Homemade by Clodagh

Homemade: (above) 1. Clodagh McKenna & Nigel Blow; 2. Sonia Reynolds & Peter O'Brien; 3. Peter Gaynor with his sister Caitriona Gaynor.

(below) 4. Darren Kennedy & Roisin O'Hea; 5. Maria Collnis, John Healy & Clodagh Hopkins; 6. Gillian Clarke & Sarah Williams. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)





A career-long ambition of chef, food writer and TV presenter Clodagh McKenna was officially fulfilled as she celebrated the launch of her new restaurants at Ireland's largest and longest established department store, Arnotts. 'Homemade by Clodagh', complete with two restaurants (one self-service) and a food-market, had its officially unveiling on Tuesday evening with over 250 invited guests gathering to celebrate the launch.

Among those in attendance were designer Peter O’Brien, Sonya Reynolds, Arnotts CEO Nigel Blow, Darren Kennedy, showbiz agent Noel Kelly and his wife Caitriona, Avila Lipsett, legal eagle Clodagh Hopkins and diamond dealer Maria Collins. Clodagh's parents Jim and Irene McKenna were also present to wish her well, as were John Collins and Peter Gaynor from Capital Foods and Bairbre Power.

Guests at the official opening were treated to a mouth watering range of sample items from the menu, including Wild Mushroom Crozier Cheese and Rocket Bruschetta, Orange Zested Duck Confit, Smoked Salmon Mousse on Herb Fittatas and House Pate served with Seasonal Apple Chutney. Drinks service included wines from Febvre and seasonal Elderflower cocktails for the tail end of summer that we’re currently enjoying.

According to Clodagh: "I am so privileged to have been given this opportunity at Arnotts, which isIreland's leading department store and a wonderful platform to be able to spread this message by creating honest, uncomplicated but delicious foods for a city centre audience. We source all our produce, except in rare circumstances where it's not available to us in Ireland, from Irishsuppliers. This, in my opinion, means we have the very best ingredients available to us in the world and, at the same time, it supports jobs in one of the most important sectors of business in Ireland."

Suppliers are predominantly based in the greater Dublin area but as far a-field as Tipperary, Cork and Kerry. The restaurants, which employ 75 staff, will help support over 250 jobs at these suppliers indirectly, in addition to the 75 it employs directly at Arnotts. The number of Irish suppliers to the restaurants under 'Homemade by Clodagh' has increased by 30% since the take-over of the concessions in May. Bon appetit!

The Art Team

Hot Hair: 1. Michelle McGrath & Nadia Forde; 2. Natasha Carty & Stephen Mannion; 3. Hayley Ryan & Lisa Woods. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

The Art Team - elite hair salon of Grafton Street toasted its first birthday with a glitzy bash recently. The evening celebrations kicked off with a drinks reception hosted by the Art Team’s house model and stylist Michele Mc Grath. Throughout the evening the creative team offered style tips, AW key looks and answers to any questions on how to look after tresses for the winter months.

The Art Team has worked on some of Michele’s recent shoots along with clients such as Laura Whitmore, Stacey Solomon and CiCi Cavanagh. The team has quickly secured its place as one of Dublin’s top salons, with a number of recent fashion shows under its belt, including the DIT Fashion Show and Dublin Fashion Festival HQ shows.

The Art Team’s salon is a creative space, offering designer hairdressing at an affordable price. The place is styled in a palette of white and black and achieves an almost clubby, lounge-like feel. Guests on the night included Nadia Forde, Hayley Ryan, Leah O’Reilly, Jodie Wood, Jenny Dixon, Karena Graham, Amanda Wong and artist Stephen Mannion.

Cat Walk to Kilimanjaro

Model Mountain: 1. Elaine Butler Doolan & Nigel Doolan; 2. Roz Purcell, Lynne Kelly & Louise Johnston; 3. Sinead Brady and Ray Egan. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Copan Cafe Bar in Rathmines played host to a number of Ireland’s favourite models as they got together for the Catwalk to Copan charity fundraiser in aid of the Make a Wish Foundation, as part of the TV3 documentary "Cat Walk to Kilimanjaro".

