Contemporary Tartan Cargo... You know you want one!!

[English Bloke]

Just spotted this link on another forum. It's a cargo Kilt made from 16oz strome MacDonald of Clanranald.

I think it's absolutely stunning and would wear it in a heart-beat.

Unfortunately, Our mate Robert of RKilts has concluded it's far too much hassle to build and is determined that there won't be another unless serious wonga is involved which probably puts it out of my bracket. Shame really, I'm sure there would be a considerable market. It's like the bridge between trad and funk.





There's a more detailed explanation on the link to Robert's Blog above but be careful, the pics are HUGE!!

[Alan H]

***insert low whistle here**

whoooiiieee... that's some work. No. That's a LOT of work. I am impressed.

[ccga3359]

I'm all for front slash pockets in a traditional style tartan kilt and I like my cargo pockets in my non tartan kilts (I have more non tartan kilts of which 3 are RKilts, and I can attest to their quality. For me this would is a non starter. I can appreciate the work Canuck put into this, I can also appreciate the uniqueness of the kilt. I don't see this as the evolution of the tartan kilt though. I will say that with all the effort put into matching the tartans those pockets are difficult to see at a glance and only after staring for a while would I notice that they were there, that would e the price of admission right there.

[auld argonian]

Hey...it looks right nice...I think it's a perfect hybrid. I'd certainly consider one if it were a "production" model and wasn't going to make the kilt maker tear his/her hair out in the making of it. One of those in the PV would be fine.

As to being obscure, difficult to obtain and expensive...well, just how long have you been hanging around in this forum? Those qualities just seem to fuel the feeding frenzy.

Best

AA

[ccga3359]

I'd certainly consider one if it were a "production" model and wasn't going to make the kilt maker tear his/her hair out in the making of it.

Then go ahead and order from Robert, I assure you he wont (can't) spend much time tearing out his/her own hair. Let's just say not every one is blessed with gorgeous flowing golden locks.

[English Bloke]

... For me this would is a non starter. ... I don't see this as the evolution of the tartan kilt. ... those pockets are difficult to see at a glance and only after staring for a while would I notice that they were there, that would be the price of admission right there.

Grant. I'm just dipping my toes in the water and I bow to your experience with modern kilts which is considerably greater than mine. I understand that you are committed to one style (traditional Scottish) OR the other (contemporary) rather than a hybrid mash-up, but this is precisely why I think this Kilt is such a breakthrough. It DOES look like a traditional Kilt at first glance. It is great and innovative styling to combine contemporary features with traditional materials. I think it's a superb piece of work though I do appreciate the complexities of production. Unfortunately this probably puts it out of the reach of most Kilt buyers and means it will likely remain unique.

I'll bet Hamish would like one!

[Jock Scot]

Grant. I'm just dipping my toes in the water and I bow to your experience with modern kilts which is considerably greater than mine. I understand that you are committed to one style (traditional Scottish) OR the other (contemporary) rather than a hybrid mash-up, but this is precisely why I think this Kilt is such a breakthrough. It DOES look like a traditional Kilt at first glance. It is great and innovative styling to combine contemporary features with traditional materials. I think it's a superb piece of work though I do appreciate the complexities of production. Unfortunately this probably puts it out of the reach of most Kilt buyers and means it will likely remain unique.

I'll bet Hamish would like one!

I am sorry EB, that really does not look like a traditional kilt at first glance. How can it with those pockets standing out like a sore thumb and with all those narrow belt loops? It is without doubt a skilled piece of work, but not traditional at first glance.

[ccga3359]

Grant. I'm just dipping my toes in the water and I bow to your experience with modern kilts which is considerably greater than mine. I understand that you are committed to one style (traditional Scottish) OR the other (contemporary) rather than a hybrid mash-up, but this is precisely why I think this Kilt is such a breakthrough. It DOES look like a traditional Kilt at first glance. It is great and innovative styling to combine contemporary features with traditional materials. I think it's a superb piece of work though I do appreciate the complexities of production. Unfortunately this probably puts it out of the reach of most Kilt buyers and means it will likely remain unique.

