I always enjoy Nightwalk. Easily one of the best grassroots fashion events going it really celebrates the independent fashion scene within Scotland. No pretension, no airs and graces – just killer production values, banging tunes and some of Scotland’s most promising young talent.
The SS2013 took on a more restrained, softer look this year – giving the show a nice etheral vibe and giving the show a blank canvas to showcase the designs which spanned everything from luxe street, fantasy bridal to fine millinery. The show is very diverse and you can be assured if you’re not feeling one look, there will be something along in a few moments. And I think that’s what’s so exhilerating about Nightwalk. The discovery. For me it’s hearing a name that hasn’t crossed my path before and falling utterly in love and wanting to know everything about them. It’s a big show (and if one could have any critique about it, it can be a bit long) which allows for a very diverse range of designers to showcase their work. Here are my top picks.
Curioscope:
I first came across Cursioscope when the focus was predominately on custom tees and jumpers to the development of this brand from it’s more punk, diy aesthetic to a softer more feminine look is a pleasant surprise. Laser cut collars, coloured faux furs and skater skirts made a fun, frothy collection and I can’t wait to see more from Curioscope.
Catriona Macallister:
Ready to wear womenswear with a luxe feel pretty much sums up Macallister’s work. Supremely tailored each look that she sent down at Nightwalk felt clean, sharp and elegant. Beautiful clutch bags, fitted trousers and sharp button up shirts were some of my faves.
Vanilla Ink:
Dundee based jewellery studio Vanilla Ink brought some of their most talented jewelers to showcase at Nightwalk. A really eclectic mix of edgy showpieces and more elegant costume jewellery really showed the diversity and craftsmanship. Dundee’s fashion scene is pretty much booming at the moment having given us the likes of Hayley Scanlan, Isolated Heroes and Jane Gowans. Vanilla Ink just adds to the cities impressive repertoire
Danni McWilliams:
Delicious minimal streetwear made up Danni McWilliam’s 11 piece Homegirl collection. Dungarees, split skirts and sheer fabrics – it was just what I wanted. Androgynous, soft and very very refreshing. McWilliam’s designs just have an instant cool factor with looks that can easily transcend seasons. More of this please.
Obscure Couture:
I’ve talked about Obscure Couture at great lengths before and I always love their catwalk shows. From a full beaded body suit to a straight up pony girl down their runway they keep their tongue firmly in the cheeky with their fairytale inspired collection. Their finale piece was stupidly beautiful. Uber femme and frothy their collection was fine,fresh,fierce. Pretty much what I’ve come to expect from the Obscurites.
I have to say this way my favourite Nightwalk yet. Scotland’s independent fashion scene shows no signs of slowing down and neither does Nightwalk. It truly keeps going from strength to strength ad is becoming an institution in helping introduce new designers to a wider audience.
Photos coutersy of Bartosz Madejski