Alfa Romeo Best Dressed Lady

Pix: Brian McEvoy

Pictured at the announcement of the Alfa Romeo Best Dressed Lady competition at The Curragh were: 1. Adrian Walsh and Karen Koster; 2. Baz Ashmawy and Damien Donoghue; 3. Tara O'Leary and Keith Barry.

The Boylesports.com Irish Guineas Festival at The Curragh on May 24th features fantastic prizes for the Most Stylish Ladies courtesy of Alfa Romeo including use of a brand new Alfa Romeo Mito for one year. The judging panel will be made up of men only and will include magician Keith Barry and television presenters Baz Ashmawy and Aidan Power.

Krystle 80's

At the Krystle bash were: 1. Michelle Heaton; 2. Sinead Cox and Sandra Byrne; 3. Andrew Byrne, Eileen Carr and Brian Dowling.


Last Friday night, Krystle Nightclub was the place to be as the club threw an exclusive party to launch their new membership card and Friday nights at the suite. Music to some peoples ears, but not to anyone who didn’t make the cut - as there was one stipulation - you had to have been born before the 80’s to get a place on the very strict guest list!

The worlds of TV, Sport, Business, Media, & Fashion, in fact you name it... they were all represented. The guest list read like a who’s who of the Dublin social scene as this was one of the hottest tickets in town that night. Fun times is what it said on the invite and it didn’t disappoint. Everything about this event was top notch from the invite, to the free flowing Laurent Perrier Champagne.

The who’s who turned out in style to mark the launch and some of the many guests welcomed by club managers Brian O’Malley and Conor Buckley, and owners Rangan Aruchevlan and Eileen Wright, included: Grainne and Sile Seoige fresh from the very last episode of their TV show; Jenny Buckley and Michelle Doherty; model Sarah McGovern; Dragons Den master Niall O’Farrell; Michelle Heaton and her beau Hugh Hanley.

PR Guru Tara O’Connor was on her last night out before heading to Belarus for some charity work; Anna Lavery, who won a magnum of Crystal; TV stars to beat the band with Brian Dowling, Brian Ormond, Daithi O’Shea and John Maguire representing the men. The girls were out en force too with Karen Koster and Glenda Gilson of Xposé and RTE’s Laura Woods, Lucy Kennedy and Kathryn Thomas.

Meditech

At the launch of Meditech were: 1. Etain Boyd and Edward Cox; 2. Ali McDonnell and Ally Garvey; 3. Clare O’Toole, Marion Deegan and Triona McCarthy.

Ireland’s first and only Meditech Super Clinic was officially opened by Ireland’s very own Beauty Goddess and Sunday Independent Beauty Columnist Triona McCarthy, at 29 Fitzwilliam St. Upper, Dublin 2 last week with over 100 invited guests in attendance.

Meditech Clinics Dublin offers revolutionary, natural treatments that could dramatically change your body and your life! The only clinic of its kind in Ireland and the UK, Meditech Clinics Dublin offers three unique treatments – Beautytek, Beautytek Light and Medi-Lipo – which provide tailor-made, pain free, alternatives to cosmetic surgery, giving excellent results.

Many well known faces turned out for the Meditech launch including Image magazine editor, Melanie Morris and Deric Hartigan of TV3, who were both swapping notes about a recent trip to Kerry. RTE correspondent and fashion stylist Darren Kennedy chatted to man about town Norman Pratt, both happy to support their good friend, Triona McCarthy who captivated her audience.

Etain Boyd was there with her beau, the ever dapper British businessman Edward Cox who had a bit of a shock recently when his Jaguar sports car was stolen. Property developer Judith Giltinane is doing well however and her latest development, Churchfields in Ashbourne, continues to sell off the plans. She popped in before heading off for a bit of late night shopping with her model pal Ali McDonnell.

BScene models Ally Garvey and Dearbhla Hogan meanwhile are busy with the Debenhams roadshow which is being presented by Caroline Morahan, one of her last gigs before she heads for Hollywood!

Lisa Woods, Romy Carroll and Melissa Nelson were also among the guests who mingled in the garden and were welcomed by Marion Deegan, owner of Meditech. Those in attendance enjoyed delicious canapés and a drinks reception with wine and “This Water”, a simple blend of pure fruit juices, crushed fruit and pure spring water from Innocent.

