how do you feel about a kilt being worn as a fashion statement?

[Andrew Green]

Something along #1 and #5.
I am all for displaying heritage when given the opportunity. However, this answer doesn't encompass non-tartans, and non-Scots. So then we get to #5... wearing it as a fashion statement,in and of itself? There should be more to why you want to wear a kilt than "Hey everyone look at me!!"
Just my train of thought on that one.
I even agree with the "as long as it isn't a cheap fashion store knockoff" opinion.

[Nanook]

1.I think its wrong because a kilt/tartan is a sign of heritage not something thats worn to be seen as rebelious or different.

2.I think its great because it popularizes the kilt.

3.Its good but I feel there should be a line of sorts drawn to bring respect to the kilt and its meaning.

4.I dont care.

5. I think its wrong because they are wearing the kilt for the wrong reason.

The modern kilt has always-- or no later than the founding of the Highland Societies towards the end of the 18th century-- been a fashion statement. Hard to consider the kilt as rebellious given that King George V was seen in public wearing one. Just think about how widely adopted the kilt was for affluent and middle class boys during the reign of Queen Vittoria! What the establishment and royals wear can hardly be called revolutionary. The only rebellion was perhaps against the harshness of the industrial revolution and the smoke spitting power plants and London fog (which was really smog) towards the vision of pristine country lands and idle pursuits not driven by the tact of machines. Kilt has a meaning? That's part of the romanticism. The same sort of fantasies used to sell designer blue jeans, body mutilation (such as tattoos) and aging rock stars as anti-establishment--- lets face it the 1970s leisure suit was more avant garde than designer blue jeans.

[Chef]

1.I think its wrong because a kilt/tartan is a sign of heritage not something thats worn to be seen as rebelious or different.

2.I think its great because it popularizes the kilt.

3.Its good but I feel there should be a line of sorts drawn to bring respect to the kilt and its meaning.

4.I dont care.

5. I think its wrong because they are wearing the kilt for the wrong reason.

With the exception of #4 (because I do care) I think all can apply. Lets face it even wearing the most traditional kilt is a bit rebellious if it is worn outside Scotland as regular attire. You may be honouring your heritage but you are still rebelling against the norms of society and what it thinks men should wear. However, I don't think that is the type of rebelling you are talking about and I do have a problem with that because I do feel it doesn't pay due respect to the heritage.

In fact, I must admit this thread started me thinking and I believe I understand why I don't like many of the garments you are referring to ... it strikes me that they are not respectful, in my opinion, of the kilt's heritage and what it stands for. I always knew I didn't like many of these garments before (and that I don't consider them kilts) but I had not actually realised why it bothered me until now.

Many of the contemporary and casual kilts are great and I think it is wonderful if non-Scots wear kilts. However, the kilt a Scottish garment (and almost universally accepted by society as such) and I think if one chooses to wear a kilt the garment and the wearer should reflect the kilts heritage.

So I guess I am closest to #3. Most important I want to thank you for making me feel more comfortable about being what some members would consider a kilt snob.

[ccga3359]

So I guess I am closest to #3. Most important I want to thank you for making me feel more comfortable about being what some members would consider a kilt snob.

Chef, your input and opinions are no less valued as anybody else's. What a boring, uneventful commodity this forum would be if everyone agreed wiith each other.