Nestled in the green valley of Teviot sits Hawick, a small manufacturing town, much like any other in the Scottish Borders. For decades this place has been at the heart of the region dubbed the “home of cashmere”. In its looming mills, the knitting machines are humming still and while mastering the ancient alchemy of cashmere may appear to be the domain of century-old companies, it is in fact drawing young design talent. In Hawick you will find 24 year old Rosie Sugden, designer of a new range of hats, scarves, gloves and socks.

Launched just a year ago, Sugden’s collection takes the hair of a breed of Mongolian goats, via a 200 year old mill and skilled factory workers, to turn it into premium cashmere. Her knits come in eye-popping fluorescents, colours that take careful attention to achieve: “Firstly the yarn has to be purest white. Then it has to be lightly bleached to achieve the best colour base, then gently dyed,” explains the designer. “This is done in the last yarn dye house in the Borders under strict control and is the only way to achieve the brightest of colours.”

Interestingly, it was her father who first introduced her to bustling factories where he worked when she was a child. By “a process of osmosis” she absorbed his love and enthusiasm for cashmere and manufacturing in Scotland. “My collection is a testimony to my passion for quality cashmere and for the industry here on my doorstep,” says Sugden.

And her passion is paying off... Sugden’s range is now at Liberty’s and stocked at online retailer Matches. Prices start at £65. rosiesugden.com

Alberto Guardiani’s signature Lipstick Heel takes the two quintessential symbols of seduction, the high stiletto and a vampy lipstick, and fuses them into a disarming and playfully ironic weapon. A one-shot dose of sex appeal, eccentricity and iron confidence, with a touch of the vulnerable femininity of a Hollywood starlet. The Lipstick Heel has won many hearts over since its inception in 2010 and has now been incorporated into sleek ankle boots for winter. Counting Lana del Rey and Katy Perry as fans, it is certainly not every girl-next-door’s shoe: “Personality required” in Alberto Guardiani’s own words.

Reinforcing the quintessentially Italian image of the company founded by his father in 1947, Guardiani, who took over in 1972 at the age of 20, has made the brand a leading name not only at home but globally, especially when the lipstick heels – their indisputable bestseller – became just a click away. The simple design and original twist makes them an irreplaceable go-to accessory; irreplaceable except for its heel, which now comes with several different interchangeable lipsticks in different nuances, from film noir to a coquettish pink. Just screw on the one that’s right for today and step out with verve; it will certainly make an impression.

The ankle boots are £372, available online at albertoguardiani.com.

Luna & Curious, a collective who run a boutique by the same name, are about to become the saviours of unorganised Christmas shoppers. A play on traditional hotel gift stores and sweet-dispensing machine, a vending machine has been set up in St Martin’s Lane Hotel. Shoppers can use a touch screen to choose from carefully selected gifts from brands specialising in quirky products such as Welovekarou’s initialed mugs, Mr Jones Watches, Momocreatura’s gold bear necklace and Polly George’s bone china decorated with butterflies.

St Martin’s Lane is also handily open 24 hours a day so there is no excuse to give yet more unwanted socks. lunaandcurious.com