Fantasy costume pieces

I've been having fun recently making fantasy costume pieces with feather trim.  These were originally inspired by my warrior queen styling research and have grown from there.  I'm nearly finished a turquoise cape and I've started making a dress - this rookie dressmaker is doing not bad for a beginner!  I've mastered threading the sewing machine and now there's no stopping me.  When I was in London the other week I had a look round Shepherd's Bush market and saw so many fantastic fabrics which have given me lots of ideas for making clothes from jackets to cocktail dresses.  Where will this end....

Art Therapy

After having a really tough time over the past couple of years due to being on antibiotics for far too long, and having to see doctors, attend clinics and change my diet to treat what cropped up I've been thrust back into the world of hospitals and dealing with a health issue rather than just maintaining stuff.

It's been nagging me at the back of mind for two years that styling is pretty egocentric, self serving and isn't doing anything to help humanity.  So after talking to a pharmacist one day and writing something for him to use in a presentation I had a Eureka moment and thought "why don't I train as an Art Therapist?!" so I searched online and quickly found a part time one at Glasgow Uni which I enrolled on and started last Thursday evening.  It was the introductory evening, where we had the course explained and did a little bit of art work, which was very tactile - making an image with a tub of sand.  My big idea is to be able to run workshops for kids with long term health issues much like myself - in and out of hospital and that being a massive part of your life - and I want to show them and their family life beyond these circumstances, and that life can be lived fully.  I want to use costume to put them into the character of a superhero or a king or queen and take charge of their domain, their existence, and see beyond their life now and what they can become.  I'm really looking forward to each part of the whole course to see how it develops and what I learn  from it, and hope to be able to become a brilliant art therapist as soon as possible.

Published work in Westender magazine

I was contacted by the Editor of Westender, a Glasgow magazine focusing on the West End of the city's attractions and businesses, to find out if I was available to work on the fashion feature of their next issue (August/September edition).  Fortunately I was, and I soon met Suzanne and photographer Gregor for an introduction before starting to plan the shoot.

At the meeting for planning the shoot we chatted about trends and the theme they wanted to go for in the mag, which was a Paris orientented idea with quite classic looks, and the ideal location was a rooftop.  As it turned out, getting the location confirmed was the trickiest part of organising the shoot.  The subway was another option, Buchanan St has a very funky futuristic looking travelator but to use the underground network you have to book quite a while in advance and SPT does like a fairly substantial fee.

I put moodboards together for seven looks, and was formally introduced by Suzanne to the shop managers in the West End before borrowing clothing from them for the shoot.  As it turned out, getting the looks together was easy, no hiccups at all!

The shoot day was great, super location found just off George Square in the city centre, fantastic team completed by brilliant MUA Terri and lovely model Rosalind.  The day flowed so easily and was great fun, but typically the rain poured down for our last look so we went with it and went for a walk in the rain idea which Rosalind was totally game for!  I was really pleased to see the images in print a few weeks later.

I was called again a good few weeks later to find out if I could work on the October/November issue, and was really pleased to!  This theme was futuristic and metallics - my favourite - so it was a total pleasure to choose outfits for the look.  I got my moodboards planned, and checked out what the shops had and had more than seven looks prepared, which as it turned out was lucky as the pick up days were throwing problems at  me!  Three shop managers were on holiday or otherwise unavailable and the staff in the shop at the time didn't recognise me (fortunately I plan in advance and start pick up at the start of the week so I give myself a spare day if things like this happen).  So I looked back at my moodboards and changed round a couple of the ideas to give myself the number of outfits needed for the shoot and got all that I needed.  I also borrowed some striking pieces from a couple of up and coming designers, Fictional Character and Fiona Kennedy which really helped the fashion feature look amazing!  We had a brilliant location, the SWG3 venue which suited the shoot theme incredibly well and was a great place to work.

We had awesome Terri on make up again, and a lovely model called Eilidh, a photography assistant who filmed behind the scenes and again the day went by smoothly.  Seeing the images as Gregor took them was great, we were able to see the great images being caught as the day progressed.

So, it was absolutely great to be part of this fantastic team and to see my work in print in front of me, not to mention the appreciation on social media!  This week we're planning to get together to discuss the theme for the next issue, the festive one so that should be a really amazing shoot with some wonderful looks I can't wait for!

Creating alternative realities

My dislike of the commercial world means I look for and create alternative realities.  I've been researching ancient civilisations for years and recently came across a website which blew my mind.  I've been using symbolism in little ways for years - if people get the message great, if not then I can grin know that I've put it out there.  I'm looking for the reasons people are creative or consumer, and why the corporate machine wants us to be devoid of empathy, creativity (I know it's to create wealth, but I want to know why they need to generate such an incredulous amount).  I've written about druid and pagan associations with the organic world and I've now refined the concept to nearly an artistic statement of characters which are a force of nature.  We've got such a crap society we need to trace our roots to our higher minded ancestors and I want to create characters representative of that civilisation to be role models for people today to take us back there.

