Well another year, and lots more of flourishing talent. Yes it is that time again, the Scottish Fashion Awards. Despite jumping ship to London, I always love to give Scottish based designers that extra bit of promotion as I believe the more backing and support there is out there, the stronger Scotland's fashion industry (and in turn, economy) can flourish.
The nominees have been announced for this year's Scottish Fashion Awards, and my what a line up! I've been privileged to have worked with a good few of the nominees in the run up to Dressed to Kilt and on shoots for the recently launched Modh magazine, produced by Scottish Textiles - you can find the recent copy of Modh here - http://issuu.com/textilesscotland/docs/modhmagazine-ss12 and get your own copy in association with Drapers magazine.
Not only the designs but the passion and motivation many Scottish designers have to get 'out there' and be noticed is astounding, particularly when faced with the competition down here in the Smoke. I have been a long supporter of Christoper Kane (a total God in my eyes), Holly Fulton (the prints WOW), Louise Gray (a fellow North East Scot) and Jonathan Saunders, and will undoubtedly do so for many years to come.
However, we must reflect and realise that these very well recognised, successful designers all started somewhere and that is why I belive the Scottish Young Designer of the Year sponsored by the Scottish Fashion Council is perhaps the category that demands the most attention and focus.
So who are the ones to watch on this year's list? Let's find out....
Obscure Couture
Glasgow based design duo, Obscure Couture have seen their designs on everyone from X Factor's Amelia Lily (yes, that black leather/chiffon number the pink haired babe made her comeback in) to Little Mix, these girls are making tidal waves in the fashion world at the moment. With a capsule collection available on ASOS Marketplace, which you can find here https://marketplace.asos.com/boutique/obscure-couture this tour de force of leather, chains and glitter doesn't look set to stop anytime soon.
You can visit Obscure Couture's site here - http://www.obscure-couture.com/
Isolated Heroes
Isolated Heroes is the pseudonym of Dundee born Samantha McEwan, who having only recently completed her studies at Herriot Watt University in Dumfries, is another one likely to make a lasting impact on the fashion scene. The beauty in Sam's designs is their unisex appeal and with more and more of our boyfriend's wanting (or in my boyfriend's case, willing) to test the boundaries of style, Isolates Heroes is the perfect vehicle. By far, the Scottish version of Jeremy Scott with her multicoloured prints and innovative use of textiles.
You can purchase Isolated Heroes clothes on ASOS Marketplace here - https://marketplace.asos.com/search?q=isolated+heroes and visit the Isolated Heroes website here - http://isolatedheroes.blogspot.co.uk/
Hayley Scanlan
Dundee based designer Hayley (there must be something in the water in Dundee!) is another 'one to watch'. A previous blog post discusses Hayley a bit more, but trust me, this is one designer with a great eye for design, textiles AND styling. This girl really knows how to pull together an amazing outfit. Fun and edgy, my favourite aspects of Hayley's clothes is the clever use of digital print and Swarovski and gold applique and detailing. Watch this space for what could arguably 2012s answer to Holly Fulton...
You can contact Hayley for commissions and visit her blog here - http://hayleyscanlan.blogspot.co.uk/
On a final note, small bit disappointed to not see Glasgow based Alan Moore's Ten30 on this list, particularly after their involvement in Dressed to Kilt. After a show stopping performance last year at Glasgow's Flying Duck, whereupon Ten30 modelled their new collection on ballet dancers in a dramatic spectacle, Alan has really proved himself as a designer not just with the ability to create great, easy to wear clothing but also as really innovative in the presentation of that clothing. No, this was no ordinary showcase, and was certainly one I will always remember.
The Scottish Fashion Awards, not in its seventh year, will be taking place on June 11th in the Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow. Hosted by renowned UK fashionista Alexa Chung, this is the first year tickets are available to the public for a bargainous £35. Lovebox Festival down here in London will be calling me that week, but I heartily recommend for those in Scotland go and support your fine design talent!
Now bloggers, get purchasing!
Emma x
