Visionnaire

Clear Vision: 1. Doireann Garrihy & Aoibheann Garrihy; 2. Darren Kennedy & Isabel Malbois; 3. Roisin Tierney Crowe a& Nuala Carey. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Having been in development for 12 years and with 17 patents to its name, Visionnaire from Lancome has finally been revealed.

The Morrison hotel was the backdrop for the big launch with Lancome boss Trevor Tye welcoming guests including Nuala Carey, Aoibhin Garrighy and Roxanne Parker. It was clear that guys wanted to know about this innovation too as Brendan O’Connor, PJ Gibbons and Darren Kennedy were also there.

OBE recipient, scientist and former Tomorrow’s World Presenter Vivienne Parry joined Julie McManus, Lancome’s Scientific Director in introducing Visionnaire and impressing everyone with the more detailed aspects of the new wonder product.

The much anticipated beauty product is a revolutionary new skin correcting serum which results in skin that looks visibly transformed: the texture feels refined, wrinkles appear reduced, pigmentation irregularities are reduced and pores are tightened.

Emporio Peroni

Ciao: 1. Triona McCarthy & Vivi Ponti; 2. Liz Dwyer & Aengus McCarthy; 3. Laura Mannion & Brenna Cooper. (Pix. Jason Clarke)

This year Italy celebrates 150 years as a unified nation. In celebration of this landmark anniversary, Peroni Nastro Azzurro celebrated Italian Style with the launch of Emporio Peroni at 37 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2. The fashion forward were well represented with Chloe Arnold, Corina Gaffney, Cathy O’Connor and Elaine Scully among the crowd.

At the launch party Peroni beer, together with renowned Italian-Irish fashion stylist Aisling Farinella, celebrated la dolce vita by co-ordinating an intimate fashion show featuring iconic and contemporary Italian designer looks. Up-and-coming Italian designer Vivi Ponti flew in for the launch to preview Vivetta, her SS12 collection.

Peter Pan - The Musical

Pan’s People: Zoe Koster & Karen Koster; 2. Keith Barry & wife Maread with daughter Breanna; 3. Daniel & Diana Bunici. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)


The world premiere (yes, world!) of Peter Pan - The Musical took place in Dublin last week. We’re up there with London and New York now with the very first showing of a musical by West End producers – take a bow Grand Canal Theatre.

It was very much a family affair for many of our home grown personalities. Miriam Ahern attended with her daughter Georgina and son in law Nicky Byrne and their twins Jay and Rocco; Kathleen Watkins was there with daughter Crona and grand-children.

As were Bernard Dunne, wife Pamela and children Caoimhe and Finnian; Pat and Kathy Kenny with their beautiful daughters Kristina and Nicole along with Kathy's mother Diane; Singer Mary Byrne and her nieces, Lisa Duffy and her children, Karen Koster and Diana Bunici were also in attendance.

The Musical featured spectacular flying sequences and stunning visual effects which have never been seen before, indeed the audience delighted in seeing Peter Pan fly through the auditorium!

Peter Pan - The Musical is running at Grand Canal Theatre until 6th August.

Keith Barry and the 8 Deadly Sins

Magic: 1. Georgia Salpa; 2. Derek Mooney; 3. Michelle Doherty. (Pix. James Horan / Collins Photos)

Keith Barry’s hugely anticipated 8 Deadly Sins opened last week at The Olympia Theatre to rapturous acclaim. With this new show the Waterford born mentalist again proved why he is regarded as one of the best on the planet with a non-stop rollercoaster live show of illusion, mind reading, hypnosis and the bizarre.

At the end of the show the audience, which included Kenny Egan, Georgia Salpa, Claire Byrne, Glenda Gilson, Amanda Brunker and Liam Cunningham, jumped to their feet for a lengthy standing ovation. Due to phenomenal demand an extra week has been added to the schedule and the show is now running until August 13th.

