Gold fever and a sea of sequins at VIP Style bash...
IT’S the most fashionable night on the Irish social calendar and gold fever was the theme of this year’s Peter Mark VIP Style Awards.
The red carpet was rolled out last night for the 16th annual event and it was a sea of sequins as the foray of fashionable fillies hit The Marker Hotel in Dublin. A night to celebrate the most stylish people in the country, there were plenty of eye-catching ensembles on display, with blush tones proving particularly popular this year. Beauty blogger Suzanne Jackson was named Most Stylish Woman. While, fresh from his stint on Dancing With The Stars, Dayl Cronin was named Most Stylish Man. Other winners included: Pippa O’Connor, who won Look Of The Year; Doireann Garrihy, who won Most Stylish Online Influencer; Don O’Neill, who was named Designer of the Year; and Xposé’s Ruth O’Neill, who won Most Stylish Newcomer. On the red carpet, fellow Xposé presenters Karen Koster and Glenda Gilson led the procession of ladies at publisher Michael O’Doherty’s bash and were quickly followed by former Rose of Tralee winner Maria Walsh. Dancing With The Stars champion Aidan O’Mahony was also among the first to arrive, turning up with fellow contestant Dayl Cronin in tow. Although many of the onlookers sought an autograph from the Kerry footballer, new father Aidan, kitted out in a threepiece powder blue suit from a boutique in his native Tralee, was attending in a ‘supportive role’ for nominee Dayl. The category nominees made sure to turn heads with their sartorial choices, but it was Ireland AM’s Sinéad Desmond and model Thalia Heffernan who arrived in two of the most daring outfits.
TV3 star Sinéad’s revealing gown included strategically placed flowers across her bust, and Thalia, who made her red carpet debut with Dancing With The Stars professional Ryan McShane, showcased her enviably figure in a sheer black number.
‘It was made by a friend of Ryan’s called James Moorcraft and he even helped to stitch on the 20,000 black beads,’ she said.
Attendees including Jennifer Zamparelli, Celia Holman Lee, Elaine Crowley and Kathryn Thomas wore bright shades of red and pink, while Pippa O’Connor looked elegant in cream.
‘It’s from London and was inexpensive, but it fits like a glove and I’m thrilled,’ said mother-of-two Pippa.
Fresh from completing his latest bridal collection worldrenowned Kerry fashion designer Don O’Neill flew in from his base in New York and LA-based Claudine Keane made sure she was back on Irish shores for the occasion. Dressed in Yves Saint Laurent, it was the WAG’s first time at the awards since she was crowned Most Stylish Woman in 2011.
‘We moved to LA shortly after I came last time, but Robbie and I are back in Ireland until June, so it’s nice to finally get to catch up with everyone I never get to see,’ the blonde beauty said.
They all played second fiddle to Twink, however, who rocked up in a black two-piece outfit she ‘picked up for a photoshoot’ in Bergdorf Goodmans in New
All played second fiddle to Twink
York several years ago.
Mrs Brown’s Boys actor Rory Cowan came as the panto Queen’s date.
‘Rory and I, along with Louis Walsh, have been friends since we were in our twenties and now that my girls have moved out or are away I finally get to see more of him,’ she said.
It was a rare girls night for mothers Maia Dunphy and Mairéad Ronan, who brought her sister-in-law as her plus one. ‘This is my first night where I’ll get a lie-in tomorrow since my daughter arrived seven months ago,’ Mairéad told the Mail.
Following a Bollinger Special Cuvée Champagne reception, guests enjoyed a four-course meal before the proceedings kicked off, hosted by presenter Darren Kennedy.
After the ceremony wrapped up, the festivities continued well into the early hours.
All highlights and backstage entertainment from the event will be broadcast on TV3 at 8pm on Monday, April 24.