Scotland Re: Designed

Housed at the contemporary arts venue SWG3 in Finnieston, Scotland Re:Designed will run a programme of workshops from 19-21 of November, which will offer free support and advice to Scottish fashion designers and small businesses (the sessions will also be open to members of the public). These workshops include: 

That don't impress me much – what are the dos and don'ts when approaching buyers? A discussion with Sarah Murray, owner and buyer for the award winning luxury Edinburgh boutique Jane Davidson, offers her views on how designers should approach buyers and potential stockists.

We are bound by the law, so that we may be free Marcus Tullius Cicero – legal basics you should know. Loretta Maxfield, from Thorntons Law LLP IP, IT and Media Team, will present an overview of which rules and regulations should be implemented and followed when starting up or growing a business.

Collaboration – are two heads better than one? Designer Kestin Hare of menswear label Common People will share his experience of collaborating with another designer on a limited edition range – examining its pit-falls and triumphs, and also whether collaboration strengthens or dilutes the brand identity.

Are you simply trendy, or are you creating trends for a new generation? One of the founding editors of Grazia and panellist for the British Fashion Council NEWGEN new talent initiative, Melanie Rickey, discusses the idea and importance of designers walking their own paths rather than following trends and emulating others.

There will also be a further three workshops covering subjects such as business economics, and advice on creating and developing a fashion business, which will be announced on the SRD website soon.

As well as the programme of constructive talks and presentations, on Thursday 20 November, Scotland Re:Designed will present its annual showcase event which will include the work of 12 Scottish designers. In previous years this showcase was held in cities such as Chicago, New York and London. This time however, Glasgow is the focus.

Founder and Director of SRD Chris Hunt explains the decision. "As a podium for fashion and textile designers to extend their reach in the industry and afford them as many opportunities as is possible, SR:D takes the platform to as many new locations and audiences as possible, as we've done in previous years.  However, with 2014 being such a monumental year for Glasgow our home city felt like the only choice to invite and bring everyone in to; why go anywhere else when there's so much to shout about on our own turf?"

Industry experts from the fashion sector judged the work of hundreds of designers and up-and-coming labels who applied for the chance to be receive support and mentoring from the Scotland Re:Design programme. The expert panel comprised of notable names such as Sarah Curran MBE (managing director at Very Exclusive), Melanie Rickey (founder and editor in chief fashioneditoratlarge.com), Simon Carter (designer and owner Simon Carter Ltd), Sarah Murray (buyer and owner Jane Davidson), David Watts (fashion business advisor), William Knight (director of 100% Design) and Susanne Tide-Frater (fashion director farfetch.com).

The lucky (and extremely talented) 12 who have been selected cover the disciplines of menswear, womenswear, interiors and accessories. In the menswear category are Edinburgh based brand Common People, premium knitwear label ESK Cashmere and the award-winning Ten30 designed by Alan Moore. ECA graduate Fiona Summerville, Glasgow based Mairi McDonald and knitwear label Cats Brothers founded by Anna Wilkinson and Lindsay McKean all represent womenswear. Selected interiors designers are Dana Finnigan who specialises in surface pattern design, artist and designer Iona Crawford and Fife born Hatti Pattisson. In the accessories category, Euan McWhirter who creates stunning jewellery, bag producer Strathberry of Scotland and Helen Ruth who makes digitally printed silk and wool scarves. All will be showcasing their latest work at the event on the 20th.

If you just can't wait until then to see local, independent design, on 1 November the (very) busy people of Scotland Re:Designed are also launching a luxury department store within Edinburgh's Ocean Terminal called Limited Edition, which will run until 31 January 2015 – the perfect time for a bit of festive shopping! 20 Scottish brands including Belinda Robertson, Eribé, Katie Lees and Obscure Couture who as a group create everything from knitwear to footwear, accessories to homewares and apparel.

The participating designers and brands will also be available in-store and will be able to share their stories and answer any shoppers' questions about their work and how it's made. Additionally, there will be presentations and mini events taking place such as mini fashion shows, a live photoshoot, expert Christmas buying guides, styling tips and more. Check the SRD website for more details.