I'll bet Hamish would like one!

Then this exercise in modernizing a traditional kilt is successful. It's certainly generating a lot of buzz. For me the evolution of traditional kilts is Steve Ashton's hidden front slash pockets on a traditional style tartan built kilt. Machine stitching and PV are other important evolutions. The reasons for me liking modern kilts are that (not the machine stitched PV variety) is that they are (to steal the tag from RKilts themselves) based on tradition and built for today. They share visual clues from traditional kilts but the materials used beit hemp, leather or canvas ensure that they're not mistaken as anything but modern. They are rugged, throw on the floor, chuck in the washing machine durable sort've thing. I abuse my kilts, I work in them, live in them. I jam tools and screw in the pockets when working on construction jobs. Crawl under the car? Hell why not, scare the neighbours dog, I don't care ecause the tool I need to tighten my exhaust is right there in my pocket. With the above kilt I wouldn't be straddling joists or dragging my butt across ashphalt because of the very nature of the material. I know Robert's craftsmanship would hold up but not the material itself.

I like the differences between the two styles (or era's if you will). I can wear a modern kilt, with a tee shirt and not worry too much aout getting it dirty or catching a nail. I also like the traditional kilts for which, when I wear it I'll dress apropriately, more traditional, even though as an Englishman I can't be "traditional". So much so that Jock Scot would say "There's a well dressed young man, now fetch my loader I'm going to pretend he's a grouse".

If this gets your gears churning for the foray into "modern" kilts go for it. I'll still share a pint with you down at the local. I can assure you that if you want one it doesn't take too much to twist Robert's arm.

[Jock Scot]

Oh come on GRANT! You know full well that I would shoot at you regardless of what you were wearing! And, AND, no! I would not mistake you for a grouse!

[Alan H]

Then this exercise in modernizing a traditional kilt is successful. It's certainly generating a lot of buzz. For me the evolution of traditional kilts is Steve Ashton's hidden front slash pockets on a traditional style tartan built kilt. Machine stitching and PV are other important evolutions. The reasons for me liking modern kilts are that (not the machine stitched PV variety) is that they are (to steal the tag from RKilts themselves) based on tradition and built for today. They share visual clues from traditional kilts but the materials used beit hemp, leather or canvas ensure that they're not mistaken as anything but modern. They are rugged, throw on the floor, chuck in the washing machine durable sort've thing. I abuse my kilts, I work in them, live in them. I jam tools and screw in the pockets when working on construction jobs. Crawl under the car? Hell why not, scare the neighbours dog, I don't care ecause the tool I need to tighten my exhaust is right there in my pocket. With the above kilt I wouldn't be straddling joists or dragging my butt across ashphalt because of the very nature of the material. I know Robert's craftsmanship would hold up but not the material itself.

I like the differences between the two styles (or era's if you will). I can wear a modern kilt, with a tee shirt and not worry too much aout getting it dirty or catching a nail. I also like the traditional kilts for which, when I wear it I'll dress apropriately, more traditional, even though as an Englishman I can't be "traditional". So much so that Jock Scot would say "There's a well dressed young man, now fetch my loader I'm going to pretend he's a grouse".

If this gets your gears churning for the foray into "modern" kilts go for it. I'll still share a pint with you down at the local. I can assure you that if you want one it doesn't take too much to twist Robert's arm.

I am stunned by Grants degree of articulation! Well said! I also agree with English Bloke...it's Ace!

Now....

While I am certain that the workmanship is probably first rate, and the general execution is flawless, I happen to agree with Grant....PERSONALLY I wouldn't wear this. Not that I have a problem with cargo pockets on a contemporary kilt, they're completely fine and man are they practical, it's just that I like the look on a camouflage or solid color kilt. Also, PERSONALLY, I prefer slash pockets to cargo, on a kilt.

But that's just me, and my personal preferences. I salute Robert for taking a chance and trying something new, and I have no doubt that he executed it admirably.