Say Cheese: 1. Alma Solera & Paul Donnelly; 2. Tara Fay; 3. Deirdre Callaghan & John Minihan. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

Kildare Village, one of the Chic Outlet Shopping villages run by Value Retail, hosted an event to launch an exhibition featuring 27 images by renowned Irish photographer John Minihan. A host of guests were treated to champagne and canapés as they browsed the iconic photographic works from the world of fashion, art and film, from Andy Warhol to Yves Saint Laurent.

This collection of truly iconic photography is the most comprehensive show of John’s work to date. Visitors including Richard Power, Annemarie Boyhan and Deirdre Callaghan were treated to images from the beginning of John’s career back in 1962 to his most recent portrait shot of Shane MacGowan, whom he photographed only last month.

An Cosan

Girl Power: 1. Miriam O'Callaghan and Senator Averil Power ; 2. Portia Fay; 3. Catherine Brennan and Tracy Buckley. (Pix: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland)

An Cosan, the community adult and early childhood education development hosted a fundraising lunch for International Women's Day recently. Founded in 1986, An Cosan is a unique Tallaght based community development that empowers and educates women in order to transform their lives, their families and their community.

Red Bull Academy

Music Wings: 1. Catherine Lowe; 2. Susan McMahon and DJ Dutchi; 3. Aisling Fitzpatrick. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

The Red Bull Music Academy journey started in Dublin where Spencer Dock was packed with local interested producers, musicians, DJs, instrumentalists, and vocalists, at an introductory workshop for this year’s academy, which will be in New York later in the year.

Before potential applicants start to think about heading to the Big Apple however, they were given an insight into what the Academy is all about by innovative musical figures Kerri Chandler and Just Blaze on their own prospective of life in the musical fast lane.

Kerri Chandler is a vortex where tradition and innovation meet. He masters rhythm and space. Joining Kerri was legendary hip hop producer Just Blaze aka Justin Smith from Paterson, NJ. The CEO of Fort Knocks Entertainment is best known for producing hits from Jay-Z's Blueprint, Blueprint 2 and The Black Album. He also produced a number of songs on Eminem's most recent album, Recovery.

The Red Bull Music Academy is like being in dance music’s version of The Apprentice – but you can’t get fired. It’s a grueling process to even apply for a place, and of the many thousands who show an interest, only a handful gets picked.

Anyone interested in applying can download an application form from the Academy website www.redbullmusicacademy.com. Just fill it out and send it off with a selection of your tunes by April 2, 2012.

Soul Burgers

Soulmates: 1. Jenny Clinton; 2. Niamh Elliott and Austin Prior; 3. Christina Reihill. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

‘Soul Burgers’, a breathtaking story of hope told in verse, by poet and journalist Christina Reihill was last night launched at the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Described as ‘the Emily Dickinson of Addiction’ by author Marian Keyes; ‘Soul Burgers’ is Christina Reihill’s second edition of poems telling her story of addiction and recovery. The launch was marked with a dramatic Druidic ceremony at IMMA's chapel featuring the celebrated actress Charlotte Bradley and a recital by the poet, Christina Reihill and the piper, Eoin O'Cionnaith.

The ‘Druids’ who wore ethereal, druid inspired cloaks with lace and chiffon by Irish designer Roisin Linnane, styled by Deryn Mackay of Khan Boutique, included the actress Charlotte Bradley, models Sharon Donnelly, Martina Coffey and Irma Kirkickaite.

Madeline Keane, Literary Editor of the Sunday Independent officially launched 'Soul Burgers' and the event was sponsored by The Rutland Centre. Also amongst the guests were artist and sister of Christina, Zita Reihill, who produced the illustrations for 'Soul Burgers', author Niall MacMonagle, Dr. Fiona Weldon of The Rutland Centre, Ian Donnelly, MD of Hickey Fabrics, former judge Philip O'Sullivan and his wife Heidi O'Sullivan, solicitor Anne Stephenson and author and playwright Adrienne Michel-Long.

VW up!

