ABOUT KIRSTIE macleod
THE CREATOR OF THE RED DRESS projectKirstie Macleod has been an artist for over 20 years, and for the last 17, she has dedicated herself to The Red Dress - a global tapestry of connection and expression. What began as a sketch on the back of a napkin in 2009 has blossomed into a worldwide collaborative project, touching thousands of lives across continents.
Growing up in diverse corners of the world, Kirstie’s early years were rich with contrasting cultures, colors, languages, and experiences. In her quest to make sense of her journey and shape her own identity, she turned to drawing, painting, and sewing as her language of expression.
Textiles were woven into the fabric of her upbringing. The women in Kirstie’s family were skilled stitchers, knitters, and makers, so it was only natural that she too would pick up needle and thread. She later earned a BA in Textile Design and an MA in Visual Language & Performance, launching her career as a fine artist in London. Her diverse portfolio spans photography, film, painting, drawing, and high-impact installations involving garments.
Embroidery soon became her focus. Kirstie was captivated by its diversity and potential for expression, communication, and even subversion. As she delved deeper, she discovered its rich history and practice around the world - as an art form, a part of daily life, and a meditative, healing practice. A pivotal moment came in 2002, when Kirstie traveled to southern India and spent hours stitching alongside Karnatakan Lambani women. Though they couldn’t speak the same language, they connected deeply through the shared act of stitching. Some of the embroideries from that trip now grace The Red Dress, honoring the seeds that inspired its creation.
The Red Dress began as an exploration of identity and a desire to connect with people across borders and boundaries. Over the years, it has evolved into a powerful vehicle for expression and a platform for voices to be heard. It has reached disparate communities worldwide, fostering connection and conversation among individuals who may never meet in person.
As the world continues to face war, oppression, violence, inequality, and extreme poverty, the message of The Red Dress is more vital than ever. It shows that what we can achieve together - in community and collaboration - is far more impactful than what we can do alone. By dismantling boundaries and borders, and coming together with compassion and humility, we can uplift and support one another, and hopefully build a better world for the next generation.
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Kirstie is able to offer events and presentations with/without The Red Dress tailored to your group/community. Please email her for more info on:
reddressembroidery@gmail.com
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Kirstie has recently been elected as an Ambassador for the Textile Society “..for her sustained commitment to The Red Dress as a global community project, the outcome of which has become an icon of contemporary world textiles”.
The Textile Society is a unique community and brilliant resource for all textile professionals and enthusiasts around the world. Please see:https://www.textilesociety.org.uk/ for more info.
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To view a selection of Kirstie’s own textile based art please see the website: www.kirstiemacleod.co.uk
OUR SUPPORTERS
A huge thank you to all who have given their time, energy, enthusiasm, advice, experience and support to The Red Dress project over the years.
In addition to the organisations below, funding has been gratefully received from a number of private donations and via three crowdfunding campaigns in 2020, 2022 and 2024.
In addition to the organisations below, funding has been gratefully received from a number of private donations and via three crowdfunding campaigns in 2020, 2022 and 2024.
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