Absolut Pride

Colourful: 1. Fiona Lynch & Sarah O’Hanlon; 2. Richard Brickley & Gilbert Baker; 3. Yan Scheineder & Hugho Welke. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Rainbow flag creator Gilbert Baker addressed an audience of over 200 people on his first visit to Ireland for ‘An Evening of ABSOLUT Pride’ hosted by ABSOLUT vodka. The event, in the National Gallery of Ireland, was organised to celebrate the Pride 2011 festival.

On the evening Baker gave an inspiring speech, discussing the importance of the Rainbow flag as an international symbol for the LGBT community, talking about his work as a gay activist with Harvey Milk and his childhood and time in the army during the Vietnam war.

The event was a continuation of ABSOLUT’s collaboration with Gilbert Baker who designed the ABSOLUT Colors bottle in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the rainbow flag in 2008. Mr. Baker’s association with ABSOLUT vodka began in 2003 when the brand sponsored his successful world record attempt of the largest flag on the 25th anniversary of the creation of the iconic Rainbow flag.

Dress to Impress

Race is on: 1. Sinead Desmond and Barbara Power; 2. Amanda Brunker; 3. Geoff Scully and Sybil Mulcahy. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Some of Ireland’s most stylish got together at Leopardstown racecourse recently to launch the Littlewoods Ireland Best Dressed Series at Horse Racing Ireland’s Summer Racing Season.

Surrounded by green grass, winning posts and sunshine guests including Mairead Farrell, Amanda Brunker, Sybil Mulcahy, Sinead Desmond and Maura Derrane compared notes as to what they will be looking for in the quest to find Littlewoods Ireland’s Best Dressed Ladies.

RTE’s Maura Derrane revealed: “When searching for a Best Dressed Lady I always look for individuality, ladies should dress to suit their bodies as oppose to following trend. I love classically cut items but it’s nice to mix it with something dramatic as well.”

Over 20,000 people are expected to visit race meetings this summer where each best dressed lady will receive a €2,000 shopping spree with Littlewoods Ireland while 10 finalists at each meeting will receive a €100 shopping spree each. Worth dressing up for, I think you’ll agree.

Be part of the Littlewoods Ireland Best Dressed competition and meet the celebrity judges at the following race events: Mairead Farrell, Roscommon, Monday 4th July; Amanda Brunker, Wexford, Saturday 23rd July; Sybil Mulcahy, Kilbeggan, Saturday 6th August; Bairbre Power, Tramore, Saturday 13th August; Sinead Desmond, Bellewstown, Thursday 18th August and Maura Derrane, Killarney, Friday 26th August.

The White Door

All White: 1. Daniel Holfeld & Roz Purcell; 2. Mo Kelly; 3. Sinead Desmond & Jacqueline Honer-O’Sullivan. (Pix. Leon Farrell / Photocall)

The White Door, a designer boutique concept store, is the newest addition to Exchequer Street, one of Dublin’s most exciting shopping districts in the heart of Dublin city. The opening party was well attended by a host of well known names such as Sinead Desmond, Maria Fusco, Dawn Fitzgerald and PJ Gibbons.

Spread over two floors, the interior of the store echoes the retro-chic look of New York boutiques with exposed brickwork and a custom-made mirrored mosaic ceiling in the make-up room. The brain child of Jacqueline Honer-Sullivan, the shop takes its inspiration from designer boutique stores but is presented as a whole new concept.

The White Door sells a wide range of clothing, dresses, jeans, bags, jewellery, skincare, homeware, children’s toys and the fabulous ZORINA cosmetics…the makeup for everyone!, and stocks a myriad of premium brands such as Tadashi Shoji, Elisa Cavaletti, Joanne Hynes, Heidi Higgins, Elly Itali, Carol Shaw, Nougat London, Jellycat and many more.

It is also the exclusive stockist of famed American brand Hello! SkinnyJeans – the miracle jeans that will sculpt and enfold, creating a shapely silhouette.

To celebrate the launch of the new flagship store, Jackie has initiated “The White Door Red Umbrella in aid of Childline”, with 100% of the proceeds from sales of the Red Umbrellas going to Childline.

