Exclusive: A host of familiar faces and some surprise new names make up the nominations for the 2009 Scottish Fashion Awards, unveiled today.

A host of familiar faces and some surprise new names make up the nominations for the 2009 Scottish Fashion Awards, unveiled today.

Christopher Kane, two-time Designer of the Year winner, is nominated for an award once again, while less familiar names such as accessory designer Hilary Laing and first-time nominee Laura Lees add some diversity to the competition, for which The Herald is a media partner.

The annual event, which is in its fourth year, will take place on Sunday June 21 at Stirling Castle in front of an exclusive selection of guests.

The audience, who are to be treated to a champagne reception, will include guests from all over Scotland as well as some from London, America, and Milan. VIPs at the awards will also be given a professional make-over by Toni & Guy and Mac cosmetics.

Tessa Hartmann, founder of the awards and chair of the judging panel, said: "The Scottish Fashion Awards is now seen as the most credible fashion platform in Scotland. We have provided an invaluable stage for new and innovative fashion talent and we've also provided an international platform for existing businesses to increase their awareness and commerce.

"Global fashion editors, buyers and brands are using these awards as a benchmark of success. We are delighted that despite these challenging times we are able to continue with these core objectives and work hard at putting the incredible Scottish fashion talent we have on the international map."

This year, the Designer of the Year category, sponsored by Vogue.com, is set to be one of the most hotly contested awards on the list. With nominees including Kane, Jonathan Saunders, Topshop designer Laura Lees and Graeme Black, who has recently gained kudos for dressing the Prime Minister's wife, Sarah Brown, this is a category that promises to divide the judges.

The Herald is sponsoring the Textile Brand of the Year category, which includes nominations for well-known labels such as Pringle of Scotland, Harris Tweed Hebrides and last year's category winner, Johnstons of Elgin.

Other categories include Accessory/Jewellery Designer of the Year, sponsored by Swarovski, and Scottish Fashion Awards Style Icon, which is sponsored by Marks & Spencer and will be voted for by the public.

There will also be a new category this year, Scottish Fashion Graduate of the Year, sponsored by Homecoming Scotland, to recognise young Caledonian talents who have studied at prestigious institutions such as Central St Martins, in London, and Edinburgh School of Art.

The recipient of the Hall of Fame award, sponsored by Hotel Du Vin, will be announced on the night. Previous winners of this prestigious accolade include Gant creative director Brian Rennie and famed international hairdresser Sam McKnight, who was last year's winner.

The ceremony will again be hosted by fashion TV presenter and columnist Louise Roe. The judging panel includes a list of top industry experts including Kate Phelan, fashion director of British Vogue; model Kirsty Hume; and Nathalie Colin, the creative director of Swarovski. Janette Harkess, deputy editor of The Herald, will also be on the judging panel for a third year.

Dolly Jones, editor of Vogue.com, who is also on the judging panel, said: "We are thrilled to be associated with the Scottish Fashion Awards for the second year running. It's a wonderfully glamorous event in Stirling Castle, whose style reflects the standard of fashion talent coming out of Scotland. I'm not looking forward to judging though - what a line-up."

Culture Minister Michael Russell said: "The Graduate of the Year award is an opportunity to showcase our young fashion designers, and modern Scotland, to the global audience taking part in the Homecoming celebrations."