Don't Miss it

Pageantry: 1. Sarah Morrissey & Michelle McGrath; 2. Emma Cunningham, Brendan Scully and Hannah Cunningham; 3. Mickey Harte and Tiffaney Stanley. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)


The official launch of Miss Ireland 2011 took place at Bucks New Townhouse recently where details of this year’s contest were announced. The heat is on as all over the country the lucky finalists are being chosen and only the best with beauty, poise and personality earn a place in the grand finale on 13 August.

The event, hosted by the calorie burning soft drink Aspire, unveiled the first of the contestants through to the final and this year’s judging panel which includes former Miss Ireland Sarah Morrissey, trainer to the stars Paul Byrne, Ireland’s first top model and beauty expert Laura Birmingham, TV3’s Elaine Crowley, Celebrity Salon’s Elaine Butler-Doolin, Aspire drinks MD Neil Blewitt with more names yet to be announced.

The winner of Miss Ireland 2011 will receive a lucrative modeling contract and a host of prizes including jewelry, gowns, a professional photo shoot, beauty and hair products from official partners Karora Tan, Ebano Hair Salon and Easilocks, Isadora Makeup and Debenhams. Miss Ireland 2011 will also get the use of a brand new SEAT car for the year of her reign.

Irish eyes have their sights set on the ultimate prize this year as the celebrated Miss World pageant returns to the United Kingdom (where it was first staged in 1951) to celebrate 60 years of sparkling shows. Ireland has always been a force to be reckoned with on the world stage but this year, as the competition moves back to our nearest neighbor with the biggest show since its inception, the spotlight shines even brighter.

Must have Mustang

Jeanius: 1. Andrea Roche & Alison Canavan; 2. Pippa o’Connor & Dave Cashman; 3. Amanda Kevlin & Hannah Devane. (Pix. Robbie Reynolds)

Mustang Jeans, the dark ‘horse’ of fashion forward European casualwear, previewed its new Spring Summer 2012 collection to Ireland’s fashion buyers, movers and shakers at a show in Lost Society recently. Among those present were Andrea Roche, Rosanna Davison, Pippa O’Connor and Hanna Devane, who has recently been making waves on Britain & Ireland’s Next Top Model with Elle McPherson.

Unveiled at Bread & Butter, the recent fashion industry event in Berlin in July, the new look Mustang Jeans collection combines fashion forward styling with a competitive price point, across the brand’s collections for girls and guys. Leading the fashion field in terms of urban styling, Mustang presents high fashion, wearable ranges of jackets, jeans, tops, sweats and accessories.

For Spring Summer 2012 the focus is on contemporary workwear inspired denim pieces highlighted with fresh high fashion cotton pieces. Fitted leather and denim jackets are worn over edgy denim shorts, waistcoats and skirts which team with 70’s retro influenced loose shirts and tops. The girl’s range also features dresses and knitwear and a complete collection of accessories including leather belts, printed bandanas, bags and scarves, to highlight.

Mumm's the Word

Champagne for everyone: 1. Eilis Wash & Margaret O'Rourke; 2. Katherine Drohan & Scott Burnett; 3. Maria Cassidy & Steven Pierce. (Pix. Brian McEvoy Photography)

Some of the hottest names in Irish fashion, photography and architecture turned out for the launch of the G.H. Mumm Champagne fashion photography exhibition, entitled ‘Common Ground: A G.H. Mumm Exhibition, Twisting Conventions in Fashion & Architecture’.

The French champagne house, famous for its red ribbon, commissioned stylist Aisling Farinella and photographer Rich Gilligan to produce the exhibit. The aim was to create a stunning fashion photographic exhibition that twists convention and links fashion with architecture and the results were stunning.

For the exhibition Aisling took the work of six prominent Irish fashion designers, Una Burke, Simone Rocha, Eilis Boyle, Eme Vandal, Joanne Hynes and Tim Ryan and found a range of buildings and inspiring architectural spaces that relate to their work visually and conceptually. The result is a beautifully crafted exhibition which brings to light the parallels between the two art forms.