I'm trying to get to the bottom of the Annunaki and Nephilim stories to work out where the peaceful, druidic cultured race I'd like to think most people came from originated.  Using reference to elves via symbolism eg dragons and mythology, I'm depicting my concept of the graceful elder race, and the darkness they faced which has eventually turned into the mess of life we face today.  My characters such as Eris are what I want to depict in images to express who I want to see as I explore the massive subject more.  I want to have warrior queens; Gnostics who shine with insight and knowledge.  It's good symbolism, not black witchcraft occult to hurt people.  The meaning of occult is little know information, not nastiness, ghouls and demons.  I want to give life back to the druids- the wisdom teachers - and make them a force again to encourage people to think intelligently and independently.  Self awareness equals self assuredness.

Led Zeppelin wrote lyrics that are along the lines of what I'm exploring:

Kashmir

Oh let the sun beat down upon my face, stars to fill my dream

I am a traveler of both time and space, to be where I have been

To sit with elders of the gentle race, this world has seldom seen

They talk of days for which they sit and wait and all will be revealed

Talk and song from tongues of lilting grace, whose sounds caress my ear

But not a word I heard could I relate, the story was quite clear.

In a post on songmeanings.com someone said: "Led Zeppelin were fans of the author of the Lord of the Rings series, JRR Tolkein. This song, as well as several others, has many allusions to events in the series of books Tolkein wrote. This one in particular alludes to events from The Simarillion, which is the elves' history. If you read the book and then listen to the song, you will understand." 

I also find the lyrics to The Battle of Evermore are telling the same story:

The Queen of Light took her bow,

And then she turned to go,

The Prince of Peace embraced the gloom,

And walked the night alone.

Oh, dance in the dark of night,

Sing to the morning light.

The dark Lord rides in force tonight,

And time will tell us all.

Oh, throw down your plow and hoe,

Rest not to lock your homes.

Side by side we wait the might

Of the darkest of them all.

I hear the horses' thunder down in the valley below,

I'm waiting for the angels of Avalon, waiting for the eastern glow.

The apples of the valley hold the seeds of happiness,

The ground is rich from tender care,

Repay, do not forget, no, no.

Dance in the dark of night,

Sing to the morning light.

The apples turn to brown and black,

The tyrant's face is red.

Oh war is the common cry,

Pick up your swords and fly.

The sky is filled with good and bad

That mortals never know.

Oh, well, the night is long, the beads of time pass slow,

Tired eyes on the sunrise, waiting for the eastern glow.

The pain of war cannot exceed the woe of aftermath,

The drums will shake the castle wall,

The ring wraiths ride in black, ride on.

Sing as you raise your bow,

Shoot straighter than before.

No comfort has the fire at night

That lights the face so cold.

Oh dance in the dark of night,

Sing to the morning light.

The magic runes are writ in gold to bring the balance back.

Bring it back.

At last the sun is shining,

The clouds of blue roll by,

With flames from the dragon of darkness,

The sunlight blinds his eyes.

Characters like the May Queen living in an Avalon - the shining land - are those I want to depict, sometimes futuristic versions to show their resurgence - multi dimensional people sharing experiences, developing their psyches, learning about life and living; people with self awareness and self determination to shape their lives with a holistic approach alongside empathy.  It's my opinion we should be raising our mentalities and psychological awareness, not become dumbed down.

New Generation

After the introduction of the metallics trend is the continuation of fashion embracing science where we see the constant experimentation with fabrics, shapes, patterns, embellishment and ultimately, identity.  From Chanel’s space themed show with many references to spacesuits and rockets to work by a number of new designers this is escape from planet earth to augmented reality.  The Strange Nature story from WGSN particularly plays with the concept of going beyond organic with intensified colours and natural motifs such as florals to make dramatic feminine looks.  Knowing transhumanism is a developing concept it’s interesting to see how fashion is proceeding towards the brave new world.

                

We’re all going to live with the future of artificial intelligence.  Fashion is introducing it into our lives as tactile and attractive, with the lure of luxe fabrics and opulent embellishment to increase the appeal to flatter our sense of self being able to indulge in luxury and taste with an open mind to the future.  The mainstreaming of fetish could be interpreted as somewhat dehumanising and sinister; the jewelled masks covering the faces are definitely removing the human element, the jewel over the mouth reducing the capacity for verbal expression, keeping the wearer mute; a sinister aspect of transhumanism. 

