Edinburgh — The Pop-Up That Changed Things

As I was pulling the blue and white Ellen dress onto the mannequin at the window, I noticed a car pull up and I waved. It was Maria. Weirdly, we'd never met in real life — but seeing her smiling back made it feel like we were old friends. I pulled open the door and greeted her with a hug. The pop-up was already feeling like magic.

Maria had never seen Shop with No Name in person and, like me, was immediately taken by the place. It couldn't be more perfect for a pop-up, regardless of the content. It's a space that makes you feel at home the moment you step inside — somewhere comfortable, beautiful, and that makes every product shine.

Maria curates the most wonderful selection of artisanal shoes from Spain as Linares Artisan Espadrilles — the perfect complement to my clothing. The shoes range from simple espadrilles to velvet mary janes and suede desert boots. All handmade. All beautiful. I met Maria through Instagram about a year ago and always knew her shoes would make a perfect pop-up partner. When we were looking at dates, Aleks mentioned that a lovely ceramicist was looking to collaborate — and once I looked at her work, I knew instantly she'd be a great match. As an illustrator turned ceramicist, Katya not only creates the ceramics she sells but illustrates every piece too. Each one is made in her Dundee studio, Ekattō.

Together we made what we felt was the perfect pop-up — a trio of creative minds, all with a Scottish connection. Something worth celebrating. Which is why, when Moonwake Beer agreed to sponsor our opening evening, I was over the moon. An independent craft brewery based in Leith — a hop, skip and a jump from Shop with No Name — Moonwake brought their Lite Lager and IPA along to share with our guests. There was such a lovely crowd passing through the door, from neighbours and friends to people popping in after dinner next door. It was genuinely wonderful to meet people, hear their feedback, and learn about their own relationships with clothing. It can be quite isolating working for yourself, and this was a beautiful reminder that stepping out and sharing my work not only helps shape future collections — it reassures me that I'm on the right path.

Over the course of the weekend we welcomed more lovely visitors — some who came for the shoes and left with a ceramic or a blouse. The VEM Vests, made especially for the event, were a real hit, selling out by Saturday afternoon.

Everything seemed to be in our favour. There was such a buzz in the city — sunshine, good spirits, and a sense that people were genuinely glad to be out. Our offerings complemented each other beautifully, and I know I've made small business friends for life. Whether it was the perfect shop setting, the connection between the three of us, being on home soil — or perhaps all three — Edinburgh gave me something I didn't expect. It encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. I had the best time, and my self-belief has grown tenfold.

With my first Edinburgh pop-up done, I'm looking forward to a summer of markets here in Berlin — and who knows what autumn will bring. What I do know is that it won't have been my last time in Edinburgh. Of that I'm certain.

If you'd like to see what's still available from the Edinburgh, the collection is online at vickimalone.com. And if you'd like to hear about what's coming next, the list is the best place to be. You can join here.

 Images 2, 4, 5 are by Siena @siena_c_art . All other images are my own.