New Look

Look Here: 1. Kimberley Walsh; 2, Rugby player Mark Siddons & Michelle McGrath; 3. Sandy Carroll. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

What’s New?: 1. Sinead Mitchell & Jodie Wood; 2. SJ Wai; 3. Colin Corrigan & Brendan Courtney. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

Dublin’s finest were out in full force to celebrate the launch of the New Look’s Dublin store at the Jervis SC, which is also the brands biggest global store. The world of fashion, radio and television came together for the exclusive VIP shopping event where Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh was joined by Ireland’s most stylish, including designer Leigh Tucker, Lorraine Keane, Brendan Courtney, Debbie O’Donnell and stylist Angela Scanlon.

Guests were welcomed with a Champagne and cocktail reception and treated to a fashion show which previewed the key pieces from the New Look AW 10 collection. Peter Mark, The LA Make UP Academy and O.P.I were on hand to pamper guests whilst PlayStation got everyone in the swing of things with their PlayStation Move Units all to the background music of Francesca Nyze who kept the crowd entertained.

RCSI Race Against Breast Cancer

Racing Ahead: 1. Aisling O’Loughlin & Jaqueline Carter; 2. Virginia Macari & Darren Kennedy; 3. Emily O’Donnell & Maris Mackle. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)


Horse racing enthusiasts together with a host of well known Irish personalities came together for Breast Cancer Ireland’s annual “RCSI Race Against Breast Cancer Day” at Leopardstown.

The fashion stakes were high with a number of glamorous ladies adding a fun and funky Halloween twist to their look. Once again this year, style Judges Louis Copeland of Louis Copeland Tailors and Kate Gleeson of Diffusion Boutique had the difficult task of selecting the Best Dressed titles. However, it was Barbara O'Reilly Hyland from Wicklow that was named best dressed lady and Greg Moore who won the title of best dressed man.

Spotted enjoying a flutter were model Pippa O’ Connor and her fiancé Brian Ormond and actress and designer Virginia Macari who wore a chic witches hat that she made herself. Other well known guests included model Sarah McGovern, stylist Darren Kennedy (who was in town on a flying visit from his new base of London), TV3 beauties Colette Fitzpatrick and Sybil Mulcahy, Marisa Mackle and Mary Kennedy who was the ever elegant MC for the day.

The event, now in its 5th year, raised over €150,000 which will go towards funding vital breast cancer research aiding speedier discoveries and ultimately more effective treatments of those diagnosed.

Jackass 3D

Craaazy: 1. Aoibhinn Garrihy; 2. Jennifer Maguire & Weeman, aka Jason Acuna; 3. Johnny Knoxville. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Is Jackass a one trick pony or sheer genius? I would have thought the former but then I read that the latest movie in the series, Jackass 3D, has just grossed over $50m at the box office on its opening weekend. Fair play to the boys who made it big on the back of just messing around.

The movie made it Irish premiere at Cineworld and in keeping with the madcap theme the stars of the movie dressed up in appropriate garb; Johnny Knoxville as a pirate, Weeman as a Leprechaun etc. With an exclusive after party at the Sycamore members club, Jackass and the crew had a great few days in Dublin.

Xpose Xmas Xperience

XXX: 1. Sarah Stephens & Una Gibney; 2. Lisa Cannon, Karen Koster & Aisling O Loughlin; 3. Stephanie Wynne & Jamie Archer. (Pix. Leon Farrell / Photocall)

The Xposé team invites their viewers to toast the arrival of the festive season in style at the Xposé Xmas Xperience in association with West Coast Cooler: a three-day event at Dublin’s RDS from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st November 2010.

Jetting into Dublin especially for the show are 2010 X Factor finalists F.Y.D along with Jamie Archer, AKA Jamie Afro, one of the leading performers from X Factor 2009. F.Y.D. will give a special live performance at Friday’s opening night, while Jamie will have the RDS rocking for Christmas with two exclusive performances on Saturday, 20th November.

