From high-end designer items to the crazy creations seen on the city streets, New York is known for its fashion – and for one night in April, Scotland steps up to take its place in the limelight. One of the last flings of this year’s Tartan Week celebrations was From Scotland With Love, “the biggest and most prestigious Scottish fashion event in the world.”
Held on April 8th at recently renovated Stage 48 in Hell’s Kitchen, this year’s theme merged Scottish, Asian and American influences. The new Asian edge – illustrated by the show’s tagline, ‘Scottish Lion Meets The Asian Dragon’ – was part of a pivot to the Pacific as a result of the region’s economic growth.
Attendees and judges worked the Asian-Scottish twist into their style (think tartan trousers, kilts and kimonos), providing complements to the cultural creations on the catwalk. There were a mix of established and emerging designers: from Vivienne Westwood’s bright tartan skirts and Judy R Clark’s fairy-like frock dresses to Vivienne Tam and Zang Toi’s classic looks.
As a charitable affair, the annual event is more fun and frivolity than haute couture: fiddlers get jigs going strong, judges award scores light-heartedly, models exaggerate every movement; and couples kiss at the end of the runway. After all, it’s not at every fashion show you see a Chinese ‘dragon’ and Scottish ‘lion’ trying to steal the show!
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Want more Tartan Week?
Check out my stories on Tartan Week 2012, Tartan Week 2016, and a look back at Scottish celebrations in the US!
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