my mocker

[philibeg]

but I would like to point out that I recently saw a fashion magazine here in Holland with a special kilt spread. Very young and hip models wearing kilts with garrish checked flannel shirts and bright clashing soccor socks and trainers.

You can imagine what THAT looked like, but, sadly, it seems that its now considered hip to de-construct highland dress. And its not just the Americans who are doing it!

I hasten to add that personally I prefer plain colored shirts and socks and a nice kilt belt/sporran combination and...dare i say it? real old-fashioned garters instead of "flashes".....

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Time to be blunt. I side with Jimmy and Hamish here.

Buddy, there are times on this board where you just HAVE to be! The talk and attitudes sway like a Scottish handsewn sometimes. It's too easy, especially with kilt "newbies", to forget the tradition, heritage and culture.

It's not that there's no room for bending, but there also needs to be the benchmark for wear-ability. As soon as we forget the tradition, these will become mere "pleated garments". I know that I don't ever want to see that.

Whenever I go for advise on the kilts, I go to educated authorities who know the history. I'm being re-trained by retired Scottish kiltmakers... not some sewing idiots. When I need tartan advise and suggestions, I go to the certified authorities. The complete lack of knowledge, understanding and awareness of the history ASTOUNDS me... especially with business owners.

BE BLUNT. Without it, some won't take note and try to learn the tradition!

[macwilkin]

Jimmy,

Your last post was blunt, but with TACT. That is the key: speak your mind, but be civil and diplomatic and always act the gentleman. Sadly, that is another tradition that has not been passed along today.

For the record: I've never argued for "loud" patterned shirts or tartan shirts with tartan kilts (never, never, never!) -- I wouldn't want anyone to think me "non-traditional". :mrgreen:

Cheers,

T.

[Riverkilt]

Hmmm, so...maybe there needs to be a sub-catagory of kilt tradition for hot weather areas like here in Arizona.

My daughter sent me a beautiful silk aloha shirt for Christmas. Sort of a French or Prussian blue color with tan and cream print.

It goes perfectly with my UK tan original, and no doubt Teva sandals in the summer.

So, should I wear the tails of the shirt out for coolness and comfort, or tucked in to show off the kilt more?

Ron
(tounge firmly planted in cheek )