The December Issue – Editor’s Welcome

From jewel-toned separates and gathered lace midis to the tasselled tux and pointed pumps, this season’s partywear is confident and sophisticated, with a hint of a rebellious edge. The same could be said of the winners of this year’s IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year Awards. A worthy roll call of Irish women who run rings around the one-dimensional labels so often associated with our gender. This year’s victors covered a lot of bases – game-changers, rule-breakers, and trailblazers, who have all demonstrated excellence in the workplace and are using their positions to improve the lives of the women around them. In a year that’s seemed especially hard for everyone, these entrepreneurial spirits represent so many of the things I am thankful for right now. Each and every year I am enthralled and inspired by the entries, and 2017 was no different. I’m especially proud to be part of a magazine that recognises their contributions and celebrates them. The brainchild of editor-in-chief Melanie Morris 11 years ago, the awards now represent one of the social highlights of the calendar year, and marks our unofficial start to the festive season.

The holidays will look and feel a little different depending on which corner of the country you’re in, and your circumstances. But hopefully, for most of us, it will involve friends, family and a little much-needed time out. Having grown up with as close to picture-perfect Christmases as you could find, I’ve since experienced the flipside, when a loved one passed away and I grasped to connect with any of the greeting card criteria. I know what it’s like to be in pain, and worse still, to watch people I love in pain, when the rest of the world seems to be necking mulled wine or holidaying in Tulum. It certainly takes some of the sparkle away, which is probably why I continue to overcompensate with sequins. This year, at least, I have the personal approval of Italian fashion icon Giovanna Battaglia (page 65), who assures me she too will be adding some glitter for the occasion. Whatever your Christmas holds, I hope it brings you peace and a few nice presents for good measure.

See our cover girl come to life in our exclusive behind the scenes video below.

Until next issue,

Rosaleen McMeel
Editor

@rosaleenmc

IMAGE December 2017