While tartan for men in the shape of kilts tends to be restricted to special occasions such as weddings, graduations and as part of military dress. For women tartan has always been more of an everyday outfit whether in the form of a mini, hostess or Billie kilt, shawl, bodice, bag or hair clips. Tartan is also frequently used in girls school uniforms. Lightweight tartan shawls have been a staple of the Highland woman’s wardrobe from the mid-nineteenth century, as well as keeping warm their function was also decorative to emphasise the cut of dresses at the time. From the Catwalk to the High Street tartan has played an on-going and evolving role lending itself to a myriad of trends from glamour, Goth and punk and as a staple of traditional classic tailoring. Tartans fashion credentials began in the early twentieth century. In the 1920’s Chanel introduced a shorter kilt suitable to the style of the roaring twenties. Vivienne Westwood can be credited with doing more for tartan than any other designer. Westwood has used tartan to evoke Highland fantasies, punk and structured tailoring. Striking pieces included fitting bodices, mini-skirts, wraps and tailored jackets. With a love of the Royal Stewart and Royal Stewart Hunting Westwood also designed her own tartans which she worked on with Locharran, one of Scotland’s top weavers. Most recently her work has been referenced by Japanese designers who share her passion for the plaid.