The designer is tall, like a flute on four-inch heels. Louise Kennedy, regal for a reception at her house on Merrion Square, welcomes her guests, sailing in to greet the visitors without faltering. The party is celebrating a newly designed collection of glassware. Maureen Cairnduff, author of Who's Who in Ireland, asks Kennedy how she manages to walk in her stiletto boots without falling over. Niall Wall, chief executive of Tipperary Crystal, says: "Louise has managed to surprise again" - referring not to her taste in footwear but to her designs for the company's new collection. The pieces are "quintessentially elegant", he says.
Cairnduff's handsome actor son, David Cairnduff, who has just returned from studying drama in London, is also present. He can currently be seen in Frank McGuinness's play, Mutabilitie, at the Samuel Beckett Theatre in Trinity College, playing in his first professional role. He plays the part of an English prisoner - the one who wears black leather trousers. You can't miss him. More glamour is added to the proceedings by the presence of Marion Cody of Design Works, and her sister, fashion designer (especially of handbags) Helen Cody. Mary Kennedy, from RTE's Open House, is also here, and Caroline Kennedy, Louise's sister, drops in to salute the arrival of the new flutes and decanters. Dublin businessman, Eugene McCarthy and his wife, Dearbhla, are also in attendance.