For over half a century, Corniche has stood as an enduring symbol of high-end fashion curation in Edinburgh. Since its establishment in 1975, Corniche has maintained its reputation as a desirable destination for those in search of distinctive, high-quality garments. Nestled amid the city’s winding, storied streets, Corniche epitomises a blend of innovation and heritage – a beacon for Scottish fashion enthusiasts drawn to both timeless classics and daring new pieces.
A Tapestry of Timeless Contemporary Design
I found stepping into Corniche an experience similar to that of visiting an art gallery, where each and every garment is meticulously chosen and proudly displayed. From the rebellious sophistication of Vivienne Westwood’s iconic tartan designs to the sleek minimalism of Japanese avant-garde fashion, Corniche’s collections are a clear testament to the visionary and meticulous mind of its owner, Nina Grant. Nina, the heart behind corniche, reflected on her fixed fascination with Japanese designers:
“Well, first of all, it’s the manufacturing, the fabrics, the attention to detail,” Nina shared during our conversation. “A lot is lost actually with the Italian factories, so that is my pull towards Japanese.”
In an article celebrating the boutique’s 50th anniversary, Corniche shared that it was Nina’s brother, Bill, who first introduced her to Japan’s burgeoning fashion scene. Immersed in Tokyo’s vibrant culture, Bill spoke of designers such as Kansai Yamamoto and Issey Miyake, sparking Nina’s lifelong appreciation for the exceptional craftsmanship that would later define Corniche’s unique and celebrated inventory.
A Legacy Forged in Instinct and Emotion
Since its early days on St Mary’s Street, Corniche has remained anchored in Nina’s unwavering belief in personal intuition;
“I go by my gut, you know … I can’t say any clearer than that, really – it’s just this gut feeling walking into a showroom.”
This reliance on self-belief has allowed Corniche to cultivate a collection that resonates with stories, passion and authenticity.
A particularly memorable moment that embodies Corniche’s rich history and Ninas attention to detail dates back to the 1970’s when Nina attended a Kansai Yamamoto show. “I had this big wolf motif, embroidered onto a linen coat. When I walked into the show, he (Kansai Yamamoto) actually bowed at me because he recognised it – it was his,” she recounted, her smile hinting at the vividness of the memory. It is made clear when speaking with Nina that such moments underpin the personal and emotional ties that have been woven into the fabric of Corniche’s story.
The Allure of Vintage in a Digitally Dominated World
The boutiques continued relevance can also be attributed to the growing interest in vintage and archival pieces, a trend led by younger consumers. “It’s definitely booming at the moment,” Nina observed. “I don’t think there was any interest before – definitely been this year.” this shift reflects a broader appreciation and longing for fashion that tells a story, aligning seamlessly with Corniche’s ethos.
In light of the rising demand for vintage and archival pieces amongst the current generation of 20-somethings, Corniche is offering carefully curated selections in their ready-to-shop archive, available both online and in-store. Nina’s keen eye for timeless, high-quality pieces is evident in every selection. One such example [and a personal favourite] is a striking pink Comme Des Garçons Spring/Summer 2005 asymmetric skirt. Featuring intricate layers, raw-edge detailing, and a combination of pink and off-white netting, this garment is a fine example of Rei Kawakubo’s creative vision.
This skirt, along with other standout items from Corniche’s archive, mirror the boutique’s dedication to curating unique pieces that transcend fleeting trends and continue to captivate fashion lovers. Being nearly the same age as the skirt, with its release just two years after my birth, I can’t help but fantasise about pulling it from the archive to add to my own wardrobe—a personal testament to the timelessness of Nina’s impeccable taste. Pieces like this illustrate how Nina has kept Corniche a sought-after destination for those who value fashion with a story and a lasting legacy.
Q&A Insight
In speaking with Nina, fragments of her wisdom in the fashion world became very clear. When asked what advice she would offer to new boutique owners aiming to build a lasting inventory like Corniche’s, her response was succinct yet powerful:
“Just believe in what your doing and stick to it”
This adamant belief in one’s vision coupled with authenticity and dedication, is a clear guiding principle in the success of Corniche over the decades.
‘You mentioned emotional connections with clothing in past interviews. Are there any designers whose work consistently evokes that strong emotional response for you?’
“probably Yohji [Yohji Yamamoto] and Comme [Comme Des Garçons], but then I’m always buying new so when I try Hung Su [Chai Hung Su] from Taiwan, that’s one of my latest, hand dyed, hand woven, when I leave that studio sometimes I’m actually really emotional and actually I am in tears you know, the designers probably thinking oh my god”
to which we both laughed,
“But then its back to that gut, you know when I leave and I just feel, wow, that was good.”
‘As an early supporter of now-iconic designers, what traits do you look for in up-and-coming talent today?’
“Well I think I said that with the Chai Hung Su, I mean that covers that. I felt their passion, their enthusiasm, beautiful fabrics, obviously poured their whole soul into the collection. And that’s what I think I recognised and that’s what got me hooked on them”
When I asked Nina how she navigates the challenge of balancing avant-garde pieces with more commercially viable items in her boutique, her response was unsurprising; “I don’t really do commercial … In fact, when we walk into a showroom and the agent or the designer says, ‘That’s been our best seller,’ we tend to think, well…” I finished her thought, “Stray away from that?” and she confirmed with a knowing smile, “Yes.”
A Celebration of 50 years
In May 2024, Corniche proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary – a milestone marked with heartfelt gratitude to customers worldwide. The shop shared its appreciation via their news blog:
“It is hard for us to comprehend, but Corniche has reached its 50th year. We would like to thank all our customers who have supported the shop over that time, both here in Scotland and around the world. Without your support, Corniche would have been unable to help introduce so many talented and inspired designers.”
’50 years of Corniche’ by ianNina44@corniche | Source; www.corniche.co
Nina’s aspirations for the future of Corniche are as steadfast as her commitment to fashion: “I think I’ll be here until they wheel me out,” she said with a laugh. “I just hope it keeps up the standard and goes on forever.”
A Boutique Rooted in Authenticity
As Corniche looks to the future, it continues to embody and embrace the timeless values that have defined it for decades – standing as both a celebration of fashions rich heritage and a champion of sustainable, artisanal retail. In an industry that is becoming increasingly dominated by fleeting trends and fast consumerism, Corniche offers a refreshing counterpoint. It is a testament to the idea that fashion, at its best, is not just worn but cherished, remembered and loved
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