Quote Originally Posted by ccga3359 View Post
Then this exercise in modernizing a traditional kilt is successful. It's certainly generating a lot of buzz. For me the evolution of traditional kilts is Steve Ashton's hidden front slash pockets on a traditional style tartan built kilt. Machine stitching and PV are other important evolutions. The reasons for me liking modern kilts are that (not the machine stitched PV variety) is that they are (to steal the tag from RKilts themselves) based on tradition and built for today. They share visual clues from traditional kilts but the materials used beit hemp, leather or canvas ensure that they're not mistaken as anything but modern. They are rugged, throw on the floor, chuck in the washing machine durable sort've thing. I abuse my kilts, I work in them, live in them. I jam tools and screw in the pockets when working on construction jobs. Crawl under the car? Hell why not, scare the neighbours dog, I don't care ecause the tool I need to tighten my exhaust is right there in my pocket. With the above kilt I wouldn't be straddling joists or dragging my butt across ashphalt because of the very nature of the material. I know Robert's craftsmanship would hold up but not the material itself.

I like the differences between the two styles (or era's if you will). I can wear a modern kilt, with a tee shirt and not worry too much aout getting it dirty or catching a nail. I also like the traditional kilts for which, when I wear it I'll dress apropriately, more traditional, even though as an Englishman I can't be "traditional". So much so that Jock Scot would say "There's a well dressed young man, now fetch my loader I'm going to pretend he's a grouse".

If this gets your gears churning for the foray into "modern" kilts go for it. I'll still share a pint with you down at the local. I can assure you that if you want one it doesn't take too much to twist Robert's arm.
I am stunned by Grants degree of articulation! Well said! I also agree with English Bloke...it's Ace!

Now....

While I am certain that the workmanship is probably first rate, and the general execution is flawless, I happen to agree with Grant....PERSONALLY I wouldn't wear this. Not that I have a problem with cargo pockets on a contemporary kilt, they're completely fine and man are they practical, it's just that I like the look on a camouflage or solid color kilt. Also, PERSONALLY, I prefer slash pockets to cargo, on a kilt.

But that's just me, and my personal preferences. I salute Robert for taking a chance and trying something new, and I have no doubt that he executed it admirably.