The Scottish Fashion Awards isn't only the Scottish event of the summer, it's a fantastic platform for new Scottish talent. Jett Sweeney is a perfect example of this; graduating from Edinburgh's College of Art with a BA Hons in Fashion Design, Jett was nominated for the Graduate of the Year Award in 2010. As part of the judging process each candidate had to design a cocktail dress in line with the Marks & Spencer Limited Collection aesthetic, but also a dress that wouldn't look out of place on the SFAs red carpet. Jett won the prestigious award, and the 2010 judging panel and M&S were so impressed by Jett's winning design that they decided to place the dress in three flagships stores across the UK. Today, Jett, 22, launches her black shift with rivet detailing in Edinburgh's Princes Street store.
Dominic Fry, Director of Communications, Marks & Spencer, said: “I was very impressed with Jett and her design at the judging day last year. She was enthusiastic, passionate and – most importantly – her design was outstanding. The dress Jett has created really captures the fashion-forward nature of the Scottish Fashion Awards, whilst being a commercially viable product for M&S, which was absolutely what the brief asked for. I am sure the public will love it”.
Jett said: “It was a real honour to win this prestigious award and to be recognised by the Scottish Fashion Awards and such a fantastic brand like Marks & Spencer. The work placement I was fortunate enough to enter last summer was incredible – a real insight into how a major high street retailer comes up with it’s collections and turns them into a reality. Now, to have one of my own creations in a Marks & Spencer store and even worn by the public is every designer’s dream. I still actually can’t believe it and I am utterly thrilled at this incredible opportunity!”
Tessa Hartmann, Chair and Founder of the Scottish Fashion Awards, said: “The Scottish Fashion Awards is all about nurturing new talent and providing a platform for their creativity and skills. Jett’s dress being retailed within Marks & Spencer is the optimum platform any graduate could ask for and we are very grateful to the incredible British institution, Marks & Spencer for partnering with us and supporting Scottish fashion talent."
Personally, I really like the dress - the detailing and different textures are glamorous enough for the red carpet or a special event, while the style and colour means anyone can wear it. Even with problem areas (opaques for those who aren't so keen on legs, or a leather jacket if arms are an issue), this dress is a winner. Literally.
Ladies, sharpen your elbows: I get the feeling that Jett Sweeney won't be on the high street for long.
Above: the dress that captured the judges, and now the nation.
Jett's dress will be launched on Wednesday 23rd March and will retail in the Edinburgh Princes Street, Glasgow Argyle Street and London Marble Arch and online stores, priced at £95.
