Dunmore Scotland, the luxury handbag and accessories brand, has launched its Autumn campaign with the introduction of the ‘Dunmore Set’, a group of young Scottish professionals all based in Los Angeles.
Ruth Connell, actress is from Falkirk; Jonny Paterson, producer and Simon Thomas, publicist are from Edinburgh while Declan Michael Laird is an actor from Glasgow. All were selected to work with the brand as their own style and lifestyle in LA fits perfectly with the positioning of the brand.
Established in 2012, Dunmore Scotland is a vibrant family run fashion label producing striking bags and accessories with a contemporary twist. Inspired, designed and made in Scotland, each and every collection guarantees outstanding quality of craftsmanship.
Each was invited to work with the brand by Managing Director, Diane Ness. Diane said: ‘We are a small, family run business, passionate about Scotland and proud of our homeland’s rich heritage. We are also keen to support and promote Scottish talent. There is no doubt that each member of our Dunmore Set will be successful in their own field and, as with our Brand Ambassador Louise Linton, we are confident that as our relationship develops alongside their careers then so too will the profile of Dunmore Scotland.’
Originally from Falkirk, Ruth Connell moved to LA three years ago and in 2013 was nominated for ‘Best Leading Actress’ in the Broadwayworld Los Angeles Awards for playing Captain Hook at The Blank Theatre in LA; she is Disney Pixar’s official voice match for Princess Merida and recordings in conjunction with the Oscar winning movie BRAVE. Ruth has recorded many other voice overs including for The Scottish Government, The Guardian, Harley Davison and Orajel.
Her screen debut was in the short ‘Soldiers Leap’ which starred Billy Boyd. Followed by a sitcom for ITV called ‘Above Their Stations’ with Denis Lawson. Ruth has many indie film credits in the USA including the award winning feature ‘Folklore’ which won ‘Best Acting Ensemble’ at The Boston Film Festival. She is proud to have performed on many of the main stages in Scotland.
She is delighted to be able to promote a wee bit of Scotland. Of her place in the Dunmore Set, Ruth said: ‘I love handbags and the Dunmore saddlebag (£275) fits my style perfectly. I love being able to promote a little bit of Scotland as I travel.’
A graduate of Leeds University, Jonny Paterson is a film producer from Edinburgh. He moved to LA in 2012 to establish JP International Productions having graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a Master’s in Entertainment Industry Management. He won BAFTA LA Newcomer of the Year in 2013.
JP International Productions is currently filming its first production ‘Halfway’ in Winsconsin. Staring Quinton Aaron (The Blindside) it is a story designed to take the audience on a journey with Bryon as he faces choices and dilemmas that, for the most part, we can all relate to at some point in our lives – change, conflict and redemption to name but a few. It also approaches an important social issue that is very relevant in 2014 America, that of the broken incarceration system and the resulting high recidivism rate, thus the film’s title Halfway.
He is delighted to work with Dunmore Scotland and said: ‘In my day-to-day life I have to carry everything from an i-pad or laptop to business cards and a wallet. My Dunmore leather satchel (£295) is perfect for me. I love telling my American friends and colleagues the story and supporting a young Scottish brand’.
Simon Thomas is a former pupil at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh and a graduate of Paisley University. After graduation he moved to London where he worked for 15 years at a number of blue chip companies before moving to LA in 2010. He now works in personal publicity and has a client list which includes actors, directors, producers and authors from both the UK and America.
He said: ‘Life in LA is fairly hectic and it’s great to be able to put everything I’m going to need for the day, from files to phone, in my Dunmore leather satchel (£295). A perfect fit. I’m extremely proud to be able to showcase such a quality product from Scotland.’
Declan Michael Laird grew up in Glasgow during which he concentrated mostly on football playing from a young age. Once leaving high school, he signed a 2 year contract with his local professional side and juggled his time between football and his college course in Television Production and achieved an HNC qualification.
When injury ended his promising football career, Declan got himself into acting after a family vacation to Los Angeles. Shortly after this he secured his first television role in Scottish soap ‘River City’ and several short films while back in Britain. In August 2011 he began studying at The Stella Adler Academy of Acting in Los Angeles on a 100% scholarship, the first to receive this prestigious honour since Robert De Niro. Declan’s credits in LA include a television pilot for the CBS network, a Coca Cola Commercial for the 2014 World Cup, a Chevrolet commercial and a new web series called Camp Abercorn which will film in Portland, Oregon in October of 2014.
He said: ‘’I love my Dunmore Harris Tweed satchel (£130), it’s almost as if I am carrying a wee piece of home with me wherever I go in Los Angeles. It is ideal for carrying my scripts, laptop and anything else I would have on a day to day basis. All while looking quite dapper, who can beat that?’
The wider Dunmore Scotland range features heritage fabrics, such as Harris Tweed, leather and tartan and the eye-catching designs are unique, stylish and bursting with character.
For further information on Dunmore Scotland or The Linton Collection, visit www.dunmorescotland.com or email info@dunmorescotland.com
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
