Nokia fashion

At the Nokia Young Fashion Designer of the Year were: 1. Sarah Horgan and Alannah Murphy; 2. Rachel Wise and Sara Kavanagh and 3. Lucy Kennedy and Anne Doyle.

Music, fashion and everything else

Style HQ in suburbia, that Harvey Nichols, threw a mega bash last week in their hip restaurant to celebrate the latest issue of Image magazine, which profiles brilliant boys and all their glories. Entitled “The Boys are Back in Town”, the piece pays tribute to those guys who are blazing a trail in whatever they do.

Melanie Morris and Dee Breen hosted the magnificent party with Moet & Chandon, open decks and the coolest of cats in attendance. Some of those featured include actor David Coffey of Dan and Becs fame, lead singer of The Blizzards Niall Breslin, James Hyland and Lee Walsh of Bubble Hits, TV presenters Aidan Power and Ryan Tubridy, Conor Buckly of Krystle nightclub, restauranteur Paul Cadden, Trevor White of The Dubliner, singer Paul Byrom, photographer Richie Stokes and rugby star Gordon D’Arcy to name but a few.

The place was hopping and some of the guest included Gail Ferguson and her actor boyfriend Mark Macauley, Nicolas Nannetti who was in town on business, Andrew Rudd, designer Virginia Macari, Astrid Brennan and James Flanagan, Samantha McGarry and Sarah Ryan and Aisling Kilduff of the Design Centre.

With the open decks music policy going down a storm (think Bon Jovi after 2 Unlimited followed by Dolly Parton and you get the idea) the bash went on till the small hours, with many repairing to Krystle to keep the night going.



The Nokia Young Designer of the Year awards and show was hosted recently, with a record number of attendees present. A champagne reception kicked off proceedings in City Hall, with guests making up a rather stylish parade across to the Olympia theatre, where the actual show and presentations took place.

Among the guests were Director of Dublin Fashion Week Sonia Reynolds, TV presenter Pam Flood, Declan Leavy, newscaster Anne Doyle, Emily O’Donnell and Avila Lipsett (whose beautiful sister Sarah recently got engaged to Clive Roche), Roisin Tierney – Crowe and Norman Pratt and TV3’s Karen Koster, who is gearing up for her new presenting role on the much anticipated new show Xpose.

In a tense finale hosted by Lucy Kennedy, the international judging panel including Caren Downie, Buying Director for Topshop, Paula Reed, Style Editor for Grazia Magazine and designers Pauric Sweeney, Leigh Tucker and Jonathan Saunders finally gave the results after a nail biting deliberation.The runner’s up were Carol Hopkins and Jane Horgan who both won €1,000 and crowned the overall winner was Deirdre Brennan from Limerick School of Art and Design who won €5,000 plus a work placement with Topshop.



This years Electric Picnic line-up was announced at, what can only be described as a mini Electric Picnic. The outdoor terrace at CrawDaddy was taken over with décor, visuals and even food stands to recreate the venerable music festival.

Some of those I spotted included Larissa Nolan and Enda Leahy who are back after a sojourn in Geneva, DJ Mo Kelly, Deirdre Crooks, Stevo Berube, Siobhan O’Dowd and Dave Brittain.

Some of the acts set to play the gig at Stradbally on August bank holiday weekend are Primal Scream, The Good, The Bad & The Queen, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Jarvis Cocker, Bjork, The Beastie Boys and Iggy Pop (who I hope will do a better job than he did at Slane a few years ago). If you don’t have tickets yet then I fear it may be sold out – but try, try, try again – it’s worth it.

Matthew Williamson

Motorola presents Dublin Fashion Week concluded recently and here are some scenes from the final shows: 1. Elaine Sheridan from Motorola and Matthew Williamson; 2. John Rocha with his daughter Simone; 3. Matthew with his models; 4.On the catwalk at the Joanne Hynes show.

Joanne Hynes

Scenes from Motrola presents Dublin Fashion Week: 1. Robin O'Reilly and designer Joanne Hynes; 2. The Matthew Williamson Show; 3. Jane Reynolds and Joanne Hynes.

Coole Swans

Coole Swan, Ireland's first premium liquer, was launched last week at a very stylish event in the Millenium Wing of the National Gallery. Among the guests were 1. Gary Kavanagh & Bill Hughes; 2. Louise Rafter & Lisa Fitzpatrick; 3. Ronan Ryan & Niall Morris; 4. Louise Kennedy & Paddy Bollard.

