Being Prudent

At the Prudence awards were: 1. Carina Corbett & Annmarie O’Connor; 2. Romy Carroll & Aideen Lernihan; 3. Rachel Kavanagh & Kerrie Cheung. Pics. Paul Sherwood.

Prudence Magazine was somewhat ahead of its time when it launched five years ago, pushing a lifestyle philosophy that’s all about living life rich without breaking the budget. If only we’d all had that foresight.

In a recession that ethos is more important than ever, so when Prudence decided to launch the Best Buy Beauty Awards the Pru team were determined to make sure that they’d differ from any other beauty gongs. Forget posh purchases that are more about packaging than performance, and say hello to prudent picks that very definitely pass muster.

Hundreds of products from more than 80 brands were under scrutiny from a judging panel that included Xposé presenter Lisa Cannon, dermatologist Dr Katherine Mulrooney and beauty expert Laura Bermingham.

The winners were announced to a captive audience at an event at Dublin’s Radisson Blu Royal Hotel this week. Check out the winners in the current issue.

Franc's Secret is out!

At Franc’s party were: 1. Jenny McCarthy & Martin King; 2. Kathryn Thomas; 3. Laura Woods & Franc. Pics. Leon Farrell / Photocall


Camp wedding planner Franc, aka Peter Kelly, and RSVP Media have collaborated to create a new wedding magazine which will hit shelves nationwide this month and aims, says Franc, to be “a magazine for ALL brides and will be packed with tips and secrets”.

This week ‘Franc – Wedding Secrets’ was launched at a Mumm Champagne reception in The Marble Bar in the Westbury Hotel. Guests were treated to wedding favours from Cakes & Co, and cupcakes by Louise Lennox.

Among the many guests were bride-to-be Laura Woods, Kathryn Thomas, Brian Ormond & Pippa O’Connor, Louis Copeland, Gerald Kean & Lisa Murphy and designer Synan O’Mahony.

Fashion BreakThrough presents: Uprising

At the Fashion BreakThrough event: 1. Holly White & Karen Koster; 2. Zoe Boomer & Lyn Greer; 3. Kirsten O’Mahony & Linda Sloane. Pics. Richie Stokes.


Fans of up and coming designers, who like to get their hands on the trendiest threads before the rest of the crowd, were treated to a sample of what Spring Summer 2010 has in store at the second bi-annual Fashion Break Through: 'Uprising' event in Meeting House Square, Temple Bar this week.

Among those in attendance were Xpose's Karen Koster, top fashion stylist and fashionista Annmarie O'Connor, stylist Suzie Coen and founding director of The Loft Market in Powerscourt Town Centre, Aisling Farinella.

The usually unpredictable Irish weather stayed pleasant for the show, which took place under a marquee, as guests were treated to the unveiling of collections from celebrity favourite, Zoe Boomer, who has been touted as Ireland's answer to Stella McCartney and who counts Natasha Bedingfield as a firm fan.

Also showing were Sophie Rieu, whose latest collection of lush, tactile pieces are created with concern for the environment; Bebhinn Flood, whose bold prints, strong lines and beautiful sense of texture are fast becoming fashion favourites and Heidi Higgins, whose label already has a firm identity with her gorgeously iconic, sweeping dresses that enrobe the figure like magic.

Wearing a stunning dress by Sophie Rieu, host Holly White kicked off the show by reminding attendees about the great design talent Ireland has to offer and praised the organisers of the event, designer Lisa Shawgi, who also showed her collection, and Therese McKenna, for spotting a gap in the Irish market for such a great fringe fashion event.

Oh and, speaking of all this fashion, those of you who are into your handbags (and manbags!) can now get some real therapy out of them ... Kildare Village Outlet Shopping has launched the ‘What’s in your handbag?’ digital campaign at www.handbag.kildarevillage.com - an online initiative inviting you to upload a photo of your handbag and its contents for a chance to win a €1,000 shopping spree at Kildare Village and a fun handbag therapy analysis by Debbie Percy.

Mister International Ireland

At the Mister International Ireland: 1. Winner Francis Usanga & organiser Deric Hartigan; 2. 1st runner-up Shane Lennon & Simone Power; 3. Kayleigh Fitzsimons & Andrea Kane. Pix. Brian McEvoy.


It was one of the hotly tipped favourites, Francis Usanga, who impressed the judges and walked away with the 1st Mister International Ireland title at the national final selection in the Button Factory in Temple Bar.

