(See what we did there? Like the love child of ‘Got milk’ and ‘You’ve been tangoed’)
Laura Reynolds looks at the hype surrounding the collaboration.
Just a week to go until the man in red arrives...
A recent conversation with friends about our nostalgia for a world of fine dining, tea parties and most things we like but lack; conveniently coincided with both my plans to talk about the country look this week and a TV programme about the Queen as a style icon.
So you’ve noticed the new "Dolce & Gabbana" magazine advert too? It filled me with a mix of shock at the step away from outfits for suave night clubs to a countryside setting, and excitement with the encouragement for us to dress as, and act as, upstanding country ladies and gentlemen. It’s so refreshing to see an Autumn/Winter collection really drumming home a theme that works full-on for guys and girls.
Checked shirts or tartan ones with those few extra colours worked in will be complemented by a simple coat in a rain-mac style. If you want it to coordinate with a particularly special tartan piece, pick out one of the colours from the pattern- you can’t really go wrong as the shape of these coats complement both masculine and feminine shapes.
Today I think it’d be hard to deny that some durable fabrics with tartan, dog-tooth and tweed patterns tailored into smart pieces are not associated with Scotland and sports played traditionally by high society and old ladies.
Queen Victoria’s reign was the first period of time that the British really developed a fondness of tartan patterns. Woollen checked trousers and suits were worn by those lucky enough to play ‘the country man’ at the weekends. There’s no denying that the Scottish claim tartan as an indication of their family roots but they aren’t the only Brits with a tartan heritage. Here’s where it was first picked up with fashion first in mind by the royals themselves.
The truth is: such garments show off beautifully both a woman’s curves and a musclar male build (whether they have it or not- clever tailoring does a great job in helping creating fantastic shapes in everyone). Why shouldn’t we wear what looks great, feels great out doors in the open and keeps our bones warm through the winter?
If the adoption by "D&G" of traditional patterned pieces doesn’t appeal to you just yet, notice that they’re not on their own. "Jaeger London"’s designer, Karen Boyd worked in some stylish pieces on the catwalk that look great for going out and perfect for coming back to a warm fireplace. Traditionally tartan is worn for the practical, comfortable function of clothing while modern designers tweak them by adding a new twist.
Prince Charles as well as Princes William and Harry all sport smart outfits and at times seem to adopt some pieces that are strongly reminiscent of the country, with all the fine suits and riding boots that a gentleman in the country should don.
Now, let’s talk about the Queen… Consider she is a lady whose life is under public scrutiny and royal obligation. I haven’t met many Brits who aren’t proud to have Queen Elizabeth as their queen and get the impression othe countries are equally as fond of our monarchy.
Now, the Queen obviously will wear what is fit for the occasion; e.g. a ball gown to a ball, the crown after her coronation ceremony...that’s obvious, but what often goes unnoticed is her wardrobe that reflects her love of the country. Okay, so I haven’t asked the Queen personally if she loves the country, but I can see that she wears everything I can imagine a lady who loves the country would.
What more influential British figure would you follow with fashion? I mean, the lady wears headscarves but still makes them look like her crown. Neckscarves of silk and rich, royal reds, blues and gold, thick flannel jackets, warm boots, big bags (incase you happen to fancy a picnic). Take some inspiration from equestrian sport perhaps to carry with you a fresh air of the country.
Remember; the Queen has the last word.
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