Post by Helen on Mar 7, 2005 20:46:59 GMT
RONAN'S BEAUTIFUL WIFE YVONNE KEATING IN HER MOST GLAMOROUS PHOTOSHOOT EVER, TALKS ABOUT WORK, MOTHERHOOD AND HER NEW ROLE.
As she launches the flagship store for House Of Fraser, Yvonne Keating models their top labels and talks exclusively to VIP about style, celebrity and motherhood.
When British retail giant, House of Fraser were choosing a face to launch their Irish flagship store at the spectactular new Dundrum centre in Dublin, Yvonne Keating was the obvious choice. The epitome of modern women, Yvonne is sophisticated, confident and vibrat, with many facets to her life - she's a wife, mother and business woman. As Ronan Keating's wife, she also experiences much of the ups and downs of celebrity lifestyle. But House of Fraser's new 'face' doesn't let the media frenzy go to her head. Indeed, she is flattered to be asked to launch the store and in this exclusive interview with VIP, puts her glamerous life in context, "Let's face it - whether you work or not, whether you're at home minding kids or out doing a job, or both, everyone's busy."
Yvonne may be modern women personified, but she's also beautiful, stylish, a former model, and she's one of our own. Like most women, she loves to dress up for a special occasion - we often see her looking stunning on the red carpet, as she accompanies husband Ronan to big international award ceremonies. But life isnt all glamourous gowns and fabulous parties for this mum of two, as she tells VIP, "I find that evening gowns don't really work on the school run!" she jokes.
To celebrate the opening of House of Fraser at Dundrum, on March 3rd, VIP caught up with Yvonne for this stunning photoshoot, where she models her favourite choices from the exciting range of labels which will be available at the store, and talks to VIP about motherhood, style and being married to a famous man.
House of Fraser is the biggest thing to happen in retailing in Dublin for decades; how do you feel about launching it?
I'm really excited about it. I've heard so much about House of Fraser opening, and now its finally happening. I just wish it was nearer home! But Dundrum is a great spot for a new centre of fashion.
As a store, it represents women who are working, mothers, wives or partners, something you know all about.
Yes, I'm really flattered that they asked me. I'm representative of what women go through today. Let's face it whether you work or not, whether you're at home minding the kids or out doing a job, or both, everyones busy. They saw that in me.
Are you working at the moment?
I'm a housewife and a mother and I also work in a number of companies, both property and spin-offs from Ronan's business. I love property and really enjoy getting involved in buying and selling. I do the groundwork.
You're also a busy mum; how old are your two children now?
Jack is six and Marie is four. Jack started school last year and Marie will start in September. She's very confident and all psyched up about school, which is great. It means I dont have to worry about her. It's a new adventure and I'm excited for her. Jack's a typical boy - he loves to get out and play football and get dirty. He's great fun. Everyone thinks their child is different, but at the end of the day, they're all fairly typical!
We see you in the media wearing fabulous designer gowns, so we imagine life is always like that for you - is it?
Not at all! I tend to go from one extreme to the other - its either tracksuits or eveing gowns! I find that eveing gowns don't really work on the school run! I love extremes. During the week, I throw on a tracksuit and don't wear make-up. Then when there's a big event on, I love the formal wear and all that goes with it, the hair style, the make-up, the accessories. I suppose, because I don't wear make-up normally, I love the whole dressing up thing. It's nice, after being in a tracksuit for three weeks, to dress up and look in the mirror and say, "I do look OK!"
So you go to the supermarket without make-up?
Every day!
Describe your style.I don't know, I think someone else would have to describe it. I like so many different looks - sometimes I want to look sexy, sometimes classic, or rock chick or 40's. I like to go for a whole look, so if I go for a 40's look I'll do my hair and make-up in that style. I suppose I dress for my mood and where I'm going, whether its ripped jeans and a sexy top, or a demure dress.
Do you enjoy shopping?
Occassionally, when I don't need something. But when I do, it's so hard. I realy hate, hate shopping for jeans, it makes my skin crawl! There's just too much choice and they are so personal.
When you are walking up the red carpet with banks of photographers clicking madly, is it intimidating?
Not really, because of my modelling background. I think it would have been without that. There've been times when it has been a bit intimidating, such as the MTV awards, when there are hundreds of photographers - that was a bit scary! But I don't get nervous now. I realise it's not about me. It's about Ro, he's the one who's interviewed. So there's no pressure really on me.
Any tips on posing for the cameras?
Perfect women will always say, stand there and look natural, but you can't say that to someone with a big tummy or wide hips. I have a few problem areas that I've learned to hide! So it's really a case of knowing your best assets and learning how to diminish your faults.
How do you choose your red carpet outfits?
Sometimes I like to wear something new, usually from next season, but I often wear something thats in my wardrobe already and change the way I wear it, maybe an evening skirt and change the top, or change the accesories so it looks different.
Can you be seen in the same thing twice?
