Goodbye Scotland and Hannah MacGibbons, Clare Says Hello to Chloé

Edited by Jessica Lapidos

In the fashion industry’s grand game of musical chairs, the latest designer to officially take a new seat is Clare Waight Keller. She landed Hannah MacGibbon’s old seat at Chloé as the new Creative Director. Keller is moving from Pringle of Scotland, the company she nursed from a small Scottish knitwear company to an international luxury brand. And that’s exactly why Chloé wants her;  her knack for innovative knits.

Clare Waight Keller waves goodbye to Pringle of Scotland.

RUNWAY: Pringle of Scotland Fall 2010 Womenswear

Edited by Kirby Marzec

It was a play on a fisherman’s garb and Medieval elements for Clare Waight Keller’s Pringle of Scotland Fall 2010 collection. From slouchy external pocketed trouser to mesh-like argyle sweaters and classic cable knits to Pringle of Scotland’s renowned kilts, Waight Keller hit just about every classic and clever piece necessary to the perfect collection. Loving the hints of shearling and fur on belts, collars and sweater sleeves!

RUNWAY: Pringle of Scotland Fall 2010 Menswear Collection

Edited by Kirby Marzec

The Pringle of Scotland Fall 2010 menswear collection has one major focus: texture. From furry gloves to quilted sweaters and nubby overcoats to leather scarves, designer Clare Waight Keller spiced up the centuries old label with several new-school trendy textures. But don’t be alarmed, the atypical Scottish argyle v-necks and kilt-like suit extensions made a grand appearance to tie the brand at its roots.

LOOKBOOK: Pringle of Scotland Pre-Fall 2010

Edited by Kirby Marzec

Take a look at the Pringle of Scotland Pre-Fall 2010 collection and you won’t need an explanation as to why I think designer Clare Waight Keller is a genius. It’s all about the abstract knitwear in this collection, and with the brilliant leather kilt (shown above) the collection is a spot-on excellent interpretation of the Scottish woman.

Pringle of Scotland Thinks They’re “Indie-Cool”…Think Again!

Edited by Kirby Marzec

I must say, I’m a pretty avid fan of the luxurious knitwear of Pringle of Scotland. I’ve always found their collections sophisticated, with a bit of edge, catered to the young and beautiful who can confidently wear their uniquely classy looks. To say that I recently lost all respect for the label would be an exaggeration, but Pringle of Scotland’s s/s 2009 campaign is disappointing on so many levels. The images haven’t been released yet, but creative director Clare Waight Keller has declared It-girls Daisy Lowe, Pixie Geldof and Lydia Hearst as the faces of the spring campaign. I understand that Pringle of Scotland’s aesthetic is “growing up girl chic,” but that doesn’t justify the use of annoying socialites to advertise. And by calling their aim “indie-cool,” they’re just giving indies a bad name. Never in a million years would I associate Daisy, Pixie or Lydia with us indies! To top off the poor choice, Waight Keller had this to say about her decision:

 ”For the spring/summer 2009 advertising campaign, the idea of using personalities with different perspectives on how to wear clothes due to their lifestyles was hugely appealing. I also loved the fact that all the girls are great friends who hang out together, making the shoot incredibly fun.”

Sorry, this statement is completely contradictory. If the clothes were to legitimately represent the lifestyles of these It-girls, they would be stitched with golden pretentious, bitchy, asshole thread. Hmm, is that what you want Pringle of Scotland?

The men’s campaign is a totally different ball game. At least they’re using the fresh, edgy faces of Ash Stymest and Gordie Walker. I’m assuming these boys were the responsibility of someone who at least knows how to pick models! 

Thanks Vogue!