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Sturgeon in the City
10/04/2009
The creative talents of Scotland's leading fashion designers and textile manufactures at an event at Saks Fifth Avenue, New York were championed by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last night.
One of Scotland's brightest talents, Glasgow designer Graeme Armour, and four of the country's most promising fashion students, joined Ms Sturgeon at the Scotland Week event which aimed to introduce and promote Scottish companies to the North American fashion market.
Young talents from Scotland's leading fashion and design schools - Cardonald College, Herriot Watt University, Edinburgh College of Art and Duncan of Jordanstone College - showcased their designs alongside established names such as Mackintosh, Scott & Charters, Hillary Rohde, Sandra Murray, Lochcarron, and Johnstons of Elgin.
To celebrate Scottish fashion, the Deputy First Minister wore a specially designed Graeme Armour dress to the evening event, accessorised with a Catherine Aitken Homecoming handbag.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
"Scotland has a long and proud history in fashion and textiles - from the chic styles of Jean Muir to the quality cloths of Harris Tweed, Scottish style continues to influence and shape global fashion.
"This Scotland Week event showcases the talent, creativity, and innovation our fashion industry continues to offer at Saks Fifth Avenue, which is an American fashion institution.
"Scotland's textiles sector is an important part of our economy, employing around 38,000 people and generating more than £2 billion annually.
"In the current economic climate, it is important we continue to promote and encourage investment in Scotland's creative industries. It is also important that we recognise, celebrate and nurture new talent.
"Scotland's design schools have encouraged a long list of influential designers who have gone onto capture the imagination of the fashion industry.
"Scottish designers such as Graeme Armour, Deryck Walker, Christopher Kane, Hillary Rohde and Sandra Murray clearly demonstrate that Scotland remains at the forefront of fashion.
"I am delighted that this new generation of young aspiring Scottish designers are taking part in this celebration of Scottish fashion and textiles. These are the students who are tasked with upholding and building upon Scotland's design kudos."
Graeme Armour said:
"I am delighted to be taking part in this event to promote Scottish fashion and my clothing line in New York.
"This is the first time me and my business partner, Kirsty, have travelled to the US and it's a great market for us to tap into.
"I am currently promoting my AW09/10 collection so we have lined up meetings with Elle US, Teen Vogue and Vogue Russia as part of the trip. We want to look at how the American market works, look at potential stockists, and research our competitors within the market.
"For this event I have made Ms Sturgeon a dress from my SS09 collection. The dress is a beautiful navy Ghazar Satin front frill dress, which is cinched at the waist - simple elegance I call it.
"I would like to thank the Scottish Government for this opportunity and I hope that the support they have greatly given to the young designers of Scotland continues as we build on Scotland's designers as fashion leaders of the future."
Graeme Armour was named Scottish Fashion Awards Young Designer of the Year in 2008. Graeme studied fashion at Cardonald College and Central Saint Martins, he recently showcased his work at London Fashion Week.
Fashion students in attendance: Jane Stewart, HND student at Cardonald College; Sally Hansen, 3rd Year Fashion at Edinburgh College of Art; Heather Jaye Darling, 4th Year student of Duncan of Jordanstone College; and Gillian Ramsay, 4th Year student from Heriot Watt.