Scotland’s top fashion, design and textile talent was honoured June 15 at the country’s annual Scottish Fashion Awards—including Scottish Communicator of the Year nominee, Gail McInnes.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, McInnes has been involved in Toronto’s fashion scene for fourteen years and her mark on the Canadian fashion industry hasn’t gone unnoticed.
In 2009, McInnes co-founded 'The Style Box,’ the country’s first-ever Canadian designer rental showroom for celebrities. In early 2010, McInnes launched her promotions and events management company, Magnet Creative Management, whose clientele includes LINE Knitwear, Toronto Fashion Incubator, The Drake Hotel, MICALLA,
Chatelaine Magazine, Ukamaku, Annie Thompson, Breeyn McCarney, Magnolia
Boutique and Starkers Corsetry.
While the Scottish Communicator of the Year award went to model casting director Angus Munro, the Scot fashion expert shares what it meant to represent Canada at the international affair.
Q: As a 'fashionista,’ can you describe your experience at the awards?
GM: Even before I heard I was nominated, I had already made plans to go to the Scottish Fashion Awards. It has grown so much since it first began six years ago. I was curious to see and feel what it was like to be there in person, rather than simply watch or read the coverage. It was absolutely a humbling and incredible experience attending as a nominee. Everyone was so incredibly friendly and had such great positive energy about them. I loved every single moment of being there.
Q: As a Scot based and working in Canada, how was it to be recognized at such an international fashion event?
GM: It was such an honour to receive such a prestigious nomination at an internationally renowned event. I am so proud of my roots and being able to be distinguished in my hometown of Glasgow made it even more special. Scotland may be a small country, but our influence covers the world over from sociology, technology, politics, science, etc. The Scottish Fashion Awards showcases the Scots who are making advances and applying our own cultural stamps on the fashion industry.
Q: What do you think this means for other Canadians in the fashion industry?
GM: Canadians in fashion tend to be so humble and think that no one is looking to see what advances are being made in our own backyard. It shows that the world is watching what is happening in the Canadian fashion market.
Q: What are the similarities, if any, between the Scottish and Canadian fashion industries?
GM: There are so many similarities between the two industries. Many home-grown talent leave to explore other opportunities in larger markets and, at the same time, many who choose to remain struggle with how to grow their business or careers. I think both markets can learn a lot from one another and perhaps can help each another grow.
Q: Do you think it’s important to be recognized this way, why or why not?
GM: That's a tough question to answer personally. I believe everyone wants to be praised or recognized for the work that they do, and if someone is working hard and devoting themselves to advancing their industry, then yes, it is important to be recognized, especially if they deserve it. I guess that is my roundabout way of saying that it was important me. I never expected to be nominated. To be honest, I still don't think it's completely sinking in for me yet that it all happened. I tried so hard to not make it seem like a "big deal" because then I probably would have broken out in hives and I don't think Lucian Matis would have liked that out shining his dress.
Q: We know it’s cliche to ask, but how did feel when you didn’t win the award?
GM: I had an inkling the day before that I didn't win, which actually removed a lot of nervousness. Of course, I'd be lying to say I wasn't a bit disappointed. And of course, there is always next year.
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