Paper Dress

Last week I joined forces with my sister Kate to create a one off Paper Dress for Fashioning an Ethical Industry. The project, part of Labour Behind the Label, aims to promote awareness and push for change in the working conditions behind many of our high street stores, but most importantly to change peoples perceptions of fashion. They work with fashion based students and tutors to educate and inform the future generation of industry workers, so that they will in turn go on to push for higher standards in their workplace. This particular event was held in Edinburgh's beautiful Drill Hall space, the day revolved around a series of talks, discussions and workshops.

Kate and I developed the idea for the Paper Dress by wanting to give the students something practical and visual that they could all take part in and that could come together swiftly but effectively. We considered the fact that the participants were all creatives; and wanted to offer them a chance to convey their ideas and notions, towards the topics of discussion, that day in a way that didn't necessarily put pressure on the written or spoken word.

The Paper Dress itself evolved through a series of ideas between Kate and I. The coordinator of the event had approached us to take part after discovering our illustrated dresses, and we wanted to build on these foundations to offer something bigger and more exciting. We thought back to the early use of decoration, such as telling stories and documenting events through embroidery and wall paintings. We talked about patchwork and how the traditional way a blanket would be crafted would be by a series of different women, each conveying a different idea. From all of these ideas we envisioned a Patchwork Paper Dress, with each student choosing a panel and decorating it however they desired, incorporating the knowledge and ideas that they had gathered from the day and then piecing it all together to be displayed for the end talks and discussions.

The Paper Dress, before the workshop.

The thing I love the most about our illustrated dresses is that they are so simple and could just as easily be a wall hanging, thanks to Kate's artwork. Kate has even likened the fabric I use to canvas she would illustrate upon at Art School. The Paper Dress is no exception, and incredibly special. I was so inspired by how the students managed to mix print relief alongside thoughtful text, illustrations, questions and desires. I was also so excited to see how many people so readily got involved, we even had the tutors and event organisers grabbing the sharpies and expressing their own thoughts. It was a really amazing day and I'm so pleased to have been part of it.

Thanks DNAnderson for the lovely shots x

Beirut - Nantes

I must admit, I am often quick to dismiss listening to recordings of live performances. I feel that the atmosphere is lost and it's all to easy to pick up on the subtle imperfections that just don't matter when in the presence of a great performer. However, today I stumbled upon this video and I loved it so much I had to share it.

Last summer my sweet cousin Lorna posted me two tickets to see Beirut play at Edinburgh's HMV Picturehouse, it was a total surprise and the gig was everything I wanted it to be and more. I fell more in love with the band than I ever expected myself to be able to.

Enjoy x

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Fashion Show

Last Thursday saw my début at the Be Inspired Fashion Show, held at the beautiful Assembly Rooms on George St. I showed three dresses in amongst ten outfits, that Fleur and I selected to represent Godiva Boutique. The show was organised to raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis, and had a wealth of talent on show to entertain.
I have to admit my nerves were through the roof, but as soon as I saw the models all dressed and ready to go I couldn't help but feel so proud and extremely excited.
The feedback I have received has been overwhelmingly positive, and I'm looking forward to filling up the Godiva rails with my cute little dresses for Christmas Party time.
Many thanks to Jenni Douglas for the gorgeous backstage shots and to David Anderson for capturing my designs on the catwalk. And above all thanks to Fleur, David, my Gal Pals and The Clan for all of the endless support and encouragement you have all given me.

For more information and exclusive images, let your eyes lust over Godiva's blog xx

The following images are courtesy of Jenni Douglas Photography

The following images are courtesy of DNAnderson Photography

Evening News

The incredibly stylish Gráinne Byrne was kind enough to mention me in this article she had published in The Evening News back in September. A full read can be found over here, where she offers up all of her little hot spots and tricks to make sure all of your festive shopping is executed with ease. Such a lovely surprise and has spurred me on to get my next collection done and dusted. Thanks so much Gráinne x

The Illustrated Dress

Over the Summer my sister and I decided to join creative forces and create a small collection of hand illustrated garments. We started off using the simple shift shape and are now working on other garments, following the wealth of interest and suggestions we have had. It has been such a confidence boost to hear all of the positive things that people have to say about them. Kate really did add something quite special to the simple shift.
Each garment has been lovingly hand illustrated by Kate MacKay, and constructed by myself. They are displayed in the Godiva showroom and part of me almost doesn't want them to ever go. I find myself getting transfixed by Kate's illustrations.
The images displayed were taken at Cameo Curio, by David Anderson. The beautiful Tammy Le Vasan models her very own MacKay Sister's Illustrated Shift.

Scotland on Sunday

I know it's only a small mention, but I am still so excited to have my name in the paper, especially alongside the well established talent that is Rowan Joy and also recent Edinburgh College of Art graduate Louise Holgrove. This was published in yesterday's Scotland on Sunday to help promote Godiva's new online shop. Excitement all around x