Burlesque Beauty Event at Arnotts

The Arnotts Beauty Hall will be transformed into a Burlesque show-stopping theatre from the 2^nd – 5^th December in advance of the upcoming Burlesque movie featuring Cher and Christina Aguilera! Authentic Burlesque dancers and usherettes will entertain shoppers throughout the weekend, while all customers will be in with a chance to win a once in a lifetime trip to Hollywood in Los Angeles, including an access all areas trip to the Sony Studios where the movie was made.

I can’t wait for this movie to come out, just love the idea. Start stocking up on your net tight, stockings and garter belts soon!

From U Magazine this week a great two page spread about our very own Helen Delany one part of the duo (the other half is Brenda Aherne) who are the designers of Electronic Sheep Hats and Scarves.

A little frippery which even if you had this sort of money would be a complete nonsense. This is Gianni Versace’s bed in his palatial villa in Miami which is now for hire for the sum of $10,000 a night. I’m writing this as I am sitting watching the Press Conference where our Government is telling us that they are applying the IMF and Europe for a dig out of up to One hundred and twenty Billion Euro ( I can’t actually write this numerically as I’m just not sure how many noughts that amounts to!) I don’t know what is more ridiculous, sleeping in a room for ten grand a night or having to borrow that amount of money because of the excesses and bad judgment of our bankers, politicians and many many others during what is called the Celtic Tiger Years. We are a strong and very resilient people and we will be able to start to build this country back up now, hopefully in a way that is fair and which provides a decent future for all the people of Ireland.

By the way as well as all the usual luxury you will get a mini runway and seven closets!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING (bail out or no bail out)

Peter Kelly better known as Franc, will be making an exclusive appearance at the inaugural Taste of Christmas festival, Taking place in the Convention Centre Dublin from Friday 26^th – Sunday 28^th November, Franc will be joining the already stellar line up to give his expert advice to visitors on how to embrace the glitz at Christmas with a festive dinner table.

Joining Gino D’Acampo and Kevin Dundon in the Live Theatre Shows throughout the course of the weekend, Franc will impart his insider knowledge for creating a show-stopping Christmas dining table, offering ideas for every taste and budget. Franc will be demonstrating the importance of dressing your Christmas table to impress this season and will show how to create a beautiful table using items easily found in the home.

Handbags and Sleeping Bags at the ready in London for Valentino for Gap which launches on November 27th.

With Lanvin for H&M launching this week and available in both Dundrum and South King Street another collaboration is on the way. This one will only be available in a very few of Gaps Stores (our nearest is in London’s Oxford Street and Dover Street stores) we are not going to see it here. There are seven pieces in the collection and it looks seriously good, some of the best pieces combisne Gaps staple parka with Valentino ruffles.

From The Cut here is news of a little row following Diesels photo shoot which took place in The Brooklyn Law Schools library.
‘Officials at the prestigious Brooklyn Law School rented the school’s library to the fashion brand Diesel for an undisclosed fee, “expecting a tasteful photo shoot,” because apparently they’ve never seen a single Diesel ad, and didn’t bother to Google it. Shocking: True to its brand, Diesel’s resulting ads aren’t even Dolce & Gabanna–style suggestive, they’re just quirky soft-core porn stills. In this case, the images are a whole bunch of campy, fairly cute library fantasies, featuring “students” wearing underwear reading “Tonight I am your teacher,” and mounting each other on bookshelves One would think a place like Brooklyn Law might welcome this sexy attention, but no! Some uptight students now claim the ads are “gross” and “embarrassing,” and the school might sue the brand. It’s not yet determined whether the ads will even run outside the Diesel website, since Brooklyn Law claims they’re a breach of contract.’ (The Cut)

At home Ruth Ni Lionsigh Om Diva Boutique, Georges Street Arcade, Dublin, sent me this note during the week. If her other classes are anything to go by if you are interested in revamping an old party dress (and I can think of a few in my wardrobe that could do with a makeover) I would get in touch sooner rather than later as they get booked out really quickly.

We are running workshops teaching people how to revamp an old party dress for the Christmas party season. Participants will learn how to adjust hemlines, cinch waistlines, take sleeves off an existing party frock and basically turn something old or outdated into something which is not just contemporary but completely individual.

We will be running the workshops on the 22nd November, 6th Dec and Monday 13th Dec. The cost will be 25euros for the 2 hours which as always will include basic materials and a glass or two of your favourite tipple. The fashion fabulous Maria Tapper will be teaching the workshops so make sure you don’t miss out on this wonderful class!

If you would like to book a place please give the shop a buzz on 01 6791211.