The Urban Warrior theme is very Mad Max, post-apocalyptic and each fashion story is like a scene in a script of the future concluding with aliens and super natural surreality.  Are the metallic fabrics meant to be interpreted as a shell or exoskeleton?

Looking at the upcoming fashions as purely style, they are beautiful, seductive, sensual – a real fantasy where the imagination will be allowed to go into overdrive to create characters in theatrical fashion show presentations, and for a few, to develop self-awareness and enhanced personas.  Looking at some of the emerging designers, who comment on society, culture etc, I can see their new collections being an eccentric expression of future forecasting and I really look forward to that.  Seeing how it filters down to the high street will be interesting, the original strong meaning may be lost but somehow an understanding will be impressed in psyches and consumers will hopefully interpret it effectively. 

The Hyper-Human theme creates a human-meets-machine aesthetic, inspired by motorcycle design and sci-fi movies; in Future Fetish higher necklines and long sleeves provide a more accessible way for people to wear this look.  Urban Warrior is inspired by cultural movements such as Futurism. Layers use waterproof and heat-conserving fabrics for the survivalist.  

I can’t help seeing this as the representation of the bigger picture and how it’s being introduced to people’s lives.  As the ways for real self expression through talent, skills and thoughts are reduced, the methods of expression via use of the ego are becoming more concentrated; and we’re going to be judged on how attractive we are, how validated by others rather than having fundamental characteristics of a personality.  Just when you thought we’d got past that stage of low level consciousness it comes bouncing back.

Looking at the categories and descriptions of this trend it seems to be that alternative culture and art is becoming mainstream:  The positive side of transhumanism for people who wish to and are able to effectively express themselves is the cyber-creative.

Recent Heriot Watt graduate designer Hayley Rebecca Muir is influenced by nature and taking the natural world into future fashion, showing how creativity can be directly connected to the natural world with a timelessness reference to our ancient druidic and pagan past.

She's considered the influence of earth science, connections of landscapes, and formations of natural movements, shaping and formation of the body taking on traditional craftmanship fusing with innovative design in down to earth styling and editing creating rustic minimalism that is both timeless and futuristic, helping to portray your own personal character and have your choice of first impressions.

This shows the possibly subconscious resistance to technology overtaking the natural life force, how you can’t separate being creative from being truly human, utilising motivations and responses from our minds and our natural-world surroundings.  We’re organic beings and need a connection to our environment.

Another Heriot Watt designer Lucy Graham has described her concept poetically:

DOUBLE II

We are born as individuals, we grow embracing our unique identity

our unique features, bold ways, and beautiful markings

embracing all that we are, as we are, for who we are.

A lifetime of freedom, freedom to embrace

expressing ourselves in our own skin, finding ourselves

time is constantly changing and we are constantly chasing

but let we be reminded that Age is just a number

we will grow old and hold on to being bold no matter what the number

Fashion is my armour, but style is my identity.

My second skin to express my inner beauty

I modify and manipulate for you to see who I want to be

I have the option and the freedom no matter what my number

No rules, no boundaries just styled to suit me

So, remember that my number doesn’t make me invisible

I’m only wiser can you see age does not make me invisible

that real identity is built through style, which comes with age and wisdom.

I’m growing older and my wardrobes just getting bolder

Because fashion helped me be, and you to see the beauty within me.

A further designer to include in this cyber creative category is A V Roberston, who specialises in embellished womenswear and accessories which launched in 2015 by Amie Victoria Robertson.  The London educated designer studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, graduating in 2014 with her unusual collection​ combining black oversized polo necks with cut out sections, clustered with hand made iridescent flowers.​  Her London Fashion Week debut in February 2016 with Fashion East attracted American designer Marc Jacobs to check out her 14-piece collection for Autumn Winter 16. The Show styled by Katie Grand was presented at The Tate Britain. The Designer based the collection on 'Alien wanderers falling to Earth,' their iridescent spores germinating in Earth's fertile atmosphere, bursting through seams and spreading across the backdrop of veering stripes and the collection signified the brand's trademark aesthetic, combining contemporary embellishment specific to the brand with casual, modern silhouettes.  She has also created a capsule collection for ASOS Black.

This aesthetic captures my styling imagination and interest in sociology, and one of my favourite styling stories is the future druid, taking the ancient lore of a spiritual race and showing how it is contemporary and beyond, relevant to a natural creative motivation which it’s clearly demonstrated is alive and kicking. Below are images from a shoot based on this concept.

Photography by Duncan Holmes, Make Up by Kirsten Hendry, Model Raya Mutch

Magical day -

See last week I was talking about finding somewhere to live in the countryside?  Decided on the location - Aberfoyle in Stirlingshire.

