ryan; 3. Ruby Walsh & Hector O’hEochagain. Pics.: Aengus McMahon.



The inaugural “Galway Knees Up” in aid of the Irish Hospice Foundation took place in the Hotel Meyrick in Galway. The event took place following “Ladies Day” at the Galway Races and was deemed a huge success, raising about €50,000. The “Galway Knees Up” is now set to become an annual event closely tied in with the racing community and wider audience who descend on Galway each year for the races.

MCs for the evening, Xpose’s Karen Koster and Hector O’hEochagain, were a well balanced pair as they set the tone and entertained guests with their witty banter. Other well known people in attendance included champion jockeys Ruby Walsh and AP McCoy, Image editor Melanie Morris, as well as Gerald Keane and Lisa Murphy.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with a drinks reception to help celebrate the day’s winnings. While upstairs the Spa Refresh Zone, sponsored by Brown Thomas and Bellissimo in Galway was full of men and women getting touched up after the long day in Ballybrit.

The auction was a great success with Padraig Harrington’s autographed Driver, which he used to capture his second consecutive British Open Championship title in 2008 and the Fender Stratocaster Guitar bearing Bono & his two daughters Even & Jordan’s illustrations from the Peter & The Wolf production together with Bono’s autograph, both gaining strong bids helped by Hector’s auctioneering skills!

Karen Koster and Mandy Maher from Galway’s premier modeling agency, Catwalk Models, were given the tough job of selecting the “Knees Up Knockout”. The title was awarded to Sligo’s Brid Brett, who was presented with a one off head piece, designed specifically for the event by Galway Milliner, Emily Jean O'Byrne.