Introducing SFW Hub: Bristol West
Introducing our second Hub partner in Bristol, delivered by the incredible Kirstie Macleod. Kirstie’s Hub will celebrate Kirstie’s brilliant community project: The Red Dress as it travels to Bristol this September alongside the launch of The Red Dress: Conversations in Stitch book.
Can you tell us a little bit about your team?
Kirstie: Myself and my new pt assistant Charlotte Subbiani. On the event day I will also have 2 other textile enthusiast volunteers; Polly Campbell Preston and Jenny Morrisetti (of De-fashion Dorset).
Where are you based?
Bruton, Somerset.
When were you established as an organisation?
The Red Dress began in 2009 but wasn’t a fully-fledged business until 2020. It was made into a Limited Company in 2022.
Where did your interest in fashion &sustainability begin?
Whilst doing by BA in textiles at UWE I developed my love of garments (not so much ‘fashion’). I have always tried to live as harmoniously with our planet as possible and have been very interested and dedicated to zero waste for the last 10 years.
What is your background?
I’m a fine artist that works with textiles. I studied textiles as a BA then carried out an MA in ‘Visual Language and Performance’ at Wimbledon School of Art.
Do you/ have you taken part in any other initiatives in the community (food banks, Repair Cafes, climate coalitions etc)?
I have hosted many free events with The Red Dress for charity groups and vulnerable individuals around the country to share the story of the garment and it’s 380 embroiderers from 51 countries around the world. With an intention to inspire, uplift and comfort and to show what is possible when we come together in community. In order to provide successful access to the project I have worked with BSL interpreters, art therapists and translators.
Have you participated in SFW before?
The Red Dress was displayed at Bath Spa University last year.
What are your aims for taking part in SFW?
To celebrate the power of community collaboration and highlight embroidery as a powerful tool of expression and healing, as well as in mending and upcycling garments, I hope to be able to align and connect with other initiatives and individuals seeking to empower through craft and fashion with a focus on sustainability and learn as much as I can about Reclaiming Fashion. I’m very much looking forward to having focused connecting time with the Bridges for Communities group and hope the dress and newly released book will be able to reach lots of new and diverse audiences.
Do you have any guiding principles that your organisation uses?
Everyone is and should be treated equally, with kindness and respect always. Recognizing that we are all on an ongoing journey of growth and healing and that we can achieve far more in life if we support one another instead of seeking personal gain.
What are your aims for taking part in SFW?
This event is all about sustainable fashion and textiles, encouraging everyone to rethink fast fashion through fun activities and workshops. We will be holding workshops, Demos/Talks & Swap shops. As a community, local businesses and advocates of sustainability are coming together in the Cotswolds to provide inspiration and awareness of how you can reclaim your connection to fashion and textiles.
Are there any fun facts about you/ your team that you’d like to share?
I love tattoos, yoga and mixing Drum & Bass music! Charlotte has just started so not able to comment on her fun facts yet!
Fun fact about the The Red Dress is that I believe she is the second ‘slowest’ dress ever created. Her 14 years and approx 20,000 hours of work coming in behind Guo Pei’s yellow robe which took 20 artisans 50,000 hours to create.
The Red Dress represents the antithesis of the fast fashion movement and champions ethical production methods as well as elevating and compensating her makers in as many ways as possible on an ongoing basis.
‘The Red Dress: Conversations in Stitch’ book also holds the voices and stories of many and is published by Quickthorn, an ethical, sustainable and independent book publisher in the UK. All the books are fully compostable (not that I want anyone to do that!) and printed in the UK – rather than being shipped off to Asia. I’m proud the book is earth caring and aligns completely to all the values of The Red Dress project.
How would you recommend we can “Reclaim Fashion”?
On a public level (I will stay away from talking about industry standards and politics) we need to focus on education and continuing to share the reality of the fast fashion industry across as many platforms as possible. Ideally it would be taught in schools, failing that parents can guide so their children grow up with an accurate view and understanding of the situation, and ways in which we can all help. Recognizing we can all play a part in helping our planet, no intention or action is too small.
What is your favourite wardrobe staple?
A vintage bright apple green skirt that my sister gave me, and which she bought in a charity shop. The label says ‘Marella, made in Italy’. 85% of my wardrobe is second hand, and I buy most of my clothes from Vinted and ebay. I have a particular obsession with hand knitted mohair jumpers and embroidered jackets, and love bright colours!
You can learn more about Kirstie’s work as a fine artist on her website here and the incredible Red Dress project here.
The Red Dress: Conversations in Stitch is available via Quickthorn here.