Colour me beautiful

When I was at London Fashion Week last September I couldn’t help but notice that the trend for early 90s was everywhere. At all the after parties, on the catwalks, on the fashionistas – bold colours, Nu Rave music and (God forbid!) bumbags and shell suits. If it didn’t work first time round then don’t bring it back I say.


Anyhoo, the people at Daz are obviously on to this revival and their latest ad campaign features Right Said Fred no less. Yes, I’m too sexy for my whites, and most other things. Actually, come to think about it, that song is one of those guilty pleasures – you like it but you’d never admit to liking it (btw check out the club night Guilty Pleasures if ever in London), but I digress.


Getting into the swing of things the people at Daz hosted a Roller Disco in Club 92 last week. Roller Disco? How naff! And Club 92? Perfect venue for naff event! Well, to say that it wasn’t a bag o’ fun would be a downright lie. Most guests upped the ante by dressing up in perfect roller disco outfits (think knee length socks, tight tight shorts, day glo colors next to dazzling white).


The Daz Dancers led the pack with guests such as Caroline Morahan, Nalini Nathan, Julian Benson and stylist Graham Cruz, who was celebrating his birthday that same evening. (And if you fancy getting in on the Daz Dance then the crew will be visiting later this month - St. Stephens Green SC on the 24th and the Pavillions in Swords on the 25th).


Somebody else clearly influenced by the current wave of Nu Rave is internationally acclaimed designer Matthew Williamson. He hosted a massive fashion show which was the penultimate event of this weeks Dublin Fashion Week, presented by Motorola. Organised by Sonia Reynolds, herself no stranger to the catwalk, DFW has gone from strength to strength.


The Round Room at The Mansion House was the locale for this stylish event where the champagne flowed like the rivers of Babylon. There were many wearable pieces in the show with some featuring acid colours with plenty of glitz too. Among those I spotted at the show were style guru Leanne de Cerbo, Alan Hughes and Debbie O’Donnel of TV3, designer John Rocha, socialite Jane O’Donnell and her daughter Jennifer, Natalie Axter of MAC, Fiona Gratzer, Paddy Bollard, Helen Steele and Emma Kelly.


Also at the MW show was Dee Breen of Harvey Nichols, who hosted a magnificent event last week to showcase their Spring / Summer 07 collections. “A decadent evening of modern romance” was what the invitation promised and we were not disappointed on the evening.


In store there was the most amazing fashion installation I’ve ever seen. Picture this: a picnic area set-up with real grass, real flowers and sleeping models in beautiful clothes positioned across the area with various props such as champagne bottles, glasses etc. strewn around. It was breathtaking and every guest, such as Colette Fitzpatrick and Laura Ryan, Astrid Brennan and James Flanagan and Emily O’Donnell, thought so. Harvey Nicks, creative and innovative, I applaud you.


And not an acid colour or bumbag in sight.

NY - NY

At the Fitzpatricks Hotel NY party in the penthouse of The Morgan last week were: 1. John Fitzpatrick and Diane Henderson; 2. Malcolm Byrne and Roisin Tierney - Crowe; 3. Wayne Cronin and Ben Bringer.

At the Patrón tequila launch party in Lillies last week were: 1. Kevin J. Ryan and Melanie Finn; 2. Steve K and Wanjiku Migunda; 3. John Ralph and Katy French; 4. Emma Myler and Edel Kirke; 5. Sarah Kavanagh.

Stateside

New York, New York, so good, so good. For years the Irish have been blazing a trail in the big apple and for many, the only address to stay at when in town is 687 Lexington Avenue, a.k.a. Fitzpatricks Hotel. Head honcho at the NY operations, John Fitzpatrick, jetted into Dublin last week to host an exclusive party to showcase New York and all it had to offer.


The hip penthouse of the Morgan Hotel was the venue for the champagne fuelled bash, which was in association with Delta Airlines and NYC & Co., New York’s official tourist board. Personally I didn’t think NYC needed much promotion, it’ll always be top o’ the heap in my book.


John is very excited about the massive revamps that his NY hotels are about to undertake, and rightly so. President McAleese will be dropping in soon when she’s in town, as will An Taoiseach, and I’m sure John and the team will make then feel at home. As he did with all his guests at last weeks party, who included Gerry Ryan, Sandra Byrne, Andrew Rudd and Katie Jane Goldin. Publisher Michael O’Doherty (who’s busy with plans for the upcoming VIP Style Awards) was there too, as was Glenda Gilson, Andy Boase, Rosanna Davison and Wes Quirke, who, coincidently, were just back from NYC.


