Kestin Hare Picks up Prestigious Fashion Award

An Edinburgh menswear designer was honoured at the 11th Annual Scottish Fashion Awards in London last month.
Kestin Hare. Picture: TSPLKestin Hare. Picture: TSPL
Kestin Hare. Picture: TSPL

Kestin Hare, who has achieved impressive growth of both his eponymous fashion line and shops, was awarded Scottish Retailer of the Year at the star-studded ceremony.

Nestled in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge his original store, which opened in 2014, also houses a small design team. Such is the popularity of the label that he now boasts outlets in both London and Glasgow and further expansion to Tokyo in 2017. In addition, his collections are sold by Harvey Nichols and other prominent retail independent shops in tandem with a thriving international wholesale trade and a collaboration with M&S.

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Speaking of the award, Mr Hare quoted: “I was not expecting to win it so it took me by surprise, but looking back now it was a very proud moment for myself and all my team who have worked so hard this year.”

Picture: T2Picture: T2
Picture: T2

Born in Edinburgh, Kestin went on to study fashion at Northumbria University, working as Head of Design for Nigel Cabourn before setting up his own label. He strives to use local and UK businesses to create his collections, with production in Cumbernauld, Alloa, London and Manchester.

“I am very attached to Stockbridge and particularly Saint Stephen Streed as it is where we started our adventure. We started designing design our former label Common People over 4 years ago now out the back off the shop and selling out the front. Customers really responded to the idea we were based here and tried to made our garments in the UK. Years later after selling the old Common People brand we are still here doing the same thing but under my name. Stockbridge is all about the same values as our brand and that is why we do so well here. The people of Stockbridge like and respect quality and craftsmanship when buying from the farmers market or buying paint or cosmetics. In Stockbridge we are surrounded by the best independent stores in the city, Golden Hare Books, Catalog and Dicks, the list goes on. The best restaurants and cafes also are here. Together we are the best place to hang out and shop in Edinburgh.”

The Scottish Retailer of the Year Award was chosen by a stellar panel of judges from the fashion world and reflected Kestin’s continued success in the field whilst putting another Stockbridge business firmly in the spotlight.

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Kestin’s floral print Tynemouth shirt as worn by Tinie Tempah and Spud (Ewen Bremner)on the current Trainspotting 2 poster, just released.

Kestin Hare. Picture: TSPLKestin Hare. Picture: TSPL
Kestin Hare. Picture: TSPL

Kestin took inspiration for his current Autumn/Winter collection from Nan Shephard’s book ‘The Living Mountain’, a poetic journey through the Cairngorms; hence the collection is called ‘The Living Mountain’, which includes a mountain print item representing the Cairngorms.

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