6 Scottish fashion brands to fall in love with
You needn’t venture to the predetermined fashion capitals of the world to discover beautiful new designs. Scotland’s style scene is growing at an exponential rate, thanks in no small part to the home-grown fashion brands putting our little corner of the world on the sartorial map. From made-to-measure dresses and the chicest arm candy around to the jewellery every influencer loves and the polka-dot top with a wait-list, scroll below to discover some of our favourite Scottish fashion brands.
Olivia Rose the Label
Solely responsible for putting puff-sleeves and fitted, shirred bodices back on the style agenda, Olivia Rose the Label has become a firm fixture on our Instagram feeds, and is beloved by influencers and celebrities alike. Founded in 2017 by Olivia Rose Havelock, each piece is made-to-measure in limited quantities by Olivia herself in her Edinburgh studio. Pastel hues and romantic florals are design signatures, while silhouettes feature square necklines and fitted skirts. Essentially, it’s the stuff occasionwear dreams are made of.
C NICOL
Launched in 2015 by Scottish designer, Cathleen Nicol, the C.Nicol aesthetic is always graceful and uncluttered. Sourcing fine materials and undertaking high standards in manufacturing are both loyal to the brand’s ethos. Designed at C.Nicol HQ set within the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands, each bag is hand-cut, sewn and finished by a team of craftswomen , led by a chief maker who has been creating handbags for some of Britain’s best leather brands for 15 years.
CNICOL.COM
HAYLEY SCANLAN
Since graduating in 2009, Hayley Scanlan has been very busy indeed; in 2012, she launched her namesake label, opened her own Dundee store in 2017, and even earned herself a doctorate in 2019. But one of her biggest achievements is starring in Netflix’s Next in Fashion, where she fought off competition from around the world to become one of the 18 hopefuls to win a life-changing cash prize and a contract with luxury fashion behemoth, Net-a-Porter. Hailing from Dundee, she has ensured Scotland is very much in the fashion spotlight in 2020.
HAYLEYSCANLAN.COM
Photo: @bubblyaquarius
Le Kilt
We need not tell you that the kilt is synonymous with Scotland, but Le Kilt’s founder, Samantha McCoach, has helped elevate it to fashionable new heights. Established in 2014, Le Kilt started life as a single kilt style Samantha made in tandem with her grandmother. Today, the brand boasts seasonal collections featuring jackets, tops and kilts alike, is stocked at some of the most prestigious e-boutiques in the world and has won over an impressive legion of fans.
LEKILT.CO.UK
Laura bond
Laura Bond is a premium jewellery brand based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Launched in early 2019, the label was born out of a desire to offer dainty earrings for the multiple ear piercing trend at an affordable price without compromising on quality. It’s since become a firm favourite amongst the Instagram elite and celebrities alike—for obvious reasons.
LAURABOND.CO.UK
Green Thomas
Anyone who lives in this fair nation knows knitwear serves as an integral part of our wardrobes, but pullovers needn’t be pared-back. Cue Green Thomas, a knitwear brand with roots in London, but with its heart in Scotland, which is known for its bright, playful take on premium knitwear. While many other labels outsource production to other countries, Green Thomas sought to craft its products in Scotland, using the finest wool and craftsmanship. The outcome is directional pieces steeped in heritage.