FESTIVAL
PROGRAMME & TICKETS

Saturday 8th November

10.30am - 11.15am

Braemar Village Hall

The late Frances Farquharson of Invercauld and Braemar Castle left behind an extraordinary creative legacy, bringing the worlds of fashion, journalism, high society, and enterprise to the Scottish Highlands. Each left an indelible mark on Braemar and Scotland at large. As a fashion journalist, former editor of Harper’s Bazaar, style icon, and close friend of the visionary designer Elsa Schiaparelli, Frances remains as compelling and relevant today as she was throughout her vibrant life. 

We are thrilled to open our 2025 Festival of Fashion with a very special in-conversation event featuring three remarkable figures from the worlds of fashion, publishing, and design: Lydia Slater (Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar), Delphine Bellini (CEO of Schiaparelli), and Sonnet Stanfill (Senior Curator at the V&A and co-curator of the landmark 2026 exhibition Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art). 

Together, they will delve into the creative friendship between Frances and Elsa, its deep ties to the art world and Harper’s Bazaar, and the enduring relevance of Schiaparelli’s radical vision—now reimagined under the bold direction of Creative Director Daniel Roseberry. 

Saturday 8th November

11.45am – 12.30pm

Braemar Village Hall

Erdem Moralioglu is one of the UK’s most celebrated and sought-after fashion designers, renowned for his distinctive fusion of timeless silhouettes, intricate storytelling, and a modern vision of femininity. His exquisite craftsmanship and romantic floral motifs have become signature elements of his work, earning him international acclaim and, in 2020, an MBE for his outstanding contribution to the fashion industry.

In this special event, Erdem Moralioglu will be joined by Emily Tobin, Editor of The World of Interiors, and Leonie Bell, Director of V&A Dundee—where his work is currently featured in the international touring exhibition Garden Futures: Designing with Nature. Together, they will explore Erdem’s creative inspirations, his enduring fascination with the female muse, and his deep-rooted passion for craftsmanship and the arts.

 A book signing of ‘ERDEM’, the first book to celebrate the world of the designer, will follow the talk.

Published 7 October 2025 by Rizolli of New York, RRP £100

Saturday 8th November

1.45pm - 2.30pm

Braemar Village Hall

London-based luxury womenswear designer Emilia Wickstead is internationally celebrated for her modern interpretation of femininity and timeless elegance. Effortlessly blending tradition and the romance of bygone eras with refined silhouettes and contemporary flourishes, Emilia’s creations continue to captivate a discerning global clientele, including prominent members of the British Royal Family.

Join us as we delve into Emilia’s remarkable fashion journey—from her formative studies at Central Saint Martins, to her influential roles at American Vogue and the esteemed fashion houses of Giorgio Armani and Narciso Rodriguez, before returning to London to launch her eponymous label and open her flagship Belgravia store in 2019.

This conversation will be chaired by Caroline Issa, Chief Executive and Fashion Director of TANK Magazine, and a leading voice in fashion and culture. Caroline brings her unique perspective as a creative consultant, mentor, and British Fashion Council board trustee.

Saturday 8th November

3pm - 3.45pm

Braemar Village Hall

BAFTA Award-winning broadcaster and journalist Kirsty Wark leads a timely discussion on the rise of Scotland’s emerging fashion talent—and explores what more can be done to nurture their creative and professional growth.

Kirsty will be joined by Jacqueline Farrell, Director of Education at The King’s Foundation and Katie Braid, Teaching Fellow, Fashion Programme ECA, alongside a panel of recent fashion graduates, Cosimo Angiulli and Rosie Baird, who will share their personal journeys into the industry. Together, they will examine the opportunities and challenges facing young designers today and discuss the vital role of key institutions in shaping the future of Scottish fashion.

This conversation offers a unique insight into the intersection of education, industry, and innovation within one of the UK’s most dynamic creative sectors.

Saturday 8th November

4.15pm - 5pm 

Braemar Village Hall 

With an exceptional a career spanning Parisian haute couture to global high street fashion, Clare Waight Keller offers a rare and insightful perspective on the fashion industry. Reflecting on her roles as Creative Director at Chloé, Givenchy, and Uniqlo, and exploring the evolving and vital influence of women in a historically male-dominated field. Clare will be joined by acclaimed fashion author (‘Coco Chanel: the Legend and the Life’ , ‘Miss Dior: A Story of Courage and Couture’) and contributing editor of Harper’s Bazaar magazine, Justine Picardie. 

