Christopher Kane Photographed by Neil Buchannan Grant
Last week London’s Corinthia hotel hosted the 10th Anniversary party for the OLYMPUS PEN Scottish Fashion Awards.
A far cry from the preconceptions that the Scottish fashion industry is built on tartan, the awards showcased all that is exciting, vibrant and – as organiser Dr Tessa Hartmann stated – alive with ‘Scots blood, insatiable energy, drive and hunger to succeed…’
Embracing leading names and rising talent alike, this year’s big winners included Christopher Kane (Scottish Designer of the Year, now for the fourth year), Hunter (Scottish Accessory Designer of the Year) and Pringle of Scotland (Founders Award). Misha Hart (currently the face of Paul and Joe) scooped Scottish Model of the Year and Cats Brothers picked up Young Designers of the Year, judged by a panel which included Stella Tennant and Rankin.
Christopher Kane was bestowed Graduate of the Year when the awards began in 2006 – in the dramatic setting of Stirling Castle – so the designer really has come full circle.
VIPs including The Vamps, a pregnant but glamorous Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Pam Hogg, Sam McKnight, Henry Holland, Lucy Watson (who fluttered in a leaf print ASOS dress), indie rockers The View, Conor Maynard and Caroline Rush MBE were treated to a ‘Highland Gathering’ style evening.
The party dined on Caledonian-themed canapés such as haggis bon bons and mini Angus beef burgers with Dunlop cheese and drank Liquid Gold prosecco, which was served from saltire blue metallic bottles.
After a pampering session in the Debenhams Beauty Lounge, guests were seated for the ceremony, hosted by Laura Whitmore, while Maserati were the official car partner for the event.
Edinburgh born presenter and stylist Nick Ede was honoured with ‘Fashion Philanthropist of the Year’ for his work with The Stroke Association, creating the ‘Famous Last Words’ celebrity t-shirt collection for BooHoo.com which raised thousands of pounds for the cause.
The evening was appropriately called to a close to the strains of a bagpiper.
By Firgas Esack
Firgas Esack is a luxury lifestyle writer based in London.
