INVERNESS LOVES LOCAL: Fashion inspiration in the Highland glens
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Have you thought about what you are wearing this festive season?
The award-winning Maggie Blyth Boutique in Post Office Avenue is the ideal choice for something different, unique and quality this Christmas.
The Inverness-based fashion outlet don’t believe in ‘throw-away fashion’, instead offering products made by niche designers who produce quality garments not readily available on the high street.
And founder and owner Maggie Blyth has been hard at work on her own clothing collection this year, with the launch of her new Belle & Bracken range.
Maggie told us a little about her new collection, and also a little bit about what makes the festive season a special time in the city centre.
Q. Tell us about your new collection.
A. With the first collection, Belle & Bracken has drawn inspiration from the captivating colours and untamed beauty of Glen Affric, resulting in a line that breathes the essence of this mesmerising Scottish landscape.
Every piece in the collection reflects our dedication to ethical and environmentally conscious fashion. We source materials with great care, ensuring minimal environmental impact and fair labour practices.
As a result, each Belle & Bracken creation is not just a garment – it’s a testament to responsible fashion. Belle & Bracken is more than a clothing brand, it’s a connection to the Highlands, a love letter to Glen Affric, and an embodiment of responsible fashion.
Shop from our collection and become part of a fashion movement that blends nature, sustainability, and style seamlessly!
Q. What do you have planned to promote the collection this coming winter?
A. We have already successfully completed the launch fashion show for Belle & Bracken. It was a huge success. As an agent for fashion brands, I am in a strategic place to start taking it to other boutiques in the country and trade shows, which we hope to start in the near future.
Q. What is it about the Highlands and Islands that makes for an ideal inspiration?
A. The Highlands and Islands is a very scenic area. The landscapes, colours, and textures have all played a part in inspiring this collection.
Q. As someone who is championing ethical and environmentally conscious fashion, can you tell us about some of your favourite Inverness businesses who share your values?
A. There are a number of businesses we work with very closely such as Wild Gorse Studios who also use locally sourced products. I also work with Joni Phippin, who does Belle & Bracken’s plant-based dying in her studio on Belladrum Estate.
It’s people like this that share our belief in sustainability as the way forward and help us to achieve that.
Q. Living in Inverness, what makes a thriving city centre so important?
A. A thriving city centre is important for locals and tourists alike. We need greater diversity in the city centre and I would love to see more independent boutiques and shops.
Q. Who are your Inverness city centre stars?
A. We love to support the other independent stores and boutiques. Our favourite hairdresser is Salon On The Brae and we love to grab a bite to eat down at the Mustard Seed. If we’re looking for a gift for the men in the family, we usually head to Danny at North Designwear and for tableware we pop into Oil and Vinegar.
Q. At the heart of every city centre are the events which make it, what are you most looking forward to in Inverness this festive season?
A. I am looking forward to the Strictly Inverness final and pantomime at Eden Court.
Q. Why is the Inverness city centre gift card the perfect present this festive season?
A. The gift card is the perfect gift idea because it can be used in over 170 different city centre businesses and takes the pressure off deciding what to get someone!
#Invernessloveslocal
