THE past week has been "unexpectedly busy" for Scottish designer Annabel Stewart after she inadvertently became part of Scottish election history.
The 31-year-old artist was tasked with creating the dress worn by Green MSP Holly Bruce, who became the party's second-ever constituency MSP after winning Glasgow Southside, a seat previously held by former first minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The designer – who is based in Bruce's constituency – was given just two days to create an outfit for the election count in Glasgow, but rose to the challenge after being approached.
In the days since, Stewart has been flooded with enquiries after Bruce shared her outfit on Instagram, saying that "everyone and their mam" had been asking where she got it from, and thanking the designer for "being part of history".
"Holly reached out directly and asked if I would be able to create something for her, as she wanted to support a local designer," Stewart told the Sunday National.
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The pair explored a few different design options together before settling on a draped top and pleated wrap skirt from Stewart's Hillside collection.
While the design was originally created in a purple tartan (pictured below), Bruce chose to go with a brown tartan with a teal blue stripe running through it, which is set to be featured in an upcoming collection.
Stewart typically works on a made-to-order basis with a turnaround of between two to three weeks – but "everything aligned quite naturally" when a free slot unexpectedly opened up in her schedule in the week of the election.
"As the design was already part of my previous collection, I had the patterns to go, which definitely helped with the turnaround time," she said, adding that she was able to complete the pieces "just in time" for the election count.
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Stewart said that it was "inspiring" to see a young woman, who is a similar age to her, be elected into the Scottish Parliament.
"Holly was standing in my constituency, and I think she really embodies the representation I want to see in Parliament," the designer said.
She added that it was also "incredibly meaningful" Bruce chose an independent Scottish designer for "such an important moment", and that she believes "the outfit reflects what I always aim to do with the brand – creating contemporary designs that celebrate Scottish heritage".
Stewart is originally from Lochinver, a small fishing village on the north west coast of the Highlands. She knew from a young age that she wanted to become a fashion designer, and started sewing clothes at just 15 years old.
After studying fashion and spending a few years working in London, she moved back to Scotland and launched her own brand in 2023 – focusing on contemporary Scottish luxury, with the majority of pieces handmade in-house in Glasgow using locally sourced fabrics.
She is heavily inspired by the Scottish Highlands, heritage textiles, folklore and the landscapes she grew up around.
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Since the day of the election count, Stewart has received an increase in enquiries for custom tartan pieces, which she said "was lovely to see".
"The studio was already getting busy with wedding season approaching, but since the election, I've had a lot of new people discover my work through Holly's outfit," she added.
Stewart is currently working her way through the custom orders she has received, and is "really excited" to be beginning development on a brand new collection.
Speaking to the Sunday National, Bruce joked that she was "here to serve a look and my constituents".
"I’ve long admired Annabel’s work, so it only felt right to commission her to design my outfit for the count," she said.
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"It’s a nod to my broch roots, and made by hand in Glasgow – the city that I love, have long called home."
Bruce added: “A lot of Annabel’s work is crafted from deadstock and surplus, so it’s sustainable, one-of-a-kind fashion pieces made locally by an independent small business.
"It’s as Green as it gets when it comes to fashion, and I’m proud to have worn her designs on a historic day for the Scottish Greens' political history."
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