As the biggest, buzziest, most glamorous business event in Ireland, Look the Business 2019 was impressive. In numbers, there were almost 1,500 women, two inspirational guest speakers, 145 tables, 130 fashion exits (shown on the longest fashion catwalk in Ireland) and more than 100 glossy gifts in the Designer Handbag Draw. If the aim of Look the Business is to inspire visually as well as intellectually, this year’s event did not disappoint.
The Gloss team transformed the Main Hall of the RDS in a chic palette of cream, honey and gold. Taking our cue from Halpern’s catwalk, huge gilt chandeliers were suspended over the runway, reflecting a chic cream carpet and gorgeous jewel-tone flowers by Floral Events.
Guests enjoyed a welcome glass of champagne making the most of the networking opportunities before being called to the beautifully dressed tables by hostess for the evening Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, (wearing Louise Kennedy’s Esme dress). Aoibhinn welcomed guests on behalf of Jane McDonnell, Publisher and Sarah McDonnell, Editor of THE GLOSS.
After a speech by Anne O’Leary, CEO of Vodafone Ireland, sponsors of Look the Business, and guest speaker, transparency activist Gina Miller, who received a standing ovation, guests enjoyed supper. On the menu was chicken supreme with squash, shawarma cauliflower purée, marinated broad bean salsa, artichoke fricassee and asparagus, followed by a white chocolate and raspberry mousse.
Businesswoman Trinny Woodall, dressed in her signature sequins, was next to speak and she inspired guests with her honesty and genuine empathy for other women.
The now legendary Look The Business Designer Handbag draw showered glossy gifts on the guests. One very delighted guest received a champagne appointment at Boodles with a €2,000 voucher to spend and a celebratory lunch at Wilde at The Westbury; one guest at each of the 145 tables received a gorgeous cashmere scarf, specially designed for LTB19 from the queen of luxury Irish knitwear Lainey Keogh; generous prizes from Vodafone included an Apple iPad and sets of AirPods; there was a €500 voucher to spend at Magee 1866; a luxurious rose gold bean-to-cup coffee machine from Miele worth almost €1,000; an outfit hot off the catwalk from Avoca, and fabulous fragrance and beauty gifts from The White Company, Jo Malone London, Elizabeth Arden, Nunaia, Hermetica and L’Occitane. There was also a limited edition silk scarf from artist Dorothy Cross commissioned by Kildare Village. The best tweeters were awarded with an overnight stay at the K Club, Co Kildare, and an Elemis facial followed by lunch for two at Druid’s Glen Hotel, Co Wicklow. Other winners will also enjoy being wined and dined with a two-night stay for two at the five-star Dromoland Castle with a round of golf; a festive champagne Afternoon Tea at The InterContinental Hotel, Dublin 4; and a trio overnight stays including dinner at Cliff House Hotel, a one-night stay at Cliff at Lyons Hotel & Country and at Cliff Townhouse. Not forgetting giftcards and vouchers to spend at Avoca, Brown Thomas and Ely Wine Bar, and hampers from Green & Blacks and a Dyson Airwrap styler. The final prize of the night was a scarlet Louise Kennedy “Kennedy Bag”, the perfect accessory for any working wardrobe.
No-one left empty-handed however as there was not one, but two goody bags for each guest. Gifts from THE GLOSS included a beautiful candle from Dublin company Rathbornes, a refillable scent diffuser from Max Benjamin for the car, beauty gifts rom Catrice, LA Pacific, Skin Regimen, Klorane and OGX and treats from M&S. Guests also received a luxurious Fragrance Discovery Kit gift bag from Hermetica, the fragrance company founded by John and Clara Molloy of Memo Paris.
The evening closed with a dazzling fashion show, styled and choreographed by Catherine Condell showcasing THE GLOSS’s favourite designers Lainey Keogh and Louise Kennedy, Irish labels Avoca and Magee 1866 and boutiques owned by great Irish entrepreneurs including Khan, Samui and Electra, in addition to a great collection from M&S (who are celebrating their 40th anniversary in Ireland), and Kildare Village and Next. Backstage, Brown Sugar’s hair and make-up team, led by Aidan Darcy and Dearbhla Keenan, created beautiful looks on the 20 models.
For further details of the fashion show at Look The Business 2019, keep checking in to www.thegloss.ie today.