After leaving the Morgan I popped into of The Porter House in Temple Bar, where Oliver Hughes was hosting the launch of the Stout Fest, which continues until March 19th in all Porter House bars. The famous Chocolate Truffle Stout makes a welcome return and among those I spotted were Roisin Tierney – Crowe, Jonothan Sultan, Malachy Geelan, PJ Gibbons and DJ Steve K. I also met Michelle Power, who runs a company called Boozeberries. Having sampled my first ever Boozeberrie a few years ago I am an ardent fan and so it was great to meet the woman who made it all happen!


No doubt there were a few booze berries at the end of last Monday nights launch party for Patrón, the premium tequila brand from the States. Not only has it been immortalised in many a rap song but it was also one of the official drinks at this years Oscar ceremony. With premium products, comes premium prices. Patrón tequila typically sells from €35 a shot in all good cocktail bars and €229 a bottle in quality off licences. Something to spend your SSIA on then.


Actor Kevin J. Ryan attended the party in Lillies (he himself making waves in the U.S.) as did the boys from DJ outfit Bodytonic, Killian O’Sullivan and model Sarah Kavanagh, despite it being a wet and windy night.

b young

Danish fashion label b young recently hosted a fashion lunch at No. 10 on South William Street. Pictured at the event are: 1. Caroline Scott and Tracy Ormiston, 2. Sinead Desmond and Finbar Ryan, 3. Sandra Bothwell, 4. Mary Malone and Jessie Collins.

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Pretty People

1. Astrid Brennan and Declan Leavy, and 2. Halina Ashdown Sheild and her daughter Debbie at the cocktail party hosted by Advanced Cosmetic Surgery in Cocoon to celebrate the first screening of TV3's Inside & Out.

Top Cats

At the Nokia / Topshop party were 1. Anna Pfeifer , 2. Sarah Deeney and Mundy and 3. Lisa and Carath Quinn .

Fashion statement

Look good, feel good I say. I can’t understand why people would not want to look their best at all times. On occasion I’ll ring up a gal pal and invite her out for a few after work cocktails only to be told that she can’t as she looks like a knacker and will not show her face around town.


“Have you had a stroke?” I’ll enquire, thinking that the only reason anyone would leave the house looking like a knacker is because they’ve taken leave of their senses.


OK, so it’s a figure of speech, but all the same I think you should be dressed up and ready to go anywhere at the drop of a, well, hat. I don’t understand all those celebrities who are pictured looking awful in tracksuit bottoms and oversize cardies. It’s not a good look and you really should know by now that the paps are out to get you. As for the phenomenon of wearing pyjamas to the shops / chipper / dole office here in Dublin, well don’t get me started. My time is precious enough without ranting on these pages about that fashion faux pas.


It’s nice to see that so many of the social set take pride in their appearance. Granted, some have the fashion sense of a blind person in TK Maxx, but thankfully they’re in the minority - and I guess they do provide the rest of us with good entertainment value, but I digress. It’s not easy dressing up all the time. Everyone scrutinising your outfit, accessories and hair – and that’s just the boys!


Thankfully there is always inspiration on the horizon. Nokia, those arbiters of style, recently announced the names of this years 12 finalists in the Nokia Young Designer of the Year competition. Moet & Chandon provided the fizz and Image Magazine.


The finalists were selected from design colleges across 32 counties, with eight of them chosen from the Limerick School of Art and Design and four from the National College of Art and Design – a great demonstration of the colleges’ commitment to fashion. The 8 LSAD students, chosen for their creativity and vision include; Sinead Lawlor from Co. Dublin, Aimée O'Beirne and Carol Hopkins both from Co. Kildare, Jane Horgan and Alanna Murphy from Co. Louth, Sarah Greer, a native of Co. Waterford, Fionnuala Donnelly from Co. Meath and Deirdre Brennan who hails from Co. Westmeath. The finalists selected from NCDA include Aislinn Sweeney from Co. Kerry, Paget Scott – McCarthy from Co. Cork, Jennifer Browne from Co. Dublin and Aoife Perry from Co. Kildare.


The panel consists of some of the leading figures in Irish and international fashion; Buying Director of Topshop, Caren Downie, Style Editor of Grazia magazine, Paula Reed, London based designer, Jonathon Saunders, young Irish fashion designer Leigh Tucker and accessories designer, Pauric Sweeney.


