This is a recording of a live online event held on Wednesday, 4 June 2025.

Following the inclusion of The Red Dress in the RSN 150^th anniversary exhibition, creator of the global collaborative embroidery project Kirstie Macleod will share news and insights from the last few years of the dress’ ongoing journey. This includes discussion of the much-anticipated book, The Red Dress: Conversations in Stitch, which brings together stories from individuals involved in the project as well as new voices and perspectives.

Published on 21 May 2025 by independent publisher Quickthorn Books UK, the book shares the deeper stories of garments and its embroiderers, including the many links with the RSN, alongside Kirstie’s personal experiences. Thematic essays also explore wider issues the dress prompts for its audiences such as empowerment, finding voice, feminism, community and healing trauma. The book will shine a light on the impact The Red Dress has had and the many collaborative projects that have begun as a result such as the growing number of ‘sister dresses’ under the Calico Garment Initiative.