I have been a highland dancer for over 16 years. During this time, I have worn the traditional female highland dancing costume to compete and perform. This costume consists of a tightly fitted velvet jacket and a kilt made from yards of weighted, pleated, woollen tartan cloth. Due to the constraints of this restrictive and heavy costume, dancers are often unable to reach their full potential. I decided to reimagine its design and create a costume that does not inhibit a dancer’s movements.

My passion for highland dancing and the experience of performing in an uncomfortable costume, has driven me to create a one-off design for a female dancer, with a contemporary twist on the traditional costume. I have retained traditional kilt elements such as pleating and a tartan pattern, changing the traditional woven grid to a contemporary knitted check. I took inspiration for my collection from linear Scottish landscapes and the first ever kilt, which was essentially a tartan cloak draped over the body.

I wanted to contrast the uniformity of the current costume with a mix of contemporary costume and dancing elements, encapsulating a sense of freedom and flamboyance. Enabling the costume to flow during movement and hang time. I have used 100% Italian spun silk in order to achieve the draped effect of a fabric that will move with the dancer. Elements of elastic are structured around the arms and waist to maintain a level of flexibility and support that is required during motion. Using fine silks, I have been able to create intricate and sophisticated patterns. By subtly mixing unusual colour combinations, I have achieved undertones and speckles, producing a series of varied checked designs. This statement garment has been created to showcase the dancer through freedom of movement, whilst preserving elements of the traditional highland dancing costume.