Going up: 1. Kathryn Thomas; 2. Bressie. (Pix. Conor Healy)

Volkswagen Ireland launched its brand new city car, the Volkswagen up! And as part of the launch, Volkswagen up! will now sponsor RTÉ’s show ‘The Voice of Ireland’. Stars of the show Bressie, Brian Kennedy, Kian Egan and Sharon Corr took a break from their busy coaching schedules celebrate the launch and check out the new set of wheels.

The new Volkswagen up! has been shortlisted for European Car of the Year and has already stormed to the top of sales charts in its native Germany and now Irish buyers will get the chance to buy this deceptively spacious car over here.

The up! is a completely new design, offering maximum space on a minimal footprint, making it ideal for city driving. But just because it is small, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have VW famed solidity. The new up! is as beautifully engineered as the rest of the range.

Commenting on the launch, John Donegan, Sales and Marketing Director of Volkswagen Passenger cars said: “The Volkswagen up! is a perfect car for city living, and we’re delighted to partner with RTÉ’s ‘The Voice of Ireland’. It’s a great showcase for authentic Irish talent and, like many of the contestants on the show, the Volkswagen up! is set to be a rising star. We look forward to the live shows.”

UNICEF lunch

Mamma Mia: 1. Susie Burke and Astrid Brennan; 2. Marty Whelan and Mia Farrow; 3. Una Molony and Liam Cunningham. (Pix. Cian O’Sullivan / Photocall Ireland)

Actress, humanitarian and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Mia Farrow was in Dublin for the UNICEF Mother’s Day fundraiser lunch at the Four Season’s Hotel in Ballsbridge. The aim of the event was to highlight the life-threatening nutrition crisis in Africa's Sahel belt where over 10 million people are at risk of severe food shortages, with one million of those being young children at risk of dying of hunger. If you’d like to make a donation please visit www.unicef.ie.

Lowe and behold

Crème de la crème: 1. Nadine King and SJ Wai; 2. Lisa Brady and Louise Spotten; 3. Brendan O’Connor and Sarah Caden. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Friends of Kiehl’s and Temple Street University Children’s Hospital came together for a special evening hosted by Kiehl’s as they officially unveiled the Pearl and Daisy Lowe limited designed label for cult classic Crème de Corps, with a portion from each sale being donated to Temple Street University Children’s Hospital.

Almost 100 guests mingled at a champagne reception held at the Wicklow Street Kiehl’s Boutique. Maintaining its long-standing tradition of supporting children’s charities, Kiehl’s, the venerable New York-based purveyor of fine quality skin and hair care, is delighted with the partnership with Pearl & Daisy Lowe and has agreed to donate €2.50 (plus VAT) of the retail price of each 250ml (RRP €31) and 500ml (RRP €52) Crème de Corps.

Among the guests were Marietta Doran, Triona McCarthy, JJ Gibbons and Delan Leavy of The Daily Update. Irish soap star Aoibhinn Garrihy was joined by her on screen Dillon sister Aoibheann McCaul, RTE’s Brendan O’Connor was joined by his lovely wife Sarah Caden whilst Casey Bulmer of Quintessentially chatted to make-up artist SJ Wai, who was with her stunning sister Nadine King.

Available from 13 March 2012 at the Kiehl’s Boutique, 35 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2 and Dundrum Town Centre.

Fashion followers

1. Ricardo Machado & Stacey O Donnell; 2. Sarah Brown pictured at Brown Thomas to celebrate the arrival of the hottest new contemporary labels with a fantastic fashion show in the store’s Designer Rooms. Fashionistas, bloggers and style makers and shakers were there to see the latest looks from celebrity favourites including Marc by Marc Jacobs, Helmut Lang, The Kooples, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Carven, Sandro and Isabel Marant.

(Pix: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland)

Wine & Dine

Be merry: 1. Ryan Lyndsay and Victoria Murphy; 2. Laura Williams and Michelle Lloyd; 3. Cathal Kielty and Mairead Gilboy. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

A lucky group of food and wine enthusiasts joined pioneering New Zealand wine brand, Brancott Estate at the Sugar Club for a night of intrigue and sensory indulgence as they took part in ‘A Curious Feast for the Senses’.

