Ness, Company

Ness, independent fashion and lifestyle label, injects high street verve and good humoured irreverence into tartan, an iconic season staple, to produce a look which is chic, individual and fun. In step with the current trend for bold statement style, Ness uses brilliant colours and cheeky reinterpretation of classic plaid and check pieces to steer tartan away from its highlands, heather and honey image into the mainstream fashion stakes. With its flagship store situated on Edinburgh’s dynamic Royal Mile against a backdrop of festival vitality, historic sentiment and seething international crowds, Ness’s collection of mini kilts, cute cropped jackets, skirt suits, vibrant knitwear, bags and simple, smart accessories is a beacon to fashion fashionistas. Founded in Edinburgh in 1996, Ness takes inspiration from the contemporary feel and flavour of its birthplace while genially thumbing its nose at tradition. ‘Ness is all about bringing tartan and pieces like kilts into the moment and showing they can be edgy, sexy and now,’ . ‘Scottish design doesn’t have to be all shortbread and country houses. We pay homage to custom through the use of tartan in a way that is more inclusive, stylish and we hope fun. Our look is chic and ageless – my aim is to give Ness pieces a free spirited, individual air, mindful of tradition but unrestricted by it.’ With its strong statements and affordable style making it a firm favourite with international visitors; ‘we are definitely a brand that has done its share of travelling across time zones and continents,’ Ness is intent on gaining a following on the home fashion front. ‘Our must have pieces this season are our floral ditsy blouses and tops, the print matches the trim on the Oban jacket and Olive skirt and creates a must-have summer outfit’