Scotland set to shine as host of Hollywood jewellers' show

Published on Saturday 23 May 2009 18:58

OVER the decades they have provided glitter and glitz forHollywood A-listers such as Marilyn Monroe, Madonna and Kate Winslet.

But now Tinsel Town's favourite jewellers are set to put the sparkle into the biggest event in the Scottish style calendar. Swarovski has confirmed it will bring its catwalk show to Stirling Castle next month.

The event, which will be part of the Scottish Fashion Awards (SFA), will be the first time the prestigious runway display will take place outside Paris. Previously the firm has supplied jewellery and accessories to celebrities attending the Oscars, the Cannes International Film Festival and the Baftas.

SFA director Tessa Hartmann said the big name endorsement would help put the country on the world style map. She said: "For such a big international brand to agree to come to Scotland is an absolutely huge deal.

"The knock-on effects for the awards and for Scottish fashion in general will be superb and we are already getting lots of interest from international broadcasters."

In addition to putting on a catwalk show, the firm will also supply jewellery and accessories to models and VIP guests, who will include Scottish supermodel Kirsty Hume and Vogue editor Dolly Jones. The event will see Swarovski's couture collection making its debut outside of the world's fashion capital.

Hartmann said: "The collection has never been shown outside of Paris and they are bringing the whole thing to Scotland, which is a huge coup.

"Also, the very same items that were worn by stars like Eva Longoria, Calista Flockhart and Meryl Streep, and have been seen by millions around the world, will be at Stirling Castle. When I tell the models that they can have their pick of the couture items that were worn by Sharon Stone it is a huge thrill for them."

The jewellery empire's creative director Nathalie Colin has also agreed to act as a celebrity judge at the awards, which will take place on 21 June.

The Paris-based fashionista said: "I am thrilled to join forces with the creative and expanding Scottish fashion scene. It is also a real pleasure and honour for us to have our collections on the catwalk in front of so many talented young people who share our passion for fashion and craftsmanship."

The Stirling show will feature the firm's trademark crystals in necklaces and oversized cocktail rings as well as "glistening jewels, sophisticated clutches, exclusive evening bags and sparkling timepieces". Some of the brand's designs can fetch hundreds of thousands of pounds.