Quote Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC View Post
So can we assume by this thread that you are considering joining the ranks of manufacturers? We can always use more good kiltmakers. Especially if you can find a way to produce a high quality product at a reasonable price.

Before you jump in I suggest you get a copy of Barb Tewksbury's book "The Art of Kiltmaking". In it you will find the first rule of aprons - Never put darts in the aprons! The shaping is all in the apron edges.
Quote Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC View Post
So can we assume by this thread that you are considering joining the ranks of manufacturers? We can always use more good kiltmakers. Especially if you can find a way to produce a high quality product at a reasonable price.

Before you jump in I suggest you get a copy of Barb Tewksbury's book "The Art of Kiltmaking". In it you will find the first rule of aprons - Never put darts in the aprons! The shaping is all in the apron edges.
NO SIR! Not planning on venturing into manufacturing. My degree was in marketing and my career was in marketing (for clarification, marketing is FAR more than sales). I love marketing and this, plus my own wearing of kilts, making of kilts, and research of every possible style, design, and maker of kilts that I can find on the web, plus the observations on this fine board led me to consider where things are and what people love most and desire most in kilts.

I have found those ranging from those in the two digit prices to over 2000 and so many styles. As you well know, there are already fairly established buyer/market segments based upon the pricing and styles. Interestingly, the super expensive kilts are not the most complex, but, rather, fairly simple designs, so even for kilts the same marketing factors as with other "designer" products enters in. But, this is not the mainstream market any more than the very formal, tailored kilt is.

For that matter, I don't see the bottom end or entry level kilt as being the market of most promise when viewed on an international level any more than I do the more rugged waist hugger. Actually, I think there is a huge potential for what I have been ruminating on, a basic style with straight forward features for everyday wear that would enable a fine kilt to be taken easily into more applications with less resistance. I can see the day when a non Celtic kilt would be a part of a suited or even formal item of attire and the same design available in other fabrics for less formal occasions. This would require larger scale numbers for manufacture and broader availability.

For now I simply enjoy the reflection and sharing of ideas, as I work on my own distribution by MENSPLACE on eBAY as a step one towards developing greater world wide awareness and availability. Today, I distribute the Kidder line and within the next couple of weeks will be adding the Utilikilt line, both well made, high quality for their niche. In growing slowly, I have the time to learn and test the waters while already beginning the path toward international distribution.

Manufacturing is not in my plans, but marketing and distribution very much are, while also totally enjoying Barbara's book, making and wearing my own, and hearing other's thoughts, likes, dislikes and desires.