Modern kilt by Lady Chrystel

**Ancienne Alliance** · 9th June 10, 09:07 AM

Lady Chrystel made herself a new friend on the Internet.

She, her husband and 3 children left Paris city life and came to live in the French Alps, not very far from us (the next valley).

Her husband has been wanting a kilt for a long time, but not a traditional kilt; something completely original.

So they sat down one afternoon and figured it out .

It was going to be made from Black isle tartan 16oz Jura range from Marton Mills, for a “MacAbre” look, as would say Hamish.

They settled for 3 HUGE double pleats in the back and 2 reverse Kingussie pleats on each side.

One under apron pocket.

It's not a casual kilt; more a smart 6 yards comtemporary kilt to hit the town in the evening.

He wears it low...

Wanna see it ?

Here goes :

Best,

Robert

**CMcG** · 9th June 10, 09:16 AM

That is really cool! I like how it looks modern without being a break with tradition; it's more like an evolution.

**Whidbey78** · 9th June 10, 11:07 AM

Interesting mix of pleating styles. Those three pleats in the back almost make a "back apron." Sweeping those pleats and keeping them in good shape would probably be ridiculously easy, and the Kingussie pleats would allow smooth flow when moving around. I can't envision it moving like a traditional box pleat or a Kingussie.

I like it, and may make something similar for myself at some point but not with expensive material.

The Lady is brave and confident to try something like that. My hat's off to her for her workmanship and especially for her creativity.

My question is "How is the swish?"

**Ancienne Alliance** · 9th June 10, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by Whidbey78

Interesting mix of pleating styles. Those three pleats in the back almost make a "back apron." Sweeping those pleats and keeping them in good shape would probably be ridiculously easy, and the Kingussie pleats would allow smooth flow when moving around. I can't envision it moving like a traditional box pleat or a Kingussie.

I like it, and may make something similar for myself at some point but not with expensive material.

The Lady is brave and confident to try something like that. My hat's off to her for her workmanship and especially for her creativity.

My question is "How is the swish?"

Firts of all Thank you for the kind words.

The first thing that comes to mind whilst beholding someone wearing this kilt isn't :

“ Hey ! Rock n'Roll !”... it's rather: “Oh my God ! Is that a kilt ? Why, it's so elegant”

One reason is, in my view because, the swish is understated.

Understated BUT there nonetheless : after all, with 16oz worsted wool and incredibly deep pleats, you can't go wrong swish-wise.

Best,

Robert

toadinakilt · 9th June 10, 11:40 AM

Forgive me, I'm not understanding the pleating scheme exactly. Can somebody use MSPaint or something to sketch it out for me?

That is an absolutely brilliant looking kilt, though. I was thinking about massive box pleats just last night, actually. Wondering how they would look, behave, etc. Sounds like they're completely viable!

**Ancienne Alliance** · 9th June 10, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by toadinakilt

Forgive me, I'm not understanding the pleating scheme exactly. Can somebody use MSPaint or something to sketch it out for me?

That is an absolutely brilliant looking kilt, though. I was thinking about massive box pleats just last night, actually. Wondering how they would look, behave, etc. Sounds like they're completely viable!

Kingussie pleats are knife pleats fanning out from a hind, central box pleat.

Reversed Kingussie pleats are knife pleats fanning from the apron towards the back.

In this case, 2 very deep knife pleats on each side, fanning towards 3 huge Double box pleats at the back .

Best,

Robert