Cameron taylor* is our exclusive luxury cashmere brand, highlighting the finest of Scottish artistry. It combines traditional techniques with modern designs, crafted in the heart of Edinburgh by Epitome owner, Lisa Taylor, and produced in a small factory in Hawick, nestled in the Scottish Borders. 

'I have always tried to create contemporary, timeless pieces in the collection that, if cared for correctly, can last a lifetime and be handed down through generations.'

- Lisa Taylor, Founder & Designer Cameron taylor*

Founded in 2001, Cameron taylor* has a rich history rooted in quality and craftsmanship. As we celebrate this journey, we felt it was the perfect moment to reintroduce the brand with a fresh perspective. To do so, we sat down with Lisa who shared insights into her creative background, her inspirations, and the importance of supporting Scottish manufacturing.

What is your design background?

Educationally, started out doing a BA Hons Fashion Knitwear at Galashiels textile college, Heriot Watt University then on to do a Masters in Fashion Knitwear at the Royal College of Art in London. First job, moved to Milan to design knitwear for fashion house Mila Schon then came back to London to set up Ct*. Showing the cashmere collection at fashion trade shows in London, Paris, Milan & New York and selling to boutiques and department stores in the Uk, Europe, Japan & USA. I moved to Edinburgh and had my daughter then with the support of my family, I established 'Epitome' in 2012, offering the chance to sell Ct* directly to customers, along with other complementary, ready-to-wear, timeless collections from Europe, Japan, and the USA.

How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your knitwear designs?

 In the twenty-five years of designing knitwear trends have changed so much. I have always tried to create contemporary, timeless pieces in the collection that, if cared for correctly, can last a lifetime and be handed down through generations. In the early days my designs were more detailed and expensive due to their production time but now I think a more minimal, ‘less is more’ approach to design is necessary for the way we live today. From a functionality point, I want Ct* knitwear to be your ‘easy go to’, every day, wardrobe, investment pieces that keep you warm while still looking stylish. Aesthetically, I am designing high quality contemporary styles which are knitted to shape on the machine with integral fashioning details, choosing beautiful colours and cashmere luxurious yarns.

How did you choose the colours and yarns you work with?

The majority of the colours I choose are classic and sombre and add some on trend colours for each season. I believe when investing in a high-quality piece of cashmere the colour should be classic as to make it timeless and to fit more easily into anyone’s wardrobe. I tend to work with 100% cashmere in the finely knitted styles and a yarn with a blend of cashmere 30% and merino wool 70% in heavier knitted styles, the merino holds the shape better in a chunky weight.

How do you keep your designs fresh and relevant while maintaining your signature style?

I tend to keep with my bestselling styles and introduce a few new colours seasonally. I hope to develop new styles for next AW25 but maintaining the Ct* signature style, timeless & contemporary in the future.

What are some of the unique challenges that come with designing knitwear compared to other types of fashion?

 The process of producing knitwear is very similar to other types of fashion in that you start with a design, do the specifications for it, then sample it to how you want it to look – the main difference, is the time, consuming action, of having to tweak the computer programme every time changes are needed to be made. There is very little cut and sew in high quality knitwear production, it is always better to avoid it. 

Why is it important to you to use a Scottish factory for producing Cameron taylor*?

Firstly, I am Scottish and very proud of it. It is always a good thing to produce locally and I am lucky to be in Scotland where the best knitwear is produced. Like the best Scottish whisky makers, knitwear makers have survived by preserving traditional materials and methods, and innovating without losing sight of what made them the best in the industry. The Scottish mills have become the gold standard in sustainability and luxury being respected around the world.

What’s next for you as a designer? Are there any upcoming ideas you’re excited to explore?

I have no plans as yet but would love to go back into wholesaling Ct*and working with hand knitters to create more unusual, creative designs.

And lastly, what are you go to pieces from Cameron taylor*? 

1. I love the 100% cashmere ‘Tabard Vest with Pocket’, a great layering style to go over shirts and t-shirts, this style has been selling for 7 years and still sells out every AW season.

2. The ‘Meri Saddle Jumper’ the perfect, cosy sweater, cool contemporary style best worn oversized.

3. The 100% Cashmere ‘Side Split Roll Neck’ in Black, can be classically worn with black trousers and so chic with your favourite coat over the top.

The AW24 collection from Cameron taylor* is available to shop online and in store.