Anna Freemantle-Zee has designed a life around Scottish talent. The supermodel talks sovereign style, a passion for sustainability – and why she’s swapped catwalks for forensic science

By Cheryl Caira

Pondering the direction this interview might take, I hadn’t really expected forensics to emerge as a leading topic. But here we are, as Anna Freemantle-Zee takes a break from being on set (where she’s been collaborating on a top-secret TV series) to discuss science and the draw of all things anatomy.

“I’m intrigued by the larger concept of the body – the holistic side. How we can find a happier body altogether, not just by wearing nice fabrics, but also putting great food inside us so we’re looking the best version of ourselves. We can’t just use Photoshop and make things look pretty all the time. I think that what you put on your body every day needs to have a deeper meaning.”

Internationally acclaimed model would be one stylish label to apply to Freemantle-Zee’s career so far, but that’s missing the bigger picture. A creative tour de force, she is a whirlwind of energy across a multitude of projects. Since making Edinburgh her home in 2008, she’s worked with some of the biggest homegrown, luxury brands in the biz – including Pringle of Scotland and Johnstons of Elgin – and relished shining a spotlight on Scotland’s most exciting creatives. She was also a key advocate and influence in bringing Karl Lagerfeld to Scotland for the famous Chanel Métiers d’Art Pre‑Fall show in 2013 – a dramatic, hauntingly beautiful showcase within the ruins of Linlithgow Palace. It highlighted Scottish craft, and tied into Coco Chanel and the inspiration she drew from her time in the Highlands.

That’s really just a snapshot, though. Directing the lens towards the here and now: I want to know how life is looking for the Amsterdam-born fashion expert and all-round champion of Scottish talent. As it stands she is an industry advisor, consultant, co-founder of Regenerative Textiles Scotland (RTS) – a collaborative initiative that supports the Scottish textile economy – and a model for the right runway. Think of a luxury powerhouse or any label synonymous with couture, and it’s likely she’s been adorned in their garments.

“I’m motivated by a lot of things, to be honest. I’m consulting with brands to try and get them to market in a strategic way that’s profitable from the start – connecting them with the relevant mills – and working towards a sustainable business model. I’m off to Zurich next weekend to shoot CONSULT for Birkenstock. And I’ve begun working closer with their majesties, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, on developing local skills within textiles and looking at supply chains – again, so we can keep things sustainable.”

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