Siobhan Mackenzie is the tartan visionary giving the fabric stylish momentum. Creator of the official tartan for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and selected as one of The King’s Foundation 35 Under 35 for her commitment to heritage, the designer talks the endurance of a global motif 

Steely roots

I wanted the Commonwealth Games design to pay tribute to Glasgow. The shipbuilding heritage along the Clyde was a natural starting point, and the steel-grey tones formed the base of the tartan. Glasgow has this wonderful blend of industrial strength and creative energy. I tried to reflect that contrast through the design, with strong grounding tones representing industry and heritage, balanced with brighter threads that nod to the city’s creativity and forward momentum.

Mackenzie at the documentary premiere of Finding Harmony – A King’s Vision at Windsor Castle. Credit: Carlo Paloni

Murderous material

Alan Cumming is someone who truly understands the power of fashion as storytelling, so it’s always a pleasure to design for him. I work closely with Alan’s stylist, Sam Spector, to create his looks. For this one, we wanted it to feel dramatic and theatrical while still rooted in traditional Scottish craftsmanship.

The tartan chest plate evolved from the idea of armour – something bold and protective, interpreted through fabric that was transformed into resin. The piece featured a piercing sgian-dubh to the heart with dripping red crystals to reflect The Traitors’ murderous theme. We also developed custom “murrrder” knitwear to complement the look.

Northern soul

The Highlands are a constant source of inspiration for me. I’m a proud Highlander and feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in such beautiful surroundings. There’s a richness to the landscape that shifts with the seasons, and it always offers moments of calm and reflection – a chance to reset while working in such a busy industry.

Alan Cumming, The Traitors US. Credit: Euan Cherry/Peacock

Heritage design

In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, tartan represents something enduring. It tells stories about place, identity and craft. There’s also a renewed appreciation for garments that are made thoughtfully and designed to last. Scottish textiles have such a strong tradition of quality and authenticity, and I think that resonates with people who want their wardrobes to feel more personal and connected to culture.

Creative vision

I’d spent years studying, and in my final year I was really delving into my approach to tartan and Scottish textiles. By the time I graduated, people were already asking to buy my work, which presented a real opportunity. I wanted to capture that energy and channel it into building my own fashion label. It was definitely a leap of faith, but I believed strongly in the concept and the heritage I wanted to celebrate through my work.

Fashion firsts

I remember visiting an exhibition in Prague while on a student exchange featuring the designer Blanka Matragi, and I was completely awestruck by the detail and workmanship in her gowns. With tartan, my earliest memory is actually quite simple: seeing family members wearing kilts at celebrations and gatherings. There was always a sense of pride and ceremony around it, and I think that emotional connection to tartan is what first sparked my fascination with it.

Creating the Commonwealth Games tartan. Credit: Glasgow 2026

Timeless textiles

Sustainability and heritage are central to everything I design. Scotland has an incredible legacy of textile production, and I’m passionate about supporting local mills and craftspeople who keep those traditions alive. Moving forward, I want to deepen those relationships and continue exploring ways to design responsibly, whether that’s through thoughtful material choices, small production runs or creating pieces that are truly made to last. 

Wardrobe staple

A beautifully tailored kilt will always be a favourite. It’s such a versatile piece. You can style it traditionally or pair it with contemporary elements to create something completely new. I love garments that feel timeless but still allow you to express individuality, and the kilt does exactly that.