Moodboard 8 May Mood Chaotic 6 5 7 4 9 by Susan Zelouf 1 1. IM STRIPING in for festival season in Loewe. 2. IM COLLECTING work by Sarah Walker; at Oliver Sears Gallery until May 29. 2 3. IM DOFFING my feather Balenciaga cap at chaos; respect! 10 4. IM ENJOYING fringe benefits via Zimmermanns ombré fringe leather bag. 5. IM WHISTLING warnings in a 11 12 www.anitako.com gold and heart diamond whistle necklace. 6. IM GLOVING a 2026 trend: wearing opera gloves for no particular reason! Prada or Paula Rowan? Ill take both. 3 7. IM SWIMMING with sharks in Pucci. 13 8. IM DAMHSA-ING to Jonathan Demmes Talking Heads joyful concert doc Stop Making Sense. 9. IM PONTIFICATING: which Dries Van Noten suede sneakers will I wear today? Eleven colours to choose from ... 10. IM CLUTCHING a La DoubleJ darling embroidered evening bag. 11. IM LOUNGING poolside in a mustard silk mousseline Chloé dress. W 12. IM VACAYING in Marrakesh wearing Eres Pacha striped palazzos. ITLL BE GRAND. hat a feckin mess. News of the world is bad, badder and worse; we scroll, glazed over and numbed, bandwidth deficiency rendering us incapable of US IRISH reading beyond the bold. Blame it on the Year of the Fire Horse, a once every 60 years Chinese astrological event in which the zodiacs horse aligns with the element fire. The interpretation varies, depending on the source: The Guardians Maya Yang cites experts predicting intense, fast-paced change on a personal and global level while Vogues Annabel Gat looks at how the Fire Horse will shape our love lives the vibe is passionate, adventurous and way more fun; we vibe with that. A Miamibased friend, ground zero for the current administrations ICE immigration crackdown, has seen lives upended all around her, including her own Fire Horse energy? She describes this moment as riding bareback through flames. The closure of Dublins wonderful Hugh Lane Gallery last September for a projected three-year refurbishment feels deeply personal. Arriving early before meeting visiting American friends for cake and catch-ups in the gallerys bustling Fáilte Le Grá Café, wed swing by the French Impressionists and the Scullys, the Yeatses and the Harry Clarkes, the Constables and the Free Staters, barely clocking the thrilling juxtaposition of modern and contemporary Irish and international art housed alongside grand halls featuring works exploring Irish identity catalysed by the turn of the 20th century Celtic Revival Movement. Destination? The creative chaos of a meticulous reconstruction of Francis Bacons shambolic Kensington studio, aptly described by Stephen Patience in A Slice of Bacon for The World of Interiors: 7 Reece Mews looked as if it had been ransacked: crumpled photographs, rags, expensive art monographs and empty crates of Krug were strewn over every available surface; slashed 8 May 2026 THE GLOSS MAGAZINE 13. IM RAVING about Duro Olowus 14 15 SS26 collection; every piece suitable for framing. 14. IM TAKING the measure of the man in Schiaparelli heels. 15. IM WEARING Venus earrings in lapis by www.sophiebuhai.com. canvases were propped against the paint-smeared walls. An extravagant man-about-town (running up thousand-pound weekly bills on champagne alone), Bacon embraced chaos as process, claiming he worked best when he was knee-deep in piles of dog-eared visual material: a man picking through the rubble of the culture for inspiration. Bacons mess-terpiece is a master class in organised chaos, granting us a kind of absolution from clutter-free minimalism. Surfaces, sweetie? Marie Kondo be damned. Dedicating her Oscar to the beautiful chaos of a mothers heart, Jessie Buckleys emotional acceptance speech is a reminder that while Chaos Theory posits nothing is random, its exemplar, the Butterfly Effect, poetically illustrates how tiny changes can lead to vastly different, unforeseen results. In another acceptance speech (Buckley won a lot of awards for her work in Hamnet), she articulates being categorically changed by so many people in this room and beyond. To get to work with my heart in my hand and stand beside my