Read all about the biggest, buzziest, most glamorous business event in Ireland …
Now well established as the biggest, most glamorous business event of the year, THE GLOSS Magazine’s Gloss Gala 2025, held in association with Goodbody, was attended by more than 1,650 women from finance, banking, media, law, marketing, government, recruitment and tech.
As guests converged on the RDS they were serenaded by the Dublin Gay Men’s Chorus, under the direction of Duncan Brickenden. The 35-strong choir sang seasonal favourites, setting the scene for an inspiring and informative soirée.
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 by Thomas Floral Events and huge sparkling chandeliers over the 35m-long catwalk.
Ciara Doherty.
Following a champagne reception, MC for the evening, Ciara Doherty, wearing AndTate and Boodles earrings, welcomed guests on behalf of Jane McDonnell, Publisher and Sarah McDonnell, Editor of THE GLOSS.
Michelle O’Keefe.
Michelle O’Keefe, Head of Wealth Advisory at Goodbody outlined the theme of the evening – courage. This is in keeping with the ethos of Goodbody’s all-female wealth advisory team, which has always championed giving women the courage to take control of their finances, to feel confident about setting financial goals and achieving them. Michelle outlined the success of THE GLOSS x Goodbody Investment Club, a female-focused community created to promote financial feminism and the power of connection. Following the success of this initiative, in March this year, Invest In You was launched – a dedicated space on thegloss.ie. In a recent survey conducted by Goodbody, 78 per cent of Investment Club members reported increased financial confidence since joining – a reminder of what is possible when women invest in themselves.
Lara Marlowe.
This message of cultivating courage was reinforced by award-winning war correspondent, journalist and author Lara Marlowe. She was a staff foreign correspondent based in Paris and Washington for The Irish Times from 1996 until 2023. Having reported on more than a dozen wars, most recently in Ukraine, Lara reflected on why for her courage is a feminist issue. She reminded the audience, “One doesn’t have to look far to find things to be afraid of. There are 61 wars being waged in the world today, a record since 1946, according to the UN. Global warming affects our lives, and Trump’s tariffs wreak havoc in international trade. Most frightening to me, a tide of populist, extremist, far-right election victories threaten democracy as we’ve known it.” For Lara, “Courage means the willingness to speak up and act, to take risks, including financial and economic. We must find the courage to stand up for those less fortunate than ourselves, for our own rights and for what is right, full stop. Our survival as individuals and as a society depends on it.”
Trinny Woodall.
After supper, there was a ripple of excitement as Trinny Woodall took to the stage, wearing Bernadette Antwerp. As founder and CEO of her disruptive namesake brand, Trinny’s personal and business journey requires immense personal courage. As she recounted in her bestselling book Fearless, she has faced addiction, struggled with financial pressures and suffered personal loss. She inspired the audience with her belief in taking risks, taking control, and backing herself. “I knew if I didn’t try at 51 to set up Trinny London I would always have regrets. Often we get stuck and need a reset. It’s important to give yourself permission to do and say what you want.”
As guests enjoyed a delicious Baileys Mini, they 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 favourite Irish designers and retailers included Brown Thomas, Magee 1866, Khan, Avoca, Guaranteed Irish, AndTate, Joseph Ribkoff, Kalu and Louise Kennedy.
The now legendary Designer Handbag Draw bestowed over 500 gifts on the audience, including a Grand Prize of the dream Boodles Experience – a champagne appointment at the Grafton Street boutique and an unbelievable €5,000 to spend on a piece of fine jewellery. In addition, there were beauty, skincare, fragrance and wellness gifts from Rathbornes, Jo Malone, Burberry, Charlotte Tilbury, Nunaia, Soak, Roger and Gallet, Max Benjamin, Sisterly, Ground Wellbeing, Nuxe, Sculpted by Aimee, Voya and Poco Beauty. There were luxury stays galore from The Westbury, Ballyfin Demesne, Dromoland Castle, The K Club, Marlfield House, Dromquinna Manor and Ice House Hotel in addition to afternoon tea vouchers from Anantara The Marker. Some lucky guests won earrings by Melissa Curry, elegant jewellery by MoMuse, a €500 voucher to spend at Magee 1866, luxury wool scarves from Avoca, and a stunning briefcase by For All Daughters. Others received smart stationery from Plunkett Press, seasonal candles from Max Benjamin, membership of Brown Thomas’ Inner Circle, a €1,000 voucher from Ireland’s Blue Book, a complete tablescape plus flowers and calligraphy services from The Designed Table and a gorgeous Palto bag from Landa.
In prime position outside the RDS was the latest Renault 4 and to celebrate its incredibly chic design, stylish interior and tech smart capabilities, the Renault team presented four guests with a fabulous €500 voucher to dine at the two Michelin-starred Patrick Guilbaud Restaurant at The Merrion.
No guest left empty handed; at each place setting was a special THE GLOSS x Goodbody mirror with a fabulous tote, make-up bag and products from Trinny London, as well as great gifts from Butlers, Baileys, Kinvara, Aveeno, Hildun, Bioderma, Zarbee’s and Creed.
Click into the gallery to see the guests who attended the event – the biggest and best GLOSS event to date.
Photographer: Conor Healy / Picture It Photography