This Spring, Trust Thom(p)son

Tartan is making a big statement again this season, popping up on the runways of New York Fashion Week and city streets from Paris to Tokyo. It's safe to say that tartan is in, and on trend. The crisscrossing of brilliant colours may be one of Scotland's most treasured traditions, but this ancient fabric is a staple of many contemporary fashion houses.

Tartan has spanned decades in style and is a standout fashion trend for Spring 2020. CR Fashion Book notes, “Tartan’s history tells a story about identity, which seems fitting for modern runway collections". The many tartan styles from Fashion Week illustrate this, from bold coats to ruffled dresses. Whatever you're trying to say about yourself this spring, let your Scottish check talk for you.

Thompson Camel features as one of the key looks in our Spring Collection for 2020 and is already proving to be a hot favourite. Consisting of a creamy camel base with a large black and white check, accented with red, Thompson Camel makes a modern statement with a traditional twist. One of our favourite pieces is our new mid-length Tartan Kilted Skirt in Thompson Camel, hitting mid knee and flattering any leg shape. Perfect for everyday style or formal affairs, our Kilted Skirt is a staple of any wardrobe and our best selling skirt style, with perfectly matched stripes and quality kilt buckles, our cloth is woven in Scotland and your skirt is made in Scotland so you are assured of quality and authenticity.

You may have noticed a certain internationally renowned fashion brand has a check very similar to Thompson Camel and indeed there have been a few legal wrangles over the difference between the Burberry check and the historical Thompson variation. Count your black lines - four for Thompson (two wide and two narrower) and only three for Burberry, all of which are the same width and equally spaced. Burberry’s Spring/Summer 2000 campaign featured Kate Moss and a Scottish-styled wedding party entirely checked out in the Burberry tartan. This highlights the versatility of tartan, with its traditional style used in a modern aesthetic.

The designers of today, Rosie Assoulin and Khaite, have reinvented looks inspired by the tartan. These looks fully embellish the theme of tradition with a twist, with a light-weight and comfortable style these styles are perfect for a sunny summer stroll.

Chanel is the first to come to mind when thinking of tradition and chic combined. Here the legendary design house shows off very similar tones to the Thompson Camel tartan at Paris Fashion Week.

Subtle, natural colours appear to be the main palette for this year’s tartan and check looks, dressed up with a striking bold colour. Soft, spring purple hues and checked patterns were on show at Nina Ricci’s 20 runway show at Paris Fashion Week.

During Milan’s Fashion Week there were corresponding themes in men and women’s – does that mean wearing the same tartan as your other half? Harpers Bazaar states “Couples that match together stay together” with backup on this theory from Game of Thrones actress Maisie Williams and boyfriend Reuben Selby who wore coordinating outfits.

The couple wears black and white checked suits with a flash of red and pink eyeshadow brightening up their look with a dash of colour.

Of course, not every trend has to be followed and it can be hard to keep up with styles changing so rapidly but adding a hint of colour is always a great way to freshen up your look. Thompson Camel tartan follows this rule with its flare of red and invites you to get creative, whether it’s with matching red kilt socks or red lips! This spring, trust Thompson Camel.