By Elizabeth McQuillan
Themed this year as "Country Chic", the Dressed to Kilt event in New York City on 5 April has the Scottish diaspora proudly marking their territory. This unique show celebrates all aspects of Caledonian culture, from fabric and fashion to art, music and whisky.
According to the organisers, the 2011 theme draws its origins from the world of country music, particularly noting its Scottish roots and origins. Watch this year's catwalk "rock with country chic", as designers blur the lines between Haute and Highland, rustic and urban, while incorporating modern knits, refined tweeds and classic tartans with a stylish and western glam.
Possibly the highest-profile Scottish event outside of the UK and the most prestigious Scottish fashion show in the world, Dressed to Kilt showcases a range of fashions, from traditional kilts to designer haute couture fit for royalty.
Since Prince W and Princess-in-Waiting Kate eschewed St Andrews for his nuptials, perhaps they should take a look at what’s on offer and sashay down the aisle in designer tartan and tweed as a nod to their Scottish love-in? Certainly one of Kate’s favourite designers, Katherine Hooker, will be displaying her wares.
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As well as showcasing cutting-edge fashion from some of Scotland's talent young designers, some familiar mainstream fashion houses will offer their Scotland-inspired designs This year's show features looks from top fashion houses, including a special tribute to the late Alexander McQueen and designs from Vivian Westwood, Hillary Rohde, Jaggy Nettle, Angela Cassidy, Holland & Sherry, as well as Johnstons of Elgin, Joey D, Lochcarron of Scotland, Michael Kaye Couture, Sandra Murray, Gwen Russell – and the list goes on. Being a glitzy fashion feast, Scottish-themed, with whisky flowing courtesy of Glenlivet (they sponsor the event), there will be no shortage of A-ish list celebrities embracing the free swally. Expect host Sir Sean and Lady Connery in full regalia, as well as the Trumps, singer/songwriter Amy Grant, actors Matt Bomer and Matthew Settle, as well as a great many country-and-western singers. Hosting the event and representing Scotland, Sir Sean had a few words to say last year with understated enthusiasm: "I am told that this year's Dressed to Kilt [which was themed 'Mad for Scotland'] is looking to be the largest and most successful Dressed to Kilt ever." Oh well, that’s good to know. This year he will be hoping to raise more money as his granddaughter, Saskia, takes to the runway. To be fair, Connery has been doing good things for Scotland, having set up a non-profit organisation – Friends of Scotland – to advance contemporary Scottish interests in the United States. Proceeds from Dressed to Kilt will benefit the Paralyzed Veterans of America and our own Erskine Hospital. For a paltry $8,000 you can have a VIP Highlander table for ten, with VIP passes for pre-show VIP reception, VIP tickets for the fashion show, VIP post-show party tickets and an exclusive area with open bar. They do accept Paypal, and I’m up for it if there is a (free) spare VIP seat for my VIP bum.Donate to us: support independent, intelligent, in-depth Scottish journalism from just 3p a day
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