Chi - Chi

Chi, the trendy Asian restaurant in Blackrock Co. Dublin, celebrated its 1st birthday this week. At the party were: 1. Siobhan O'Connor and Norman Pratt; 2. Una Healy and Eoin Macken; 3. Louise McDermott and Sonia Harris and 4. Rebecca Lawless and Sinead Farrell.

Go Racing!

At the launch of the upcoming racing season in the Four Seasons were: 1. Tamso Doyle and David Cox; 2. Caroline Morahan; 3. Debbie O'Donnell and Marisa Mackle; 4. Astrid Brennan and Sienna Cunningham.

Good Sports!

The Summer vibe is well and truly in the air. The proverbial ‘stretch’ is in the evenings and cocktail hour is al fresco (weather permitting, natch). It’s safe to venture out sans coat these days (better bring a brolly though, just in case) and don those oversize dark sunglasses.

One favourite pastime of mine during this social season is horse racing. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not down track side talking about the ‘going being good to soft’ or trying to figure out my exacta strategy. No, I’ll be wining and dining (or whining and dining if I’ve lost a few quid) in the corporate hospitality area watching all the action from within. It’s the style and fashion, gossip and laughs from the racing set that interests me and this year is set to be a bumper racing season.

Horse Racing Ireland recently launched the season at a party in the ICE Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel, where it was also announced that TV presenter Kathryn Thomas is to be the fashion ambassador this year, taking over from Caroline Morahan. In fact, this coming Sunday (27th) sees the Boylesports Irish Guineas festival at The Curragh, with mega prizes up for grabs for the best dressed lady, so girls get those hats out!



Another date for your diary is the White Tie and Diamonds Ball which takes place at the Finca de Concepcion in Marbella on July 7th. A truly glamorous affair, it is in aid of the charity Water Angels, which was set up a few years ago by Mark and Lynn Quinlan to raise awareness about water safety. Rebecca Jane Higgins, Gerald Kean, Lisa Murphy and Aysha Campion – Awwad are some of those who will be there. Gabriel Byrne, who is a patron of the charity, is also on the guest list. Checkout http://www.waterangels.org/ for more info.



One of my favourite artists, Chara Nagle (aka CN), hosted her first major solo exhibition recently in the beautiful surrounds of No.15 St. Stephens Green. Chara, who paints huge, vivid pieces, was delighted with the event which attracted a huge number of her fans, among them Debbie O’Donnell and Sinead Desmond (who is the subject of one of Chara’s dramatic pieces). Keep an eye out for her work and buy it now, because a piece by Chara will be worth a fortune in years to come.



Talking of pieces, the number of hair pieces used at last weeks L’Oreal Colour Trophy Awards must surely be a world record. Dubbed the ‘Hair Oscars’, this event just gets bigger and better every year and is a firm fixture in the social calendar, taking over the O’Reilly Hall in UCD.

Some of the guests included Pamela Flood (who did a tremendous job as Emcee), Melanie Morris and Lisa Maher of Image, model Catriona Mannion, Gavin Lambe – Murphy, Triona McCarthy and radio presenter Adrienne O’Hora. It seemed like House of Colour swept the board this year but in the end Toni & Guy took the top prize and we all celebrated at the after party in Lillies till the next morning (where the hair styles didn’t fare as well).



I took a trip out to Portmarnock recently (who knew it was so far away?) to attend the gala dinner hosted by Brian McFadden and John Aldridge after their Celebrity Am Golf tournament. In aid of the Temple Street Childrens University Hospital, a number of well-known faces took to the golf course, including Ronan Keating and his wife Yvonne (who is just learning to play golf but was well able to keep up with the rest/best of them).

Halina Ashdown - Sheils of Advanced Cosmetic Surgery hosted a table with daughter Debbie, the gorgeous Delta Goodrem, PR supremo Joanne Byrne, Brendan O’Carroll and Phil Neal were among those there. The after dinner auction raised tens of thousands for Temple Street (with the aforementioned Ashdowne - Sheils girls generously dipping into their purses) and we were even entertained with an impromptu duet from Ronan and Brian.

Par for the course at a celebrity do I guess.

Belmayne

At the launch party for Belmayne were: 1. Miro Kaljajic and Maria Fusco; 2. Diarmuid Gavin and Sarah Morrissey; 3. Michael and Suzanne Stanley and 4. Jamie and Louise Redknapp.

The Feast is Back!

Top model Roberta Rowat grabs her relaunched HB Mint Feast from the gasp of iconic 90’s character the incredible Hulk ( aka Darragh Hayes).

TV3 honors James Morris

At the TV3 dinner for James Morris were: 1. Mary Finan and James Morris; 2. Harry Crosbie and Jim Sheridan; 3. PJ Mara and Eamon Dunphy; 4. Sinead Desmond; 5. Kathy Gilfillan and Olive Braiden; 6. Denis O'Brien, Paul McGuinness, Lorraine Keane, Eamon Dunphy and Noel Pearson.