brilliant, daring friends who show me their heart, I mean, what a way to spend a life! Should we allow ourselves to be changed by forces beyond our control, which feels like chaos, we can surrender to the ground zero of our hearts, a territory Buckley describes admiring in actresses whove inspired her life in art: Theyre playing a life that is complex and rich and uncomfortable and challenging and provocative. In theory, our beautifully chaotic lives balance on butterfly wings. @susanzelouf A SWEDISH SUMMERHOUSE / DESTINATION DINING / SUNNY DELIGHTS / SMART PACKING / ANDREW SCOTT / BRINGING BALLET BACK MAGAZINE MAY 2026 with THE IRISH TIMES LETS GET AWAY SUN-SOAKED STYLE Creative Retreats o ss .i e hegl w.t ww Dream Destinations Contents IN THIS ISSUE THE GLOSS MONTHLY REMINDER SIGN UP to receive a monthly reminder by email when THE GLOSS is out so that you never miss an issue. Simply register your details on WWW.THEGLOSS.IE. EDITOR JE NNIFE R STE V E NS D EP UT Y ED IT OR S Í O MHA CO NNO LLY S TYLE E D I T O R AISLI Glossip TWO UP Heating Up Gloss~ip! BALMAIN May is the perfect time to get away SEASHELL CHARMS On handbags, earrings or necklaces a rising summer microtrend. ROAD TRIPPING: Louis Vuittons Flight Mode collection features chic and comfy washed denim utility-style dresses, jackets and cargo t Fashion Spot The Trend 2 Maritime fashion is making a splash, says Aislinn Coffey 3 CELINE 1 6 4 5 7 LAUNCHMETRICS/IMAXTREE 8 9 10 SHIPPING FORECAST The nautical mood sweeping the SS26 runways feels polished, not costumey. Celine, Ralph Lauren and Dior are just a few of the fashion hou Moodboard 8 May Mood Chaotic 6 5 7 4 9 by Susan Zelouf 1 1. IM STRIPING in for festival season in Loewe. 2. IM COLLECTING work by Sarah Walker; at Oliver Sears Gallery until May 29. 2 3. IM DOFFING my feather Balenciaga cap at chaos; respect! 10 4. IM ENJOYING fringe benefits via Zimmerman Elevated Evenings IN THE HEART OF 3ARENA Discover Annual Membership Experience the pinnacle of live entertainment with annual membership to the 1878. Entertain your guests in an exclusive, elevated atmosphere with access to the most sought-after performances. membership@3arena.ie the1878.ie These Shannon belted bikini bottoms (110) are designed to elongate the leg and sculpt the torso. The Kaleigh scoop-neck bikini top (85) is both supportive and flattering; both www.laporteswim.com. Whether youre bound for sun-soaked beaches, bustling cities, or somewhere in between, a wardrobe that F I N E J E W E L L E RY AU C T I O N Live Auction Tuesday 12th May 2026 Open Viewing Days: 8th - 12th May Est.1887 ADAMS 26 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2 +353 1 676 0261 - jewellery@adams. Catalogue online on www.adams.ie IG: @clm_adams_auctioneers Fashion POOLSIDE PANT SETS From a practical perspective, a flowy, pull-on pant co-ord offers welcome shade from the sun, or a cosy layer once the sun has gone down. H&Ms loose-leg beach co-ords (in neutral shades) are well priced and worth checking out. Lemlems hand-woven stripe Terara cotton jack THE LEGENDARY BLUE BOX new b r i d g es i l v er w a r e.c om Fashion Cher jelly kitten heel sandals, Linzi, 45; www.next.ie. Classic Ray-Bans From top: Black Mega Wayfarer II, 223; nude Wayfarer Puffer sunglasses, 173; polished tortoiseshell Original Wayfarer Classic, 213; all at Ray-Ban, 32 Grafton Street, Dublin 2. Amber brown Chloé Jelly mules, 520; www CORK LIMERICK KILLARNEY W W W. K E A N E S . I E PHOTOGRAPHS BY NAOISE CULHANE Advertorial Range Rover at The Merrion. In the Lap of Luxury Range Rover at The Merrion set a new standard in design leadership and elegance Range Rover On a special day in March, in the heart of Dublins Georgian Quarter, a memorable standard for modern luxury was s Advertorial A luxury townhouse at Chelsea Barracks by Ben Johnson. The interior of the Britannic Explorer, a Belmond luxury train, by Ben Johnson. Design Detailing and Innovation Ben Johnson in conversation with Killian McNulty. A Conversation about Modern Luxury An insightful discussion betwe Mens Style Menswear Notes 1. Cedar Green Dior Granville leather bag, Dior, at Brown Thomas. 