The Grand Experiment

[STEVIE]

This follows from another thread and a comment contained, therein.
Yes, I do agree that we , as a group, are really participating in what may be termed a "grand experiment".
What I had not realised until quite recently, was, how far this extended. We talk of "sightings in the wild" and various forays into the public domain.
When I set out on my own "skirted" journey, I stated that, I was not aiming to change the world. However, I am not so sure now.
I now realise that each time I appear in a skirt, I am presenting a challenge to so many people and their perceived "norms"
I admit, the initial dread has not been realised, I have managed the outings to the best of my ability and succeeded at least, for me that is. Yes, I think I may have managed, if not to convert, to provoke a lot of thought, hopefully positive
The point, we have received 2 requests that I know of, for information regarding our fashion choices. Should we now consider a collation with a possible view to some form of publication of the information contained in the "cafe"
Personally, I would still like to move forward with the idea of "musion", the mixing of garments from either side of the aisle.
Any thoughts?
This may be "man in a skirt" time.
Steve.

[Big and Bashful]

My only thought is "Oh no, not another made up word!" You've spoilt my night now!


P.S. Please, nobody tell me to chillax!



Oops! now I'm using smilies, I'd better go to bed now!

[MrUtopia]

My self-serving suggestion is to call the skirt designed for men 'The Freeman'.
You can have a long freeman, short freeman, pleated freeman, A-line freeman, cargo freeman.
It must be 'designed for men' to be a freeman, not a relabeled women's skirt (like many of the 'non-kilts' currently promoted as skirts for men.

My 5 cents.
Peter

[Milfmog]

It must be 'designed for men' to be a freeman, not a relabeled women's skirt

I've never seen a skirt with a label inside saying "women only" or even "designed to be worn by a woman"; have you?

Have fun,


Ian.

[couyalair]

I've never seen a skirt with a label inside saying "women only" or even "designed to be worn by a woman"; have you?
.

No, nor trousers labeled "for men".

I suppose that for 99.99% of the population, such labeling would be quite superfluous.

Martin
ps : when I was younger, labels were always hidden on the inside of clothes. Now it is fashionable to advertize openly, so it would be quite logical today to put "Made for Men" visible on your skirts.

[crfriend]

When I set out on my own "skirted" journey, I stated that, I was not aiming to change the world. However, I am not so sure now.

From my personal experience, if one sets out with the intent to "change the world" more often then not he winds up dejected after the effort doesn't succeed. The amount of mass in the world is vast, and the inertia that it possesses is similarly vast. Likely no single person could apply enough force to change the extant trajectory. However, if one simply is himself, and pursues things he is passionate about in an engaging way, he will likely change a few minds in the process. If those few additional minds "get the bug" and each change a few more one winds up with what nuclear phycisists call a "chain reaction"; the trick is getting the reaction to be self-sustaining.

The best we can be is a spark (or the random neutron). So, wear your skirt with pride; hold your head high; and do not shrink from interacting with others. Sally forth not on a mission to change the world -- do so as yourself and as an ambassador for open-mindedness. If your mission is to pick up the week's groceries, fulfil that mission.

Should we now consider a collation with a possible view to some form of publication of the information contained in the "cafe"

Well, we do have the SkirtCafe Wiki, but I had to lock that down because of repeated vandalism and spamming. The original intent there was to have it as a place where the very best expressions of our ideas (and ideals) could be put forward for public consumption.

This may be "man in a skirt" time.

Any time is "man in a skirt" time.

[STEVIE]

Thanks Guys,
B.B. me mucker, never "chillax" but if you referred to "musion" it is not a new word. It's my idea and I inroduced it some months ago right here. See pics and looks. We may even have discussed the very topic, albeit through a haze of whiskey, Guinness and Magners.
Carl, I realise that I waxed much too lyrically regarding changing the world. With feet back on earth, I hope that I cause some thought, hopefully discussion and more importantly, a change. That change may or may not be in favour of men in skirts but, at least I know I have been myself.
The time may have arrived for "men in skirts". This was not intended for any "individual" situation. Maybe, the larger world is about to reach a point at which the skirt will be regarded as "genderless"
Everybody here might understand that most garments have no inherent gender exclusiveness but that is not true of our wider societies.
Trousers may have become "genderless" over the years, however, skirts (Kilts excluded), have remained firmly in the feminine domain.
It may not be printed on them but it may as well be for any reaonable purpose. As a complete aside try to buy a pair of womens' trousers as a guy and you will almost certainly, meet the same reception and misconceptions.
Hopefully, "times they are a' changing". Not the world, but if we can make just one person think about men wearing skirts for good or bad the shift may just be coming.
Steve.

