It took 380 embroiderers from 51 countries nearly 14 years to weave The Red Dress which will be on display at the Museum of Brisbane (MOB) and the Warwick Art Gallery.
In an epic display of collaboration and creativity, pieces of The Red Dress travelled the globe from 2009 to 2023 to be embroidered by 367 women, 11 men, and two non-binary artists including refugees, asylum seekers, survivors of war and the disadvantaged.
Conceived by British artist Kirstie Macleod, the project was initially designed to spark discussions about identity but evolved into a platform for self-expression and social issues.
The artists were encouraged to create a work that represented them personally while also reflecting their culture and traditions.
Constructed from 87 panels of burgundy silk dupion, there are an estimated 1-1.5 billion stiches, and the dress weighs 6.8kg.
It has earned a place in the Guinness World Records 2026 for the largest collaborative embroidery project.
Many of the artisans are established textile professionals, but there are also pieces contributed by first-time embroiderers.
A total of 141 embroiderers who were commissioned to contribute receive compensation and a share of exhibition fees and merchandise sales for The Red Dress, which has been exhibited in major international galleries and the United Nations.
Brisbane’s AllThreads community created a detailed and highly skilled embroidery for Australia’s contribution to the The Red Dress – capturing the country’s unique landscape, flora and fauna.
In a coup for Queensland, The Red Dress will be on display for the first time in Australia, at the Warwick Art Gallery from July 16-22, 2026 and later at the Museum of Brisbane (MOB) from July 25 to September 13, 2026. Entry is free.
