Talk about a sizzling Scottish fashion show and fundraiser! Last weekend’s “Dressed to Kilt” fashion affair kicked off New York Fashion Week with a smashing designer showcase. Held at NYC’s Grand Hall of the High Line Hotel in downtown Chelsea, it’s one of the most popular Scottish fashion events in the world. Guests were even dressed in kilts, and there were several celebrities in the mix.
The evening’s event was a celebration of the special relation that has existed between the United States and the U.K. for more than 100 years and a fundraiser for the Navy SEAL Foundation. Cisco co-founder Sandy Lerner also shed light on an additional cause by auctioning off an antique Scottish Wildcat Pin to raise money for the Scottish Wildcat Foundation. Dressed to Kilt has also raised significant funds for wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan over the past decade.
For this special event, Dressed to Kilt transported guests to a Scottish castle for the evening by way of the Grand Hall of the High Line Hotel. The hotel featured an old-world setting, complete with stags and a Scottish bagpiper. Guests were dressed in their finest kilts, gowns and black-tie attire. The evening began with Scottish highland dancing, followed by a full runway fashion show featuring some of Scotland’s hottest designers. Their clothes were modeled by several celebrities, professional models and military heroes.
Former Navy SEAL Andy Stumpf walked the finale with Navy SEAL Foundation CEO Robin King. The fashion show introduced the designs of Johnstons of Elgin and Siobhan Mackenzie, named the Top Young Scottish Designer of 2016. Both U.S. Medal of Honor recipient Captain Florent Groberg and U.K. Victoria Cross recipient Lance Sergeant Johnson Beharry received special honors at the event.
From both sides of the Atlantic, stars and athletes, including “Real Housewives of New York” cast members Luann D’Agostino, Dorinda Medley, Sonja Morgan, Carole Radziwill and Ramona Singer, were on hand. Other celebrity guests included Miss Scotland, Lucy Kerr; Mr. Scotland, Tristan Cameron Harper; model (and “America’s Next Top Model” alum) Renee Bhagwandeen; and NFL Super Bowl champion Brandon Marshall. Former “Bachelor” contestant Olivia Caridi and the “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Delores Catania were also in attendance. After the show, guests were treated to whiskey tastings from Usquaebach Scotch Whisky, delectable bites and more Scottish and contemporary dancing.