News

As September comes around, not only will the leaves be changing their hues but it will also be time for all Rugby Union fans to show their colours. For Scottish supporters this may also mean donning a kilt for the matches. Whether you are following the line-up on location in France, or from your favourite local pub- look victory ready with some of McCalls’ favourites. A major part of your look will probably be your kilt and we have some great options to choose from.   To save some £££’s a good alternative is an ex-hire kilt that offers great value for your money and ease of mind when it comes to its natural wear and tear. No worries now about getting your best kilt stained with pints flying as the points roll in…           For anyone wanting to match their rugby top’s colours, the best choice could be the Modern Pride kilt. This tartan is inspired by the Saltire and with its blues, purples and whites it is perfect to pair the new Scotland top with.           Keeping all of your prized possessions safe and close at hand might feel hard during an event like a game, but with a sporran you’ll be sorted. Phone, money and more- you can fit it all plus add a handsome accessory to your look with a sporran. Choose from a classic day or semi-day sporran, plus check out our ex-hire range too for even more savings!         As for the ladies, depending on what style you’re going for, we offer women’s kilts but also plenty of tartan scarves and blazers for any proud Scot wanting to rep their heritage in a fashionable way.           Accessories for game days are vital so why not match your kilt with your hip flask or dress up the look with some striking details like kilt pins and of course cosy hose (aka kilt socks) to keep you toasty when watching from the stands.           So as Scotland’s National Team takes on their pool in the Rugby Union World Cup, show your pride and cheer them on in sporty takes on highlandwear in an affordable way. You can see our hand-picked collection of items perfect for any Scots supporter at the Rugby World Cup. Click here to view the full collection!

Trends are often said to come and go. But what if the said trend is actually all about timelessness and everlasting style? With TikTok seeing an overflow of content about achieving the ‘Old Money’ aesthetic, McCalls Jewellers decided to see what it was all about.   Seeing as this trend shot to extreme fame by Sofia Richie and her French Riviera wedding, you might recognise this model and influencer as one of the daughters of megastar Lionel Richie. Yet, Sofia came into her own when she started trading fast-fashion styles for her new laidback glam look. As the newly married Ritchie-Grainge manoeuvres her new life post-nuptials, so does the fashion world. TikTok analytics show that searches for ‘Old Money’ content has had over 6.5 billion views and with this both high street and high-end brands are realising the weight this trend carries.           The perfectly manicured nude nails, luxe blown-out hair and crisp white shirts are all cornerstones to this aesthetic, but of course, so is the all-time classic: gold jewellery. Exemplified by Sofia once again, her engagement ring features a large emerald cut diamond on an exquisite yellow gold band. Not just this, watches are turning from steely greys and silver hues to warmer golds, as are the delicate chains and earrings you never have to take off. Inspired by this, McCalls Jewellers hosted creatives in our studio to write our own love letter to this aesthetic.             “We wanted to recreate the luxurious feel of simplistic elegance, but also add our own spin to it by using McCalls Jewellers’ unique pieces.” Simone Waters, the art director and acting model, adds: “I think from a sustainability point of view, the fact that the jewellery is antique or pre-loved adds to the importance of this project. Not only will the pieces last for a long time due to the high-quality craftsmanship, but it’s also making full use of already existing items.” This ethos can definitely be related to the ‘Old Money’ aesthetic, with the publication ‘Insider’ stating how “the general idea is to find investment pieces that will look as good today as they will 40 years from now”.         So with this ideal at the forefront, natural nails were built by Teresa Beauty at Aberdeen’s Moossh Beauty Salon with a focus on a ‘barely-there’ look. The beauty look was created by experienced makeup artist Lyka Monique and the emphasis was put on everlasting style. By incorporating the classic elements of a cat eye and energising blush, this truly goes along with the aesthetic sweeping across the internet right now.             So if you are loving the ‘Old Money’ look and want to jump on this trend, look no further than McCalls Jewellers’ exquisite curation of pieces perfect for this aesthetic. Whether it is pearls, golden rings or a watch, we have what you are looking for. Browse online today with the link below or pop into the Aberdeen location to see the items in person and be assisted by our knowledgeable personal shoppers. http://mccallsjewellers.co.uk/ Jewellery: McCalls JewellersPhotographer: Levi BunyanModel: Simone WatersMake Up Artist: Lyka M BeautyNails: Teresa X Beauty

