Edinburgh College of Art students 2026 graduate fashion show

Jennifer Jiang – Richly textured dress created with cork fabric and raffia tassels. (Image: Aga Urbanska)

This year’s collections explore themes ranging from cultural identity and heritage to memory, conflict and sensory experiences.

Student designer Susu Wang reimagined the traditional kimono using vintage Japanese fabrics and gold embroidery techniques.

Jon Jo Ruding – ‘Napoleonic’ bicorne hat with cut-out ‘pop-up book’ troop detail and officer’s coat with red sash and chainmail. (Image: Aga Urbanska)

Jon Jo Ruding’s collection examined clothing as protection, drawing inspiration from children’s experiences during the Troubles in Northern Ireland and combining military-inspired sportswear with oversized Napoleonic hats and colourful silhouettes.

Olivia Rixon explored themes of inheritance and family memory through designs inspired by her grandmother’s thimble, featuring coral pink silk jackets, Harris Tweed tailoring and textured knitwear.

Olivia Rixon – tailoring with pink silk jacket and Harris Tweed suit. (Image: Aga Urbanska)

Meanwhile, Jennifer Jiang’s collection paid tribute to the gardens of Suzhou in China, incorporating cork fabric, raffia tassels and lemon-scented charcoal wax to create a multi-sensory experience.

Students have also worked with industry mentors this year through collaborations with adidas Makerlab and Edinburgh retail destination Multrees Walk.

The project concluded with a public exhibition of student work at Multrees Walk earlier this year.

Professor Mal James, Programme Director of Fashion at Edinburgh College of Art, said: “We are proud and excited to showcase the achievements of our students and the new graduate designers of 2026.

“The work on show is a testament to their dedication, enthusiasm and ambition in putting their final collections together, supported by a dedicated team of staff.

“Our graduates reflect a diverse range of individuality, creativity, and incredible talent at the very beginning of their careers.

“We are delighted to present their work to both public and industry audiences to enjoy and witness the fashion stars of tomorrow.”