Kirsty Wark presents Icons of Style, a new BBC series exploring 60 years of Scottish fashion’s global impact. The show, premiering Sunday, 16 March at 9pm on BBC iPlayer and BBC Scotland, looks at the designers, influencers, and celebrities who put Scottish style on the map.
Here’s the Lowdown: Icons of Style examines how Scotland, from Selkirk to Shetland, has influenced the fashion world. Wark interviews key figures, including designers Christopher and Tammy Kane, Pam Hogg (described as the “Scottish Vivienne Westwood”), and the team behind La Fetiche. The series also covers Alan Cumming’s tartan style on The Traitors.
What This Means Now: The series presents a fresh perspective on Scottish culture, demonstrating its continuing influence in the fashion and clothing industries. It celebrates Scottish craftsmanship and the enduring appeal of materials like tartan and tweed, along with the current cutting edge designers.
The Bigger Picture: Wark highlights the unique qualities of Scottish textiles and fashion, describing them as “timeless” and “made to last.” She connects the country’s textile industry with its design talent, explaining how both have contributed to Scotland’s international fashion presence. The show reveals how Scottish designers mix traditional elements with modern twists, creating styles that appeal to a global audience.
