Escape is an intimate tribute to the designer’s grandmother, Leokadia Osko – a woman
whose life was irrevocably shaped by war, loss, and resilience. As a woman
displaced during the Second World War, Leokadia lost everything she knew before
rebuilding her life from nothing. It was in a refugee camp where she met
Maclean’s Scottish grandfather, Donald, a soldier who would visit her daily to
buy fruit from her stall. What began as a simple exchange grew into a love
story born under extraordinary circumstances. 'War is part of my history and
that sort of trauma and pain carries down through your family over
generations,' says Maclean.
This deeply personal narrative informs the emotional core of the collection where a
darker, romantic sensibility runs throughout. Military-inspired tailoring and
structured silhouettes reference Donald’s service, while Scottish lace and
traditional Polish details soften the garments and reflect Maclean’s layered
heritage.
Hector Maclean