Sign this..

At the Smirnoff Signature party were: 1. Emma Roche and Marisa Mackle; 2. Jayne Harrison and Patricia Field; 3. Aoife Cogan and Ruth Griffin; 4. Richard Stearn, Rebecak O'Neill and Eoin Kavanagh.

TV PM

So many parties, so little time. So little time for anything these days really but I guess everyone is in the same boat. I took a well earned break recently and sampled the delights of Italy, so apologies for not reporting.

What’s been going on lately? Well it’s all about TV, or “the idiots lantern” as an old teacher of mine used to refer to it as - but I’ll bet he didn’t know what Jo Lo, et al, were up to or which country is the cool place to adopt a child from. And now, dear readers, you can get all that information from TV3’s new entertainment show, Xpose, which will be beamed into your living room every evening.

In true TV3 style, Xpose was launched with a swanky party in City Hall which was attended by a host of well-known faces as well as the TV3 posse, natch. Debbie O’Donnell, former head honcho at Ireland AM, has been given the top job on Xpose so expect great things during the week from the 6pm slot.



Speaking of TV3, the new CEO Dave McRedmond recently hosted a gala dinner in The Shelbourne Hotel (look out for the new courtyard which will be opening there soon) for the founder and retiring chairman of the station, James Morris. It was a veritable who’s who of the business, film, TV and arts world as the guests gathered to pay homage to the man responsible for breaking the state monopoly and bringing variety into Irish homes.

Some of the guests included Denis O’Brien, film director Noel Pearson, Olive Braiden of the Arts Council, U2 manager Paul McGuinness and his wife Cathy Gilfillan, Eamon Dunphy, Sinead Desmond of Ireland AM, Dave Fanning and his wife Ursula Courtney, Jim Sheridan and political spin doctor PJ Mara.

On the evening, Doughty Hanson, the new owners of the television network, handed over a (substantial) cheque to a charity nominated by James Morris and his wife Fionnuala. Expressing his gratitude to all involved, Morris detailed the rocky road to the start of TV3 and made reference to all those who helped establish the independent station. Bravo Mr. Morris, this country needs more visionaries like you.

In other TV news, Smirnoff recently hosted a party in the Clarence to celebrate the launch of the latest ad campaign from the vodka brand (remember kids, drink responsibly). The slick commercial takes you on a trip throughout the world as it tracks the origins of the brand through the ages. Marisa Mackle, Rebecca O’Neill and Nicolas Nannetti (who is set to leave Dublin for Miami soon) were among the guests.



Ever wondered where the “in” crowd will be setting up home in the near future? When they get sick of the city they surely will have Belmayne on their list of possible habituées. This new mega-development will eventually encompass over 90 acres and come complete with a town centre.

Special guests on the evening were Jamie and Louise Redknapp who flew in from the UK for the party. She set the fashion stakes high and looked stunning in a simple Stella McCarthy navy baby doll dress teamed with this season’s must-have Christian Louboutins. Susan Stanley wife of Michael Stanley exuded simple elegance in a little black wrap dress with Louise Doheny of LM Developments supporting a super funky leopard print dress accessorised with Cavalli.

Other stylish guests included celebrity Belmayne garden designer Diarmuid Gavin, the ever beautiful Miss Ireland Sarah Morrissey, top model Andrea Roche, RTE favourite Derek Mooney and the popular TV3 presenter Alan Hughes. The ever glamorous Avila Lipsett was also there and spent the evening chatting with Karl Broderick. Ireland’s uber couple, Rosanna Davison and Wesley Quirke were also there, as were Richie Stokes, Nadine Wai – O’Flynn and Fiona Roche, who is looking forward to the White Tie & Diamonds Ball in Marbella on the 7th of July.

Gorgeous Living (as the provocative ad campaign for Belmayne declares), indeed.

People

Out and about with... 1. Glenda Gilson at the launch party for the new Yamamori Restaurant; 2 & 3. The latest collection from fashion designer Helen Cody; 4. Actor David Kelly, Senator David Norris, TV3’s news anchor Colette Fitzpatrick and Den 2’s Kathryn McKeown and Barretstown campers pictured at Smyth’s Toys in Dublin City at the launch of Barretstown's Bandana Day which takes place on May 12th; 5. Sandra Byrne and Katie Jane Goldin at the Walkers Sensations TV Now Awards.

Xposed

TV3 recently hosted a mega bash to celebrate the launch of their new entertainment show, Xpose, in City Hall. Pictured are: 1. Lorraine Keane; 2. Rosanna Davison and Wesley Quirke; 3. Louis Walsh, John Reynolds and Celia Holman - Lee; 4. The Xpose team - Lisa Cannon, Aisling O'Loughlin, Lorraine Keane, Karen Koster and Sybil Mulcahy.

