The glittering black tie gala and ‘Scottish Banquet’ was held at 8 Northumberland in London and presented by the ever stylish TV personality Laura Whitmore with the gala being attended by a host of stars from the fashion, music and entertainment industries including Holly Fulton, Andreas Kronthaler, Tali Lennox, David Gandy, Twin Atlantic, Tallia Storm, Pam Hogg, Lilah Parsons, Jenni Falconer, Sam McKnight, Henry Holland, Lynsey Sharp (Commonwealth medalist), Brix Smith Start, Leah & Natt Weller, Tanya Burr, Oliver Cheshire, Nina Nesbitt and Seb Morris. Pixie Lott performed a surprise acoustic set to the VIP audience.
The Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Carmichael MP said: “These awards are respected around the world and, judged by a panel of renowned and esteemed international industry figures, they provide an invaluable platform for emerging Scottish talent, textile manufacturers, and fashion’s future leaders who were represented here this evening. Looking at the winners and nominees we are reminded of the importance their businesses play in exporting and promoting Scottish creativity, design and culture on the world stage.”
Dame Vivienne Westwood was inducted into the Hall of Fame for her undeterred loyalty and unparalleled love and passion for Scottish textiles and fabrics, which she has consistently used throughout her collections over the years. Christopher Kane was named Scottish Designer of the Year, whilst sixteen year old Jean Campbell was named Scottish Model of the Year having secured campaigns with Burberry and featuring in both British and Italian Vogue and singer Amy Macdonald was crowned Scottish Fashion Icon.
Emerging talents were recognised with Hayley Scanlan who was presented with the Scottish Young Designer of the Year award and Colleen Leitch was named Scottish Graduate of the Year. William Chambers Millinery took home the Scottish Accessory Designer of the Year award and Abandon Ship Apparel received the Scottish Retailer of the Year.
Exciting performance cashmere brand Dhu were crowned Scottish Textile Brand of the Year and Scots Fashion Director of Harper’s Bazaar Avril Mair received a nod asScottish Communicator of the Year.
Mackintosh Rainwear were recognised for their export success and crowned Scottish Exporter of the Year and Simone Rocha was crowned International Designer of the Year for her Scottish inspired autumn/winter 2014 collection.
Harvey Nichols Edinburgh fought off stiff competition from Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Emporio Armani to scoop Luxury Retailer of the Year (operating in Scotland).
Supermodel David Gandy was given the prestigious Founders Awards for his support of Scottish and British fashion over the last nine years. Marks & Spencer and The British School of Fashion were honoured as Fashion Ambassadors for their unique and exciting partnership. M&S set up a scholarship and creative hub at the school’s Fashion Street campus in London, setting a benchmark for the future of fashion relationships between industry and education.
Tessa Hartmann said: “The Scots have played a significant part in the evolution of British fashion from our precious fabrics, yarns and textiles to our fashion designers, leading communicators and business players, many of whom were honoured here this evening. International designers continue to seek inspiration from our Scottish heritage and fabrics, and season after season we witness a tartan frenzy within collections manufactured and inspired by Scotland. In fact, one would be hard pressed to deny that the design talent that hails from our lands has purloined our hearts and changed the way we now look at Scottish fashion. This is more than a ‘fashion moment’, this is a legacy that we hope to continue and grow at the awards, where we gather for one night a year, invading this fine city and putting on party to remember!”
Dubbed the ‘Oscars of Scottish Fashion’, VIP guests indulged in fine dining Scottish Banquet with Scottish scallops, Highland beef, neeps & tatties served with Haggis croquettes and to finish, a raspberry cranachan, strawberry shortbread and Mars Bar shot with tempura topping!
The Russian Standard Vodka After Party served complementary Russian Mules whilst the guests danced the night away to the sounds of DJ duo, Beatnik.
Each guest received the ultimate goodie bag. A limited edition Holly Fulton for Radley tote was filled with gifts from Bobbi Brown, Toni & Guy, Deeside Water, Tunnocks, Walkers Shortbread, Hangover Mints, Russian Standard Vodka and Roundsquare Coffee. The most extravagant gift came from the events Official Jeweller, the world’s leading simulated diamond jewellery boutique – Tru Diamonds, who gifted each guest with diamond earrings and a necklace.
Hailed as a ‘Scottish Fashion Invasion’ of London at the start of the international fashion season, the Scots celebrated in grand style as they raised a toast to 2015 when they will celebrate their 10th Anniversary! The question is how do they top the success of 2014 and indeed more poignantly will they still be part of Britain or not?
The Scottish Fashion Awards 2014 winners are;
Scottish Designer of the Year – Christopher Kane
Scottish Young Designer of the Year – Hayley Scanlan
Scottish Textile Brand of the Year – Dhu
Scottish Communicator of the Year – Avril Mair, Harper’s Bazaar
Scottish Retailer of the Year – Abandon Ship Apparel
Scottish Accessory Designer of the Year – William Chambers Millinery
Scottish Fashion Graduate of the Year – Colleen Leitch
International Designer of the Year – Simone Rocha
Scottish Model of the Year – Jean Campbell
Scottish Exporter of the Year – Mackintosh
Luxury Retailer – Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh
Fashion Icon 2014 – Amy MacDonald
Hall of Fame 2014 – Dame Vivienne Westwood
Fashion Ambassador 2014 –
Professor Christopher Moore on behalf of Professor Pamela Gillies, British School of Fashion
Belinda Earle on behalf of Marc Bolland, Marks and Spencer
Founders Awards 2014 – David Gandy (pictured above by Getty Images)