Already the beauty and health press have been flocking to try out the treatments at Meditech and Marion is gaining a strong following, as results can often be visible even from the first treatment. To prove this, a Complimentary Medi-Lipo treatment was offered to all guests as a sampler of the results that can be achieved through a full course of treatments, and one lucky guest, Colm Farrell won a course of treatments valued at €3,000!

Don Mullan / Nokia

At Gallery One were: 1. Don Mullan and Aoife Byrne; 2. James Kenny and Sarah Nisenbaum; 3. Niamh Heaney and Katie Holland.

Nokia Ireland launched the photographic works of Irish humanitarian Don Mullan, with an exhibition of compelling and beautiful photograph, titled “A Thousand Reasons for Living,” recently in Gallery Number One, Castle Street, Dublin 2.

Don’s images taken from his world travels sponsored by Nokia Ireland, captures the spontaneity of everyday life, each powerfully emotional picture tells its own heart felt story. The exhibition showcases the imaging capabilities of the N95, which features a Carl Zeiss optic, from one of the largest manufacturers of digital cameras in the world. The exhibition proves that you don’t have to be a professional photographer to take beautiful pictures to share with family and friends.

The event was opened by FAI Chief Executive John Delaney, he surprised guests at the end of his heart warming and humorous speech by giving a ticket to the Ireland Vs. Italy game to everyone who attended!

The event was thronged with high profile guests such as Jim Sheridan, Brazilian Ambassador H.E. Pedro Fernando Bretas Bastos, sports artist Alan Damms and award winning children’s writer Marita Conlon McKenna.

The exhibition will run until April 28th in Gallery Number One. The prints are available for sale and all money raised will go to the Millvina Dean Fund, the last living survivor of the 'Titanic', who is featured in the exhibition signing autographs, which she sells to pay for her nursing home. Don Mullan has challenged James Cameron and film star Leonardo DiCaprio to match what’s raised penny by penny.

John Fitzpatrick's NYC

At the New York, New York party were: 1. Suzanne McCabe; 2. John Donohue, Yvonne Muldoon and John Fitzpatrick; 3. Colette Fitzpatrick and Neil McDermott.

US Fitzpatrick Hotels hosted an exclusive New York, New York evening in the glamorous surroundings of the exclusive members club Residence on St. Stephen Green. John Fitzpatrick, CEO of Fitzpatrick Hotels in the US welcomed and mingled with friends and colleagues discussing the many and varied undiscovered delights that only New York has to offer.

This glamorous and stylish affair proved to be simply a must attend among Dublin’s society circuit. Regular Fitzpatrick guests such as, Glenda Gilson and Gerry Ryan were spotted catching up with John and planning their next trip state side. Assets beauties such as, Ruth O’Neill and Sarah Morrissey enjoyed a Manhattan or two!

Other stylish guests in attendance included TV3’s Collette Fitzpatrick, Lorraine Keane, Leigh Arnold, TV presenter, Darren Kennedy, Louise Osbourne and Virginia Maccari.

John Fitzpatrick said, “Tonight is an opportunity to catch up with friends and industry colleagues while showcasing the many delights that only New York has to offer. It’s really a chance for me to personally thank our many corporate bookers and agents who do such a great job of promoting New York as a value for money destination. The annual New York, New York event is a night that I really look forward to each year and I would like to thank everyone for their valued support and custom”.

Cocobelle

Pictured at the opening of Cocobelle at Royal Hibernian Way were: 1. Charlie Ardagh and owner Catherine Kelly; 2. Dyane Conner and Catherine Kelly; 3. Ranae Von Meding, Liza Ferguson and Nicole Ikbal.

Cocobelle, one of Dublin’s most stylish shoe boutiques, opened its new store in the Royal Hibernian Way recently. Catherine Kelly, owner of Cocobelle, welcomed invited guests into her new and bigger surroundings at 18 Royal Hibernian Way. Guests included Dyanne Connor from TV3, Ciara Whelan from TV3’s “The Holiday Show” and the Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne.

The crowd were treated to a sneak preview of the latest shoe collections that Cocobelle has to offer. With music, refreshments (including Jolie, Evian and Lindt chocolate) and shoes galore, the night was a dream for all shoe fanatics out there!

