The KILOTTE

Experiments and inventions are a regular part of my day-to-day design life almost to the point of being an occupational hazard. I define the role of a designer as someone who solves problems and invents solutions and this kilt is a perfect example of that role.

In my quest to promote the kilt as a garment of functional and practical use for all genders, ages and occupations there has remained one stumbling block — the issue of modesty. There is a gentle humour in the question often asked of male kiltwearers, which challenges the ‘authenticity’ of their highland status … however, the exposure a kilt can give, especially one made with 8m+ of material, in a gust of highland wind, is often not particularly kind.

The kilt has always been a non-bifurcated garment and for men in particular this is one of it’s most positive features. But for instances where you would like to ride a bike in a kilt, or perform any other activity which may expose more than you would wish for — then this is the ‘kilt’ for you.

6m of material, deeply pleated with a mix of wide knife and box pleats, concealing underneath a bifurcated under-apron, hidden by a double pleating section at the rear to preserve the appearance of a fully pleated kilt. This example, in Japanese selvedge denim, mixed with traditional sashiko and some vintage trimmings, has a wide, high waistband with bespoke leather work. Vintage kimono material is used to line the two deep front pockets for a fully practical go-anywhere garment.