This kilt was commissioned to celebrate the life of a much loved and very well travelled aunt. My client, an Irish born Londoner married to a Scot, briefed me with photographs of her aunt, Terry, taken in the 50s and 60s, posed in a variety of glamorous, global locations, wearing a series of even more glamorous outfits, accessorised by a collection of stylish spectacles, shoes, bags and occasionally an exotic looking male, or the odd classic car.
The kilt needed to recall her style, but allow for the ease of everyday wear, taking its owner from informal to formal occasions in an understated, but individual manner. London based Dashing Tweeds end of roll collection came up trumps again, providing two pieces of modern merino wools woven in Scotland, that both use a slate grey base incorporating a rainbow flecked Irish Donegal yarn, one checked, the other striped and both jointly reflecting the wearers heritage. The side pleat in Kinguissie formation that features a deep inverted box at each hip was the preferred design, so a bold coral orange feature in Johnstons of Elgin beautiful lambswool deadstock was inset for a flash of hidden colour.
The lining was designed by my client, a digital print onto cotton, recording the places and phrases of special memories that encapsulate a life well lived. This kilt carries her memory as a modern family heirloom and I feel very privileged to have played a part in her remembrance. When I was searching for just the right kilt pin, as I always do for gift give to clients with their kilt, I normally takes some time to find something to support the story of the kilt, or client. This pin had been in my vintage favourites list on etsy before I made this kilt and couldn’t be better suited to honor the lady of stylish spectacles.
