The Secret Life of Tartan: How a Cloth Shaped a Nation

by Vixy Rae

Tartan is so much more than just a cloth. From its clan origins in the Scottish Highlands to the catwalks of Milan, London, and New York, from its regimental history to its anti-establishment status, tartan has not only shaped a nation but has become an international style icon. The Secret Life of Tartan is as colorful and interwoven as the threads of the fabric itself. From troops in Black Watch tartan controlling Highland rebels to the Balmoral tartan exclusively worn by royalty, from the first tartan on the moon to the pattern of choice for punk and high fashion alike, tartan truly has a remarkable universal status. Today, tartan evokes history, kinship, tradition, romance, irreverence, fashion, and style. The Secret Life of Tartan unravels the truths and the myths of the cloth that shaped a nation to reveal how it has captured hearts around the world.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Fashion, Scotland

304 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I'm no Scot, but I love plaid wholeheartedly - and I wanted to love this book the same! Unfortunately, that didn't quite happen. It's clear that the author cares deeply about fabric and design, and it was nice to see her enthusiasm come through, but overall, I found myself wanting greater depth of information and cleaner organization. Also, while the photographs are undeniably gorgeous, they rarely illustrate the content directly, even when that would be helpful. Alas. Even so, it's a very handsome book and it's breezily written, so if you're looking for something fun for your coffee table, don't let me dissuade you! You'll likely learn a new tartan fact or two (spoiler alert: Sir Walter Scott is ONCE AGAIN the hero of Scotland) - it's just that you might have to go off and do some personal research in order to fill in the gaps. You may also be inspired to commission stylish tartan pieces from bespoke Scottish tailors and/or binge-watch Braveheart, Brigadoon, and all of Outlander. (So far, I've resisted, but just giving you fair warning.)

[Chianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure what I was expecting, but this was interesting to say the least...

I'm sure at some point it'll be a coffee table book...so pretty and full or pretty pictures.

Having seen Vixy Rae on Men in Kiltz in her shop was a nice bonus while reading.

Stewart Christie is the stuff of dreams :o)

[Kristina W · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I confess I learned about this one from a specific interest, and only read one chapter initially, I flipped through it with the intent to read "later". Later finally came and I found it interesting, and enjoyed the format.

[Catie]

Recommended on Miranda Mills YouTube Channel - January 2021

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

The photos and images needed cutlines to identify persons, events, and -- most importantly -- the tartans being featured.

[Awjtf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Learned so much about tartan.