Ginza is Mint for Fashion and Food

Ginza Teppanyaki Restaurant opened in style last Thursday night in Lisburn. Ginza tranlated literally means 'Silver Mint' and it certainly lived up to its name.

Style Academy models graced the natural catwalk of the venue and guest enjoyed a drinks reception followed by amazing dishes that sampled the tantalising menu.

Lisburn Square, Vanilla, Wild Flower and Mary Rose McGrath provided the beautiful clothes and Grainne Maher Millinery provided the stunning headwear.

Julian Simmons hosted the evening that was packed to the brim with VIPs and special guests including the gorgeous Miss GB Gemma Garrett.

A 'mint' evening was had by all.

To book call 02892666639

The event was organised by Michelle McTernan Management.

Picture credits - Lawrence Doherty

Frocking it the Vintage Way

Like a good wine, some things are better when they are aged. These same goes for vintage clothing and classic looks of a yester year. Think fur and pearls and you are on the right track.

Frock Around The Clock - which brings you the very best of Ireland's vintage, is the only event of its kind in Northern Ireland. At each fair you can expect to find a fabulous array of genuine vintage clothing, costume jewellry and accessories galore including hats, bags, shoes and gloves.

The latest vintage fair on 10 May brought in 900 visitors of all ages from all over Ireland, the UK and the US.

The next vintage fair is not until September but if you want to find out more information visit http://www.northernirelandvintage.com/

Each event promises a great day out, with a fun atmosphere of romance, nostalgia and quirkiness.

Exhibitors include Strictly Vintage, Lulu Rose, Oxfam Vintage, Zara Jewels and Vintage Rocks.

Another event worth keeping your eye out for is the Titanic Vintage Day which takes place on the 22nd August at The Pump House and the Northern Ireland Science Park, Belfast.

Visit http://www.titanicsdock.com/ for more information.

"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different."

Coco Chanel

Picture credit: Linzi Rooney

Green is Beautiful...

Red haired Style Academy model Collette O'Neill caused a stir at the Enery Saving Trust Awards held at the regal Harbour Commissioners in Belfast on Wednesday.

Collette posed with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Lord Mayor Tom Hartley. The awards ceremony recognised companies who are helping to reduce their carbon footprint and work in a more enery efficient manner.

The Green Goddess symbolises renewable energy, her vintage dress was reworked to represent resourcefulness and her head dress was designed by Grainne Maher using flowers from her own garden!

The event was organised by Michelle McTernan Management.

La simplicite est le discours de tous les vrais elegance

Despite the poster for Audrey Tatou's Chanel biopic 'Coco Avant Chanel' (above with cigarette) being banned from her own country, it adds to the anticipation of the life story of a remarkable woman who rose from the miserable beginnings in an orphanage to become the fashion icon that the subject of love and admiration today.

Audrey of 'Amelie' fame portrays the mannerisms of the dark featured and amazingly talented young woman.

Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel's influence on haute couture was such that she was the only person in the field to be named TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people of the 20th century.

Her pursuit of expensive simplicity made her such an important figure in the history of modern fashion.

Chanel's first fragrance, Chanel No.5 in 1921 was the first to have a designer's name attached to it and has paved the way for successive designers to follow suit.

Chanel died in 1971 and her tombstone is carved with stone lion heads representing her birth sign, Leo - also testimony to the strong willed nature of a quietly beautiful and elegant woman.

She is my favourite designer and her legacy will as they say in french "vivre eternellement"

"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different" Coco Chanel

Traffic Stopping Fashion

Acclaimed photographer Lawrence Doherty captured this stunning image of Miss Belfast finalists outside The Northern Whig on 23 April.

Striking flamehaired beauty Claire Murray (left) from Bangor took the Miss Belfast crown. Claire will now represent Belfast in Miss Universe Ireland later this year.

With her effervescent personality and model looks, she is certainly one to keep your eye on.

The beautiful frocks pictured are the creation of local designer Mary Rose McGrath.

The event was organised by Michelle McTernan Management.

Something Kinda Oooh!

While nipples might not be what you want to be reading over your morning coffee, they seem to still be causing a little hassle on the Burlesque front.

Late last week, a news story caught my eye, a burlesque artist had caught in trouble for exposing a nipple in a dance routine. How, in 2009, can this cause a stir...when women expose everything in tabloids and while sex pretty much sells everything from shampoo to Kinder Bueno?

It seems this 'no nipple law' comes from an archaic law that bans the exposure of a naked nipple. Just think of the uproar caused by Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" at the Super Bowl - known now as 'Nippletapegate'? It resulted in a record $550,000 fine levied by the FCC and caused an immediate crackdown in the media in issues of common decency.

However, what differentiates burlesque from stripping is that it does not lend itself to vulgarity but rather enticement.

Belfast's answer to Dita Von Teese, Nik Fisher says: "It's not just taking all your clothes off, then it just becomes stripping, it is all about the art of tease." Burlesque as an artform is naughty, yes, teasing, yes but dirty? No.

Furthermore, Burlesque artists should not suffer sanctions for either wardrobe malfunctions whatever causes a nipple to become exposed...especially not in this era where sex is consumed for breakfast.

Stairway to Heaven

Gorgeous Miss Belfast finalists descended on Castle Court for a special preview and fashion show. The glamorous Miss Great Britain, Gemma Garrett was also there to give her help the girls hone their catwalk gait and give tips on being a successful model.

One of the models, Sophia, has been plucked from obscurity and was scouted at the Juice Bar, Castle Court. The models showcased yellow as the colour of the season - a colour which takes its inspiration from fishermen's jackets! The colour is also being sported on the red carpet and celebs are working the sunshine shade in frocks, oversized sunnies and accessories.

The final will be held at the Northern Whig on the 23 April. The winning girl will walk away with a modelling contract as well as a prize package to include makeup and haircare.

The event was organised by Michelle McTernan Management.