The programme will see some of Ireland's well known models climbing Kilimanjaro ... a ratings winner no doubt. The cocktail reception and fashion show on the night was attended by Roz Purcell, Lynne Kelly and Georgia Salpa amongst others.

Pop up Art

Arty: 1. Gianina Jimenez and Siobhain Feehan; 2. Katie Tsouros; 3. Niamh Parkinson and Adam Sherry. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

KTcontemporary is back. After the Summer break and as part of the Dublin Contemporary 2011 Circle Programme , Katie Tsouros of KTcontemporary has opened another exciting exhibition "ArtNow" at her pop up space in Donnybrook Village, Dublin 4.

For this exhibition, KTcontemporary will present the work of a selection of newly emerging artists based in Ireland. Representing the pulse of the contemporary art scene, this exhibition embodies the future of visual art practice within this country, bringing an eclectic mix of varied media and diverse subject matter together to demonstrate the challenging and engaging work being produced today.

Participating artists include Patrick Hough , Erica Hoyne , Myra Jago , Lisa O'Donnell , Dee O'Shea, Mara Sola and David Upton who have all been selected for their new and exciting talent.

KTcontemporary is a unique initiative in contemporary art dedicated to exhibiting work by young, exciting, graduate artists and offers a platform to showcase up-and-coming Irish and international artists and aims to promote authentic art by serious artists who have a real future in the art world.

The gallery aims to offer affordable art that is backed up by an intelligent artistic process and provides an opportunity for people to give vital support to young careers and integrate with the contemporary art world.

Esprit de Corps

Spirited: 1. Annemarie O’Connor & Jessie Collins; 2. Laura Whitmore; 3. George Craig & Diana Vickers. (Pix. Stefan Reimschuessel)

There was a big Irish contingent at London Fashion Week this year with many of our leading fashionistas in the city for shows. It’s not all work though and there are plenty of parties on to entertain the stylish crew over the week.

One such do was hosted by international fashion brand Esprit at its flagship Regent Street store. On the crest of a wave esprit has enlisted supermodel Gisele Bunchen to be the face of the AW11 campaign and design a number of key pieces for the season. Keep an eye out for the iconic camel coat which makes its debut this month.

Model Alice Dellal kick started the evening with an exclusive DJ set while singer / songwriter Emeli Sande was a special guest on the night and performed ahead of her eagerly awaited tour. Hotly tipped as the ‘one to watch’, her new single ‘Heaven’ is fast gaining momentum. Among those in attendance were Annemarie O’Connor of iBlogFashion, MTV presenter Laura Whitmore and Irish Tatler editor Jessie Collins.

MPW launches The Govenor

Yes Guv: 1. Geraldine Fitzpatrick and Marco Pierre White; 2. Katherine Lynch & Virginia Macari; 3. Alex Hatton & Caroline Eivers. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

World renowned Michelin star chef, Marco Pierre White has added another venture to his business portfolio. The boisterous chef was in situ at his eponymous Dawson Street restaurant to launch his new ale. Produced in conjunction with the family owned brewery JW Lees in Middleton, England, the beer has been designed to complement a traditional hearty meal while promising drinkers a taste of wholesomeness.

Called ‘The Governor’, the beer is named after his family’s loyal greyhound that won 28 of his 32 races and broke track records at Halifax, Keighley and Pontefract. From the age of six Marco would accompany his father Frank three nights a week to greyhound stadiums and the sights and sounds have remained with him.

The beer is a light, refreshing amber coloured ale, packed with hops and a fruity/oaty aroma with a full bodied finish. The theory behind the beer is that, throughout history, British and Irish food has been eaten alongside beer and not wine. The Governor was blended to make the perfect accompaniment to many classics such as fish and chips and game pie.

