Kelly sparkles for capital's window shoppers
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Model, actress and TV presenter Kelly Brook arriving at Brown Thomas in Dublin yesterday to officially unveil the store's Christmas windows and to celebrate the launch of the Fine Jewellery Hall
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By Kathleen O'Callaghan
Saturday Nov 15 2008
Crowds gathered outside Brown Thomas in Dublin yesterday to see English actress Kelly Brook stroll down the pink carpet and unveil the luxury store's Christmas windows.
The photogenic brunette wore a stunning purple Prada evening gown and high-heeled sequinned shoes by Gina. She wore her hair loose and flowing as she posed for the cameras.
Kelly, who hosted 'Celebrity Love Island' and was a judge in the TV dance competition 'Dirty Dancing: The Time of Your Life', is dating English rugby player Danny Cipriani, who plays for Wasps.
Her visit also coincided with the launch of Brown Thomas's Fine Jewellery Hall, where Tiffany and Cartier have laid out their prestigious jewels for the first time in Ireland.
Hand candy
So, dahling, there won't be any need to fly off to New York to pick up the hand candy this season. The amethysts, emeralds and diamonds are in sparkling form for those who have a twinkle in the eye and a few bob in the back pocket.
Kelly Brook flaunted a pair of long crystal drop earrings by Cartier and flashed a fabulous Liberace-style ring encrusted with diamonds and rubies set in white gold.
Nigel Blow, CEO of Brown Thomas, appeared remarkably upbeat about launching such exclusive jewels in the current slowdown.
"It's the perfect time to launch the fine jewellery with the Christmas windows on display and the festive season about to begin," said Mr Blow.
"It's an opportunity to attract customers who are shopping for presents. The great thing about Tiffany's is they have something for everyone, as their gifts start at €100 and then the sky's the limit!"
Brown Thomas has opted for eclectic windows full of expensive shoes, fine china, perfume and chocolates this year. Each window looks like an Aladdin's cave packed with every conceivable goody.
The mannequins are dressed in formal outfits from different countries like India, Russia and France, with ornate headdresses, silken coats and velvet jackets. There is no sign of Santa or his sleigh. Elves, reindeers and snow are also missing.
The Fine Jewellery Hall opens today and houses a number of the finest global brands such as Gucci Watches, Ferrari, Longines and Rado. According to a store assistant, the shelves "contain several of the worlds' haute horological Swiss timing mechanisms". Or posh watches to the plain clock watcher out there.
Kelly seemed to have all the time in the world, though, as she pleased the crowd with plenty of chat and smiles.
Kelly has played the role of Victoria Hardwick in what 'Rolling Stone' cheekily described as "the best episodes of Lex Luther's life" in Superman series 'Smallville'.
In 2005, Kelly hosted the reality television programme 'Celebrity Love Island'. In 2008, she took Jenny Ellison's place as a judge on the reality TV programme 'Dirty Dancing' and last month she returned to London's West End as Jeannie in 'Fat Pig' at London's Comedy Theatre, where she is currently starring.
- Kathleen O'Callaghan