Warm regards,

Ruth.

Om Diva

And finally if you are an iPhone or iPad user and a looking for an Irish Fashion App then check out the latest one from our own IMAGE. It went live on November 5th and promises to be an online magazine and more. It costs €2.99 per issue and it’s a first for the Irish Fashion Press. I haven’t got it yet due to a another smashed phone which is in for repair but it’s definitely on my list.

I’m always happy to spread good news and my friend and very talented leather glove designer and expert in small leather goods has been all over the news today. Barry Egan writing in the SINDO today was extolling Paula’s virtues and a certain dinner in the residence in which Paula was having a tete a tete with Ronnie Wood and his girl friend, Brazilian Model Ana. I’m told they left here with several pairs of gloves stuffed into their bags.

Paula Rowan unique in being Ireland’s only glove designer, has introduced a limited edition range of gloves for the Special Olympics 2011. Launched by Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, all proceeds will go to aiding Irish Special Olympics contestants to help them in achieving their goal of competing in Athens in 2011. The limited edition range of gloves designed by Paula come in black, leather and tan for women and black for men and feature an embossed Special Olympics logo on the inner cuff. Paula has a brother Derek, now fifty, who suffers Downs syndrome and has been involved in the Special Olympics for many years.

“I remember going to Special Olympics events with Derek when I was a child and how much it meant to him. I wanted to do something to help other families with special needs kids as much joy and motivation out of it as he did.” Says Paula

This is the Woman's Special Olympics edition glove €60

The Special Olympics gloves plus lots of other fabulous pairs all designed by Paula Rowan, the only leather wear specialist store in Ireland. They are available to buy both in the shop in the Westbury Mall Dublin or from Paula Rowan on-line

VINTAGE MARKET AND ANTIQUES FAIR

Vintage Ireland/ Antiques Fairs Ireland is setting up a pre-Christmas antiques and vintage market in a Dublin city centre location. They rare looking for traders in vintage fashion, antique and retro furniture and decor, memorabilia, collectibles and curios interested in taking space for either all or part of the duration of the market, which will run from the beginning of December to 24th December.

If you are a trader (or a collector who wants to downsize their collection) and would like more information about this opportunity, drop a line to vintageireland@gmail.com or phone 087 2670607.

November Dates for your Diary

14th: Glen View Hotel, Glen of the Downs (in aid of Bray Lakers, supporting people with special needs)

21st: Clontarf Castle Hotel, our biggest fair of the year.

28th : Ardboyne Hotel, Navan

I’ve just come back from Dundrum Shopping Centre and it’s turned into a Christmas wonderland, you would almost think it was next week though come to think of it we are only talking weeks until the turkey needs stuffing and the cranberry sauce is on the table. Santa Claus is heading to Dundrum but it’s the Snow Queen who has decided to visit Kildare and I think that is rather apt given that Kildare Village Outlet Shopping is any princesses value destination shopping venue,( not forgetting her parents and brothers too).

Visitors at Kildare Village Outlet Shopping are in for a special winter treat with The Snow Queen – a theatre trail for children which will be presented over six weekends starting on this weekend as part of the Christmas programme at the Village. The theatre trail is intimate experience for children where they will follow the 10ft high Snow Queen through the Village, stopping at intervals to hear the next part of the icy fantasy tale. Storytellers Gerda & Kay will lead the children through the Village guiding them through this well loved European fable. Children will meet the stunning Snow Queen, dance with snowflakes and sing a new song to stop Kay from turning to ice. This is a winter adventure not to be missed.

The theatre trail is aimed at children aged 4-12 years, places are limited and will be issued on a “first come first served” basis. The trail starts at Starbucks at 1.30pm, 3.00pm and 4.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Please note there is no performances weekend of 3/4th December.

Om Diva is hosting a Halloween Costume workshop on 25th October with designer Clare Gallagher. Learn how to make the perfect tutu and customised fairy wings. Not just skills for Halloween but skills for life!

The two hour workshop will run between 6.45 and 8.45. Basic materials will be provided as well as tea/coffee, nibbles, red/white wine. The cost for the workshop is 25euros. A large selection of tulle and sequence will be available at a reduced price once it is ordered in advance.

To book your place please give the shop a ring on 01 6791211. Om Diva is in the Georges Street Arcade, Dublin.

It was Wool Week in the UK last week and Scarf and Hat company Electronic Sheep was in the thick of it. One of the events had Sheep grazing on real grass on Londons Saville row. Wool is back in the spotlight and if the cold snap that’s predicted materialises then we will all be glad of the warmth that only wool can give us.

