Is Bob Geldof a style icon? His friend Roger Saul, founder of the English fashion house Mulberry, believes so. "In the past 10 years, Bob has moved from a scruff to a very well-dressed man," he told me. "But he always wore his clothes like a uniform. He knows exactly how to put things together in a nice, quirky way."
Saul was in Dublin on Tuesday night for the Mulberry fashion show at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham, a wonderful backdrop for the occasion. The event, to raise money for a hostel in Tallaght for the homeless, was hosted by Norma Smurfit. "We're delighted to get this venue," she said. "It's the first time it's been used for something other than an art event."
Among the stylish gathering were Caroline Downey, Ian Galvin, Louis Copeland, Eileen Goold, Miriam Ahern, Mai Frisby and Jackie Rafter.
GI fashion editor Graham Cruz and Myles Claffey, editor of Homage and Vision magazines, swapped fashion tips, while Rory O'Keefe, of the band the Ultra Montanes, chatted with Richard Lue, head of Benetton Ireland.
Saul set up Mulberry 30 years ago with the money he received for his 21st birthday. Now, at 23, Irish designer Antonia Campbell Hughes is biting at his heels in the fashion world. Her funky, feminine designs are already popular sellers at some of the hippest clothing stores in London, New York and Paris. Her collection was followed by a parade of hats by Philip Treacy and a dazzling array of gems from Appleby Jewellers.
Victoria Smurfit made a guest appearance as a model for Mulberry womenswear. She has just finished filming Nick Hornby's About A Boy, alongside Hugh Grant. "He would be delighted if I told you he was a desperate rogue, but he's actually a very nice man," she said.
Brendan Courtney presided over the ceremonies, and among those strutting their stuff on the catwalk for the Mulberry vintage menswear collection were celebrity hairdresser Dylan Bradshaw, film director Jim Sheridan, comedian Des Bishop and Mr Ireland, Padraidh Hearns. Barry McCall photographed some of the show and then made a brief, bashful appearance as a model.
Afterwards, everyone adjourned to Johnny Cooke's restaurant in the museum's basement for an Italian supper and fundraising auction.