The Edinburgh College of Art’s latest fashion show saw final-year students present collections inspired by the likes of Napoleonic hats and Chinese gardens.
The University of Edinburgh’s Futures Institute (EFI) transformed into a catwalk, with students’ innovative designs presented in three spectacular runway shows on Friday 22 May.
The annual show shines a spotlight on the future talent of fashion, and showcases the graduate designers’ work to industry professionals.
More than 150 designs were showcased on the catwalk, with contrasting styles inspired by contemporary twists on Asian heritage and sensory sustainable textiles, alongside military-influenced sportswear and explorations of traditional tailoring.
Student Susu Wang’s collection is inspired by a family journey through Japan, where visits to shrines and museums shaped a shared sense of time, memory and place.
Using material from old kimono obi collected by her father alongside a vintage Japanese colour palette, her looks combine rich textures with gold embroidery and voluminous quilted panels, in a contemporary take on the traditional kimono.
Inspired by children’s experiences during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, Jon Jo Ruding’s collection explores themes of resilience.
Exploring the concept of clothing as a means of protection, Ruding contrasts relaxed and structured silhouettes, with giant Napoleonic-era hats featuring cut-out troops in vibrant colours, juxtaposed against military inspired sportswear to create a playful and elegant collection.
Olivia Rixon explores inheritance and heritage, inspired by her grandmother’s floral-embossed thimble. Rixon combines fluid silhouettes, soft structures and organic stripes to create a gentler, female-led approach to traditional tailoring.
Incorporating coral pink silk jackets, Harris Tweed suits and textured knitwear, her collection embodies artisanal crafts and family memories passed through generations.China’s traditional Suzhou gardens provide the inspiration for Jennifer Jiang’s atmospheric collection.
Translating Eastern expression through a contemporary fashion lens, her collection explores how light, sound and movement shape human perception.
Richly textured looks include dresses created with cork fabric and raffia tassels, and a tailored trouser set in wool, embellished with lemon scented charcoal wax.
Edinburgh College of Art’s fashion programme has produced alumni who have gone on to many successful careers in the fashion industry, including work with world-leading houses including Balenciaga, Thom Browne, Jacquemus, Calvin Klein, Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Bottega Veneta.
Professor Mal James, Programme Director of Fashion at Edinburgh College of Art, said: “We are proud and excited to showcase the achievements of our students and the new graduate designers of 2026.
“The work on show is a testament to their dedication, enthusiasm, and ambition in putting their final collections together, supported by a dedicated team of staff.
“Our graduates reflect a diverse range of individuality, creativity, and incredible talent at the very beginning of their careers. We are delighted to present their work to both public and industry audiences to enjoy and witness the fashion stars of tomorrow.”
