Beauty/clothes line

Compiled by PHYL CLARKEand DEIRDRE MCQUILLAN

By a Whisker

Mairead Whisker, fashion designer turned short-story writer has returned in a micro way to fashion with a small collection for Pace Boutiques in Foxrock and Clontarf encouraged by owner Brenda Duane, “one of the most enthusiastic people I have met in the business”, she says. The affinity for structure and form evident in her writing also shows in the sophisticated way she works with fabric. Her shapes are good, the angles right. There are two coats in the current collection, one a white cocoon, the other a blanket style in English flannel designed to suit women of any age or size (left, €895). There are some tunic and shift dresses with quirky touches. “What I make is what I want to wear”, she says. “I love being at the cutting table.”

Reader offer For your eyes only

Named for the Immortelle or "everlasting" plant, L'Occitane's anti-ageing skincare range uses the cell-renewal properties of the plant's essential oils to brighten and firm skin. If you buy the Precious Night Cream (€64.95), show today's copy of The Irish Times, and you will receive a free Eye Balm (worth €31.95). The offer is exclusive to Irish Timesreaders

Paint it black

One of the 20th century’s greatest fashion illustrators, René Gruau epitomised the glamorous world of 1950s haute couture, in particular Dior. His sweeping exuberant style – with one brushstroke he could define the line – made him a particular favourite of other great names such as Balenciaga, Lanvin and Balmain. A sparkling, modest man of Italian origin, he divided his later years between Paris and Cannes, painting cats in the faux naïf style. He died aged 101 in 2009. On October 25th, 20 of his original illustrations commissioned by the editor Fleur Cowles will be part of the 20th-century Decorative Arts and Design sale at Christie’s in London. They include illustrations such as The Red Coat (circa 1950) and The Blue Bow (also circa 1950), mainly with estimates from £3,000 to £5,000. One illustration called The Redhead has an estimate of £1,500-£2,000. See christies.com

Beg Borrow Steal

A cool new jeans brand called BBS, short for Beg, Borrow, Steal, launched in Ireland this month. There is a style named after a character from Sex and the City, the Carrie Skinny, and another called the Sienna Boot Cut, after the ubiquitous Sienna Miller.

The jeans are made in supersoft fabrics with lots of stretch and various colour choices from blue and grey washes, to pink, scarlet and white.

Find them in Laundry Room, Dundrum, Arnotts, and Stripe Boutique in Naas. They cost €55.

Think Pink

Today is the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the focus on raising funds for research, treatment and the support of women living with the disease. The Irish Cancer Society relies solely on contributions to continue the good work, so if you feel like treating yourself this month, look out for the pink packaging highlighting products donating to the cause.

Estée Lauder has an impressive history when it comes to supporting breast-cancer care – the Pink Ribbon that adorns many beauty products during this month was the brainchild of Lauder’s daughter-in-law, Evelyn. This year, the pink collection includes a special edition of the Perfectionist serum priced at €80. This advanced skincare treatment works on two levels: an immediate smoothing effect blurs lines (yes, really) and the restructuring peptides work on a deeper level to fight the appearance of new wrinkles. Donation: €15.

A rich hand cream is an indulgent treat, and also makes a lovely gift. One of Aveda’s top-selling products is Hand Relief (€25), which contains andriboa oil to soothe dry skin, and skin-brightening liquorice extract to fade freckles and age spots. Donation: €3.

In 2010, Centra raised a whopping €400,000 for Action Breast Cancer (ABC) by selling pink mittens in its stores. This year, it is providing a cosy woollen beanie to match. They go on sale at Centra branches from Monday (€5), and all of the proceeds go to ABC.

Massage plays an important role in reducing stress levels at the best of times, but during cancer treatment, the benefits are amplified. Along with its calming effects, the release of muscle tension can lead to pain relief. This Friday (October 7th), Aghadoe Heights in Killarney, Co Kerry is opening its spa doors to cancer-care patients, who can avail of a complimentary wellness massage. Six of the therapists have had special training in specific massage techniques for cancer patients and any donations on the day will go to the Marie Keating foundation. To book, tel: 064-6631766 or see aghadoeheights.com.

I’ve yet to come across a product to better Clarins Beauty Flash Balm for an “instant” facelift. It’s the perfect pick me up for your complexion and forms a great base for foundation (a word of warning – it’s so good you may be tempted to use a tad too much, which will result in your foundation looking mask-like, so less is more). This month you’ll get a few extra goodies for the normal price. A special gift set exclusive to Arnotts comes in this luxe gold vanity case (€35). Donation: €4.

Origins has aptly chosen its Make a Difference skin rejuventing treatment (€27) to support cancer research this month. Dehydrated skin will love this cream-gel moisturiser, which is suitable for all skin types. Donation: €3 will be sent to the Cancer Clinical Research Trust.

Buying any Vichy item this month will ensure you’re lending your support as the company will be making its annual donation of €3,000 to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

Launch your own label

A four-week fashion production course starts next Tuesday, October 4th at the Morgan Hotel in Temple Bar, Dublin 2. It’s being run by Jennifer Rothwell, a designer and consultant with 20 years’ experience working in New York with names such as Norma Kamali and Calvin Klein. A Crafts Council of Ireland peer mentor, Rothwell has created the course for designers, college graduates, fashion students, and anyone interested in starting their own label. The course, which costs €295, takes place on Tuesdays from 6-8pm. See jrothwell.net/shop or tel: 085-7210702.