Blogger launches probably seem glamorous from the outside. And they probably are, for most people, but I seem to constantly embarrass myself at these things and shouldn't really be allowed outside on my own without an escort. At the launch of Alex & Ani's new Liberty Copper Collection in the Kilkenny Design Centre on Nassau Street last Thursday, I managed to, once again, make a tit of myself.
The launch was happening during a customer evening and there was lots going on; there was candyfloss, popcorn and retro glass bottles of Coke being passed around, the Bugle Babes (a trio of ladies in forties military garb) were singing ragtimey tunes, Dara Kenny was painting the New York skyline and totes were being screen printed with an image of the city by Damn Fine Print. Cue my arrival in the midst of this, a wave of social-awkwardness washing over me and my turning to the snacks in lieu of human interaction. Sadly, when I reached for some candyfloss, six sticks had melted together and after a flustered interaction with the girl handing them out, I was told to take the lot. Which is why I spent the rest of the launch walking around with a giant melted glob of candyfloss in my hand, trying to juggle my camera and be taken seriously...
...sigh...
Anyhoo, if we ignore my little bout of social disfunction, I'm sure a trend or theme has already become apparent. New York was brought to Nassau street to celebrate the launch of Alex & Ani's very limited line of jewellery that features recycled copper from one of the city's most famous landmarks; the Statue of Liberty.
And how, pray tell, did the brand end up with recycled copper from a world famous monument? They were on the ball, that's how. When the Statue of Liberty was recycled between 1984 and 1986, to celebrate its centennial, the original copper supports were replaced with stainless steel and the copper was removed. Alex & Ani were clever enough to seize the opportunity and bought up the copper.
Now, they have produced a limited line of 26 special pieces using the copper that they purchased.
As per the brand's usual ethos, this line has a deeper message; it is the Carry Light collection. The design of the charms on these pieces features a torch and flame that is an exact replica of Lady Liberty’s torch and is a powerful symbol of hope.
The line is super limited due to the nature of the material used and each stockist was only granted a certain number of pieces. Kilkenny were given the most in Ireland but there still aren't many knocking about, which is something to keep in mind if you are interested in the line.
To me, jewellery with a sentiment behind it is really meaningful and personal as a gift, in particular, and I think that this line is the ideal thing as a present to someone in need of a reminder that there is always hope or, maybe, someone with whom you share a fond memory of New York.
Showing posts with label Kilkenny. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kilkenny. Show all posts
Saturday, 22 October 2016
Tuesday, 26 July 2016
Fashion Tourism in Dublin: The Trending Package at the Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin
Two of my great loves in life are food and fashion and anything that combines the two is usually good by me, so when I was invited to try out the Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin's new "Trending" package, I was stoked. The package includes a stay in one of the hotel's stunning signature rooms, afternoon tea, a fashion podcast walking tour of Dublin and breakfast on the morning of departure, all for two people, from €299 per night.
While I wasn't able to stay overnight, I did try out the rest of the package over the past weekend and was given a quick tour of the rooms before I left. First of all, The Fitzwilliam is definitely one of the prettiest and best located hotels in the city. Its interiors were designed by Sir. Terence Conran and are contemporary and cool while remaining plush, warm and welcoming. The hotel is also perfectly situated at the top of Grafton Street, the main shopping street of the city, and across from St Stephen's Green park, offering both the perks of city life, just an easy amble away, and greenery, fresh air and pretty views. For fashion lovers, it is ideally located for shopping as it is around the corner from St Stephen's Green Shopping centre, a beautiful and historic mall that was the first purposefully built space of its kind in the city; Grafton Street; Irish fashion institutions like luxury retailer Brown Thomas and Kilkenny on Nassau Street, one of the largest emporiums for Irish designed apparel and homewares, who are offering a 10% discount and personal shopper experience to all Fitzwilliam customers; the iconic George's Arcade; the stunning Powerscourt Town Centre; countless boutiques; and the burgeoning "fashion quarter" of Dublin.
If you are interested in fashion and are thinking of visiting Dublin or have an interest in Irish design, in particular, this package is the perfect introduction. It is a new fashion tourism option for visitors to Dublin and gives an insight to native fashion and design and helps savvy shoppers discover the unique delights of the city beyond the high street names that can be found everywhere else around the world. If you are looking for something a little more authentic, this is just the thing for you.
The main attraction of this package is the city itself but the afternoon tea comes a close second. I mentioned this on Instagram already, but it was probably the best afternoon tea I've ever had and, due to my mother's passion for the practice, I can say that with some authority and a lot of experience.
