John D. Burgess

[davidlpope]

I came across this photo online. Besides being an outstanding piper, the late John D. Burgess had a true flair for traditional highland dress. I'm not sure if others have similar photos, but if you do, please share. I never had the opportunity to meet the gentleman, but I hope he'd appreciate that his example of highland style lives on after his passing.

Cordially,

David

[SFCRick]

great photo, looks like he has red shoe strings

[JSFMACLJR]

PM Burgess was always well turned out, a good role model for those looking at how to dress well.

[JSFMACLJR]

great photo, looks like he has red shoe strings

Yes, red shoe laces were usually worn with evening dress, sometimes with gold tassels at the ends!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

This photograph shows that traditional Highland attire can lend itself to modern style (ie: the coatee) without causing sartorial offense. A picture of Highland elegance, right down to the handkerchief tucked nonchalantly up the left sleeve of the bespoke coatee.

Gentlemen, this is how it is really done.

[MacAngus]

I have a Video of him Playing in various highland dress the best in my opinion is where he has the same tartan ross kilt.
Also he's wore a Ross tartan regulation doublet with a Ross Tartan fly plaid the hose he has on in the picture with dirk, flint lock pistol , and the powder horn.
I also have a scottish life magazine with him in it showing how to wear the gear properly.

[JSFMACLJR]

I have a Video of him Playing in various highland dress the best in my opinion is where he has the same tartan ross kilt.
Also he's wore a Ross tartan regulation doublet with a Ross Tartan fly plaid the hose he has on in the picture with dirk, flint lock pistol , and the powder horn.
I also have a scottish life magazine with him in it showing how to wear the gear properly.

Can you scan any of the pictures? I'd especially like to see him in the Ross tartan doublet.

[blackbeard]

From my designer view point, let's look at why Mr. Burgess makes it work.

The red laces tie in with the red stripe in the tartan.

Only two tones in the hose. Again the blue ties in with the blue in the tartan.

The plain white sporran. There is enough going on why bring tassels into the picture. The eye also has a chance to rest.

The kilt is the correct length.

The coatee is impeccably tailored. Correct waist length and correct sleeve length.

The belt and buckle break up the bias of the waistcoat and the straight grain of the kilt. Creating a space for the eye to rest.

I am assuming that the bow tie fabric ties in with the trim and lapels on the coatee.

[davidlpope]

Only two tones in the hose. Again the blue ties in with the blue in the tartan.

Everyone's monitor renders colors in slightly different shades so it may be hard to see, but there's no blue in his tartan- just light(yellowish) and dark green, red, and black. The tartan is Hunting Ross in the modern color scheme. Although his hose look nice and complement the colors of the tartan, they really don't match it and appear to be more of a teal blue instead of a true green. Just another example of how everything doesn't have to match to look sharp.

Cordially,

David

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I think that if you look closely you'll see that Mr. Burgess is wearing a belt because he is also wearing a dirk.