Iona Crawford, one of Scotland's most exciting fashion designers debuted her exquisite Autumn/Winter 2012 collection in Glasgow's Corinthian this week.
The Boutique Bar set the scene for the gathering of Glaswegian Glitterati, to view the new collection. Amongst the VIP guests were Josie Smith who was accompanied by her dad veteran Dj Bill Smith. This year's reigning Miss Scotland, Jennifer Reoch also popped in to sneak a peek at the new collection and was suitably impressed with the Iona's tasteful use of tartan. Also present was the fabulous Fiona Best, who was in charge choreography of the runway show.
It was a truly spectacular show in a great setting and Iona's creations received an ecstatic welcome from over 100 invited guests and critics.
Lauded by Vogue as "One to Watch", Iona is renowned for her innovative and intricate garment structure. Taking inspiration from the natural beauty of her native Scotland, her collection is a true reflection of the beautiful tones and hues found in the Scottish landscape.
The fabrics are also sourced right here in Scotland, Iona works with earthy and tonal fabrics including cashmere, wool, tweed and leather, as well as hand-knitted pieces. For this particular collection, Iona decided to make use of tartan fabrics, not an easy feat to put a new modern original twist on this iconic fabric, yet Iona managed to do just that. Iona embarked upon a unique collaboration with Clan Italia leading to a new range of bespoke, contemporary tartan garments which made their catwalk debut alongside her trademark prints.
As an accomplished artist in her own right Iona fuses her love of the outdoors with refined silhouette, bespoke self-designed prints, meticulous cloth selection and masculine tailoring influences to create an inimitable collection of Timeless Elegance.
The designs were all truly original and wearable, which isn't something that can be said too often of catwalk designs. The collection included some daywear and truly spectacular evening wear pieces. No doubt these will be gracing red carpets in high profile events all over the country.
The evening didn't end with the show, which was just as well, as all the guests were pretty buzzing after viewing the collection. The after-party entertainment was by the highly-talented Barbara Bryceland and young pop sensation TJ Bilham.
And there are lots of new and exciting things on the horizon for Iona. It was announced recently that Rio Home Fashions, a North American industry leader in home textiles has signed a licensing partnership with Iona. The venture, crafted by New York based fashion brokers, Prince of Scots, will merge technology and fashion for the first time to create a harmonious lifestyle for the home. The Collection will be available in North America and Asia from autumn 2012.