Marco however admits: “The motive for launching The Governor is purely romantic; I wanted a beer that was enjoyable to drink, both with good food and on its own. Every bloke wants their own beer; it’s every man’s dream”

Geraldine Fitzpatrick hosted the launch, and with a fantastic party atmosphere it’s no wonder that Dublin foodies are buzzing about this new project. Among those MPW fans and patrons at the event were comedienne Katherine Lynch and her producer Warren Meyler, model Louise Johnston, Richie Stokes, Ty Richardson and Virginia Macari along with Ben Bringer and Wayne Cronin, stylist Maria Fusco and Social & Personal’s Richard Kavanagh.

Cents & Sensibility

No Cents: (above) 1. Trish & Jules Fallon; 2. Denis McCormack & Tina Leonard.
(below) 3. Frank Conway, Sinead Ryan & David McWilliams; 4. Elaine Crowley & Sean Montague. (Pix. Presence)




We could all do with a bit of financial guidance now and then but if we were given it from an early age where would we be now? Well, to quote Paddy Cullivan, we are where we are. Now for the future generations however there is hope and a handy guide to money matters available.

'Cents & Sensibility,' a financial guide for teenagers, was launched this week at The Exchequer. Co-written by consumer columnist Sinead Ryan and financial expert Frank Conway, ‘Cents & Sensibility’ was born from a series of in-school tutorials aimed at making Transition Year students financially aware.

David McWilliams wrote the foreword to the book and in his speech on the night congratulated Sinead and Frank’s efforts at bringing the simple facts about finance to schools around the country.

Guests on the night included ex politician Nora Owens, TV3 presenter Elaine Crowley and Midday contributor Beibhinn Byrne. ‘Cents & Sensibility’ is priced at €5.99 and available from Eason’s or from http://www.centsense.ie/

Global Party

Going Global: 1. Catriona Hanly & Helen O’Dwyer; 2. Cici Kavanagh; 3. Niall O’Farrell & Michael Wright. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

The Wright Venue was selected as one of the top 80 venues around the world to host the Irish party of the international Global Party initiative. Whoever said that decadence and glamour were in decline can have had very little to do with the Global Party, with all proceeds on the night going to a selection of charities, including Barretstown.

Super star DJ Roger Sanchez performed to a capacity crowd on the night supported by the amazing Wright Venue House DJ’s, while gorgeous model turned DJ Nadia Forde entertained guests in The Penthouse. Stunning dancers dressed in swan outfits performed adding to the glamour of the night. On the night guests enjoyed a never ending supply of Perrier Jouët Champagne and feasted on sushi from Wrights of Howth.

The Global Party was a highly anticipated night and a host of socialites and celebrities arrived in their finery including Miss Ireland Holly Carpenter, top model Alison Canavan, Rosanna Davison and Wesley Quirke, Liam Cunningham, Cici Kavanagh and David De Valera. Singer Niall Breslin (aka Bressie) also came along with some friends fresh from his album launch.

ABSOLUT VIS10NS

Visionary: 1. Sallyanne & Celestine Cooney; 2. Amy Wallace & Ross Kerins; 3. Aoibheann ni Shuilleabhan & Una Mullaly. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

More than 300 guest from the creative world of artists and performers turned out for the launch of ABSOLUT VIS10NS, an exclusive exhibition as part of ABSOLUT Fringe 2011. ABSOLUT Vodka, in association with the Small Print, commissioned 10 artists from across the globe to use an 8ft tall replica of the iconic ABSOLUT bottle as their canvas for their creations.

The launch took place in the surroundings of the exclusive Laundry Room of South Studios, Dublin 8, the location for the ABSOLUT VIS10NS exhibition. Attendees on the evening included stylist Celestine Cooney, photographer Linda Brownlee, Chaz from The London Police and Emma Donnellan of Irish Distillers - Pernod Ricard. On the evening guests enjoyed delicious ABSOLUT pear and vanilla cocktails and enjoyed tunes by DJ Glen Hall.

