Asian Braveheart dress to storm New York catwalk
A WARRIOR outfit created by a Scottish student is set to take the New York catwalk by storm.
Inspired by the dress of ancient Highland and Chinese warriors, the ensemble, designed by Edinburgh Napier University student Charlie Jennings, will make its fashion debut at the glamorous From Scotland with Love (FSwL) fashion show on 8 April 2013.
Organised as part of Tartan Week – the Big Apple’s annual celebration of all things Scottish – the event will see a host of celebrities including film-star Gerard Butler, Scotland rugby player Richie Gray and actor Mike Myers, sashaying down the catwalk.
Charlie (20), a second year Graphic Design student, designed the outfit for a competition run by the University’s School of Arts & Creative Industries.
As part of his prize, he will spend a week in New York shadowing award-winning couture fashion designer, Michael Kaye, who has been dubbed “The Titan of Tartan”, due to his love of the fabric.
Charlie, who is from North Berwick, said:- “I can’t believe I am off to New York, I think it is still sinking in! To get the chance to work with someone like Michael Kaye is an amazing opportunity and I hope I can put my skills to good us as well as learn more about the industry.”
Charlie’s “Scottish lion meets Asian dragon” themed outfit mixes laser-cut leather with the Edinburgh Napier University tartan. The unique ensemble is made up of a cropped tartan bodice, scale patterned leather-look skirt and dragon tattoo sleeve.
“The dress takes on two sides of Scottish and Chinese history and reflects ancient warrior outfits of the two nations,” Charlie said. “I took inspiration from Chinese armour and the traditional dress worn by Celtic warriors. The skirt is made up of different panels, with some sections given a scaly pattern in order to reflect the Chinese dragon.”
Professor Dame Joan Stringer, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University said :-“This event is a unique opportunity for our students to get hands on work experience. Edinburgh Napier students are amongst the most employable in the UK and this is an ideal platform to showcase the University’s creative talent. We are very proud to be a part of From Scotland with Love and the wider Tartan Week celebrations.”
Photo Lesley Martin
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
