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A Tartan Tale: Xbox

Introducing...
Xbox Tartan
Designed by Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers for Xbox

We are exceptionally proud to introduce the Xbox Tartan - celebrating 20 years since the official launch of Xbox in Scotland.

The concept -  to reconfigure the iconic Xbox Controller with an emblematic Scottish identity reflecting the universal appeal of the progressive Xbox brand throughout the global community. 

Xbox Tartan designed by Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers

Our first step was to create our medium, and what else would we consider, but traditional pure wool tartan ?!  This was by far one of the most complex designs that we have so far created- the intricacy of crisscrossing single yarns captured the complex lines of code that drive this kind of technology. The connection of warp & weft recognising the tightly woven global community that Xbox connects. As with every tartan we design, the deepest thought and attention to detail went into this unique composition. Iconic Xbox branded colours harmoniously combine traditional and modern thinking - a base canvas of black supports shocks of bright neon green with flashes of white.

Lochcarron of Scotland rose to the challenge of bringing our vision to life. To successfully weave such an intricate tartan demands painstaking technical ability matched with uncompromising accuracy. The fine soft wool cloth created by Lochcarron perfectly embodies the essence of inventive design and superior textile artistry.

The next challenge - apply the tartan to controllers without compromising their functionality...

Xbox Tartan designed by Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers
Xbox Tartan designed by Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers


Helen, one of our most talented in-house kiltmakers got to work developing a method to seamlessly cover individual controllers in the striking pure wool Xbox tartan. Her determination and creativity meant that not only do the controllers look INCREDIBLE, but critically their performance is still exceptional !

Xbox Tartan designed by Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers


By creating this tartan and developing these rare controllers, we have brought together passionate communities from both gaming and highlandwear spheres - worlds apart in theory - merged through imagination & technical ability.

We consider ourselves pioneers of modern highlandwear - we stay true Scottish craftsmanship and kiltmaking traditions, with an eye to the future we challenge what's been done before...always asking "what's next?". An ethos shared by GNK and Xbox, which made bringing forth this new tartan a momentous achievment for the GNKfamily.

Xbox Tartan designed by Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers
Xbox Tartan designed by Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers

 

Xbox Tartan designed by Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers