Highland Storm Trooper

10 November 2007

Saturday at TRF.  And it’s Highland Fling Weekend.  That means you can’t swing a cat without hitting a guy in a “kilt.”  Sadly, the word “kilt” really has to be placed in quotation marks in this case.  It seems that somewhere along the lines, the concept of a kilt being anything more than a plaid skirt, has gotten lost.  Very lost.

So, while this is certainly the first time I’ve seen an Imperial Storm Trooper wearing plaid, it is not the first time I’ve seen a well-meaning, but rather poorly executed attempt at the wearing of a kilt. 

It’s funny.  In so many aspects of historical clothing and costuming, I’m incredibly accepting and even appreciative of the various efforts of folks at faire, to simply play along.  And, even this guy, should be commended on his innovative spirit and his sense of fun.  That so many folks even care to play along with the themed weekends the festival plans, is wonderful and actually rather amazing to me.  But, it is so hard for me to be non-judgemental when it comes to the wearing of the kilt. 

Unlike other types of historical clothing, the kilt continues to be a matter of Scottish national pride even today.  And, as such, it seems disrespectful to me, for those wanting to wear a kilt (or gods forbid –sell kilts), not to care enough to learn just a little bit about it.  Like, for example, that the pleats belong only in the back.  Or like it really shouldn’t hang down below your knees.  Or be worn over jeans.  Or be made out of a printed cotton (or cotton flannel!) fabric.  Or be only eight inches long and on a woman.

The wearing of the kilt is actually rather like flying a flag.  It’s a symbol of pride, of independence, of freedom.  It’s a declaration of heritage, or at least appreciation.  It’s a display of manliness–boldness.  And although rich with a history of its own, it is a modern garment, worn daily by many people, and worn on occasions of celebration by many more.  I’d like to see it worn at faire with a little more respect.

If you want to make a Tudor style doublet out of Hawaiian print fabric:  have a party!  I think it’s goofy, but go for it!  It’s a crazy kind of fun.  You want a bodice that depicts a Power Puff Girl (now, who would ever do that?):  what the heck! Have fun!   Chain maille out of pop tops?  Barbarians wearing bath mats?  Bright blue pvc armour?  We’ve pretty much seen it all.   And whether such things are borne of silliness, geekiness, or a lack of experience or education, at least they aren’t likely to offend anyone. 

~MB