Traditional day dress c. 1870

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Here is a Vanity Fair cartoon showing the Marquis of Lorn from Nov. 19, 1870.


Looking at this cartoon from the standpoint of Highland dress, I really don't see anything at all from his attire that would not also be very suitable Highland daywear today in 2011, with the possible exception of the wide waist belt worn over his tweed waistcoat.

Comments?

[tulloch]

That is really interesting. I agree. It could be from today, even with the soft, rather open collar shirt. Who can duplicate that look? I don't have an otter sporran or a blue shirt.

[McMurdo]

A very interesting illustration, really does show how slowly the fashion changes, I'd love to see that Argyll jacket in real life.

[Tobus]

Ha! Wonderful!

I couldn't help but notice the brown ghillie brogues. Which also happens to be a commonly-seen style of shoe in the MacLeay portraits from the same era. Virtually no one wears these today. At least, not in that particular style.

[MacLowlife]

I was just looking for examples of the Colquhoun tartan and I believe this is one. Do you suppose his kilt was really that color, or is this the result of ink technology?

[biblemonkey]

It is as I have told my wife, Highland Dress is so timeless that I could wear it 20 years from now (waistline permitting and the Good Lord tarries) and that offsets the extra cost quite nicely.

[Mr.Charles Anthony]

Readers;
As Mr.Newsome knows, this image is an example of 'fossileization' (sic)in Fashions, very little changes once the "Design" is agreed on. One thinks, of course, of the Amish folks. The curious image dates to just the period when the Highland Fashions settled on Form & Style-IMHO. "Roundabout coats'' and high collars went 'out', and this 'look' emerged. I suspect the odd belt is a spoof.
Thanks for the Image and the Look Back
CSA

[JSFMACLJR]

I was just looking for examples of the Colquhoun tartan and I believe this is one. Do you suppose his kilt was really that color, or is this the result of ink technology?

Surely the Marquis of Lorn aka the Duke of Argyll would be wearing a Campbell tartan, no?

[creagdhubh]

Surely the the Marquis of Lorn aka the Duke of Argyll would be wearing a Campbell tartan, no?

Quite right, Sandy.

[creagdhubh]

I love the fine example of day dress shown, and have seen this cartoon many times. I especially like the check in the jacket and waistcoat, the tan ghillie brogues, and definitely the full-mask sporran!

Cheers,