The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, well-informed about all aspects of the meal and engaging and pleasant, in general. As they knew I was there as press, I do think I probably got an especially kind welcome but I noticed that other customers were getting similar levels of attention, as well. However, I never felt anyone was hovering or intruding and this is a fine balance that I know, from personal experience, is hard to manage.
Another impressive aspect was the tea we were served. There was a nice little range of options of decent, fragrant loose leaf teas, none of those nonsense "fancy" tea bags that masquerade as real tea.
The food followed not too long after we were served our tea and everything was succinctly explained and pointed out. It was a real step up from the usual fare of sandwiches and lackluster cakes and comprised of items such as miniature smoked salmon crème fraiche caviar blinis; tuna tartar and avocado sesame cones; asparagus and parma ham and egg mousse; mini scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam; a selection of macaroons; choux buns with peanut salted caramel ganache, rhubarb jelly with white chocolate mousse and chocolate and peanut cups, among other delights. This was all then followed with a choice of the Cucumber Cup or the Nutella Martini cocktail. The meal featured a lot of fish dishes and, despite my not being a big seafood lover, I ate and really enjoyed almost all of it, which says a lot about the quality of the food. In fact, it was the first time I've ever had afternoon tea where we've left nothing uneaten.
After a leisurely two hours of eating, we quickly peeped in at the rooms, which are bright and airy but cosy and have great views, before heading off on the tour. The afternoon tea had left us sleepy but once fresh air hit my face, I was full, energised and ready to do the fashion tour. The tour is available as a podcast that anyone can download but the hotel helps guests through the steps and provides them with headphones. While the tour is really interesting and brought me to a couple places I hadn't been before, I'm not really the target audience as a local. I knew a lot about the history of the city, fashion, Irish designers and retailers in Dublin anyway but, for those who have less of an intense interest in the area and preexisting knowledge or who were just getting to know the city, it would be a nice introduction. It throws in a little history, gives some directions and brings you to different spaces, stores and designers, allowing time for pauses to peruse as you go. However, I would warn you to bring a map unless you are familiar with the city, as the directions can be a little confusing at times and I would have been lost were I not so familiar with the city and stores. If you have the time, luxury and desire to get a little lost though, it's a perfect guide to shopping in the city and will introduce you to important names in Irish design, cute boutiques, historic retailers and much more besides.
I'd love to go back some time and do the whole package with my mother, as I can imagine how nice it would be to check in one day, grab afternoon tea, do the tour and shop along the way before heading back to one of those comfy rooms to put our feet up!
If you are a fashion lover and fan of Irish design thinking about visiting Dublin, this really is the ideal package.
While I wasn't able to stay overnight, I did try out the rest of the package over the past weekend and was given a quick tour of the rooms before I left. First of all, The Fitzwilliam is definitely one of the prettiest and best located hotels in the city. Its interiors were designed by Sir. Terence Conran and are contemporary and cool while remaining plush, warm and welcoming. The hotel is also perfectly situated at the top of Grafton Street, the main shopping street of the city, and across from St Stephen's Green park, offering both the perks of city life, just an easy amble away, and greenery, fresh air and pretty views. For fashion lovers, it is ideally located for shopping as it is around the corner from St Stephen's Green Shopping centre, a beautiful and historic mall that was the first purposefully built space of its kind in the city; Grafton Street; Irish fashion institutions like luxury retailer Brown Thomas and Kilkenny on Nassau Street, one of the largest emporiums for Irish designed apparel and homewares, who are offering a 10% discount and personal shopper experience to all Fitzwilliam customers; the iconic George's Arcade; the stunning Powerscourt Town Centre; countless boutiques; and the burgeoning "fashion quarter" of Dublin.
If you are interested in fashion and are thinking of visiting Dublin or have an interest in Irish design, in particular, this package is the perfect introduction. It is a new fashion tourism option for visitors to Dublin and gives an insight to native fashion and design and helps savvy shoppers discover the unique delights of the city beyond the high street names that can be found everywhere else around the world. If you are looking for something a little more authentic, this is just the thing for you.
The main attraction of this package is the city itself but the afternoon tea comes a close second. I mentioned this on Instagram already, but it was probably the best afternoon tea I've ever had and, due to my mother's passion for the practice, I can say that with some authority and a lot of experience.
The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, well-informed about all aspects of the meal and engaging and pleasant, in general. As they knew I was there as press, I do think I probably got an especially kind welcome but I noticed that other customers were getting similar levels of attention, as well. However, I never felt anyone was hovering or intruding and this is a fine balance that I know, from personal experience, is hard to manage.
Another impressive aspect was the tea we were served. There was a nice little range of options of decent, fragrant loose leaf teas, none of those nonsense "fancy" tea bags that masquerade as real tea.
