DESERT STORM
We showcase Sahara’s key looks for spring that bring effortless style and an instant wardrobe update
Nestled amongst some of the more eclectic shops in Edinburgh in the centre of winding Victoria Street you’ll find new womenswear boutique, Sahara. A bright, airy space bursting with beautiful clothes and unique accessories, the shop’s history is a colourful one. Sahara is the brainchild of Royal Academy graduate Suzy Coppersmith-Heaven, who created the label in reaction to the emerging mass-produced clothing market of the 70s, which Suzy felt, lacked the creativity and interesting textiles that she had found while on her extensive travels around the world.
Suzy began her journey working in fashion during the creative, Bohemian years of the 1970s, after falling in love with the then remote and largely unheard of island of Bali. ‘It felt like my exclusive paradise in those days, as there were only a handful of early travellers who had discovered it’ says Coppersmith-Heaven. To fund her travels between London and Bali she would work on small, colourful clothing collections with established Italian and American designers; she would bring them back in her suitcases to sell in London. The ranges soon took off, enough so to allow Suzy to open her first shop in London’s trendiest street - Chiltern Street, where the shop still remains to this day.
Today, the Sahara label has grown significantly since its early years and Edinburgh became Sahara’s 12th stand-alone store in the UK. Still very much the creative force behind the label, Suzy’s passion and love for unique and unusual textiles remains the inspiration and driving force behind each collection. She works with her design team in leafy Primrose Hill sourcing the most amazing cloths and yarns from mills around the world, they carefully consider each and every piece in the range
‘Amongst Sahara’s dedicated followers is style icon Dame Judi Dench’
to ensure it carries the unique ethos of the brand. Interestingly the label has moved much of their production to the UK, where up to half their collections are now made. ‘It’s very important to me that as a business, we reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible, and it’s a great feeling to be able to support the British garment making industry’ says Suzy.
Amongst Sahara’s dedicated followers is style icon Dame Judi Dench who wore a stunning black velvet Sahara dress on the red carpet at the Laurence Olivier awards last year. The unique thing about Sahara is that their clothes cleverly suit all frames, whether you’re small or extra large, Sahara’s creative, sculptural cuts ensure that their pieces fit and drape beautifully, whatever your dress size.
Their spring collection is brand new in store. Effortlessly stylish, the store is abundant with vibrant colours in natural linens perfect for summer travels. Sahara’s super soft textural jerseys come in great shapes for spring, and can be worn all year round; it’s clear that Sahara’s collections are designed with longevity in mind, while there are nods to current trends throughout the store, chic style definitely reigns at Sahara; and their collections famously stand the test of time. Alongside their own collections, Sahara stocks some rare European designer ranges that you won’t find anywhere else in Edinburgh, and their accessories are simply irresistible and amazingly affordable! Pop in next time you’re in Victoria Street and bring this article with you to enjoy 10% off any purchase over £100, valid until 30 April 2015.