The launch took place with a Champagne Mumm reception in the blank canvas that is No.28 South William Street and attendees included Irish fashion designers Joanne Hynes and Eilis Boyle, photographer Cliona O’Flaherty, stylist Alison Conneely and journalist and author Amanda Brunker.

The Guard

En Garde: 1. Brendan Gleeson & Pat Shortt; 2. Danny O'Donohue & Lisa Cannon; 3. Amanda Parker, Jenny McCudden & Liz Murphy. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

To Galway for the film premiere of The Guard, a comedy-thriller set on the west coast of Ireland. Sergeant Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson) is a small-town cop with a confrontational personality, a subversive sense of humour, a dying mother, a fondness for prostitutes and absolutely no interest whatsoever in the international cocaine-smuggling ring that has brought FBI agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle) to his door.

It was a busy evening, with a pre-screening reception at The G, the city’s trendiest, eh, spot. On then to the nearby Eye Cinema where the actors including Brendan Gleeson and Pat Shortt walked the red carpet along with Hector Ó hEochagáin of 2fm, Xpose girl Lisa Cannon and members of The Script.

After a firm thumbs up from all in attendance it was back to The G where the party, which included a Jameson whiskey tasting, continued in true Galway style - a good warm up for the Race festival next week.

Lost in Style

Found at Lost: 1. Michelle Massey; 2. Maria Fusco and Cici Kavanagh; 3. Nuala Carey. (Pix. Richie Stokes)

Fresh from being awarded Best Style Bar in Ireland (at the Licensing World Bar Awards 2011), Lost Society in the Powerscourt Townhouse threw a glamorous cocktail party to celebrate. The beautiful South William Street venue has amassed a loyal following of equally stylish patrons since it opened late last year.

Glamorous guests were treated to Bombay Sapphire cocktails and bubbly and a DJ set by Fade Street’s uber fierce Cici Cavanagh. Newly engaged Samantha Mumba joined chef Conrad Gallagher, RTE’s Nuala Carey and a host of others to celebrate with owners Eileen and Jason Denham.

Cannonball Gala Ball

Having a Ball: 1. Wesley Quirke & Rosanna Davison; 2. Helen O’Dwyer; 3. Diane, Christine & Orla Dennehy. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

It was certainly a racy set that gathered at the Burlington Hotel for the inaugural Cannonball Gala Ball. The event, in aid of Barretstown, was the official launch of Cannonball 2011, the road race that has become a firm fixture on the social calendar.

The much anticipated gala didn’t disappoint as fabulous MC Elaine Crowley from TV3 brought guests through a whirlwind adventure with an escaped convict landing into the middle of the dance floor in a Rolls Royce Phantom, a lady of disrepute, some feathers and plumes, a brush with the law, sultry songstress Patricia Roe, a Sexy Sax and all of the trademark Cannonball antics!

Guests included Rosanna Davison and Wes Quirke, Celia Holman Lee with her husband Gerry Lee, models Hazel O’Sullivan and Brian Fallon, Tiffaney Stanley and her partner Kevin McGinley, Elaine Butler Doolin with her husband Nigel, Berni and Lorenzo Cafolla, rally driver Rosemary Smith and Daryl and Chris Kavanagh of Mantra.

Cannonball in aid of Barretstown will roll on September 9th 2011 with the thunderous roar of 150 super cars and over 100,000 spectators lining the streets around Ireland in awe of this most spectacular event. Over the last couple of years the Cannonball, supported by Stobart Ireland, has successfully raised over €250,000 for Barretstown to help rebuild the lives of children affected by childhood cancer.

Shooting The Talented

Photo Fabulous: 1. Danielle Murphy & Georgina Heffernan; 2. Anne Morgan; 3. Sarah Rickard & Conor Lantry. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

Shooting The Talented, a photographic exhibition by Emily Quinn, captures Ireland’s foremost fashion photographers and stylists – the creatives behind-the-lens that call the shots on the style you see in our magazines and newspapers.

