There is
perhaps no item of clothing more evocative of ancient cultures than the Scottish kilt. I always do a double-take
when one crosses my path, usually in a parade or some type of festive gathering I’ve stumbled across while
abroad. But, to see a kilt outside of such circumstances is always a little unnerving. To see such a kilt
in anything other than the traditional checkered pattern with bagpipe accessory is even more so.
If Edinburgh designer Howie
Nicholsby has his way, however, we’ll be seeing a whole lot more of this—whether we are in Scotland or
elsewhere.
Nicholsby is adding a modern flair to his kilt creations
that pushes the limits of manhood far beyond the massive cojones normally required for an adult male to wear a
skirt. Now don’t get me wrong, I love the tradition of the Scottish kilt. I think they’re really
cool. It’s just that Nicholsby gets just a little too wacky here. Many of his creations are remarkably
stylish and surprisingly hip, but others are overly flamboyant and garish in a terribly emasculating way. When I
see kilts made of green plastic or silk brocade I’ve got to ask myself, “What would Sean Connery
think?”
It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Scotland but can anyone step in and tell me if this is a
growing trend? Is there a resurgence of stylish kilts parading about Edinburgh? Or is this just an isolated
fad? Sean, are you out there?