More than 20 Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) fashion students are being challenged to take their designs from concept to manufacture as Multrees Walk launches the second year of its industry collaboration with ECA.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural project, the collaboration is set to be even more ambitious this year, with the design element at its heart. Students will be challenged to create a 6-outfit collection for Spring/Summer 2027, that is both commercially aware and fashion-forward, with the strongest shirt and trouser co-ord from their collection developed through to final manufacture.
To launch this year’s programme, the students were invited to Multrees Walk to be introduced to the mentors and retailers involved in the programme. As part of their academic journey, students will have access to experts in marketing, buying and design, and will learn about brand positioning, target audiences and pricing.
The project will culminate in a stylish student exhibition at Genesis Studios at Multrees Walk, showcasing a selection of the students’ final designs and providing them with an opportunity to present their work within a professional retail setting.
Professor Mal James, Programme Director, BA (Hons) Fashion at Edinburgh College of Art, commented: “We are delighted to be continuing our collaboration with Multrees Walk and to be able to offer our new cohort of students this invaluable professional insight into the different disciplines that sit behind some of the world’s leading fashion businesses. Last year we saw just how much the students benefitted from the experience and are thrilled to be able to offer this year’s class a more ambitious and enhanced project.”
The collaboration reflects Multrees Walk’s ongoing commitment to supporting creativity and emerging talent in Scotland, while providing ECA students with meaningful opportunities to connect their academic studies with the wider fashion and retail industry.
Leigh Aitchison, Centre Manager at Multrees Walk, said: “Last year we were blown away with the talent and creativity from the 2nd year students, demonstrating just how much can be achieved when education and the retail industry come together. And this year we want to build on that success even further. Defined by its calm luxury atmosphere, Multrees Walk is one of Scotland’s leading destinations for luxury retail and lifestyle, and we are delighted to provide the students with the opportunity to experience professional mentorship and expertise from a range of global luxury brands.”
Edinburgh College of Art student Megan Atkinson took part in last year’s programme and her final design “Inscribed in Tartan” was selected as the standout piece at the 2025/2026 showcase exhibition.
Megan said: “Having access throughout our course to some of the world’s best-known luxury brands was truly amazing. The experience gave us a better understanding into the industry as a business, and how fashion works from a commercial perspective. It was a fantastic opportunity to develop our ideas and of course to see our designs come to life in the end of term exhibition.”
The 2026/27 programme will run throughout the academic year, with students receiving mentoring and industry engagement throughout, before the chosen final designs are presented at the Genesis Studios Edinburgh Showcase Exhibition.
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