Kilted Connections

Crafted at Massey University at 200 level, this design meets the aim of exploring historical garments through a contemporary lens, to form a design that is inspired by social, cultural, and historical references. Using plaid and pleated detailing, the design explores my identity as a second generation New Zealander with Scottish heritage.  

Kilted Connections is a playful and modern celebration of my traditional Scottish heritage, that blends historical elements with a contemporary twist. Unique features of the design include the “kilted” sleeves, which each consist of 28 pleats, to reference the traditional numbers of pleats used in my family clan, the Robertson Clan’s kilts. The collar of the design also references a cravat neck scarf with a pleated twist, to pay homage to traditional cravats worn in Scotland High Court in the 17th century.  

This work is deeply personal to me, as it connects me to my Scottish heritage, and gives me the opportunity to explore my identity using the medium of fashion design, in a way that both honours the past and embraces the present.

Pleating Process

For the construction of this design, I wanted to make sure my intended 'kilted sleeves' matched my design intention of traditional style Robertson Clan kilts. I wanted the subsequent sleeves I created therefore to be a celebration of their inspiration, and be clean crisp pleats, which led me to creating multiple sample toiles.  The two most significant toiles to my design decision process are featured below. 

Acknowledgements

Chloe Moore as model