THCD Photo Examples

[BobsYourUncle]

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....

[wildrover]

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.

I agree with you.

There's a quote...probably biblical, I dunno...about seeking judgment from one's enemies, because they'll be brutally honest as opposed to the false charity of friends.

Hopefully none of us are enemies...but it would be nice to hear honesty and critique rather than only historical justification or worse yet slavish praise for what may in fact be a poor fashion decision.

I suspect that Rob Roy tartan would be fine as kilt and vest, if the hose and jacket gave it some balance. John Burgess's example, and a photo posted by Matt Newsome of a gent in a red-based tartan and jacket, are excellent examples.

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....

True enough. At the end of the day, it's an example of how to dress, whether one chooses to emulate or avoid it. I'm not sure how an unflattering comparison would be taken...as I said, better to have one's enemies be honest from the anonymity of teh internets, than a friend point it out here...but I do feel very strongly that the Rob Roy tartan would be better coupled with a different jacket and hose.

[xman]

Is he also holding a matching tartan bonnet of some sort in his hand?

A simple black bonnet with red tourie I'm fairly sure.

[Whidbey78]

That's an excellent look Robert. It's clean, classy, a little understated (in a good way). I like the banded collar shirt. I used to have several of those, but they became rags years ago.



I think I will steal your "look." I can't completely pull it off though...I don't have the hair for it. I don't have hair at all on top.

This is an interesting thread with a lot of unique ideas and good inspiration.

[wildrover]

Hopefully this isn't a Repost in this particular thread...it's from the cromach thread:



To my eye, that's lookin' good. Very effective use of a bright, bold tartan!
Part of me wonders if he saw our chit-chat on the tartan jacket!

Robert, your #5 photo has the same effect...very nicely done.

I'm liking the subtle check on jacket and vest more and more. It's a dark line on The MacGregor's jacket, and Robert has a similar style in a couple photos...windowpane on the vest, solid jacket.

[saxandpipes]

Hopefully this isn't a Repost in this particular thread...it's from the cromach thread:



To my eye, that's lookin' good. Very effective use of a bright, bold tartan!
Part of me wonders if he saw our chit-chat on the tartan jacket!

Robert, your #5 photo has the same effect...very nicely done.

I'm liking the subtle check on jacket and vest more and more. It's a dark line on The MacGregor's jacket, and Robert has a similar style in a couple photos...windowpane on the vest, solid jacket.

That reminds me... I had a dream the other night that that cromach was my kilt-pin! Slightly smaller, but it still took me forever to work out how to attach it. Funny, I thought it looked familiar...

I love the hose too!

@Robert #5, Yes, love the outfits! I almost didn't notice the landscape you are in! Anyway, very naturally combined, I like it very much!

Cheers,

Michael

[Deil the Yin]

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.

In lieu of my hammer and crucifixion nails (where did I put those anyway?), I'll let you off with a stern glare... ;) and assume that you overlooked the fact that this is not just anybody wearing the "Red&Black MacGregor"... this is THE MacGregor. And after our clan has been hunted with Campbell dogs and bounty hunters and scurrilous government agents, we're still MACGREGOR DESPITE THEM!!! (insert appropriate gestures here). Just to give you another perspective on the matter...

UP THE M'GREGOR!!! ARD CHOILLE!

Good bit about the beard, though. I hadn't realised they were no longer in vogue... go figure.

[fluter]

Good bit about the beard, though. I hadn't realised they were no longer in vogue... go figure.

What?!? Beards not in vogue? good gracious, Wesley, whatever's next? Wizards in trousers???

Since my face has been innocent of razors for 35 years; just let me remain ignorant

[ P.S. Up the MacGregor! ]

[artificer]

What?!? Beards not in vogue? good gracious, Wesley, whatever's next? Wizards in trousers???

"Wizards in trousers? Not in my university! It`s sissy. People´d laugh."
~Archchancellor Mustrum Ridcully.

[Irish Jack O'Brian]

Well, if you haven't already gotten your tickets, I fear you may miss next year's ball.

There are very many wonderful pictures of THCD in the magazine section of the Royal Caledonian Ball website.