New York Tartan Week 2026
Tartan, Fashion & the 2026 Tartan Day Celebrations
A Landmark Moment for Strathmore Woollen Company
2026 marked a truly special milestone for Strathmore Woollen Company — our first-ever participation in New York Tartan Week, including both the iconic New York Tartan Day Parade and the world-renowned Dressed to Kilt Fashion Show.
For a small, independently owned business based in Forfar, Angus, Scotland, stepping onto such a major international stage was a significant moment. It was a privilege and a proud achievement to represent Scotland on an international stage, right in the heart of New York City.
The New YOrk Tartan Day Parade
The week began with the vibrant New York Tartan Day Parade, a celebration of Scottish heritage that transforms Manhattan into a sea of tartan, music, and cultural pride.
This year’s parade was led by actor and global ambassador for Scottish culture, Sam Heughan, best known for his role in Outlander.
Marching up Sixth Avenue from 44th Street to 55th Street, alongside pipe bands, clans, and fellow Scottish businesses, was an unforgettable experience and a fantastic way to celebrate Scotland overseas.
For Strathmore, it was a proud moment to be part of such a large-scale celebration of Scottish heritage and a reminder of just how far tartan can travel.
Dressed to Kilt 2026
While this was our first time attending the Dressed to Kilt Fashion Show in person, we have worked with the show in various ways over the past four years. It was fantastic to further develop that relationship for the 2026 event, go bigger with our involvement than ever before, and finally be there in person to experience the atmosphere and energy of the show first-hand.
All of the outfits we created for this year’s show were made using our US Navy SEAL Foundation tartan, making the runway an exciting and creative way to showcase the collection.
The designs included an elaborate statement gown worn by our Sales and Marketing Coordinator, Hannah, who proudly took to the runway herself, a contemporary street-style look featuring a corset top with upcycled denim details and wide-leg trousers, and a ready-to-wear ensemble made up of a mini kilt, serape and corsage — all of which are available to shop on our website.
The show gave us the opportunity to debut the tartan in a bold and fashion-forward way while highlighting its versatility. All of the outfits are now on display in our North Street, Forfar shop windows for customers to see up close.
The US Navy SEAL Tartan Collection
Alongside our runway debut, we also continued to showcase our US Navy SEAL tartan product line, developed in support of the Navy SEAL Foundation.
We are proud that 10% of all sales from the US Navy SEAL tartan — and products made from it — are donated directly to the Foundation, helping to support the Naval Special Warfare community and their families.
This collection reflects the meaningful connection between heritage textiles and real-world impact, and we are honoured to contribute in this way.
Shop the US Navy SEAL Tartan Collection
Our US Navy SEAL tartan range is available now online. Each purchase supports the Navy SEAL Foundation, with 10% of all sales donated directly to their work.
Explore the collection and discover how traditional tartan can contribute to something with real impact.