The exhibition runs to 12th September in the Laundry Room of South Studios, Dublin 8. The free exhibition is open daily from 11am to 7pm, for more information visit www.facebook.com/ABSOLUT.Ireland

People of the Year 2011

Positive People: 1. Miriam O’Callaghan & Packie Bonner; 2. Ray Foley & JP Gilbourne; 3. Charlene McKenna & Lorraine Keane. (Pix. Robbie Reynolds)

US Open champion Rory McIlroy, the Ireland cricket team and the late PSNI PC Ronan Kerr were amongst those honoured at the 2011 People of the Year Awards, organised by Rehab and sponsored by QUINN-healthcare. The event was broadcast live on RTÉ One television from the Citywest Hotel in Dublin and saw a host of stars from the worlds of music, television and sport, along with politicians and dignitaries turn out to celebrate the annual event.

The Awards, now in their 37th year, were presented by Gráinne Seoige with An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, the Guest of Honour. Guests on the evening included Lorraine Keane, Mary Kennedy, Eileen Dunne and Bryan Dobson, fashion duo Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney, singing sensation Mary Byrne who performed on the night, Lottie Ryan, Miriam O’Callaghan, Nuala Carey, Claudia Carroll and Jean Byrne.

Sporting legends Packie Bonner and Shane Horgan were also in attendance along with rugby pundit Brent Pope, and RTE legends Joe Duffy and Larry Gogan. There was plenty of glamour on the red carpet with Fair City starlet Aoibhinn Garrihy, Raw actress Charlene McKenna and Republic of Telly presenter Jennifer Maguire, while other stars turning heads on the night included Triona McCarthy, Emma O’Driscoll, Katy Gannon and Geri Maye.

Ireland’s answer to an honours system, the Awards provide a unique opportunity for the Irish public to honour outstanding achievements and contributions made by individuals and organisations to life in our country today. The winners are chosen by members of the public through a nominations process and finalised by a panel of adjudicators, comprising of leading members of the media, voluntary sector and business community.

Good man Harry

Green with Envy: 1. Kathryn Thomas & Camille Ingoldsby; 2. Steve Bateson & Niamh Cullen; 3. Chloe Behan and Cheryl O’Rourke. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Harry’s on the Green hosted a Fashion and Music Showcase to coincide with the launch of the Dublin Fashion Festival in Dublin.

A host of gorgeous Compton models including the newly crowned Miss Ireland Holly Carpenter modelled on the night along with Suzanne Jackson, dressed in Lara Boutique from the southside and Camille Boutique on the northside. Jewellery on the night was provided by Irish designer Melissa Curry while hair and make up on the night was by Dylan Bradshaw.

Guests enjoyed bubbly and canapés on arrival and included Kathryn Thomas, Teresa Rocca, Maria Fusco, Geraldine O’Callaghan and Fair City actress Aoibheann McCaul. The fashion show was followed by entertainment by the Late Late Show houseband, The Camembert Quartet, who will be in residence in Harry’s every Thursday night from now.

Fashion Festival Fever

Fashion forward: 1. Sonya Lennon and Caroline Bergin Cross; 2. Daria Kalista and Emerson Johnson; 3. Sorcha Allen and Jasmyn Cook. (Pix. Richie Stokes)

The Dublin Fashion Festival HQ at the old Waterstones building on Dawson Street was a hive of activity as the celebration of style kicked off. The festival took over the city with a packed programme of events that unfolded in participating stores across town and at festival HQ.

Over three days the HQ was filled with live fashion shows, fashion talks from some of Ireland's top industry experts, including style for guys with tailor Louis Copeland, new fashion collective, Project 51, top TV stylist Annmarie O'Connor on how to get style on a shoestring budget, and burlesque performer Helen O'Reilly who hosted a masterclass on how to walk in high heels.

Catwalk looks came from the likes of Matt Doody, Noa Noa, Tommy Hilfiger and the White Door while men were catered for by top brands like the always dapper Hackett on South Anne Street and ever funky Genius in Powerscourt. Fashionable festival goers could also drop into HQ to meet with hair experts The Art Team and LA Make-up Academy, who were on hand on all weekend giving mini makeovers and tips on this season's hottest hair and make-up looks.

