Around 20 students from Edinburgh College of Art will be involved in a yearlong collaboration with luxury shopping street, Multrees Walk, giving them an insight into the fashion business.
During the year the fashion students will be challenged to create their own designs from concept to manufacture. This is the second year of the partnership with the luxury destination, and both parties declared the first year a great success.
The students will create a six outfit collection for Spring/Summer 2027 which is both artistically on point as well as being commercially sound. The strongest shirt and trouser combination will then be developed to manufacture.
To introduce the scheme, students were asked along to Multrees Walk where they learned from mentors and retailers what will be expected of them. Retailers include luxury shops such as Louis Vuitton, Harvey Nichols, Gucci and Omega. The young designers will have access to experts in marketing, buying and design, and will learn every aspect of the trade.
Professor Mal James, Programme Director, BA (Hons) Fashion at Edinburgh College of Art, commented: “We are delighted to be continuing our collaboration with Multrees Walk and to be able to offer our new cohort of students this invaluable professional insight into the different disciplines that sit behind some of the world’s leading fashion businesses.
“Last year we saw just how much the students benefitted from the experience and are thrilled to be able to offer this year’s class a more ambitious and enhanced project.”
Leigh Aitchison, Centre Manager at Multrees Walk, said: “Last year we were blown away with the talent and creativity from the 2nd year students, demonstrating just how much can be achieved when education and the retail industry come together.
“And this year we want to build on that success even further. Defined by its calm luxury atmosphere, Multrees Walk is one of Scotland’s leading destinations for luxury retail and lifestyle, and we are delighted to provide the students with the opportunity to experience professional mentorship and expertise from a range of global luxury brands.”
Edinburgh College of Art student Megan Atkinson took part in last year’s programme and her final design Inscribed in Tartan was selected as the standout piece at the 2025/2026 showcase exhibition.
Megan said: “Having access throughout our course to some of the world’s best-known luxury brands was truly amazing. The experience gave us a better understanding into the industry as a business, and how fashion works from a commercial perspective.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to develop our ideas and of course to see our designs come to life in the end of term exhibition.”
