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?

Filed under: Arts and Culture, United Kingdom