Louise Nicolson: Creative Director & Textiles Expert at Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers

Louise Nicolson (known to friends and colleagues as "Loully") is a renowned Scottish textiles expert and a leading specialist in the world of Highlandwear.

As Co-Founder and Creative Director of Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers, Louise brings a lifelong passion for traditional craftsmanship and a keen eye for contemporary design to her role as Creative Director. 

With over 30 years in the industry, Louise serves as a leading tartan expert, overseeing exclusive design ranges, product development, merchandising and display, collaborative partnerships and projects, ensuring that the brand never loses its focus on heritage and craftsmanship, whilst always looking ahead.

Experience & Background

Louise’s passion for textiles began in childhood, when she learned the fundamentals of needlework from her mother. Learning to sew at home sparked a lifelong love for pattern, print, and texture, which led her to the Scottish College of Textiles, where she gained her technical mastery of textile design and construction.

Before launching the business with her partner, Gordon, Louise honed her skills in high-end heritage retail. Her professional background includes:

  • Liberty of London: Where she gained experience in luxury textiles and high-end pattern curation, which heavily influences her distinct approach to merging luxury textiles with traditional Scottish identity.
  • LoullyMakes: Louise’s own luxury accessory brand. Operating from her home workshop in Dunbar, she creates unique pieces that blend exclusive tartans with iconic Liberty prints.
  • Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers: She now plays a major role in her partnership-led business that prioritises 100% hand-stitched quality and integrity.

Press Features & Expert Commentary

As a textiles specialist, Louise is a frequent contributor to news, lifestyle and heritage publications, providing expert insight into textile trends, Highlandwear etiquette, and the preservation of the craft of kiltmaking. Her expertise has been featured in:

Creative Philosophy

“I was born, raised and schooled in the rural Textiles heartland of the Scottish Borders, and have witnessed how drastically the industry here at home has changed over the past four decades. When I graduated from Heriot Watt in 1994 (BSc Clothing Technology) the dearth of real opportunities locally was a real motivator. I met my inspiring husband Gordon when we both worked for Liberty of London in their Edinburgh store, a joy of a company to be part of. We both spent time in high-end retail and managerial roles while raising our family here in Scotland, until finding ourselves at one of life's crossroads, and a daunting leap of faith - to launch our own business, one founded from our shared passions and principles - cultural heritage, authentic craft and genuine circularity. And so our GNK journey began -  grounded in heritage, built around genuine skills and craftsmanship, celebrating honest artisanal products and sound Scottish Textiles. We have learned brutally hard lessons along the way, but consider ourselves blessed to work with a purposefully small number of expert suppliers - who themselves are leading their own changes and advancement within Scottish Textiles and craft industries. The progression is positive and the future is Heritage!

The perfect heritage craft business didn’t exist, so we built it ourselves! Focusing on our living, evolving cultural heritage, we strive to protect and promote traditional craftsmanship skills while celebrating authentic Scottish textiles and artisanal ability. Ensuring, every step of the way, to help save future heritage.”

Areas of Expertise for Media Enquiries:

  • Highlandwear in Modern Fashion: Expert commentary on how celebrities, influencers and designers are blending elements of traditional Scottish attire into more contemporary looks.
  • Textiles in the Home: Interior design advice on all things fabric and textiles. From Christmas tartan styling to the use of heavy wools to create warmth and achieve that cosy, ‘hygge’ feel. 
  • Highlandwear Etiquette: Practical and aesthetic guidance on the do’s and don’ts of traditional Scottish dress, from wedding outfits to ceilidh accessories.
  • Sustainable Fashion Advocacy: Encouraging the shift towards slower fashion principles, independent artistry, sustainable packaging and creative upcycling of quality fabrics. 
  • Style Tips: Expert advice on pairing heritage fabrics with modern materials and prints to form outfits that are rich in history while still feeling fresh and relevant today. 

Get in touch

For press enquiries: Contact liz@grationdigital.co.uk