Keywest

1. Keywest with model Ruth O'Neill who appears in their latest video; 2. Keywest on stage at Crawdaddy; 3. Declan Cassidy and Martha Christie at the gig.


It’s not often a relatively new Irish band is all but pursued by a much-in-demand world-class producer and mix engineer but that is exactly what happened when Mark Needham (The Killers / Fleetwood Mac) heard the original version of top-tipped band Keywest’s new single and decided he’d like to add his Midas touch to the sound.

The official launch of the single took place in Crawdaddy, where the band performed their new single and premiered their much-hyped video for a cherry-picked audience with Xpose’s uber-cool Glenda Gilson playing host. A bevy of beauties turned out en force to support the band including Models Ruth O’Neill & Sam Homan (who both play the leads in Keywests new video) and fellow models, Aoife Coogan, Martha Christie, Singer Kelly Blaise with Virginia and Alessia Macari.

Diamond girl Danielle Hayes and hubbie Jean Luc Ladydevant, TV3’s Daytime presenter Andrea Hayes, Aidan Power, Liam McCormack and Claire Solan from RTE’s The Café along with Pop4 Presenter Eoghan MacDiamuid were also there.

Keywest have won many fans both in the public and the music industry culminating in 5 Times Grammy Nominated Mark Needham’s dream endorsement by wanting to work with them on their album. Miss You Most in its original format has already enjoyed some fame when snapped up by the producers of the IFTA nominated RTE 2 TV series; Aislings Diary, for its soundtrack in an episode last year. (Two of the band’s other original tracks also featured in the series).

Keywest are Danny (van Rensburg), Glove (Andrew Glover), Kav, (Andrew Kavanagh), Gary Grant and Eugene Theron – each offering their own gifted contribution to the band and collectively oozing overtures of genius and individuality that distinguish them from the rest.

Both Gary and Glover are graduates of the Royal Academy of Music, with Gary earning respect as a world class precision drummer and lending his talents to the phenomenon that is the Riverdance tour, while Glover divides his brilliance between his flair for classical piano/guitar and his dexterity and sheer knowledge of music. Lead singer Andy has been lauded for his singer/songwriter skills having already penned a number 2 hit by the time he was 18.

Paul Costelloe for MDFW

1. Paul Costelloe; 2. Paul Costelloe with fellow designer Richard Lewis; 3. With Constance Harris.

Motorola Dublin Fashion Week has ended for another season but a highlight for me personally was the closing event, an intimate interview with designer Paul Costelloe by Sunday Indo fashion editrix Constance Harris. The afternoon event took place in the Odessa club and was attended by many fans, and indeed friends, of Costelloe.

During the interview Paul maintained that Irish people are more quality orientated and not easily led by celebrities, unlike in the U.K. He also advised Irish retailers to focus on what they do well – natural fibres sold by beautiful and charming people but agreed that Ireland is a tough place to launch from.

Above all, however, he urged us to be proud to be Irish!

Monsters Vs Aliens

At the premiere were: 1. Bill Hughes; 2.Brian Ormonde and daughter Chloe; 3. Elaine Crowley and Rory O'Donoghue.

The premiere of Monster Vs Aliens took place at the Savoy cinema Dublin last week and boy was it a show. It was the first time ever for a 3D movie to be shown on the Savoy's massive screen no. 1. B.O.B - The indestructable Gelatinous mass was also there to meet and greet and made it an evening to remember.

The story goes that when a meteorite from space hits a California girl named Susan Murphy and makes her grow to 50-ft tall, she is taken to a secret government compound in the Nevada Desert where she's locked away with a motley group of monsters which have also been captured over the years. Their sentence is cut short by General W.R. Monger, who, on a desperate order from The President, releases the bizarre group and calls them into action to combat an unstoppable alien force and save the world from danger!

The cast of "Monsters vs. Aliens" includes: Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon as Susan Murphy, a.k.a. Ginormica; Golden Globe winner Hugh Laurie (as Dr. Cockroach; Seth Rogen ("Knocked Up," "Superbad") as B.O.B; Golden Globe winner Kiefer Sutherland (TV's "24," "Phone Booth") as General W.R. Monger; and Paul Rudd ("Knocked Up," "Night at the Museum") as Susan's boyfriend, Derek.

