14 Years. 380 Embroiderers. 51 Countries. Millions of stitches. 1 Dress.

The Red Dress

A collaborative embroidery project, The Red Dress was conceived by British artist Kirstie Macleod as an artistic platform for women around the world, many of whom are vulnerable and live in poverty, to tell their personal stories through embroidery. The dress, which has toured the globe since 2009, features contributions from 380 artists from 51 countries and has become a representation of border-defying unity and self-expression.

Artist talk with Kirstie Macleod

Kristie Macleod — who conceived of and created the Red Dress Project — joins from her studio in England for a conversation about the origins and background of the project.

Program Information

The Red Dress

Dates: October 7, 2023 - January 28, 2024
Location: Frick Art Museum
Admission:

Free and open to all
Suggested donation of $5 to support special exhibitions

Storytelling Through Embroidery

The Red Dress includes work from nearly 400 embroiderers. Learn more about them, and their additions to the project, by following the link below.

Learn More
 

A Global Project

Embroiderers from more than 50 countries have contributed to The Red Dress. Explore more at the interactive map linked below.

View The Map  


Three Stunning Dresses

In addition to The Red Dress, explore The Calico Dress — Pittsburgh's own version of The Red Dress created by local embroiders, craftspeople and imaginative Frick visitors of all ages — and a paper dress by Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave — inspired by a piece from our very own collection: Peter Paul Rubens' Portrait of Charlotte- Marguerite de Montmorency, Princess of Condé.


The Frick Pittsburgh’s presentation of The Red Dress is part of a multi-year tour in the United States. The Red Dress was previously presented at the Southern Vermont Arts Center. Following its Pittsburgh premiere, the dress will travel to Fuller Craft Museum.

Image Gallery

The Red Dress worn by UK artisan Freya Lusher. Photo by Sophia Schorr-Kon.
The Red Dress worn by UK artisan Freya Lusher. Photo by Sophia Schorr-Kon.
Embroidery Circle featuring the Swansea Women's Asylum and Refugee Support Group. National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. Photo by Mark Pickthall.
Embroidery Circle featuring the Swansea Women's Asylum and Refugee Support Group. National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. Photo by Mark Pickthall.
The Red Dress embroidery detail. Photo by Sophia Schorr-Kon.
The Red Dress embroidery detail. Photo by Sophia Schorr-Kon.
Kirstie Macleod works on The Red Dress. Photo by Sophia Schorr-Kon.
Kirstie Macleod works on The Red Dress. Photo by Sophia Schorr-Kon.
The Red Dress worn by Natasha Faye Hopkins. Photo by Dave Watts.
The Red Dress worn by Natasha Faye Hopkins. Photo by Dave Watts.
The Red Dress embroidery detail. Photo by Sophia Schorr-Kon.
The Red Dress embroidery detail. Photo by Sophia Schorr-Kon.
Artisan Ayo Amon Demi holds a piece of The Red Dress. Photo by Chloe Townsend.
Artisan Ayo Amon Demi holds a piece of The Red Dress. Photo by Chloe Townsend.
The Red Dress worn by UK artisan Diana Milstein. Photo by Sophia Schorr-Kon.
The Red Dress worn by UK artisan Diana Milstein. Photo by Sophia Schorr-Kon.
Sharmin Faeq Sadiq works on The Red Dress at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea. Photo by Mark Pickthall.
Sharmin Faeq Sadiq works on The Red Dress at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea. Photo by Mark Pickthall.
Artisans Gisele, Esther, and Esperance work on The Red Dress. Photo by Nicole Esselen.
Artisans Gisele, Esther, and Esperance work on The Red Dress. Photo by Nicole Esselen.

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