Saks Fifth Avenue held a celebration of sexy shoes last week and to crown it off they held a ‘Sexiest Shoe of the Year’ Competition. Brian Atwood, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Monolo Blahnik and Guiseppe Zanotti were the main contenders. The winner was Christian Louboutin’s ‘Maralena crystal covered mesh peep toes which earned the title ‘Sexiest Shoe of the Year’

 Loading ...

I’me staying local this week as there is just so much happening here that I’ve chosen a few of the events/happenings in Ireland for you to check out

I’m sorry I’m going to miss the launch of Secretchic.ie the brainchild of Sarah Carberry which is happening this coming Tuesday. It promises to be a fantastic Irish website dedicated to designer dress and hat hire. The site will be live from Tuesday which I’m sure you will be reading all about it in the press in the next few days. Bookmark it and log on after Tuesday.

Ennis Fashion Fortnight kicked off yesterday and yes it is Fortnight and not the usual week long event. Self billed as the fashion capital of Ireland and not without goood reason the organisers told me that this year there were so many events it wasn’t possible to manage them all in just seven days. I will be there on the 22nd for the Ennis Fashion awards. Participating Boutiques have amazing offers and events and the local hotles all have special deals if you feel like spending a night or two in this great town in Co Clare. Check out Ennisfashion.ie for the full diary of events and how to book.

If any of you are in any doubt about the power of Social Media then you should get yourself to the Dublin Web Summit which is taking place October 28/29th in Dublin. If you think this has nothing to do with fashion just think of where people look first when they are trying to find and what influences them. Speakers, masterclasses and workshops from the best in the business including the Founders of YouTube, Twitter and Skype. I attended one of these previously and I am definitely going to this one. For a complete (older) novice this was a total eye opener which gave me all the information and help I needed. So it’s definitely not just for young nerds but for everyone who sees that the new wave has some part to play in all business no mater how big or small.

.

The Medi Spa and TONI&GUY are holding “AN EVENING OF HAIR AND BEAUTY” why not join the experts at TONI&GUY and THE METRO SPA and get up to speed with all with all the latest blow drying techniques and beauty services! 12th October, this Tuesday from 4-8pm

The Lowdown:
A beauty extravaganza at The Metro Medi Spa and upstairs at the TONI&GUY Salon. Complimentary drink. Goody Bag. Free Consultations and taster Treatments.
AT THE METRO SPA…
Book yourself in for a complimentary nail shape and polish, eyebrow threading or relaxing mini back massage. Skin care therapists from MD Formulations and Dermalogica will be on hand to offer in depth skin consultations and skin analysis. There will be special offers on all Dermalogica products and 30% off all treatments booked that evening (to be taken within 3 months).
And that’s not all…

AT TONI&GUY…
The cream of Ireland’s best hairdressers will be available to offer free consultations and expert advice on hair colour, styling, product use, Kerastase, Redken, Morrocan Oil, and blow drying. Treat yourself to a wash and blow dry on the night for just €15.00 and – for one night only – if you book a hair appointment with Salon Director Alan Boyce or Technician Anthony King you will receive 30% off the hair (to be taken within 3 months).
Plus…
Free raffle ticket to win a Spa Pampering Day and haircut and style with Toni&Guy Director Alan Boyce. Everyone will receive a free goody bag when they leave crammed full of fabulous product samples. To avail of this evening you must introduce a friend who’s never been with us before to the event, enjoy a drink and relax in the company of the experts.
Booking is essential and there is a €10 booking fee, redeemable against skincare products on the night.
To book your place or for more information call:
(01) 6714403 Metro medi Spa www.themetrospa.ie
* only at TONI&GUY, 44 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2

And the winner is…..Lanvin. That was the verdict from Paris Fashion Week at least if the glowing editorials are anything to go by.

“Elbaz is pioneering a new kind of power dressing, one spectacular in both its common sense and its chic” (Woman’s Wear Daily)

New York Times” Walked a magisterial line between the industrial and the romantic, as though the designer Alber Elbaz were dressing women for the dichotomy that is their modern lives”

The list of accolades goes on and on. Alber Elbaz it seems was put to the test last Friday when some of the models refused to wear the heels but as luck (or good planning) would have it there seems to have been lots of the new Lanvin flats on hand.

If you want some great images and news from Paris look out for Irish Blogger Cathy who is The StyleStrutter and who was in Paris last week and if her tweets were anything to go by then her posts will be well worth checking out.

