Well, I voted for a traditional first too. My rationale is that once you get a sense of the traditional kilt, then you have a better appreciation of the modern variations.

It's important to have a basis in understanding what constitutes a kilt and how and why a traditional kilt outfit goes together, in order to appreciate what you are modernizing. For example, if you don't know that a kilt has flat aprons in the front and pleats in the back, you may make a mistake and wear something that isn't a kilt (even though I know that others may have broader definitions of a kilt than I do - which is okay - but those definitions have to be based, at least originally, on the traditional garment).

Or, another example is the sporran: without understanding the three principal reasons for the sporran, one may underestimate it's importance. It isn't just a substitute for pockets. It also keeps the front of the kilt down in case there is a sudden up draft; it pushes the front aprons down when seated (there is absolutely no need for a man to "sit like a lady" when kilted!); and it even acts as a shield, of sorts, for a sensitive part of one's body.

But, these are just my opinions, and not necessarily important to anyone else...