I went for a walk there with my dad yesterday (route in the middle of the map is marked in white) and as you can see from the photos it's a stunning, magical place.  It's a village with amazing scenery, not that far from Glasgow by car.  The sun was baking down, the best day this year so far and we loved the lovely, perfectly named Faerie Walk.  We were walking for 2 and a half hours, blissful day!

 

Pigs basking in the afternoon sun! 

A montage of photos from the walk

Beautiful bluebell woods 

Countryside relaxes me so much, and I had been unwell in April, and getting out is always my best remedy after sleeping to get fit, so it felt like a real reward.

Designer profile - Cait

Here's a profile of English designer based in Scotland, Cait.

What were your earliest fashion influences?

When I was younger - between the ages of seven and twelve - I always used to go to a family friends house on a Saturday morning while Dad was at the gym. She loves to shop so we would often head down to the local shopping centre and have a rummage through the sales. As I grew up I would go off with my friends at the weekend and spend my pocket money on clothes and accessories. 

Which designers inspire and continue to motivate you?

While I have a general style that I go by - the designers from which I seek inspiration range from Tommy Hilfiger to Zuhair Murad. I love the tomboy style of Tommy - the baggy jeans and oversized sweatshirts really fit well with my personal style. The consistent use of two solid colours in his collections makes the clothes instantly recognisable - and of course the heavy use of branding. While not everything appeals to me - his vintage stuff is iconic. At the complete opposite end of the spectrum is Zuhair Murad with his intricate detail and use of soft, fine fabrics. I particularly adore the use of floral appliqué on neutral coloured fabric. The effect is so unique and just makes the whole dress look beautifully elegant. 

How did you get into designing?

I’ve always enjoyed buying clothes and styling myself but I had never considered making my own. That was until my Advanced Higher Art project came around. We had a choice of subject areas to explore, one of which was Textiles. I decided to go for it as I was so intrigued to learn how you make your own clothes. My aunt had some previous experience in making clothes so she taught me the basics and I went onto study Fashion Design and Manufacture at college.

Who inspired your personal style?

I wouldn’t say there is one person in particular. I follow a lot of accounts on Instagram that inspire me, for example Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Sarah Snyder and Alice Catherine. Asos Marketplace as well, their Instagram features a huge variety of designers and boutiques. A lot of their stuff is vintage so they’re quite unique pieces which I also love.

Did you consider other jobs in the fashion industry?

I have a real interest in photography. Whilst on a recent holiday to Kenya I fell in love with photography all over again. Our rep said to me “you love photography but you just don’t take it seriously” and that will stick with me because he was so right. I would love to explore it more and see where it could take me.

What was your route to develop your career so far?

During my time at college, I featured in Jacki Clark’s Checkmate fashion show as both a model and a designer which I really enjoyed. I also organised and featured in (as a designer) a fashion show at the end of college which was a perfect end to a brilliantly insightful two years. I completed my HND in June 2016 and have since been working in fashion retail but continuously find myself wanting more and hope to leave soon.

What are your plans for the future?

Ultimately, my goal is to have my own clothing line. I have designed a collection which I’m very excited about - however I need to continue to work on it to make it the best it can be. Once I’ve made the clothes in the collection I hope to either model or photograph them and then get word out about it and see what happens from there. I would love to showcase my clothes at London Fashion Week one day. It’s a huge goal and at the moment seems very far away, nevertheless I’m a firm believer in you can achieve anything if you work hard enough.

What's the most important advice you can give to emerging designers?

Don’t listen to people who try to change you. No one knows your style more than you so if you like it, stick with it! Fashion is a form of art and art is very subjective, if someone doesn’t like your particular style it doesn’t mean it’s bad or wrong. Be honest with yourself and you won’t have any regrets. 

Follow Cait on Instagram.

Mythological creatures

Part of my new life cycle (return to authenticity - natural motivations - with experience and insight) is a refinding my spiritual motivation.  It never completely left, I was always inspired by mythological beings, Eris Events being the most cultivated of these, and I've got several Pinterest boards with druid, pagan, fantasy, (this too), (and this!) tribal and mystical images.

I made a dragon pendant years ago when practising silversmithing which was exhibited in the Trades House Exhibition in 1997 which has always been a proud favourite and I've dug him out and started wearing him again.  I'd got a pair of silver dragon earrings and a brass dragon brooch when I was 17 and I've started wearing these again too (except the brooch, I'm scared it falls off and I lose it) and I've just ordered Pegasus and unicorn pendants.

