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Players in Plaid From bespoke tartans to grunge checks, say ‘yes, please’ to plaids

Photography by Leung Pakting / Styling by Declan Chan / Hair by Him Ng / Model Ayu Lin / Words by Harriet Quick

If 2017 was all about stripes, this year is proud to wear plaid. It signals a tribal allegiance wherever you are in the world. The same is true for Balenciaga’s bespoke tartans that were fashioned into strict, pencil skirts; in grungy shirtdresses by Adaptation or in McQueen’s fiery fusion of tailored shirts and reworked kilts that were inspired by the founder’s Scottish heritage.

What’s fascinating about these checks is that you will find the derivations in as diverse a location as Buckingham Palace, Tokyo’s underground and the Nepalese foothills and that is what gives designers ample room for play. Plaids travel far and wide. Try Chitose Abe’s semi sheer check tulle bombers and joggers at Sacai or Enfold’s cold shoulder dress that looks like a clever layer up of lumberjack shirts. The image is both rugged and noble: as a primer for Spring 2018 who could ask for a better disguise?

2018-02-26 00:04:00.0