Mac Millan: From Scotland with Love...
Written by Yvette N. Coleman
Mac Millan was created with a clear and purposeful
vision by designer Jane McMillan in 1997. She wanted to
carve a niche within the fashion industry for a client who
wanted to be enriched with colors, textures and
harmony. She was born on the southwest coast of
Scotland and the rich colors of her native landscape contributed
to her passion for color and design.
She decided to move to London and study every facet of
womenswear and developed a keen sense of design. Her talent
soon became recognized with multiple awards including The
British Council presented by Lady Diana, The Princess of
Wales. After she gained some recognition and praise McMillan
decided to start her own collection of original printed
silks with intoxicating silhouettes.
McMillan’s goal was to consolidate her position as
a leading fashion brand crafting innovative collections
for a receptive market. In September 2004 she made her “on
schedule” catwalk debut at New York Fashion Week with
an audience consisting of the fashion worlds opinion formers.
Seductive dresses captured the interest of the worldwide
press and became a favorite with celebrities.
The new collection for spring 2009 is an eclectic
mélange of silk prints in Mac Millan signature shapes.
Jane McMillan adds: “Inspiration comes from my Scottish
heritage, architecture and nature. I like to mix
many elements to create something unique and interesting.”
Jane McMillan walks us through her Fashion Week journey
during the most crucial times for a designer; from PR to
the catwalks of New York and London.
What is your “day of show” ritual
during NYC Fashion Week?
I usually slip away for a quiet coffee break during backstage
preparations to clear my mind before the excitement begins...I
always go to our after-show party.
How hands on are you for your fashion shows?
Do you choose everything from the models, to the makeup
style to the music for each show?
I am very hands on and work with my team to choose music,
hair and make-up, show co-ordination etc.
What do you think are the biggest trends right
now?
Right now...skinny trousers, voluminous tops, big cardis,
clumpy high shoes, bows, oversized bags.
What trends do you find boring?
Low rise jeans and low waists.
What trends do you expect will be big next season?
Peg leg trousers, baggy trousers, tailoring, capes, outsize
proportions, bold colours.
When will you begin working on your next collection?
Designing and fabric sourcing for Fall 2009/10 will start
in October. In November we are pattern cutting and
toiling, and the manufacture of samples will begin in December.
Around 30 styles will be ready for the end of January in
readiness for February’s fashion week.
After the show you take a break or do you prepare for
overseas?
Every season is different. Last season I went to Mexico
for a week and this October I will have two weeks in Texas.
I cannot take too much time off in winter due to the short
fashion season. There are only five months between
fashion weeks in winter but seven in Summer.
What's next for MAC MILLAN?
Mac Millan will keep growing and creating quality, hand
crafted, feminine, garments. A menswear line,
accessories line and a US office are all possibilities for
the near future.
Words of wisdom from Jane McMillan:
As John Galliano’s first financial backer
once told me:
1. work
2. hard work
3. harder work
The price range for Mac Millan is £500 to £2500.
Or $500 - $4500 USD. Purchases can be made directly from
Mac Millan by emailing: sales@mac-millan.com