Francis fought off tough competition from 14 other finalists in a night that set pulses racing, as the boys strutted their stuff in casual wear, formal wear and swimwear rounds. Following individual interviews of the top 10 finalists with host Amanda Brunker, the final decision came down to the judges which included Alan Hughes (TV3), Paula Lenihan (Editor, RSVP), Sonja Mohlich (Stylist) and Ray Shah (DJ).

Commenting on his new title as the 1st Mister International Ireland, Francis said: "I never expected this, I'm absolutely thrilled. I'm looking forward to representing my country and doing Ireland proud’.”

National Director of the Mister International Ireland franchise Deric Hartigan commented on the winner: “I think Francis is a great choice and a fantastic representation of the Mister International Ireland brand. With his smouldering good looks and toned physique, he represents the modern man and modern Ireland. Congratulations to our 1st runner up Shane Lennon, 2nd runner up Daniel Moriarty and indeed to all the other contestants, who did themselves proud on the night.”

Francis scooped a prize package worth in excess of €10,000 including a photoshoot with RSVP Magazine, grooming for a year from Grafton Barbers as well as a year’s free membership with Total Fitness gym. In addition, he will now go forward to represent Ireland in Taiwan in November, where he will compete against national finalists from 30 other countries.

Sundown Club @ Fitzwilliam Hotel

At the Fitzwilliam were: 1. Singer Eibhin Eviston; 2. Deirdre Hynds, Carol Donaghy & Sarah Kelly; 3. Lauren Bannon & Marisa Mackle. Pics. Marc O'Sullivan.

The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Stephen’s Green Dublin, launched the new Sundown Club with a host of guests including stylist Cathy O’Connor, Derrick Carberry and author Marissa Mackle. GM Fergal O’Connell welcomed all in attendance and live, laid back music was provided by sultry, singer-songwriter, Eibhin Eviston and the talented Anthony Ward.

Guests feasted on delicious Fitzwilliam canapés and indulged in fabulous bespoke cocktails, including The Sundown, created by resident mixologist Matt Jupe.

The Sundown Club at the Fitzwilliam’s Inn on the Green will run throughout the Summer on Friday and Saturday evenings from 9.30pm, and offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in a chic, New-York style cocktail culture, enjoy a laid back, stylish, music experience and indulge in the Fitzwilliam’s delicious canapé selection.

Horse Show Hustle

At the Horse Show Hustle: 1. Deidre Denham & Sophie Flood; 2. Doug Ferris & Diane Henderson; 3. Robert Murphy & Sarah Moorhead. Pix.: Brian McEvoy.

Music lovers turned up in their droves to the inaugural Brainwave Horse Show Hustle at Krystle and with such an amazing line up it was very easy to see why. David Kitt along with The Chapters, All Star Charge & History of Harry thrilled the audience with an array of eclectic hits. Guests were treated to a drinks reception courtesy of Budweiser Aluminium as well as a feast of nipples before taking to the dance floor.

The super raffle on the night which included first prize of five weekends away, a Shannon cruise, digital cameras and much more, was a huge success. DJ Rick O’ Shea who is part of the organising committee for the event was delighted with the night. ‘Everyone here had a fantastic time and the music was the best I’ve heard in a while. What makes it even better is knowing that all funds raised tonight are going to such a worthy cause’, he said.

5

Enjoying the 5 party: 1. Louise & Louis Osbourne; 2. Sandra Byrne; 3. Mark Noble & Nadia Forde. Pics. Brian McEvoy.

Dublin's party set descended upon Krystle on Tuesday evening to celebrate the launch of Wrigley's new gum 5 – a stylish gum which takes its inspiration from the five human senses.

Guests on the evening were treated to the most stimulating of nights out as the club was transformed into a fully sensorial experience with celebrity DJ Louis Osbourne pumping out the sounds and getting everyone into the party mood. Louis was just fresh back from an Italian boutique music festival with his stunning wife Louise, who is gearing up for a trip stateside to the famous Osbourne mansion and said that she is excited about spending some time with the Osbourne clan and will be in the audience for the final of America's Got Talent.

As guests arrived, they were given a sensorial tour of Krystle which included a chamber of hands which proved popular with models Alison Canavan and Chloe Arnold who were spotted taking the tour for a second time!

DJ and face of 5 Michelle Doherty looked stunning in a little black dress. Michelle was accompanied by close pal Fergus Kealy and Morgan Agency colleague Carl Shaaban. Never one to miss a good party, Sandra Byrne arrived on crutches along with celebrity hypnotist Katie Jane Goldin.

