ICE
Fashion, for Ice, has always been about more than clothes. Born in Ethiopia and now based in Scotland, the designer carries with him a lifetime of influences — from the patchwork artistry of his mother to the rhythms of hip-hop that pulse through his collections.
“I came to Edinburgh in 2026,” Ice begins. “I studied Fashion Textile in both Edinburgh and Glasgow, and after graduating I started focusing on my own brand. It took me more than two years of research — learning how to start a label, from sourcing fabrics and manufacturers to finding the right accessories. That process alone was a journey.”
Ice’s first introduction to fashion came through family. His mother, an artist, filled his childhood with colour and pattern. “She used to handcraft timeless patchwork blankets with intricate patterns — floral pieces, home textiles, things made with real care. Watching her work taught me the power of handmade artistry and the beauty of creating something with love.” Music became the other constant influence, a force that shaped not just Ice’s creativity but the mood of his work. “Music fuels my creativity, connects me to emotion, and often guides the energy of my collections. Fashion became the place where all these influences — my mother’s craft, my love for music, and my own voice — could come together.”
Though Ice’s roots are Ethiopian, it was Scotland that gave the designer a new visual language. “My inspiration came from
Scottish historical buildings, architecture, and tradition, which led to the colour palette of the collection. I was also inspired by
Harris Tweed — I studied fashion textile and wore it often as a student. Wool is another material I love and feel inspired by, and
you’ll see it throughout the collection.”
But this isn’t heritage for heritage’s sake. Ice layers in the grit of hip-hop and street culture — bandanas, Timberlands, the silhouette of streetwear meeting traditional tailoring. “There’s a mix of tradition and modernity,” he explains. “It’s classic, but also contemporary.”
Asked to describe the collection in three words, Ice chooses simply: timeless, traditional, love. Confidence, too, is woven into the fabric of the brand. “I want people to feel confident when they wear my pieces. And I want them to feel comfortable.”
When pressed to choose a favourite piece from the collection, Ice resists. “Honestly, I love them all. I can’t pick and choose. I love them equally.”
Ice’s vision for the future isn’t rooted in expansion or trend-chasing, but in something more personal. “I just want to create beautiful garments and make the people who wear them happy and comfortable.”
And if the collection were to walk down a runway tomorrow? Ice doesn’t hesitate. The soundtrack would be Kanye West’s Runaway — a song about reflection, resilience, and unapologetic honesty. The perfect score for a designer merging heritage, craft, and culture into something deeply his own.
