Nicola Sturgeon led a Scottish contingent of fashion designers and textile manufacturers at an event at the famed Saks Fifth Avenue department store.
The Deputy First Minister is in New York for a series of events marking Scotland Week 2009. She was joined on Thursday night by Glasgow designer Graeme Armour (pictured with Ms Sturgeon) and some of Scotland's promising fashion students for the event which promoted Scottish businesses to the North American fashion market.
Scotland's textiles sector employs about 38,000 people and generates more than £2billion annually to the economy. The country has a long history in fashion and textiles – from the contemporary styles of Jean Muir to the quality cloths of Harris Tweed.
Ms Sturgeon wore a specially designed dress by Mr Armour to the event. The navy frock was made of Ghazar Satin, featuring a front frill and cinched at the waist.
She said: "This Scotland Week event showcases the talent, creativity, and innovation our fashion industry continues to offer at Saks Fifth Avenue, which is an American fashion institution.
"Scottish designers such as Graeme Armour, Deryck Walker, Christopher Kane, Hillary Rohde and Sandra Murray clearly demonstrate that Scotland remains at the forefront of fashion."
Young talents from Scotland's leading fashion and design schools - Cardonald College, Herriot Watt University, Edinburgh College of Art and Duncan of Jordanstone College - showcased their works alongside established names such as Mackintosh, Scott & Charters, Hillary Rohde, Sandra Murray, Lochcarron, and Johnstons of Elgin.
Ms Sturgeon added: "I am delighted that this new generation of young aspiring Scottish designers are taking part in this celebration of Scottish fashion and textiles. These are the students who are tasked with upholding and building upon Scotland's design kudos."
Mr Armour was named Scottish Fashion Awards Young Designer of the Year in 2008. He studied fashion at Cardonald College and Central Saint Martins.
Dozens of events were scheduled across North America for Scotland Week. Capping the week will be a 10K run through New York's Central Park on Saturday.