The finalists are now tasked with bringing their designs to life on the catwalk at a glittering finale in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre on Tuesday 27th March, where the overall winner will be crowned. Every year this show seems to get bigger and better (I remember fondly when it was an intimate event in Dundrum Town Centre car park) and it’s marvellous to see it prosper.


On the same evening Halina Ashdown Sheils and her crew at Advanced Cosmetic Surgery hosted a cocktail reception in Cocoon to celebrate the first screening of Inside & Out, a new 4 part makeover show on TV3. Nothing much new here in terms of originality, but the fact that it’s Irish, with Irish participants was enough to make me tune in. Cindy Caffola, Alan Amsby, PJ Gibbons, Sinead Ryan and Andrew Rudd were just some of the guests on the evening.


Three of the four candidates featured in the series were also there on the evening - Denise Hayes (the subject of the first programme) Deirdre Whelan and Carl Owens. And they looked pretty good to me.Ireland's first personal extreme makeover show, it’s a joint venture between TV3 and Edge Films and airs on TV3 each Wednesday at 8pm for the next four weeks (repeat on Sunday I think), with each programme following an individual over 12 weeks as they undergo a journey of self-discovery and transformation.


Speaking of transformations, Harcourt Street has been home to many nightclubs in it’s time, with many of them going through various incarnations. Krystle is one such place (and I’m afraid I don’t know what it was before, but that hardly matters). They recently launched their Thursday night club and if you’ve never been to Krystle then what are you waiting for?


It’s slick and stylish and has the most amazing outdoor smoking area in the city. Very Nikki Beach (without the pool, natch). Some of the heads I spotted there on Thursday night were Thomas Black of You’re A Star, Triona McCarthy, Helen O’Dwyer and Rosanna Davison.


Dress up and get down!

Bombay Sapphire

At the recent Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass Competition in Ely CHQ: 1. Kate Earlie, Wayne Cronin and Trish Algar, 2. Edel Kellet, 3. Rosanna Davison.

Drink up!

Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die. That’s an adage that I try and live up to. Its origins are from the Bible itself. Who am I to disgree? When party organisers want nothing more than for us to eat, drink and be merry it’s pretty hard not to. Lately there’s been a plethora of alcohol lead parties (remember kids, drink responsibly!), and as every socialite worth his or her hangover knows, they’re the best ones.


The large open expanse of the RHA Gallery (a hidden gem on Ely Place) was the venue for the extravagant relaunch of Rosemount Wines recently. In this day and age of ever changing consumer habits, it’s important to keep ahead of the competition, so Rosemount have not only improved on their wines but also introduced a new funky “diamond” shaped bottle. Basically the bottom of the wine bottle isn’t round but kinda square shaped. Or diamond shaped (depending on how much of the stuff you’ve had to drink).


Some of the cool cats at that soiree were Sophie Flynn – Rogers, back from Goa and an inspiration to us all; Avila Lipsett and Emily O’Donnell added a touch of glam as always, the former accompanied by her new beau, Stephen Day. Fraser Brown, Fergal Breen and Roisin Ni Mhordha were also among the guests who enjoyed themselves. One person who really enjoyed himself though was Jamie Macken who won a diamond worth €14,000 from http://www.diamond.ie/. Rumour had it that he was going to use it for an engagement ring, but I guess we’ll just have to wait and see if that happens!



I’m often asked to recommend good bars in Dublin and I tend to rattle off a list of my favoured watering holes. We all have our faves and it really is a matter of opinion – one persons Keoghs is another’s Cocoon. Guess which of that pair I’d recommend?


Anyhoo, the inimitable Trevor White has solved this conundrum by publishing The Dubliner Top 100 Bars book. Like his hugely successful Top 100 Restaurants guide, this handy little number will guide you through the good, the great and the best of Dublin pubs. Oddly enough Cocoon doesn’t make it onto the list (something about change of ownership as the book was going to print) but Keoghs is in the Top 10. Go figure.


The cavernous Odeon bar played host to the launch party (itself in the Top 10). To say the place was packed would be an understatement, but that’s a testament to the popularity of the boys at The Dubliner magazine. Some of the heads to pop along and show their support were Astrid Brennan, Sinead Ryan and Malachy Geelan, Kate Candon, Jonothon Sultan and John McKibbon, Elaine Byrne, Niall McCrudden and Fiona Roche. Incidentally, three of the aforementioned will be hosting lavish 40th birthday parties soon. If I’m lucky enough to score an invite you might be lucky enough to read all about them!



