Meet Epitome – Women’s Designer Fashion on Dundas Street

This month we’d like to introduce another lovely local, independent shop here in Edinburgh: Epitome. This is the place to go for luxurious Scottish cashmere and high-end designer clothing and accessories – and shop in an inviting and relaxed environment. To find out a bit more about Epitome we got in touch with owner Lisa and asked her a few questions. With Mother’s Day coming up on Sunday, Lisa is also very kindly giving away £100 voucher you can use both in store and online – so scroll down to the end to find out how to enter the giveaway!

1. For our readers who haven’t heard of Epitome; what is it that you do?

Epitome is a concept space with an eclectic mix of products offering a shopping experience which is always innovative and inspiring. We are proud to present clothing and products selected with care, chosen for their excellent and distinctive quality of design, fabric and craftsmanship for the discerning customer. Our ethos is to encourage a different, more considered approach to shopping where innate style replaces trend led fashion. Epitome has an established business online as well www.epitomeofedinburgh.com, selling the same quality clothing and products.

You’ll find Epitome on 35 Dundas Street in Edinburgh.

2. What was the inspiration behind Epitome and how did you get started?

Epitome was founded in Edinburgh’s elegant New Town in 2012. It was launched with the aspiration to offer the city a new and inspiring way to shop in a relaxed and friendly environment for customers. I own cashmere brand Cameron taylor* and decided I needed a direct selling platform for this but didn’t want it to be a store selling cashmere products only so I decided to buy complimentary niche brands. From then on the Epitome story begins and grows from strength to strength each season.

3. What does a typical working day look like for you?

A typical working day for me is into work at 9.45am, after getting my daughter to school, catch up with emails and then work though my to-do list while managing my small team. I tend to work in the back office more these days but would still, ultimately, prefer to be in the shop welcoming and meeting customers, and introducing them to the new collections so I try to do this as much as I can. Some days we are photographing the new clothes or products for the website, sometimes I am away on buying trips, there is never a dull moment at Epitome and I love it!

4. What are your 3 favourite products in the shop at the moment?

This is a difficult question because as the buyer, I love everything we sell! My three favourite products in the store at the moment are:
-Engineered Garments FWK Aviator Jacket in an olive green flight satin fabric
-Common Project Achilles Summer Edition trainers in White Suede
-Daphne oversized frilled dress in black by Sofie D’Hoore

Engineered Garments FWK – Aviator Jacker Olive.

Common Projects – Achilles Summer Edition White.

Sofie D’Hoore – Daphne Oversized Frilled Dress.

5. Are there any exciting brands you’ll be stocking this spring?

We are stocking quick a few new exciting brands this season. ATP, which stands for All Tomorrow’s Parties, a more affordable shoe range from Sweden which includes heeled mules, flat sandals & sliders. L:A Bruket, a body care collection from Sweden, all made from natural products. There are candles, soaps, body lotions, body scrubs & washes in amazing fragrances. A must have for feeling fresh and rejuvenated for summer! Finally, Orslow collection from Japan which is based on all the best original vintage denim and army wear from past decades – great for creating that cool summer Californian effortless denim look.

6. What does the rest of 2017 have in store for Epitome?

I’ve just completed very exciting buying trips to London and more importantly Paris where I’m constantly on the lookout for amazing new products and brands which would fit into the Epitome story. This happens twice a year and I am hoping to go to New York and Copenhagen for the spring/summer ’18 buying season later this year. We are constantly trying to improve our online business with interesting and creative marketing ideas and social media. Keeping ahead of trends is so important to a niche, independent business which is creating its own identity in a very competitive market. No time to sit down – we’re always on the move!

7. What’s the first thing you’d recommend a visitor to Edinburgh does?

The first thing I would recommend to any visitor coming to Edinburgh is to take a walk up Arthur’s Seat and look at the amazing landscape of our city. The architecture and the town planning is so interesting with Edinburgh castle being up so high in the centre of the city. Also, seeing the views out to the Firth of Forth over to Fife with the iconic Forth bridges. Then of course next thing on the list visit Epitome to be inspired by beautiful Cameron taylor* cashmere, and the other brands we stock!

8. What’s your perfect Edinburgh day?

My perfect day in Edinburgh is having brunch – pancakes, bacon and maple syrup – at Urban Angel on Hanover street, then a walk down the hill to visit the private art galleries on Dundas Street. My favourites are The Scottish Gallery and Arusha to see new interesting, contemporary art. Then onto Stockbridge to visit small independent delicatessens and treat myself to chocolate from Coco Chocolatier, cheese from I J Mellis and bread from Herbie’s. Another thing I love to do in Edinburgh is go the Prestonfield for afternoon tea, with champagne of course, or go to their restaurant Rhubarb in the evening where it feels so opulent and atmospheric.

Thank you so much Lisa for taking the time to answer our questions!

How do I enter the competition?

The competition runs from noon on Monday the 20th of March until noon on Saturday the 25th of March 2017. The giveaway is open to everybody over 18 in the UK. We will pick the winner within 24 hours after the competition has ended and contact the lucky person either through email or the social media platform they have used to enter the giveaway.

To be in with a chance to win a £100 voucher for Epitome that can be used either in store here in Edinburgh or on online, choose one of the options below:

1. Like Epitome & Dickins on Facebook, share and comment on the competition post, telling us why your mother would deserve this prize.

2. Follow Epitome & Dickins on Twitter and retweet one of the competition tweets on the Dickins account as well as tell us why your mother would deserve this prize.

3. Follow Epitome & Dickins on Instagram and comment on the competition post on the Dickins account, telling us why your mother would deserve this prize.

4. Simply comment on this blog post telling us why your mother would deserve this prize.

5. Email [email protected] stating your full name.

Make sure you follow us on social media so you don’t miss out on our fabulous giveaways!

GOOD LUCK!