Dress tartan = failed concept?

[Tobus]

I'm curious where the idea of a "dress tartan" came from. When did they first appear?

It seems to have been a fad that either never caught on or was very short-lived. I can't recall seeing pictures of anyone wearing a dress tartan, except possibly some Highland dancers. And it seems that when people dress formally, they always go with traditional setts and full color.

So what's the story with dress tartans? Were they ever in vogue within traditional circles? And does anybody here actually wear a kilt in a dress tartan? I'd be curious to see pictures.