Design Week Dublin launches in Róisín Lafferty’s new gallery with a flight of cocktails and a masterpiece menu on sticks …
On May 19, designer Róisín Lafferty threw open the doors of her stunning new Gallery at 23 Fitzwilliam Square to host an intimate gathering to celebrate the start of Dublin’s first ever Design Week Dublin (DWD), until May 25. It was a glamorous crowd of architects, designers, artists and DWD supporters but the star turn was the venue: Róisín’s transformation of the Georgian townhouse into her new HQ and studio was detail-oriented and beautiful, the classical offset with daring and beautiful contemporary furniture and lighting mixed with vintage pieces and great art.
Róisín Lafferty.
The evening was no mere launch, more a statement of intent about putting Dublin on the design map. Co-founder of DWD, with Sarah McDonnell, Jane McDonnell set out the genesis of DWD, describing its purpose and the desire for the event to bring architecture and interior design closer to the public through a programme of Design Talks, lectures, curated experiences, panel discussions and parties. “We want to showcase design in a new way – with discernment and sophistication.”
Becky Russell, Paolo Alberto Gatti and Fiona Stone.
Sandra Andrea O’Connell.
Among the guests were designers who would feature during Design Week Dublin: Bryan O’Sullivan and Katie Harbison, both of whom had flown in from New York where their practices are based. Also, Eoin Lyons and John Kelly from LyonsKelly, Maria MacVeigh, Suzie McAdam and lighting designer Niamh Barry. Fashion designers Anna Guerin from Landskein, Helen Cody and Colin Burke were in attendance along with Range Rover’s Melanie McCourt and Katie Hanlon, official partners of DWD, and Sandra Andrea O’Connell from the RIAI.
As guests sipped Roe & Co Rhubarb Collins cocktails and explored the inspiring spaces, and furniture designed by Róisín Lafferty, including a monumental dining table in divine Acqua Santa pink-veined marble (made by Miller Bros), the entrance hall was dramatically transformed for dinner with high narrow lacquered tables, dressed with moss and yellow ranunculus (by Gingko who were also responsible for the divine floral installation at the front door).
Chef Jonny Boyle prepped for dinner Omakase-style: inspired by Japanese skewer culture, his aptly named Sticks concept delivered every course on a stick, elegantly placed on a simple plinth, each accompanied by a specially designed Roe & Co whiskey cocktail. A mouthwatering French Onion Gyoza was followed by Monkfish Peppercorn, which was paired with a delicious Blueberry Sour, created with Roe & Co Solera, the single malt distilled in the Roe & Co distillery in the heart of Dublin 8. Then, Black Garlic Beef (wagyu from Co Tipperary) was served with a Cherry Old Fashioned, a complex blend of Roe & Co malt and grain blend, ruby port and sauvignon blanc.
In the brief interlude between courses, a performance from contemporary dancer Deirdre Murphy was unexpected and quite magical, with harpist Pilarika accompanying. Dessert was Boyle’s take on a rum baba – but with whiskey. The absolutely delicious Roe & Co Whiskey Baba was accompanied by an Irish Coffee with, you guessed it, Roe & Co.
Róisín’s uniquely imaginative event planning did not end with dinner. Guests departed the hall to explore a further creative landscape on the piano nobile where Jonny Boyle toasted marshmallows and Irish Manhattans were served. The evening was a fitting opening act for a week of exploring design’s limitless possibilities at Design Week Dublin. See designweekdublin.com for more details.
Click into the gallery to see the guests who attended.
Photographer: Kieran Harnett