A leading bespoke milliner, make-up artist and stylist who operates from bases in Angus and London is celebrating his 60th birthday in style this evening at a glittering fashion show at Glamis Castle.
Priestley West will preview his latest collection in the state dining room at the ancestral seat to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne.
He originally trained in 1996 at Brushstrokes make-up training studio at Shepperton Studios and worked across Europe on film sets and fashion shows.
Dealing with high-end fashion and super-models inspired him to expand his repertoire into millinery taking courses at Central St Martins in London.
He now splits his time between his base in Brechin and his studio in London, enjoying the peace and tranquillity of Angus where he works on his latest creations with a small team in his workroom.
Setting up base at The Merchant House in Brechin’s High Street, he is now laying down Scottish roots after closing the Edinburgh Alternative Fashion Week last summer.
With 20 models lined up to showcase his latest bespoke hats this evening, he promises the night will be one to remember for the audience, and a birthday he will never forget.
He said: “I have been to Glamis Castle before and have always wanted to have my birthday there.
“This is the year of the Ladies of Glamis so I thought – why not do a fashion show for the ladies of Glamis?
“I will be celebrating my 60th in style.”
Since moving to Brechin, Priestley has given talks and demonstrations at The Retreat in Glenesk.
He also plans to give something back to the community with a donation from the sale of any of his creations going to Children In Need and a cancer charity.
He is also hoping to start a charity to support Black Watch veterans and those suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.
Tonight’s event, which begins at 8pm, will feature Priestley and West Milliners and NanaLola couture.
Monica Jones is a bespoke American designer who will bring her label to Glamis after showing at London Fashion Week.
After the show there will be the opportunity to meet the designers and purchase items at a discount in The Pink Drawing Room.
