Students from Heriot-Watt’s School of Textiles and Design used Scottish Borders as Backdrop for Fashion Show

Students from Heriot-Watt’s School of Textiles and Design put the focus back on the Scottish Borders’ rich and diverse textile heritage by hosting their annual fashion show at the home of Sir Walter Scott.

They launched their 2014 collection at Abbotsford House on Saturday 31 May with a catwalk erected in a marquee in the grounds of the 19th century house overlooking the River Tweed.

The show celebrated the innovation, technological expertise, craft skills and cutting-edge design displayed in the work of students, including Harris Tweed floor length gowns and a sports collection that uses specialised knitted fabrics which keep athletes cool.A tribute to Bernat Klein. 

As well as the fashion show, The Degree Show exhibition, showcasing the work of all graduating students of the School of Textiles and Design, was launched within the historic High Mill building at Heriot-Watt’s Scottish Borders Campus. It included work from the first graduating Scottish Fashion Communication students. This year alongside the degree show there is a tribute to the late Galashiels-based textile designer and artist, Bernat Klein. Students have taken inspiration from Klein’s distinctive use of colour and texture to create a highly visual display.

Fiona Waldron, Head of School of Textiles and Design, said, “We’ve previously held our Graduate Fashion Show in Edinburgh but this year we wanted to return to the Scottish Borders, the heart of the luxury textile sector. Much focus is coming back to the Borders with Chanel recently purchasing the Barrie cashmere mill and Bernat Klein’s enduring influence.

“We’re incredibly proud to be based in Galashiels, which is world renowned for its cashmere, weaving and textile industries made famous by big brands such as Pringle, Belinda Robertson and Lyle and Scott. We’re excited to have the beautiful Abbotsford House as a backdrop to the fashion show this year, mixing cutting-edge style at the forefront of the fashion industry with history, culture and of course those stunning views over the River Tweed.” Read more...

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