I've found a brilliant website about the ancient race, which so far seems to be completely my outlook and I'm reading all the pages on this site when I get the chance.

"Given that 'Love' is a field of knowledge (albeit ancient and forgotten by mortal man), it is necessary to apply oneself conscientiously to training in that field, which consists basically of developing higher consciousness. For this it is necessary, first of all, to develop the ability to see oneself objectively, to take notice of the real causes that motivate our feelings, thoughts, and actions, thereby allowing us to reveal the underlying cause which prevents us from having empathy with others, and which inevitably severs us from Universal Conciousness. To express it in the most basic and simple way, "pure love" means to love with one's being and not with one's personality. It is seeing oneself in the All, in a very real way."
http://dragoncourt.net/06.html.

I loved The Hobbit and Lord Of The Rings when I was at school - I read The Hobbit again occasionally.  I've got a copy of The Simarillion which I've started but not got far into which I'll have to pick up again while I'm in this fantasy mood.

So while I'm in the new throes of this mood I thought I'd find some lovely mythical creature images.

Aberdeen Fashion Week - Saturday 29 April

I managed to assist a designer/stylist I've been trying to network with for a while backstage at Aberdeen FW. It was a total coincidence that I stood up to leave the room at the time a photographer was coming into the room, he runs a model school and his models were walking for that designer so I joined that gang for the day which was perfect!  She designs really cool alternative edged pieces, and had the models dressed in newspaper dresses over her dresses, topped with mini fireworks on headbands.  The newspaper dresses were ripped off as the models started walking and the fireworks stayed going till they were nearly off the runway which was very cool.

Designs by Aleah Leigh.  Photography by Andy Marshall and Douglas Kerr

Aleah asked if I'd like to work with her at London Fashion Week so I am very very pleased about that!  I've just messaged her to renew contact so I'll find out the score in due course.

Aberdeen Fashion Week 2017

This week is Aberdeen Fashion Week, and tomorrow I'll be doing a seminar, talking about various aspects of the fashion industry from trend forecasting, fashion psychology and the future of the creative industry in Scotland.

Here's a preview of my talk (fashion psychology): 

I see fashion as art - self-expression - not status.  It represents what a person has to say for and about themselves, which is what gives them a reason to be appreciated and feel proud of themselves.  In a way fashion enables us all to be our own walking work of artistic expression, a collage of colour, full on tactile texture which tells other people much about us before an official introduction.  Clothing is a communication of a person's identity; a representation of yourself, defining the individual.  There is not a major  philosopher  of  Western  history  since  Socrates  who  didn't discover  that  knowing  yourself is  the  foundation  for  everything  else.  Being aware of your identity and motivations and being able to express these in many ways enables an individual to be content in mind, body and spirit – a fully rounded human, comfortable with themselves and more likely to be attuned to others.  Ego is conscious motivation to impress, self belief is the satisfaction that you feel your motivations are right.

The Designers & Exhibitors include:

Inger Helen Vorley, Owner of The Fountain who originally came up with the concept of Tartan Touch after struggling to find something to wear to a Burn's supper. She designed all the pieces in the Tartan Touch Collection based on the feedback she received from customers. Some of the collection is on sale in her shop and other pieces will be in over the next few months. Eventually items will be available to purchase via our online store which is in development at the moment. All pieces are made in the UK and are very affordable.

Edwin Alcazar Millinery

Full time Cardiothoracic Intensive care nurse : Fomer costume designer of Shirley Temple Bar a celebrity drag artist : Mr gay Ireland costume designer :
Featured Hat designer in Charity show : Cradle Ireland : Nigerian Community Ireland ; and Style Warrior .
2x showcasing Hat designs at pre London fashion week by House of Fashion Sophia consortium London

Pepperfruit London

Pepperfruit is a London based designer and e-commerce retailer of own-label spiced up fashion. Pepperfruit pieces embody exotic prints and motifs to present in enchanting colour, tasteful styling and youthful verve.

Wobia's Clothing & Accessories is an Aberdeen based luxury fashion label founded by Wobia Nwanna-Nzewunwa in 2010. It is a brand that offers ready to wear casuals with bespoke accessories to go with. Catering for both men,women and children of all ages, Wobia's Clothing and accessories has something to make you stand out from the crowd. Wobia's Clothing and Accessories is sold not only in Europe but in Africa as well.

