Parfumarija

Perfect Scents: 1. DJ Gile Murphy and Avila Lipsett; 2. Maria Fusco; 3. Marija Aslimoska and Anne Marie O'Connor. (Pix. Conor McCabe)

Parfumarija (pronounced ‘perfume-maria’) Ireland’s first niche perfume boutique dedicated to exclusive perfume and colognes opened in the Westbury Mall last week. The brainchild of perfumer Marija Aslimoska, and her husband Brendan Coyle, Parfumarija has been created to be the home of rare scents in Dublin; stocking different and special fragrances for men and women, made by some of the world’s top perfumers.

There is also nu_be, a collection of five creative but simple fragrances for men and women, oozing crisp Italian coolness; and The Different Company, a leading name in haute parfumerie, founded by Jean-Claude Ellena, in house perfumer of Hermes, with celebrated perfume bottle designer, Thierry De Baschmakoff.

Other Parfumarija collections selected for their adventurous spirit and unconventional approach include  Ys-Uzac, a Swiss niche perfume brand by perfumer Vincent Micotti; and Agonist, a Swedish range with six unisex perfumes, each characterised by a finely balanced combination of natural fragrances.

Perfumer Marija Aslimoska was classically trained in Grasse, the historic home of perfume in the South of France, and has been described as an exciting fresh talent in the creation and selection of scents.  Marija’s ambition is to change the way Irish people perceive fragrance, taking individuals on a journey of discovery into niche perfume, she says.

 www.parfumarija.com

Virgin Atlantic fashion lunch

Lift Off: 1. Rebecca Maguire, Rosanna Davison and Amanda Brunker; 2. Emma Meir and Sarah Flannery; 3. Eliska Kelly, Terry Smith and Issie Brown. (Pix. BME)

The 18th annual Virgin Atlantic International Fashion Lunch in aid of the Rape Crisis Centre

was hosted at the luxury Westin Hotel, Dublin.  Dawn Fitzgerald showcased a winter preview of designer evening gowns, modelled by Rosanna Davison and Rebecca Maguire and Miss Candy wore a stunning canary yellow creation by same designer.

The First Lady of musical theatre Rebecca Storm performed some of her Broadway musical hits during the lunch, while Eurovision winner Paul Harrington and his group entertained the guests after the meal.

Guests included Ken Doherty, Lady Kathy Botham, Lorraine Keane, Norah Casey, Pamela Flood and Lisa Duffy.  The lunch which aims to raise in excess of €30,000 for the Rape Crisis Centre (and has raised millions over the years) is a favourite charity event and one that’s always much anticipated.

In other news, private car app Uber is launching in Dublin.  Using this Uber promo code you will save €20 off your first ride http://www.uber.com/invite/gamgg

Pandora AW

Pandora: 1. Dr Eva Orsmond and Brendan Courtney; 2. Miss Ireland Aoife Walsh; 3. Mary - Kate Murray and Andy Kelly. (Pix. RS)

Danish jewellery brand PANDORA launched its Autumn Winter 2013 collection in Dublin’s Cliff Townhouse last week. The new collection was arranged in themed displays throughout the stunning Georgian style venue depicting the Enchanted Forest of Autumn and a cool, crisp Winter Wonderland, highlighting the key trends for the coming season.

Nail artists provided charm inspired designs whilst a masquerade themed polaroid area gave guests the chance to capture the evening with their own personal photos. Irish musician Emily-Rose Conlon entertained with her dulcet tones whilst Pimms, prosecco and canapés of spiced beef with rocket pesto and goats cheese en croute were served.

Guests included Pamela Flood, modelling pieces from the PANDORA collection; Brendan Courtney, Dr. Eva Orsmond, DJ Ruth Scott, author Marisa Mackle and stylist Maria Fusco.

DreamTone

DreamTeam: 1. Clodagh Edwards and Caroline Breslin; 2. Sarah Halliwell and Victoria Campbell; 3. Audrey McGrath and Diane Connor. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Leading the search for perfect skin is Lancome, with yet another new product that is set to raise the bar.  DreamTone, a skin pigmentation corrector tailored to specific skin concerns, is the latest addition to the premium skincare range. 

Billed as a grand reveal of a product that could offer the skin tone of your dreams, even without make-up, the DreamTone launch didn’t disappoint with those in attendance including Sonya Lennon, Elaine Crowley and Diana Bunici, who just returned from a charity trip to Moldova working in an orphanage.

Welcomed by Victoria Campbell, General Manager Lancôme UK and Ireland, guest scientific speaker Julie Mc Manus, Head of L’Oreal UK and Ireland Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, was joined by independent science broadcaster and Vivienne Parry OBE.

McManus outlined the incredible studies carried out across 19 countries, involving over 10,000 women identifying no less than 64 different skin shades, for Lancôme’s bespoke skincare, which has been tailored to one of three different pigmentation profiles helping you achieve your dream skin!

   

Sending their best wishes for the evening, and have been gifted DreamTone as part of an Irish VIP panel to trial the product, were Kathryn Thomas, currently in LA; Caroline Morahan, who’ll soon be back in Ireland for film a feature film; Maura Derrane who was performing official duties as Roscommon Best Dressed Lady judge; and Love Hate’s Susan Loughnane. 

Quintessentially Polo 2013

 
Polo Style: 1. Alexander Fitzgerald; 2. Virginia Macari and Maria Fusco; 3. Marissa Carter.

(below) 1. Clodagh McKenna; 2. Wayne Cronin & Sinead Desmond; 3. Sharon Bannerton. 
(Pix. Lois Crighton)

The annual Quintessentially Lifestyle Polo BBQ took place at the All-Ireland Polo Club in Phoenix Park, Dublin recently.  Summer showers did nothing to dampen the lively atmosphere but managed to interrupt play on a few occasions.  The private members’ concierge club, with offices in 65 cities around the world, is renowned for its unrivalled global reach and there were guests from London, Geneva and Paris in attendance on the day.

There was plenty of TV talent too with sisters Gráinne and Síle Seoige, Sinead Desmond of Ireland AM and RTE weather presenter Nuala Carey all looking resplendant in their summer finery.  The lovely Maura Derrane was enjoying some time off from hosting Four Live, she was with her husband, John Deasy TD. 

TV chef Clodagh McKenna took some time out from running her new restaurant, Clodagh’s Kitchen in Blackrock.  Since opening a few weeks ago the place has been a big hit with south county Dublin.   

Quintessentially Lifestyle has just opened a new office in Prague and the Czech Ambassador HE Mr. Tomas Kafka was in attendance to show his support for the brand.  Having been in Ireland for over 5 years he is preparing to leave Ireland soon for his next diplomatic posting.  The Swiss Ambassador HE Mr. Beat Loeliger was with his wife Joyce, both enjoying the polo.

Cheryl Dennis was enjoying her first social engagement in Dublin. She has just arrived in the country and will be representing the Welsh Government, based at the British Embassy. Also among the guests on the day were Joanne Byrne, Niall O’Farrell, Andrew and Nadine King and Sheena McKeon of BMW.  Everyone enjoyed what is fast becoming the highlight of the summer season, with a great selection of BBQ food and chilled Tiger beer - a few lucky people even won some fabulous prizes courtesy of The Westin hotel and Ralph Lauren fragrances.

Quintessentially Lifestyle can offer access to the inaccessible and can make the seemingly impossible, possible.  From last minute restaurant reservations and holiday bookings, to theatre and opera tickets and access to clubs, parties and special events, the company has quickly become the go-to service for anyone low on time but keen to enjoy the very best life had to offer.  

www.quintessentially.com