Photos by Michael Alexander
What do Mike Myers, Ed Westwick, Amber Lee “Obama Girl” Ettinger, New York Jets star Damien Woody and the Geico caveman all have in common? Cult followings aside, they were among the celebs, media personalities and hot Scots who attended last night’s Dressed to Kilt benefit at the swanky M2 lounge. The runway show, hosted by Sir Sean Connery, is now in its seventh year and has been dubbed “the highest-profile Scottish event in the United States.”
“It’s about raising money for a great cause and about having a great time,” explained American Idol star Kellie Pickler of the event and its beneficiary, The Wounded Warrior Project. “I’ve never walked a runway before, so this should be interesting. I’m only five feet tall, but I cheat and wear really big heels. I’m just hoping I don’t fall off the end!” In response to our question of what makes kilts so dead sexy: “What’s not underneath! Kidding, just kidding! So I hear.”
“I’m excited to see anyone with nice legs in a kilt,” confessed Alex McCord, star of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York and another of the evening’s runway models. McCord admitted that although she hadn’t been practicing her strut, she was still psyched to hit the catwalk. “I tried on the dress…it’s a start, right?”
“It’s always good when people get together to help out,” reflected Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick, before crushing all of our dirty dreams. “I already tried [on my kilt] in the dressing room, so I can assure you it’s quite comfortable—though I’m going to be shy and wear my underwear, I think.”
As an added incentive for walkers to really work their plaid creations by Vivienne Westwood, Glaschu Scotland and others, a panel of judges watched from below with score cards. “I’m looking forward to seeing how far people will go on the runway to get my vote,” said Project Runway alum Laura Bennett. “A flash of the kilt is always appreciated.”
“We’re just going to improv and have a good time—we don’t have to be serious!” said Andie MacDowell, who worked the red carpet with her two daughters. “We’re lowland Scotlanders and direct descendants from ‘Hunting’ John MacDowell, 1717 from Ireland. I did my research!”
Eventually we found ourselves within inches of the original James Bond. The answer to the question on everyone’s mind (or at least ours): “Who would I pick for the next Bond girl?” balked Connery. “I don’t know any girls!” And there you have it.—Lauren Otis
