On the streets of London this week two topics dominate conversation - the 30th season of London Fashion Week and the Scottish Referendum. The Spring/Summer 2015 shows are underway but there's much more than fashion on our minds.
At London Fashion Week the views of the designers themselves reflect the divided opinion of our nation, from Vivienne Westwood's wholehearted YES vote to Christopher Kane's support of the NO campaign, the prospect of an independent Scotland has everyone talking.
One fashion editor admitted that reading show reports provided light relief from referendum coverage. With that in mind let's take a breather from politics for a moment and focus on the best of Scottish fashion design.
Edinburgh-born designer Holly Fulton excels in the art of Summer dressing. A long term favourite of mine, the designer's fifth season at fashion week did not disappoint with volume and movement in every mosaic-patterned piece.
Rich turquoise tones and crisp whites were found in matching printed separates that were tailored to perfection. Brave Fulton fans can also get their hands on leather bandeau tops that show off sizeable sections of midriff. Holly's collections are consistently beautiful and she deserves great kudos for maintaining such a clear brand vision.
Speaking of vision, the hotly anticipated Christopher Kane catwalk was filled with structured folds on bodices and dresses with playful princess skirts. His sell-out safety buckle handbags made a prominent appearance worn with a collection full of soft flowing fabrics including luxurious satin highlights. Dedicated to the late Professor Louise Wilson OBE, Kane's former mentor would have been proud with this rich confident burgundy hued collection.
With style icons Olivia Palermo, Poppy Delevingne and Laura Bailey on the FROW, another trailblazing Scot Jonathan Saunders continues to attract an influential crowd. His early evening show at The British Museum was filled with delicate chiffon fabrics. Continuing the sheer trend that we've seen across several LFW shows, Saunders played with folds like his designer peer Kane and included corsages that looked lighter than air. This was a collection to be worn in the cocoon of a warm sheltered cove protected from the elements.
These three Scottish designers continue to co-exist with some of the fashions industry's biggest players but it's clear, no matter what the outcome on Thursday, that our country's historic vote will greatly influence their businesses in years to come.
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