Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
This April New York City hosted the 8th Annual Dressed to Kilt Charity Fashion Show, an event organized to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project, the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Erskine Hospital in Scotland as a part of the Tartan Week.
Image via Wikipedia
The fashion show has been hosted by Sir Sean Connery (accompanied by his wife Micheline) in effort to help Friends of Scotland charity organization founded by Connery in its mission. Friends of Scotland organize a benefit every year and the theme of this year’s fashion show was “Mad for Scotland”.
Various styles were presented during the runway performance, from the most conservative, worn by Matthew Modine, Alan Cumming or Kyle MacLachlan, to absolutely crazy and abstract pieces like the ones presented by Joan Jett or Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan.
There was a lot of tartan, accompanied by wonderful performance and great humour on both guests and models’ sides. Wonderful clothes created by both young, creative Scottish designers and world’s top designers were displayed in the most entertaining manner by people known and unknown. Celebrities were walking along veterans and even children, all dressed in variations about the Scottish kilt. (more…)
Posted in Culture in Scotland, Kilts | No Comments »
Thursday, April 15th, 2010
What is it about kilts that most people find intriguing? Kilts are one of the most recognizable pieces of national dress in the world. They may look like skirts, but are worn by soldiers of the Highland regiments, men not known to be sissies. Many women find men in kilts irresistibly sexy, plus there’s that whole “what do they wear under their kilts” question.
Kilts as we know them have only been in existence for a few hundred years. Ancient Scots wore tunics like most men in that time period. A garment of woven wool called a belted plaid was worn over the tunic as a sort of outer garment, coat, and traveling blanket all wrapped up in one. Due to the length, they were pleated, wrapped about the body, and belted. This was the beginning of the kilt.
Kilts are now available in many tartans, representing clans such as Stewart or McDonald. For many years they were only worn on special occasions or by the military, but they are now becoming more and more popular for daily wear. Most men find them quite comfortable. Unlike the tight pants that many men wear, they are not constricting at all. They are comfortable all year round–warm in winter and breezy in summer. (more…)
Posted in Kilts | No Comments »
Monday, March 1st, 2010
When choosing pieces to add to your wardrobe, the classic stylings of tweed can add to your collection in a way that will last for many years. Tweed has been used in fashion for decades, but it is interesting to note that its origins are actually very humble.
[photo by: Adam UXB Smith]
Tweed jackets and clothing was worn originally by folks who lived in the countryside and was well suited for jackets to keep the wearer toasty warm in the bleakest of conditions. (more…)
Posted in Customs, General informations, Scottish goods | No Comments »
Saturday, December 5th, 2009
Much has been written, and less understood, about Scottish tartan and who should wear which tartan or indeed who is entitled to wear whatever tartan. I would like to discuss this point and give my opinion of the answer to this problem and hopefully shed a little light on the area.
The Scottish nation has been going for quite a wee while now and it has successfully spread its wings to many distant corners of the world. It still seems to have kept a lot of its traditions and especially with evenings like Burns Suppers, continues to flourish well even outside its borders; in fact some would contend it flourishes better outside its borders!! (more…)
Posted in Culture in Scotland | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009
Fashion trends come and go- season in and season out- new colors, styles and fabrics find their way into department stores and boutiques. Before you head to choose your new wardrobe of fall fashions, you need to know what’s hot and what’s not. One popular look for fall is plaid. Before you think that may be too much for you, here are some options to sneak this hot fall had into your wardrobe (without looking like a little school girl).
You don’t have to be part of a clan or play the bagpipes to wear plaid. And, this year’s fall fashions have laid in all colors – not just the traditional red and green. You can get black and white, pink and black, purple and white- think of a color combination and you’ll find it. Patterns are popular in all sizes too. Small or large, you can choose the pattern that looks best on you.
In outerwear, plaid coats are hot right now. Pair a checkered pea coat or blazer with a turtleneck. If that’s too much, drape a tartan scarf around a solid coat or wrap it around your waist for a belt. There’s also the classic pleated mini that looks great with solid opaque tights and some ankle boots, which are in fashion this fall too. Pair a plaid jumper with a solid turtleneck and opaque tights. There are so many options available to you with this trend because it is such a classic look. (more…)
Posted in General informations, Kilts | No Comments »
