Belinda Dickson OBE - Year of Creative Scotland
Following her graduation with a degree in education, Belinda began her career as a physical education teacher before leaving the teaching profession and going into the telecommunications industry. This led to her working in the Scottish Borders, where she noticed a niche in the market for modern cashmere design targeting the markets of Paris, Tokyo and New York.
Working with a Hawick-based manufacturer, Belinda designed her first collection, which was immediately sold to the world-famous Burlington Arcade in London. Thereafter, Belinda worked with a number of internationally-famous fashion houses before launching her own brand, Belinda Robertson, in 1992.
The heart of the company remains in Edinburgh, where a Belinda Robertson retail store is located, as well as the offices and design rooms. The label is, however, sold and distributed throughout the United States, Far East, Australia and Europe, as well as in a number of exclusive locations, such as Skibo Castle in the Scottish Highlands, and The World, Residences at Sea, the largest privately owned yacht.
The Belinda Robertson brand has come to be defined by modern, flattering styles, dazzling colours and an attention to detail that is second to none. A soon to be re-launched website and growing social media presence demonstrate that while the Scottish cashmere industry is steeped in tradition and history, the Belinda Robertson brand is embracing the modern world and looking ever forward for ideas, inspiration and creativity.
Over the years, Belinda’s efforts and achievements have been rewarded with a number of accolades including Board member, UK Fashion & Textiles Association, 2011, Doctorate, Glasgow Caledonian University, 2006, Designer of the Year, Scottish Style Awards, 2002, OBE, 2001, Honorary Degree, Napier University, 2000, Entrepreneur of the Year, 2000, Scottish Businesswoman of the Year, 1999, British Apparel Export Award, 1996 and British Apparel Export Award for Small Businesses, 1992.
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