Siobhan Mackenzie was 21 when she set up her eponymous label in 2014. Just nine years later, Mackenzie’s career already reads as a series of remarkable highlights. Known for a signature contemporary take on tartan and kilt-making, Mackenzie has designed pieces for Justin Bieber and Team Scotland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games; been recognised by the International Design Awards for her work in fashion and sustainability; is one of only two Scottish designers stocked in the illustrious Bergdorf Goodman department store in New York; and, as of April, has designs displayed at the V&A Dundee’s Tartan exhibition. ‘It was certainly a pinch-me moment to realise my work was going to be featured amongst greats such as Chanel, Gucci, Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. As a designer based in Scotland, I’m pleased to represent the homegrown element of designers on display.’ 

Scotland’s rich history of craftsmanship has been key in the creation of Mackenzie’s brand. ‘My mantra as a student, and still now, is that if Scottish textiles are good enough for the biggest brands in the world, why aren’t we creating world-leading brands?’ When creating her own boundary-pushing label, Mackenzie first wanted to make sure she understood and preserved the heritage of kilt-making. ‘Before modernising or experimenting with something so historic, I wanted to learn the traditional craft first. I approached John Culbert from Glenisla Kilts, who gave me an internship. This experience was crucial in executing my product well and I believe truly helped me to form my brand’s footprint.’

Mackenzie’s brand ethos is also largely inspired by her own tight-knit family, from her debut collection Clan Mackenzie (which pays homage to her roots) to her sustainability commitments. ‘My dad was an environment officer for over 30 years so my upbringing heavily focused around being sustainable.’ Mackenzie carefully considers the environmental impact of materials she uses as well as how much waste can be prevented in the production process. ‘Working with local Scottish textiles was a given; they use natural fibres and the level of craftsmanship means the quality is superb. Manufacturing in Scotland means I can create one-offs by only ordering the quantity I need. It keeps wastage of fabric and labour to an absolute minimum. My ready-to-wear collections now focus around repurposing leftover materials, and everything else is custom designed.’ 

In a recent custom commission, Mackenzie was approached to dress Nadia El-Nakla, First Minister Humza Yousaf’s wife, for King Charles’ coronation. As a Prince’s Trust business alumni, Mackenzie was honoured to showcase Scottish design on the world stage, collaborating with fellow Scot and milliner William Chambers for the final piece. ‘I put together a design marrying elegance with a flair for style. When considering a headpiece, I knew that William’s work would perfectly bring the outfit to life; I was delighted he agreed.’

Visit Siobhan Mackenzie’s official site or follow her on Instagram.