She may have been delayed for more than an hour – but in the end Naomi Campbell proved to be very much worth the wait.
The supermodel flew into the capital – a city she once called home – on a private jet (natch) yesterday morning and this afternoon was unveiled as the brand new face of Newbridge Silver.
Over the next two years, Ms Campbell will front campaigns for the Irish jewellery company, kicking off with the Little Blue Box drive.
Proud as punch Newbridge CEO William Doyle said this afternoon that the supermodel was "one of the the most beautiful and recognisable faces in the world".
He added that she embodies "grace, style, beauty and strength," and was thus an "ideal fit" for the brand.
And certainly, Ms Campbell looked radiant this afternoon wearing black leather sleeveless dress by Alexander McQueen.
Facing around 40 members of the media, including the likes of Anne Doyle, Glenda Gilson, Andrea Roche (who booked her on behalf of Newbridge Silver), Holly White, and Michele McGrath, the model said she misses her time in Dublin.
"The city has changed so much and grown so much, though," she added. "I remember walking down Grafton Street and popping into a load of the different pubs – I always remember getting free pints of Guinness. I never used to pay!"
She also made sure to look up old friends; Ali Hewson, the wife of U2 frontman, Bono, being top of her must-see list.
Undeniably, and now into her fifth decade with an incredible 30-year career under her belt, Naomi looks breathtaking – something this afternoon she attributed to plenty of yoga and Pilates as well as a "balanced" approach to food and diet.
"Not too much sugar," she stated, "plenty of water and sleep – but I live my life too."
Though she swore she's not high-maintenance when it comes to her off-duty beauty regime.
"Yes, I do love fashion," she confirmed, "but I like to go fresh-faced when I'm not working – I like to let my skin breathe."
The 45-year-old beauty, a former love-interest of Irishmen Adam Clayton and Michael Fassbender, this afternoon makes her way to RTE to pre-record a segment for The Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy.
As well as boasting one of the most impressive and lengthy catwalk careers of any model, Ms Campbell also has something of a reputation for court-appearances.
Earlier this year, the Londoner was convicted of scratching a photographer's eye in Sicily six years ago.
She even was handed down a six-month sentence by an Italian court – though the term was subsequently suspended.
Still, Ireland certainly suits her and it seems that Naomi will be spending significantly more time here now that she's signed the dotted line with the Kildare-based brand.
Up first: she'll be launching an as-yet still under wraps project next month, and in a personal capacity says she's looking forward to visiting the famed Newbridge Silverware Museum Of Style Icons.
"I have to see Michael Jackson's glove!" she laughed.
Ms Campbell, who has reportedly been courted by Newbridge for some time and has taken a generous six-figure sum for the gig, of course takes over as the face of the company from Amy Huberman.
Mr Doyle praised Amy for her "major contribution" to Newbridge, but also said it was time for a change. "That's just the nature of brands," he explained.