On your Marks

M&S fans: 1. Rachel Kavanagh; 2. Brendan Courtney & Carmel Breheny; 3. Lorraine Keane. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

Over 200 of Dublin’s movers and shakers turned up to see Marks & Spencer unveil its autumn winter collection in the urban surroundings of The Warehouse on Barrow St.

Top Irish stylist Catherine Condell, produced the show focusing on the major trends for the season including 60’s Pop, Retro Glamour, Masculine / Feminine, Luxe Craft, Winter Berries and Two Tone Graphics.

Irish models Olivia Treacy (who was home from LA for the show), Alison Canavan and Thalia Heffernan showcased the range which included key items including the iconic Autograph black lace dress, M&S Woman stone blazer, per una Speziale firework dress and the colour pop Limited Collection cocoon coat.The front row was filled with TV’s finest including Sonya Lennon from Off the Rails and Collette Fitzpatrick, Sybil Mulcahy and Alan Hughes from TV3. Xposé queen Debbie O’Donnell was there with mum-to-be Aisling O’Loughlin and her partner Nick MacInnes.

EP11

Picnicers: 1. Rob Macnaughton & Glenda Gilson; 2. Irvine Welsh and Beth Quinn; 3. Gerry Quinn & Aoibhin Garrihy; (Pix. Kieran Harnett)


Some are declaring it the best Electric Picnic ever, and it certainly was a great one. While the weather was a mixed bag the festival goers really appreciated the sun when it did shine and made the most of things when it lashed rain.

The MindField arena was a particular hit throughout the weekend and record numbers attended various events staged in the space, with the Science Gallery, Leviathan and the Arts Council stages noted as particular favourites. Another year older, but are we any wiser? Old questions, new arguments, inspired talk, brilliant ideas, great company, ways forward, hope and renewed energy and all of it terrific fun.

Among those performing at MindField were Booker Prize winners John Banville and Roddy Doyle, Nobel Laureate Jerry White, RTÉ’s Sean O’Rourke and fiery London rapper Kate Tempest as well as Bob Geldof, Miriam O’Cllaghan, David McWilliams, Nick Kelly, Dylan Haskins, Irvine Welsh, Paddy Cullivan, BBC DJ Annie Nightingale, Michael D. Higgins made for a veritable smorgasbord of cultural talent.

The BACARDí Get Together arena returned to Electric Picnic in true festival style. The legendary arena provided a perfect place for music fans and VIPs alike to soak up the festival atmosphere together. With a beautifully designed set, an elaborate production, an eclectic set of DJs, the BACARDÍ bats and of course the highly skilled bartenders who created delicious cocktails all weekend; it really was the place to party at the Picnic.

Some of those spotted enjoying cocktails at the BACARDÍ area included ska and reggae group Toots & the Maytals, comedian Barry Murphy, Andrea Roche and her boyfriend Rob White and Irish footballer Sean St Ledger.

Harry Potter star Evanna Lynch, Melanie Morris, Derry Clarke, Amy Huberman and the Hardy Bucks were also spotted on the festival site throughout the weekend while Claudine Keane was a notable absence this year. The glamourous blonde, now living in LA, was always a regular at EP as her grandmother lives in nearby Stradbally.

Super Nova

Rock On: (above) 1. Hyder Ali, Michal Bartolen & Sam Ali of 'The Fallen Drakes'; 2. Simone Kelly, Michelle Burke & Michael Proffitt; (below) 3. Peter O'Toole, Barry Egan & Dermot Doran; 4. Rachel O'Brien & Antaine Conway. (Pix. Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland)













Radio Nova celebrated its first birthday party in Cafe en Seine in Dublin recently. Nova launched on 1st September 2010, in the height of the recession and in what was considered to be an already saturated market. The station has experienced strong ratings growth to date however, exceeded its own listenership projections by 20% and is meeting its business plan for its first 12 months of operation.