This March, Edinburgh is all about fashion. Celebrating the creativity of Scotland’s vibrant capital, Edinburgh Fashion Week, put on by Essential Edinburgh, is available to all style fans from March 5 to 13. And what should kick off such an exciting and extraordinary week better than a spectacular launch weekend? Especially one with all kinds of catwalk shows, pop up workshops, and the unique opportunity to become the owner of one of six one-of-a-kind bras that have been exclusively designed and signed by iconic Scots and fashion brands.
The bras have all been auctioned off to various lucky buyers, with a variety of different designs. For example, Slanj Kilts created a Bay City Rollers bra that had been exclusively signed by the music giants themselves. Sara Mudhar created the fashionable piece designed and signed by Scottish tennis coach Judy Murray. TV presenter Lorraine Kelly’s design was crafted by luxury fashion brand Barbour, and Mischke Lingerie contributed with one of their own extravagant creations. The bras were unveiled in the window of the famous Jenners on Princes Street on February 24.
The main purpose of this auction was to raise money for breast cancer charity Walk the Walk. The choice of charity contributed further to the celebrity stars’ enthusiasm behind their design and the auction. Judy Murray, tennis coach and mother of British tennis champion Andy Murray, said: “It’s lovely to be able to support such a wonderful cause – and in such an unusual way.”
Even though the undergarments were the special highlight of the show, there was another stunning showpiece to win that would have made any fashion fan’s head spin around: a gorgeous Elizabeth Martin tweed jacket kindly gifted by the classic Scottish designer herself. And it was not just the fashion fanatics who got their money’s worth from this event, as all kinds of different prizes were going under the hammer. One of them was the chance to attend the Scottish Rugby’s Captains’ run and to meet the players the day before the International. Convinced that the great prizes drew a great deal of attention, Nina Barough CBE – the founder and Chief Executive of breast cancer charity Walk the Walk – is delighted about the charity’s cooperation with Edinburgh Fashion Week. She believes the show is “a wonderful example of this collective energy with people from all different walks of life coming together to not only raise money but to raise awareness to help improve the lives of people living with cancer throughout Scotland.”
The lively launch weekend was just the beginning of one of the most inspiring weeks in the capital this year. For everyone who cannot get enough of fashion, be advised to watch out for exclusive promotions that will be offered by retailers all over the city during Edinburgh Fashion Week. There are also still a few tickets available for the student-run Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show on March 11.
If you would rather get out and get fit, instead of just admiring the fashion, then you can still take part in Scotland’s Moon Walk. Taking place later this year on Saturday June 11 in Holyrood Park, the Moon Walk sees men and women stride out into the night wearing the most brightly decorated bras, walking distances ranging from 6.55 miles to an incredible 52.4 miles to fundraise even more for Walk the Walk. This year’s theme is ‘Swing Your Tartan’ and even if you do not get involved yourself (although you can sign up very easily here – www.walkthewalk.org) it will be an exciting event to go along and watch. This is an amazing opportunity to do something not only fashionable, but also charitable. Do not let any of Walk the Walk’s events stride right by – get involved!
[Image: Burt Greener]