GROUPS of fashion and textile students who designed tartans for Donald Trump will soon find out if their work has been selected to be used at the businessman’s £750million golf resort in Aberdeenshire.
Students from Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University were asked to create a “Trump Tartan” which will feature in the clubhouse and hotel interiors at the Menie Estate, Balmedie.
The design may also be incorporated into golfwear and resort merchandise, and will become part of the identity and branding of Trump International – Scotland.
The tartan is also intended to complement the Trump family tartan, which is Macleod – after Mr Trump’s Scottish mother.
Sarah Malone, executive vice-president of Trump International – Scotland, and Ballater-based tartan and interior designer Mikhail Pietranek, who was commissioned by Prince Charles to refurbish the late Queen Mother’s Balmoral residence, visited the students to review their progress yesterday.
The pair, along with Rachel Singer, a lecturer in fashion and textiles, have now begun selecting designs to transform into tartan fabric.
Four groups of six students have created portfolios which contain various tartan designs and products that they think the tartans will work on, such as golf bags.
They were told to take inspiration from Mr Trump’s golf vision and passion for Scotland, using colours that reflect the north-east coastline.
One of the students, Sarah Riley, of Rose Street in Aberdeen, but originally from Shetland, said the whole project has been a “fantastic experience”.
The 22-year-old said: “We have really enjoyed it.
“Waiting to hear if we have been selected is really nerve-racking as it is such a big thing and will be a brilliant achievement for someone.”
Miss Malone said: “We are thrilled with the students’ approach to the project so far.
“It’s great that Mikhail has agreed to share his knowledge and experience of creating classic tartans, and we look forward to seeing the next stage of work that the students produce.”
Mr Pietranek said: “This project is a great opportunity for young designers of the future to engage with a real business brief and gain hands-on experience.”
The students should know by the end of the week if their work has been selected.
