Fashion Kilts

**Jock Scot** · 14th February 11, 04:58 AM

Originally Posted by SlackerDrummer

In 1911, lapels on day jackets were higher, wider, and there were more buttons. Shirts had high, detachable collars. The evolution from Victorian fashion to that of today didn't all take place during Edward's reign. But, yes, let's not split hairs.

Yes indeed, I at my age I have few hairs left to split!

But quite interestingly the basic traditional kilt(particularly the kilt) and its attire has changed very little over the last 100 years and in spite of many attempts to modernise that look, the "original" basic look is still standing the test of time rather well.

**artificer** · 14th February 11, 05:15 AM

ali8780 has the complete right of the situation.

Fashion isn't for mere mortals to "get", and gents, most of us here qualify for that status (in a good way

)

In theory, fashion on the runway is the most extreme concept of what will eventually be a ready to wear look.

Are peaked lapels in this year? Then they will be VERY pronounced. Are skirts short? Then on the runway they will be so short as to resemble belts.

The auto show analogy is an excellent one.

Coming out of the design industry as I did, we studied one season's fashion trends, as they would be affecting us in interiors the next season.

Fashion churns; sometimes it churns up gems, lots of time it churns up... sediment. It's always exciting to watch the motion, though.

BTW: for those interested in the concept, there are whole businesses dedicated to the concept of "What colours will be in next season(s)". Do a search for "colour marketing group".

ith:

Edit: I do agree that without a sporran these look a LOT more like skirts than kilts.

**Jimmy** · 14th February 11, 05:36 AM

Originally Posted by TheNaughtyScot

Perhaps it's just me, but I believe modifying kilts into high fashion ensembles only emphasizes their femininity, especially without the sporran. I have found that when worn traditionally with the Scottish accoutrements, most people don't bat an eye because they just say the guy is wearing a kilt. But when you wear it in other ways like the high fashion ideas without the sporran or other Scottish identifiers, it quickly becomes a guy in a skirt. This is especially so when you were stocking whose tops end under your skirt.

-Ian

I could not agree more Ian, these guys in the photos are wearing skirts not kilts.
If men want to wear skirts so be it, its their choice and I suppose some men may enjoy this in the same way we enjoy wearing kilts, but I want to wear men's clothing which is a kilt not a skirt. I have nothing against men in skirts, lots of young men get away with it and probably look good in them, its just that I prefer a kilt

**Dixiecat** · 14th February 11, 08:32 AM

Yes. Haute Couture fashion shows are to the garment industry as the avante garde art museum is to the art world. You may not like what you see, but you can appreciate how the artist got there.

To illustrate ali's fine explanations on the matter, I suggest that you watch The Devil Wears Prada. There's a wonderful scene where the heroine is caught scoffing at the decision over the colour of a belt. Should it be robin's egg blue or cerulean blue? The Devil then upbraids her with an very good explanation on how this decision perculates down to the average person.

**ali8780** · 14th February 11, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by Dixiecat

Yes. Haute Couture fashion shows are to the garment industry as the avante garde art museum is to the art world. You may not like what you see, but you can appreciate how the artist got there.

To illustrate ali's fine explanations on the matter, I suggest that you watch The Devil Wears Prada. There's a wonderful scene where the heroine is caught scoffing at the decision over the colour of a belt. Should it be robin's egg blue or cerulean blue? The Devil then upbraids her with an very good explanation on how this decision perculates down to the average person.

The Devil Wears Prada is such a fun and funny way to introduce one into the fashion industry, and I was going to also suggest viewing the documentary The September Issue for a more serious glimpse into fashion and the editing process of Vogue magazine.

**The Barry** · 14th February 11, 03:34 PM

While I understand that fashion shows are a showcase for fashion that may never make it to the street, this still seems a bit off.

I'm not saying that the models should be dressed traditionally, far from it. But the apron going the wrong way? That just seems like an amateur-level mistake to me. I'm trying to play the 'devil's advocate' and say that it was a purposeful decision, but I'm not convinced. I think that maybe this designer just simply didn't do his/her homework.

**Dixiecat** · 14th February 11, 10:05 PM

Your first statement has you saying that 'I'm not saying that the models should be dressed traditionally, far from it' and then saying that the way the kilt is closed is such an 'amateur-level mistake'. You've contradicted yourself.

I think that maybe this designer just simply didn't do his/her homework.

Maybe they did indeed do their homework and they decided to turn the silly ideas of the women left, men right closure thing on it's head? Maybe they want to be as far from traditional as they can get?

**Dale Seago** · 14th February 11, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by Dixiecat

Maybe they did indeed do their homework and they decided to turn the silly ideas of the women left, men right closure thing on it's head? Maybe they want to be as far from traditional as they can get?

Actually I think that's entirely probable.

Which is not to say I like it. I don't.

But I think it's a strong probability.

**Spartan Tartan** · 15th February 11, 08:11 AM

A very interesting thread and I enjoy how it has evolved...although, the closures to the left and right (male/female)--I am not as convinced that it was "intentional" or that it was done specifically to throw tradition to the wind. The mens' shirts are still buttoned according to tradition, are they not? Perhaps, the designer is truly just "going over the top".

Until I read some of the posts from Ali and others, I really have never understood fashion shows. Honestly, I barely understand it anyway. I can't imagine why you would not just show the clothing that you hope to sell...but that's just my lack of fashion understanding.

If the intent is to gain media attention or generate a buzz...then mission success, if you ask me.

**Dixiecat** · 15th February 11, 08:50 AM

I am not as convinced that it was "intentional" or that it was done specifically to throw tradition to the wind

I'm not trying to convince anyone, I'm just pointing out that just 'looking' at the clothing does not tell you the whole story. And, just because a shirt is one way and the kilt another still doesn't point to a 'mistake'. No one knows what goes on in a designer's head until they watch those behind the scenes interviews. Personally, I'd just advise you to take it all at face value and suspend your beliefs and traditions. Just concentrate on fabric play and colours, and quality.