“Just as the Red Umbrella protects us from rain, donations will help protect Children from harm!” says Jacqui. The new store will be instantly recognisable by a bright red umbrella installation that will be seen from either end of Exchequer Street.

Upwardly Mobile

Tech Savvy: 1. Jacques Malone & Nicola Watkins; 2. Gerry Proctor; 3. Gillian Verrecchia.

(Pix. Sony Ericsson Xperia X10)

Whenever Sony Ericsson has an announcement to make the gadget geeks tune in and listen. The tech firms annual summer BBQ is always well attended and the product news eagerly awaited. This year the venue was Ocean bar in the Millennium Tower on Grand Canal Dock. Once a shining light in the Celtic Tiger sky, the place is a bit rough around the edges now but still maintains a place on the social radar, thanks in part to its enviable location.

Nevertheless the crowd was not there to take in the view but rather to learn of the latest developments from the Sony Ericsson labs. Over the years the company has brought together the best communication technologies with superior entertainment user experiences to create its Xperia line of the ‘most entertaining smartphones’ in the mobile handset industry.

Marketing boss Russell Keating showed off mobiles such as the Xperia arc; Xperia PLAY and Xperia neo, as well as latest versions of Xperia Mini and Mini-Pro. Other things to look forward to include voice clarification technology, new generation Walkman products and future developments with the Android platform.

Also this year Sony Ericsson will celebrate its 10th year as a joint venture between Sony Corporation and Ericsson. Among the guests were Pat Kenny, Trish Murphy of Hot Press, Sean Munsanje, Jenny Cullen of Marketing Magazine and rugby pundit George Hook.

Race is On

Racing ahead: 1. Emma Sweeney; 2. Stephen Cass; 3. Anne Brennan. (Pix. Leon Farrell / Photocall)

Leopardstown Racecourse and Bulmers have announced the line-up for this year’s series of Bulmers Live at Leopardstown events. For eight Thursday evenings this summer, Dublin’s only racecourse will combine the atmosphere of a boutique music festival with the best in horse racing, all for an unbeatable entry price of just €15.

Sharon Shannon & Damien Dempsey; The Undertones; Cathy Davey; Kila & Paddy Casey; Republic of Loose; The Saw Doctors; Aslan; Horslips and Jamie Lawson will all line-up to soundtrack this years series of summer nights out with a difference.

New to the racecard is the Bulmers Live at Leopardstown ‘Fashion Rocks’ competition. At each event, the Style Bitches, ‘Ireland’s top stylists’ will award a ‘Fashion Rocks’ award and a €1,000 shopping package at House of Fraser to one lucky man or woman, based on their contemporary, cool, after work style.

The overall race-goer to rock fashion champion will then be crowned by TV Presenter, Lottie Ryan, on August 11th, and presented with a trip to the fashion capital of Europe (Paris, of course) and a trip to the famous French racecourse, Longchamps.

All racing kicks off between 5.30pm and 6pm and finishes up in time for the live music to start at 9pm.

www.leopardstown.com

Ard na Sidhe

Kingdom Come: 1. Isolde Liebherr, Jennifer Dowling & Michael Brennan; 2. Kay Bermingham & Brian Hurley; 3. Joanne McGillicuddy, Fallon Clifford & Rachel O’Shea. (Pix. Don MacMonagle)

To the Kingdom (that’s Kerry to you), for the reopening of Ard na Sidhe, the stunning country house hotel near Kilorglin that has undergone an extensive restoration and renovation project. The charming house is situated on the shores of Caragh Lake amidst 32 acres and was built by Lady Gordon in 1913.

Manager Jennifer Dowling welcomed everyone at the door and guests were able to wander around the stunning manor house and take in the newly designed bedrooms as well as wander through the magnificent Edwardian garden.

Mrs Isolde Liebherr was on hand to plant an oak tree in the gardens and guests included the new Kerry Rose of Tralee Sile Ni Dearghain, James Howley who oversaw the project and Gerry Brown and Mary Rose Hickey of Killarney Hotels.