The food followed not too long after we were served our tea and everything was succinctly explained and pointed out. It was a real step up from the usual fare of sandwiches and lackluster cakes and comprised of items such as miniature smoked salmon crème fraiche caviar blinis; tuna tartar and avocado sesame cones; asparagus and parma ham and egg mousse; mini scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam; a selection of macaroons; choux buns with peanut salted caramel ganache, rhubarb jelly with white chocolate mousse and chocolate and peanut cups, among other delights. This was all then followed with a choice of the Cucumber Cup or the Nutella Martini cocktail. The meal featured a lot of fish dishes and, despite my not being a big seafood lover, I ate and really enjoyed almost all of it, which says a lot about the quality of the food. In fact, it was the first time I've ever had afternoon tea where we've left nothing uneaten.
After a leisurely two hours of eating, we quickly peeped in at the rooms, which are bright and airy but cosy and have great views, before heading off on the tour. The afternoon tea had left us sleepy but once fresh air hit my face, I was full, energised and ready to do the fashion tour. The tour is available as a podcast that anyone can download but the hotel helps guests through the steps and provides them with headphones. While the tour is really interesting and brought me to a couple places I hadn't been before, I'm not really the target audience as a local. I knew a lot about the history of the city, fashion, Irish designers and retailers in Dublin anyway but, for those who have less of an intense interest in the area and preexisting knowledge or who were just getting to know the city, it would be a nice introduction. It throws in a little history, gives some directions and brings you to different spaces, stores and designers, allowing time for pauses to peruse as you go. However, I would warn you to bring a map unless you are familiar with the city, as the directions can be a little confusing at times and I would have been lost were I not so familiar with the city and stores. If you have the time, luxury and desire to get a little lost though, it's a perfect guide to shopping in the city and will introduce you to important names in Irish design, cute boutiques, historic retailers and much more besides.
I'd love to go back some time and do the whole package with my mother, as I can imagine how nice it would be to check in one day, grab afternoon tea, do the tour and shop along the way before heading back to one of those comfy rooms to put our feet up!
If you are a fashion lover and fan of Irish design thinking about visiting Dublin, this really is the ideal package.
Saturday, 14 November 2015
Galway Fashion Trail
Last Saturday, I finally managed to get my butt over to the other coast and attend an Into The West Blogger Network event - and, boy, am I glad that I did! Not only was everyone involved with ITWBN great and super-friendly and welcoming, the event itself was fantastic. The very first Galway Fashion Trail, organised in conjunction with and, thanks to the help of, Galway Now magazine (who are also outstanding) saw retailers all over Galway city open their doors and welcome both us bloggers and the general public along for shows and showcases. Incredible generosity was displayed all day as we were fed, taken care of and given amazing gifts. I was really blown away by the whole experience and I have to thank everyone involved for showing us such a good time - Saibh and Sinéad and everyone else who was helping out with ITWBN, Galway Now and all of the retailers.
The day began relatively early in An Cupán Tae, who provided us with breakfast and the fuel we needed to keep going on a jam-packed day. We had their BeforeNoon Tea in their private dining space upstairs, the Serendipity Tea Room, and the whole set-up was so elegant and cute that I couldn't help but think it would be the perfect thing for starting out on a more refined Hen's or for a birthday brunch - basically for anyone else that is a bit of a Victorian granny at heart, like myself.
Next up, we headed across town to Colette Latchford's on Eyre Street for our first fashion show of the day. Colette (as well as being a name buddy!) stocks some fantastic labels including Marc Cain, Marella and Gant and while much is aimed at a slightly older demographic, there are also things that I was majorly lusting after. German brand, Oui, is, funnily enough, the epitome of French girl style and I was seriously digging their garments. Colette had picked out the cutest shirts with charming prints and cosy outerwear that had me wishing for bad weather. Basically, if you're looking for seriously chic investment pieces, this is where you need to head. The show at Colette Latchford's also included some pieces from Irish knitwear designer Heather Finn which was a nice little bonus as I'm a fan of her work.
Then it was quickly on to the next stop, Gosh! Shoes in the Eyre Square Shopping Centre. We first had a wander around and took in the insanely impressive selection of boots, in particular. The store stocks New Balance, Doc Martens, Converse, Superdry and lots of other brands that I really like. It's incredibly well-curated. So much so that I wanted something at every turn! Their show featured shoes from the store paired with accessories from The Hat Shop downstairs, showcasing a variety of looks from the highly practical and wearable to the whimsical and avant-garde.
