But is it still a kilt?

[tundramanq]

I am posessed by 28 Utilikilts, the New Standard won't be added. The four styles they grew the company on are true utilitarian kilts designed for specific purposes. I hope this is their last shot at kilt with only a fashion purpose.

[CDNSushi]

Even the most successful companies in the world have brain-farts in which they release products where everyone shakes their head and says, "What were they thinking?" From Apple and Sony, to Ford and Chevy... But what separates the companies that survive from the ones that don't is their ability to turn around those DURR moments and go on to produce their next success.

I think UK has pretty much scraped the bottom on their concept as it stands. I actually wouldn't be surprised if they started "innovating" by going the other way -- more trad., perhaps even tartan.

[tundramanq]

That is the problem with marketing to the kiddies. They don't want what was hot last year. Nothing wrong with the basic 4 models and they still sell well to the adult crowd. They have real quality issues and I think the marketing money would be better spent on the products instead of the "____ Cons" and Festivals.

[kc8ufv]

CDNSushi - I like that idea. Probably would end up cotton twill instead of wool, but I can't see a reason it couldn't be done. Only issue I see is they use comodity fabrics, and the tartan/plaid cotton fabrics I have seen tend to be printed patterns instead of woven, so the pattern doesn't always line up across x threads. (One spot a line might cross 3 threads, another it frosses 2 completely, and is halfway across another 2).

[cruiser348]

Even the most successful companies in the world have brain-farts in which they release products where everyone shakes their head and says, "What were they thinking?" From Apple and Sony, to Ford and Chevy... But what separates the companies that survive from the ones that don't is their ability to turn around those DURR moments and go on to produce their next success.

I think UK has pretty much scraped the bottom on their concept as it stands. I actually wouldn't be surprised if they started "innovating" by going the other way -- more trad., perhaps even tartan.

Read this post and pictured a man wearing one of these stepping out of a Pontiac Aztec.

But, back to the topic. I think I would call it a kilt if I saw another man wearing it somewhere. But, there is no way I would consider wearing one. That however isn't because I think it's a skirt; it's because I think it's just ugly.

[tundramanq]

LOL I agree - on both counts - the car looks better totaled though - IMHO.

[xdepuydt]

What is in a name?... The New Standard has features that can be associated with a kilt. But it is designed to attract interest from a completely different group of customers. I don't think therefore that it is useful (for Utilikilts) to brand it as a kilt. People associate kilts with the traditional thing. The person who looks for the New Standard won't search for a“kilt”. The New Standard is a unbifurcated garment for men. There is a lot of reticence by the male community to call it a “ male skirt”. So, Utilikilts should look for another name. If you combine male and skirt, you get: “mirt”. The New Standard could be named “Utilimirt”.

[CDNSushi]

So, Utilikilts should look for another name. If you combine male and skirt, you get: “mirt”. The New Standard could be named “Utilimirt”.

So... By that logic, does that mean that a male dress is a "mess?"

Whatever you do... Don't tell John Fishman.. (The drummer from Phish)

[tundramanq]

LOL Sushi, I think we are stuck with "everything under the sun" being called a kilt. It's the only word with the universal recognition as being a male skirt. John Q Public has no clue as to the fine points that make a skirt a kilt. I do educate when the opportunity arises.

[Taj]

I like the look of it, though I prefer a wrap style for comfort. Having never worn this new garment I can't claim that it would be uncomfortable. As for nomenclature, language is a living thing that changes over time. If it is a man's skirted garment it is more convenient to call it a kilt. If you need a specific descriptor give it the name that UK finally settles on. We already distinguish between traditional and modern kilts. It reminds me of how many kinds of screwdrivers there are. "Kilt" for a man's skirt follows the K.I.S.S. principle.