Aleah Leigh Designer

With a signature style of recyclable materials also know as eco fashion or avant garde , her natural confidence and ability to make something out of nothing, Aleah Leigh’s talent was immediately apparent in her first collection with the London Fashion network from here she has show cased with the likes of fashion finest , Apitute UK , International companies such as fashion meet music , top Model worldwide ,Shanghai Tourism Festival and you will be seeing them at Notting hill carnival, Thames Festival, Kingston and Paddington festival, based at The Paddington Arts Centre.  She will be creating top Avant garde designs to show case at this years London fashion week and internationally, she does not just stop at Haute Couture, she also has a range of evening gown worn by girls all over pageants from Miss England to Miss Universal Carnival along side her stunning swimwear, divine summer dresses, winter and rain coat collections she also covers these designs into kids wear, shoes and accessories  Her sought after collection is sure to bring attention to any runway show with her unique designs and inspirational collections of art, her methods of designs are out of this world: an unconventional designer at her best.

Akani by Diana Ntimane (Ireland)

Diana Ntimane craftsmanship was formed from an early age. At age 13 years in Africa her needlework was shown around as a best example around the school. In 2013 she won the recycling competition in Dublin.She has designed for celebrities and seen beauty contestants winning wearing Akani Clothing brand. She has won best evening wear of the Ultimate beauty Miss Uk & Ireland 2014. Akani Brand has an exciting Spring summer collection. Unique eye catching pieces from the inspired by the love of uniqueness by mixing different cultural backgrounds with nature. AKANI collection is full of beautifully constructed garments,unique cuts,for the sophisticated woman. Akani will be showcasing the spring summer 2017 together with autum winter 2017/18.

House Of Maiya Dublin

House of Maiya is a multi award winning 13 year old designer who already has established a name for herself on the international Fashion scene. With invites from Cannes red carpet, London and New York Fashion week as well as editorials of her work in magazines all over the world. It may be safe to say. House of Maiya is taking the world by storm.

Kalamaty Fashions

A recent graduate from Aberdeen’s Grays school of art, Zoey Cumming aka Kalamaty fashions will be showcasing at Aberdeenshire fashion week. The main collection of latex and recycled rubber garments and accessories, demonstrates a pioneering approach to design for today’s ecological climate with a sustainable attitude to fashion design by using clever cutting, zero waste policy and some recycling, while at the same time creating something dynamic and unique. Inspired by music festivals, where fashion is a free for all to have fun with. During the design process Zoey developed a number of techniques to achieve a variety of textured textiles such as weave, fringing and print on latex. Also on show will be some more conventional outfits to enable viewers to see her capabilities.

Nato Design House was founded in the year 2013 by Aulgah Ojijo. Nato is a cultural lifestyle brand, expressive of contemporary Afro-urban style. We define the true beauty of an African woman.

Bohemian Dream by Yana Raikes

I'm just a talented, creative person who can and really wants to create beauty in this world!There is no brighter fire than the one burning in our soul! 

Zuri Africa

Mary Wacera Mbugua, a designer with Zuri African Collections which is based in Nairobi will be showcasing her unique designs in Aberdeen Fashion week. She is passionate about her designs and gives each a unique taste to the satisfaction of her growing clientele. Mary gets her inspiration from African prints and different cultures to bring out fashionable designs. She loves the power of transforming quality of dressing in the fashion industry.

Trendy Weddings

TrendyPR is a niche and creative event management showcasing/displaying AfroScot wedding attire for the fashion week.

TrendyPR has a vision to serve and grow the African-Black creative sector in Scotland – this vision has been supported by the Aberdeen City Council, Foundation Scotland, EventScotland and Big Lottery. We are able to provide quality and consistent service with our access to and partnership with African-Black Film Distributors, Media, TV, Events and Artistes other creative networks in the UK and globally.

Must Have Dresses by Vish Archer

It's time for fashionable women to be able to enjoy what the men enjoy when they hire kilts, suits and accessories for special occasion. why buy when you can hire?  Hire designer dresses and rent evening gowns for life's most special occasions. Must have dresses offer breathtaking designer dresses to women at 85% off their retail price, allowing women instant access to their favourite catwalk looks at an affordable price, coupled with a sleek and efficient service perfect for solving that dress dilemma.

Forbes Couture Design

Scotland based Brazilian Fashion Designer Edna Forbes will be showcasing her collection at the fashion week.

Esther O by Esther Ongoto

Esther is an emerging designer who getting very popular with her latest collection Osinachi in her country Kenya.

Kemunto by Lydia Cutler

Multi award winning fashion designer with African and Tartan inspired dresses. Also to showcase adventurous knitwear collection at the Aberdeen Fashion Week.

Claire Garvey

Claire Garvey is an internationally published designer. She has been featured in German Vogue, Obsever Vision France and was one of six designers chosen to showcase in Paris, winning The White Swan Madame Figora Design award. She has had her own shop in Dublin Ireland for 15years selling her couture. She designs for weddings, special occasions and performers. She designed the outfits for Chic for their UK X FACTOR appearance and for icon Nile Rodgers numerous times including The Oscars where he performed with Elton John and Bette Milder Extravaganza.