Green Lantern

Green with envy: 1. Norman Pratt & Avril Collins; 2. Jennifer Phillips & Sara Cotterell; 3. Roisin Tierney Crowe & Sinead Doyle. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Super hero fans turned out at the Savoy cinema for the Irish premiere screening of the $100m Green Lantern movie, starring Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. First nighters included Romy Carroll, Roisin Tierney Crowe, and Fair City actress Aoibheann McCaul.

Green Lantern is in cinemas nationwide now.

Funtasia

Celebrity watchers, movie buffs and those with an interest in popular culture will love the fascinating (and totally free!) exhibition now running at Funtasia Waterpark in Drogheda. Funtasia has sourced an international exhibition showcasing an amazing collection of memorabilia from the worlds of television, music and movies.

Visitors can see modern iconic items including Michael Jackson’s touring jacket, apes from Planet of the Apes movie and a selection of Star Trek’s Aliens. Check out Pippa O'Connor (left) dressed as Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra.

The exhibition is a real treasure trove with other modern and classic celebrity items ranging from the Jonas Brothers’ Camp Rock costumes, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell’s platform boots, as well as the most famous wedding dress of 2010, Becky from Coronation Street’s pink meringue style creation.

The exhibition is Free and those travelling to it by Matthews Coaches get 50% off the cost of Funtasia’s other superb attractions including the WaterPark and adrenaline pumping Sky climb. Don’t delay in visiting as the show and Matthews Coaches special offer only runs until June 30th.

Miss Chic

(Pix. Kieran Harnett)

Chic: 1. Anita Tumbler & Sukhi Saini; 2. Anna Daly; 3. Kenny Vaughan & Sarah McGovern.

Miss Chic’s latest jewellery collection launch at Vanilla at the Hampton Hotel was a glam affair with plenty of fashionistas there to check out the stunning pieces on show. Rosanna Davison, Lorraine Keane, designer Deborah Veale, Fair City's Aobhinn Garrihy, TV3's Anna Daly and Sybil Mulcahy and weather girl Nuala Carey all enjoyed an evening of bling and bubbles.

Best of the Rest

Best of the Rest … those who brought a sense of style to the occasion …

1. Top model Alison Canavan proves that less really is more. Here she is at the Rockstar Tan party in La Stampa looking every inch a supermodel in a simple sweater and jeans combo. Her biggest accessory is her smile (which even the Cartier watch can’t compete with); 2. Where in the World has Theresa Lowe been? Those of you d’un certain age will remember her as one of RTE’s bright stars and, as you can see, she was shining at the opening party for Brasserie Le Pont; 3. Susie Koumarianos, aka pastry chef the Burlesque Baker, certainly has her own inimitable style (look at those shoes!) and always brings a bit of life to every party.

(Pix. McEvoy / Healy / Woods)

Bridesmaids

Here comes the Bride: 1. Karl Broderick & Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace; 2. Chris O’Dowd & Dawn Porter; 3. Marianne McCabe & Laura Lucy Kenny. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Cinema goers braved the rain and hailstones for the Irish Premiere Screening of the film Bridesmaids. It’s being billed at the female version of The Hangover and is just as funny.

It’s all about Annie, her life is a mess but when she finds out her best friend Lillian is engaged, she simply must serve as her maid of honor. Though lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, she takes Lillian and her bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony.

Director Paul Veig jetted in for the evening alongside stars Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy while Irish actor Chris O’Dowd attended with his partner Dawn Porter and proud mother Denise. Also spotted on the red carpet were bride-to-be Melanie Morris with her own bridesmaid-to-be Triona McCarthy, Karen Koster, Lorraine Keane and designer Deborah Veale.

Big Style from Littlewoods

Trend setters: 1. Caroline Baxter & Rebecca De Havalland; 2. Lauren McCreery, Geoff Scully & Aislinn Coffey; 3. Courtney Smith & Darren Kennedy. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Littlewoods Ireland recently previewed their Autumn Winter 2011 collection in Studio 54-esque surroundings at an event in Fallon & Byrne. Guests enjoying the canapés and disco ball cupcakes included Sean Munsanje, Corina Gaffey, Natalie Marquez, Courtney Smith and Brendan Marc Scully.

