An Edinburgh shop is set to showcase the endangered heritage of traditional Scottish kiltmaking with a contemporary couture twist during this year’s Fringe.
Located on St Mary’s Street, the Scottish Textiles Showcase is collaborating with bespoke kiltmaker Andrea Chappell and the Dye, Weave, Pleat project to celebrate the heritage craft.
The Royal Mile-adjacent store will host a free installation of couture kilts from 25 June until 30 August, featuring handstitched garments and contemporary kilt pins by silversmith Kristin Beeler.
During the Fringe, the boutique will host two dedicated talk events. On Monday 17 August, Andrea will discuss her work using vintage fabrics, deadstock, and classic tartans.
On Tuesday 18 August, Andrea will be joined by colourist Cavan Jayne and hand weavers Chantal Allan and Christopher McEvoy of Glasgow micro-mill VEVAR – whose collaborators include global fashion houses Hermès and Alexander McQueen – to discuss the fusion of natural dyeing, hand weaving, and hand-stitching.
Kitty Bruce-Gardyne, director of the Scottish Textiles Showcase, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing these incredible kilts to Edinburgh – it’s really exciting to be sharing genuine Scottish craftsmanship in the heart of the city and we hope that it will shine a light on the creativity and skill of our textiles industry.
“Our vision is simple: to celebrate Scottish provenance and the skills of talented artisan makers and mills, and our collection reflects the enduring quality that’s promised when you see ‘Made in Scotland’.
“Our two Fringe events will be of interest to anyone who’d like to know more about how the endangered craft of kiltmaking is being given new life by a new generation of artisans, attracting the interest of haute couture fashion houses.
“These are not the standard tartan kilts found elsewhere but luxury pieces with incredible detailing and finishing – a great example of why it’s so important to us to celebrate Scotland’s rich textile heritage.”
Tickets for both evening events are priced at £10, with more information available on the boutique’s website.