Yellow Bubble by Jenny McCraw

Yellow Bubble is an independent knitwear brand specialising in luxury street-wear by Gray’s School of Art graduate Jenny McCraw. After graduating in July 2015 from the BA(hons) in Fashion and Textiles, Jenny set up in Edinburgh and created the brand to attempt to fill a gap in the market for sustainable, contemporary knitwear which championed the values of well made, small-scale, Scottish production. Forever fans of anything bright, weird, wonderful and fluffy, Yellow Bubble’s debut collection will be shown at Aberdeen Fashion Week.

Tania Qadir

Tania Qadir is synonymous with sophistication and panache. Everything made under the Tania Qadir label is hand-worked in Pakistan ensuring only the finest fabrics including chiffons, hand-woven silks and brocade are used. The essence of the Tania Qadir label is its attention to couture, detail and innovative cuts. With an eye on international fashion the label focuses in authentic, accessible clothes and seeks to fusion a sense of subtle glamour with a flourish of chic. Never archetypal, a Tania Qadir outfit can be worn by women across age and body type with equal style. Tania Qadir will be showcasing her exclusive formal collection at Aberdeen Fashion Week.

Chic Clothing's

Chic Clothing's is a Childrens dress designer Angel Dairo based in Glasgow UK, will be showcasing at the Fashion Week.

Ms Shaz Bespoke Bags

Shazlin Abdul Ghani originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was formerly trained as an engineer, with a strong passion for arts and crafts. As to fulfil her love for the arts, she explored her interest through decorative art painting and learning the skilful art of professional make up. She had enrolled herself into a school and graduated as a certified make up artist. She has worked for various fashion runaway such as Malaysian International Fashion Award (MIFA) in Kuala Lumpur. Ms Shaz Bespoke Bags is a line she established in 2015

Vaishali Morjaria

Vaishali , Kenya's top fashion designer will be showcasing at the fashion week, Vaishali has also showcased Nationally/Internationally, receiving awards from many countries globally i.e. UK, Sweden, Morocco, Italy, USA, Tanzania, Rwanda, Gabon and has been published in many books and articles whether in fine art, photography, fashion, jewellery etc. She just represented Kenya at the Africa Fashion Week in London in August and came in second position in the Established Designer Category in the recent Kenya Fashion Awards 2014. She has been published in Books like International Contemporary Masters 2009 and International Dictionary of Artists 2011, World Wide Art Books, USA Vaishali’s collections reflect a juxtaposition of contemporary and aesthetic spectrum of mix media and perspectives of African/Indian origins. She is a designer known for her multi talents in a spectrum of fields of creative designing and has represented Kenya in various countries as a multicultural icon.

Mira by Trina

Mira by Trina is a raw undefined fashion label that dresses the modern African debonair man and sophisticated woman. Its aesthetic lies in the unconventional forms the designs take. A label that merges all cultures and transcends all borders while intrinsically African. Mira by Trina’s clients are very ready to stand out, and dare to differ as they maintain a subtle and poised ensemble.

The House of Esther

Mark Johnson the name behind the label The House of Esther specialises in Red carpet style evening gowns and blazers. The gowns are often long and figure hugging, sometimes cut on the bias. Mark is a pattern cutter, dressmaker and designer and has his own business in East London. www.thehouseofesther.com info@thehouseofesther.com

Eagle Fashions by Richa Kapoor

Actress, Model, Socialite, Fashion Icon and Fashion Designer Richa Kapoor is the epitome of classic fashion, in the southern Indian city of Chennai. A student from National Institute of Fashion Technology, Chennai she launched her boutique and brand Jai Maa in 2007 and Eagle Fashions by Richa Kapoor in 2012. The brand represents energy, passion and empowerment of "today’s woman" to walk the red carpet of life.

K2Much

Fashion Designer Kamal based in South Africa will be showcasing at the Fashion Week.

DK Darlington Designs

DK Darlington is an upscale fashion design company that has been in existence since July 2009. DK Darlington was created by Kimalie Darlington in 2009 after his completion of his undergraduate degree in Fashion Design Technology in Menswear. The name of the company identifies itself with its creator as an outgoing, ambitious, excitable creative designer who has struggled with dyslexia to turn his stumbling block into stepping stones. DK Darlington’s clothing designs are exclusively personal, which includes a detailed style assessment, which ensures that our customers’ needs are met and they dress with style.

