Mac Mic Group marks centenary with tartan design competition

AS part of the firm’s centenary celebrations, Mac Mic Group has announced a collaboration with The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) on the Mac Mic Centenary Tartan Project.

The initiative provided a live project opportunity for BA (Hons) textile design students, who have been tasked with creating innovative designs that reflect Mac Mic Group’s values and themes such as cultural heritage, legacy, community, and 100 years of placemaking.

The challenge also encouraged students to integrate the company’s core principles into their designs, blending tradition with modernity.

This collaboration gave students experience in applying their creativity to meet industry standards while enhancing their professional skills in presentation, communication, and client interaction. The winning designer received the opportunity to collaborate with both Mac Mic Group and the GSA’s Centre for Advanced Textiles (CAT) to bring their final printed tartan design to life.

Mac Mic Group had kilts made using the winning design, unveiling them in celebration of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. The kilts were crafted by Glasgow-based Slanj.

The project also offered a financial reward for both the winner and the runner-up, as well as funding to support GSA’s textile design graduates in participating in the New Designers exhibition in London, a platform for showcasing emerging talent and connecting with industry leaders.

Andrew Mickel, director of Mac Mic Group, said, “As we celebrate our centenary year, we were thrilled to collaborate with The Glasgow School of Art on the Mac Mic Centenary Tartan Project. The standard and creativity displayed by all entrants were exceptional, and each design brought a fresh perspective to the reinterpretation of traditional tartan.

“Maddy McAuley received a commendation for her entry, which stood out in the competition. Claire Fowler, the winning designer, went above and beyond with her design, which resonated with the judges and captured the essence of this unique challenge. We are proud to support the next generation of textile designers and look forward to seeing their continued success in the industry.”

The winning design incorporates Mac Mic Group’s signature colour palette, with additional hues chosen to reflect the company’s ethos and values. A modern chevron pattern was included to add a contemporary touch. The design also features a 100-yarn thread count in the warp, symbolising the 100 years of Mac Mic Group’s legacy.

Dr Helena Britt, programme leader for BA (Hons) textile sesign at The Glasgow School of Art, added, “Responding to the Mac Mic Group project brief to reinterpret Scotland’s iconic tartan fabric in a contemporary context has allowed the students to combine creativity with professionalism while drawing inspiration from a rich cultural legacy. The project exemplifies the significance of live industry design projects in preparing students for their future careers.

“We are excited to see Claire Fowler’s winning textile design, produced by GSA’s Centre for Advanced Textiles (CAT) and manufactured into products for the Mac Mic Group’s centenary celebrations.”