Tartan and Tweed is a comprehensive look at the chequered history of tartan and tweed from their origins in the Scottish Highlands to their reinvention, growing and continued popularity and use in contemporary fashion design, music, art and film. Both tweed and tartan are fabrics with a strong cultural identity and history. But they have been reinvented to create multiple meanings, particularly when used in street fashions and in haute couture to mimic or parody the aristocracy, and to act as a subversive symbol of rebellion. This lavishly illustrated book focuses on fashion over the last century whilst looking back at the journey these fabrics have made from traditional cloth to stylish fabrics. We follow the early popularity of tartan and tweed including the fabrics' connections from crofters and clans to aristocracy, and look at tweed's dramatic recovery during an economic crisis and its subsequent re-invention as desirable luxury fashion fabric. The book explores the use of tartan and tweed in fashion in the collections of leading designers including Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Chanel who have used these textiles in a fresh, subversive way, while also paying tribute to their history. Making use of first person sources, historic documents, paintings and fashion photographs, this is a complete overview of tartan and tweed in Scotland and beyond.

Tweed is one of Scotland's great gifts to the world. Woven into every strand of this most authentic and rugged of cloths is an extraordinary heritage of innovation and creativity. The Art of Tweed explores the landscapes, textures, and patterns of this glorious fabric. From the rolling hills of Scotland's country estates to the rhythmic clatter of looms in our last-surviving mills. From artisan weavers on the Isle of Harris to the high fashion of international catwalks and urban designers reimagining tweed for the streets. Here is a story of romance, nostalgia, sustainability, and style-- of an effortlessly versatile cloth and its unique place in our lives. Whether fashioned into a flat cap or tailored into a cape, the story of tweed is a story to be shared.

For more than ten years, Suzy Gershman has been leading savvy shoppers to the world's best finds. Now Born to Shop London is easier to use and packed with more up-to-date listings and shopping secrets than ever before. Inside you'll find: The best of the shopping scene, from world-class department stores ands trendy boutiques to street markets and sample sales Excellent values, from antiques to Doc Martens Great gift ideas, even for the friend who has everything—plus the best gifts for less than $15 The best airfare, hotel, and dining values—so you can maximize your shopping dollars Detailed city maps and shopping tours

A hip and contemporary guide to all things tartan, this book explores the patterns, fabrics and fashions which have evolved from the clans of Scotland.