trainspotter star Francis Begbie in argyle giving the finger to the camera

The Big Screen

In 1996 Pringle’s argyle pattern made its name on the big screen.

You won’t spot many trains in Trainspotting – but you will see a lot of our argyle. Arguably Danny Boyle’s greatest ever villain, brawler Francis Begbie gave the golfing look a gangster edge, accessorising his statement pastel yellow sweater with gold chains and a lot of attitude. Jump forward a few years, you might also have spotted his grey and pink argyle in the movie’s sequel T2 over ten years later.

The epitome of rebellion, his looks became synonymous with streetstyle culture and the urban underground.

Francis Begbie wearing classic argyle sweater while drinking and playing pool

Fast forward to today

Pop culture icons continue to don their diamond-patterned finest. From supermodels such as Sophie Dahl and respected actors including Ewan McGregor and Tilda Swinton, to global sport stars like David Beckham, the argyle diamond continues to shine in the spotlight, both on and off the big screen.

Amongst velour tracksuits and pocketless jeans, argyle found its place in the fashion trends of the noughties.

This iconic pattern has not only been featured in cult classics but also the grunge rock scene. 90s icon Kurt Cobain famously donned the argyle in the last formal photoshoot with his band Nirvana.

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