The Plaid Collection
Model wears ‘Plaid n Simple’ Square scarf
My fascination for the Tartan ( now more broadly known as Plaid) has been with me for ages, from when I was a child and saw a Scotsman in a kilt through to my design schooling years when we learnt all about weaves.
I experimented a few years ago to emulate the plaid weave with silk painting using water colour techniques to create over laps in colours. This year I decided to do an entire collection inspired by the plaid weave. The effects of the checks are obviously more subtle than sharpness of a weave.
So what’s different and common between the Tartan and the Plaid?
The terms Tartan and Plaid are often used interchangeably, but each of these iconic patterns are in fact different. These patterns are some of the most widely recognised and versatile textile designs in the world. Being popular throughout history and across cultures these classic patterns continue to be staples in both fashion and interior design.
Tartans and plaids are both comprised of horizontal and vertical stripes. They intersect one another at 90 degree angles creating grid-like patterns or checks
Tartan is a pattern consisting of multiple coloured intersected horizontal and vertical bands. The pattern of the stripes running vertically is duplicated exactly on the horizontal axis. New colours are created where the bands overlap. It is a most loved classic pattern that evokes feelings of tradition and nostalgia. In fact, the tartan dates back as far as 3000 years!
Plaid is referred to a specific type of garment worn by the Scottish to protect them from their winters. The word plaid is derived from the Gaelic word Plaide, meaning blanket. This, rather oversized wool garment also known as a "belted plaid" or "great kilt" was worn around the waist and then draped over the left shoulder. The pattern woven into the fabric was Tartan. Each Scottish clan had their own type of tartan, example, Black Watch or Royal Stewart. Most times, the same clan would have two different types of tartans, one for hunting and one for dress. Almost like a uniform that would identify them with their clan.
The term Plaid, today, refers to patterns inspired by traditional tartan designs, and the term tartan now refers to a type of plaid. "Plaid" replaced "tartan" once the weaves became popular with British and American textile manufacturers who would recreate fabrics inspired by authentic tartans. Plaids consist of intersected horizontal and vertical bands in two or sometimes more colours. The main difference between traditional tartans and other types of plaids has to do with the pattern's repeat in the weave. With regards to plaids, the pattern of the vertical stripe does not necessarily have to match the pattern of the horizontal stripe like the pattern of a tartan. Plaids have many variations of band width, repeat and/or colour.
The plaid can be seen used in jackets, coats, scarves, wraps, hand bangs and even watch straps, showing just how popular and coveted this design is.
This timeless style of classic design is here to stay, season after season!
The Plaid collection is inspired by this classic fabric weave. Most Plaid weaves have some contrast colours woven into them, however I have used tone on tone colours to create the effect of checks. These scarves are hand painted on crepe-de-chine giving a heavier drape.
Available in a square shape (65cm x 65cm) or long (160cm x 28cm) you have a choice of what best suits your style and wardrobe.