It is the most stylish event on the Irish Fashion Calendar and the socialites and stars did not disappoint!
Taking their cue from Hollywood… the stars that got it right on the night kept the dresses simple and elegant, accessories to a minimum and barely there makeup.
You’ll remember from The Oscars, that bangles and chandelier earrings were the must-haves for jewellery, while statement necklaces were nowhere to be seen, gold and neutral hues ruled the red carpet and hair and makeup was minimalist. Well, the VIP Style Awards certainly followed suit.
Total Xposure contestant and Assets model Ruth O’Neill looked beautiful (it’d be hard for her not to!), the dress reminded me of the paired back subtlety of Kate Winslets’ Yves Saint Laurent dress at The Oscars. It was simple and classic… if a little bit old for her. Although it could have done with a bit of an iron before she left her house!
And can we say va-va voom… Glenda Gilson is certainly no wallflower, and with her private life recently being splashed all over the press it was great to see her basically stick two fingers up to the world and dress to kill! She looked sensational in a bejeweled red dress with cut-out detailing and won the most stylish award! Refreshingly she really sticks to her own rock-chic style while presenting on Xpose, wearing jeans, boots, rocker t-shirts, leather jackets etc. She is true to her own style which makes her deservedly most stylish of the year in my eyes too.
There was one big trend that a few stars picked up on, which is the underwear/outerwear trend that is everywhere on the catwalk and high-street this season!
Sinead Desmond kept the lace overlay quite subtle and feminine, which is why she pulled it off superbly, and with a daring neckline the dress was made more exciting and reminiscent of a corset vibe.
But other guests who attempted the lace look weren’t so successful, the lace was either too dark, too much, or too heavy and they ended up looking more like they had been caught up in Spiderman’s web, than his love interest, heroine Mary Jane.
Yes, there are always a few misses at these events too and unfortunately the beautiful Rachel Kavanagh was another guest who got it wrong. It firstly was something I would expect to see on a mother of the bride, or at least someone forty+ years Rachel’s senior. The kimono style print and matching wrap-over was reminiscent of a 60’s housewife’s nightwear, and for someone so young and pretty it was a pity to see her drown herself in this outfit.
Anna Daly looked sensational… talk about hitting all the trends in one! Ruffles down the train (but subtle), the gold hue ivory worked perfectly against her skin tone, and the unique butterfly/waistcoat effect on the bodice of the dress as well as the open back with jeweled spaghetti strap details, made it a statement number! With the dress having enough detail she kept jewellery to a minimum with just one big bangle. According to one Irish paper she had actually recycled her wedding dress for the event… well talk about recession proof and being ahead of the times! Top marks.
But the star that stole the show in the style stakes was adopted Irish star, Michelle Heaton… a dress stunning enough to be seen on The Oscars red carpet. (In fact it was nicer than most of The Oscar dresses we saw!)
The dress flowed in a teal blue chiffon with crystal cap sleeves and small crystal belt detail, she kept the accessories to a minimum and let the dress do the talking! Her hairstyle was inspired by old Hollywood glamour, with sweeping waves and a side parting, and she also kept her makeup very natural and let her true beauty shine. Although she arrived with her friend Katie Price, who was hounded by the paparazzi, it was Michelle’s timeless look that stole the show!
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