Contemporary Tartan Cargo... You know you want one!!

[English Bloke]

Just spotted this link on another forum. It's a cargo Kilt made from 16oz strome MacDonald of Clanranald.

I think it's absolutely stunning and would wear it in a heart-beat.

Unfortunately, Our mate Robert of RKilts has concluded it's far too much hassle to build and is determined that there won't be another unless serious wonga is involved which probably puts it out of my bracket. Shame really, I'm sure there would be a considerable market. It's like the bridge between trad and funk.





There's a more detailed explanation on the link to Robert's Blog above but be careful, the pics are HUGE!!

[Alan H]

***insert low whistle here**

whoooiiieee... that's some work. No. That's a LOT of work. I am impressed.

[ccga3359]

I'm all for front slash pockets in a traditional style tartan kilt and I like my cargo pockets in my non tartan kilts (I have more non tartan kilts of which 3 are RKilts, and I can attest to their quality. For me this would is a non starter. I can appreciate the work Canuck put into this, I can also appreciate the uniqueness of the kilt. I don't see this as the evolution of the tartan kilt though. I will say that with all the effort put into matching the tartans those pockets are difficult to see at a glance and only after staring for a while would I notice that they were there, that would e the price of admission right there.

[auld argonian]

Hey...it looks right nice...I think it's a perfect hybrid. I'd certainly consider one if it were a "production" model and wasn't going to make the kilt maker tear his/her hair out in the making of it. One of those in the PV would be fine.

As to being obscure, difficult to obtain and expensive...well, just how long have you been hanging around in this forum? Those qualities just seem to fuel the feeding frenzy.

Best

AA

[biblemonkey]

Me likey...Me wanty...

"Not available"

Me sad...

P.S. In my search for a cargo kilt online I found this...

http://www.highlandkilt.com/GAIF%20-%20Guinness.JPG

DRINK ME OR ELSE!

[rondo]

First cargo style kilt that I've seen that I actually like. I wonder though, if a complementing solid cargo pocket might look good on a tartan cargo kilt.

Rondo

[ccga3359]

I'd certainly consider one if it were a "production" model and wasn't going to make the kilt maker tear his/her hair out in the making of it.

Then go ahead and order from Robert, I assure you he wont (can't) spend much time tearing out his/her own hair. Let's just say not every one is blessed with gorgeous flowing golden locks.

[English Bloke]

... For me this would is a non starter. ... I don't see this as the evolution of the tartan kilt. ... those pockets are difficult to see at a glance and only after staring for a while would I notice that they were there, that would be the price of admission right there.

Grant. I'm just dipping my toes in the water and I bow to your experience with modern kilts which is considerably greater than mine. I understand that you are committed to one style (traditional Scottish) OR the other (contemporary) rather than a hybrid mash-up, but this is precisely why I think this Kilt is such a breakthrough. It DOES look like a traditional Kilt at first glance. It is great and innovative styling to combine contemporary features with traditional materials. I think it's a superb piece of work though I do appreciate the complexities of production. Unfortunately this probably puts it out of the reach of most Kilt buyers and means it will likely remain unique.

I'll bet Hamish would like one!

[Jock Scot]

Grant. I'm just dipping my toes in the water and I bow to your experience with modern kilts which is considerably greater than mine. I understand that you are committed to one style (traditional Scottish) OR the other (contemporary) rather than a hybrid mash-up, but this is precisely why I think this Kilt is such a breakthrough. It DOES look like a traditional Kilt at first glance. It is great and innovative styling to combine contemporary features with traditional materials. I think it's a superb piece of work though I do appreciate the complexities of production. Unfortunately this probably puts it out of the reach of most Kilt buyers and means it will likely remain unique.

I'll bet Hamish would like one!

I am sorry EB, that really does not look like a traditional kilt at first glance. How can it with those pockets standing out like a sore thumb and with all those narrow belt loops? It is without doubt a skilled piece of work, but not traditional at first glance.

[Tobus]

I agree, Jock, even at a quick glance it would be pretty had to confuse this with a traditional kilt.

That said, though, I like it! If the traditional kilt were to evolve beyond mere tradition and start to gain attributes for functionality in the modern world, this kilt would likely be the result. It retains a strong sense of traditional styling and form, yet satisfies the need for large cargo pockets and modern belt-wearing trends.

Is this kilt made to be worn at the actual waist, or lower down on the hips like a modern kilt? Judging by the length of the fell, I'm guessing the latter. That, too, would make it more of a modern style kilt, departing pretty drastically from tradition. But again, it's what most people would want in a modern evolution of the traditional kilt.

All in all, I think it's great! While I mostly wear traditional kilts, I do like the functionality of my Utilikilt for hiking and working outside, and would love to own a 'cargo kilt' like this that would be a compromise between tradition and modern functionality.

As for Robert of RKilts not wanting to make this again, I think he would change his mind if the money was good enough. The question is... does a market exist for this style? If so, how much would people be willing to pay for one like this?