G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra

At the G.I. Joe premiere: 1. Donna McConville & Ian Davy; 2. Morgan Weymes & Sinead Waters; 3. Niamh Farrell. Pics. Brian McEvoy.

G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra was premiered in Dublin’s Cineworld recently. The movie is probably the last big summer blockbuster action movie of this year. It’s big, brash and fast paced and will undoubtedly do very well all around the world.

Starring Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Marlon Wayans and Christopher Eccleston among others the story is farfetched and ridiculous but hey, that doesn’t matter!

Some great chase scenes and high octane fight scenarios keep the whole show moving at break neck speed. Interestingly Paramount Pictures didn’t show this movie to many critics in advance of release, I guess they didn’t need to. It does exactly what it says on the tin.

Galway Knees Up

At the Galway Knees Up: 1. Karen Koster; 2. Eugene Murray, Evelyn O’Rourke & Gerry Ryan; 3. Ruby Walsh & Hector O’hEochagain. Pics.: Aengus McMahon.



The inaugural “Galway Knees Up” in aid of the Irish Hospice Foundation took place in the Hotel Meyrick in Galway. The event took place following “Ladies Day” at the Galway Races and was deemed a huge success, raising about €50,000. The “Galway Knees Up” is now set to become an annual event closely tied in with the racing community and wider audience who descend on Galway each year for the races.

MCs for the evening, Xpose’s Karen Koster and Hector O’hEochagain, were a well balanced pair as they set the tone and entertained guests with their witty banter. Other well known people in attendance included champion jockeys Ruby Walsh and AP McCoy, Image editor Melanie Morris, as well as Gerald Keane and Lisa Murphy.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with a drinks reception to help celebrate the day’s winnings. While upstairs the Spa Refresh Zone, sponsored by Brown Thomas and Bellissimo in Galway was full of men and women getting touched up after the long day in Ballybrit.

The auction was a great success with Padraig Harrington’s autographed Driver, which he used to capture his second consecutive British Open Championship title in 2008 and the Fender Stratocaster Guitar bearing Bono & his two daughters Even & Jordan’s illustrations from the Peter & The Wolf production together with Bono’s autograph, both gaining strong bids helped by Hector’s auctioneering skills!

Karen Koster and Mandy Maher from Galway’s premier modeling agency, Catwalk Models, were given the tough job of selecting the “Knees Up Knockout”. The title was awarded to Sligo’s Brid Brett, who was presented with a one off head piece, designed specifically for the event by Galway Milliner, Emily Jean O'Byrne.

Secret Wars

At Secret Wars: 1. Kim Watkins & Karen O’Mahony; 2. Rachel Heaney & Laura Bonner; 3. Jenny Jackson & Jenny Kelly. Pics. Richie Stokes.

A war descended on Dublin last weekend, as the city hosted its first ever Secret Wars battle in association with Bulmers Light. Artists from Dublin and London battled it out for the reputation of their respective cities, with Dublin taking the title on this occasion to the delight of the crowd.

A team of three artists flew over from London to battle three of Dublin’s finest, in The Bernard Shaw pub on Portobello Road and gave guests a night to remember with their impressive talent. This innovative art event was absolutely free and has been held all over the world in fashionable cities such as New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Moscow and now Dublin! Guests on the night included Secret Wars founder, Terry Guy, actress Abbey Smith and the UK No1 beatboxer Reeps1.

Normally held in the dark corners of the cities, artists gather with black paint markers to follow the simple rules of drawing live against each other for 90 minutes. However this Dublin battle replicated the 92 calories in a bottle of Bulmers Light and lasted 92 minutes for the first time.

The winner was decided by the reaction of the crowd and the votes of two judges on the battle pictures of the artists. Secret Wars has spawned into a very serious competition, attracting an increasing number of followers, reaching into all forms of media, through magazines, MySpace, Internet forums, blogs and other social networks. Both Kanye West and footballer Thierry Henry are known as keen followers of the event.

Lynx FEVER

The Lynx Fever Brazilian Beach Party at the POD: 1. Supermodel Elle Liberachi and Michelle Doherty; 2. DJ Love Foxxx; 3. Karla Orozo and Vanessa Coello.


Dublin came alive with Samba Spirit last week as Lynx hosted the ‘2009 Lynx Fever Brazilian Beach Party’ to launch its sizzling new scent Lynx Fever.

Maxim lingerie model of the moment and Guess runway model Elle Liberachi jetted into the POD to party with Brazil’s hottest spinstress, CSS front lady Lovefoxxx. Ireland’s sexiest men Blizzards frontman Bressie and How Low Can You Go’s Michael Hayes danced the night away with hot radio presenter and boy’s favourite Michelle Doherty.

