Tailored glamour in leather

Published on Monday 7 September 2009 09:38

IMAGINE the classic Hollywood starlet, a femme fatale, crisply tailored, ruby red lips and the kind of sultry glare that made men turn to jelly and women weep.

"I love all that black and white glamour," says designer Keira Thorley, whose striking collection of leather and fabric creations have led to her being named one of Scotland's designers to watch.

The result is a collection that oozes feminine charm combined with the sassy use of the softest leather imaginable.

Keira, 30, is speaking from her Leith workshop as she prepares for a trunk sale later this week at Edinburgh lingerie hub Boudiche where customers will be able to snap up her autumn/winter 2009 range at bargain prices.

Originally from Carluke but now definitely rooted in Edinburgh, Keira's eye-catching outfits and accessories seem to run in the genes.

"My grandfather was a tailor in Glasgow," she says, "so the cuts of all the garments reflect that timeless look."

Yet Keira reveals she stumbled into fashion design almost by accident – and then, again by accident, nearly crashed right out of it. "I loved art and I knew that I wanted to go to art school. But when I got to Glasgow I realised fine art wasn't for me. So I ended up at university doing psychology."

That didn't work out either and eventually she ended up at Edinburgh's Telford College on a textiles course – dreaming of joining the fashion students instead.

"I saw the fashion students and thought that was exactly what I'd been looking for. Luckily for me someone had just dropped out – and I was in."

She graduated from Edinburgh College of Art and headed to London to complete her MA alongside none other than current fashion darling Christopher Kane.

"It was the place to go but I wasn't happy," admits Keira, 30. "Christopher was like the 'golden child' and no-one else on the course seemed good enough."

So she returned to Edinburgh to complete her studies and to later set up her business while juggling part-time jobs to make ends meet.

But a freak accident one day almost scuppered everything.

"I was reaching for a cup which fell and severed a tendon in my right hand," she recalls. "I needed an emergency operation and the surgeon warned that I might not be able to use my right hand again.

"I had physiotherapy, my hand improved and I realised it was time to concentrate on my business."

The result is a collection of classic glamour outfits with a modern twist, cute leather bow clutch handbags which have earned her a mention in Vogue and a nomination for Young Designer of the Year in this year's Scottish Fashion Awards.

Keira Thorley is holding a trunk sale at Boudiche in Frederick Street on Thursday from 7pm-9pm. There will be 20 per cent off. Tickets cost 20 redeemable against any Keira purchase on the night. Buy tickets at www.boudiche.com, or in the Edinburgh boutique (0131-226 5255).