Diarmuid Gavin, one of Ireland’s best loved home grown (sorry, couldn’t resist - groan) talents, was in town lately to announce the winner of the Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass competition. Hosted in the impressive Ely CHQ restaurant, the finale attracted some of the hottest names in the future of Irish design.


There were an abundance of specially concocted Bombay Sapphire cocktails (made by the expert mixologists) served on the evening with the likes of Rosanna Davison and Wesley Quirke, RTE weather girl Audrey McGrath, Nadine Wai – O’Flynn, Andy Bowse, Ozzy Osbourne's son Louis and his wife Louise Osbourne (one of few outings for the couple since the birth of their son), Norman Pratt, stylist Graham Cruz, Malcolm Byrne, City Channel 's Izabela Chudzicka (with her new copper red hair do) and her new beau Eoin Mullally all enjoying them.

The American heat of this international contest attracted some 50 entries, while here some 300 were received, such is the talent on this fair isle. The top prize went to Edel Kellet, a third year student of NCAD, with her creation "NARINA", who now goes on to represent Ireland at the world final in Milan. Best wishes to her.




Speaking of Ely, the ever popular restaurant has just opened at yet another location, this time on Hanover Quay. Cleverly called Ely HQ (although perhaps confusing with the existing Ely CHQ?), it has the look and feel of a trendy Manhatten joint. As always the food is top notch (with chef Thomas Doyle in the kitchen), while the wine list is a connoisseurs dream. The launch party on Valentine’s Day proved to be a massive hit and was jammed with fans and supporters including Brendan O’Connor, Shirley Beere, Eoin Higgins, Joanne Rochford and Joan Scales.


While I’m on the subject of wine I have to mention that ENO Wine has just opened a new dedicated wine shop and restaurant in the IFSC on Mayor Square. In place there is an innovative card system that you credit and then use to sample the various different wines on offer. So you can taste very expensive wines that on a menu you normally might baulk at!




Rounding off (what reads like a special edition) I’ve heard that Dowlings on Baggot Street is to close. Former stomping ground of Gavin Lambe – Murphy, who has moved to Harry’s on Dawson Street, the premises will be turned into a new restaurant / food hall. Meanwhile the future of Maguire’s pub on Baggot Street is uncertain with rumours that apartments are to consume the building, ditto for The Pembroke pub around the corner.


Not to worry, with your new Top 100 Best Bars guide from The Dubliner you’ll have no end of new places to hang out in.

Winos

At the Rosemount party were: 1. Avila Lipsett, Stephen Day and Emily O'Donnell, 2. Anne Boylan and Triona McCarthy, 3. Jamie Macken and Aoife Gormley.

Crystal Clear

Last Monday night was a decidedly glamorous affair, as society darlings anddesigners joined RDS's Minerva Suite for an exclusivepreview of Waterford's new collections - including Evolution withdramatic shapes and striking designs, Grafton Street, a collection whichwas inspired by the architectural perfection of the Georgian era, andnew introduction of Clarendon Emerald to the existing Colleen and Clarendon collection as well as existing ranges such as the John Rocha collection.

Guests, who included John Rocha himself, sipped sparkling Moet et Chandon from stunning Waterford Seahorse flutes, while the room literally glittered under the brilliance of 12 exquisite chandeliers. Also among those present were Bill O’Herlihy and his wife Hilary and writer Marisa Mackle, who recently signed a publishing deal with Hodder Headline, which will see her work distributed around Europe.

From behind the counter of a bespoke built bar, dressed with Waterford Crystal pendants, Dublin's hottest mixologist, Ger Healy created delicious Bombay Sapphire 'Blue Sapphire' cocktails - which perfectly complemented the 'Raspberry Rose' served in the beautiful Siren martini glass.

In advance of this, Alan Crowley, Master of Wine for Edward Dillon & Co. , treated invited guests to a wine tasting event with Waterford Crystal shiping 12 bottles of the renowned Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir into Ireland especially for the event especially for the tasting. Also there were fashionistas Bairbre Power, Roxanne Parker and Cathy O’Connor, wedding planner Tara Fay (in full bloom of pregnancy) and model Alex Fitzgerald.

Stylish girls

At the Yana K fashion show in Floridita: 1. Lara Casey and Rebecca Davis. 2. Kate Scully Owens and Pam Flood. 3. Pippa O'Connor and Gail Kaneswaren.

Gormley's Fine Art

At the Michael Smyth exhibition in Gormley's Fine Art gallery: 1. Wayne Cronin and Benoit Bringer. 2. Roisin O'Hea and Michael Smyth.