Let's talk about ghillie brogues again: the Highland perspective

[SlackerDrummer]

Jock Scot doesn't like them. I've seen pictures of ThistleDown wearing them. That says to me it's a matter of personal preference.

[unixken]

I would think if the brogues are a hard and fast fashion no-no for formal use, we wouldn't see their use demonstrated like this. Maybe it's just marketing, maybe it's not. But I would think it poor practice to do something like this as simply a "suggestive sell", in order to sell a pair of shoes...

[Tobus]

I would think if the brogues are a hard and fast fashion no-no for formal use, we wouldn't see their use demonstrated like this. Maybe it's just marketing, maybe it's not. But I would think it poor practice to do something like this as simply a "suggestive sell", in order to sell a pair of shoes...

Well, this is where I want to be careful to distinguish between, as you say, marketing and the more established traditions. It does not escape my attention that the video you referenced also features white (or off-white) hose, tartan flashes, and the ubiquitous Prince Charlie. Each of these items are common amongst kilt-hire shops and retail shops in Edinburgh and Glasgow, but aren't necessarily endorsed by the more traditional Highland Scots. What I'm looking for is not the spiel of a salesman, but the opinion of the more traditional. I hope that doesn't sound dismissive or elitist, especially considering the fine reputation of Scotweb. But it occurs to me that there are "two schools of thought" in Highland dress. The new consumer-oriented trends and the older conservative approach. It's the older conservative approach I'm looking for.

[unixken]

I understand. You've created a thought provoking thread. Certainly a bit of marketing occurs in any web store environment... agreed (though I wasn't meaning to single out any one vendor... I merely knew of that example video and where to find it quickly.) Your points about the white hose, etc., in that same example, illustrate perfectly the point I think you are trying to make... to distinguish between what is traditional... and what happens to be selling in today's market. Kudos for an excellent thread. I'm curious to see what develops here.

[Downunder Kilt]

The majority of Ghillie brogues we see being offered for sale these days are definately those that would be worn outside, see MOR"s comments. There have been two photos put up showing ghiliies that have thinner soles than the usual run of the mill ones. I think that even these two that have thicker soles than those that MOR alludes to. I have seen one pair of ghillie brogues in the past, at a black tie ball, that had a opera pump type sole eg.



The gentleman wearing the ghillies informed me that he purchased them in Scotland in the 1950's when he and his wife used to ballroom dance, him wearing his highland attire

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Down Under Kilt, thanks for posting the photo. While most gentlemen wear highly polished oxfords these days with formal attire, these shoes, with the the bow (as illustrated) or with buckles, would be perfectly acceptable for formal Highland evening attire. And a much better choice than ghillie brogues.

[opositive]

Ancienne Alliance's recent thread about his eldest daughter's wedding has lots of pics of him wearing buckle shoes. in my brief time here, AA is one of the classiest people i have ever seen. i do not think he would ever dress inappropriately.

[creagdhubh]

Down Under Kilt, thanks for posting the photo. While most gentlemen wear highly polished oxfords these days with formal attire, these shoes, with the the bow (as illustrated) or with buckles, would be perfectly acceptable for formal Highland evening attire. And a much better choice than ghillie brogues.

I have a pair in patent leather from Brooks Brothers. Silver buckles can quite easily be attached to the grosgrain bows, or left alone.

Cheers,

[Meggers]

That was a very engaging video. And the commentator has a really soothing voice!

That model was wearing ghillie brogues AND white kilt hose ;) Dun dun dunnnn.

[Paul Henry]

That was a very engaging video. And the commentator has a really soothing voice!

That model was wearing brogues AND white kilt hose ;) Dun dun dunnnn.

Perhaps a typing slip, but the model was actually wearing ghillie brogues, he wasn't wearing brogues.