Scottish Fashion Awards 2012

fashion style 6:14 AM

On Monday night, I attended the 7th annual Scottish Fashion Awards at the Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow, hosted by British style icon, Alexa Chung.

The event was held in association with InStyle magazine and Swarovski, and is an official event on the Swarovski Red Carpet Calendar, alongside The Oscars, Cannes Film Festival and The Golden Globes.

After walking the red carpet for the paparazzi, VIP guests were treated to a Moet Champagne reception at the Crowne Plaza before the awards ceremony took place in the auditorium. Alexa Chung did a brilliant job of hosting the awards; despite a few technical glitches, Chung held her own and made the audience laugh loudly when she announced that there had been a bit of a "cock-up". The rest of the ceremony was a huge success, with Scottish fashion talent being recognised for their achievements. Christopher Kane took home Designer of the Year while Dundee's very own Hayley Scanlan scooped Young Designer of Year, much to her surprise, but I suspect not to anyone else's. Scanlan has worked so hard over the past couple of years, as well as becoming a new mum to twin boys - she thoroughly deserves the prestigious award as much for her recent success (made harder by being based out of London) as for her edgy/sexy designs. Other winners included Dr Who actress, Karen Gillan as Style Icon, Jonathan Daniel Pryce for Fashion Photographer and William Chambers for Accessory Designer. Fashion commentator and historian, Colin McDowell MBE, was awarded Fashion Ambassador, while supermodel Stella Tennant received heartfelt congratulations via video message from Mario Testino and Karl Lagerfeld for being inducted into the Scottish Hall of Fame. During the ceremony, Dionne Bromfield and Tallia Storm gave stellar performances and for one night only, Swarovski's couture fashion show was brought from Paris to Scotland.

After the ceremony, VIP guests were treated to a gala dinner of smoked salmon, fillet of beef and a handbag shaped dessert and beneath their tables were goody bags filled with over £350 worth of treats from Radley, M&S, Swarovski, Bare Minerals and the Blythswood Hotel Spa, among others. I was seated at Alexa Chung's table, alongside Lorraine Pringle (Head of Marketing at Radley), Caroline Rush (Chief Executive, British Fashion Council) and Michael Hennegan (The Sunday Times Style). After dinner, dancing ensued on a runway-style dancefloor, with Savile Row tailor and fashion designer, Patrick Grant dancing the night away along with New York stylist Derek Warburton, while other guests including Oliver Proudlock (star of hit show Made In Chelsea), Hilary Alexander (The Telegraph) and actress Karen Gillan mingled with the other VIPs.

All-in-all, the event was a huge success. It was also announced on the evening that founder of the Scottish Fashion Awards, Tessa Hartmann will receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor from Glasgow Caledonian University later this month in recognition of her achievements in promoting Scotland's contribution to the fashion industry, both at home and overseas. Hartmann, who wore a black leather gown by Dundee-born fashion designer, Brian Rennie, should be extremely proud of the event, which has gained international coverage over the years - her relentless promotion of Scottish fashion has most definitely paid off!