- guardian.co.uk, Sunday April 28 2002 00.36 BST
- The Observer, Sunday April 28 2002
What do Ian Wright, Jonathan Ross and Brad Pitt have in common? They are all men who like to wear skirts. Of course, they are high-profile figures who have worn them partly for the oh-my-god factor and attendant publicity, but they've happily slipped into a tasty little number and kept a straight face - quite an achievement. Basketball star Dennis Rodman made it his trademark, and who could forget the fuss that accompanied David Beckham when he went out to dinner in that sarong.
In fashion terms, it remains one of the last taboos - strange, because the traditional kilt (basically a tartan skirt) has such a manly image. Seeing a man in a skirt is still guaranteed to cause a stir: that's why a media-savvy designer like Jean Paul Gaultier sends male models parading down the catwalk in the type of psychedelic evening wear that is unlikely to interest the average fashion follower.
Gradually, though, the sight of men in skirts is becoming more acceptable, as the look is following the well-worn path from clubbing fashion to casual wear. A recent Men in Skirts exhibition at the V&A museum, followed by a study day organised by the Costume Society, spotlighted the trend. Still, the high street holds little for adventurous male dressers: they are unlikely to get a flattering cut if they buy a woman's frock - they might have flair but they haven't got hips.
The good news is that a handful of designers have risen to the challenge of producing masculine skirts and contemporary kilts that are far removed from the Danny La Rue school of couture. The bad news is that you'll have to go online to find them. Utilikilts, based in Seattle, produces made-to-measure knee-length skirts that no one could call feminine; they come in strong colours - black, navy blue, and camouflage - and are a distant cousin to combat trousers, fitted with cargo pockets that give them a functional, urban look.
In Manchester, Midas Clothing has just started up, making stylish skirts for casual and smart wear from £45 to £70 - though a spokesman admits he doesn't envisage seeing hordes of local men swishing up to Old Trafford, there is a growing demand.
Shopping online for a new addition to your wardrobe might mean you don't get a perfect fit initially, but persevere and you could rediscover a form of dress long surrendered to the fairer sex. And, unlike women, there's no need to shave your legs.