Just like many good things, tartan has been around for quite some time. But what are some of the milestones you should know about? Join McCalls on this journey through the checks and setts of history and see how this fabric has created some seriously fashionable moments…   A triumphant return A massive moment for the development of tartan, it was the visit of King George IV to Scotland that would act as a major reintroduction to highlandwear, not just for Scots but equally for a bigger audience. As many will know from their history classes, before the 1782 repeal of the Dress Act, it had been illegal for civilians to wear highlandwear for almost 40 years. But as the years passed after the repeal, traditional Scottish culture became fashionable and as the king arrived in Scotland in August 1822, there was a tartan boom. Aided by Sir Walter Scott and his Edinburgh pageants, tartan was back on the scene and kilts were worn by both lowland nobility and proud highlanders.   The tartan-donning master that served haggis… Throughout the times after the pompous return to Scotland by George IV, tartan has kept its role as a vital part of Scottish identity. Not just a strong force of representation for Scots, British royalty also kept up their love for the fabric and most prominent was perhaps the affection that Queen Victoria and her beloved Prince Albert held for the look. But outside Balmoral Castle and jumping about a century forward after the reign of Queen Victoria, we saw tartan take centre-stage across the pond. When Scottish golfer Sandy Lyle birdied the final hole at the Masters Tournament in 1988, he became the first British winner at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA. This not only meant he could decide to serve Haggis to his fellow champions but his celebratory dinner also meant he got to pair a kilt with his new green Masters jacket, a move that made both tartan lovers and golf aficionados collectively excited.   ‘Haute Couture’ makes its mark Golfers may have been donning kilts and tweed since their sport’s infancy, but off the greens of the golf courses, tartan became a regular occurrence on catwalks in the late 1980s. Perhaps most recognisable among the designers enamoured by the fabric, was the late Dame Vivienne Westwood. She not only used influences from bonnie Scotland’s history, but also had Scottish weavers help her create new registered tartans. Vivienne Westwood also entrusted the mills of Lochcarron of Scotland to weave high-quality tartan for show stopping looks, just like us at McCalls still do today.   Iconic moments for your big day Now going into the 21st century, tartan is more visible than ever and with the love for the designs spanning worldwide, today we see it styled in many different ways. At McCalls, we have continued to pave the way for tartan, its development and of course its accessibility. That is why we created our very own tartan range in the 1990s and these designs have been customer favourites since day one! Whether it is the iconic Granite Pride or the traditional Highland Pride, the now 15 different exclusive designs are available for anyone to wear and love as a hire, a purchase or a bespoke item. Never forgetting the moment when the newest look was unveiled on the catwalk at The Scottish Wedding Show in Glasgow, we are already seeing the popularity of the Weathered Pride tartan.   Get your own piece of fashion history with McCalls today! We are always happy to help and with our seven stores across Scotland and the extensive online shop, McCalls is the name you can trust for your highlandwear needs.

Christmas is upon us and so is the time of gift shopping which can be both daunting and exciting… To help you make this holiday season a breeze, we at McCalls have compiled the ultimate guide to the presents your dear ones will love.   Starting off with the gifts for your life’s leading ladies, we list the best items for her! For example, why should the guys get all the highlandwear goodness? Give her a classic midi kilt this Christmas- a fun yet still traditional piece of clothing that will have her embracing the Scottish culture in her personal style. Midi Kilts From £155     Or, let her keep cosy in style this winter with a stylish and warming scarf. This particular one has a stunning pop of colour that will put a smile on her face and keep her fashionable all throughout the colder months of spring too… Wanting to offer her some more style points? Upgrade to a beautiful serape, like this amazing Auld Scotland tartan one! Scarves from £19.50 Serapes from £125     For the woman in your life with the warmest of hearts, help her keep the heat during winter with a beautifully patterned blanket! We love this one featuring the Black Watch tartan and as it’s made of 100% soft lambwool, she’ll happily be cuddling up with this all throughout the chillier months. Blankets from £95     Finally, help the busy bee you love start the year off on an organised note with a striking yet practical purse. No more losing cards or scrambling around a packed bag for coins, she’ll appreciate this tidying accessory when going about her everyday life. Purses from £13.50     Moving on from your lovely ladies, gone are the days of struggling to buy the perfect gift for the guy who has it all. With our handsome trews, you’ll help him look his best at the upcoming year’s occasions.     Our off-the-peg variants are the perfect gift as they don’t require fittings or waiting times! For example with a pair of Modern Pride tartan trews wrapped up in a soft present, you’ll be giving him the gift of style. Trews from £180     Speaking of fashionable choices, keep the man in your life looking dapper and smart with a handsome wool tie from our Pride of Scotland range. One fan-favourite is the ever-classic Silver Pride design. Great for a muted look while still offering a funky pop of red! Tartan Ties from £25     Wanting to really treat the special Mr you adore? How about giving him the accessory of his dreams this holiday season with a stunning Black Pony Dress Sporran! While on the subject of classic highlandwear accessories, have your guy start off the year as strong and proud as a rampant lion with this handsome kilt pin. Dress Sporrans from £135 Kilt Pins from £15     And, last but definitely not least, keep him hydrated and stylishly on point with a cool hip flask! We especially love the Granite Pride tartan clad one… Even better, it comes presented in a perfect wooden gift box! Hip Flasks from £15     We hope you feel inspired and ready for giving all your favourite people the beautiful gifts you know they’ll love! Find all the items mentioned here and even more on our online shop!

