Designer Louise Kennedy paid tribute to the late Oscar de la Renta as she was honoured at the 2014 Irish Post Awards in London last night.
Louise, who celebrated 30 years in business in 2013 and has just refurbished her flagship store in London's Belgravia, picked up a special gong for Company of the Year.
Speaking on the night, she said: “We sadly lost the wonderful Oscar de la Renta last week and he had a great line, it goes ‘when you rest, you rust’, and I have to say it’s a mantra I will always keep close. And I think you do."
She added: "This industry is constantly changing, it is about newness, innovation, creativity. I have to thanks The Irish Post for this wonderful award, particularly in this city which I truly love. I consider it my second home and I hope to drive the business for the next 30 or more years.”
The 2014 Irish Post Awards and Business Gala Dinner was attended by almost 700 guests who turned out to celebrate the success of Irish stars across a range of industries.
Hosted by broadcaster Eamonn Holmes, the black tie event honoured a number of exceptional people including actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who received this year’s Legend Award for his contribution to the film and entertainment industry.
The Golden Globe winner was presented with his award by Lord of the Dance creator Michael Flatley.
“What a star you are,” Flatley said. “You don’t get to the top of the world in anything without lots of talent, I suppose a little bit of luck, but mostly a mountain of hard work. And of course the most handsome guy in Hollywood, of course he’s from Ireland.”
Accepting his award Jonathan said: “I’ve had so much rejection. I went to Hollywood and was told no, no, no, then some people said yes, then some people said no. I’ve had ups and downs, I’ve fallen down as much as I’ve gotten up, I think you do that in life. But I’ve always remembered at the core of it that being Irish is special.”
Also honoured on the night for Outstanding Contribution to Business in Britain was Sean Mulryan, Chairman and Group Managing Director of Ballymore – an international property investment and development company.
This year’s Technology Award, a new addition to The Irish Post’s series of accolades, went to Sir David McMurtry, Chairman of Renishaw Plc.
The Outstanding Sports Personality Award was given to Ireland and Arsenal footballing legend Liam Brady.
A special Community Award was also given out on the night to Michael Forde, Chairman of the Irish World Heritage Centre in Manchester.
