TARTANS, CHECKS & PLAIDS ARE THE MOST EXCITING TREND FOR FALL

TARTANS, CHECKS & PLAIDS are everywhere this fall. However this is nothing new these classic patterns have a been staples of fall and winter wardrobes forever. Since I mainly recall the large bold checks of the lumberjack,and the plaids and tartans of Scotland. I’m sure there has got to be more to this story.

Today, these terms tend to be used interchangeably, but each of these iconic patterns is in fact different. Tartans, plaids and checked patterns are some of the most widely recognized and versatile textile designs in the world. These classic patterns have been popular throughout history, across cultures, and continue to be staples in both fashion and interior design.

TARTANS, CHECKS AND PLAIDS; A BRIEF HISTORY.

Before we begin, let’s establish a commonality between these three fabric designs. Tartans, plaids and checks are all comprised of horizontal and vertical stripes. They intersect one another at 90 degree angles creating a grid-like pattern.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s discuss some of their origins and differences. This could get a little tricky. So bear with me for a moment.

TARTAN

Tartan is a pattern consisting of multiple colored criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands. The pattern of the stripes running vertically is duplicated EXACTLY on the horizontal axis. Where the different colors overlap, new colors are created. You’ve seen it many times. I’m sure. It is a beloved classic pattern that evokes feelings of tradition and nostalgia.

PLAID

Traditionally, Plaid referred to a specific type of garment worn by the Scottish to protect them from cold, harsh winters. The word plaid is derived from the Gaelic word , meaning blanket. This 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 of the fabric was, you guessed it, Tartan. Scottish clans each had their own type of tartan such as, Black Watch or Royal Stewart. Often times, the same clan would have two different types of tartans, one for hunting and one for dress.

Today, the term Plaid refers to patterns inspired by traditional tartan designs, and the term tartan now refers to a type of plaid. “Plaid” replaced “tartan” once patterns became popular with British and American textile manufacturers who would recreate fabrics inspired by authentic tartans. Plaids consist of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in two or more colors. The main difference between traditional tartans and other types of plaids has to do with the pattern’s repeat. In regard 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 color.

CHECKS

Check patterns are simpler than plaids. They generally consist of two alternating colors, but not always. Checkered patterns are symmetrical, consisting of crossed horizontal and vertical lines that form equal sized squares. Each line is intersected by the same kind of line in equal intervals and widths. There are many different types of check patterns such as Gingham, Windowpane, and Buffalo

TARTANS, CHECKS & PLAIDS ON THE RUNWAY

Tartans , checks & plaids have been seen all over the runway for F/W 2017-18. Therefore my darlings call it tartan, checks or plaid – it is everywhere this season. Since too often our featured trend gets over looked , (flung to the leftovers of the fashion world) this year it get’s it’s deserved accolades.

In fact if you haven’t heard the latest news tartans , checks and plaids are hot .Hence we see great tweedsy blazers from Stella McCartney. Similarly Michael Kors gives us daring women’s wear staples done in bold menswear fabric. Ultimately Tory Burch brilliantly blended checks and plaids. Meanwhile Alexander Wang worked glen plaid into many of his looks.

Therefore if you love the tartans that made Cher Horowitz in ” Clueless” , or you relish that old plaid coat Grandpa wore, this is your trend. Since the opportunities here are endless , let your styling and creativity run wild. Therefore if you have a great photo of your ” Glad to be Plaid ” look send it to me to publish in a future post. At this point TARTANS, CHECKS & PLAIDS are one of the strongest trends this F/W 2017-18.

GUCCI

First witnessed during Gucci’s AW17 catwalk show, this multicolour tweed plaid shift dress is an exceptional choice from the label’s latest collection. Detailed with a subtly striking embroidered Nymphaeum crystal embellished appliqué to the back, which references the ancient Greek and Roman monument that was consecrated to a specific nymph; this bouclé-effect dress features two front patch pockets, short sleeves, a concealed rear zip fastening and raw edges. Accented with a pointed collar and bow . FARFETCH