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 trousers. FINISHING TOUCHES: Playful accessories are the simplest way to update your holiday looks. Just dont wear them all to the airport no one likes a slowcoach in the security line. HAPPY HOLIDAYS Consider Finland, recently voted the happiest country in the world. TWO DOWN Cooling Off LOEWE T his month were fantasising about long sunny days spent lounging, reading and thinking of nothing but what to eat next. If we could be anywhere, we would be sitting at a table in La Pineta, a small beachfront restaurant in Marinella di Selinunte, about 20 minutes from Castelvetrano in Sicily. If you get it just right, by the time you finish your meal, your feet will be warmed by the lapping water creeping up the beach. Divine. What to wear for such an idyllic evening is a question for Style Editor Aislinn Coffey, who this month has gathered together a holiday wardrobe (on page 10) that balances sunny style with a practical flair that makes packing a dream. BOOK: An inspiring group In Notes from Abroad, on page 28, Sarah Halliwell has selected beautiful items that workshop with contemporary artist capture the essence of far-flung places. So even if youre staying in Ireland, you can enjoy a Monica Jones at White Willow Studio, Co Cork. No experience sensory experience of sunnier climes. necessary! www.monicajonesart.ie Dublin-based travel writer and photographer Lex Duff can find herself trekking with gorillas in the Ugandan jungle one week and eating tapas on the Costa Brava the next. This month she has curated some of her favourite destinations just for readers of THE GLOSS, on page 22. Culinary souvenirs from these trips are a much better idea than a fridge magnet and like many visitors to Portugal, Kitty Coles has found herself with a collection of tinned fish. She has turned them into the perfect summery board for entertaining on page 42. With time more precious than ever, how we spend our time off has become hugely important. Luxurious creative retreats are on the rise, offering travellers the chance to swap their busy lives for a truly restorative experience that blends total relaxation with the chance to broaden ones mind. On page 44, Penny McCormick speaks to some of BOOKING: The Hawthorn by Galway Bay, a new five-star hotel, the team behind the otherworldly La Gonette retreat in Provence, and finds a mix of five with a thermal suite and outdoor other creative destinations in Europe to whet your appetite. baths overlooking Galway Bay, and exclusive Tata Harper treatments. Wherever you visit this summer we hope you have a gorgeous, glossy time. COLOURED LENSES Sleek and simple, white sunnies are front and centre for summer. THIS MONTH WERE ... BUSY CITY BREAKS BOOKING: Oscar Wildes An Ideal Husband at the Gate Theatre, Dublin. Costumes by James McGlynn Seaver are inspired by Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano; www.gatetheatre.ie. CELEBRATING: A decade of the Incognito secret art sale, on May 20, where postcard-size artwork costs 75. All funds raised support Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation; www.incognito.ie. READING: Lena Dunhams bracing new memoir Famesick (4th Estate), a frank, funny and fearless reflection on fame from the genius behind legendary TV show, Girls. WATCHING: The Devil Wears Prada 2, in cinemas now. Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt return for the sequel, 20 years after the original film aired. Slow down! Apparently farm-maxxing is the latest staycation trend. THE GLOSS MAGAZINE May 2026 3 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