Irvine Welsh: My friend Pam Hogg made you feel like the most important person in the room

Renowned writer shares memories of his special friend as he prepares to join other leading figures in Scottish culture to celebrate designer’s life and legacy at special event in her home town

Irvine Welsh has said that the legacy of globally celebrated Scottish designer Pam Hogg will reach far beyond the catwalk, describing her as a creative force whose influence cut across more than just the fashion industry.

The Trainspotting author, who first met Hogg in Soho in the 1980s and was a close friend for decades, will honour her life and achievements at a special tribute event in her hometown of Paisley next week. 

Tributes poured in from across the fashion world and beyond for the designer, musician, artist and DJ following her death at St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney, London, on November 26.

Reflecting on her personality, he spoke of the lasting impression she left on those around her, recalling a rare ability to move effortlessly between creative worlds and connect with people across difference trades.

“She was an ubiquitous person, would just show up everywhere. She’d talk to everyone in a room and made you feel like the important person and there’s few people that can do that – it’s a real gift.”

As part of the first Paisley Arts Festival, Welsh will host the one-off event at Paisley Town Hall on Friday (March 27), leading a reflecting conversation on Hogg’s creative legacy and cultural impact, shaped by their long-standing friendship.

Despite building an international reputation, Hogg remained fiercely protective of her creative independence and resisted pressure to commercialise her work.

“She didn’t make stuff for the mass market, she didn’t make high street fashion. She made things that would be spectacular and shocking and didn’t like the watering down of that.”

For Welsh, hosting the event in Hogg’s hometown makes the tribute particularly meaningful and provides an opportunity to reflect on the place that shaped her creative outlook.

“It’s a real privilege to be part of something where it’s her home turf, it’s a great thing.”

Looking back on her remarkable career, Welsh believes Hogg’s legacy will ultimately extend far beyond fashion, reflecting the artistic vision that defined her work throughout her life.

“I think the fashion aspect may become less prominent and she’ll be seen as an artist of the body who created this amazing work. She’s a 3D artist and a major British artist. That’ll be her legacy.”

The tribute event at Paisley Town Hall will explore the many creative worlds Hogg moved through over the course of her life – from art school and underground club culture to international fashion circles and music scenes – while reflecting on the influence of Paisley on her work and identity. 

Joining Welsh on the panel will be Scottish model and actor Eunice Olumide, and fashion historian and curator Mairi MacKenzie, who will share their perspectives on Hogg’s work and enduring cultural impact.

Born in Paisley, Hogg  grew up in Renfrew and Glasgow before building a career that would see her create looks for the likes of singers Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue, as well as a host of supermodels.

Her creativity was rooted in her upbringing – a fact that will be celebrated in a special display celebrating her life and career in the transformed Paisley Museum when it reopens.

Paisley Arts Festival takes place from Friday March 27 until Sunday March 29. It is organised by leisure and cultural charity OneRen, with support from Creative Scotland. Full event details and ticket information are available via https://www.oneren.org/paisley-arts-festival/