Read all about the biggest, buzziest, most glamorous business event in Ireland …
THE GLOSS Magazine’s Gloss Gala 2024, held in association with Goodbody, was attended by 1,600 women from finance, banking, media, law, marketing, government, recruitment and tech. The Main Hall at the RDS was completely transformed by THE GLOSS team in elegant shades of cream, with jewel-toned flowers on the tables and huge sparkling chandeliers over the 35m-long catwalk.
After a buzzy champagne reception, MC for the evening, Ciara Doherty, wearing a bespoke AndTate “Desdemona” dress, welcomed guests on behalf of Jane McDonnell, Publisher and Sarah McDonnell, Editor of THE GLOSS.
Ciara Doherty.
The theme of the event was Making a Plan – recognising the fact that, armed with a plan, women can feel confident about setting financial goals and achieving them. The success of THE GLOSS x Goodbody Investment Club, a female-focused community created during the pandemic to promote financial feminism and the power of connection, focused this year on how women can and should develop a financial roadmap for their lives. (Plans devised by the all-female Goodbody wealth advisory team for members of the Investment Club are live online on the Investment Club hub now.)
Michelle O’Keefe, Goodbody, Cally Beaton, comedian and Ruth Cosgrove, Goodbody.
The message of planning for the future was reiterated in a message from THE GLOSS publisher Jane McDonnell, in a video which celebrated the joy of creating and reading a print magazine – “the most human of all media” and the bright future of THE GLOSS with The Irish Times. “It’s notable that what made the first magazines appealing back in the 1700s still matters today: a blend of iconoclasm and authority, novelty and continuity, social engagement and personal voice,” she said. Referencing the consistently sold-out event, she added: “THE GLOSS Gala is a reflection of how THE GLOSS has become an integral part of Irish culture since our first issue back in 2006. And now, as part of the wider Irish Times Group, we believe the future is bright.”
Cally Beaton.
The importance of a financial plan was wittily reinforced by Bafta-winning writer, performer and podcaster Cally Beaton, who shared her own experience as sole breadwinner, navigating divorce and the highs and lows of a long career in the cut-throat world of television in the UK and the US. “Money doesn’t blow my skirt up,” she said, before outlining her guiding principle in life, that we should not fear risk, failure or uncertainty: “I’d rather my own imperfect story than a perfect one.” When it comes to money, Cally said, she sets her own rules, defies stereotypes and applies the “pleasure and purpose” guide to work.
Dana Thomas.
After supper, award-winning journalist, author and sustainability expert, Dana Thomas engaged the audience with the idea that it is possible to love fashion and be kind to the planet, thought-provoking anecdotes and stories from a long career in fashion and journalism. The climate crisis has forced us to think long and hard about our shopping habits – avoiding fast fashion, being conscious of where our clothes are coming from and going to at the end of their life cycle is a new responsibility. “We can shop with less guilt by patronising brands with good priorities and good principles,” she told the audience.
Cally Beaton and Dana Thomas.
Dana’s own investment principle is fascinating – she has amassed considerable value in her own wardrobe through buying high quality clothing and accessories whose value has increased over time. “Being a conscious consumer is a financial plan in itself. Good things last, I learned that on the fashion beat over the last 45 years.” Her key takeaways: Buy less, buy better, and keep your Birkin in the safe!
Guests were treated to an amazing Look the Business fashion show with 30 models on the 35-metre catwalk under the direction of stylist and show producer Catherine Condell, with hair and make-up by Brown Sugar. The line-up of THE GLOSS’s favourite Irish designers and retailers included Havana, Marks & Spencer, Avoca, Joseph Ribkoff, Magee 1866, Khan, Kildare Village, AndTate and Louise Kennedy.
The legendary Designer Handbag Draw bestowed almost 500 gifts on the audience, including a Grand Prize of a whole year of shoes and handbags from Dune London. There were beauty, skincare, fragrance and wellness gifts from Rathbornes 1488, Seabody, Ground Wellbeing, L’Occitane, Roger & Gallet, Chloe, Voya, The White Company, Biologique Recherche, Nunaia, Sisterly and more. In addition there were luxury stays galore including at Ballyfin Demesne, Ballynahinch Castle, Dromquinna Manor, The Park Kenmare, Lough Eske Castle, The Coach House in Roundwood and a voucher from Ireland’s Blue Book. Some lucky guests won earrings by Melissa Curry, smart stationery from Plunkett Press, a €1,000 voucher from Rock Hill Interiors and Design, tablecloths from The Designed Table, and a gorgeous leather bag from Landa.
No guest left empty-handed; at each place setting was a special THE GLOSS X Goodbody pen set and a fabulous pouch with beauty gifts from Elizabeth Arden, and a GLOSS goodie bag with great gifts from Trinny London, Butlers Chocolates, Sisterly, Biologique Recherche and Catrice and a copy of THE GLOSS Interiors.
See the gallery below of all the guests who attended THE GLOSS Gala 2024, the biggest and best GLOSS event yet.
Click into the gallery to see the guests who attended.
Photographer: Conor Healy / Picture It Photography