TARTAN, ROYAL SALUTE

This post is dedicated to London Fashion Week starting today, and in true style of Highland Fashion.

 

Had it not been for King George IV who popularised Tartan after his visit to Edinburgh in 1881, Tartan would probably never have become a fashionable commodity. After his visit to the city, the Monarch's keen interest in Tartan led to it being widely documented,  in turn leading to different Scottish clans adopting it's own unique design, each with a distinctive print. Queen Victoria developed the Victoria Tartan, and Prince Albert, the Balmoral.

 

The Queen's fondness for it contributed towards Tartan becoming  fashionable for women, a great departure from the concept considered to be reserved for men at the time.  It's  resurgence to the fashion scene has been seen on numerous occasions, and even worn by a pop cult as a sign of revolt at some time.  It has become synonymous with Scotland, one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world. The Isle of Skye has been nominated the 4th most beautiful island in the world, and hosts landscapes that leave you breathless, indeed a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

 

Needless to say, my wide leg trousers were inspired by the travel destination, which just moved up to the top of my bucket list. I am in dire need of shopping for print.....

 

 

Images of Scottish Highlands, Island of Skye & Tartan courtesy to www.jrstextiles.com, www.airtransat.ca, www.eriksimonic.deviantart.com, http://alumni.umich.edu, www.redbubble.com

 

Trousers - Belle Epoque

Shoes - Gorgeous Feet, New Look

Jacket - Milan

Cross body bag - Chanel

Sunglasses - Dior

Leather belt - Hermes

 

THE GREAT GATSBY

Although we do not always identify the object of our inspiration on a conscious level, most choices are made having regard to subconscious influences. I take great inspiration in movies, particularly the older classics in which costume dress feature strongly.There can be no denying that my love for the Great Gatsby inspires my fondness for two tone shoes. Dianne Keaton is probably the pioneer of the dandy look, perhaps also encouraged by the elegance of the Gatsby era. Coco Chanel however paved the way for women to challenge convention by introducing the boyish loo, making it feminine in spite of being a little androgynous. 

My quest to find a pair of high rise Brogues in Black & White took me far and wide, but came to an abrupt end when I took to on line shopping and googled my way through the world's clothing stores. This was one of the most timeless finds ever acquired and in line with my style motto to concentrate on classic pieces that lasts longer than the season. They seem to be quite a show stopper, getting a lot of admiration as I go along.  If this era's elegance appeals to you, invest in a pair of multicolour Brogues and ad a little fun to your look. Don't be surprised by a stranger asking you about them....They seem to be quite versatile as you can dress them up or down.They work remarkably well with the 50's style tailored fitted suits with the pencil skirt ending mid calf and the jacket tucked at the waist, accentuating the hourglass figure.  I just saw a Yellow pair, but don't quite think they're going to be as gorgeous, perhaps funky. So how do you style the dandy look?

Jacket - Truworths Limited

Palazzo Pants - Studio W at Woolworths

Shoes - New Look

Turtle Neck - Truworths

Handbag - Celine Boston Tote

Sunglasses - Vintage Miu Miu

Neck piece - Zara 

Belt - Hermes

CUSTOM MADE

If ever you find yourself in Shanghai, China, the South Bund Fabric Market is a place where one could happily get lost, with a plethora of textiles ranging from cottons to the  purest silk and finest boucle. Whatever you want, can virtually be manufactured here. However, venturing there without an interpreter, leaves much lost in translation as English is not very widely spoken and if you want to be understood, you had better have it explained in Mandarin. Our charming guide and very sweet Jessica, took it upon her to introduce us to the market as an optional extra, and never reckoned with the fact that we may become totally distracted.......The choice of fabric is so vast, that you would  need at least two days just to explore the haven of fabric and get a feel for the market. It is an indoor market and provides for a cool shelter against the summer heat. If I had any idea just how capable these people were, and how quickly they could produce a garment, I would have travelled with empty luggage, or even better, no luggage at all. They take your measurements in a jiffy and tailor make whatever it is you want to fit you like a glove. Although I was not asked to come in for a fitting, this coat fitted me perfectly. The joy about having things custom made is that they make it in exactly the length and width required. Being tall, I can actually have something made of which the sleeves are long enough! If you plan on travelling that way, do include a visit to the fabric market and take along pictures or samples of things you would like to have custom made. If only I did my homework in advance..... I teamed the coat with lace stockings and a fit and flair skirt from the Australian brand, Country Road, and Suede boots with a faux fur trim.

Coat - South Bund Fabric Market, Shanghai, custom made

Skirt - Country Road

Sweater - Thrifted

Handbag - Unbranded, from Orchid Road store, Singapore

Boots - Faith

Sunglasses - Rayban

Leather gloves - Woolworths

Necklace & Oversized glass pearl bracelet - Zurri

Lace tights - New Look