Rachel Scott is a name well known on Dundas Street where finding a designer wedding dress shop has made many dreams come true in the last two decades.
The business is now branching out to a new quirky space on Queensferry Street in the West End.
Recognising the need for something more bespoke in evening wear than is available anywhere else in Scotland, and having long been asked by her big name suppliers and her customers to do so, Rachel will offer designer evening dresses. The shopping experience is personal to the client and Rachel and her three strong team will help create the look which works for those who are going to the ball, or who are about to be the mother of the bride or groom – from top to toe. Rachel also makes her own tiaras and jewellery to complete the individual outfits.
After a flurry of measuring and design input, the couture outfit will be made from scratch to individual requirements.
A lover of themes which do not always fall in line, Rachel has chosen to fit out the new shop with gym equipment. The flooring is reclaimed gym flooring, and yes, the mannequin in the window is doing a handstand while wearing an evening gown.
Located in the heart of the Scottish capital, Rachel’s new premises will show off colourful cocktail dresses and black tie gowns on the racks for customers to try before their own couture dress is then created. Dresses are made to order to individual measurements and taste, before being delivered to Edinburgh where the final touches can be made.
Clients who wish to explore the new range of dresses can book a private appointment with Rachel at the boutique from Thursday 1 February. In addition anyone can drop in and browse the full collection without an appointment during the open weekend on Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 February.
Rachel has a degree in the science of textiles, but chose to set up her own business in bridal wear while her contemporaries went off to careers in other fields such as forensic science or making bulletproof vests for the Ministry of Defence.
She explained: “I know what fibres do and what fabrics do – and why they do it. So rather than coming at it from a fashion, cool and trendy angle, I am coming at this in a different way. Certainly in bridal it is all about being able to speak to people and find out what makes them tick, what they are comfortable in and creating a look that makes somebody feel confident.
“Essentially that is also what we are doing here. I have looked before at opening up a non bridal shop, doing something more classic with ready to wear. But I have always struggled with the idea that someone might have to just put a dress back on the rail and leave if it just doesn’t fit. I like to maintain a level of bespokeness and flexibility for my clients. I have had an amazing opportunity to work with some incredible designers, and they are the best at what they do. The makes we will offer – from collections by Vivienne Westwood, Temperley and Suzanne Neville are only available in London apart from here in our new shop.”
During the open weekend there is a launch offer of 20% off all Rachel Scott bespoke jewellery and a £250 discount on Rachel Scott bespoke jewellery pieces with any dress purchase. Miller Harris perfumes will also be stocked at Rachel Scott.
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