Stylist Cathy O’Connor expertly guided guests through the various looks that showcased next season’s trends from the online retailer, while models on the night included Caolinn Taylor, Tara O’Farrell and Michelle Lima.

Derby Festival Fever

Derby Devotees: 1. Melanie Morris & Michael Davern; 2. Roz Purcell; 3. Paul & Anne Hensey. (Pix. Anthony Woods)

The premiere social occasion of the summer season is nearly upon us and if last year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby is anything to go by then we are in for a magnificent racing festival. The Curragh, home of Irish racing, will play host to the 3-day event which sees the world’s finest thoroughbreds complete for one of the ultimate prizes in Irish sport.

To announce details of the festival Dubai Duty Free generously hosted a summer evening party in the salubrious surroundings of the K Club. The party set the scene for the much anticipated main event which takes place from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th June – this is when the racing calendar meets the social calendar as the weekend attracts a diverse range of visitors including racing enthusiasts, punters, socialites, entertainment seekers and families.

As always there will be much to keep fashion fanatics happy with too. Ladies will have the opportunity to compete for the Best Accessorised Outfit sponsored by the Whitewater Shopping Centre along with the Sally Hansen sponsored Most Perfect Legs competition on Saturday, while the Most Stylish Lady will be announced on Sunday with a 5 star holiday to Dubai for the winner.

Guests at the launch sampled a selection of delicious foods which will be available in the Good Food Ireland Village over all three days of the festival. Representatives from Irish Autism Action were also in attendance to promote their association as the charity of choice for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Ball which takes place at the K Club on the Saturday evening of the festival.

All we need now is a repeat of last year’s glorious sunshine and we'll be at the races!

For more info go to http://www.curragh.ie/

Get to Le Pont

Bonsoir: 1. Derry & Sally Anne Clarke; 2. Noelle Murray, Andrea Roche & Alison Canavan; 3. Niall O'Farrell & Fiona Kelly. (Pix. Conor Healy)

Fans of French style cuisine can rejoice with the official opening of Brasserie Le Pont, Dublin’s newest restaurant. Those-in-the-know will be familiar with it, having beaten a path to the door in the past couple of months, but the secret is now out.

Strategically located close to Leeson Street bridge, Le Pont (French for ‘the bridge’, but you knew that) is surely one of the most stylish eateries this town has ever seen. It’s got a beautiful wine bar section that will appeal to the entrepreneurs locale and a heated outdoor terrace for those who enjoy al fresco long lunches away from prying eyes.

To celebrate the opening the Kelly family hosted a fine wine and canapé feast to the tune of some light jazz music. Close family friend Theresa Lowe was a special guest and joined on the evening by model Alison Canavan, Rob White and Andrea Roche, Niall O’Farrell, publisher Michael O’Doherty, Tom Kitt and a number of dignitaries from the nearby embassies.

Head chef James Doyle boasts top restaurants like Rhodes D7 and Gordon Ramsay at the Ritz Carlton among his previous employers so the kitchen credentials are excellent. In essence Brasserie Le Pont delivers the goodness of Gallic food without the cliché surroundings.

Speaking of The Ritz-Carlton, the Gordon Ramsay restaurant at the luxury destination resort has re-launched and is now known as Gordan Ramsey at Powerscourt. The new concept includes a restaurant refurbishment, which gives a contemporary look and feel, along with a new Wine Bar.

It will serve a simple, seasonal and local menu using the best ingredients Ireland has to offer with all the finesse expected from a Ramsay restaurant. The delectable new menu, similar to the Savoy Grill in London, will include well-loved classic dishes with a modern twist all using the finest local produce.

The talented Peter Byrne has recently been appointed Chef de Cuisine, having spent over 6 years working as Senior Sous Chef at Chapter One, while Gordon himself pays regular visits to keep everyone on their toes.

