OUR INCREDIBLE STOCKIST: Rachel Scott Couture
The incredible team at Rachel Scott Couture in Edinburgh have been making brides’ dreams come true for almost 20 years. Founder Rachel and her team adore what they do and their countless happy brides are a testament to that! We caught up with Rachel to hear about her fashion career from sportswear to bridalwear, her favourite local spot and the Halfpenny London pieces she’s loving right now…
Rachel, tell us a little about yourself
I am wholeheartedly a creative, quirky, fabric obsessed, emotional, perfectionist, indecisive over-thinker! I live in Edinburgh with my husband Scott, who works with me as company director, our two boys - Hamish and Max, as well as our chocolate lab Jake. On rare days when I'm not styling clients or making jewellery commissions, you'll find me either in a cosy corner of a local coffee shop with a giant coffee watching the world go by or in the Jimmy Choo department of Harvey Nichols (or even both!)
How did you get into the bridal business?
After completing my degree in textiles and garment technology, I actually started my career within a large scale sportswear manufacturer, quality checking on our factories and production. It was an amazing opportunity to see incredible countries, meet new people and explore cultures that many never get to experience. My inbuilt tendency towards total perfectionism, as well as my quirky creativity and my emotional empathetic nature was always destined to take my career in fashion in a slightly different direction though! Looking for something that would allow me to use all my natural styling styles and indepth fabric knowledge to help clients on a uniquely individual bespoke basis, Rachel Scott Couture was the perfect solution and we launched in 2004. I get to work with the highest quality couture bridal designers in the world at the same time as being able to build inner confidence in my clients as I help them style their perfect wedding outfit - definitely the ideal combination!
Describe your boutique in one word:
Inspiring.
Where is your boutique and why did you choose that area?
We're right in the heart of Edinburgh city centre, specifically in the highly regarded area known as the New Town and we've been on this street for the last 14 years. Well known for it's high end boutiques, artisan creatives, amazing eateries and unique coffee shops, there's a great village community feel in this area but with the added bonus of being right in the centre of Edinburgh so amazingly easy access via rail, plane or road for our clients who travel from all across the UK.
What can brides to be expect when visiting your boutique?
Vibrant, creative, relaxed and genuinely personal - we’ve created a unique luxury shopping experience that ensures you have the space, time and unpressurised environment we believe is crucial in allowing you to make the right decision for you.
Our spacious showroom and quirky decor invites you to indulge in the finest wedding dress collections, in a uniquely relaxed, contemporary and creatively inspiring setting.
You’ll have the undivided attention of one of our expert stylists throughout your time with us, with total privacy guaranteed in our separate consultation lounge. We'll help guide you through your bespoke options with creative ideas and fashion forward styling, as well as providing the expert fabric and garment construction knowledge we've uniquely renowned for (also providing the unending moral support synonymous with our name!)
Total flexibility with everything - from styling choices to appointment days and times. Nothing is standard or prescriptive - we gear every single aspect of the client’s experience around what is right for you.
Tell us what you love about your city/town?
Edinburgh is the Scottish capital so of course it's got amazing facilities and the wonderful access from (and to) the rest of the world that you'd expect from a capital city, but it's the unique village feel that the city has that really makes it special. Everything is within walking distance, from the centre of town to the beach in a half hour walk, from the hills of the Pentlands to Harvey Nichols and the Castle. With all it's history, grandeur and modern culture, there's still a wonderful sense of community, creative collusion and friendliness.
Any insider tips for the area?
The Raeburn in Stockbridge is perfect for a brunch or cosy pub lunch (and not far from us so you can pop in to say hi on your way past!) or head to Chaohpraya for the most amazing Thai food and the ultimate in Edinburgh roof top views – you can see from the Castle right round to the coast! Oh, and if you're a high heel wearer, watch out for the cobbles and endless hills. As a local (and a massive heel fan) I'm used to it now but it's taken years of practice!
Why do you love Halfpenny London?
Spots, feathers, sequins and pleats, jumpsuits, camisole tops, flowing layered skirts and oversized coats with bows – its the playful inspirational and textured three-dimensional elements that I really adore in Halfpenny. Being able to combine all of those wondrous elements without ever upstaging the bride is an incredibly stylish balancing act that only someone of Halfpenny’s creative design talents can achieve. It’s that total mastery of sleek minimalism with joyful informality that has ensured she easily made it in to the Rachel Scott Couture gang!
A sleek satin slip dress elevated to an ethereal romance with a full Chantilly lace over dress, then effortlessly transformed into a sultry modern evening look with a feather and sequin adorned skirt for the evening glam party – Halfpenny is all about flexibility, adaptability and layering. Piecing together a brides perfect Halfpenny combination is a story telling journey that you can’t help but enjoy just as much as the brides do!
Which is your favourite piece from the Halfpenny London collection and why?
In terms of the newest season pieces, I’m loving the Hula dress for its glorious luscious silk satin - nothing compares to that feeling of a fabulous silk satin against your skin to make you feel utterly glamorous. Plus you get those iconic statement details that only Kate really knows how to do perfectly and in the Hula dress it’s the elongated pleated sleeves. Speaking of statement details, we can’t possibly talk about Halfpenny without mentioning (and lusting over) oversized bows and long length capes! For me, it’s the Rara cape and shrug for the ultimate combination! As an all-time personal favourite though, the Riri skirt with its gallons of rough cut silk organza shards to give a gloriously full but super light, flirty edgy fashion look – always has a special place in my heart (and in my shop!)
If you could use one word to describe Halfpenny London, what would it be?
Playful.
Thank you so much to Rachel for taking the time to answer and also for these gorgeous images of her boutique. Brides-to-be in Scotland, get in touch with Rachel’s team to book an appointment. They can’t wait to meet you!
Love,
Kate & the Halfpennys xx
Find out more about Rachel Scott Couture here and view our full stockists list here.