I would like to submit a proposal to the membership

[kiltedrennie]

Agreed, and I'm thinking that the suggestion @Nathan made for new sections would cover this. What I like about the "non-traditional approach" section is that it would include both MUGs as well as folks wearing tartan in a more outside-the-box fashion.

I mostly agree. I don't have the link at hand, but the thread with the (10 or so I think) images showing versions of dress from very formal all the way to very casual would indicate a more broad spectrum of dress rather than a few distinct categories. I would probably add one or two more in the ultra-neo-casual category (did I just make that up?), but I could work within this. Too fine a division and I'd end up all alone in my own sub-forum . 99% of the time I fall into the very casual t-shirt/sweatshirt/jumper scrunched down sock and boot with a touch of leather category.

[Mael Coluim]

The term Non-Traditional strikes me as second class. Perhaps if the term modern is not exact maybe contemporary should be considered. (Feelings of Deja vu here.) The funny thing here I think its a mind set what you are emulating. Steve is thinking modern and Rex is thinking Traditional and no one else can see the difference.

I appreciate what Steve is attempting in redefining the categories and see merit in what Nathan is attempting to fine tune, but I think I'll sit in DavidPope's tent for awhile.

[ThistleDown]

The term Non-Traditional strikes me as second class. Perhaps if the term modern is not exact maybe contemporary should be considered. (Feelings of Deja vu here.) The funny thing here I think its a mind set what you are emulating. Steve is thinking modern and Rex is thinking Traditional and no one else can see the difference.

I appreciate what Steve is attempting in redefining the categories and see merit in what Nathan is attempting to fine tune, but I think I'll sit in DavidPope's tent for awhile.

Yes, deja vu, Ern. We've been here and done this. As you said, the redefining of categories by Steve and the fine-tuning by Nathan are all to the well and good, but I like the Traditional as DavidPope sees it, too -- for now -- and really think what is in need of re-work is "contemporary" or whatever we re-name it. As we are we define 'traditional' very well, but we fail miserably when it comes to describing alternative ways to wear Highland dress than what is traditional. Sad to say, but I think that has much to do with 21C confusion about what is 'alternative' or 'ab-normal'.

[Hawk]

I like Nathan's suggestions as Ratspike also agreed. I like the way this is heading. I also like posting #19 in this thread by Steve, as it shows clearly that we are an accepting community of kilt wearing people and kilt interest people, of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, fashion sense, etc....

The only suggestion I would add was be sure to include that General Kilt subsection in the tweaking of categories. Keep up the discussion, as I'd also like to hear what some of our contributors, history folks, and kilt makers have to say ( Rocky, Steve, Bob-Ratspike, Bonnie, etc., etc...).

Hawk

[CDNSushi]

I like the direction Nathan has taken this. It seems to hit all the major points well.

[A Lenape Scot]

Steve I agree with your plan. I think we could all learn to live with that unless we want to pick knits; Which I don't have the patience for.

[ratspike]

Traditional Approaches to Kilt Wearing This is a section to discuss time tested traditional views on kilt wearing. "Now" with due respect given to "then".

Non-Traditional Approaches to Kilt Wearing: This is a section for those who march to the beat of a different drummer. Whether you wear a traditional kilt in a non-traditional manner or enjoy new styles of kilt made in non-traditional ways or out of non-traditional materials, this is the section to strut your stuff.

Historical Approaches to Kilt Wearing: This is the section to discuss how the kilt was worn in various periods in its history. Reenactors and textile history buffs, this is the place for you!

And, to be inclusive, maybe two more sections:

Neo-Traditional approaches to kilt wearing: This is a section for people who enjoy emulating the look advocated by the Highland wedding industry such as like white hose, tartan flashes, semi-dress sporrans, ruche ties, ghillie brogues, pseudo-jacobite shirts and other fashion trends that, although they haven't all stood the test of time, are nonetheless 'of the moment'.

Theatrical approaches to kilt wearing: This is a place for people who enjoy emulating the attire of Hollywood movies and putting together historically questionable outfits perhaps consisting of woad or plenty of edged weapon replicas just for the fun of it. This is for the Bravehearts and the Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeods to gather.

Would that cover everyone?

IMO this completely nails it. If the kilt-wearing sections of the site were going to be renamed and be given new mission statements, I can't think of a better, more accurate way to do it.

[davidlpope]

My concern is that most of what I see at American Highland games is not THCD. If you categorize by the type of event, then you'll have a wide range of clothing worn to that event, much of it by folks who simply don't know better. Jut because someone attends a Highland games does not mean thy are dressed traditionally. We've defined THCD and have folks working on a photo-essay. I think the Trad forum is good as-is. Perhaps the non-traditional kilt folks can weigh in about any changes they'd want in their subforum.

[Nathan]

My concern is that most of what I see at American Highland games is not THCD. If you categorize by the type of event, then you'll have a wide range of clothing worn to that event, much of it by folks who simply don't know better. Jut because someone attends a Highland games does not mean thy are dressed traditionally. We've defined THCD and have folks working on a photo-essay. I think the Trad forum is good as-is. Perhaps the non-traditional kilt folks can weigh in about any changes they'd want in their subforum.

Yep. Photo essay is almost done, too folks.

[Destin_scot]

Steve,

I like the idea you are proposing, I usualy wear my kilts to 1) special events: weddings; receptions; company holiday parties, and formal Mardi Gras Balls. 2) highland or celtic themed events: games, celidhs, concerts, etc. 3) the after race socials (5K, 10K, 1/2 marathons, etc); much cooler/warmer in a kilt than clothes worn during the race.

I think that my categories 1 and 2 would fit into your "Highland Event Wear" category, though some might think that the Mardi Gras Balls would fall under the "Historical and Costume Wear" and my category 3 would fit under "Modern Street Wear"

So, there probably needs to be some refining...maybe something like a formal/semi formal section..

just an idea....