The Red Dress

380 Embroiderers. 51 Countries. 1 Dress.

A 14-year global collaborative embroidery project, The Red Dress was conceived by British artist Kirstie Macleod to provide a platform for individuals—especially women in vulnerable situations—to tell their stories through embroidery. In a coup for Queensland, The Red Dress will be presented at Museum of Brisbane and Warwick Art Gallery giving audiences right across the state the chance to see this beautiful work.

From 2009 to 2023, the dress travelled the world, embroidered by 367 women, 11 men, and two non-binary artists from 51 countries. Constructed from 87 panels of burgundy silk dupion, it holds a Guinness World Record for the largest collaborative embroidery project.

Every thread carries a story. The dress includes contributions from refugees, asylum seekers, survivors of war, and disadvantaged women across the globe, with all commissioned embroiderers compensated. It also features Lambani embroidery from southern India, gathered by Kirstie in 2002, which inspired the project.

Initially intended to spark dialogue on identity, The Red Dress evolved into a powerful platform for self-expression, amplifying marginalised voices and addressing vital social issues. Some artisans are rebuilding their lives through embroidery, using their skills to support themselves and their communities.

Now complete, the 6.8 kg dress is covered in an estimated 1–1.5 billion stitches and has been exhibited in major galleries and political gatherings worldwide. It continues to travel, aiming to reach diverse audiences, including refugees, vulnerable individuals, and those with complex needs.

The Australian contribution to The Red Dress is an intricate and highly skilled embroidery, created by 24 members of Brisbane’s Allthreads community, that beautifully captures our unique landscape, flora, and fauna. Museum of Brisbane is honoured to present this extraordinary project and looks forward to welcoming the embroidery and textile community, audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds, and those interested in seeing the exquisite details of this artwork up close for the first time in Australia.

Presented by Museum of Brisbane and Warwick Art Gallery with support from QWHA, NWCQ, Qld Embroidery Guild and private donors. The Red Dress project is supported by charities, social enterprises, and funding bodies, including the British Council Dubai, Arts Council England, and others.

Museum of Brisbane is Brisbane City Council’s leading history and art museum where you can experience our city’s vibrant culture.

Bookings

No bookings required.

Venue address

Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City