There's something particularly intriguing about haute couture and the wealth that inspires and creates a demand for it. And the clothes themselves, when beautifully handmade, never fail to tantalise even the most hardened cynic. So, when the invitation arrived for Jen Kelly's haute couture show in the National Gallery, it was an opportunity not to be missed (even if it did mean chaos on the what-to-wear front).
The dimly lit Shaw Room was filled with guests drinking champagne prior to a show rich in glamour and fantasy. Models floated effortlessly down the wide stone staircase in stunning evening gowns which had the audience gasping with delight. Cutting-edge jewellery designer Melissa Curry provided the flamboyant accessories, while the ostentatious ostrich plume hats came courtesy of Linda McKay, who has recently returned to Ireland from Australia.
Kelly, whose achievements include the costume design for Riverdance, was buzzing around both before and after the show, catching up on chat with friends old and new. Among them was Linda Brennan, whose husband, Ciaran Brennan of Clannad, has just returned from the US with a Grammy. Celia Larkin was there, along with Lord Henry Mountcharles (whose daughter Henny was one of the models), Breda Clifford, whose shop in Pearse Street is the best place to find a designer chef's hat; chairman of the National Gallery board, Carmel Naughton, as well as its director Raymond Keaveney, and Countessa Maria Alice Plunkett, who sells linens in Dunsany Castle. Brendan and Declan Murphy from The 4 of Us were in high spirits following the success of their recently-released single - their album will be released in May. E O'S