Unravelling the V&A's Tartan Exhibition
My favourite question to ask or see answered in an interview with a creative is, “Where do you get your inspiration?”
This year, we committed to feeding our creativity - venturing beyond our comfort zones, exploring exhibitions, books and movies - and immersing ourselves in unique locations. Social media is unparalleled for discovering new things but inspiration is not confined to sketchbooks and screens. There is so much quickfire content out there that sometimes you need a palette cleanser to reset and remember what you love and why you love it.
Working together at Clique gives us built-in accountability and also someone to go on that journey with - what a treat to have a wee museum cafe cappuccino with a friend. We were deep into our Clique end-of-year celebrations when we realised that the Tartan exhibit at the V&A Dundee was due to finish in mid-January, so we promptly booked two tickets for “Jennt Honnon” that we remembered booking a few days later.
I'm not sure why I hadn't gone yet, especially as we’re both big V&A fans. Maybe I thought I knew everything I needed to know about tartan? As an ex-McKenzie, I’ve had plenty of experience in tartan scarves, blankets and I have a vast vintage kilt collection which, tragically, has had to be semi-retired following ADHD medication as the sensory overload of lightly itchy wool will send me into a coma.
This exhibit was made for the Jenny & Leyna partnership. With Jenny’s background in textiles and my training in pattern cutting, we came together like the warp & the weft and honestly just had a great time looking at beautiful clothes that juxtaposed tradition and innovation. I’ve come away with the unique observation that tartan is a lovely fabric - a timeless blend of heritage and style, with so much more untapped potential even after 1,500 years.
Here’s our best bits;
The Chopova Lowena Skirt
The sacrilege of starting with a non-traditional piece, but sue us for being in awe of this intoxicating mix of pleats, leather and solid metal. We stood in her presence for several minutes, a goddess that deserves her viral icon status.
Tartan Eleganza
The reversible, tartan & black sequin Violet Chachki jumpsuit. We stared, leaned right over the Do Not Touch sign, and still couldn't figure out how it transformed. Pure witchcraft.
Glen Affric Tartan
This style relic is officially crowned as the oldest surviving piece of tartan - plucked from a peat bog and from the year 1,500 - 1,600AD. I love a peat bog. I really do. If anything was found in a peat bog, I want to hear about it. I hope there will be a dedicated peat bog exhibition any day now. This was the first time this fabric has been on display; what a delicious little piece of history to have the privilege of seeing.
Manhattan Ethnic
A fantastic piece to see in person - The Manhattan Tartan Project of 1999 involved artists translating demographic data into print. Taking data and giving it a powerful visual, each thread colour in the Manhattan Ethnic tartan represents the skin colours of the ethnic groups in the city at the time.
The People’s Tartan
It took us ⅔ of the exhibition to realise that some of the items on display had a specific plaque on them and were actually personal items with stories on loan from members of the public. The handmade, sentimental and questionable tartan choices of the public were a very sweet addition.
High Fashion
It’s exhilarating to see a Scottish museum having access to and displaying big names in fashion - it’s pretty nice to be starstruck in this way. A dedicated Widows of Culloden display meant I got a chance to get up close and personal with some Alexander McQueen pattern cutting, and that’s always going to be a great day.
In summary, two tartan tarts had a lovely day out, and the V&A gift shop is a treat. Next time, we promise to book under a correctly spelt name and go nice early to give you a heads-up and a sneak peek.
Did you visit the exhibit? Did you wear tartan? Did you take a picture of that one exhibit you got a Parental Guidance warning for? Let us know!!
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