The day began relatively early in An Cupán Tae, who provided us with breakfast and the fuel we needed to keep going on a jam-packed day. We had their BeforeNoon Tea in their private dining space upstairs, the Serendipity Tea Room, and the whole set-up was so elegant and cute that I couldn't help but think it would be the perfect thing for starting out on a more refined Hen's or for a birthday brunch - basically for anyone else that is a bit of a Victorian granny at heart, like myself.
Next up, we headed across town to Colette Latchford's on Eyre Street for our first fashion show of the day. Colette (as well as being a name buddy!) stocks some fantastic labels including Marc Cain, Marella and Gant and while much is aimed at a slightly older demographic, there are also things that I was majorly lusting after. German brand, Oui, is, funnily enough, the epitome of French girl style and I was seriously digging their garments. Colette had picked out the cutest shirts with charming prints and cosy outerwear that had me wishing for bad weather. Basically, if you're looking for seriously chic investment pieces, this is where you need to head. The show at Colette Latchford's also included some pieces from Irish knitwear designer Heather Finn which was a nice little bonus as I'm a fan of her work.
 |
| Some Heather Finn knitwear |
Then it was quickly on to the next stop, Gosh! Shoes in the Eyre Square Shopping Centre. We first had a wander around and took in the insanely impressive selection of boots, in particular. The store stocks New Balance, Doc Martens, Converse, Superdry and lots of other brands that I really like. It's incredibly well-curated. So much so that I wanted something at every turn! Their show featured shoes from the store paired with accessories from The Hat Shop downstairs, showcasing a variety of looks from the highly practical and wearable to the whimsical and avant-garde.
Rushing ever forward, we then visited My Shop...Granny Likes It, a store that stocks everything from jewellery to candles, textiles to ceramics and lots more in between! And, best of all, it's all Irish brands, including (but not limited to) Lynsey de burca, Chupi,Ursula Celano, Jenny Walsh Designs,Claddagh Designs,Liz Christy, Moth to a Flame, Slated, Aliquo,Friends and Family Tree, Rachel Mc Knight, Button Studio, Fab cow Designs,Lisa Ryder, Made Pretty, Oly Art, Cloonmore Pottery, Stephen Farnan Landscapes, Rag Button and Snow. I was seriously enamoured with the store. I LOVE Irish design and it's rare to see somewhere so absolutely chock-full of the best of the best of Irish brands. The jewellery from Isle, Arty Smarty and Kiki Na Art as well as the beauty bits from Barechic Skin were all so cool - as were the general vibes of the store - that I immediately fell in love with the place.
Then it was on to the Galway institution that is the Treasure Chest where Christmas was already in full swing with a Winter Wonderland above the floor where we were attending the fashion show. Sadly, I did not get to go up and wander but, if the entrance is anything to go by, it seems pretty damn magical! The Treasure Box is a great place to get gifts and bits and bobs but also your races and occasionwear destination. Again, I'd say much of the target audience is a little older but they really stock some pieces that perfectly suit Irish women and celebrations - whether that be weddings, parties or days out. The outfits showcased were all completed by the work of Suzie Mahony, a milliner who seems refreshingly no-nonsense and dedicated to kitting out her customers to perfection.
We then went into Hartmann's jewellery store for a goo where all of us bloggers were immediately drawn towards Maria Dorai Raj's simple silver geometric pieces which are beautifully minimalist and restrained.
Next, we moved on to Anthony Ryan's, one of the longest-established and best-loved department stores in Galway, with homeware, menswear, womenswear and clothes for kids as well. Here, they showcased their elegant selection of occasionwear for women but the show was slightly stolen by the head pieces by Caithriona King Millinery. For my personal taste, some millinery is just a little too old-fashioned and stuffy but her pieces were true works of art that had the crowd ooohing and awwwing the whole way through the show.
Then we finally made time to squeeze in some lunch as I was beginning to fade away and needed desperately to sit down for a while. We headed to Cask on Middle Street and had some quick and delicious tapas to refuel and it was only a pity that I couldn't sit for longer and really soak it all in. However, I definitely want to pop back in some time and try out some more bits on the menu - especially after meeting the chef, who was an utter dote!
Saibh had been bigging up the next stop on our tour all day. Willow is a recently opened branch of a store which, Grace informed me, was established first in Ennis, Co Clare. The Galway store is gorgeous. The décor is amazing and the stock is even better with a really cool international vibe. We're talking streetstyle, cyber-celebrity level of cool clothes. I even saw two sweaters that I immediately feel in love with and WISH I'D BOUGHT AT THE TIME. WHY AM I SO SILLY?!
Sigh. Anyway, expect more on this store later because I'm obsessed!
