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This season of The Heatley Cliff, we have taken a bit more of an “educational exploration” vibe. We wanted to bring you informative topics about history,  literature, fashion and design  that demonstrated the lifestyle of Modern Manor Living that we have at our cozy yet grand manor.

And this week, it’s all about Plaid. Don’t worry, I won’t go into the complete history of plaid. But what I will be highlighting is how right from the beginning, plaid has been on the backs of rebels, musicians, artists and good old fashioned badasses. That’s why Jordan Catalano was always wearing plaid.  Too bad Cousin Tino couldn’t get them a proper gig.

In the 2000s, plaid can mean both class and rebelliousness. But  like the days of yore, when the Highlanders wore plaid to show unity and rebellion, many societal sub-cultures and individuals still wear plaid to distinguish themselves and to make their own statements.

For example…

1960s Surfers

Believe it or not, a typical “surfer” outfit in 1960s America was a plaid shirt, floppy hat and white Levis. *Fun-loving badasses*

Bob Dylan

 Image courtesy of marshallmatlock.com

Who knew why Bob wore it, but when he did, he made a statement of being one with the working class. One with the people who were wanting to make a change for the future. *Revolutionary badass*

1990s Grunge Scene

Who here went to high school in the ’90s and listened to Nirvana, Sound Garden and Pearl Jam? Who stole their Dad’s plaid shirts and cut the sleeves off? Who here owned a pair of cherry, green or black Docs and always paired them with a plaid shirt tied around their waist?  *Disgruntled, wear too much eye liner, sit in your room all day, you don’t understand me, get out of my room, I want to move to Seattle badasses*