Showcasing everything from the world of fashion and beauty Xposé Xmas Xperience will provide inspiration in the lead up to the Christmas party season in the form of spectacular catwalk fashion shows, make- up masterclasses with Ireland’s leading make-up artists and the best in yuletide beauty booty.

The event will also showcase a treasure trove of fashion finds, from big brands to boutique labels, with opportunities to meet designers and get the inside track on everything for key Christmas looks and future style trends. There’ll also be a dedicated Christmas Zone that has the season all wrapped up with plenty of shopping, great gift ideas and party fun.

Xposé Xmas Xperience in association with West Coast Cooler will take place in Dublin’s RDS on Friday, November 19th from 3pm – 9.30pm; Saturday November 20th and Sunday, November 21st from 10.30am to 6pm. Ticket prices are €20. For further information on the show and how to purchase tickets, log on to http://www.xposexmasxperience.ie/ .

Halloween at Krystle

Horrors: 1. Emily Mc Keogh & Jodie Wood; 2. Nicola Barron & Andy Quirke; 3. Hayley Ryan & Karena Graham. (Pix. Richie Stokes)

Scary: 1. Donal McSharry & Jennifer Buckley; 2. Dana Arikane; 3. Lucia Scerbikova & Stanislava Vargova. (Pix. Richie Stokes)

Krystle hosted its big Halloween party on Sunday night and as always the regular patrons dressed to impress with a huge range of weird and wonderful outfits on show. Model Karena Graham, stylist Sonja Mohlich and rugby player Leo Cullen were among the crowd on the night.

The popular spot continues to attract big crowds (and celebs) and this week was awarded the accolade of Best Overall Nightclub in Ireland at the Hospitality Awards. This is the third year that Krystle has scooped the top prize – an impressive feat since it’s only been open 4 years!

We Are Where We Are

Here They Are: 1. Michael Hayes & Ailbhe Lee; 2. Katherine Drohan & Caroline Murphy; 3. Ryan Tubridy & Paddy Cullivan; 4. Katherine Mason & Tara Farrell. (Pix. Malachy Geelan)


The country needs a good dose of humour at a time like this and no better man than Paddy Cullivan to administer it. Paddy is a musician (Camembert Quartet), satirist (Leviathan) and The Late Late Show house band leader (though I kinda wish he was our leader too) and ‘We Are Where We Are’ is his new EP.

Officially launched by the title track’s co-author Ryan Tubridy (is there anything this man won’t try his hand at?), the event at The Mercantile attracted a large number of people from the world of music and showbiz. Despite the fact that Paddy had spent the morning distributing copies of the CD to TD’s arriving at the Dail for Leaders Question Time there weren’t many politicians in attendance.

The five-track EP available to purchase online via http://www.paddycullivan.com/ for just €4.95, is described by Paddy as “brilliant protest songs for these hard times, based on the cliché-ridden drivel spouted by unrepentant financiers, incompetent politicians and a lazy media. Musically brilliant, lyrically razor-sharp and intentionally hilarious - though at times poignant.”

Tommy Hilfiger ICONS

Icons: 1. Mick Polley & Elsa Jones; 2. Conchi Verdasa & Vanessa Kilbride; 3. Norman Pratt & Roisin Tierney- Crowe. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

All the great fashion parties are happening at Arnotts department store lately so it was with a spring in our step that we went along to the launch of the Tommy Hilfiger Icon collection. The new Icon range marks the 25th anniversary of the iconic American brand and is signified by distinctive Kelly green coloured branding.

The event was well attended with guests including TV3’s Anna Daly, looking stylish as ever in a beautiful navy Tommy Hilfiger Runway dress from the Autumn collection, Jayne O’Keeffe of Arnotts, Norman Pratt and his pal Roisin Tierney-Crowe, who takes up her new post as head of PR for L’Oreal Luxury Products this week.

Guests were treated to American style canapés of mini-burgers, baby corndogs and mini Oreo cookie milkshakes, all from Relish Cuisine. Carl Shaaban and Chloe Loughnane modelled key pieces from the Icon collection throughout the evening, highlighting the classic inspiration by well known icons from the last 25 years including Grace Kelly, James Dean and Farrah Fawcet.

