about
● links
● archives
● bambi
● cecilia
our mission
fashion
● art
● music
● people
● places
● events
● shops
● food
// spotted
● what we're wearing
posted on Monday, 20 August 2012 @ 19:53 by Unknown
view post
Edinburgh International Fashion Festival
Last night, Cecilia and I managed to bag tickets to the final runway show in 2012's Edinburgh International Fashion Festival. It took place in the Dissection Room of Summerhall - the old Dick Vet school, which has been transformed into an eerie, year-round art and exhibition venue.
The runway show featured a collection by Christina Borcher, whose designs are inspired by the dark fairytales of her Danish home land. Besides the first three pieces, the entire collection was black, abundant in leather, lace, sheer blouses, dramatic outlines, collared capes, long trained evening gowns and, the absolute highlight, huge mini-crinis, putting Viv Westwood's attempts to shame. The show was soundtracked by a live DJ, playing trance tracks reminiscent of the late 90's, giving the show the atmosphere of an ethereal, underground party, almost as if we weren't supposed to be there.
After the show, we were treated to guided tour of the Syn/Aesthesia exhibition, in the old animal hospital. Although none of the pieces were designed with that venue in mind, they could hardly have been housed in a more perfect space. The exhibition hosts several video installations, most notably a Pringle of Scotland commission of Ryan McGinley's starring Tilda Swinton as the nameless protagonist, crawling through the windows of a ruined castle in eveningwear. For me, the highlight of the exhibition was the collection by Amanda Harlech, who has worked with John Galliano and Karl Lagerfeld. She displayed three large oil paintings, and a sample from her own, will-turn-you-green-with-envy, wardrobe. I almost cried (Literally. I will greet about anything.) when I saw her black John Galliano 3/4 length coat. With a single silver button, huge, square lapels and flowing hemline, it echoed the dark elegance of the earlier Borcher show.
Upon leaving the exhibition, we were invited by a mysterious Eastern European man to stay and watch a show which was about to take place in the courtyard, so after a quick trip to the bar, we settled on a picnic bench (cute, right?) and waited for the show to begin. It was a piece of physical theatre with music supplied by an excellent live band (who performed inside what looked like someone's living room, with the windows open out into the courtyard) called Cadillac. Using humour, mime, audience participation and plastic balls it told the story of a man who has to complete several, violent tasks in order to claim his lottery prize - a Cadillac. A simultaneously sombre and funny portrayal of the megalomania and consumerism of the world we live in.
2012 was Edinburgh International Fashion Festival's first year, and was thrown together in just a few short months. With plans for next year's festival already in the pipeline, and after the incredible show we saw last night, we have very high hopes for next year.
Well done to everyone involved and thank you for letting us be a part of such an incredible fashion festival.
Edinburgh International Fashion FestivalLabels: events, fashion
IN-burgh is your first stop for everything you need to know about current trends and goings on in Scotland's enchanting capital.
Whether it's fashion, music, art, events, exhibitions, people, places, or even if you just want a decent munch, we'll show you the way it's done, Edinburgh-style.
We'll be cutting aboot toon, armed with our cameras, hunting down the city's best dressed, seeking out bangin' hotspots and sharing them all with you.
Follow IN-burgh!
IN-burgh was born from the dreams of two Edinburgh bairns, who share a love for fashion, art, music... & life in general in our beloved Auld Reekie.
Usually, Edinburgh is most famous for its history, famous landmarks, architecture, museums and posh buggers, then, every August, The Festival rolls in and people just can't get enough of our city's musical, artistic, comedic and theatrical cultural offerings. But what about the rest of the year? Edinburgh's modern culture is so rich, it seems a shame that it's largely hidden for 11 months each year.
With a focus on current trends in fashion, art, music, people, places, events, shopping and cuisine, we want to work together with you to earn Edinburgh a well deserved place on the cultural map of the world.
Ever since I was wee, I've been obsessed with fashion. As soon as I could talk, I was picking out my own clothes (sometimes very unwisely) and am today known for my bold style & daring wardrobe choices. Shoes are my one true love; I have more pairs of heels & hi-tops than is economically viable for a poor student.
Outside of fashion, my biggest love is music. Having been in a local band since 2005, I'm pretty well acquainted with the music scene in Edinburgh.
I basically live & breathe Edinburgh; it's such an incredible city, full of unknown and undiscovered nooks and crannies, creative talent and cultural gems, and it's such a shame how little attention they all receive. I want to find them ALL and share them with you.
Something that I have always loved, and has always been a part of me, is fashion. I am a complete victim of fashion. Trends, clothes and jewellery have ruined my bank balance, but to me it is worth the monetary cost because it’s part of who I am. I work in fashion now, and outside of work I like to explore and expose the beauty and vigour Edinburgh has to offer on tap. Such an inspirational city, Edinburgh influenced me into studying arts and photography, and for me there was no better place to do it. This city is home, and always will be and I can’t wait to share it with you.
IN-burgh is committed to the constant pursuit and promotion of the best in couture and culture that the city of Edinburgh has to offer. We endeavour to always seek the most up to date, innovative and exciting movements in fashion, art, music, people, places, events and culinary delights. By creating a hub where such elements of the city’s culture are united we hope to build an online community dedicated to sharing the highlights of our enchanting city. It is important to us to provide a platform which is inclusive, rather than exclusive, and therefore accessible to, not only Edinburgers, but the rest of the world... and even the universe.
