Hayley Scanlan Launch: HS Velvet Venom

Hayley Scanlan (aka Scottish Designer of the Year) launched her diffusion line, HS, in association with V&A at Dundee on Saturday.
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Hayley Scanlan (aka Scottish Designer of the Year) launched her diffusion line, HS, in association with V&A at Dundee on Saturday.

The invitation only event was held at Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum, The McManus, with a backdrop of iconic fashion images which are currently on display as part of the V&A Dundee's Selling Dreams: 100 Years of Fashion exhibition.

Guests arrived at The McManus to a Champagne reception, followed by a runway show - featuring models who were cast through a social media campaign - and exclusive after party.

The collection, entitled "Velvet Venom" consisted of super-tight dresses, skirts and crop tops in a striking array of prints (Hayley Scanlan's speciality is print design). Yellow snakeskin, black faux-leather mock croc and jailhouse stripes were enhanced further by the simple silhouettes and attention to detail; halter-neck tops were teamed with high waist maxi skirts, while midi pencil skirts continued the modern elegance of the collection. Studs and crystals added some glamour - the fuchsia velvet dress with cut-out shoulders and stud detail was a dress to party in - but the show-stopper was the yellow snakeskin maxi dress with puddle train and crystal embellishment.

The collection is a huge step for Hayley Scanlan, not only creatively, but commercially. HS has been developed to meet demand for her designs and, cleverly, Scanlan saw an opportunity to create a line inspired by her main label, but to make it more wearable and affordable by using simpler fabrics.

Hayley Scanlan's website went live on the evening of the HS launch and you can purchase the pieces from "Velvet Venom" online at www.hayleyscanlan.com.

I would suggest you start shopping now - HS runs a high risk of selling out.