2. Carbone eau de parfum, Balmain, 165, at Boots. 3. Green The Re-Run M suede sneakers, 169; www. themercerbrand.com. Dont forget to pack in style, says Aislinn Coffey ANASTASIIA REDKO @GENTLEMENDESIGN What makes a design last generations? Is it exceptional craftsmanship? Is it honest materials? Is it timeless design? For us, its all of these. Thats what makes a Neptune home. Over 30 stores across the UK and Europe neptune.com Explore kitchen Advertorial Living I The Dream What if you could own five beautiful homes across Europes finest destinations, with none of the hassle? Mallorca, Premium Collection. Mallorca, Signature Collection. f your idea of a holiday is a private villa rather than a luxury hotel, consider August Collection Advertorial Tuscany, Signature Collection. Paris, Pied À Terre Collection. Collections range from elegant city apartments in Paris, Rome and Barcelona to countryside villas and alpine chalets across Tuscany, the South of France, Mallorca and the French Alps each one a different way of experiencin Travel Llafranc, Costa Brava. PHOTOGRAPHS BY LEX DUFF ESCAPE Salento, Puglia. Salento, Puglia. I Photojournalist Lex Duff selects awe-inspiring holiday destinations that are picture perfect ROUTES have always operated on a summer-only frequency. If it were up to me, Id forgo the winter months Travel Lofoten Islands, Norway. Llafranc, Costa Brava. Ischia, Italy. Ischia, Italy. or plan a roadtrip of the archipelago to get the most out of the region, staying at gorgeous little Norwegian-style houses along the way from Torsken to Fredvang to Heimøya. THE VIBE: Hiking up Heston or Segla Castlebellingham, Co. Louth sales@oconnorsofdrumleck.ie +353 (0) 42 937 2625 oconnorsofdrumleck.ie Beauty Beauty Notes News & views, by Sarah Halliwell TRIED & TESTED: ELEMIS FACIAL AT ANANTARA THE MARKER DUBLIN Anantara The Marker Dublin on Grand Canal Square is an immaculate five-star hotel with a spa to match its one of the capitals finest. Make time to enjoy the 23-metre pool, sauna and s Cashmere www.lucynagle.com FAITHFULL THE BRAND Beauty FRANCE BULY is simply one of our all-time favourite beauty brands, and the epitome of French style. The body creams are superb I have one of the Louvre-inspired creams, and it doubles as a fragrance, with a beautifully elegant scent. www.buly1803.com. The TRUDON Carmen O P E N I N G T H I S S E A S O N O N I R E L A N DS W I L D AT L A NT I C E D G E Designed by nature. Refined for you. thehawthornhotel.ie Culture Melissa wears: Cream silk and linen lace knit dress by Dior. Melissas custom pointe shoes are by Bloch, embossed with her name on the sole of each shoe. Photographed by Kip Carroll at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Styled by Aislinn Coffey. LETS DANCE An exciting new wave of dance initiatives is DUX IS MORE THAN JUST A BED. ITS A VEHICLE FOR WELL-BEING. THE DUX BED IS ABOUT DEEP SLEEP. THATS THE ONLY TIME WHEN YOUR BODY CAN REPAIR, REBUILD AND RESTORE ITSELF. www.duxiana.ie 01-5130607 DUXIANA DUBLIN, Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford, Dublin NOEL SHELLEY Culture Emma Martins Soft God. Ballet Ireland dancer Niamh OFlannagain. Gerardine Connolly with Constance Colin. Ballet de Santiagos Swan Lake at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, August 18-23. immersive activations and modern storytelling that captures the zeitgeist. Its all designed to Advertorial Fancy A Long Weekend Escape? These four properties from Irelands Blue Book offer the luxury of time well spent in beautiful surroundings For Quiet Luxury MARLFIELD HOUSE, CO WEXFORD This pastoral idyll, built in 1852, is set on 36 acres of woodland featuring an ornamental lake, and ros Interiors My World at HOME The Swedish summerhouse of designer Elin Alemdar celebrates slow living, writes Sarah Macken E lin Alemdar misses home. Her summerhouse, that is. When we speak, the designer hasnt been there since Christmas; shes wistful. I long for the quiet when Im not there, she sa Interiors THE HOUSE IS GOING TO BE THERE FOR