Scotland is the new New York

One of the things that makes me happy in life are the collections from OU. Boutique Stories. Our fashion friends Val and Rose always come up with something that makes me greedy and then happy. The pile of sweaters they create barely fits on their shelf and the end is not in sight yet. With their new Scotland collection in the boutiques, I fear I will have to order a new wardrobe to accommodate everything. Val and Rose always look for a location that fits their fresh babies and this year that was Scotland, because that is where the cool people go these days.

Scotland. I have the feeling that Scotland is the new New York. This is where you need to be for inspiration and contemplation. What drew you here?
Scotland is definitely a stylish shot in the dark, but comparing it to The Big Apple is difficult. This precious pear offers an endless central park with munros (a munro is a Scottish mountain or hill with a height of at least 3000 feet, or 914.4 meters) that reach higher than the skyscrapers of Manhattan and the squirrels look like deer. However, there is no Balthazar for lunch or Dhamaka for dinner and the Meatpacking District is still just wild. In the Scottish Highlands, you come for your peace, nature, the view, and the hikes. And for the fish and chips. And whiskey.

You photograph each collection at a location that served as inspiration. A treat for yourselves, you say (although I can see that hard work is being done), but also for your followers. I want to go everywhere immediately. And now to Scotland. Where exactly on the map do I plant that arrow?
We went for the ultimate balance: two days in the capital Edinburgh (pronounced: ed-in-bra), where you can entertain yourself for at least two days with history, castles, Harry Potter, vintage shops, cobbled streets, hidden speakeasy bars, cozy restaurants, over the top dining, and fancy hotels, before heading into the great wide road trip through the highlands. Our tips: the mega impressive highway to the enchanting Glencoe, sleeping in Glencoe House, a beautiful mansion with suites that offer views over lochs (lakes) and mountains.

A golden tip is a visit to The Fife Arms in Braemar, perhaps the most NYC High of the highlands, a Victorian coaching inn that has been super stylishly restored and decorated by art dealers Hauser & Wirth. The Fife Arms includes several restaurants, a tea room, but also a chic art deco cocktail bar, inspired by the legendary fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli.

Don't forget a whiskey tasting and a ghost tour

What do you read, listen to, drink, and eat to get into the Scottish mood?
After the bagpipers in Edinburgh (because that ‘music’ is quite a punishment after five minutes), we listened to Kate Bush's ’Running up that Hill‘, and further sang along with our own OU. playlist. We skipped the typical Haggis events, but did try Scottish pies and porridge. We drank whiskey for the photo, but also enjoyed oysters and wine. We are now even more looking forward to the next part of The Crown, where Balmoral Castle hopefully again plays the role of dramatic backdrop.

Which highlights should you not miss?
Edinburgh:
Dean Village
The Royal Mile
Victoria Street
The Castle
Don't forget a whiskey tasting and a ghost tour

Scottish Highlands/Scotland:
Glencoe
Isle of Skye
Loch Ness
Stirling
Fort William
Fingal's Cave
St Andrews

Okay, drown me in your tips, because I trust your taste blindly. Where should I sleep? Where do I eat, what do I do during the day, and yes, what do I add to all of that?
Edinburgh: Milkman for coffee and the best pastries
Gleneagles: the most glamorous dining venue in town
Chez Jules: cozy candlelight French underground bistro vibe, mussels and steak frites
Dishoom: for those who have a weakness for Indian food, a total must-go!
The Witchery: located in the historic center, this iconic restaurant is on the spot where people accused of witchcraft in the 16th and 17th centuries were burned. We skipped the crème brûlée...
Panda & Sons: behind a deep red facade is a hidden door with a staircase behind it. Go down and you come to the coziest speakeasy, where you can enjoy so many delicious drinks and a nice atmosphere that you indeed don't want to leave.

Highlands
Braemar: The Fife Arms
Glencoe: House of Glencoe

What do you consider the quintessential Scottish style? And how do I wear that in an OU way?
Comfy, sophisticated, and tough. Big boots, a nice knit, and an oversized coat or cape.

What are your personal favorites from the collection?
The fluffy outdoor gilet ‘The Collectable’, the giant hairy wolf boots, the limited Highland Club sweater, the braided countryside knit, the asymmetrical denim La Vilette, but also definitely the wool coat ‘Avenue Montaigne’ is a winner. Unfortunately, the vintage Scottish skirts are already sold out. Furthermore, we are (perhaps more made for NYC) fans of the brand new party collection...

Shouldn't we go to Puglia?

And of course: what will the next masterpiece be? And, can I come along as a hair sweeper?
Yes, well, that would be nice, then you write ‘The OU. on tour hotspot guide’! We aspire to so many beautiful spots. Shouldn't we go to Puglia? Then you take us to the trullo's, haha.

OU.’s on tour wishlist is endless: Vienna, Iceland, Evora, Hydra, Puglia, but also Somerset and the Wadden. Croatia, Madrid, Albania, Venice, and did we say NYC?