If size is an issue then consider what Jean Paul Gaultier did by having Beth Ditto strutt down the Paris Catwalk looking very happy. If it’s bad to be too thin then why is it ok to be too fat. There is no doubt that there is a clinical definition of under weight as is there one of obesity. This move continued the debate and whether clothes look good on either is debatable. Many if the models in London especially the ones in the Burberry show looked skin and bone. The trouble for me is that I really like to focus on the clothes and not on the bones or the roles.

Beth Dittto for Jean Paul Gaultier

So much has been happening in Ireland fashion wise that it could take several column inches to write about it all. This weekend saw the Dublin Festival of Fashion on both the south and north of the city with several events going on. See my posts below on two of them. I would love to see an Irish fashion Diary that event managers, Pr Companies and fashion retailers could add to throughout the year. It would really bring everything together and make choosing which events to go to much easier to plan.

I have to admit to being a little , dare I say it bored with the endless reports of the Catwalk shows and even though I was sucked into watching lots of them it just added to my permanent state of fashion season confusion. I have just finished selling spring summer for next year. I am also presently selling for now and I’m also planning the next Autumn selling season. If that sounds confusing it’s because it is. Donna Karan is a believer in the slowing down of all this non stop getting ahead business and I like her ideas but lots of the designers for example are taking pre orders for the Catwalk collections for next Spring Summer and we haven’t even begun this Winter properly. One of the main problems with all this is that people are permanently dissatisfied and Independent retailers find themselves being forced into far too early sales.

If you want reports and images from the Catwalks over the past two weeks I would head to WWD . I will share something with you about next Summer. Trends start with colour and Pantone , the colour company, decide well in advance what the predominant colours of the season will be.

Interesting choice for next Summer with both cool and warm tones and lots of blending from Autumn into Spring to make it somewhat easy.

Time to check all Summer clothes are put away in tip top condition and the Winter ones are all looking good. I have sent several shift dresses to have hems let down and they will now look on trend and sitting at the knee. I found these useful dry cleaning instructions so print them if you like or just save the page for future reference.

Yes it’s that time of year again. New York Fashion Week is in Full swing and the tweets and news reports are flying in. It’s too early yet to say what the abiding themes for next Spring will be. But watch out for all sorts of gunk in the hair!!! Check out New York Fashion for the full story and a video of model Agness Deyn for Alexander Wang.

Victoria Beckham who has just been nominated for a British Fashion Award presented her collection at a breakfast event. ‘It’s all about shapes and curves’ she said. The collection is full of voluptuous short dresses in parachute silk. The models all wore gleaming pink gold high heeled platforms which VB said were inspired by the Pink Gold Rolex that David bought her for her 36th Birthday. ( all very cringe worthy I’m thinking at this point)

One of the wonderful events that takes place throughout Manhatten in New York is the wonderful Fashions Night Out where all the stores and Boutiques put on fabulous events and stay open till very late. New York takes it’s fashion business very seriously indeed and the whole city pulls together to make it one fantastic celebration and marketing success story. The stars came out in force to support this years event which took place last Friday. I heard that Naomi Campbell was doing a dance routine at Dolce &Gabbana’s store but I don’t believe that a change of career is on the cards for Naomi, not as a hoofer at least!

Anna Wintour at Fashions Night Out

The Olsen Twins at Fashion Night Out

Sarah Jessica Parker

Victoria Beckham features in an in depth article in the New York Times as she prepares to launch her Spring 2011 collection to a selected audience next week. Victoria Beckham certainly talks the talk produces beautiful clothing but I’m a natural born sceptic on exactly how much of this is actually hers.

I notice her mood boards are so well organised

The Oval office has had a make over and has had a huge number of comments on it. The best of which comes from Arianna Huffington Editor in Chief of the Huffington Post…

“It’s very cautious, neutral, inoffensive, neither one thing nor the other — the Audacity of Taupe. It looks a little like the décor you’d expect to see in a hotel, the Taupe Executive Room at the Embassy Suites. But I applaud the switch from flowers to a bowl of fruit on the new coffee table. In times of great economic hardship, it makes a world of sense to be able to eat the centerpiece if necessary.”

This news comes at no surprise and by the time I post it may indeed be over.

Retailer American Apparel loved by all those who like leotards, gold lame tights and young beautiful staff to behold will be saddened to hear that the company is in serious serious trouble The Wall Street Journal article concluded.

Concerns about the debt agreements, coupled with sales projections for the remainder of the year, “raise substantial doubt that the company will be able to continue as a going concern,”

And for the final News Item this Week. Iconic Luxury Brand are collaborating with High Street Retailer H&M Launching November 23rd. Start queueing now????