VIP publisher Michael O'Doherty has revealed the reason why he's decided to stop renting and get on the property ladder.

"Seven years ago, I bought John Ryan out of his stake in VIP and TV Now. I needed a big loan to do it and my last repayment is in March. Then for the first time in my life, I will have some money. This is why I can afford to buy a place."

Michael is currently up to his eyes planning the Peter Mark VIP Style Awards which take place in the Shelbourne on 6 March. He's at pains to point out that he's not a dress-hire service.

"With the Style Awards coming up, I get woman thinking out loud in my company as to who might lend them a dress for the night?

"They think that if I know such-and-such a designer, I might even ask on their behalf. I will in my arse do that. Do it yourself."

While some will spend thousands on their gown, Michael tells me one VIP nominee has gone down the cheap route.

"I got a text from someone well-known saying she had just bought the dress she would wear on the night and it cost her €88. €88! People will be sick when they find out who it is."

While we're on the subject of awards, last Thursday the green brigade gathered in Hollywood for the fourth annual Oscar Wilde: Honouring The Irish In Film night

Honoured on the night was super-agent Hylda Queally who looks after such a-listers as Cate Blanchett and Penélope Cruz.

Supplying the music were the delectable Gemma Hayes, Laura Izibor and Republic of Loose.