The Scottish Fashion Festival returns to the V&A Dundee on Friday 17th November 2023, showcasing the hottest Scottish fashion talent with a sustainable and tech-focused twist.
As part of the glamorous Opening Night Gala, event organisers Scotland Re:Design have partnered with Shelter Scotland for the second edition of the Fashion For Social Change Award. Shelter Scotland, who have previously collaborated with famous fashion names like Vivienne Westwood and AllSaints, challenged eight designers to dive into its stock of pre-loved fashion to create new designs that make a powerful statement about the housing crisis.
As well as celebrating the best of Scotland’s creative talent, the Award puts sustainability and a commitment to reducing waste front and centre at this year’s Festival. One designer will be chosen as the final winner and will be presented with their award alongside the winners of the Scotland Re:Design Award for Sustainability and the Scotland Re:Design Award for Innovation in Fashion and Textiles.
Director for Shelter Scotland, Alison Watson, said: “We’re extremely excited to work with Scotland Re:Design on this project which both celebrates sustainable fashion and will shine a light on the injustice visited upon communities because of the housing emergency.
“In Scotland today there are over 9,000 children living in temporary accommodation. Every 16 minutes a household becomes homeless. Scotland is in the grip of a devastating housing emergency. Everyone has the right to a safe, secure, permanent home and we won’t stop fighting until that becomes a reality.”
Fashion as a force for good? That’s something we love to see.
As well as shining a light on sustainability and social justice, this year’s Festival will also give us a taste of what fashion shows of the future could be like.
Step into the fashion metaverse with HIDDEN FLOORS, a brand new virtual reality experience powered by The Scotland 5G Centre. Using VR technology and holographic content, viewers can get a front row seat at a fashion show where everything from the clothes to the models themselves are digitally created.
Designers Ruby Coyne @dreamlandclothing, Jolene Gurthie @joamistudio_, Samantha Paton @isolatedheroes and Megan Mackay @littleperilstudio were supported by Scotland Re:Design, alongside creative agency Lateral North and makers from Applied Arts Scotland to create their virtual reality collection. Through the collaboration, the designers have developed new skills around 5G software to showcase the very latest in cutting-edge fashion design tech.
As well as minimising the environmental impact of the usual international travel and organisation involved with fashion shows, this technology has the potential to revolutionise the fashion industry for both designers and consumers.
“5G has the power to completely transform the fashion industry, from the process of designing and manufacturing to the staging of runway shows and purchasing of the latest trends, both in store and via online shopping,” explained Kirsty Scott, Senior Business Engagement Manager from The Scotland 5G Centre.
“With the use of AR, consumers can now try on garments, accessories and even cosmetics before they buy, creating a more bespoke and personalised service from anywhere in the world and giving designers an opportunity to work in new markets that aren’t at their doorstep.”
As well as immersive fashion shows and prestigious awards, you can expect to see the latest work from over 30 Scottish designers and creatives, all while being entertained by local style icon and host, Howey Ejegi @howeydon, before dancing the night away to music from DJ Natasha Kitty Katt @natashakittykatt.
Tickets for last year’s event completely sold out so it’s set to be a night in the Scottish Fashion calendar that you don’t want to miss!
You can get your ticket for the Festival Opening Night Gala on Friday 17th November at www.redesign.scot or via www.universe.com/ScottishFashionFestival2023.
Tickets are priced at £22.50 for General Admission and £32.50 for Seated Show Tickets.
