Quote Originally Posted by Tobus View Post
I do wish these would come back into fashion! I've seen it written that the tradition amongst Highlanders was to be clean-shaven, but it also seems that (during the Victorian era, at least) beards were very much en-vogue. I personally think a prodigious amount of facial hair adds a gruffness/manliness to the entire ensemble that makes it 10 times more appealing.


I know there's a good tradition in wearing that much tartan, but to me it's simply too much. I may be crucified for this opinion, but it borders on absurd-looking to me with such a bright/bold tartan, and in such broad expanses of area. In older portraits (mainly from Jacobite times) it seems to look more appropriate, though, and I suppose this is because the tartans were more complex, and the pattern was 'broken up' by the wearing of a plaid.

Is he also holding a matching tartan bonnet of some sort in his hand?
Well, you shouldn't be crucified by anyone, whether they agree or disagree. What you are up against is a difference in stylistic sensibilities. In the current era of bland uniformity in dress, even putting two patterned items of clothing into the same outfit looks too busy to the modern eye. IMHO, accepting and even liking/enjoying some of the more daring combinations in THCD can challenge the ideas we have grown up with in Sassenach society. I am intrigued by the dress of John Burgess and The MacGregor, and have come to love the bold flamboyance exhibited. However, these are not your mother's wardrobe choices, caution, trained professionals put these outfits together, one should not attempt such grand style without adult supervision....