Glasgow based designer Rebecca Torres was commissioned by Local Heroes to create a unique souvenir that celebrated design and travel. Her limited-edition one shoulder swimsuit is titled Axis. The upper section features intersecting brightly coloured triangles overlaid onto cornflower blue fabric while the lower section is a vivid solid yellow, the swimsuit is finished with a side panel of black mesh.

“With my brand taking a new leap into swimwear the souvenir concept for Local Heroes worked perfectly. It encourages people to purchase something unexpected. Those returning home after a visit to Scotland can take hold of this item and always be reminded of their time here while residents leaving Scotland for summer sun can be proud to own a piece from a local designer.”

Rebecca Torres is the founder and designer behind her self-titled label. Specialising in the use of luxurious sports led fabrics Rebecca is renowned for her ability to accentuate and empower the female form creating garments featuring enhanced fit, stretch and comfort. “As a designer I have always been interested by how fabric can alter a person’s perception. The potential, on a daily basis, for people to re-invent themselves and by association their outlook on the world.”

Nominated as one of Vice magazine’s ‘Creative 30’, shortlisting 30 of the most creative talents under 30 in the UK, Torres also receives praise from fashion icons such as Vogue and has enjoyed a sell out collection on ASOS. The designer has created ranges for many high street retailers and has produced pieces for some of the UK’s top stylists and artists.

Torres is part of Fashion Foundry, an incubator and talent hub for fashion and textile designers in Scotland. Led by the Cultural Enterprise Office in association with Wasps Studios, Fashion Foundry is building a community for Scottish fashion designers and associated creative businesses through a programme of practical workshops, advice, bespoke mentoring and offers access to sampling and sewing facilities.