A NEW tartan promoting world peace will make its US debut next week and will be modelled by the grandson of the late Mahatma Gandhi – whose advocacy of non-violent protest helped India gain independence from Britain in 1947.
Arun Manilal Gandhi, 79, will wear a kilt made of the tartan at a show during New York Tartan Week, an event which celebrates Scottish heritage.
The event, which starts on April 6, will feature a fashion show – From Scotland With Love – and also act as the US launch of the World Peace Tartan initiative.
It was created to convey a message of peace, while generating funds to invest in education initiatives that build a culture of peace and non-violence and address child poverty.
Victor Spence, founder of the initiative, said: "Our tartan with a message of peace will feature on the catwalk of one of the most exciting fashion shows in the world.
"We hope to bring a highlight to the show with Arun Gandhi, a grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, walking the catwalk in a World Peace Tartan kilt.
"This amazing moment is the exclusive world first showing of a World Peace Tartan kilt as well as Arun Gandhi's first steps on a fashion show catwalk and his first time wearing a kilt."
Mr Gandhi, an international ambassador of the tartan, said: "The World Peace Tartan is beautiful.
"Wearing this tartan will be a daily reminder to commit ourselves to working for peace in the world. I endorse it wholeheartedly."
The design – which features the colours light blue, purple, green, red and black – was launched when the Dalai Lama was presented with first ever World Peace Tartan scarf in Edinburgh in June, 2012.
A couture design using the tartan will also feature in the fashion show in a piece by Edinburgh-based Judy R Clark.
The award-winning designer has previously worked with the likes of the late Alexander McQueen, was nominated at the Scottish Style Awards in 2011 and won the award for Best New Designer at the Scottish Variety Awards in March.
She has also made a bespoke collection for singer songwriter and fellow Scot, Emeli Sandi.
Ms Clark said: "I was drawn to the name of the tartan and its striking design. I approached Victor Spence and asked if he would like to collaborate on a piece for the New York show."
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