Rêverie at Elephant Rock – The Fashion Event Everyone’s Talking About!

If there’s one event that will set Northern Ireland’s fashion calendar ablaze in 2025, it’s this. Rêverie Charity Fashion Show is not just another runway moment – it’s the fashion night of the year, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.

Bringing together Ibiza-inspired glamour, cutting-edge Irish design, and an immersive sensory experience – all in the stunning setting of Elephant Rock, Portrush, it promises to be a one-of-a-kind fashion spectacle, all in support of Northern Ireland Hospice and the RNLI.

Taking place on 20th May 2025, this exclusive event is already the hottest ticket in town, with demand soaring for what promises to be a one-of-a-kind fashion spectacle, all in support of Northern Ireland Hospice and the RNLI.

Charlotte Dixon and Cindy McKendry

A Vision Brought to Life

The event is the result of a dynamic partnership between Charlotte Dixon of Elephant Rock Hotel and creative director Cindy McKendry, who first came together thanks to a suggestion from Lou Gillett of Atlantic Design Studio. What started as a conversation quickly snowballed into something much bigger.

"I always wanted to do a fashion show here," said Charlotte, owner of Elephant Rock Hotel. "As soon as we started talking, Cindy and I just clicked. 

“We spent hours bouncing ideas off each other although Cindy has been the driver in this.

"Originally, I thought of something more low-key during the day, but once I saw Cindy’s vision and her connections, it was clear this could be something much bigger. It made perfect sense to link Irish design with an event that celebrates creativity and also gives back to charity."

The entire team at Elephant Rock is gearing up for the show, including Joanne Boyle, General Manager of the hotel, who is embracing the excitement.

"Our team is used to unusual events," says Joanne. "However, this fashion event is a fascinating prospect, and my team are looking forward to it and very excited by it."

Cindy explained the concept: “When you look at the beautiful surroundings on the doorstep of the hotel, it seemed natural to go down the route of a sundowner and an Ibiza-esque theme.

“Everything has been thought out in great detail right down to the music so that everything has got a story. The location here in the hotel is just amazing and it lends itself to fashion.”

An Exclusive Showcase of Irish Design

At the heart of Rêverie is a show-stopping runway featuring some of Ireland’s most celebrated designers – from Aoife Lifestyle, Clare Garvey, Electronic Sheep, Shauna Fay, and Una Rodden to Atlantic Design Studio, Grainne Maher, Marie-Claire Millinery, and Taylor Yates.

London-based designer Kevan Jon is even flying in for the occasion, while renowned Irish stylist Cathy O’Connor will attend as Guest of Honour.

Fronting the show as the Face of the Event is none other than Nuala Meenehan, one of Northern Ireland’s most recognised models, who continues to inspire with her timeless elegance and presence.

The runway itself will be brought to life by a handpicked selection of top models from Cathy Martin’s CMPR agency, ensuring a show of unrivalled professionalism and glamour.

For Cindy, this event is about more than just fashion.

"There are so many fantastic Irish designers, but nothing that brings them together as a collective," she explains. "Rêverie is about shining a light on their talent and giving them a platform to be seen, appreciated, and celebrated."

And for fashion fans, one auction item is set to steal the spotlight – a Hope Macaulay cardigan. The local designer has taken the fashion world by storm, with her iconic oversized knitwear worn by A-list celebrities worldwide.

Cindy sums it up best: “What an absolutely amazing auction piece for Rêverie. Hope Macaulay is putting Irish design firmly on the map, and to have one of her pieces available on the night is incredible."

Alongside this item, the auction will feature one-of-a-kind art and fashion prizes, carefully curated for the event, ensuring guests will be bidding in style.

Music, After-Party & Unmissable Moments

The event will be hosted by compère Alan Simpson, with the behind-the-scenes magic ensuring every model is runway-ready – will be renowned Backstage Manager Katherin Farries and a glam team of beauty pros featuring Lisa CB, Claire Graham, Emily McIntyre, Mark McCloy (MGM), and Stephen Campbell (Hair + Co) will bring the model looks to life.

And, as the sun sets, DJs 33/45, Greg Lundy, and Tony DasRymer will keep the Ibiza vibes alive into the night, while Event AV ensures every moment is captured in spectacular sound and vision.

To top it all off, guests will walk away with gorgeous goody bags, packed with treats to remind them of the glamour and magic of the night.

A Sensory Cocktail Experience Like No Other

Fashion might be the main event, but Rêverie is a full sensory experience. Guests will be treated to a sundowner supper, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, alongside exquisite paired cocktails.

But this isn’t just any cocktail experience. Elephant Rock’s mixologists are bringing an innovative, New York-inspired concept to Portrush, with cocktails that engage all five senses - sight, smell, taste, touch, and even sound. 

Think misting aromas, crackling garnishes, colour-changing drinks, and textural surprises that transform every sip into an unforgettable moment.

"We wanted to create something that wasn’t just about taste but about the full sensory experience," added Cindy. “This is the kind of innovation you'd expect in New York or London, and we’re bringing it right here to Portrush."

Tickets Are Already in High Demand

With so much excitement surrounding Rêverie, it’s no surprise that tickets are already in high demand.

“The tickets will be limited, and it's going to be the hottest ticket in town," says Cindy. "People are already getting in touch, and we expect they’ll be snapped up fast.”

Tickets officially go on sale on 1st March, but pre-booking is now open at the Elephant Rock Hotel via the pre-booking hotline at 028-7087-8787.

For further information check out the show's Facebook page: bit.ly/4hlB3ue 

Don’t Miss Out!

With high fashion, an exclusive location, an unforgettable cocktail experience, and a star-studded lineup, Rêverie at Elephant Rock is set to be the event of 2025.

The only question is - will you be there?