After graduating from Glasgow Caledonian University in the 90s with a degree in fashion retail – and an unshakable love of shopping – Diane Richardson dove headfirst into a Scottish fashion scene that was alive with energy. Within weeks, she’d landed a job with one of Europe’s biggest independent sports retailers, just a short drive from home. From there, things moved fast. London came calling, and Diane rose through the ranks at pace – building a high-flying career managing £250 million wholesale collections for global brands, surrounded by the buzz of showrooms, buyers, and back-to-back fashion weeks.
But when she eventually returned to Scotland, the pace stopped. The scene was quiet. Fashion, once vibrant and full of possibility, had all but disappeared. The talent was still there – but the opportunities were not.
Enter Borthwick. A vision of slower style. A mission to bring fashion back to Scotland.
Born from a desire to reconnect – with place, with purpose, and with the people behind the products – Borthwick is a brand rooted in rural Scotland yet shaped by a global understanding of quality and design.
“How can we bring the magic of living here to life,” Diane asks, “and showcase this beautiful part of the world through the eyes of Borthwick?”
Through their quiet confidence and commitment to craftsmanship, Borthwick is rewriting what it means to build a fashion brand in Scotland today. After years of helping global names define their brand and product strategies, Diane made the decision to build something of her own – something grounded, meaningful, and deeply connected to where she came from. In 2023, she launched Borthwick and set out to create a lifestyle brand that would honour Scotland’s creative talent and manufacturing heritage
But she didn’t rush. For 18 months before the launch, Diane immersed herself in the world of onshore mills and makers, learning their processes, understanding their stories, and slowly shaping a collection designed to reflect both quality and connection. The debut range includes coats, bags and accessories – versatile everyday pieces – all made in Scotland using natural fibres and low-impact materials.
“We believe in a slower style,” Diane says. “It’s crafted. It’s quality. It’s sustainably sourced. And it’s built to last.
And while the pace may be slower now, the ambition is anything but. Borthwick’s long-term vision mirrors Diane’s high-reaching past: to become a globally recognised brand by 2040 — proudly Scottish, quietly luxurious, and entirely in tune with its roots.