OUR KIDS, AND THEIR KIDS, SO I WANTED IT TO BE MINIMALISTIC AND CLEAN, BUT STILL TIMELESS. In the kitchen, the island is the heart of the home. The silestone worktops and island, Elin notes, are the colour of clay, referencing the surrounding landscape. Books @PAPERBACK.PONDERINGS Reading Notes Sarah Halliwell on the best new books for May R upert Thomsons DARK IS THE MORNING (Head of Zeus, €22), is as compelling as any of his 13 previous novels. I first read the English writers Air and Fire over 30 years ago and was instantly hooked. In 2013, Books Writers Block DR KATRIONA OSULLIVAN Dr Katriona OSullivan talks home, roots and the gift of books ... Home is wherever Dave and my boys are. I am not tied to bricks and mortar I feel home with people. I was homeless when I was younger, I got pregnant and lived in a homeless hostel and this r Wine Island Hopping Julie Dupouy plans island wine tours B lue skies, white sand, palm trees and the gentle sound of the sea breeze. For many holidaymakers, this is the ultimate dream. However, lying on an idyllic beach or spending the day snorkelling in lagoon-blue water is not everyones idea o Interview With a Man THEA TRAFF I dont really mind making a fool of myself. I dont mind making mistakes. Andrew Scott Role Play Andrew Scott is an award-winning actor, born and raised in Dublin, and celebrated for roles in Fleabag, Sherlock, All of Us Strangers and Ripley. Now hes taking on a rol Interview With a Man 1,660,000 readers across multiple channels 25-34 * Interview With a Man What does it mean to you to executive produce the winning film? Its really terrific. I think any producer just listens to what the artist might need. Id definitely like to do more behind the camera. Iv Restaurants Restaurant Notes These restaurants are worth booking a short flight for, says Ciara McQuillan SIMPSONS IN THE STRAND, UK: THE TICKET Recently reopened under hospitality legend Jeremy King, London institution Simpsons in the Strand preserves its old-world charm with polished wood-pane Food Something Fishy Kitty Coles is hooked on the tinned fish trend A n anchovy draped over a buttery piece of warm bread or toast is arguably one of the best snacks you can eat especially when the sun is out and its day one of a holiday. Theres a little restaurant in London I love called Brutto Wholefoods Supplements Natural Skincare Earth Friendly Products y m a e r c is h t y r T ta lentil pas up Build your s e p i c e R Wholefood ingredients for feel-good cooking Find us in selected Dunnes Stores across Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Naas and Tralee NOURISH.IE Travel LEARNING CURVE PHOTOGRAPHS BY DOREEN KILFEATHER Luxurious retreats reflect the rise in creative tourism, says Penny McCormick. La Gonette in Provence is one of the best examples ... Jeni Glasgow in the kitchen at La Gonette. I n a south eastern corner of Provence, twelve strangers gathe Travel Harriet Davidson. Alice Nelson and Danny Shub with their son. Connecting with and contributing to our local community has been really wonderful. This all chimes with the current trend for creative travel experiences; a third of travellers now prefer to trade passive sightseeing for more me Travel The Art of Living Spaces, Provence. Guests at Fleuropean, Belgium. Château de Wodémont, Belgium. Guests at one of Ruth Ribeaucourts Faire retreats. D efined by some as a soft reset holiday, many travellers are swapping busy itineraries for intimate, all-inclusive experiences in niche loc Travel Attending a retreat once or twice a year has become an intentional ritual rather than a one-off indulgence. Bantam Cottage, Daylesford. Finca Buenvino, Spain. Rose Ferguson at Surrenne at The Maybourne Riviera. Ilias retreat in Mani, Greece. SURRENNE, THE MAYBOURNE RIVIERA, FRANCE Fashi Travel Travel Notes A double bedroom. Penny McCormick shares tips for a cultural weekend in Berlin and where to stay A balcony room at The Dean. Benedict bakery. CHECKING IN: THE DEAN BERLIN VIBE Design savvy stay in upmarket Charlottenburg, west Berlin. NEED TO KNOW In addition to its hotels