CLASS ACT It's hard to believe that the British supermodel Erin O'Connor once thought she was ugly. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful models working today, when she swans down the runway, she often seems more ethereal than real. As the face of Marks & Spencer this season, she brings elegance to everything she wears whether it's this simple camisole top or a formal tweed jacket
MAKE AN IMPRESSION Fracas is the French word for crash or din, but it is also the name of one of the world's classic fragrances, an unforgettable scent created by the first French female "nose", Germaine Cellier, for the couturier Robert Piguet in l948. Often described as a tuberose floral masterpiece, it is currently enjoying a huge revival with a stellar cast of admirers that includes Madonna, Carrie Donovan, Sofia Coppola, Martha Stewart and Stella Tennant. The British stylist Isabella Blow says she douses herself in it, and it's the kind of fragrance with a strong character that you either adore or hate. I tried without success to buy it in Dublin last year; even so-called specialists had never heard of it. However, in the US it's as well known as Chanel No 5 and it was the top selling fragrance in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge last year. The heady news is that it's now in the new Harvey Nichols Dundrum store, where you'll fork out just under €100 for the fragrance or €75 for a small eau de parfum or body lotion.
GO WITH THE FLOW Gharani Strok, the UK-based Iranian/Croatian partnership with a fan base that includes celebrities such as Madonna, Nicole Kidman, Kate Moss and Kylie Minogue, is well known for unusual fabrics and flattering dresses. The pair launched their label 10 years ago and had their first catwalk show in 2001. Since then, the business has expanded to include an inexpensive line for Debenhams, and maternity wear. Bella Mamma in Dublin's Ranelagh village has a number of their pieces for winter including this simple, but beautiful LBJ (little black dress), in silk jersey for €475. Bella Mamma, The Triangle, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 (01-4968598)