Sam Heughan, Jamie from Outlander, Sets Fall Fashion Trend
Just in case you want to wear a little piece of Jamie Fraser close to your heart (and who doesn’t?) Sam Heughan, who plays the russet-haired Scottish hunk in Starz’ TV adaptation of the bestselling Outlander book series, has inadvertently set a hot new fashion trend. It’s the simply forged Celtic brooch, perfect for keeping the loosely woven scarf or wrap in place. What we love most about it? It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, and could also be used as a weapon, in case any nasty red-coated Sassenachs sneak up on you.
I was fortunate enough to see one of these little beauties hand-forged recently on Grania Murray’s Irish Design Retreat. I watched in awe as Gunvor Anhøj quickly crafted the Celtic Brooch, using the same type of tools they might have used in Jamie and Claire’s day. Gunvor and her husband Michael Calnan, who worked with Seattle-based glass artist Dale Chihuly, have a rustic studio in the courtyard at Ireland’s historic Russborough House, where they also make contemporary pieces, like hand-forged light fixtures, and statues such as the spectacular Venetian Hare.
Having a little Celtic Brooch like this one just might help enthusiasts of the series survive what’s currently being called, “Draughtlander,” or the time between when Season 1 ended in May, 2015, and Season 2 premiers, “sometime in the first half of 2016.” The cast and crew are currently shooting episodes, based on “Dragonfly in Amber,” the second book in Diana Gabaldon’s eight-book series. At least the first five episodes occur in France, where Jamie and Claire have fled, and are attempting to foil what has come to be known as the “Battle of Culloden,” which effectively ended the Scottish clan system as Jamie knew it. Claire, having inadvertently traveled back in time from 1940’s England where her husband was a historian, knows it’s coming.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers in the second season, but there was a casting notice circulating not long ago calling for an actress approximately 5’8″ in height for the character of “Brianna.” The more she looks like either or both Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan, the better. She’ll be Claire and Jamie’s daughter, of course, and TVLine reports that she’s described as “strong-minded, intelligent beyond her years with an effortless charm and sparkling sense of humor (traits inherited from both her mother and father.)” Obviously, we’ll be skipping ahead in backwards time.
While you’re trying to make sense of that, enjoy wearing your Celtic Brooch. And see what the actors themselves have to say about next season.
Sam Heughan, Jamie from Outlander, Sets Fall Fashion Trend
