It’s our third year working with Glasgow Caledonian University fashion students and every year their designs just keep getting better and better. This year, second year Design with Business students were tasked with incorporating our Mist tartans into two garments. Keep reading to see how they got on.
The project started with a visit to our flagship store on Bath Street. We invited the students to see what our kilt shops are like in person and learn a little bit of the story behind the brand. The students got to see the tartans they would be working with for the first time too.
At the end of the university year, the students presented their work to our marketing team. We were able to see their initial inspiration, development of ideas and final outfit. We loved their fashion forward take on our tartan, seeing our Mist range mixed in with denim, lace, pattern and more. Some students were inspired by the architecture of Glasgow and nature around Scotland while others drew influence from street art and gothic film.
We were then invited to see the garments brought to life on the catwalk. We were so impressed by the variation in ideas and styles. There were ensembles fit for the red carpet, while others would look right at home in a music video. The common theme amongst the students’ work was the hard work and dedication which went into each piece. Here at MacGregor and MacDuff, we champion world-class craftsmanship, so we were wowed to see the skills and techniques on display.
Our favourite design will be on display at our flagship store in Glasgow early next year. With so many brilliant designs to choose from, it wasn’t an easy decision, but the team agreed that Abigail Chapman was a deserving winner. Abigail took inspiration from her own experience as a highland dancer and the history behind the dances. She pleated her shirt fabric as a nod to the kilt and even used buckles embossed with Celtic symbols. The shape of the collar and shirt were influenced by the shapes of highland dancers make with their arms and legs. Here’s what Abigail had to say about her design:
“I chose to use the Islay Mist tartan not only because it complimented the denim I chose, but the blue and purple shades woven within it pay homage to the colours of my own Highland outfits I have had from the start of my Highland journey to the present.”
Feeling inspired by this twist on tartan? Book an appointment with our stylists today to refresh your highlandwear wardrobe. A huge thank you to the university and all the students involved. It has been a pleasure working with you all, and we can’t wait to see what you do next. Well done to our winner, Abigail. We loved your modern take on tartan and attention to detail.
