A PORT Seton man has told how he helped to bring to life a princess’ idea for a Scottish-themed outfit to be worn at the glitzy Monaco bash.

Fraser Moodie, 22, is in his fourth year of a fashion communication degree at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design in Galashiels. He is also assistant to Howie Nicholsby, owner of 21st Century Kilts in Edinburgh.

“We all went up on April 7 to Glenborrodale Castle in the Highlands, where we met Prince Albert and Princess Charlene [of Monaco] who were doing a whisky tour,” he told the Courier.

“She had an idea that she wanted something very unique made. She explained it to Howie and myself.” The creation, sketched by Fraser, who stays with his mum on Rowanhill Way, was a couture piece kilt, a full-length evening dress with an empire line.

A sheet of Fraser-inspired sketches, with notes and references for design details he had taken from last year’s Coco Chanel fashion show at Linlithgow Palace, was forwarded to Princess Charlene before the firm was given the go-ahead.

Howie, Fraser and a kiltmaker collaborated on the order and Howie then attended the palace in Monte Carlo for fittings with the princess and her husband.

And Fraser’s verdict on how it looked on the 35-year-old South African former Olympic swimmer after he attended the Monte Carlo event?

“It was amazing, it was stunning,” he said.

“The first time I saw it on her was at the actual event [a gala dinner at the Monte Carlo Whisky Conference 2013].

“I had a wee tear in my eye, because it was something I achieved.

“We were all having dinner. Howie took me over to their table and introduced me again. They both remembered me and she said ‘thank you so much’ and asked what I thought.

“I was a wee bit starstruck. She was talking about how she is going to style it herself to wear to other events.” Fraser, a former pupil of Longniddry Primary School and Preston Lodge High School, said: “She was absolutely lovely. It was kind of a surreal situation.

“She was very much down to earth. She was lovely and very approachable.” Summing up his brush with royalty, Fraser said: “It was absolutely fantastic, especially for someone of my age, I never thought it would happen so quickly.”