Clothesline

Gems at Brown ThomasWhen Gabrielle Chanel, better known for costume jewellery, exhibited her first collection of fine jewellery in 1932, it caused a sensation.

It consisted of variations on three themes, the bow, the star and the feather, and each item could be worn in one of three ways; a necklace that could separate into a brooch and bracelet, a choker that could double up as a tiara or a pendant worn as a clip. "Gemstones had never been subjected to such casual treatment," was one comment. Now an exhibition of Chanel diamond jewellery inspired by her original designs is coming to Dublin when visitors will have an opportunity to see items from various collections such as Comet, Camellia and Collection Privee. The most spectacular pieces will include the daring gold and diamond Comet necklace, the intricate white gold and diamond Camelia cuff and a globe necklace in black diamonds surrounding a Japanese pearl. In Brown Thomas from October 17th-21st.

Showing for Chernobyl

The new Powerscourt Ritz Carlton Hotel in Enniskerry will be the posh venue for its first ever fashion show on Tuesday, October 23rd, organised by Bray and District Soroptimists. The line-up of the country's leading designers showing their winter collections includes Paul Costelloe, Louise Kennedy, Jen Kelly, Deborah Veale, Richard Lewis and Helen McAlinden, and a special feature will be six vintage gowns from Ib Jorgensen and six specially made outfits from Thomas Wolfangel. Also on the catwalk will be clothes from the Lace and Milan boutiques in Bray, Fishers in Newtownmountkennedy with John Farrington providing the antique jewellery. Tickets are €100 each and the event starts at 7.15pm with cocktails and canapes, and ends with an after-show champagne party.

All proceeds go to the Chernobyl Children's Fund and Dún Laoghaire Rehabilitation Centre. Tickets from Lace in Bray at 01-2828560.