TV Now XPOSE Award

1. Lorraine Keane and Karen Koster, 2. Lorraine Keane, Karen Koster and Lisa Fitzpatrick.

XPOSÉ star and host of the 2009 Sensations TVNow Awards - Lorraine Keane along with XPOSÉ reporter Karen Koster, unveiled a glamorous new award to be added to the star studded-line up of this year's Sensation's TVNow Awards. The XPOSÉ Sensations Glamour Award introduces five glamorous contenders for the new award.

THE MOST STYLISH WOMAN ON IRISH TV - all of whom were nominated by members of the XPOSÉ team. The nominees for award are: Coronation Street's, Kim Ryder, TV presenter Amanda Byram, stylist and model agent Celia Holman-Lee, RTE’s Anne Doyle and former model and wife of Boyzone star, Yvonne Keating.

The Sensations TVNow Awards, which honour the best shows and stars on Irish TV will take place in Dublin’s Mansion House on 18th April 2009. Lorraine and Karen launched the XPOSÉ Sensations Glamour Award in full red carpet glamour, styled by the Sensations Style Council, lead by Lisa Fitzpatrick, to ensure this glamorous announcement gives us an indication of the style to be expected at the Sensations TVNow Awards.

Producer of XPOSÉ, Debbie O' Donnell, said: "XPOSÉ - being an authority on all things fashion and glamour - is delighted to be able to host this award. Over the coming week's, each of the XPOSÉ girl's will be battling it out to make sure that their nominee wins this prestigious award."

Publisher, VIP Magazine Group, Michael O'Doherty, said "While the main business of the Sensations TVNow Awards is the Irish public voting for their favourite shows and presenters, the awards also give people the chance to see all their favourite TV stars dressed up to the nines. The pressure on TV presenters to look good is as big as ever, and this award will pay tribute to the star of Irish TV who gets it consistently right, both on and off camera. Shortlisted by the XPOSÉ presenters, and voted for by XPOSÉ viewers, the XPOSÉ Sensations Glamour Award is a worthy addition to this glittering ceremony."

Vote for your TV faves at www.tvnowmagazine.ie/

Whistles

At the launch of Whistles in BT were: 1. Susan Reilly and Leona O’Sullivan; 2. CEO of Whistles Jane Shepherdson; 3. Sorcha Cunningham and Adele Walsh.


Recently a select number of fashion devotees were lucky enough be introduced to the Whistles SS09 collection.

The mood was full of anticipation at the Moët & Chandon champagne reception as guests were brought through the stunning collection, with the help of Whistles CEO, Jane Shepherdson (the lady who brought us the Topshop brand).

Further defining the new direction for Whistles spring summer 2009, is a collection of relaxed tailoring and distinctive prints with a fresh and youthful attitude. This season is all about modern laid-back luxury.

Divine

At Divine were: 1. Lorraine Keane & Mary Green; 2. Sarah Hayden & Sinead Ni Mhuineachain; 3. Grainne Kyne & Emma Kane.


Divine Boutique held its Spring Summer 09 Fashion Show in the Manor Mills SC, in the heart of Maynooth this week. There was a great buzz in the air as guests were treated to champagne and fresh strawberries as they enjoyed the stunning collections from Mary Green’s exclusive boutique. Her shops in Maynooth and Malahide have gone from strength to strength in recent years and many of her regular customers took the trip to Co. Kildare for the eye catching show.

From eye-catching prints to stunning 'show stopper' evening dresses, the collections were certainly for someone who likes to stand out from the crowd and the outfits were on the 'wish-list' of every stylish lady in town!

Xposé team leader Lorraine Keane, a devotee of Divine was there to host the event and indulge in a little retail therapy. Guests were treated to special discounts on the night which caused a stampede after the show. Other guests on the night included models Sara Kavanagh and Aoife Coogan, Ava Cassidy, Kate Reilly and Jennifer Rothwell.

Beach Burn

At Beach Burn were: 1. Lisa McEnaney and Rachel Lawson; 2. Lisa Smith and Laura Doyle; 3. Aoife Magennis and Niamh Richardson.

The opening night of burn Beach Club’s annual beach party took place at the weekend. The Stillorgan club will host the tropical madness over 12 days and will feature swimming pools, charity dunk tanks, beach buggys, Bikini and Speedo babe competitions, hot tubs and no less than 50 TONS of sand! Grab a towel and get down.