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Jack Bites Back

Kirsty Anne Mearns

Profile picture of Kirsty Anne Mearns

I am a Scottish fashion designer interested in creating fun, playful and humorous designs. Fashion gives life to my imagination, and I find my work centres on the creation of a muse and exploration of the world they inhibit. I love experimenting with colour, textures and print and I am excited to be continuing my studies at CSM, Fashion Design Print.

I am a Scottish fashion designer interested in creating fun, playful and humorous designs. Fashio...

Within a climate of post Brexit resentment and the failed Scottish independence vote, the issue of Scottish identity and autonomy has never been more relevant. Drawing a parallel to the Jacobite rebellions of the 17th century, and the modern day rebellious Scot placing cones on the statue of the Duke of Wellington in Royal Exchange Square Glasgow, this project explores my own cultural identity and the notion of the ‘rebellious’ Scot, developing a muse as part of my project that embodies this.

Drawing inspiration from the romanticised Scottish Highlander popularised by Robert Burns I have explored the form and texture within traditional Highland Dress including Pipe band uniforms and instruments, the vibrant array of colours present in the Scottish Highlands, Jacobite historical figures, uniform and motifs.

Tartan, is often seen as synonymous both with Scotland and rebellion. Drawing on it’s historical use to delineate clans based on the weaving pattern and colours used, I have developed my own printed tartan within this project using taking inspiration from modern day practitioners such as David Batchelor, who have sought to disrupt it’s grid like structure.

Final work

Young male model with Jacobite Blue Bonnet, Tartan Print tights , Tartan Dress and large oversized white thistle collar standing in a field.
Young male model with Jacobite Blue Bonnet, Tartan Print tights , Tartan Dress and large oversized white thistle collar standing in a field.
Young male model with Jacobite Blue Bonnet, Tartan Print tights , Tartan Dress and large oversized white thistle collar standing in a field.
  • Front view of female model in plain background with saltire skirt, white painted tartan painted top and cone hat with Yes referendum badges.
  • Front view of model standing in a staircase in a tartan outfit with a bearskin hat and large protruding spikes from shoulders representing bagpipes.
  • Back view of model standing in a staircase in a tartan outfit with a bearskin hat and large protruding spikes from shoulders representing bagpipes.

Research and process

  • Initial research page showing Bonnie Prince Charlie, thistle block print, painted tartan and Scottish landscape
  • Further research page showing Bonnie Prince Charlie Jacobite bonnet and feather cap with paper drape on model
  • Further research page showing drawings of thistles and thistle themed stencil cut outs taken to the human body.
  • Research and process page using the saltire digitally collaged and drawn different ways on the body
  • Bagpipe themed design page showining a collaged piper uniform with tartan textiles and a red, white and black loom sample
  • Final research page showing bagpipe themed designs as paper drapes on body

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Jack Bites Back

Within a climate of post Brexit resentment and the failed Scottish independence vote, the issue of Scottish identity and autonomy has never been more relevant. Drawing a parallel to the Jacobite rebellions of the 17th century, and the modern day rebellious Scot placing cones o...

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