Dressed to Kill, er Kilt Fashion Event Honors Alexander McQueen and the Scottish Fashion Industry

By Mary Hall | April 7, 2010

Pictured: Funny Man and Scottie Mike Meyers shows off his gams on the runway at Dressed to Kilt. He may not rock the man skirt like Andrew Mukamal (Kell on Earth), but he brings plenty of charm to it. (Photo: Lloyd Bishop.)

Last night the Dressed to Kilt event, took place at M2 Ultra Lounge in New York City. I’m wondering why New York had all the fun! We have plenty of Scotties here, including my BFF and super scrimy ( meaning reluctant spending) Scottish shopper friend, Lindsay. You haven’t shopped for bargains until you have spent time in the company of a Scot. They have a gene for savings and a dedication to living for less that I feel is unparalleled. Dressed to Kilt was hosted by Sir Sean and Lady Connery. Sir Sean, we love you at the Old Kings Head pub in Santa Monica! The annual event featured a celebrity fashion show and celebration of all things Scottish, from kilts and couture to haggis and whiskey. This year’s theme was Mad for Scotland. And yes, I am quite Mad for Scotland (excluding haggis), so I am sorry I had to miss it!

Pictured: Miss Scotland, Katherine Brown rocked a Queen of Scots look by Scots couture designer Spencer Railton . I love the colors and the bodice. (Photo: Lloyd Bishop.)

The unique fashion show displayed Scottish textiles and a range of fashions, from traditional Highland kilts to world-designer looks and haute couture. Yes, there is Scottish fashion, and its lovely. You many not know this, but Scotland has a burgeoning fashion trade. According to The Scotsman, Scotland has a ” £5 billion” creative industry. Have you heard of Pringle of Scotland? I adore it. And yes, I buy it on sale (look for it on eBay) or at the duty free! I’m proud to say I have been shopping in Edinburgh and enjoyed a fine time at the shops. I enjoy browsing on Princes, Rose and George streets looking for bargains. There’s nothing like a good Harris Tweed (I still wear my grandmother’s coat) or Scottish Cashmere (Hawick or Johnstons to name a few.)

Pictured: Sir Sean Connery poses with Scotland’s Minister for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop. Fiona is wearing designer Sandra Murray . (Photo: Lloyd Bishop.)

In a bittersweet gesture, the 2010 Dressed to Kilt show was dedicated in the honor and memory of the late Alexander McQueen, who himself was a native of Scotland and took great pride in his heritage.

Pictured: Alexander McQueen wore and designed kilts. He is pictured here with Sarah Jessica Parker, who was definitely dressed to kilt. (Photo: Stephen Lock)

The show featured a touching tribute to the designer who when asked what his Scottish roots meant to him in 2004, simply replied, “everything.” We miss you Mr. McQueen. McQueen didn’t have his runway collection at New York fashion week this year, so its nice to see that this Scottish fashion show honored his memory. He wore a kilt proudly, and I remember seeing photos of him in the UK papers wearing kilts during some of my visits.

Perhaps the best part of the Dressed to Kilt show is that it goes beyond fashion, and raises money for some worthy causes. Proceeds from the evening’s event benefited some very worthy causes, including the Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Erskine Hospital of Scotland. If you’re a lurver of Scot fashions, good news, there is a shop in NYC you can check out. Friends of Scotland has opened a “Pop-Up Shop” to display designs from Scotland from Saturday until Monday April 12. The address is 13 East 69th Street, at the corner of Madison Avenue. All of the new designs seen on the runway on April 5 will be on view and for sale from Tuesday April 6 until Monday April 12. If you’re in New York, check it out and let me know what the prices are like! 🙂

Bravo Dressed to Kilt! Its no wonder Paul McCartney sang, so lovingly of Scotland in “Mull of Kintyre.” I’m sad he didn’t sing it last week at the Hollywood Bowl!