New Talent Showcase: the Designer, the Model and the Photographer

Gallery by Alexandra Fiddes | 01 May 2013

We all know that Scotland is famed for its creativity, vision and wealth of talent (obviously). And, at the moment especially, the country is bursting at the seams with artistic individuals who appear to be destined for great things; designers, make-up artists, hair stylists, models, jewellers and photographers. So, in the name of innovation (or our own curiosity) we decided to team an up-and-coming designer (Amber Hunter) with a newly signed model (John O'Hagan) and a rising photography star (Elliott Mackie). We found out a little about what made them tick, then put them to work... here are the images that are the result of that meeting.

Designer: Amber Hunter

After studying Fashion Design in Galashiels (the Heriot Watt University School of Textiles and Design) and leaving with a first class honours degree, Amber Hunter decided to continue her studies at Edinburgh College of Art, where she is currently undertaking a masters course.

Why fashion? “I have always had a passion for art and I liked the idea of communicating my ideas in a wearable form.”

Adding, “As a fashion designer I feel it is important to not only build a strong aesthetic, but to ensure you understand your wearer.” This knowledge is certainly evident in her impeccably tailored menswear garments.

She is currently working on her latest collection Lose The Rag, which will be shown at the ECA MA degree show in August. “I have moved towards a more relaxed silhouette, whilst maintaining tailoring techniques. I’m bringing in digital print and continuing to experiment with a build up of unique textures.” 

Model: John O'Hagan

Signed to prestigious Scottish agency Model Team, John O'Hagan started working in the fashion industry late last year. Born in Cambuslang, just outside Glasgow, he was drawn to the world of modelling because of his cousin, who had a successful career herself. “I've been scouted a few times by different agencies, and so I finally just went for it,” he explains.

Expect to see more of O'Hagan over the coming weeks. “I am one of the new faces of St Enoch centre, meaning I will be up on the billboards in Glasgow city centre soon!” And the dream modelling job (apart from this of course)? “It would have to be a Topman campaign...” We’ll be watching this space.

Photographer: Elliott Mackie

As someone who has only been a professional photographer for the last nine months, Elliott Mackie has taken to his chosen career pretty quickly indeed, having already worked with the likes of Hair for Heroes’ Lou Clave and the award winning Glasgow based label Obscure Couture – shooting their AW13 look-book.

Mackie's path to photography is a somewhat unusual one. “I was drawn to photography by modelling, I've been a model for a few years now and I know and love the industry a lot.” Adding that a trip to Italy allowed him to, “see the high end of photography.”

“I think it was always a passion. I just didn't have someone to introduce it to me until recently! I just love taking pictures!” enthuses Mackie.

With his eye for detail, his love of fashion and his experience both in front of and behind the camera, Mackie has created some highly atmospheric imagery, placing him firmly on our ‘ones to watch’ list.

Shoot Credits:

Garments: Amber Hunter @AmberRHunter www.projeqt.com/amberhunter (get in touch for sales enquiries)

Styling: Alexandra Fiddes @AlexandraFiddes www.alexandrafiddes.co.uk

Photography: Elliot Mackie www.facebook.com/pages/Elliott-Mackie-Photography

Model: John O'Hagan @Model Team www.modelteam.co.uk