In Essence

Glam slam: 1. Pamela Ryan & Hira Shah; 2. Elaine Roddy, Rosanna Davison & Emma Smith; 3. Mary Murray-Burke & Dervla Burke. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

A surprisingly large group of well known girls turned out on a Tuesday evening for the Essence make-up and beauty party at the Grafton Lounge. The brand launched its gorgeous winter colour collection and winter trend editions, so perhaps it’s not that surprising that girls love make-up after all.

Joining in the beauty crew was Rosanna Davidson who looked effortlessly chic in her new winter LBD; mother and daughter duo Mary and Dervla Burke from Crystal Swing were minus Derek for a night (apparently he’s not really into make-up) while Elaine Crowley, Zoe Wong and Hira Shah were all enjoying a girls night out.

Essence was also delighted to have current Rose of Tralee Clare Kambamettu in attendance. Gorgeous Claire has a busy year ahead of her with work, charity commitments (she just launched the Christmas card campaign for the Cystic Fibrosis association) and international travel assignments to countries such as the U.S. and India.

The Exchequer is 1

Birthday girls: 1. Aoibhin and Ailbhe Garrihy; 2. Hayley Rock and Kathryn Thomas; 3. Emma Ross and Gina Murphy. (Pix. Brian Brophy)


The Exchequer Gastropub celebrated a wildly successful first year with a party for family, friends, fans and regulars. Owners Peter Rock and Ian Tucker welcomed guests including Kathryn Thomas, Gordon D’Arcy, Peter’s father Dickie Rock, Paddy Cullivan, Aoibhin Garrihy and members of the Ireland rugby squad amongst others.

Kathryn welcomed the guests and talked about the reasons that The Exchequer quickly became a favourite haunt for her and many others, before joining Peter and Ian to blow out the candle on the birthday cake.

Thanking her, Ian announced that in recognition of Kathryn's recent climb of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Our Lady's Children’s Hospital Crumlin, The Exchequer had designed a new cocktail for their menu, named 'Kathryn's Peaks' and €2 from every one sold would be donated to her charity.

Real Results

Keep fit: 1. Andrea Roche & Karl Henry; 2. Tamsin Egerton with Jamie Campbell Bowers & Diarmaid Murtagh; 3. Jenny Huston & Lisa Fitzpatrick. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

In fairness, we could all do with a bit of exercise but we’re just too bloody busy to go to the gym, right? Life’s too short for sweating buckets in a bikram yoga class. Thankfully fitness freak Karl Henry (son of fitness guru Pat Henry) has just published his new book, Real Results, which will be a godsend to all us lazy bods out there.

I’m clearly not alone in my appreciation of this new keep fit guide as there was a plethora of familiar faces at the launch at the Bellini Bar in the Burlington, including film director Jim Sheridan, Lorraine Keane, Leigh Arnold and Twilight star Jamie Campbell Bowers, who’s in town to film Camelot at Ardmore studios.

Fireworks!

Fireworks: (clockwise) 1. Ben Bringer & Helen O’Dwyer; 2. Katy Gannon;

3. Catriona Hanly & Tom Lynn. (Pix. Image Plus)

Well this year has surely seen the longest Halloween festivities ever, what with the bank holiday last weekend and then Halloween proper this weekend. To kick it all off DLR hosted the massive Samhain fancy dress event at Marlay Park. Thousands of people turned out to see the wonderful fireworks display and get into the mood for the week ahead.

Socialite Katy Gannon hosted a very special dinner party at her beautiful Rathfarnham home that same evening and guests had a perfect view of the fireworks from her hilltop residence. Talented chef Rowan Lynn served a feast fit for a king with a seven course tasting menu (not including canapés and amuse bouche).

Dishes such as scallop on truffle mouse, wood pigeon with risotto and filet mignon & potato rosette (not to mention plum & lime granita with Champagne and spiced pineapple & toffee brulée with Madeira) were a taste sensation. That young chef certainly is one to watch.

