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Black Isle designer Siobhan Mackenzie from Fortrose set to create Team Scotland design for 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham


By Alasdair Fraser

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Siobhan Mackenzie: 'It’s great to finally reveal the tartan design.'
Siobhan Mackenzie: 'It’s great to finally reveal the tartan design.'

A BLACK Isle tartan designer has plaid a blinder by becoming Team Scotland’s official parade outfit designer for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

With 100 days to go until the start of the sporting extravaganza, Siobhan Mackenzie’s bespoke design has been announced as the one to adorn the outfits of our national competitors at the opening ceremony.

The contemporary Scottish fashion designer, from Fortrose, will see her tartan take pride of place at the newly developed Alexander Stadium on Thursday, July 28.

Ms Mackenzie launched her self-named label in 2014, a year which included a stint for her as an alteration technician at Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games.

She was named best new Scottish designer 2016 and, after co-creating outfits worn by athletes at the Gold Coast in 2018, will now lead the design of this year’s ensemble.

The tartan was inspired by colours synonymous with both Team Scotland and Birmingham 2022, and will be produced by the Lochcarron Mill in Selkirk.

"Sustainability is an important part of my approach and something that Team Scotland were passionate about reflecting in the design, with all components manufactured locally and using traditional methods where possible."

- Siobhan Mackenzie

The full outfits will be revealed in the build-up to this summer’s games.

Ms Mackenzie said: “I am delighted to be designing the outfits for Team Scotland’s athletes and team members this summer.

“We want to bring a modern twist to the traditional formal wear, showcasing the best of Scotland with all eyes on our athletes at the Opening Ceremony.

“Sustainability is an important part of my approach and something that Team Scotland were passionate about reflecting in the design, with all components manufactured locally and using traditional methods where possible.

“It’s great to finally reveal the tartan design and I am looking forward to showing everyone the full outfits as we approach the Games.”

Elinor Middlemiss, chef de mission for Team Scotland, said: “It is great for us to be working with a top-class talent in Siobhan.

“The Opening Ceremony is such a special occasion, bringing all Commonwealth countries together to kickstart the Games, and we want to make our athletes feel proud to represent their nation on the world stage.

“Our athletes panel have been involved from the outset in the design discussions and we hope the end result from everyone’s efforts is a design that achieves that.”

Ms Mackenzie’s designer kilts have already taken New York fashion circles by storm, featuring alongside famous labels like Prada, Jimmy Choo and Gucci in one of the Big Apple’s swankiest department stores, the luxury outlet Bergdorf Goodman.

The cast of the reality TV show, the Real Housewives of New York, previously wore her kilts for a charity fashion event, while her kilts have also been worn on-stage by pop star Justin Bieber.

Former Miss Scotland Lucy Kerr wore a tartan dress designed by Miss Mackenzie at Miss World 2016 in the United States.

Her work has also been showcased in Elle US, Forbes, WWD and Harper’s Bazaar.

Related: Black Isle designer shows her support for local anti-racism campaign

Team Scotland kitted out by Black Isle designer

PICTURES: Celebs dressed to kilt by Ross-shire design talent


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