The Johnstons of Elgin’s AW19 collection is a masterclass in high quality cashmere and woollens, showing that if quality is important to a brand, it can survive for more than 200 years. This collection was, of course, no exception.
It was effortlessly stylish: 20 womenswear and 10 menswear looks all crafted in Scotland made their way down the runway in shades of blue, grey, and burnt orange. Long, well-tailored coats followed by oversized knit jumpers show that Alan Scott, the current creative director of the brand, is very much in touch with the heritage of the brand – classic knits and use of cashmere yarns are, after all, the reason the brand has maintained such a strong following for centuries.
Reference to art deco as well as the inclusion of jewel tones and gold cashmere, however, show the brands continuing ability to modernise their designs and never show clothing that can be seen to be a repeat of what has walked before. Wide trousers, a maxi dress with balloon sleeves, and oversized coats cinched in at the waist with a belt worn with blanket-style scarves were beautifully made all from 100% cashmere.
The collection is sure to be a hit, especially due to the single tone slate jumpsuit made from fine merino wool, showing that one single hue can still be as dramatic as those looks featuring bright, burnt orange jumpers.
The collection featured small explosions of tartan – a sure nod to the Scottish heritage of the brand that ensures that Scott knows exactly who he is and what his customer wants, and will never stray from the old tracks that have worked so well for the brand thus far.
Words by Sophie Winfield
Photography courtesy of Vogue International