Miss Liberachi ensured the temperature was kept scorchio as Miss Universe Ireland Diana Donnelly shook her maracas with fellow models Georgia Salpa, Hayley Ryan, Daniella Moyles, Lynn Kelly, Sarah Tansey and Stefani Bataiolli. Traditional Brazilian dancers added an authentic flavour as the traditional drummers kept the samba beat going.

Fever, the latest fragrance from Lynx, embodies the essence of Brazil capturing the legendary Lynx effect. The Lynx Fever fiery orange shower gel contains Brazilian hot mud and red dragon fruit extracts that invigorate the skin. Phew!

EYP

At the Martini Krystle party for the EYP Network: 1. Karolina Attispodina and Tyrone Richardson; 2. Felix Rudhart and Miriam Abel; 3. Alvin Perry and Maria Bourke.


Over 300 young professionals from various backgrounds and nationalities gathered to celebrate summer and fashion at the fabulous Krystle nightclub in Dublin last week.

The Martini Krystle Tea Party hosted by EYP (European Young Professionals) a global organisation for young professionals, kicked off at in the evening sunshine with Martini cocktails and canapés on the terrace.

Guests were enthralled with a fashion show coming directly from the studios of Quack + Dirk (http://www.quackanddirk.com/) designed by the stylish Deirdre Cantwell. To the music of Roisin Murphy five beautiful models presented twenty outfits inspired by London city style and flowery Tea Party themes including five vintage evening dresses accompanied by accessories designed especially for this event.

“As EYP grows in Ireland, we remain committed to offering a unique experience to Dublin's young professionals” said Tyrone Richardson, Managing Director EYP.

All the girls at the party received Scholl Party Feet goodies which meant they could dance the night away in vertiginous high heels.

Cannon Ball Run

At the Cannon Ball launch: 1. Anna Daly; 2. Dan McGratten & Anne Doyle; 3. Amanda Brunker. Pics. Kieran Harnett.

Traffic at St. Stephens Green ground to a halt as model Pippa O’Connor posed with a selection of the luxury cars that will travel in convoy through Ireland for the Cannon Ball Run three day event. The launch party for the first ever Cannon Ball in Ireland took place at Residence Private Members Club where a host of well known faces turned out to support the Barretstown charity.

A host of familiar faces from Dublin’s social scene such as TV’s Anna Daly, Sinead Desmond and husband Dave Ryan, Amanda Brunker, Liam Cunningham, Anne Doyle and Dan McGrattan, Gerald Kean and Lisa Murphy, Grainne Barron, Maire Lee-Geary and Michael O’Doherty sipped the aptly named Cannonball Cocktail and enjoyed the sunny evening in the club’s garden.

The Cannonball Run will take place over three days, with the 1st pit stop giving the car enthusiasts a quick tour of Barretstown, so participants can see the joy that their money, brings to the children that benefit from the charity. The 2nd pit stop takes in the picturesque location of Kinsale, for a well deserved lunch in Fish Fishy Restaurant. The last day takes in the winding roads to Killarney, where the weary Cannon Ballers will party the night away, with a fabulous barbeque and a night in the Four Star Malton Hotel.

So pump up your tyres, and polish your favourite boy toy, and rev up for the first ever Cannon Ball Run to take place in Ireland. Registrations and further information can be obtained from http://www.cannonballrun.ie/ and places are limited!

Little Havana

At the Little Havana party were: 1. Fabriana Oliveria & Suzanne Santos; 2. Darren Kennedy & Helen Bangura; 3. Elisabeth Lenihan & Rebecca Lawless. Pics. Brian McEvoy.

Havana Club Rum brought a taste of Latin spirit to Wexford Street with the launch of the Little Havana Festival in Whelan’s. Guests gathered to soak up the Cuban vibe with Havana Club Rum Mojitos and Cuba Libre and Cuban tapas style bites.

Resident DJ Christian Lorenz spun a Cuban set with his signature Latin flare, while Cuban inspired drummers and dancers took to the floor to entertain the crowd.

Guests included DJ Mikki Dee fresh from his recent stint at the Oxegen festival; model Suzanne McCabe together with her boyfriend Rob Buckley. Deric Hartigan, who is busy with plans for the Mr. International Ireland contest, caught up with stylist Darren Kennedy as well as models Ally Garvey and Ciara Hughes.