Together, they will delve into Clare’s distinguished fashion journey leading some of the world’s most iconic luxury houses and discuss how Uniqlo’s innovative approach to creative and accessible design has transformed today’s high street. 

Sunday 9th November

10am – 11.30am

Fife Arms Hotel

Join fashion illustrator Jessica Rose Bird, whose distinctive style has attracted a client list that includes Vogue, Prada, Begg & Co, Liberty and Hermes, for a fun and creative, hands-on workshop experience at the Fife Arms.

With a focus on expressive mark making and techniques such as blind contour drawing and gestural drawing, Jessica will guide you on how to confidently capture fashion through intuitive drawing exercises that she uses in her own practice.

Participants will work through a workbook of Scottish (inspired) designs/designers, allowing guests to explore different approaches and to try a variety of mixed media materials.

All materials will be provided and all levels of ability are welcome - no drawing experience necessary!

Workshop places are limited so early booking is advised.

Sunday 9th November

11.45am – 12.30pm   

Braemar Village Hall 

For over a decade, Kristina Blahnik, CEO of Manolo Blahnik, has expertly guided the iconic footwear brand to continued global success. Under her leadership, the brand has launched high-profile collaborations—including a celebrated 2016 collection with music and fashion icon Rihanna—and introduced the award-winning virtual platform, Manolo Blahnik Archives, in 2021, broadening the brand’s appeal to new audiences worldwide. 

Manolo Blahnik has once again captured the public’s imagination with a newly launched capsule collection, inspired by Manolo’s enduring design muse, Marie Antoinette.  The French queen's distinctive style and fashion influence is currently the focus of a major exhibition at V&A South Kensington in London, which Manolo Blahnik has supported as the principal sponsor.  

Kristina will join BAFTA Award-winning presenter Kirsty Wark in conversation to discuss her professional journey from architecture and design into the world of fashion, and to share insights into life at the helm of one of the great family-run fashion businesses of our time. 

Sunday 9th November

1pm – 1.45pm 

Braemar Village Hall 

This inspiring conversation brings together three trailblazers from the worlds of fashion, tailoring, and design to explore the enduring value of craftsmanship, sustainability, and creative leadership. 

Nadja Swarovski, renowned for her pioneering artist collaborations and sustainability initiatives within the luxury industry, joins Kathryn Sargent, the first female master tailor on Savile Row, and author and luxury knitwear designer Lynne Coleman. Together, they will discuss the importance of timeless design, the use of high-quality natural materials, and the preservation of traditional skills in shaping a more sustainable future for fashion. 

Through personal insights and professional experience, the panel will reflect on how leadership and innovation can drive meaningful change—while honouring heritage and artistry. 

Sunday 9th November

2.15pm – 3pm

Braemar Village Hall

Join authors Josephine Steed and Shane Strachan in conversation with V&A Dundee curator Kirsty Hassard as they celebrate the remarkable legacy of Scottish fashion designer Bill Gibb, whose influence continues to resonate across the industry today. 

Born in New Pitsligo, Aberdeenshire, Gibb’s designs drew deeply from his Scottish heritage—particularly its rich knitting traditions—while embracing global design languages and historical references. His distinctive, dramatic, and romantic garments captivated celebrities throughout the 1960s and ’70s and have inspired generations of designers since. 

This event marks the launch of Steed and Strachan’s new book, offering fresh insight into Gibb’s creative journey and his enduring impact on contemporary fashion. 

12pm - 5pm Saturday  
11am - 4pm Sunday 

FREE 

St Margaret’s 

With a celebratory focus on Scotland’s future design talent, the St Margaret’s display will feature film footage and garments from 2025 fashion graduate and undergraduate collections from Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen. 

The display will also include pieces from emerging Scottish designers Rosie Baird, Cosimo Angiulli and Daniel Crozier, and key looks from Edinburgh College of Art’s ‘With Love Halston’ design challenge, delivered in partnership with The Nando and Elsa Peretti Foundation.