Meet our Winner of the Edinburgh College of Art Design Competition
We are delighted to introduce Charlotte Clark, an art student and talented winner of this year’s design competition with Edinburgh College of Art. Now in its fourth year, this collaboration continues to celebrate emerging design talent from our home city of Edinburgh. At Strathberry, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of creatives, championing young talent and supporting Scotland’s vibrant creative community.
Charlotte’s winning design reflects The Spirit of Modern Scotland, shaped by her upbringing in Glasgow and a deep-rooted sense of place. Her creative journey began at the Glasgow Botanical Gardens, where local nature sparked her imagination.
Charlotte chose to hand draw each element of her design, thoughtfully incorporating carnations as a subtle nod to Spain. These illustrations were brought to life through digital colouring, using a considered palette that blends seasonal hues, Strathberry’s core tones, and the distinctive colours found throughout the gardens - from rich purples and tonal blues to soft, neutral highlights.
We spoke with Charlotte to find out more about her creative process and the inspiration behind her winning design…
What made you want to go into art and design?
I found my way into art and design by exploring a few different creative paths. I initially tried interior design, but it didn’t feel quite right, and I quickly realised I was looking for something more expressive and hands-on.
Everything changed when I discovered textiles. I loved working with colour and could happily spend hours drawing. In college, I began experimenting with print, which gave me the freedom to be creative, and I really enjoyed the process. As my studies progressed, I became especially drawn to screen printing and the skill and craft behind it.
From that point, the direction felt natural and by the time I started university, I knew textiles was where I wanted to continue developing my creative skills.
You decided to lean into ‘The Spirit of Modern Scotland’ - Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind your design and why you decided to focus on carnations?
I had recently visited the Glasgow Botanical Gardens, an iconic landmark in the city and spent the day wandering around the glasshouses. The structure itself, with all its glass panes, really inspired me, and that’s where the initial pattern ideas began to form.
While I was there, I photographed different flowers, which led me to focus on carnations. I had also been researching Spain’s national flower and, by chance, noticed the connection between the two. I loved the idea of incorporating them into the design, and it felt like a meaningful way to blend both Scotland and Spain within the pattern.
The artistic element also comes from my long-standing interest in art movements, something I’ve explored even before university. This style felt very aligned with some of the silk designs
Can you talk me through the creative process when developing the print?
I started by looking for inspiration in my surroundings, which felt like the most natural approach. Flowers have always been something I enjoy drawing, so I began by sketching floral elements and exploring different compositions.
I initially experimented with watercolour to bring in some texture, but it didn’t quite give me the finish I was looking for. I then moved to digital colouring, which gave me more control while keeping the soft, delicate feel I wanted.
Once the illustration was finished, I thought about how the design would translate onto a scarf. After exploring a range of pattern options, I chose to create a mirrored composition which helped achieve a balanced final design that works beautifully from every angle.
Which bag are you most excited to see your silks wrapped around?
I’m excited to see the silks styled on the Mosaic, especially the new Mosaic Shoulder. I think it would add a beautiful, playful and personal touch to the bag.
What’s inspiring you creatively right now?
At the moment, a lot of my creative inspiration comes from the energy and style I see around me, particularly in Glasgow.
I’m also drawn to global streetwear trends, especially the bold, playful styles that stand out in a crowd. It’s this mix of local heritage and international influence that excites me, and it often finds its way into the textures, colours, and patterns I explore in my designs.
You can shop Charlotte’s winning prints in our Edinburgh stores.
