Episode 40: Siobhan Mackenzie, Fashion Designer | From the Black Isle to Designer for Celebrity A-Listers

In this episode of "Just a Chat With," host Andrew Dobbie speaks with Siobhan Mackenzie, an award-winning Scottish fashion designer known for her unique approach to contemporary Scottish dress.

Siobhan shares her journey from a young girl sketching designs in the Black Isle to dressing celebrities like Justin Bieber and Shania Twain.

She discusses the importance of her heritage and how it influences her work, particularly in creating bespoke kilts that blend tradition with modernity.

Siobhan also reflects on the challenges of being a solo entrepreneur, the significance of mentorship, and the impact of her upbringing on her creative process.

The conversation delves into Siobhan's experiences in the fashion industry, including her education, the importance of practical skills, and the hurdles she faced in establishing her brand. She emphasises the value of storytelling in fashion and how her designs are rooted in personal narratives.

As she prepares for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, where she will design the official tartan and outfits for Team Scotland, Siobhan highlights the pride she feels in representing her country through her work.

The episode is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of following one's passion.

Keywords

Scottish fashion, Siobhan Mackenzie, contemporary dress, entrepreneurship, fashion design, Commonwealth Games, storytelling in fashion, kilts, heritage, creativity

Takeaways

"I decided I would be a fashion designer with great confidence at 10 years old!"

"Fashion style is very subjective; not everyone is going to like the same thing."

"You just have to get over that fear of rejection and just put yourself out there."

"If I got comfortable in a job, I might have never gone and done my own thing."

"It's important to find a support network around you."

"You need to learn to ask for help and not be too proud of that."

"There's always going to be a place for traditional kilts, but there is also room to play on the contemporary side of it."

"I think storytelling is so important in fashion."

"You have to consider what I'm designing has to be something that everyone's going to feel confident in."

"You can't force people to wear X, Y, or Z; you just have to keep moving on to the next opportunity."

"I've got nothing to lose if I just go for it."

"Fashion style is very subjective."

"You just never know, do you?"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Siobhan Mackenzie

01:21 Growing Up in the Black Isle

02:28 The Spark of Creativity

04:14 Education and Early Influences

06:32 Starting a Business at 21

08:27 The Importance of Practical Skills

10:40 First Breaks and Celebrity Clients

18:09 Balancing Tradition and Modernity

20:05 The Power of Storytelling in Fashion

23:33 Challenges in the Scottish Fashion Industry

29:05 Experiences in New York

33:15 Dressing Celebrities: The Justin Bieber Story

39:18 The Ups and Downs of Custom Work

44:20 Mental Health and Work-Life Balance

51:15 Designing for the Commonwealth Games

56:35 The Creative Process Behind Tartan Design