In the midst of fashion show season, there’s a dialogue about trends that come and go. But there is one particular fashion that never seems to disappear, even if it’s not on the run way.
And that’s plaid.
“It can be preppy,” says Filthy Rebena Vintage owner, Natalie Bradshawe. “But it can also be the counter culture that wears it.”
Plaid originated in Scotland in the 1700s, and was worn by different clans to represent their territories. It came to Canada in the early 1900s, as a number of Scottish immigrated west.
Since then, plaid has represented a number of movements and ways of life.
As a symbol of British aristocracy, the 70s punk movement re-appropriated the royal tartan pattern to express dissatisfaction with the ruling class and its social control.
It’s also been a symbol of the working class, but was re-popularized by grunge in the 90s as an expression of working class, anti-consumer sentiments.
As for it’s popularity today, Bradshawe says it’s because plaid is both fashionable and functional.
“It actually does keep you warm if you have a good flannel or wool plaid. It serves a purpose while focusing on a trend.”
