Nightwalk AW2013

On Thursday 7 November independent fashion event Nightwalk returns to the Arches for its third year and sixth season.

Bursting onto the scene back in 2010, Nightwalk has firmly established itself as a not-to-miss event on the Scottish fashion calendar. This bi-annual catwalk show prides itself on being a platform for independent labels to showcase their collections each season, hosting both established and up-and-coming designers.

Angie Koorbanally, the hugely passionate organiser of the event, explained the reason for its beginnings: "It was apparent to me that the fashion industry in Scotland was growing fast, yet there was nowhere for designers to showcase their collections, unless they organised a catwalk show themselves. The time was right to start Nightwalk."

And how have things changed since 2010? "[The Scottish fashion scene] is ever-evolving. With social networking and blogging, the fashion industry has grown massively around the western world. It's a lot easier to stay up-to-date with trends. The Scottish fashion scene is more current these days. Trends are followed but people are not afraid to be individual. That's what fashion is all about."

With that in mind, what does Koorbanally look for in designers who want to be involved? "We look for collections that stand out for their tailoring, construction, concept and aesthetic. It takes a lot of research and time but we always find exciting names. And we like to work with people who have a passion for what they do!"

The fashion-hungry audience can certainly look forward to seeing a huge wealth of Scottish talent this season, as Nightwalk AW 2013 will present work from a variety of designers based all around the country, this time with participants from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow and Orkney involved. The event has always strived to be truly representative of the contemporary fashion industry in Scotland, and by the look of the line-up, we have very high hopes for the AW 2013 offering.

What is Koorbanally most looking forward to seeing at her carefully curated event? "Personally my favourite collections to see on the Nightwalk runway are the avant garde ones, the crazy theatrical garments which are totally out there. So I'm really looking forward to seeing Tracey Cochrane's collection, giant flowers and volcano dresses – sounds exciting to me!" 

She's also "Very excited about Natalie Adamson-Wain too. She uses wood in her garments and is a very exciting name on the scene right now. The calibre of participants is higher than ever and we are really excited to see all these amazing designers together."

Other designers that will surely shine on the runway include bright young designer Kirsty Elizabeth MacLennan, who was nominated as Graduate of the Year at the Scottish Fashion Awards. She will show pieces from her latest collection Black Butterflies, inspired by the life of South African poet, Ingrid Jonker. The pieces are glamorous, delicate and intricate, with stunning hand painted embellishments. MacLennan will be in good company, as another Scottish Fashion Award Graduate of the Year nominee, Jennifer Rowland, will also be displaying her work; an edgy collection of printed lycra and laser-cut leather based on tribal body modification. Emerging Glasgow-based label Naromode (design duo Iain Macdonald and Anna Thorn) are sure to be another crowd pleaser with their collection The White Snake (after the Brothers Grimm fairytale) hitting the runway – expect utterly stunning, bold illustrated garments in silk crepe.

There will also be womenswear from established brands such as Spencer Clothing, Crikey Aphrodite and Psychomoda, accessories from Kirsteen Stewart and millinery by The Little Hat Parlour. For the boys, Skinny favourite Amber Hunter will be showing her MA collection of tailored menswear.

As well as the 14 designers taking part, there are around 100 individuals who contribute to the planning and smooth running of the show itself, with numerous dressers, stylists, photographers and models all part of the Nightwalk team. As part of the show (and to give the models something to strut down the 30ft runway to) there will be music by URSULA, who will create a live-mixed soundtrack. Hair styling will be provided by Sassoon Salon, who will show up-to-the-minute, high fashion looks suitable for the AW13 season. Models from one of Scotland's biggest and most respected agencies, Superior Model Management, will bring the collections to life.

Koorbanally explains, "I believe that Nightwalk has become an enabler for the Scottish fashion industry, that it helps people decide if they are cut out for the industry, by giving them the chance to experience a real fashion show, in Scotland."

At only £12.50 a ticket, available from the Arches' website, Nightwalk AW 2013 is a must for anyone who wants to discover, appreciate and support Scottish design talent. Missing out is not an option – get your tickets now!