The refurbished Irish Embassy in Paris was the glamorous setting last night for a gala reception to mark the Rugby World Cup on the eve of the Ireland/France match and also an exhibition of Irish fashion from 12 Irish designers.
Hosted by Ambassador Anne Anderson, the event coincided not only with the big sporting weekend but also with Première Vision, the world's largest fabric fair held twice a year in Paris.
"It seemed like a good idea to bring rugby and fashion together", Ms Anderson said. "It is part of our wider effort to raise the profile of Ireland among the business and tourism communities like we did with recent events in Bordeaux hosted by Dermot Ahern," she said.
Designers taking part in the exhibition, which was organised by Enterprise Ireland's Dara MacMahon in Paris and Terissa Teh, included John Rocha, Paul Costelloe, Peter O Brien, Quin & Donnelly, Aideen Bodkin, Deborah Veale, N & C Kilkenny, Eilis Boyle and Joanne Hynes.
Outfits from northern Irish designer Sharon Wauchob and a young Irish graduate of Mod'Art Fashion School, Johanna Maher, both based in Paris, were also included. Most of the items like Louise Kennedy's crystal-studded black dress were evening and cocktail wear.
The event brought together officials from the French and Irish rugby federations, representatives of state agencies, leading members of the Irish community in Paris and people working in the Irish and French fashion industries.
"Fashion has not been something people here in France associate with Ireland, but I think Irish designers are imaginative, professional and distinctive, so I think the elements are there to enable a breakthrough on the French market," said Ms Anderson.