[crfriend]

I realise that I waxed much too lyrically regarding changing the world. With feet back on earth, I hope that I cause some thought, hopefully discussion and more importantly, a change. That change may or may not be in favour of men in skirts but, at least I know I have been myself.

Do not worry in that regard in the least, for if we as a species didn't wax lyrical from time to time we'd be vastly poorer for it! The important takeaway from that, if I may be so bold, is that you've been yourself. This, I feel, is where not only genius lies, but where the real power to change things dwells.

I count myself phenomenonally fortunate in that I have changed minds and inspired folks. This is primarily in the field of computing history, which I hold passionately dear, and I suspect it's that passion that shines through and makes people "sit up and take notice". Skirts, for me, are relatively new but if my example can inspire two or three guys to think about the matter and give it a go then I'll be happy. I never deliberately set about to "change the world", knowing that it'd be folly, but over the course of time the powers of thought and inspiration have conspired and it turns out that I may have, albeit unwittingly.

The time may have arrived for "men in skirts". This was not intended for any "individual" situation. Maybe, the larger world is about to reach a point at which the skirt will be regarded as "genderless".

Time, as the cliche goes, is fleeting; the formal term is ephemeral. So, in my view, if circumstances are right, it's "time" to grab the opportunity and run with it for all it's worth. Sometimes it's right, and sometimes it's not; wisdom alone can guide one's decision.

Hopefully, "times they are a' changing". Not the world, but if we can make just one person think about men wearing skirts for good or bad the shift may just be coming.

I'd be happier if each and every one of us who wears our skirts proudly could change one -- and better yet two or more -- minds on the matter by way of our example. One to one doesn't grow; one to two does -- exponentially!

[MrUtopia]

It must be 'designed for men' to be a freeman, not a relabeled women's skirt

I've never seen a skirt with a label inside saying "women only" or even "designed to be worn by a woman"; have you?

Have fun,


Ian.

My reference was to 'design' not the label. Men are typically a different shape to women and even pants made for women are mostly cut differently to pants made for men.
Another example of this would be the 'blouse' which is a top designed for women and given a label (title, not tag) identifying it as women's wear. The Freeman is a skirt that has been designed with the male shape and typical male design features in mind.

Peter
www.thefreeman.com.au

[skirtingtoday]

For me, the main hurdle I have is my other half. If this venture does take off and is successful, I might be able to convince her that the world doesn't end and that it is a specific garment designed for men. And that I should be able to order one. I can see her objecting now saying that it might be OK in Australia but not here.... Lot of work to do to get round that!

It would also depend on the cost per garment. And the postage to the UK.

I will keep watch on your updates on this site and you never know, I might (be able to) get one.

[skirtingtoday]

I'd be happier if each and every one of us who wears our skirts proudly could change one -- and better yet two or more -- minds on the matter by way of our example. One to one doesn't grow; one to two does -- exponentially!

Well it's not skirts, but kilts, but I have just posted in the "Personal Stories" section, how I've managed to get four Russian men to wear a kilt for a wedding. It's a start!

p.s. Sorry about the double post...

[JRMILLER]

I have been wearing tubular garments around my neck of the woods for a few years now. On Friday nights we go to Whole Foods for wine tasting, have hooked up with a group of folks that decided to try kilts out after seeing my wear them. One of them was recently married and he decided to make it a kilted wedding. Had I not come into his life, it is likely they would all be wearing pants.

None of the people pictured wore kilts before I introduced them to the kilt.

[crfriend]

Fine strapping lads, all, there John. Nicely done, indeed!

I see you even got the wee one into the swing of it.