Belinda Robertson Biography~
Biography
“The queen of luxurious knitwear” - The Sunday Times Style
“Designs exquisite cashmere pieces” – Tatler
“Almost single handedly reinvigorated the cashmere business” – Edinburgh Evening News
Belinda Dickson OBE, is a knitwear designer whose international reputation for quality, colour and modern eclectic style has earned her the affectionate title of “Queen of Cashmere”.
Belinda gained a bachelor of education degree and began her career as a physical education teacher before going on to become marketing manager in a telecommunications company. It was whilst working in the Scottish Borders that she developed an interest in the cashmere knitwear industry, which at that time was still steeped in classic design and traditional production methods. Belinda recognised the potential of cashmere as a fashionable luxury item and, encouraged by a manufacturer Belinda designed her first collection, which was snapped up by the world famous Burlington arcade in London.
Before starting her own label Belinda worked with internationally famous labels including Nina Ricci, Michael Kors and Dior. Belinda Robertson Ltd was established in 1992, and came to be defined by modern, flattering cashmere garments-often in dazzling colours. Following the success of sales internationally, the first retail outlet in was opened in London’s exclusive Belgravia in 1998 and Belinda Robertson by mail followed in 2003. The brand proved popular with celebrities and fashion editors, as well as a loyal following of clients who love to wear her cashmere.
In spring 2004 Belinda opened a Scottish store on Dundas Street in the heart of Edinburgh’s art gallery district. The pulse of the company remains in Scotland where the collections are designed, and the cashmere couture designs are sent to the Scottish borders to be produced by a highly skilled work force, using the best quality cashmere yarns.
Belinda Robertson Cashmere continues to expand with new product lines which include luxury t-shirts and cashmere wash. In A/W 2005, due to popular demand Belinda launched a bridge collection under “White Label”, expressing a shift toward more affordable designer knitwear. The White Label builds on the vibrant colour and attention to detail that have become a trademark of a Belinda Robertson design, and diversifies with exciting and innovative textures and fabrics.
Belinda split’s her time between homes in London and Edinburgh, and is always on the go, gathering inspiration for new ventures.
Over the years her efforts have been rewarded by a number of accolades including:
- Designer of the Year – Scottish Style Awards 2002
- OBE – December 2001 for services to the textile industry
- Entrepreneur of the Year 2000
- Voted Scottish Business Woman of the Year 1999
- British Apparel Export Award 1996
- British Apparel Export Award for Small Businesses 1992
- Europe’s Elite – the Ultimate List publication
- Board member of the UK Fashion Export Council
- Board member of Scottish Institute of Sport
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