Merchant City Festival: Fashion

The Merchant City Festival is now in its tenth incarnation, taking over Glasgow’s central square from 21-24 July this summer. The ever increasing popularity of the festival (topping 70,000 attendees last year) has spawned a host of new events, this year including a bespoke fashion show, showcasing some of the best established and emerging local design talent, all accompanied by a live DJ set.

On the catwalk will be designers such as Lorna Shields with her label HandmadeInPatrick. Her garments take on the traditional tailoring of that Scottish staple – the kilt, and give it a re-working. Entirely handmade, deploying a high level of hand stitched detail and created solely with sustainable, natural materials. Lorna takes Scottish traditional dress to a new level with a burgundy and indigo palette, a mix of clashing patterns, and bare-chested, face-painted models.

Additionally, designer Tatiana Ashakova is showcasing her offbeat interpretation of millinery with her label Beretk!Ah and a collection of creative headpieces. She aims to reintroduce the hat as a modern fashion staple and her designs take headwear to extremes; replete with feathers, netting and elaborate floral bouquets.

Other designers included are fourth year Heriot Watt fashion student Isla Scott, who will be showcasing her graduate collection of shredded white collar shirts and heavily structured coats. Luke & Jack Corsetry and Perfection Bridal Gowns will also be included in the event.

The catwalk show is being hosted by Parrucche Wig&Hair Boutique and according to organisers it will be "an exotic mix of Drag Queens, Princess Brides, Burlesque & New Designers all in one place."

You can see it all first hand at 2pm Saturday 23 July at the Virginia Court, Glasgow. All proceeds will go to the Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice and Cancer Research UK.