Eleven years ago, fashion student Siobhan Mackenzie faced an uncertain future with a mere £90 in her bank account, wondering how she would ever establish a sustainable career in the competitive world of fashion. Today, the 32-year-old designer from the Black Isle in Ross and Cromarty operates from a prestigious base in one of Scotland's most exclusive hotels, with her bespoke creations starting at £1,000 and adorning international stars including Justin Bieber, Shania Twain, and Jared Leto.
A Star-Studded Client Portfolio
Mackenzie's journey to fashion prominence has been marked by high-profile collaborations and celebrity endorsements. Her designs recently featured prominently on the finale of The Traitors USA, where host Alan Cumming and finalists showcased her bespoke tartan creations. Reflecting on Cumming's appearance, Mackenzie noted, 'Alan could carry off anything. This time he's in a corsetted resin chest plate with a sgian dubh through the heart and red crystals dripping down like blood for the murderous theme.'
Royal Recognition and Major Commissions
The designer's accomplishments extend beyond celebrity dressing to include royal recognition and significant national commissions. She has been endorsed by King Charles III through the King's Foundation education charity, which acknowledged her as a champion of sustainability and heritage crafts. Additionally, Mackenzie designed the official Scotland team tartan for this year's Commonwealth Games, further cementing her status as a leading figure in Scottish fashion.
Humble Beginnings and Strategic Growth
Mackenzie's current success contrasts sharply with her modest beginnings after graduating from fashion school. 'After four years of being a fashion student, where all your money has gone on fabrics and sketchbooks, I had about £90 in my bank account,' she recalled. A crucial £5,000 loan from The Prince's Trust provided essential start-up capital, allowing her to establish her business. 'I've been very fortunate where it's just run on sales since,' she added, highlighting the organic growth of her enterprise.
Breaking into the Celebrity Market
The designer's breakthrough with celebrity clients began in 2016 when she proactively messaged Justin Bieber's tour manager ahead of his Glasgow Hydro concert. 'It was all last minute and I took over some options and made the weathered Stewart piece. Justin wore it on stage,' Mackenzie remembered. This initial success opened doors to other stars, including country music icon Shania Twain, who wore Mackenzie's leopard and tartan kilt with crystals during a performance in Stirling. 'She actually stopped and shouted me out on stage and I thought, "Yep, that's women supporting women,"' the designer recounted with evident pride.
Sustainability and Heritage Focus
Based at Glasgow's Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa, Mackenzie has built her reputation on combining contemporary design with traditional Scottish craftsmanship and sustainable practices. Her royal endorsement specifically recognised her commitment to these values, with the designer meeting King Charles III during an event at Dumfries House in Cumnock last October. This recognition underscores how Mackenzie has transformed her early financial struggles into a thriving business that celebrates Scottish heritage while dressing some of the world's most recognisable figures.