Most Stylish Woman in Ireland

Winner of the 2007 VIP Peter Mark Style Awards, the stunning Lisa Fitzpatrick.

VIP scenes

Scenes from the VIP Style Awards: 1. Emily O'Donnell and Nadine Wai - O'Flynn; 2. Wayne Cronin and Andrea Roche; 3. Katie Jane Goldin and Sandra Byrne; 4. Astrid Brennan and Michael O'Doherty; 5. Karen Koster.

VIP Peter Mark Style Awards

The red carpet was rolled out at the newly opened (and very impressive) Shelbourne Hotel for one of the social highlights of the year. Outside it was a miserable wet evening as the doormen ran with umbrellas to and from the line of black chauffeur driven cars which snaked around the corner from Kildare Street.


Inside, the glamour stakes were high as the beautiful people, all in their finery, milled about the marble foyer. The twinkle of bling, the warm glow of a tropical tan, the click clack of Christian Louboutins. Further in there was more click clacking, but this time it was the unmistakable sound of the paparazzi, shouting names, trying to get the best shot, straining at the velvet cord that kept them at bay.

Welcome to the VIP Peter Mark Style Awards!

This is the night that began months ago in the pages of VIP magazine when the 20-strong shortlist of the most stylish ladies in Ireland was announced. Since then thousands of readers voted for their favourite, with some of the nominees mounting their own personal campaigns to secure the coveted title of Most Stylish Woman of the Year.


All 20 nominees short-listed for the Award attended and looked amazing - Miriam Ahern, Rachel Allen, Claire Byrne, Valerie Craughwell, Rosanna Davison, Lisa Fitzpatrick, Glenda Gilson, Celia Holman Lee, Rachel Kavanagh, Lorraine Keane, Mary Kennedy, Karen Koster, Caroline Morahan, Jenny McCarthy, Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh, Andrea Roche, Annette Rocca, Grainne Seoige, Kathryn Thomas and Laura Woods.


At the Bollinger champagne reception the clinking of glasses, the mwah-mwahs of air kisses and the peals of laughter added to the tremendous air of excitement as the 280 guests mingled before enjoying a sumptuous 5- course dinner with Torres wines. As we entered the Shelbourne's Great Room we were astounded by the spectacular floral and crystal display, designed specially for the evening by Appassionata Flowers. Hosts for the evening Emer O’Reilly – Hyland and Michael O’Doherty kept the evening going with their banter and witty one-liners, much to everyone’s amusement.


Some of the TV stars in attendance included Pamela Flood, Anne Doyle and Eileen Dunne from RTE; Lisa Burke from Sky News; Channel 6 beauties Michelle Doherty and Jenny Buckley, TG4’s Sinead Ní Loidean, Sorcha Ní Cheide and Aine Ní Dhroighnean, TV3’s Colette Fitzpatrick, Elaine Crowley, Martin King and Laura Bermingham, to name but a few.


Caroline Morahan won the much anticipated accolade of Best Dressed on the night, which was voted by the guests. She looked stunning in a gown from Cathy de Stafford and was surprised and delighted to have won.


Other guests attending included top models Roz Lispett, Aoife Cogan and Miss Ireland Sarah Morrissey, along with Clodagh Hopkins, Vivienne Connolly, Niall McCrudden, Triona McCarthy and Leyton Denny, Mark Kershaw and Katy French, Stephen Kelly and Sandra Byrne and Gail and Hazel Kaneswaren (who are both expecting babies this summer). Peter Mark boss Barry Dempsey and the Keaveney family chatted to the many guests, most of whom are their customers!


There could only be one winner though and it was the beautiful Lisa Fitzpatrick, who was there with her husband Paul. She dazzled on the night with a sequined marine blue long dress form Lara in Dame Lane which was topped off with diamonds from Paul Sheeran jewellers. A stylist on Ireland AM and for The Gerry Ryan Show, Lisa (who really is one of the nicest people you could ever meet) also runs her own image consultancy business.


She walked away with the stunning award, designed by Louise Kennedy for Tipperary Crystal, to great cheers from all the guests. She also won Peter Mark hair care for a year, €1,000 worth of customised Lancôme products and a sumptuous weekend for two at the Penthouse in Aghadoe Heights Hotel, Killarney.


After the excitement most people continued on to Renards where the unofficial after party continued and the post match style analysis took place. Each year the VIP Style Awards goes from strength to strength (it started as a lunch event) and is now a firm favorite in the ever expanding social calendar.


Plans, I’m sure, are afoot for next year.

Strike a Pose

Looking glam at the VIP Peter Mark Style Awards were 1. Karen Koster, 2. Celia Holman - Lee and 3. Caroline Morahan.

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.