Today a symbol of Scottish patriotism, being courageous and sacrificing for duty, the Black Watch tartan has endured regimental disbandment and even time itself. That’s why we are deep diving into the history of this important design today. And even more so, how you can incorporate it into your look… Did someone say trews and a bowtie?   Top 3 facts: In 1739, King George II decided you had to be a Scottish native to join this regiment. The name Black Watch potentially originated from the regiment’s fight against black mail, although some traditions mean the name derives from the darkness of the tartan. The Black Watch tartan is NOT restricted today, meaning anyone can wear it and remember the might of this Scottish regiment.       First established in 1725 by King George I, this regiment became a reality on the advice of the North-Britain Commander-In-Chief, General Wade. Long-serving in the military, the officer was a core figure in the building of roads in Scotland. While helping link settlements for all, the main purpose of Wade’s project was to ease transport for the King’s forces in the Highlands, especially after the Jacobite Rising of 1715.   The Black Watch, soon being an active part in fighting civil unrest and criminal activity in the Highlands, had their purpose stated to be keeping the peace in the region and deter potential future conflicts. While doing this, they needed a uniform and the tartan fabric was decided upon. Originally woven in Strathspey in the county of clan Grant, it was taken on as the ‘Government Tartan’ and soon became the infamous and iconic design we know today.   With Britain’s Royal ladies taking a particular fancy to the dark green look, both Catherine, the Princess of Wales and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, have been seen on occasion to wear the tartan, in both their cases modelled as longer coats. If you’re feeling inspired by the majestic looks, how about checking out our winter must-have favourite: the scarf!             However, the Black Watch tartan isn’t just perfect for a bespoke cold weather garment or an autumn accessory, the keen highlandwear bearer will be rejoiced to hear that this is a tartan perfect for anything from trews to kilts and ties to bowties. Even better, McCalls offers this tartan for a wide range of other accessories and items, making this a versatile design for you to use.   Get in touch today to start your journey towards the look of your dreams!

Highland Games are the perfect place to find some kilt inspiration. The games are where you will find hundreds of competitors taking part while wearing kilts, a true Scottish occasion.   But did you know that Highland Games never actually started in the Highlands? One of the earliest venues of the Highland Games was Fetteresso, which is located a few miles south of the Highlands.   Highland Games derived from when King Malcolm III was in search of a royal messenger. He called for men to race up Craig Choinnich, overlooking Braemar, this would test their suitability for the role. It is also believed that these events were used to find Scotland’s strongest men and test Scotland’s bravest soldiers.   Nowadays the Highland Games are a fun tradition rather than a quest for the strongest of men in Scotland and take place all over the world.   Events that are a part of the games link back to the original source of the games. Including heavy lifting competitions such as the caber toss, stone put, hammer throw and the weight throw among others. Pulling in the Scottish style, most men partaking in the Highland games wear kilts. These outfits don’t follow the typical formal dress as this wouldn’t be practical for athletic competitions. Instead, t-shirts and trainers are worn with kilts. These games are to show the strength of the participants, the caber toss for example entails the participants hoists and balances a long log of wood and then tossing the caber.   Athletic and heavy lifting competitions aren’t the only events that attract people to the Highland games. Music and dance are big parts of the Highland games. Included in the opening and closing ceremonies, there is a massing of pipe bands. 20+ pipers march and play together during these ceremonies which is a huge part of the games. Not only are the pipers a large part of entertainment at the games, but a large number of Highland games across the world also hold competitions for piping and drumming.   Are you taking part in a highland games? Check out of range of ex-hire kilts, perfect for sports games!