Fashion: Make an exhibition of yourself this coming season

Some of us may be a little reluctant to part with our summer wardrobes, especially when they’ve hardly had much of an airing over the last couple of soggy, chilly months.

But here in Edinburgh, where the winter weather really allows fashion followers to shine, many more of us will be eager to step into our chunky knits while also looking forward to choosing a dress for those festive parties.

“When it comes to special events, possibly a charity ball or party, it’s all about individuality,” says Sarah Murray, owner of Jane Davidson in Thistle Street.

“People want to be confident that nobody else will be in the same outfit as them.”

We caught up with Sarah and her team of models – including supermodel Anna Freemantle – as they were preparing for the boutique’s autumn/winter 2011 fashion show at the Scottish National Galleries.

The aim of the event was to showcase the shop’s “masterpieces” – high-end collections that come with an equally high price tag.

Among the range are one-off creations by Jenny Packham, whose collection has proved a hit with Kate Middleton and Emma Watson in recent months.

Jane Davidson is the only stockist of Packham’s pieces outside London.

“It’s all about special pieces,” says Sarah, whose mum opened the boutique in 1969. “But, of course, we have more commercial collections in stock for autumn/winter as well.

“Jersey dresses will be big again this season, as will prints and colour which is great for Edinburgh as it can be such a grey place in the winter.”

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