The perfect kilt - if price is no object

[Hillwalker]

I think I would be calling Kathy Lare as fast as my fingers could dial her number.

[KenB]

I think I would opt for a Clan MacDonald, military box pleat, pleated to stripe. Robert MacDonald in Vancouver would be my choice for kiltmaker.

[gary meakin]

I have it already! Do I need another? Well, no-

I think I'd have to echo Jock Scot's sentiment. Although mine is not perfect, I can't imagine replacing it. It was hand made for me in my clan tartan, and aside from a cheap hiking kilt, it's the only one I plan on owning. Unless (God forbid) something horrible happens to it.

[RAF]

It's always great hearing what people want in a 'dream kilt', but I think what I was more interested in (i.e. why I asked) was to see if there's any clear consensus on the top kilt-makers of our time. I do understand that different kilt-makers will specialize in different methods of construction or pleating types, so there's no single kilt-maker that will necessarily be the best at all of them.

But I was hoping to see if there was one person (or two or three) that emerged as the "best of the best" in kilt-making.

I think the answer is hugely subjective. While I have three Kilts - none of them, that I'm aware of, are by "star" kilt makers. I do have a 4 yard Box pleat on order with Matt Newsome, which I'm anxiously awaiting, for he seems to have an excellent reputation (at the very least on this site.) I'm not sure that there could be a consensus of just 2 or 3 people. As has been said, there are so many excellent makers out there. And unless you can cull from a large enough sample, comparisons are difficult.
Perhaps Hamish could chime in on this - he certainly has a collection worthy of
scrutiny, subjective as that may be.
All that being said, if I were to make selections, based on pictures of their work (and reputation, flexibility and pricing), I would pick Lady Chrystel, Keltoi and Matt Newsome.

[Standard]

Ok, assuming I could spend the money as I wish for this dream kilt. I'd hire Matt to help with finishing the design of my personal tartan and getting it registered. Dalgliesh would be chosen to custom weave the tartan in regimental weight. I'd order enough tartan so that I could have two kilts made, one for daily wear and one for "dress" along with a tartan waistcoat cut on the bias. The waistcoat would be made by the good Lady Chrystel which would of course involve a flight to the French Alps to be measured. The kilts would be knife pleated, one to the sett and one to the predominate muted stripe, allowing the contrasting coloured stripe to "flash" as the kilt swings. The kilt maker would of course be our very own Barb Tewksbury whom I have a wonderful regimental weight Blackwatch kilt from. The kilts would of course be hand stiched; I'd request two (not three) straps with solid brass buckles; triple fringed and lined with Hawiian print fabric.

Hmm... since the lottery is a long shot, sounds like I need to start saving my pennys again.

[Mickey]

5 or 8 yard Scruffy Wallace by Rocky. Had the cash, don't have it anymore.

Looking forward to pics of guys who were able to pick it up!

[figheadair]

I'd see if Marge Warren (or our own Peter MacDonald) would weave up my tartan in a weathered color scheme and heavy weight, then I'd have Matt make a four yard box pleat out of it... with two belt loops, the usual buckles, and no fringe.

Either that, or I'd have the above tartan woven in Harris tweed and do the same thing.

Nothing overly fancy, but something very fine.

Good choice Sir. If you had the money then of course you'd add in traditional natural dyes.

[ForresterModern]

Already have several that fit into that category---a Tewksbury, a John Hart, several Bonnie Heathers, and several others by other various less name recognized makers, in a variety of tartans and hues. I would not mind having a Newsome or Lare in the stable, although my needs and desires are thinning to a small number of remaining few tartans these days. Still have a length of Lochcarron 16oz Weathered Douglas waiting to go under the needle, as well as 5 DW yards of gorgeous 18oz ex MOD Black Watch in a bottom drawer that I am still debating on having sewn up, as I do not wish to have a significant confrontation between my MacDonald of Glencoe other MacDonalds kilts and the BW going on in my otherwise peaceful kilt closet. But I think I would like to test out the feel of that 18oz tartan around my waist one day.

jeff

[madmacs]

...as well as 5 DW yards of gorgeous 18oz ex MOD Black Watch in a bottom drawer that I am still debating on having sewn up, as I do not wish to have a significant confrontation between my MacDonald of Glencoe other MacDonalds kilts and the BW going on in my otherwise peaceful kilt closet.

[Ryan Ross]

Good choice Sir. If you had the money then of course you'd add in traditional natural dyes.

That goes without saying, Sir.