M&S Ireland recently unveiled its seasonal campaign, aptly titled “Christmas Starts Here” with a special event in its flagship store on Dublin’s Grafton Street …
M&S Ireland’s store windows have been transformed into a winter wonderland, with the rooftop restaurant given a makeover by Grace Cahill of Styled by Grace. For the tablescape, she paired shades of copper and blush complemented by gold cutlery and gorgeous floral displays, all from M&S.
Renowned chef Mark Moriarty created a festive meal with Irish produce, including potted pork rillette to start served with San Fran sourdough toast, followed by traditional turkey and ham with Mark’s special gravy. The finale was an Irish coffee dessert – think roasted coffee bean custard, whiskey and spiced cream.
World-class sommelier and THE GLOSS wine editor Julie Dupouy expertly paired wines to accompany the meal. Mark and Julie shared their hosting tips, with Mark favouring turkey crowns to take the stress out of cooking and serving, while his fail-safe roast potatoes are made with a dusting of semolina to ensure that all-important crispiness. Mark also recommended the M&S Finishing Jus – a restaurant level gravy that can be incorporated with any cooking juices to impress family and friends. Many of Mark’s tips are featured in his new book, Season: Master the elements of amazing taste, Gill Books.
As for wines, Julie recommended a trio of vintages from M&S cellars – a Sauvignon Blanc, Tewara from New Zealand to serve with starters, followed by Xinomavro from Macedonia in Greece that pairs well with turkey. As a dessert wine, Julie advises us to try Marsala Superiore, Dolce, Martinez – smooth and not overly sweet.
Guests were treated to a preview of the M&S Christmas fashion collection styled by Catherine Condell. Standout pieces included a silver sequin mini shift dress, €109, a sequin V-neck blouse, €60, faux fur coat, €110, and palazzo wide leg jeans, €65.
The show culminated with a sneak peek of the highly anticipated M&S Christmas advertisement. Told through a child’s eyes (young star Skylar Blu from Britain’s Got Talent), the ad is directed by Emmy-nominated Elliot Power with choreography by Corey Baker, known for his work on the movie Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, set to the 1970s hit song I Believe in Miracles by The Jackson Sisters.
During December, customers can upload a photo of their Christmas tree online or on social media to see it magically appear in their very own personalised, animated AI generated snow globe. What’s more, if they share the image on social media they can enter a contest for their snow globe to come to life with a 3D printed version including mini versions of themselves inside, just like the ad!
And if you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, keep an eye out for snow outside the Dublin store to truly get in the festive mood.
Click into the gallery to see the guests who attended.
Photographer: Julien Behal
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