The launch, supported by Marks & Spencer, took place at the roof-top Photography Studio, at The Mill on Greenmount Avenue and fashion ed Constance Harris did the honours. The exhibition is part of Photofest Ireland’s month-long annual exhibitions, and celebrates the camaraderie and creativity that abounds in Irish fashion.

Guests enjoyed views of the Dublin Mountains with M&S Champagne Oudinot and super-smart canapés from the Grafton Street Rooftop Restaurant. In attendance were many of those photographed including Courtney Smith and photographer Daniel Holfeld, Liam Murphy and Sarah Rickard, Cliona O'Flaherty and Kate O'Dowd, Angela Scanlon and Johnny Savage, Roxanne Parker and Agata Stoinska.

Burt's Bees

Busy Bees: 1. Oonagh Cahaill & Jenny Cullen; 2. Alison Canavan; 3. Andrew Dixon & Lorna Maher. (Pix. Chris Bellew / Fennell)

Burt’s Bees celebrated the launch of its new range of Tinted Lip Balms and their much anticipated arrival to Arnott’s at a summer-themed event in the Studio Café of the department store.

A host of beauty conscious boys and girls attended as guests of Burt’s Bees adding a bit of glamour and flair to the evening, and were treated to chilled prosecco and a delicious selection of canapés cooked up by chef Clodagh McKenna from her new in-store kitchens.

Fashionista Rosemary McCabe and make-up artist Derrick Carberry were on the scene to try out the Lip Balms for themselves, while the ever-radiant model Alison Canavan decided which colour suited her pretty summer dress. Other guests included Holly Faulkner and Arnott’s PR Sarah Williams who popped by to say hello.

Each guest took home with them a premium Burt’s Bees goody bag filled with Burt’s Bees 100% natural beauty care products with the chance for them to try out the New Tinted Lip Balms; available in six pretty summer shades – Hibiscus, Tiger Lily, Pink Blossom, Honeysuckle, Rose and Red Dahlia, to match any skin tone and mood, whatever the occasion.

Lean, mean Grilling machine

Yes Chef!: (above) 1. David Coleman, George Foreman Grilling Champion James O'Shea and Derry Clarke; 2. Emma & Barry Mullary with Lanna Gomez; (below) 3. Aisling Quigley & Katinia Koumarianous; 4. Emma Mullary & Lanna Gomez. (Pix. Peter Houlihan)




The inaugural George Foreman Grilling Challenge was a big hit, with Derry Clarke of L’Ecrivain putting the participants through their paces at Cooks Academy in South William Street.

Over 30 participants were set the challenge of recreating a dish designed for the event by Derry using the George Foreman Grill. After enjoying a drinks reception guests took to their stations to create crispy Salmon fillet with green asparagus Grenobloise and were judged on flair, presentation and taste.

Competition was intense with the likes of foodies Muriel Bolger, Ben Bringer, David Kiernan from Kitchen 72 and Myles McWeeney all donning aprons. At the end of the night judges Derry Clarke, David Coleman and Fran Wren from Spectrum Brands announced James O’Shea as the culinary champ. A tasty victory for sure.

Summer Festival @ Kildare Village

Summertime: 1. Whitney Port; 2. Jennifer O'Sullivan and David Cashman; 3. Karen Koster. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

American TV star and designer of Whitney Eve, Whitney Port, jetted in to Kildare Village to launch the Kildare Village Summertime Festival recently. Dublin’s social set attended the launch event and included TV3’s Debbie O’Donnell and Sinead Desmond, DJ and model Michelle Doherty and FM 104’s Sean Munsanje.

Guests dined sipped on champagne and canapés from Italian eatery L’Officina and were treated to an exclusive look at the canvas tote bag designed exclusively for Kildare Village by Whitney, with all proceeds going to Barretstown children’s charity.