This weekend expect plenty of dressing up as Lady Gaga closes her series of Dublin dates; gorgeous model Haley Rock will host a mega fancy dress party for her birthday on Sunday while the Irish premiere of the movie Jackass 3D takes place at Cineworld that very evening.

Happy Halloween!

Buenos Aries here we come...

Nightlife: 1. Siobhan O'Dowd & Chris Lock; 2. Triona & Laura McCarthy; 3.Suzanne Sheirdan & Conor Lynch. (Pix. Paul Sharp)

Well I’d say the people of Buenos Aries are in for a big surprise when they take delivery of a crate of Irish nightlife next month. As part of the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project they will receive the best of our nightlife culture as part of a one-of-a-kind global experience in which 14 countries pair up to exchange crates containing the best of their local nightlife.

The whole plan came together via the Smirnoff Facebook page and, after over 500 suggestions were submitted, it was up to the Irish curator, Siobhan O’Dowd, to decide what best represented Ireland’s nightlife.

Argentina can look forward to experiencing entertainment by Irish DJ Dave DeValera along with Irish themed food served in the setting of a traditional Irish pub. They’ll also be getting a customised crate courtesy of Irish graphic artist Shane O’Driscoll. And to top it off they’ll be served an Irish take on the Smirnoff Mule, using the special ingredient of red lemonade!

It’s an audacious (and innovative) endeavour to have different cultures experience what each other consider a great night out. On 27th November the Wright Venue in Dublin will play host to Argentina as we experience what they consider to be a top night out.

For more information and to win the chance to Be There, become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/SmirnoffIreland.

Rugby Rocks

Rugby Rockers: 1. Niamh Mulqueen from Bothar & Glenda Gilson; 2. Elaine Sheehan; 3. Rose Fogarty & Aoife Bushell. (Pix. James Horan / Collins Photos)

There was plenty of style at the Rugby Rocks fashion event at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin last week. All proceeds from the event go towards Bóthar's projects in Pakistan. To find out more visit www.bothar.org.

John Gabriel Borkman

First night: 1. Cathy & Pat Kenny; 2. Fiona Shaw, Alan Rickman & Lindsay Duncan; 3. John Kavanagh and his daughter Rachel. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

The opening night of John Gabriel Borkman at the Abbey Theatre took place recently. The title of the play comes from the central character; John Gabriel Borkman was once a great man. Wealthy, powerful, revered. He gave up love for success and was handsomely rewarded.

But now, disgraced and destitute after a financial scandal and jail, the former director of the bank paces out each day, alone in an upstairs room, planning his comeback. Art imitating life, surely.

Downstairs his wife Gunhild lives a parallel life, plotting for their son to restore the family’s reputation. The claustrophobia of their lives is shattered once and for all with the arrival of Gunhild’s twin sister Ella, the woman whose love Borkman gave away…

The play, adapted by Frank McGuinness and starring Alan Rickman, has received rave reviews and runs at the Abbey Theatre until the 20th of November.

Make-A-Wish Crystal Ball

Best wishes: 1. Danielle McGill & Grace Cronin; 2. Imelda May & her husband Darrel Higham; 3. Sarah & Mary Clarke; (below) 4. Dublin Rose Niamh Sherlock; 5. Caroline & Padraig Harrington; 6. Judith Giltinane & Natasha Earley. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

I always thought Imelda May should play the Aviva stadium ... if Michael Bublé can then Imelda may. And she did, last week, at the first charity gala to be held in the new venue. Hosted by the Make-A-Wish foundation, the 2010 Crystal Ball raised much needed funds to grant the wishes of children living with life-threatening medical conditions in Ireland.

Among the glam crowd were Make-A-Wish ambassadors Padraig and Caroline Harrington, Laura Bermingham and the aforementioned rockabilly queen Imelda May who treated everyone to a very special guest performance. Even her father gave a great performance and received a standing ovation for an impromptu serenade to his beautiful wife to whom he is married 60 years.

Guests were treated to a Champagne reception sponsored by Harvey Nichols and one lucky guest won a sparkling diamond ring sponsored by Boodles and the whole evening was kept going by the wonderful Miriam O’Callaghan.