No - I made that mistake once, I wore the same outfit six months apart, and I think it was Now! Magazine reported it! You've got to laugh!
Do designers want to dress you and give you free clothes?
A lot of designers are very generous. I think there can be a great relationship between a designer and a celebrity, particularly if the celebrity is very famous and photographed a lot - and I'm not talking about myself!
Do you miss modelling?
I don't miss full-time modelling. I always remember it was so cold! You were always in some draughty old house, or outdoors in the middle of winter in light summer clothes. I used to bring my own heater with me! But I really enjoy days like this with VIP and House of Fraser. Anything I do now is usually for someone I know and I have a personal reason to do it. But in terms of full-time modelling - been there, done that!
Do you still hang out with your modelling friends?
Amanda Byram is one of my best friends. She's doing extremely well and I'm so proud of her. She's really hardworking, she's ambitious and absolutely lovely and talented. I always knew she'd do it.
What are the pressures of being in the public eye?
I suppose bad publicity. But to be honest, I've had very little of that. It's not about me. Fame by association is different to being famous yourself. Some say it's worse that being famous, because the famous person is prepared for all the publicity and the partner isn't. I haven't had a downside. We're very down to earth and we're pretty careful - you don't tell everyone your business.
Do you travel a lot with Ronan?
I used to travel with Ronan a lot, but when Jack started school I couldn't. Ronan travelled more when he was with Boyzone but since he's gone solo, not so much. It's hard when you're in band, you can't control things and you have to do what everyone else is doing. As a solo artist, he can control where he goes and what he does. When Brian McFadden decided to leave Westlife to be with his family, despite what happened since, I really understood that. It's important to be able to say when you are travelling, "I want to go home and spend time with my family."
Has Ronan's solo career made a difference to your lives?
We got together when Boyzone were nearing the end, so it hasn't changed that much. The big thing for Ronan is that he makes his own decisions and he's doing what he wants, so he's happier and that makes me happy.
How did you meet Ronan?
We met when we were 13, briefly. Then we met again years later, around the time that Ronan was presenting the Eurovision. We were friends for about a year and a half and then it gradually progressed to falling in love. We're married almost seven years now.
What age are you?
I'm 31.
You're very honest about your age.
Well I have to be! My birthday was last week and Jack stood at the gate of his school and shouted, "My mummy's 31 today!" So there's no point in lying!
What do you like to do with the children?
I hate to see them sitting around the house. I love to get them out, but at this time of year the weather is often battling against you. For a treat, they love to go to the movies. They're really happy playing with their friends and cousins. They're good travellers too, they're used to it.
As she launches the flagship store for House Of Fraser, Yvonne Keating models their top labels and talks exclusively to VIP about style, celebrity and motherhood.
When British retail giant, House of Fraser were choosing a face to launch their Irish flagship store at the spectactular new Dundrum centre in Dublin, Yvonne Keating was the obvious choice. The epitome of modern women, Yvonne is sophisticated, confident and vibrat, with many facets to her life - she's a wife, mother and business woman. As Ronan Keating's wife, she also experiences much of the ups and downs of celebrity lifestyle. But House of Fraser's new 'face' doesn't let the media frenzy go to her head. Indeed, she is flattered to be asked to launch the store and in this exclusive interview with VIP, puts her glamerous life in context, "Let's face it - whether you work or not, whether you're at home minding kids or out doing a job, or both, everyone's busy."
Yvonne may be modern women personified, but she's also beautiful, stylish, a former model, and she's one of our own. Like most women, she loves to dress up for a special occasion - we often see her looking stunning on the red carpet, as she accompanies husband Ronan to big international award ceremonies. But life isnt all glamourous gowns and fabulous parties for this mum of two, as she tells VIP, "I find that evening gowns don't really work on the school run!" she jokes.
To celebrate the opening of House of Fraser at Dundrum, on March 3rd, VIP caught up with Yvonne for this stunning photoshoot, where she models her favourite choices from the exciting range of labels which will be available at the store, and talks to VIP about motherhood, style and being married to a famous man.
House of Fraser is the biggest thing to happen in retailing in Dublin for decades; how do you feel about launching it?
I'm really excited about it. I've heard so much about House of Fraser opening, and now its finally happening. I just wish it was nearer home! But Dundrum is a great spot for a new centre of fashion.
As a store, it represents women who are working, mothers, wives or partners, something you know all about.
Yes, I'm really flattered that they asked me. I'm representative of what women go through today. Let's face it whether you work or not, whether you're at home minding the kids or out doing a job, or both, everyones busy. They saw that in me.
Are you working at the moment?
I'm a housewife and a mother and I also work in a number of companies, both property and spin-offs from Ronan's business. I love property and really enjoy getting involved in buying and selling. I do the groundwork.
You're also a busy mum; how old are your two children now?
