Edinburgh International Fashion Festival 2014 Preview

Preview by Morgan McTiernan | 14 Jul 2014

For its third year running, the Edinburgh International Fashion Festival will be held from 17-25 July. Acting as a creative platform in showcasing both international and Scottish fashion, the festival will have a series of curated events that include numerous fashion shows, exhibitions, workshops and lectures held throughout the city.

This year's theme is New Horizons, where the festival will focus on Scottish fashion while celebrating South Africa as being a predominate fashion and design destination (and was named World Design Capital for 2014). The festival will also see the launch of The Retina Scottish International Fashion Photography Festival (on Saturday 19th), where EIFF's Director, Anna Freemantle, has curated exhibitions featuring works by Rankin and Helena Christensen, amongst others.

One of the highlights of the festival's programme is sure to include the Opening Gala which is being held on Friday 18th. The launch of the festival will feature a fashion runway show featuring designer 1436 Erdos and will be held at the National Museum of Scotland. It will showcase 1436 Erdos's collection of Scottish and Chinese cashmere and will pay homage to this partnership with the collection being inspired by the cultures of both nations. On Saturday 19th, one of the UK's most exciting and experimental fashion designers, Gareth Pugh, will be discussing the 'In Fine Style' exhibition at The Queen's Gallery (a collection of 16th and 17th century garments, accessories, paintings and drawings) with its curator Anna Reynolds.

On Sunday 20th, mother and daughter duo, Amanda (creative consultant, writer and artist who has worked with John Galliano and Karl Largerfeld) and Tallulah Harlech (sucessful model, stylist and actress) will explore the idea of storytelling – the stories parents tell their children, the way stories are passed on, and the way this has infulenced both their work. Other events include Knit Works! at the National Museum of Scotland, London College of Fashion Talks: New Horizons at the Assembly Rooms and Topshop: Fashion Forum Event in-store.

Throughout the festival there will be a pop-up design exhibition and shop which will act as a retail space in promoting the very best of Scottish and South African fashion and design. A South African Design Market run by GI:SAM (founded by Berlinda White and Naomi Bossert in South Africa) will be held on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th at Gayfield Creative Space. This market will then continue at The Assembly Rooms as part of the Makers Market from 18-25 July; where Anna Freemantle, James Sugden, director of Johnstons of Elgin, and Stella Tennant have collectively curated a selection of the best makers and brands in Scotland. Stallholders include Naromode, Jacob Birge, Saunt & Sinner, Obscure Couture, Hayley Scanlan, Common People, Judy Clark, Euan McWhirter, Bebaroque and many many more! This year's EIFF is sure to be the best so far – we can't wait.

For more information on the festival's programme and venue and ticket information visit http://edinburghinternationalfashionfestival.com