Finally, the sun appeared, and when we headed to the Kilkenny shop they were able to have their show outdoors, which was a nice respite from the heat of crowds indoors. After a drunken man (who appeared to be on a stag weekend) was encouraged to stop voguing on the runway area, the show began.
While in the area, we ran across the road to Cloon Keen Atelier, on High Street, who I've had a candle-crush on for quite some time now and have been eyeing up in Brown Thomas. However, I've never been able to justify purchasing one for myself. Wonderfully they provided a candle to us in our gift bags in the scent Rose Tea which smells exactly like my favourite rose tea! The store itself is stunning and I could have spent hours mooching around (despite its compact size) but it was too hectic a day for that kind of thing!
Finally, as I had to leave early, I popped along to newly-opened Muse by Dee, an adorable boutique on Middle Street. Dee's stock (and catering) really impressed me and it was really balanced - truly something for Irish women of all ages and tastes. And I was even more impressed that they also took this time to showcase some of the graduate collection of the really talented Dearbhla Joyce, who is very much one to keep an eye out for in the future.
Then it was on to the Galway institution that is the Treasure Chest where Christmas was already in full swing with a Winter Wonderland above the floor where we were attending the fashion show. Sadly, I did not get to go up and wander but, if the entrance is anything to go by, it seems pretty damn magical! The Treasure Box is a great place to get gifts and bits and bobs but also your races and occasionwear destination. Again, I'd say much of the target audience is a little older but they really stock some pieces that perfectly suit Irish women and celebrations - whether that be weddings, parties or days out. The outfits showcased were all completed by the work of Suzie Mahony, a milliner who seems refreshingly no-nonsense and dedicated to kitting out her customers to perfection.
We then went into Hartmann's jewellery store for a goo where all of us bloggers were immediately drawn towards Maria Dorai Raj's simple silver geometric pieces which are beautifully minimalist and restrained.
Next, we moved on to Anthony Ryan's, one of the longest-established and best-loved department stores in Galway, with homeware, menswear, womenswear and clothes for kids as well. Here, they showcased their elegant selection of occasionwear for women but the show was slightly stolen by the head pieces by Caithriona King Millinery. For my personal taste, some millinery is just a little too old-fashioned and stuffy but her pieces were true works of art that had the crowd ooohing and awwwing the whole way through the show.
Then we finally made time to squeeze in some lunch as I was beginning to fade away and needed desperately to sit down for a while. We headed to Cask on Middle Street and had some quick and delicious tapas to refuel and it was only a pity that I couldn't sit for longer and really soak it all in. However, I definitely want to pop back in some time and try out some more bits on the menu - especially after meeting the chef, who was an utter dote!
Saibh had been bigging up the next stop on our tour all day. Willow is a recently opened branch of a store which, Grace informed me, was established first in Ennis, Co Clare. The Galway store is gorgeous. The décor is amazing and the stock is even better with a really cool international vibe. We're talking streetstyle, cyber-celebrity level of cool clothes. I even saw two sweaters that I immediately feel in love with and WISH I'D BOUGHT AT THE TIME. WHY AM I SO SILLY?!
Sigh. Anyway, expect more on this store later because I'm obsessed!
Finally, the sun appeared, and when we headed to the Kilkenny shop they were able to have their show outdoors, which was a nice respite from the heat of crowds indoors. After a drunken man (who appeared to be on a stag weekend) was encouraged to stop voguing on the runway area, the show began.
While in the area, we ran across the road to Cloon Keen Atelier, on High Street, who I've had a candle-crush on for quite some time now and have been eyeing up in Brown Thomas. However, I've never been able to justify purchasing one for myself. Wonderfully they provided a candle to us in our gift bags in the scent Rose Tea which smells exactly like my favourite rose tea! The store itself is stunning and I could have spent hours mooching around (despite its compact size) but it was too hectic a day for that kind of thing!
Finally, as I had to leave early, I popped along to newly-opened Muse by Dee, an adorable boutique on Middle Street. Dee's stock (and catering) really impressed me and it was really balanced - truly something for Irish women of all ages and tastes. And I was even more impressed that they also took this time to showcase some of the graduate collection of the really talented Dearbhla Joyce, who is very much one to keep an eye out for in the future.
 |
| A piece by Dearhbla Joyce |
 |
| One of Dearbhla's show-stoppers! |
Well, that was a whopper of a post. No wonder I was wrecked on the day!
Thanks again to Sinéad, Saibh, ITWBN, Galway Now and all of the retailers and a special shout-out to the crew and models who must have been even more exhausted than us.
It was all truly amazing.
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