Ela Rose

Princess Heirsmac is owner of Izabeli presents Ela Rose Wear, a UK-based Apparel and Fashion Company. Ela Rose specializes in producing "Occasions designs and restructure to perfection; Supplying attires- African, Asian, Western and Arabic Cultures; Selling attires for women and men Occasion and Bridal Designs (brides, bridesmaids, junior bridesmaids, mother of the bride and groom)." The fashion house uses "certified organic and fairtrade materials to make the different styles of their clothes."

Wonderfully Made Designs

“Look good, Feel good. You are Wonderfully Made.” Wonderfully Made Designs is a business run by Roselie Emmanuel and it is based in Aberdeen. It specialises in handmade jewellery and accessories for all occasions. It was one of the 6 businesses that won the 2011 Retail Rocks Competition. I strongly believe that colour plays a very important role in our everyday life. It brings pleasure to those who love, appreciate and celebrate it. My passion is to mix various jewellery materials of different colours and textures to create unique pieces. For more information about us and our products please visit:- www.wonderfully-made.co.uk Email: roselie@wonderfully-made.co.uk Like us on Facebook:- Wonderfully Made Designs Follow us on Twitter:- @WMadeDesigns

LeewayFashion House

German based fashion designer will be showcasing his womenwear collection at the Aberdeenshire Fashion Week

There are runway shows on Saturday and Sunday - here are the schedules.

Saturday 29 April 2017 
11:00 Opening Ceremony: Aberdeen Fashion Week Designers & Models welcome parade 
11:15 Top Model/Actor Victor Hugo speech and Welcomes Malaika Mwaniki (London Fashion Week) and Other VIPs 
11:30 Entertainment: iamrac iamrac & Forbes Couture 
11:45 Edwin Alcazar Millinery by Edwin Alcazar(Ireland) 
12:00 Les TeRe by Rhiana (Netherlands) 
12:15 Tartan Touch by Inger Vorley (Inverurie) 
12:30 Pete Preston(Sponsor) Lunch & Aiysha Performance 
13:00 Aleah Designer by Aleah Leigh (Show Stopper) London 
13:15t Akani by Diana Ntimane (Dublin Ireland) 
14:00 Pepperfruit by Kingsley Ibe (London) 
14:15 Nato Design House by Aulgah Nato (Nairobi, Kenya) 
14:30 Maiya Designs by Maiya Ni(Dublin Ireland) 
14:45 Must Have Dresses by Vishwavara Archer( Aberdeen) 
15:00 Entertainment Neva and iamrac iamrac (Scotland) 
15:15 Glamour Fashions by Jessy Omwa (Kenya) 
15:30 Bohemian Dream by Yana Raikes (Russia) 
15:45 Esther Osinachi Designs by Esther Ongoto(Kenya) 
16:00 Culture Inspired by Marieanne Mwiki (Edinburgh) 
16:15 Trendy Weddings by Timi (Aberdeen) 
16:30 Trendy Weddings by Timi (Aberdeen) 
16:45 Wobia’s Clothing & Accessories by Wobia Nze (Aberdeen) 
17:00 Positive Runway by Justina Mutale (International) 
17:15 Entertainment by John Best ( Mintlaw)

Sunday 30 April 2017 
11:00 Perfomance by iamrac iamrac 
11:15 Dance by Neva Jenkins 
11:30 Les TeRe by Rhiana ACCESSORIES (Netherlands) 
11:45 Bohemian Dream by Yana Raikes (Russia) 
12:00 Must Have Dresses by Vishwavara Archer (Aberdeen) 
12:15 Tartan Touch by Inger Vorley (Inverurie, Scotland) 
12:30 Lunch Break & John Best Performs 
13:00 Aleah Designer by Aleah Leigh (Show Stopper) London 
13:15t Akani by Diana Ntimane (Dublin , Ireland) 
14:00 Pepperfruit by Kingsley Ibe (London) 
14:15 Aberdeen Fashion Week Kid Models Performance 
14:30 Glamour Fashions by Jessy Omwa (Kenya) 
14:45 Nato Design House by Aulgah Nato (Nairobi, Kenya) 
15:00 Entertainment by Aiysha Russell 
15:15 JKB Plecklace Inc by John Best (Mintlaw) 
15:30 House of Maiya by Maiya Ni (Ireland) 
15:45 Esther Osinachi Designs by Esther Ongoto (Kenya) 
16:00 Forbes Couture Designs by Edna Forbes (Banchory) 
16:15 Culture Inspired by Marianne Mwiki (Edinburg) 
16:30 Bethel Clothing by Meg Kirk (Aberdeen) 
16:45 Wobia Clothing & Accessories by Wobia Nze (Aberdeen) 
17:00 Fashion Week Closing Performance 
17:15 Fashion Week 2017 Officially Closed