Jack is six and Marie is four. Jack started school last year and Marie will start in September. She's very confident and all psyched up about school, which is great. It means I dont have to worry about her. It's a new adventure and I'm excited for her. Jack's a typical boy - he loves to get out and play football and get dirty. He's great fun. Everyone thinks their child is different, but at the end of the day, they're all fairly typical!
We see you in the media wearing fabulous designer gowns, so we imagine life is always like that for you - is it?
Not at all! I tend to go from one extreme to the other - its either tracksuits or eveing gowns! I find that eveing gowns don't really work on the school run! I love extremes. During the week, I throw on a tracksuit and don't wear make-up. Then when there's a big event on, I love the formal wear and all that goes with it, the hair style, the make-up, the accessories. I suppose, because I don't wear make-up normally, I love the whole dressing up thing. It's nice, after being in a tracksuit for three weeks, to dress up and look in the mirror and say, "I do look OK!"
So you go to the supermarket without make-up?
Every day!
Describe your style.I don't know, I think someone else would have to describe it. I like so many different looks - sometimes I want to look sexy, sometimes classic, or rock chick or 40's. I like to go for a whole look, so if I go for a 40's look I'll do my hair and make-up in that style. I suppose I dress for my mood and where I'm going, whether its ripped jeans and a sexy top, or a demure dress.
Do you enjoy shopping?
Occassionally, when I don't need something. But when I do, it's so hard. I realy hate, hate shopping for jeans, it makes my skin crawl! There's just too much choice and they are so personal.
When you are walking up the red carpet with banks of photographers clicking madly, is it intimidating?
Not really, because of my modelling background. I think it would have been without that. There've been times when it has been a bit intimidating, such as the MTV awards, when there are hundreds of photographers - that was a bit scary! But I don't get nervous now. I realise it's not about me. It's about Ro, he's the one who's interviewed. So there's no pressure really on me.
Any tips on posing for the cameras?
Perfect women will always say, stand there and look natural, but you can't say that to someone with a big tummy or wide hips. I have a few problem areas that I've learned to hide! So it's really a case of knowing your best assets and learning how to diminish your faults.
How do you choose your red carpet outfits?
Sometimes I like to wear something new, usually from next season, but I often wear something thats in my wardrobe already and change the way I wear it, maybe an evening skirt and change the top, or change the accesories so it looks different.
Can you be seen in the same thing twice?
No - I made that mistake once, I wore the same outfit six months apart, and I think it was Now! Magazine reported it! You've got to laugh!
Do designers want to dress you and give you free clothes?
A lot of designers are very generous. I think there can be a great relationship between a designer and a celebrity, particularly if the celebrity is very famous and photographed a lot - and I'm not talking about myself!
Do you miss modelling?
I don't miss full-time modelling. I always remember it was so cold! You were always in some draughty old house, or outdoors in the middle of winter in light summer clothes. I used to bring my own heater with me! But I really enjoy days like this with VIP and House of Fraser. Anything I do now is usually for someone I know and I have a personal reason to do it. But in terms of full-time modelling - been there, done that!
Do you still hang out with your modelling friends?
Amanda Byram is one of my best friends. She's doing extremely well and I'm so proud of her. She's really hardworking, she's ambitious and absolutely lovely and talented. I always knew she'd do it.
What are the pressures of being in the public eye?
I suppose bad publicity. But to be honest, I've had very little of that. It's not about me. Fame by association is different to being famous yourself. Some say it's worse that being famous, because the famous person is prepared for all the publicity and the partner isn't. I haven't had a downside. We're very down to earth and we're pretty careful - you don't tell everyone your business.
Do you travel a lot with Ronan?
I used to travel with Ronan a lot, but when Jack started school I couldn't. Ronan travelled more when he was with Boyzone but since he's gone solo, not so much. It's hard when you're in band, you can't control things and you have to do what everyone else is doing. As a solo artist, he can control where he goes and what he does. When Brian McFadden decided to leave Westlife to be with his family, despite what happened since, I really understood that. It's important to be able to say when you are travelling, "I want to go home and spend time with my family."
Has Ronan's solo career made a difference to your lives?
We got together when Boyzone were nearing the end, so it hasn't changed that much. The big thing for Ronan is that he makes his own decisions and he's doing what he wants, so he's happier and that makes me happy.
How did you meet Ronan?
We met when we were 13, briefly. Then we met again years later, around the time that Ronan was presenting the Eurovision. We were friends for about a year and a half and then it gradually progressed to falling in love. We're married almost seven years now.
What age are you?
I'm 31.
You're very honest about your age.
Well I have to be! My birthday was last week and Jack stood at the gate of his school and shouted, "My mummy's 31 today!" So there's no point in lying!
What do you like to do with the children?
I hate to see them sitting around the house. I love to get them out, but at this time of year the weather is often battling against you. For a treat, they love to go to the movies. They're really happy playing with their friends and cousins. They're good travellers too, they're used to it.
