Kilt Joy

Dallas has gone mad for pleats and plaid! Kilts are the
male fashion accessory for the season. We’ve noted tartly tartaned
chaps throwing—er, showing—a little leg at formal events ranging from
weddings to the opera. But kilts aren’t just for black-tie affairs
anymore. Today’s male can make the leap from formal to casual and even
sporty in a snap—madras minis are super hot among the biking and
triathlete set. This begs the question: are kilts now the male
equivalent of the little black dress?

The kilt has gone
fashion forward thanks in part to the Gladiator, Russell Crowe, who
wore a skirt to his nuptials. Others suggest the trend is a delayed
consequence of Mel Gibson’s Braveheart. But kilts have been
around forever—maybe even since the 10th century. Then, apparently,
there was some sort of discord or uprising. Eventually, Scotland passed
a law in 1747 that made wearing a kilt in public a crime. Our fashion
team thinks this was for the best, as that’s a very long run for any
clothing item to be in vogue.

Some might argue that donning a
kilt in public or otherwise is still a crime, but we disagree. The
bright, cheerful plaids provide merriment for any occasion—and not just
for the wearer. As one kilt fan we know says, “It’s cool because the
kilt projects elegance. But at the same time, my Glenfiddich is
swinging in the breeze.” So, ladies, depending on how raucous things
get at the gala, you might get a tiny peek at something less plaid than
private. Slàinte!

Laura Kostelny is a Dallas-based freelance writer who counts among
her many areas of expertise metrosexuals and scorching hot fashion
trends.

The best (and only) place in Dallas to rent or purchase kilts
is Costume World. Store manager Judi Zarr describes her shop as the
“Neiman Marcus of the costume world,” but unlike Neiman’s, Zarr’s store
has kilts for every budget. Don’t espy the plaid that suits your fancy?
Costume World will create something just for you. Zarr promises, “We
will not let you walk out of here looking like a putz.” Beat the rush:
give her a call or head to the store and order your kilt posthaste.
Kilt and sash rentals go up to $125. Kilts for purchase start at $450. 13621 Inwood Rd. 972-404-0584.