The world of fashion lost an icon last week with the passing of designer Vivienne Westwood. A true pioneer of British fashion, Westwood became synonymous with a punk style that was feminine and radical. The inclusion of tartan is one of the most recognisable aspects of her designs, making them both quintessentially British and rebellious at the same time. Read on to find out more about the tartans used by Vivienne Westwood and how she shared our love of Scottish cloth!
The Love of Tartan
Tartan has long been associated with rebellion following its ban in 1746 and subsequent revival almost 40 years later. Tartan became a symbol of freedom and has had a rebellious nature ever since. The rich history and political connotations of the fabric made it the perfect choice for Westwood’s unconventional designs. She was said to have had a long-time love for all things Scottish. The designer first explored tartan in her 1989 Time Machine collection and it was made truly synonymous with the brand following her now iconic Anglomania show. She often mixed prints and fabrics, even using as many as 12 tartans in the same outfit!
Westwood Tartans
Westwood not only incorporated traditional tartan into her fashion designs, she also designed and registered her own tartans. The most recognisable of Westwood’s creations is probably her MacAndreas tartan which was developed as part of her 1993 Anglomania collection. It was an ode to her husband and design partner Andreas Kronthaler. The tartan was woven by Lochcarron of Scotland and officially added to the Scottish Register of Tartans in the same year. Westwood went on to design many more of her own tartans throughout her career and incorporated them into both her womenswear and menswear collections.
Bruce of Kinnaird Tartan
Bruce of Kinnaird is another tartan that we saw Westwood return to time and time again. This particular design is a colourful tartan with a base of green and pops of pink and red. Its vibrant look lends itself well to the brand’s aesthetic. Today, we see Bruce of Kinnaird used across the designer’s range in everything from handbags to wool gloves, it is one of the most eye-catching tartans used. Westwood loved both the history and craftsmanship of the famous Scottish fabric. She explained: “It’s a heroic image, the kilt flying and the idea of climbing mountains in this garb with the wind blowing behind you. They have all got stories, these fabrics.” If you’re looking for a tartan with a punk edge, Bruce of Kinnaird is the one to go for. You could even add a rebellious touch to your everyday wear with our tartan accessories range.
