When Ham. met Howie

[starbkjrus]

OK guys. Where to start? Too many of you have raised questions (some repeated) for me to reply individually, but looking at them from a general point of view:

The TFCK Pockets: I also think they detract from the look of the TFCK kilts, but they are an optional extra at time of ordering, and they are fully detachable. The button on my kilt indicates that I ordered just one pocket when I originally ordered the kilt four years ago - but I seldom wear it! Most of my 14 TFCK kilts do not have the pockets, but one or two do.

Howie's jacket: This one is a little longer than usual but I know that he is constantly trying new ideas and new designs - some will work and some won't. Actually, when H. wore both the beautifully fitted waistcoat and the jacket with the kilt he looked absolutely superb, so much so that I have requested samples of the six or so 'tweeds' from him so that I might consider something along similar lines - without the pockets, though!!

Howie's general appearance: I would never comment one way or the other - he is recognised internationally as an ambassador for the kilt and he dresses/accessorizes as befits the label he is promoting. The Geoffrey (Tailor) label indicates a traditional kilt maker and Highland Dress supplier, whereas the TFCK label tells us that the kilt is slightly avant garde in material and design. When promoting the former, Howie will dress appropriately, but when promoting his own TFCK label he adopts the more funky, casual look, which is what appeals to so many of his followers.

I have actually spoken to him, several times, about tucking in his shirts, but that's water off a duck's back!

Howie can get away with how he looks - if I tried the same, it just would not work (don't worry, I am not going to try!) With all of his kilts I have, I have taken them and adapted them to my own style(s) by accessorizing them differently. That is one of the great things about TFCK kilts - there are not even guidelines, let alone 'rules'!

Stewart's kilt: Correct, David! It is Geoffrey (Tailor)'s own Thistle Dubh corporate tartan - but in the Grey version. The original was in shades of purple. I also have a kilt in this tartan which I had pleated to the stripe:


Matt, you also are correct: Howie's suit is in a tweed-like worsted from HoE and it is the Glen Dorroch pattern.

I hope I have covered all the points you guys raised - if not, please forgive me ..... it is getting late and I promised myself an early night!

Ham, I have a huge amount of respect for you and your opinions...therefore (cough cough) i would really like to have a chat with you in Dumfries re: Geoffrey (Tailor) and TFCK. I really like their work but I do have a bit of an issue with the reputation going on today with kilt shops on the Royal Mile. It seems to me that they are playing into it. Can they be "real" kiltmakers and at the same time cater to the tourist trade and all that implies? Somehow, after reading all the good reviews you have for these folks I can't imagine they are anything other than top notch. I know I like the looks of their wares. I just need some reassurance from "The Master" before I spend that kind of money.

(call me insecure)

[Hamish]

Ham, I have a huge amount of respect for you and your opinions...therefore (cough cough) i would really like to have a chat with you in Dumfries re: Geoffrey (Tailor) and TFCK. I really like their work but I do have a bit of an issue with the reputation going on today with kilt shops on the Royal Mile. It seems to me that they are playing into it. Can they be "real" kiltmakers and at the same time cater to the tourist trade and all that implies? Somehow, after reading all the good reviews you have for these folks I can't imagine they are anything other than top notch. I know I like the looks of their wares. I just need some reassurance from "The Master" before I spend that kind of money.

(call me insecure)

Hi Insecure!

I look forward to the opportunity of making all clear to you next week-end. Just in passing: Geoffrey (Tailor) was established on The High Street (The Royal Mile) before the Gold Brothers began moving in with all their imported tourist-trap rubbish! The only part of Geoffrey (Tailor) that caters to the visitor (yes, even tourist) is possibly at The Old Town Weaving Mill right at the foot of the Castle Esplanade - even there, the quality is good, but the walk-through exhibition, whilst fascinating, is just a little touristy! More when we meet.

[Jimmy the Celt]

Wow, those look like some incredible kilts!

[Jimmy the Celt]

Stewart's kilt: Correct, David! It is Geoffrey (Tailor)'s own Thistle Dubh corporate tartan - but in the Grey version. The original was in shades of purple. I also have a kilt in this tartan which I had pleated to the stripe:

That is a wonderfully beautiful kilt, Ham!

[MacSimoin]

I also agree with Matt (and Hamish) about the TFCK pockets...personally, I feel they're garish and unsightly.

And Hamish, of all the photos I've seen you post here, the shot of you wearing the Grey version (of the Thistle Dubh corporate tartan) in your garden is undoubtedly one of my favorites...you wear it well.

[Robin]

Hi Insecure!

I look forward to the opportunity of making all clear to you next week-end. Just in passing: Geoffrey (Tailor) was established on The High Street (The Royal Mile) before the Gold Brothers began moving in with all their imported tourist-trap rubbish! The only part of Geoffrey (Tailor) that caters to the visitor (yes, even tourist) is possibly at The Old Town Weaving Mill right at the foot of the Castle Esplanade - even there, the quality is good, but the walk-through exhibition, whilst fascinating, is just a little touristy! More when we meet.

I'll attend the lecture also

[Splash_4]

So, which one of you fine gentlemen is going to capture Sir Ham's words for posterity (and the rest of us who are interested)?

[MacWage]

I like the look of the kilt in question. The tweed is done well. The jacket, even while in a "modern" long style, looks great with the kilt, especially as it matches exactly.
I am not sure if I like the pockets or not. They are not my style for "caual" or "dress" wear, but would be quite practical for functional use. It provides a good place for tailor goods and larger (light) items that either would not go well in a sporran or would need to be kept together (like tailor tools).
I might have to put some similar on one of my own "casual" kilts (for personal use arond the house). I WILL make them detachable. Black canvas one(s) haning from a dark tartan kilt might not be too bad if needed (I say thinking out loud) . . .

Once again, great and interesting thread Ham!

[Big Mikey]

This entire thread has been great fun and very informative. I love hearing the different opinions of my fellow members and I am constantly amazed by the musings of "older" gents (I'm one also). Hamish, the Godfather of Kilts, a wonderful post!

[Frank McGrath]

Your hands should be around the waists of lassies, not in pockets!