The Red Dress project, conceived by British artist Kirstie Macleod, provides an artistic platform for individuals (majority women) around the world, many of whom are vulnerable and live in poverty, to tell their story through embroidery.
From 2009 to 2023, pieces of The Red Dress travelled the globe being continuously embroidered onto. Constructed out of 87 pieces of burgundy silk dupion, the garment has been worked on by 367 women/girls, 11 men/boys and 2 non-binary artists from 51 countries between 2009 – 2023.
Throughout June 2025 the completed garment was displayed at Oakwell Hall in Kirklees, sharing its message of unity, peace, love and cross cultural collaboration.
Kirstie Macleod tells the story of The Red Dress from its inception to the involvement of the embroiderers from across the world. Learn about her inspiration, creative process, and how this captivating piece of art became the largest collaborative embroidery project in the world.