The Summertime Festival is a month-long entertainment, shopping and Irish artisan food extravaganza taking place at Kildare Village, home to over 60 designer outlet boutiques at up to 60% off recommended retail prices.

Throughout the month of July the festival will feature the very best of Irish and International entertainment, including singer Cathy Davey, the world renowned entertainers Physical Jerks and puppet on a bike, all of which are free of charge.

Also look forward to tantalising your taste buds at the Good Food Ireland Pop-Up where some of the very best of Irish artisan food can be enjoyed then trace your roots by signing up for a free genealogy sampler, which is being organized by the Irish Family History Foundation and RootsIreland.ie

Best of the Rest

It may be summer but the sun isn’t shining much. Despite this meteorological mishap we have some great fashion fixes to brighten up the day.

1. Just like Una McBreen in this vivid ensemble at the launch of the Miss Chic jewellery collection at Vanilla nightclub; 2. Scott Campbell is the weatherman fronting the Budweiser Ice Cold Index campaign in Ireland. He looks pretty cool in a suit; 3. Every inch the Golden Goddess, former Miss Ireland Yvonne Ellard radiates in this amazing dress with matching sun kissed tan at the launch of the Dublin Horse Show.

(Pix. Kieran Harnett / Leon Farrell)

Harry Potter's last permiere

Spellbound: 1. Evanna Lynch with her fans; 2. Jenny Buckley; 3. Naomi Cassidy Nagle & Sean McConnon. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Hundreds of die hard Harry Potter fans (is there any other kind?) turned out at the Savoy cinema in Dublin on Saturday evening for the Irish premiere of The Deadly Hallows 2 and to catch a glimpse of Potter stars like Evanna Lynch, Domhnall Gleeson and actors James and Oliver Phelps.

Pretty Evanna, from Termonfeckin in Co. Louth, said she was really sad to be saying farewell to Potter world, but added she was so proud to have been involved in the journey.

Others to walk the star dusted carpet were Jim Sheridan, Morah Ryan with children Babette, Lottie and Elliott, Jenny Buckley and Sybil Mulcahy.

Nearly Show time!

Giddy Up: 1. Wayne Cronin & Sinead Desmond; 2. Katie Jane Goldin & Brendan Rogers; 3. Sascha Gerathy & 2LT James Heelan. (Pix. Leon Farrell / Photocall)

The iconic 8ft high Puissance Wall on Stephen’s Green drew much attention as the launch of the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show took place at Residence, the nearby private members club. Bedecked in rosettes and silverware from the RDS trophy cabinet the venue was transformed and played a fitting tribute to celebrate this quintessential Dublin event.

The Dublin Horse Show is the largest summer event in Dublin, attracting over 80,000 people to the RDS annually. The 2011 Show runs for five days from Wednesday, 3rd August to Sunday, 7th August. Well famed for holding one of the largest prize purses in the world, total prizes this year will be almost €1m, while the prize fund for the 2011 Longines Grand Prix and the FEI Nations’ Cup, the richest competitions of the show, are €200,000.

As the Discover Ireland Horse Show is on such a large scale the event throws up some interesting statistics: Over 300 exhibitors display their wares every year, a quarter of the whom are from overseas. Approximately 40,000 flowers, of 20 different varieties plus shrubs, baskets and boxes are used to decorate the grounds, many of which are propagated and grown by the Royal Dublin Society’s gardeners. The Horse Show is the only time that every square metre of the 42 acres of the RDS is used simultaneously.

There are numerous events and competitions on each day of the show, some highlights include: Wednesday 3rd - The Fáilte Stakes & The Speed Stakes. Thursday 4th - Blossom Hill Ladies Day, The Speed Derby & The Knight Frank Power & Speed competition. Friday 5th - FEI Nations Cup. Sunday 6th- Landrover Puissance & The Accumulator. Sunday 7th - Speed Championship & The Longines International Grand Prix.