THE cream of the online fashion industry in Scotland has celebrated the most dynamic retailers, bloggers, stylists and entrepreneurs at at The Herald Online Fashion Awards.

The event consisted of an exhibitors lounge that allowed guests to experience designer nicci.n fashion, House of Fraser’s latest fashion trends, The Academy of Makeup top tips and sampling of Menabrea Birra.

Broadcaster, Janice Forsyth was the host for last night’s awards at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow.

Guest speaker, Mark Shayler, spoke to the audience on the importance of online, the way that retail is changing and what the future holds for budding fashionistas.

This year the event has been organised in association with Zero Waste Scotland, Love Your Clothes and supported by Bridge 2 Business, House of Fraser, McGarry Fashion and mtc Media.

Lynn Wilson, of Zero Waste Scotland, which delivers Love Your Clothes in Scotland, said: “We would like to offer our congratulations to all of this year’s winners. The event showcased incredible talent from across the Scottish fashion industry and we were again overwhelmed by their flair and creativity.

“It is great to see those supporting sustainability and driving the industry being recognised for all their hard work. “The Herald Online Fashion Awards is a great opportunity for us to support Scotland’s booming fashion sector and highlight the opportunities and advantages through care with regard to the longevity of clothing. The Love Your Clothes campaign is all about choosing quality clothing, like that on show last night, and looking after it to get as much wear from it as possible.” Visit www.loveyourclothes.org.uk to find out more.”

This year a new category was introduced, Best Sustainable Online Business to recognise businesses that have an environmental sustainability policy. The award was presented to Elizabeth Martin Tweed for appealing directly to woman who have an understanding of the life of their garment.

The Best Online Newcomer Award, supported by mtc Media, went to Kestin Hare for their quality fabrics and UK production.

David Rankine, B business D development D director, mtc, said: “Huge congratulations to all the finalists – there was some truly outstanding entries this year.”

Blogger of The Year for Scotland, supported by House of Fraser, went to Honey Pop Kisses, on average the blog attracts around 18,000 unique visitors per month.

Lynne Herlihy, S store M manager at Frasers in Glasgow, said: “The talent across the fashion industry in Scotland is truly inspiring, not just within the Blogger of the Year category but across the whole creative sector.” This year also saw the first Scottish Online Fashion Graduate of the Year Award.

This year it was supported by Bridge 2 Business and the overall winner was KellyDawn Riot.

Geoff Leask, Chief Executive, Young Enterprise Scotland, said: “KellyDawn Riot is a fantastic example of the ‘Scotland Can Do’ approach that our creative graduates possess. The Bridge 2 Business Programme, as part of Young Enterprise Scotland were delighted to play a small part in The Herald Fashion Awards.”

For The People’s Choice Award we reached out to readers, twitter followers and fans of our finalists to find a winner. With 89 per cent of the votes, Bee Inspired Clothing won.

The Best Scottish Online Retailer of the Year, supported by McGarry Fashion, was won by Twisted Time for their innovative social media campaign, retail launch in London and click and collect service.

Andrew McGarry, Director, McGarry Fashion, said: “Scotland punches above its weight in music, so why not the fashion business.”

 

Best Use of Online Marketing
Winner: Isolated Heroes 
Commendation: Bee Inspired Clothing 
Trakke

Best Sustainable Online Business
Winner: Elizabeth Martin Tweed Aymee Charlton; Aimee Kent; 
Walker Slater

Best Online Newcomer – sponsored by mtc media
Winner: Kestin Hare 
Aymee Charlton; Aimee 
Kent


Online Accessory Retailer of the Year
Winner: Christian MacLeod  
Begg & Co; Bonnie Bling; Trakke

Blogger of the Year for Scotland – sponsored by House of Fraser
Winner: Honey Pop Kisses 
Brass Buttons and Confidence; Floral and Corals Blog; Wardrobe Conversations

Luxury Online Boutique of the Year
Winner: Begg & Co 
Commendation: Trakke 
Walker Slater; Christian MacLeod


Scottish Online Fashion Graduate of the Year – sponsored by Bridge 2 Business
Winner: KellyDawn Riot 
Dreamland Clothing; 
Aleena’s Boutique; Siobhan Mackenzi

Best Fashion Twitterati
Winner: IKRUSH 
Bonnie Bling; Trakke

People’s Choice Award
Winner: Bee Inspired Clothing 
Begg & Co; Rebecca Torres; Isolated Heroes; Trakke
Judges Award
Mallzee

Best Scottish Independent Online Retailer
Winner: Rebecca Torres 
Elizabeth Martin Tweed; 
Bee Inspired Clothing; Bonnie Bling

Scottish Online Retailer of the Year – sponsored by McGarry Fashion
Winner: Twisted Time 
Begg & Co; Wear Eponymous; 
Isolated Heroes