Heartbeat Ball

Charity Chic: 1. Sandy Moran & Paul Cullen; 2. Adrian Davy, Eavan Fallon & Julie Dolan; 3. Donal Gorarke and Kate Corkery. (Pix. Colm Mahady / Fennell)

The inaugural Heartbeat Ball took place in the Convention Centre recently to raise funds for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), a charity that was set up by two parents who lost their son at the age of 15 to sudden cardiac arrest.

Over three hundred people attended the black-tie ball gala, which commenced with a drinks reception in the panoramic Liffey Suite, followed by a four course dinner. Music from The Heartbeats, in tune with the theme of the night, kept people on the dance floor till late.

Michael Greene, Chairman of CRY, commented on the night: “At the outset can I say that in all the fundraising activities we have been involved in and attended this evening has got to be unique. I cannot think of a more appropriate evening to be associated with, in that this event has been organised and supported by, in the main, young people.”

He went on to pay a special tribute to the members of the organising Committee, namely Katie Gallagher, Declan O’Brien, Mairead Ni Choine, Joanne Bannon, Shane Power, Phillip Brady and Anna Finnegan.

Celebrity Salon

(Pix. Brian McEvoy)


Salon Select: 1. Andy Byrne & Roisin Ni Mhorda; 2. Georgia Salpa & Eugene Masterson; (below)3. Calum Best, Abi Titmus, Georgia Salpa, Elaine Butler - Doolin, Rosanna Davison, Aisleyne Horgan - Wallace & Alan Hughes.






Well TV3 certainly had a good week, what with the Irish version of Come Dine With Me (complete with the inimitable narration of Dave Lamb) and Celebrity Salon, the surprise hit from last year.

Six new celebrities step out of the spotlight and into the salon and were unveiled at a party in the Odeon. Living and learning together over an intensive two week period, these six very different and entertaining characters will be challenged to complete treatments on some of the most demanding celebrities and unusual members of the public.

The contestants will be pitted against both the clock and each other, in order to win the grand prize and the title of ‘Best in Beauty’. Watch the laughs, drama and tension unfold as Rosanna Davison, Calum Best, Georgia Salpa, Abi Titmuss, Alan Hughes and Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace cope with the wonderful world of tanning, waxing, hair and make-up.


TV3’s Director of Programming, Ben Frow, said: “Celebrity Salon is back for the summer and this year it promises to be hotter than ever. With six brand new celebrities it guarantees excellent viewing.”

Best of the Rest

Best of the Rest ... It would actually be easier to pick out fashion disasters each week; far more people get it wrong than right, more’s the pity. Hopefully, however, those who need style counsel will take heed of those featured here.

This week ... 1. TV producer Debbie O’Donnell looked so chic at the M&S Garden BBQ, simple elegance that was appropriate for the occasion; 2. Annmarie O’Connor is a fashion writer and stylist, and it shows. Here she accessorises the LBD with dramatic effect (but doesn’t let the neckpiece take over) at the Wilde Literary Supper Club launch in the Westbury Hotel; 3. It’s evident that Clodagh Maguire, pictured at the Bushra Beauty launch, knows her own style and she wears this classic wrap dress very well.

(Pix. Kieran Harnett / Anthony Woods)

Rembering Ross

Benefactors: 1. Emma Nugent & Rene Gilmartin; 2. Chereen O’Toole & Maira O’Reilly; 2. Peter Devlin & Lorraine Keane. (Pix. Gary Connolly)

A gala evening for the Ross Nugent Foundation took place in Cruzzos, Malahide recently. The event was held in memory of Ross Nugent (son of Dundrum Town Centre boss Don Nugent) with the aim of buying equipment for St. Clare's Oncology Ward in Beaumont Hospital. The gathering was held to commemorate Ross's one year anniversary.

Ross fought a brave battle against Ewings Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer and, before his untimely passing, made a promise to his mother Sandra to raise funds for hospital equipment in order to make life more comfortable for patients, visiting relations and the nursing staff.

The evening kicked off with a champagne reception followed by a four course dinner with entertainment from the band 'Smooth'. Guests on the night included family and friends of the Nugent family as well as special guests Lorraine Keane who MC'd on the night, and her husband Peter Devlin.

For more information on the Ross Nugent Foundation log on to www.rossnugentfoundation.ie.