I was asked a little while ago, Gentle Reader, at a gathering about the Maccon plaid, or perhaps the Kingair colors. Embarrassingly enough, I had nothing in mind when I originally wrote the Parasol Protectorate books, so I threw the question out to the interwebs.
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On Twitter the feeling seems to be in favor of yellows and golds, red, earth tones, and (surprising me) violet/heather.
@WritingWTF
Kinnaird sounds similar, but I’d think more gold (nobility) & red (b/c, duh, werewolves) is in order
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| Jacket Paquin, 1938-1940 Kerry Taylor Auctions |
@yoritomo_reiko
I have to admit, the first colors that came to mind were purple-grey (heather), brown (wolf fur) and yellow (eyes)
@dsawyer
I’m thinking violet for the full moon, gold and green for the heather fields, and red for the blood of fresh prey
@PinkBBWhiskey
Well here we have the MacConnell which could be the line the Maccons were split from…
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On Facebook the discussion deviated:
Talia said definitely some hunter green involved…
Becky decided on history:
There are some surprisingly eye bending tartans out there. Some archaeological evidence suggests that the celts have favored bright colors for centuries. Also, it was during Queen Victoria’s reign that the Scots got “rehabilitated” into something acceptable and the modern tartans were codified and associated with clans.
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| Coat 1960s Timeless Vixen Vintage |
So what do you think?
GAIL’S DAILY DOSE
Your Moment of Parasol . . .
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| Child Size Plaid Parasol 1920s |
Your Infusion of Cute . . .
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| 1840-1845 The Metropolitan Museum of Art |
Your Tisane of Smart . . .
Your Writerly Tinctures . . .
Do as I say, not as I do! Anonymous librarians confess to breaking their own rules and a series of guilty pleasures.
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Tags: CHANGELESS, Parasol Protectorate, Special Extras, Victorian Culture
Make it a BACON tartan!
Also, it should be noted that "It is generally regarded that "clan tartans" date no earlier than the beginning of the 19th century." This had much to do with Prince Albert and Queen Elizabeth's love for Balmoral/Scottish things. Tartan became trendy, Clans started to regain a sense of pride in their Scottishness, and their clothing became a part of it. Before that, they wore whichever ones were conveniently made nearby rather than picking one for their own. With this in mind, Lord Maccon may have not chosen one at all. Trendy doesn't really seem his style. Also, sometime around there he would have ditched the Kingairs to go to London…