Adding kilt bows/rosettes?

[Semiomniscient]

IIRC, even what the OP called bows are actually referred to as rosettes in Highland units. And I would agree with Sandy that it would look wrong in civilian attire. Rosettes, bows or whatever you want to call them are parts of a uniform.

Regards,

Brian

Well dicing is military, doublets are military... so much of Highland attire is military in origin. I see no good reason why rosettes would be considered strictly military and not convertable to civilian-wear. Even the strictest mind would allow them for pipe bands correct?

[NorCalPiper]

I'd be willing to agree that kilt panels are designated for military use, but rosettes, I think they are unobtrusive enough to make the jump to general kilt adornment. I receive just as many compliments on them as the kilt when I wear them out.....Then again, I don't follow any fashion rules.

You traditionalist will get a kick out of this-I showed my Grandfather the pics with the rosettes, and his remarks were simply , "Next time I come to California, I'm going to dress in a cowboy's outfit with the biggest sombrero I can find, 2 colts strapped to my side, silver spurs, an embroidered fringed cowboy shirt-I'll wear this everywhere we go out so I can match the silliness that you portray"

As you can see, even I'm not immune to a traditionalist eye in my OWN family. This is the Grandfather who also boast he can always tell whose from Scotland at parties over here-They're the ones NOT dressed in kilts!! What a grump! Must be a Scot

[Woodsheal]

Hmmmm... well, if the rosettes come with pins on the back, one could pop 'em on and off, depending on one's level of formality. Doesn't seem they'd go too well with casual dress.
I like the idea of the crossed-cannons kilt pin, too....

[macwilkin]

Well dicing is military, doublets are military... so much of Highland attire is military in origin. I see no good reason why rosettes would be considered strictly military and not convertable to civilian-wear. Even the strictest mind would allow them for pipe bands correct?

The pipe band in Scotland that my clan society supports, the Buchan Pipe Band, wears them:

http://www.buchanpipeband.com/

T.

[creagdhubh]

My favorite kilt is my US Army tartan, except for the fact that the sett has no red in it for my branch, the Artillery. So, I'm toying with the idea of adding red kilt bows or rosettes, as these are a military feature.

Trying to decide which version I like better (leaning towards the rosettes), and whether or not my kilt would look cool... or goofy! What say you?

I'd go with the rosette. I have thought about purchasing a rosette for wear with only my kilt in the Macpherson Dress tartan, which obviously I would only wear for formal occassions, but decided against it. The rosette and bows seem too regimental to me, even though civilian Highland attire does have regimental influences, I wasn't so sure it would be 'appropriate' for me to have a rosette on my kilt apron. I may have been too strict on myself, because I have seen rosettes in the place of kilt pins throughout artist, Kenneth Macleay's work in his The Highlanders of Scotland series, created in the 19th-century. I still love the look of the rosette, yet like I said before, I would reserve wearing it for only formal occassions (if to be worn at all with civilian wear), or if one is a reenactor and would obviosuly be in some sort of regimental uniform wear the rosette, or rosette panel is apart of the uniform. Also, I believe the double ribbons were used on the reverse of the kilt by officers and SNCO's in various Highland regiments-not completely sure though, perhaps Richard could clear that up!

Cheers,

P.S.-You can also order the rosette in tartan wool. Good luck!

[creagdhubh]

Once a decorum for military, I am on a quest to bring these adornments to civilian wear. I am now rosetted constantly-And I might add it adds soooo much to your kilted look. If you can adron your cell phone, or ear lobes, why not the kilt. Here's me in my MAtt Newsome Box Pleat with matching rosettes-



Also with IoS-

I like the red rosettes, yet the mulitcolor set look a bit odd to me. Perhaps it's just the brightness of the colors? I agree that rosettes add a unique look to one's Highland attire, yet I am not so sure about them being used for daywear, unless one is in uniform as either a reenactor, or as piper, drummer, pipe major, and drum major. Other than that, I think they should only be worn for formal occassions (if they are to be worn at all for civilian attire), when the fullest of full dress is worn. I would also include castellated hose in the category as well!

[creagdhubh]

I think rosettes are acceptible if you are in uniform and are required to wear them. Otherwise, I think they don't have a place in civilian dress.

Agreed.

[creagdhubh]

IIRC, even what the OP called bows are actually referred to as rosettes in Highland units. And I would agree with Sandy that it would look wrong in civilian attire. Rosettes, bows or whatever you want to call them are parts of a uniform.

Regards,

Brian

I concur.

[Brian K]

Well dicing is military, doublets are military... so much of Highland attire is military in origin. I see no good reason why rosettes would be considered strictly military and not convertable to civilian-wear. Even the strictest mind would allow them for pipe bands correct?

I basically agree, James, but when I have mentioned that so much Highland attire has military origins (we can thank the Disarming Act for that) such as epaulets, cuff styles and profuse use of metal buttons for formal wear (in addition to the details you mentioned), it was as if I had posted nothing.

To be honest, I think kilt panels, with or without rosettes or bows, seem awfully fussy to me. The only reason I agreed to their use in a uniform context is that there are regiments in the UK and Canada where they have become traditions. I may be a liberal but I have a healthy respect for tradition.

Regards,

Brian

[longhuntr74]

I personally like them...I intend to get or make a couple different sets to wear with both my BW and Army kilts when I get them made...but that may be a ways off. I think I would reserve them for semi or formal wear, however...just my preference. Josh...think you look great!