Havana Club, the authentic Cuban rum, brought the Little Havana festival of events to five bars (Solas Bar, Whelans, Shine, The Village and Féile) on Wexford Street last week with free admission to all Little Havana events over the weekend.

Highlights included the Cuban Jazz Project with their unique blend of Afro-Cuban jazz and soul sounds at Whelans main stage on Friday night and The Cuban All Stars, Ireland’s only 100% authentic Cuban Band, with a music and dance extravaganza on Saturday night at The Village. Cuban inspired music, dancers and performers were on the streets and bars to ensure Cuban fever took over Wexford Street!

Blossom Hill Ladies Day launch

At the Blossom Hill party at the RDS were: 1. Aisling O’Loughlin & Rachel Wise; 2. Ally Garvey; 3. Georgina Hayes & Alan Thomas. Pics. Leon Farrell / Photocall


This week details of Blossom Hill’s new sponsorship of the Ladies Day at the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show were unveiled at a reception at the RDS. The Blossom Hill Ladies Day at the Horse Show takes place on Thursday August 6th at the band stand area. This year’s judges are couturier Synan O’Mahony and actress and author Amy Huberman.

To celebrate the launch of the new Blossom Hill range of wines from Italy and South Africa the best dressed prize includes a 5 star shopping weekend in Milan for two – one of the world’s top fashion capitals with €1000 spending money. The second part of the prize is a 5 day holiday for two to Cape Town with €1000 spending money. The winner will also be presented with a case of each wine from the new Blossom Hill range from Italy and South Africa.

Best dressed man will once again walk away with a Louis Copeland suit, while the most creative hat winner will win a €500 voucher from House of Fraser, the two highly commended winners a €1000 voucher each from House of Fraser and finally the most colourful winner will become the proud owner of a stunning stainless steel diamond encrusted Longines watch. And for all those under 18 stylishly dressed girls there will be a mystery House of Fraser judge handing out spot prizes.

To celebrate this new category Synan O‘Mahony has created a stunning full length colourful dress and said: “I love the fact that this category will encourage women – and indeed men to throw away the dark and embrace colour!"

Entrants can avail of the House of Fraser Boudoir Tent where experts will be on hand to ensure that each and every person looks their best before they go in front of the judges up on stage. MC for the day will be Xpose girl Aisling O’Loughlin.

Harry Potter Premiere

At the Harry Potter premiere were: 1. Miriam O’Callaghan; 2. Actress Evanna Lynch; 3. Darren Kennedy & Roisin Tierney - Crowe. (Pics Brian McEvoy)

The Irish premier of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" took place recently at the Savoy. Viewers including Lisa Cannon of Xpose, Martin King and star of the movie Evanna Lynch were enthralled as Death Eaters wreaked havoc in both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and saw that Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was.

Harry suspects that new dangers may lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. He needs Harry to help him uncover a vital key to unlocking Voldemort's defenses—critical information known only to Hogwarts' former Potions Professor, Horace Slughorn.

Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof with far more important matters on his mind. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

Harry Potter mania continues!

Food Festival at D4 Hotels

At the food evening in D4 Hotels were: 1. Andrew Rudd, Alan Hughes, Brent Pope & Malcolm O’Kelly; 2. Michael Rogers & Victoria Sheil; 3. Niamh O’Connor & Oleg Piletsky. (Pics. Richie Stokes)


D4 Hotels hosted a summer cookery demonstration event with TV3 Chef Andrew Rudd in the Ballsbridge Court Hotel a few nights ago. Enlightening and fun, the cookery demonstration evening, titled 'Take the fear out of Cooking - with a Summer Twist' was suitable for anyone who enjoys food and cookery.

Over the course of the evening Andrew taught guests how best to manage their time in the kitchen, how to select the best ingredients, organise their kitchen and choose the best equipment and utensils.

John Healy (RTE's The Restaurant) and Nick Munier (ITV's Hell's Kitchen) were among the judges that decided the winner in a 'Ready Steady Cook' style challenge pitting rugby pundit Brent Pope against rugby star Malcolm O'Kelly. At the event there was a food village, wine tastings, and a host of other exciting stalls. The evening was hosted by Alan Hughes of TV3.

D4 Hotels offers state of the art event, meeting and conference facilities in Ballsbridge including complimentary Wi-Fi. They are superbly located just 15 minutes from the city centre and their popularity with locals, who frequent its bars, coffee shops and restaurants in south Dublin, enables guests to experience the warmth and vitality that is synonymous with Dublin.

Indeed some very happy guests this week were the infamous Plano 3 who were looked after and treated like kings by the D4 group.