The event was hosted by food duo Cully & Sully who guided guests on the culinary adventure as top Irish restaurants Pichet, Campagne, Tankardstown House and Locks Brasserie created a range of gastronomic delights that tickled the palate and delighted the senses in front of a live audience.

From the dressing of the room, to the food on the plate to the matching visual and aural effects, the entire evening challenged guests’ perceptions of food. Each night they enjoyed a three course sampling menu prepared by one of the above restaurants that explored food combinations that shouldn’t have worked together but did. Guests also tried a selection of wines from the premium Brancott Estate range which were carefully chosen to match the food.

CRY Pure Style lunch

Spring Style: 1. Pamela Flood with Deirdre Devaney; 2. Blondie Horan; 3. Cathy O’Connor and Darren Kennedy. (Pix. Arnotts)

Arnotts hosted its season fashion launch at the annual CRY Pure Style charity fashion lunch which took place in the Great Room of the Shelbourne Hotel with over 250 guests in attendance.

The afternoon began with a champagne reception, followed by a fashion show exclusively unveiling the Arnotts new Spring/Summer 2012 collections. Brands showcased included Badgley Mischka, Boutique by Jaeger, All Saints, Hudson, Paige, Tara Jarmon and Trina Turk.
Guests at the event included Pamela Flood who acted as MC for the afternoon, Arnotts Chairman Mark Schwartz, VIP editor Elaine Prendeville, TV presenter Darren Kennedy, Penny Dix from the ISPCC, Daisy Regan of Quintessentially Ireland and Rhona Teehan from Trocadero.

All proceeds will go directly to CRY, an Irish charity set up in 2002 to prevent Cardiac Risk in the Young. CRY aims to raise awareness of sudden cardiac death, provide counselling and support to families affected and to fundraise to give ongoing support to the CRYP Centre in Tallaght Hospital which offers cardiac screening and evaluation for families who have lost a young person or for a young person who may be experiencing symptoms.

Diary Date

Join the UCD School of Architecture’s Centenary Celebrations this spring with a special evening of music and song in the unique setting of the Memorial Hall, UCD Richview Campus, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14 on Thursday, 22nd March at 7pm.

Sit back and relax while Desmond Earley performs two French harpsichord works. The UCD Choral Scholars will then entertain you with a selection of vocal works, a treat not to be missed. The evening will conclude with a delightful performance by Eoin Dillon, Graham Watson, Steve Larkin and Daire Bracken with a selection of modern and 18th century Irish traditional tunes.

Wine and canapé reception at the interval. Tickets are €35 and proceeds go to the UCD Architecture Centenary Fund. Tickets (prebooking essential) are available from http://www.ucd.ie/alumni/events/ or from 086 2746153.

Club Italiano

Ciao: 1. Rita Macari and Jane Baker; 2. Alessia Macari; 3. Italian Ambassador H.E. Maurizio Zanini and his wife Patricia. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Club Italiano hosted its annual Irish Italian Gala Ball at the Mansion House recently, where they raised funds for the St Vincent’s charity. Guests on the night included Club Italiano president Cav. Teresa Di Nardi , the Italian Ambassador to Ireland H.E. Maurizio Zanini, Maria Fusco, Dave Morrissey of Lillies Bordello and Jane Baker.

Giacomo D' Agostino Italian 15 times World Champion Motor Grand Prix racing legend kindly donated an autographed Helmet to the prize draw and attracted much excitement. Live entertainment on the night was by Intermezzo String Trio, Patricia Higgins and boyband On The Edge as well as Connor Mc Keon and The Legends of Swing.

Save the AMAZON

Sky is the Limit: 1. Conor Horgan and Aoife McLysaght; 2. Vavara Shavrova and Trish Lambe; 3. Shirley Clerkin and Fiach Mac Conghail. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

Sky, WWF, and the Gallery of Photography today officially launched ‘AMAZON’, an exhibition in aid of Sky Rainforest Rescue, featuring the work of two award-winning photographers - Sebastião Salgado and Per-Anders Pettersson.

