Irvine Welsh has expressed that it is a "real privilege" to participate in an event honouring the legacy of his close friend, the late fashion designer Pam Hogg, in her hometown. The celebrated author of Trainspotting will host a special panel discussion as part of the inaugural Paisley Arts Festival, focusing on Hogg's profound cultural impact.
A Celebration in Hogg's Hometown
The event, titled "Pam Hogg: Style, Defiance And The Art Of Being Seen", is scheduled for Friday, March 27, at Paisley Town Hall, beginning at 8.30pm. This gathering will take place in the designer's birthplace of Paisley, Renfrewshire, where she spent her formative years before embarking on an illustrious career. Welsh emphasised the significance of holding the celebration on her "home turf", describing it as a "great thing" that adds personal resonance to the occasion.
Remembering a Fashion Pioneer
Pam Hogg, renowned for her bold and eccentric style, passed away in November 2025 at St Joseph's Hospice in Hackney, London. Her creative journey began with studies in fine art and printed textiles at the Glasgow School of Art, followed by advanced training at the Royal College of Art in London. She forged a remarkable career, designing iconic looks for global superstars including Rihanna, Kate Moss, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, and Beyonce.
Welsh, who first met Hogg in London's Soho during the 1980s and maintained a decades-long friendship, reflected on her unique approach to design. He noted that she deliberately avoided creating for the mass market or producing high street fashion. Instead, Hogg focused on crafting spectacular and often shocking pieces, resisting any dilution of her artistic vision. Welsh suggested that her legacy might transcend fashion, positioning her as an "artist of the body" whose work represents significant three-dimensional art.
Beyond Fashion: An Enduring Cultural Impact
The author highlighted Hogg's ability to connect deeply with people from diverse backgrounds, describing her as an "ubiquitous person" who would "show up everywhere". Welsh recalled her gift for making everyone in a room feel important, a rare quality that left a lasting impression on those she encountered. This personal touch, combined with her artistic innovation, cemented her status as a major British artist.
Joining Welsh on the panel will be Scottish model and actress Eunice Olumide, along with fashion historian and curator Mairi MacKenzie. Together, they will share their perspectives on Hogg's enduring influence, exploring how her work challenged conventions and inspired creativity across multiple fields. The discussion aims to shed light on the broader cultural significance of her contributions, moving beyond mere fashion commentary.
Festival Details and Organisation
The Paisley Arts Festival, running from March 27 to 29, is organised by the leisure and cultural charity OneRen, with support from Creative Scotland. This event dedicated to Pam Hogg serves as a centrepiece of the festival, offering attendees an opportunity to engage with her legacy through personal anecdotes and critical analysis. Full event details and ticket information are available through the official festival channels, ensuring accessibility for all interested parties.
Welsh's involvement underscores the deep personal and professional respect he holds for Hogg, framing the event as both a tribute and a critical examination of her artistic journey. As the community gathers in Paisley, the celebration promises to honour a visionary whose work continues to resonate in the worlds of fashion, art, and culture.
