A new partnership between Multrees Walk and Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) is set to shine a spotlight on Scotland’s emerging fashion talent. The collaboration will see the luxury shopping destination mentor and sponsor second-year ECA fashion students as they embark on their annual commercial design project.
Over the coming year, students will gain first-hand experience of how creativity meets commerce — exploring everything from design development and responsible material choices to understanding customer profiles and brand storytelling. It’s an opportunity to bridge the gap between education and the realities of working in the fashion industry.
Working alongside retailers based at Multrees Walk Edinburgh, including Harvey Nichols and Johnstons of Elgin, the students will receive direct mentorship and insight into the operations of global fashion houses and luxury retail brands.
“We are delighted to be able to support and mentor the students of Edinburgh College of Art this year,” says Leigh Aitchison, Centre Manager at Multrees Walk. “By partnering with our retailers, we are able to share industry insight and tangible experiences that bring the education of fashion to life. Together, we will aim to inspire and equip the next generation of fashion designers, buyers and marketeers with the tools they need to navigate today’s ever-changing fashion landscape.”
Adam Stone, Head of Retail Asset Management UK at Nuveen, the landlord of Multrees Walk, adds: “Multrees Walk is committed to supporting the fashion industry of the future, and our collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art will give students the unique and valuable opportunity to work alongside our wide range of leading global brands and retailers. We are proud to be able to help provide this wonderful opportunity and offer this exceptional mentor and sponsor partnership to the students.”
For the university, the collaboration is about giving students access to real-world experience while deepening their understanding of the business of fashion.
Professor Mal James, Programme Director of the BA Fashion programme at ECA, says: “Partnering with Multrees Walk connects our students to a global network of leading international brands and retailers. This collaboration allows us to bring real-life industry insight directly into the classroom. It’s a fundamental opportunity for our students to understand not only the creative demands of fashion, but the business side of the industry, too.”
The year-long partnership will culminate in a student exhibition and showcase at Genesis Studio, Multrees Walk, in 2026, where the public and fashion community will be invited to view the students’ final projects and celebrate the partnership’s success.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, Multrees Walk is home to some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, including Scotland’s only Gucci and Louis Vuitton stores, as well as Harvey Nichols, Burberry, Max Mara and Canada Goose. The destination has long been synonymous with style, craftsmanship and Scotland’s evolving fashion scene — and now, with this new collaboration, it’s helping to shape its future too.
Visit multreeswalk.co.uk and eca.ed.ac.uk.