The exhibition opens to the public from today (1st March 2012) and highlights the plight of the Amazon rainforest and the people living within it. Sky Rainforest Rescue is a partnership between Sky and WWF that aims to help save one billion trees in the state of Acre, North-West Brazil.

The exhibition is accompanied by a programme of educational and family friendly activities. An exciting ‘Amazon Jungle Photo Studio’ workshop for families takes place on Sunday March 25th. Participation is free, and advance booking is essential. See www.galleryofphotography.ie for further information and updates.

Part of the Furniture

Furnishing: 1. Brian Walsh & Mary Laverty; 2. Alice Nunn & Phil Hogan TD, Minister for the Environment. (Pix. Malachy Geelan)

Bespoke furniture maker Clive Nunn hosted a reception recently for family, friends, customers and media to mark the launch of his new website www.CliveNunnFurniture.com. The reception venue, the wood pannelled Cellar Bar at The Merrion Hotel, was particularly appropriate as it is one of Clive’s creations.

The new website is an opportunity for Clive to showcase, in one place, the scope of his creations, his signature style and his commissioning process. Photographs of his various projects, from refurbishing a Chambre d’Hote to simple shelves to the Mayor’s Table in Kilkenny County Council, display Clive’s extensive creative range and his love of quality raw materials such as Irish oak, North American White Oak and even Kilkenny Limestone.

Among the guests in attendance were Phil Hogan, Minister for the Environment, Pat Moylan, Chairperson of The Arts Council, Brian Walsh of RTE, Mary Laverty SC, art agent Jennifer Cullen, Peter McCann, GM of The Merrion, the Irish Times’ JJ Gibbons, architect Brian McDonald and Sarah Leahy of the United Arts Club.

From his base in an 18th century watermill in Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, Clive now creates furniture to commission, for a range of clients, both corporate and domestic. Clive’s ambition is to create the heirlooms of the future, and his policy of working closely with the client through the design and creation process ensures that each completed piece is immediately treasured.

Creat your Night

Great Night: 1. Lynn Gorman and Kym Hurley; 2. Keith Duffy; 3. Liam Cunningham and Claire Malone. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Events firm Create Your Night celebrated its 3^rd birthday with a big bash at prestigious club Lillies Bordello recently.

Create Your Night is the brainchild of singer Claire Malone who has been at the forefront of Irish entertainment for over two decades having shared the stage with such greats as Ben E King and The Commitments and performed for former US President George Bush and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to name but a few.

Among the guests on the night were actress Leigh Arnold, bands Boulevard and Bipolar Empire, presenter Andrea Hayes, Keith Duffy, Liam Cunningham and Rebecca Storm.

Claire Malone set up Create Your Night after years of organising VIP spots in the top clubs, bars and restaurants for friends and relatives. It soon became a career and business has been booming for the bubbly blonde ever since. Create Your Night is the perfect way of having a fantastic night, minus the aggravation of organising - birthdays, promotions, stag & hen parties and any special occasion will be made unforgettable.

Jameson Film Fest

Silver screen: 1. Glenda Gilson & Michael Madsen; 2. Merlin Holland & Al Pacino; 3. Pat Murphy, Glenn Close & Anna Malmhake. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Dublin became Tinseltown last week when a host of well known actors jetted into Ireland Jameson Dublin International Film Festival. Al Pacino was in for his film Wilde Salome, Glenn Close attended the Irish premiere screening of Albert Nobbs, Martin Sheen for Stella Days while Quentin Tarantino’s debut crime classic Reservoir Dogs was brought to life at a special Jameson Cult Film Club screening.

Mr. Blonde himself, actor Michael Madsen was in attendance to participate in an in-depth Q&A with DJ Rick O’Shea following the screening. The movie which changed the way criminals dressed, walked and talked was encapsulated into an exhilarating movie experience which included a complete set build of the hideout from the movie "The Warehouse" at Dublin’s CHQ. Guests included director Jim Sheridan, actor Eoin Macken, presenter Brendan O’Connor, singer Jerry Fish and rugby stars Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble, Isaac Boss and Kevin McLaughlin.