London, Paris Milan.. Stirling

May 4 2008 Heather Greenaway

These Stunning Creations Could Be Straight Off The Catwalks Of Milan, Paris Or London. But They Are All Made In Scotland...or At Least Their Designers Were, Finds Heather Greenaway

THE latest threads from Europe's top fashion houses sell for hundreds apiece and are worn by the rich and famous from Monte Carlo to Manhattan.

But the inspiration behind these ones is closer to Millport and Paisley than Milan and Paris.

From catwalk king Alexander McQueen to Topshop supremo Christopher Kane, Scotland is leading the fashion field.

Brian Rennie is another big name while Graeme Black, Kerry Nixon, Jamie Bruski Tetsill and Scott Ramsay Kyle are rising stars.

They are at the centre of a starstudded event putting Stirling at the heart of world style.

PR guru Tessa Hartmann, 36, established the Scottish Fashion Awards in 2006 and is preparing for this year's glittering show at Stirling Castle on June 29.

Obviously the amazing outfits on show would bust most budgets but high street giants are sure to have their own versions on the rails within months.

Fashion website Vogue.com launches the international call for entries tomorrow.

Tessa said: "Scotland is full of creative individuals. Their designs are worn by everyone from royalty to A-List Hollywood celebrities."

As a taster of what is in store for the judges, five of the country's top talents have given us a piece from their collection to showcase.

Here Tessa gives her verdict on the creations by Brian, Graeme, Kerry, Jamie and Scott.

KERRY NIXON, 29, of Glasgow, and partner Stefan Vidler's coats are favoured by celebrities across the world and sold in Harrods.

Tessa's verdict: "When they started out, their intricate one-off pieces had fabulous unorthodox tailoring.

"This soon resulted in a stream of celebrity fans seen wearing their coats - Sienna Miller, Keira Knightley and Bjork, to name a few.

"If you want an elegant coat with a twist, it has to be Vidler & Nixon.

"A nominee in the Designer of the Year awards in 2007, I feel this is only the start from this duo."

BRIAN RENNIE, 45, of Dundee, used to be creative director of German fashion house Escada but has switched to oversee design at Gant.

Tessa's verdict: "Brian was recruited to Gant in September 2007. Wow! What a job.

"Here is an exclusive look at an evening dress from his first collection for the company. Oozing class, with Brian's hallmark sleek lines reminiscent of his Escada years, this is a dress to die for.

"He knows how to dress a woman in eveningwear. Perhaps that's why he dressed so many Hollywood A-listers at Escada - Kim Basinger, Jennifer Lopez, Jane Seymour and Christina Aguilera.

"There is no doubt his faithful followers will be hounding the doors of Gant very shortly."

JAMIE BRUSKI TETSILL, 26, of Falkirk, designs unique clothes which are a favourite with Vogue.com

Tessa's verdict: "Jamie graduated from Glasgow School of Art with a first-class degree in textiles. He showed his graduate collection at London Fashion Week last year and was nominated for New Talent of the Year at the Scottish Fashion Awards 2007.

"His summer 2008 collection is inspired by strong women. His look is a collection of magnificent tailoring, oversized coats and zip-up sweater dresses in bright, bold colours.

"With his background in textiles this collection is in collaboration with manufacturer Alexanders of Scotland.

"I love this look because the tight fitting skirt, combined with the oversized layering in luxurious fabrics and bold colours, produces quite a flirty wee number.

"Cool with a hint of sexiness, yet revealing nothing is often more attractive than explosions of flesh. This look is very much 'right now'."

GRAEME BLACK, 40, of Carnoustie, Angus, has his own label and makes everything in Scotland. Before creating his own collection he spent six years as head of design for Giorgio Armani Black Label.

Tessa's verdict: "Graeme has spent more than a decade working for some of the most high-profile labels in the world, including Armani.

He credits Signor Armani for teaching him the true craft of design, fabric development and a sense of style.

"His use of Scottish yarns and subtle hints of Celtic symbolism have produced a high-end collection full of Caledonian glamour.

"This dress is my favourite from his spring/summer 08 collection. The classic monochrome look, chic belted waist and full length gown would be totally suitable for a summer party."

SCOTT RAMSAY KYLE, 26, of Glasgow, is a quirky designer who has produced embroidery for Boudicca's haute couture collection in Paris.

Tessa's verdict: "Scott produces magnificent embroidery on canvases of silk, fine cashmeres or knits. He has a real element of craft in his work which could be seen from his debut graduate collection last year where he featured bold colours, metallic and lots of fringing. His work earned him a nomination in The Scottish Fashion Awards New Talent category in 2007.

"This dress is from his new autumn/winter collection and I love it because it contains all the hallmarks of Scott's signature, yet in an innovative, refreshing way. If you look closely you can see he has incorporated the jacket of a shell suit. I would say it's for the younger fashionista with eye for the avant-garde."

Pictures: VICTORIA STEWART Stylist: EJAY MCEWAN Hair: GARY LEES OF LEES AND THOMPSONS, MOTHERWELL Make-up: CRAIG-ALEXANDER WILSON Jewellery: ERIC N