Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

MANILA - The last time we saw the fashion landscape afflicted with a plaid fad was during the grunge era of the ’90s—a time replete with long hair, tattered jeans and big, bad Doc Martens.

Thanks to iconic alternative bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, plus a classic Aerosmith video starring Alicia Silverstone as a riot girl, plaid and flannel became a wardrobe staple for all rock-star wannabes and groupies.

Now, plaid is making a huge comeback, but it’s singing a different tune far removed from any grungy, rolled-out-of-bed look.

Designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni and Ralph Lauren have been churning out polished runway looks, bringing back royalty to the tartan, the beloved cloth of Her Majesty the Queen.

There is more to plaid than the distinguishable patterned print. Most associated with the Scottish kilt worn as a dress uniform, plaid traces its history to ancient Scottish clans. The tartan material was originally a sort of distinguishing uniform for the many clans in the highlands and islands of Scotland.

It was generally made of linen, and although the earliest references to this garment described it as light-colored, it might have been of a darker yellow shade. Later on, colored stripes were incorporated to indicate the rank of the wearer. For instance, a High King wore seven stripes, one of these being purple, the color of royalty.

Mismatching

Eventually, plaid grew from being little better than a rug to a long piece of material between 12 and 15 feet in length, which the highlanders would pleat around their waists in folds and pull over their heads like a hood for use as a blanket at night.

By 1730, the cloth had evolved from simple stripes and patterns into what is called tartan today, from the French word tartaine.

Modern uses for plaid incorporate some mismatching checkered techniques. Take D&G, which ignited the plaid reincarnation with an array of twin-sets over calf-grazing kilts and long blazers that topped full skirts in mismatched tartans, complete with checked tights and silk handkerchiefs tied just below the chin.

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