Twelve exhibitors have been selected by an international panel of fashion and textile experts to take part in Scotland Re:Designed, a new industry led initiative aimed at championing Scotland’s modern, vibrant fashion and textile sector to buyers and media in New York during Scotland Week 2012.

Taking part in the project are Bodywear designers Bebaroque, the Scottish Queen of Cashmere Belinda Robertson OBE, Scotland's oldest continually operating textile factory Caerlee Mills, Edinburgh born and based menswear designer Kestin Hare of brand Common People Clothing, award winning knitwear design house Eribe, couture jeweller Euan McWhirter; supplier to the likes of designer Jenny Packham, luxury womenswear designer and celebrity favourite Henrietta Ludgate, award winning designer Judy R Clark; famed for her exquisite womenswear designs in lace, silk and Harris Tweed as well as a recent collaboration with Ford Motors, internationally renowned cotton lace weaver Morton Young & Borland Textiles, hot new cashmere designer Rosie Sugden, renowned interior designers Timorous Beasties and award winning milliner William Chambers.

Chosen by a UK and international panel of fashion experts including Sarah Murray, owner and buyer of luxury fashion boutique Jane Davidson, and James Gilchrist, CEO of New York based menswear brand Adam Kimmel.

The 12 will travel to New York this April as part of the Scottish Government‘s official Scotland Week 2012 programme with support from the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland before exhibiting at home in Scotland.

Scotland Re:Designed is a platform from which Scottish fashion designers, manufacturers and textile companies can build, establish and secure new and ongoing business relationships.  

Designer to stars such as Livia Firth and 30 Rock's Katrina Bowden Henrietta Ludgate said:

“In the past I've had a brilliant response from US buyers and media, but being at Scotland Re:Designed as part of Scotland Week 2012 will enable to me to do face to face appointments and hold meetings to show people my collections in depth, allowing me to develop long term and sustainable business relationships."

The initiative's launch in New York is also designed to enhance Scotland’s reputation on the world stage in the Year of Creative Scotland and beyond, generating creative, successful partnerships with American organisations, businesses, media and consumers.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said:

“Scotland is a creative nation with a thriving textiles industry which supports 9,500 jobs and generates an annual turnover of £756 million. The sector already exports to more than 100 countries and has a vibrant future - underpinned by quality, diversity, innovation and design.

“Scotland Re:Designed will build on these strengths during Scotland Week 2012, giving twelve of our best fashion and textile designers direct links to buyers and fashion media in the USA.  There can be no better year than this, the Year of Creative Scotland, to showcase our many creative talents – from fashion and textiles, to science and engineering – on the international stage.”

Anne MacColl, chief executive of Scottish Development International said:

"Design education in Scotland is world-leading, with many of our graduates taking up positions in prestigious brands or starting their own labels. The success of recognised names like Christopher Kane, Holly Fulton, Louise Gray & Jonathan Saunders have inspired many more young Scots to embark on a career in textile design. 

"The Scottish textiles industry has a growing international reputation and recognises the value of the US as one of its largest export markets. By working collaboratively we can ensure that we promote Scotland's strengths and excellent reputation, helping more countries realise the benefits of working with the incredible amount of expertise that exists within the textiles industry in Scotland."

Director of Creative Development at Creative Scotland, and a panel member, Caroline Parkinson said:

"Scotland's fashion and textile sector is full of talent - so many exciting businesses applied to be part of Scotland Re:Designed. This showcase is a great opportunity for the twelve designers to reach international markets and enhance their business."

Scotland’s long heritage of innovation and creativity has helped create a reputable textiles industry with customers all over the world including many of the world's top luxury brands who already discover and recognise that the Scottish fashion and textile industry has a vibrant future - underpinned by quality, diversity, innovation and design.

Scottish Textile Industry Association Chairman David Breckenridge added:

"This sort of initiative is invaluable in providing a platform for our hugely creative fashion and textile sector.

"It is well recognised that Scottish colleges and universities provide an inspirational education for our fashion students and this is readily demonstrated by the number of graduates who progress to key roles in major international brands or even develop their own brands into household names. This event presents our creative talent with an opportunity to begin or further develop that process."

For information, appointments or to request tickets to the Private View visit scotlandredesigned.com or contact organisers on +44 (0) 141 243 2621.

Share This Page