Scottish Fashion Awards 2011
Last night, the Scottish Fashion Awards were held at the architecturally renowned Glasgow Science Centre in association with Vogue.com UK.
Samantha Cameron (left, with Tessa Hartmann), in her role as Ambassador to the British Fashion Council, was guest of honour to present top designer Jonathan Saunders with the coveted award for Scottish Fashion Designer of the Year 2011. Cameron said, "I'm thrilled to be here in Glasgow Scotland
Along with the Prime Minister's wife, VIPS including Dame Shirley Bassey (wearing a dress by Scottish designer, Graeme Black) and male supermodel, David Gandy (named as one of the highest paid male models in Forbes, and currently the face of Dolce & Gabbana) graced the purple carpet along with MTV presenter, Laura Whitmore, who was hosting the ceremony for the second year running. The awards ceremony was followed by a black tie gala dinner and Swarovski runway show, with current darling of pop, Yasmin performing for some of the fashion industry's most influential figures at the after party.
Creative Director of Swarovski (official sponsor), Nathalie Colin said, "Joining the jury for the 3rd year has been an incredible honour for me and a responsibility I was delighted to fulfill once again. Swarovski has always been supportive of emerging talent of which there has been an abundance of this evening. One cannot fail to be impressed by the immense talent from the selection of nominees and the winners – a real showcase for Scotland as a nation."
To honour the Scots, Colin created a few unique Swarovski pieces especially for the evening – a Saltire encrusted Kiosque bag, which was presented to various celebrities and a Saltire Nirvana Ring, which was worn by host Laura Whitmore.
Other esteemed judges included global fashion industry high-flyers such as Dolly Jones (Editor of Vogue.com UK), Hilary Alexander (Fashion Director of The Daily Telegraph), Paula Reed (Style Director Grazia), Sarah Bailey (Deputy Editor Harper's Bazaar), Eilidh McAskill (Editor InStyle) and Brian Duffy (President of Ralph Lauren Europe), who were all in attendance to see winners honoured for their achievements in the international fashion industry.
Jonathan Saunders (left) won the prestigious Scottish Designer of the Year Award (perhaps unsurprisingly to those in the know), while other winners included Henrietta Ludgate for Scottish Young Designer of the Year, Harris Tweed Hebrides for Scottish Textile Brand of the Year, Bebaroque for Scottish Accessory Designer of the Year and Tali Lennox for Scottish Model of the Year. The International Designer of the Year (for use of a Scottish fabric) went to trend-setter Henry Holland, while Hilary Alexander was named Fashion Ambassador. The Scottish Hall of Fame? Rankin, of course.
Tessa Hartmann, founder and producer of the Scottish Fashion Awards said: "Tonight we have witnessed an impressive showcase of Scottish fashion talent, working in their respective fields around the world. From our most prominent textile manufacturers, to leading designers, models, fashion innovators and educators, it’s a list that would stand its ground against the world’s biggest fashion capitals – all Scottish, all flying our fashionable flag. To have this sort of attendance and credibility is not only an honour for the awards ceremony, it’s an honour for Scotland and the idealistic and contemporary perception we want and need for our country to compete internationally.
"We work very hard to provide a global showcase for all our nominees and winners. But this is not just about one night; it’s about presenting a showcase of ‘Fashion Scotland’ that can last a lifetime, encourage retail growth, investment in our manufacturers and highlight our creativity globally. This evening’s star performers are a wonderful asset to Scotland and I salute them all.
"I am incredibly grateful that Samantha Cameron supports Scotland’s fashion industry by her attendance as an Ambassador. It means a lot not just to the awards ceremony but to the nominees and winners themselves, proving that ‘Fashion Scotland’ is being taken seriously."
If you ask me, it's a real shame that the Scottish Government doesn't support the event, because it really is a missed opportunity in terms of increasing awareness of and attracting business to Scotland's fashion and textile industry. The Scottish Fashion Awards have really grown over the past few years and are fast becoming one of the world's most glamorous and attended events. Tessa and her team have worked incredibly hard to promote and establish the awards, which are now firmly on Swarovski's Official Red Carpet Calendar along with the Oscars, Golden Globes and Cannes Film Festival. The event has also received an incredible amount of support from the fashion industry - initially from Scottish designers, models and media, but in the last couple of years an overwhelming level of support has come from the international fashion industry, proof that we really are producing some incredibly talented people but also proof of Hartmann's dedication to the Scottish fashion industry.
Surely the final stamp of approval from Vogue.com confirms that this is an event that continues to drive forward Scottish fashion, and that the talent emerging from Scotland is a force to be reckoned with.
Surely the final stamp of approval from Vogue.com confirms that this is an event that continues to drive forward Scottish fashion, and that the talent emerging from Scotland is a force to be reckoned with.
Clockwise from top left: Hilary Alexander, Angus Munro, Henry Holland, Freya Mavor, Caitlin Jamieson, Henrietta Ludgate, Professor Pamela Gillies with Eilidh MacAskill and Wendy Dagworth, Samantha Cameron with Jonathan Saunders and Holly Fulton, Laura Whitmore, Campbell Dunn, Rankin.
Above images courtesy of Hartmann Media/Scottish Fashion Awards, with thanks.
Official Sponsors of the Scottish Fashion Awards included Swarovski, Bobbi Brown, Toni & Guy, M&S, Mercedes-Benz West of Scotland, The Herald and Times Group, Braehead, Hotel Du Vin Group, Warehouse, Highland Spring, Smart of Glasgow and Glasgow Airport.
Scottish Fashion Awards 2011, The Winners:
Scottish Designer of the Year – sponsored by Vogue.com – JONATHAN SAUNDERS
Scottish Young Designer of the Year – sponsored by The Scottish Fashion Council – HENRIETTA LUDGATE
Scottish Textile Brand of the Year – sponsored by The Herald – HARRIS TWEED HEBRIDES
Scottish Accessory Designer of the Year – sponsored by Swarovski – BEBAROQUE
Scottish Fashion Icon – sponsored by Captial FM – FREYA MAVOR
Scottish Communicator of the Year – sponsored by Glasgow Airport – ANGUS MUNRO
Scottish Model of the Year – sponsored by Toni & Guy – TALI LENNOX
Scottish Retailer of the Year – sponsored by Braehead – ROX
Scotland’s New Face – sponsored by Warehouse – CAITLIN JAMIESON
Scottish Graduate of the Year – sponsored by Marks & Spencer – CAMPBELL DUNN
International Designer of the Year (for use of a Scottish fabric) – sponsored by Hotel du Vin Group – HENRY HOLLAND
Scottish Fashion Innovator – PROFESSOR PAMELA GILLIES (Glasgow Caledonian University)
Fashion Ambassador – HILARY ALEXANDER (Fashion Director Daily Telegraph)
Scottish Hall of Fame 2010 – sponsored by Hartmann Media - RANKIN
