Wearable art
Pick out something from our summer selection of jewellery, bags, wraps, tights, belts and scarves – then wear it to a new fashion show.
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW
If you love jewellery that screams “I’m an individual!”, check out Eclectic Shock for beautiful bracelets and necklaces by designer Louise Pringle, a past nominee for Accessory Designer of the Year at the Scottish Fashion Awards and winner in the jewellery category at the Scottish International Gift Fair.
Louise specialises in what she calls “reinvented vintage jewellery”, using things like crystal beads, earrings, brooches and even old watch faces to create one-off pieces. It’s like raiding Granny’s jewellery box, but with style! www.eclecticshock.net - Donna Westley
IT’S A WRAP
Summer in Scotland is upon us, which means just one thing: Be prepared for cold snaps.
A luxurious Travelwrap will help you keep out the chills while still looking good. Each Travelwrap is knitted from the longest-haired cashmere yarns and hand-finished in Scotland for use while out walking, travelling or just lounging at home.
Also available for men and children. www.thetravelwrapcompany.com
FAIR TRADE FASHION
Jewellery by Fifi Bijoux is made using gold, silver and diamonds from fair trading, small scale mining co-operatives. The multi awardwinning, celebrity-endorsed company only sources from programmes which comply with stringent eco-sustainability standards.
Owner Vivien Johnston, a graduate in Jewellery & Silversmithing from Glasgow School of Art, says: “The fair trade model provides an opportunity to empower mining communities which have historically suffered extreme poverty.
These communities are mineral rich and yet remain among the poorest in the world.” Available at Flux (55 Bernard St., Edinburgh & 40 High St., North Berwick), Kalo (26 Kilmarnock Rd., Glasgow) and VOV Organic (35 Old Dumbarton Rd., Glasgow). www.fifibijoux.com
SKIN TIGHT
This season’s appropriately named Matador collection of bejewelled tights by Bebaroque has been been inspired by all things Spanish.
Intricate hand embroideries and surface detailing of pearls, mixed beads and hints of gold and silver are influenced by Spanish paintings, fabrics and the traditional dress of the nation. Base fabrics are a rich mix of velvet, silks and mesh with Bebaroque’s signature prints to give the look of embroidery on the skin.
Designers Mhairi McNicol and Chloe Patience are graduates in Textiles from the Glasgow School of Art. Since launching in 2007, Bebaroque has been named Accessory Designer of the Year at the 2008 Scottish Fashion Awards and won the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) Regional Young Business of the Year Award in 2009. Available at Boudiche in Glasgow and Edinburgh. www.bebaroque.co.uk
TARTAN TOTES
Edinburgh designers Caroline Stuart and Victoria Gladstone of Stuart Gladstone have created a luxury brand of travel totes, chic handbags and glam clutches using the finest quality New Zealand calf leather, Lochcarron tweeds and tartans and stylish liberty prints.
The collection is augmented by matching accessories, including travel wallets and passport holders. Available at Fifi & Ally (Glasgow), Fox & Bhut (St Andrews) and online. www.stuartgladstone.com - Caitlin Rattray
BELT UP!
Using leather sourced from a family-run Scottish tannery specialising in wild deerskin, Susiemaroon produce all their belts in-house at their studio in Edinburgh. The skins are sourced from Scottish game dealers who are closely monitored by the Deer Commission Scotland.
These hides would otherwise be discarded as a by-product of the venison industry. Susiemaroon like to keep their leather as natural-looking as possible, which means it is often uneven in colour and has unique distress markings. www.susiemaroon.co.uk
A JOY TO BEHOLD
Kintyre-bred Rowan McIntosh of Rowan Joy produces a beautiful, limited edition line of hand-printed vintage scarves featuring her trademark art deco designs.
Managing to be both fashion-forward and nostalgic at the same time, these whimsical accessories are ideal for instant outfit updates. Available exclusively at Godiva in Edinburgh. www.godivaboutique.co.uk - Grainne Byrne
EVENT
Heriot Watt’s School of Textiles and Design’s inaugural Graduate Exhibition and Fashion show, ‘Representation: Presentation’, will be directed by the renowned fashion designer Mark Eley of the duo Eley Kishimoto.
The exhibition will celebrate traditional craft and demonstrate the skills behind textiles and clothing. The School’s Annual Fashion Show takes place on the last night.
‘Representation: Presentation’, June 16-19, 10.30am-5.30pm, free; Annual Fashion Show, June 19, 8pm, £15 (weaving floor), £10 (standing), The Hub tickets (www.hubtickets.co.uk, T 0131 473 2000, £1 booking fee per ticket). Both at Dovecot, 10 Infirmary St., Edinburgh.
