Opinions on a concept?

[cavscout]

I've been toying with the idea of picking up some of F & K's Black fabric or really any nice black fabric to make a kilt from. The SWK hidden tartan would be great for this I think. The concept that I would like your opinions on is this.

I want the outfit to resemble the look of a Tux consisting of black trousers with a white jacket. Kind of along the lines of Bogart in Casablanca.



The twist I want, is to us a matching black plaid.

So I imagine a white waist coat with maybe a black vestor cumberbund, white shirt, black tie, black plaid, black kilt, black hose and shoes. Buttons, broch, and pin would be silver.

[davedove]

I have seen cream colored Prince Charlie jackets, so the basic color scheme does exist. What you're basically trying to adapt is the white/off-white dinner jacket look.

[cavscout]

Yeah, I prefer the White. I think it is jsut such a simple classic look. I am concerned about there being too much black that it will look like I'm in mourning.

[Raphael]

Why not? It is style like this will give designers new ideas and design something new and innovative. It had been too long since people are aggressively introducing innovative ideas for the kilt fashion trade. Concept like yours will show the public that not all kilt outfitts are created the same.

[macwilkin]

Cavscout,

I'm going to play the "Devil's advocate" here -- remember that the white dinner jacket is designed to be an alternative for the black formal jacket in the summer time, or on a cruise. It's your decision, and if you like the look, then go for it, but I thought I should bring that up.

Now, on the other side, you see very few white dinner jackets these days, and the customs of formal wear have been lost to many, especially here in the colonies, but there are still some of us "bluff old traditionalists" around.;)

That's just my opinion, for what that's worth...

Cheers,

Todd

[cavscout]

That's a valid point Todd. Thanks for mentioning it. Of course, everyone would be talking about why I'm wearing white after Labor Day :mrgreen:, they probably wouldn't even notice the kilt :mrgreen:

[Colin]

Hey, take of the epulets and replace with white ones, Add silver buttons instead of gold, and use a black cumberband and this may work.

[Mike n NC]

Cavscout,

I'm going to play the "Devil's advocate" here -- remember that the white dinner jacket is designed to be an alternative for the black formal jacket in the summer time, or on a cruise. It's your decision, and if you like the look, then go for it, but I thought I should bring that up.

Now, on the other side, you see very few white dinner jackets these days, and the customs of formal wear have been lost to many, especially here in the colonies, but there are still some of us "bluff old traditionalists" around.;)

That's just my opinion, for what that's worth...

Cheers,

Todd

I'm going to take the Devil's Advocate a step past Todd. Some may think this strange but please remember, it was passed on from a "Gentleman's gentleman" quite a few years ago (40 or so). That man, my grandfather, made a great impression and shaped my sense of fashion for years to come and even while on embassy duty, never led me wrong. (WHITE AFTER LABOR DAY? OMFG!!! )

White dinner jackets were intended for just that...dinner in the warmer seasons/latitudes, it was never intended for wear later in the evening. Since I was instructed that dinner was promptly at 8 (for you other down home boys like myself supper is between 6 and 8 ), I would "suggest" that after 10 the jacket would be out of it's element.

As such, I would be much more inclined to go with a tartan kilt and black jacket/tie saving the white tie for the truly formal occasions. Otherwise a black kilt with satin strips at each apron edge with a black jacket might be in order. My reasoning is that the kilt is not, was never intended to be nor should it be confused with a tux (IMHO) and to try to make it into one is doing both the garment and the history an disfavor. Remember, worn in the right fashon, the jacobite shirt, jacket/vest and kilt make a formal outfit. Again, JMHO.

Just my dime worth (inflation).

Mike

[davedove]

I had often thought of getting a white dinner jacket to wear on formal nights on the cruises I enjoy so much. However, I couldn't justify the expense of a jacket on top of what I had already spent on the tux for the few times I would wear it.

I think the white Prince Charlie would look great for similar circumstances. After all, they make them for some reason. However, the black jacket would be much more generally useful for other formal events. If you've got enough events to wear one and can justify the additional expense, I say go for it.

[cavscout]

You read my mind Colin. I need to hit the Surplus stores and see if I can find something. At the price of a new jacket I may as well just buy an actual PC coat.

I agree Mike that the need to maintain the respect for the kilt is a priority and I love the look of the traditional kilt outfit. This concept would definitely step in to the realm of mainstream fashion and I think and hope it would provide enough of a variation from the traditional attire to be viewed as different but resemble it enough to identify the origins.

No offense to the re-enactors and ren-fair participants here but I think that people have a phobia of wearing historical but practical garments like the kilt becasue they may be perceived as an eccentric (si.) or someone who is roleplaying a fantasy. I do not believe that is the norm. If we can demonstrate that the kilt is still a functional, attractive and versatile garment we have a better chance at having more selection and more easily available.