FASHION experts faced tough decisions as they whittled down scores of entries for Scotland’s only dedicated online fashion event and have now unveiled the finalists.
The judges were on the lookout for the top online businesses and entrepreneurs in the world of fashion and selected the final shortlists across 12 categories, two of which were new this year.
The Herald Fashion Awards, to be held on November 15, are being held in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, Love Your Clothes and supported by House of Fraser, McGarry Fashion, Bridge 2 Business, Menabrea Birra and mtc.
Best Sustainable Online Business recognises the eco- friendly businesses practising effective environmental policies and Online Accessory Retailer of the Year pays tribute to the accessory retailers and jewellers who are making an impact in the online world of fashion.
The judges said the quality of entries was outstanding and they were overwhelmed with the innovative projects and creative campaigns put forward.
Lynn Wilson, from Zero Waste Scotland, which delivers Love Your Clothes in Scotland, said: “The level of entries across all categories has been exceptionally high this year, and our finalists should be very proud to have reached this stage of the competition.
“I’d like to give a special nod to the finalists of the Best Sustainable Online Business category. It is you who are spreading the word that an environmental sustainability policy is an essential element to a successful business model. Keep up the good work. And I wish you all the very best of luck.”
Bridge 2 Business is supporting the Scottish Online Fashion Graduate category. Brian McEwan, project manager, said: “The Bridge 2 Business team, as part of the Young Enterprise Scotland family, would like to thank and congratulate all the entrants and nominees for this year’s Scottish Online Graduate of the Year at The Herald Fashion Awards.
“Putting yourself forward for recognition in these awards is a very challenging process, as the competition is always very strong, and the judging panel are some of the most acclaimed people operating in the fashion industry.
“But equally, the panel will have a much harder time picking the winners from an excellent selection of entrants. Good luck to everyone, and we look forward to seeing all the awards entrants on the night.”
Web design and ecommerce firm mtc. media is supporting the Best Online Newcomer award, which recognises emerging talent for the industry. David Rankine, business development director, said: “Congratulations to all the finalists. What a great achievement.
“It’s not always an easy process to enter an award category, as it forces you to look at your business from a different prospective and discover just what makes your business model standout in the crowd – obviously finalists for the ‘Best Online Newcomer’ have done just that.”
One of the top accolades of the night is the Scottish Online Retailer of the Year award, which is supported by McGarry Fashion.
Andrew McGarry, managing director, said: “McGarry Fashion would like to congratulate all the finalists of this year’s Herald Online Fashion Awards. Those of us who are part of the ecommerce world know how challenging it can be.
“To be nominated for Scottish Online Retailer of the Year is to be recognised for the talent and dedication required to stay ahead of the curve. This is the one for companies who see innovation as core to growing their business.”
Blogger of the Year award was once again a hotly contested category and for this year is supported by House of Fraser.
Lynne Herlihy, store manager, House of Fraser, Glasgow said: “Huge congratulations to all shortlisted finalists, the entries for the Blogger of the Year category were of an extremely high calibre.
“The finalists selected are a wonderfully honest reflection of just how much creativity and talent there is within in this ever evolving sector of the media. “
The winners of each category will be announced on the night. The People’s Choice Award is the only category that will be determined by a public vote based on the best customer service experience online for each of the finalists.
Information on attending the event can be found by visiting www.heraldfashion.co.uk. Tickets are priced at £60 and include a champagne drinks reception, goody bag, two course dinner and the highly anticipated awards ceremony.
Hosted by BBC Radio Scotland’s Janice Forsyth, the awards will take place on Sunday, November 15, at Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow.
For more information on attending the event and to book tickets, please contact Lynn Kelly on 0141 302 7410 or lynn.kelly@heraldandtimes.co.uk.