Finding Edinburgh's STYLE Icons with St James Quarter

A STYLE Icon can be a person, place, district, building, home… We asked some of The Skinny’s team to share their local style inspirations, and you can nominate yours for entry into this year’s STYLE Awards, part of the St James Quarter’s STYLE 2025

Shirley Manson

It was inconceivable, in Scotland, in the 90s, that the actual lead singer of actual Garbage could come from Edinburgh. No one cool came from Scotland. But she did – snarling on stage or in photoshoots bedecked in leopard print, heavy eyeliner, a shock of red lipstick, the sort of chic choppy bob I'm still trying to copy 30 years later. Punk street fashion that I had seen looking grimy on the actual street (specifically Cockburn, then home of the capital's countercultural teens). On Shirley Manson, though, it looks like the epitome of style. [Rosamund West]

Morningside Maisie

Big knits, vibrant patterns, block colours – Morningside Maisie may be a cat, but she's the patron saint of Edinburgh’s vintage shoppers and charity shop diggers. Turn up at an art school seminar in a Fair Isle jumper, pleated kilt, a bandana and no shoes, and you'll fit right in; that's the legacy of a style icon. [Peter Simpson]

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa’s fashion sense irl is all clean lines, and impeccably eye-catching, oft risqué, tailoring, but the wardrobe of Eric Effiong, his character in Sex Education, remains unmatched for me, and not something anyone can pull off easily. Confident vibrant colour and pattern clashes expertly tied together his queer self with his African roots, and it was a joy to watch that evolution onscreen. [Tallah Brash]

Landform by Charles Jencks

Lovely green and blue hues, swirling geometric patterns, nature-inspired elegance, for me the grounds of National Galleries Scotland's Modern One represent ultimate style. Not to mention there's an unmistakable sense of ‘art’ in the air, and the right setting can make even the most basic of outfits feel special. [Ema Smekalova]

Port of Leith Distillery

Unbeatable views, clean lines, lovely shiny copper – what’s not to love about this big beefy unit soaring above, well, everything? Their Port and Sherry bottles are equally as glam, with gorge labels depicting Edinburgh landmarks. Get yourself up there asap. [Emilie Roberts]

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

Maggie Smith in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie represents everything a stylish modern woman should aspire to (with one huge exception). Chaotic affairs that destroy her personal and professional life, three-syllable pronunciation of the word ‘girls’, probably the only person ever to make tweed sexy? My icon, my hero – may she rest in peace. [Laurie Presswood]

Young Fathers

No other Scottish act can touch Young Fathers’ crown as the country’s coolest band. I first saw the trio back in 2012, when they still dubbed themselves a boy band and incorporated dorky dance choreography in their live performances. But even then they had outrageous swagger and style, all bashed-up leather and vintage threads; MC Kayus even pulled off wearing an Arctic fox’s tail from his posterior. As they’ve grown in fame, their stage apparel has only become more unique and refined. [Jamie Dunn]

Nominate your STYLE Icon and win a £500 St James Quarter Gift Card!

As part of St James Quarter’s Edinburgh STYLE, we'll be encouraging Edinburgh residents to 'nominate' their STYLE Icon for entry into this year's Edinburgh STYLE Awards. A STYLE Icon can be a person, place, building, etc... Who do you feel is deserving of claiming the title of 'Edinburgh STYLE Icon'.

To share your submission of the Edinburgh STYLE Icon Award for the chance to win two weekend tickets to Edinburgh STYLE Weekend (28-30 Mar) and enjoy a shopping spree with a £500 St James Quarter gift card, head to theskinny.co.uk/competitions/edinburgh-style to submit your STYLE Icon!