It was an evening of fabulous frocks and fashionable faces. The second annual Scottish Fashion Awards, held at Stirling Castle last night, was a thoroughly glamorous affair.
It was an evening of fabulous frocks and fashionable faces. The second annual Scottish Fashion Awards, held at Stirling Castle last night, was a thoroughly glamorous affair.
Swathed in dresses made from the finest satins and silks, the cream of Scotland's fashion industry gathered in the Great Hall of Stirling Castle for a lavish ceremony which included celebrity sightings as well as two exclusive musical performances.
Winners included celebrated designer Christopher Kane, named Designer of the Year. He had been expected to attend the event but had to pull out at the last minute after his London home was broken into and his forthcoming Spring-Summer collection stolen.
Some of the most famous names in Scottish fashion were in attendance.
The host, Jenni Falconer, arrived with her husband, actor James Midgley, who starred in the hit TV series Cutting It.
The Scottish Fashion Awards, for which The Herald is media partner, was watched by 250 invited guests. The ceremony covered nine categories including retailer of the year and model of the year.
"With nine categories and over 40 spectacular nominees, there is no doubt that we do have a Scottish fashion industry," said Tessa Hartman of the TFF Agency, who established the awards last year.
"To have so many amazing designers there in person was testament to that fact. There is genuine excitement and buzz in the market place right now and the Cool Caledonia nuance is truly beginning to take shape - that's the feedback I was getting.
"Our plans were always ambitious but to see Fashion Scotland' on show the week preceding London Fashion Week was quite an unbelievable thrill, not only for the designers who were present, but for our glittering audience and glamorous VIP guests too. We can be proud on every front."
Highlights of the evening included young designer and Central St Martin's graduate Louise Gray scooping the New Talent Award for her intricate embroidery work and colourful designs.
Though he couldn't make it to the event, fashion fans were delighted that Kane, last year's New Talent winner, had won the coveted award for Designer of the Year.
Model of the Year went to Edinburgh University medical student Brigid McGaw who has worked with names such as Gucci and Maybelline. Pringle of Scotland took the Cashmere/Textile Designers of the Year award for its innovative catwalk collections.
The Herald Icon Award went to Texas lead singer, Sharleen Spiteri, who could not attend the event due to work commitments.
Internationally renowned designer, Graeme Black, who has recently resigned from his position as head designer at Italian label Ferragamo to concentrate on his own label, was inducted into the Scottish Fashion Awards Hall of Fame.
Janette Harkess, deputy editor of The Herald and a member of the judging panel of the Scottish Fashion Awards 2007 said: "As the high-quality shortlist of nominees attests, Scotland's continuing contribution to the global fashion industry is extremely impressive.
"It is very fitting that the international success achieved by individuals and Scottish businesses should also be recognised and celebrated here at home."
Other nominees included Jonathan Saunders and Deryck Walker for Designer of the Year, Johnstons of Elgin and Queene & Belle for Cashmere Designers of the Year and lingerie shop Boudiche for Retailer of the Year.
Famous guests attending the event included the culture minister, Linda Fabiani, as well as sports presenter Alan Hansen, actress Blythe Duff, interior designer John Amabile and respected international fashion designer Brian Rennie, who was also a member of the judging panel.
After walking up the red carpet to the castle, guests were treated to a champagne reception before attending the award ceremony.
During the event onlookers were given a performance by Glasgow-based singer/songwriter, Eoghan Colgan, who was backed by a string quartet. Guests were also treated to a performance by producer Ed Case, who has worked with Gorillaz and most recently with KT Tunstall.
After dinner, the 250 invited guests and winners joined more fashionable revellers for the after show party, which finished at 2am this morning.
The Scottish Fashion Awards judging panel were the Daily Telegraph's fashion director Hilary Alexander, Vogue's fashion director Kate Phelan, Janette Harkess of The Herald, and fashion designer Brian Rennie.
- In The Herald Magazine this Saturday: Our in-depth 16 page guide to the Scottish Fashion Awards, including the winners and exclusive backstage pictures.
The winners
Designer of the Year, sponsored by Hamilton and Inches: Christopher Kane
The Herald Fashion Icon Award: Sharleen Spiteri
Model of the Year, sponsored by Charlie Taylor Hairdressing: Brigid McGaw
New Talent Award, sponsored by the Scottish Government: Louise Gray
Cashmere/Textile Designer of the Year, sponsored by Scottish Enterprise: Pringle of Scotland
Accessory Designer of the Year, sponsored by Hotel Du Vin One Devonshire: Mackintosh
Communicator of the Year, sponsored by Continental: Nick Haddow (photographer)
Retailer of the Year, sponsored by the City of Stirling: Schuh
Hall of Fame Award, sponsored by Bentley Motors UK: Graeme Black
