Scottish fashion designers sought for US trade mission

Organisers say they are still accepting applications for the trade visit to Chicago

Scottish fashion designers and textile firms are being urged to join a five-day trade mission to Chicago at the end of this month.

The mission, organised by Scotland Re:Designed, has been timed to coincide with the 2014 Ryder Cup.

The initiative will include an "eco-chic showroom" of sustainable Scottish fashion and textiles.

Scotland Re:Designed is backed by the Scottish government, Creative Scotland and Scottish Development International.

Organisers said they were still accepting applications for the US visit from interested companies.

In April, 12 of Scotland's top designers in fashion and textiles showcased their work in New York as an official part of Scotland Week 2012.

The Scotland Re:Designed project, which aims to help Scottish talent work collectively, has achieved £180,000 in sales since its launch earlier this year.

'Exciting opportunity'

Announcing the latest initiative, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "Scotland Re:Designed is an exciting opportunity for Scottish designers to tap into the American market-place as well as a showcase for Scotland's creativity, world-class skills and natural raw materials.

"And Chicago is the ideal location, as the eyes of the world are on golf's biggest event, the Ryder Cup, and its handover to Scotland - the home of golf - for 2014."

She added: "According to recent research, Scotland's fashion and textile market supports 7,000 jobs and contributes £280m to the Scottish economy.

"In this Year of Creative Scotland, I would encourage all budding and established talent out there to seize this opportunity and apply to take part."