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May 2023
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.
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.
‘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.
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