TOP SCOTS FASHION DESIGNERS SUPPORT SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND

TV retail advisor and Save the Children Ambassador, Mary Portas opened her first boutique style charity shop in Stockbridge, Edinburgh - with the help of Scottish Fashion Awards founder Tessa Hartmann this week.

"I'm delighted Tessa is onboard, the 'Queen of Shops' and 'First Lady of Scottish Fashion' should make a formidable team," said Mary. "Tessa is committed to helping Save the Children, and to spread the message of shopping neutral."

"Mary's Living and Giving Shop for Save the Children" sells a huge range of designer bargains and top notch high street gear and was supported by some of Scotland's most high profile fashion stars.

Tessa said: "I received a call from Melanie Ricky Editor at large of Grazia who are really throwing their fashion weight behind this exciting venture. They are also delving into their closets to provide some wonderful fashion pieces for the store. So naturally, I was delighted to get involved and work with Mary and Grazia. It's such a great cause and I must say all the highly successful Scottish fashion designers I contacted were so generous and sent us wonderful items - this is definitely going to be thee shopping destination of the season in Scotland!"

"There's a wonderful sense of patriotism when you are working on a project like this. From the models at the Model Team who volunteered their time for charity to the Group President of Ralph Lauren Europe, Brian Duffy being so generous with a Ralph Lauren blazer and a bag. Then there's Jonathan Saunders, Christopher Kane Graeme Black giving us fantastic dresses, it's just incredible. Jim McGongile MD of USC, Lorraine Pringle Marketing Director of Warehouse along with other impressive retailers and young designers like Ultimo, Boudiche, Laura Lees, Iona Crawford, and milliner Joyce Paton who have each been very kind with their donations. Johnston's Cashmere has donated a wonderful cashmere cardigan - let's just say Santa could have a ball in this store!"

The store is located at 34 Raeburn Place , Stockbridge, Edinburgh.