I OFTEN say sarcastically that journalism is glamorous work – but on Monday night, it actually was.
The National was very privileged to be sent an invitation to Dior’s 2025 Cruise collection at Drummond Castle – the fashion house’s first Scottish show in nearly 70 years. I accepted before I knew there would be an election taking up most of my time. Colleagues, friends and family urged me not to pull out in favour of TV debates or campaign coverage. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” they assured me.
Dior creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri was inspired to launch this very Scottish collection after reading Clare Hunter’s Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power. The book focuses on how Mary used embroidery as a means to express her views during her lengthy imprisonment. Back in 2022 I commissioned a piece from Iona Glen, a great freelancer writer, who wrote about the book and the history of craft as a political force in our Sunday National edition. I suspect this article, and The National’s 10 years of commitment to covering Scottish culture and heritage, is what landed us a coveted spot at the event.
@scotnational Did you know Mary Queen of Scots used embroidery as a form of rebellion and communication? Clare Hunter explains the importance of this work ahead of Dior's first Scottish show in 70 years, streaming live on The National from 8pm. #dior #scotland #scottishhistory #fashion ♬ original sound - The National
On Monday evening we were driven to Gleneagles, where an array of some of the most glamorous people I’ve ever seen were hanging around outside taking photographs in the sunshine. Journalists were sent to the bar for a drinks reception and kept away from the VIPs lingering in the lobby area, so of course I went for a wander away from my assigned space. I heard people chatting in accents and languages from all over the world, while the chic French women from the Dior team made sure everyone was sorted with seat placements and official invitations. Maisie Williams of Game of Thrones fame walked in wearing a leopard print co-ord set, with a fantastic 60s blow-out, while guests whispered that Jennifer Lawrence and Anya Taylor Joy were around somewhere.
I speak to politicians, professors and a general assortment of experts all the time as part of my job – but I don’t really speak to A-list celebrities. The prospect of chatting to leading actors and musicians was pretty daunting, particularly when I couldn’t rely on General Election chit-chat. Luckily I follow fashion quite closely, and at one point in my (pre-indyref epiphany) teenage years wanted to study fashion branding, so I was comfortable enough discussing everyone’s outfits. When I did get a moment with Taylor Joy, the awkward star struck energy started bubbling up as I told her breathlessly that she looked amazing. She and the other celebrities I spoke to were all very polite and friendly.
It was welcome to hear so many people from around the world speak of Scotland so highly. It was many people’s first time in Perthshire and lots wanted to come back for a full holiday after being so impressed. Visitors from America, France, Italy and South Korea alike were all fawning over the location, the extensive history and culture. The entire event was a solid advert for Scottish tourism, and I expect a big boost for the local economy. Dior employed a lot of local people to perform music, assist guests, offer photography services and act as ushers. With Hollywood stars around Crieff too, I hope that they visited the surrounding areas to support Scottish businesses.
The runway took place in the stunning gardens of the castle, with models descending the lengthy staircase from the building and walking the full length of the outside space. It was an amazing experience to see these designs pay tribute to Scotland in such a respectful way, and to watch guests' faces light up as the pipers came downstairs for the finale. The presentation was dramatic and emotive in a way I wasn't expecting, and it was a real privilege to see such beautifully designed garments from this iconic fashion house up-close.
After the incredible half-hour show we headed up to the afterparty, and spotted the likes of Geri Horner and Minnie Driver doing interviews with top fashion magazines. We were funnelled through the entrance of the grand castle, filled with historic portraits, and into a sizeable tent outside. The ceiling was intricately painted with statuesque figures, while a DJ wearing a chainmail tank top spun crowd pleasers like Hue and Cry’s Labour of Love – hearing some more National representation from our columnist Pat Kane was a fun surprise.
Here, journalist colleagues pointed at faces in the crowd and said things like: “That’s one of the most important fashion journalists in the world.” It was incredibly surreal, and as I kept seeing faces I recognised from TV and film the dream-like quality of the event only increased.
I’ve certainly never been to an event with so much detail put into it. From the Renaissance style harp players upon arrival to the expensive champagne being offered up, it was insight into another world – not one that I always felt completely comfortable in. Working in political journalism, I am confronted with the inequality of modern Scotland every day. Being at such a decadent event feels strange when you’re so aware of poverty rates just a few miles away.
However, Monday night was a major moment for Scotland on the world stage and if utilised correctly, an economic opportunity. I hope that more events like this come along (ideally not after another 70 years) and inspire young Scots into the creative industries. Perhaps in the future it won’t take a French fashion house to come and show us how incredible our history is, and a brilliant Scottish designer can showcase their work on the same scale, with the same level of VIP interest.
