Interview #2:
Meet Hamish Bicknell, long time Men's Unbifurcated Garment wearing enthusiast. By several, he is considered to be a role model and icon for other MUG wearing guys. He's got a closet of men's skirts that some women would die for [if they were into MUGs]. He regularly gives advice to those that ask for it and he is always up for some good company of other fellow mug wearers.

Recently, he gave me the opportunity to pick his brain and find out when and why he went for complete freedom from bifurcation. I managed to give him some thought provoking questions and he returned to me some very thought provoking answers. Read what's on his mind by reading the interview that follows.

Q: How long have you been wearing MUGs and why did you start? Were you always interested in unbifurcated garments? Why?
Hamish: I began by wearing the traditional Scottish kilt when, at the age of 14, I was introduced to Scottish Country Dancing as an extra curricular activity whilst at Boarding School. That was in 1950. Originally, it was a borrowed kilt but when my parents saw how serious I was about the dancing, they bought me a kilt of my own.

No, I do not recollect having any interest in unbifurcated garments prior to that. Indeed, for many years afterwards, the kilt was just "the correct clothing" to wear for that activity - as running shoes would be for a runner! I never considered wearing the kilt at any other time.

Q: How many MUGs do you own now? Where do you buy them mostly?
Hamish: I currently own 26 kilts (traditional, contemporary, Breacans, Utilikilts and Amerikilts), and possibly 15 assorted skirts. I have not bought a skirt for maybe a couple of years, but my traditional and contemporary kilts are tailored for me by "21st Century Kilts" in Edinburgh; the Breacans came from Kinloch Anderson Ltd, also in Edinburgh, and it will be obvious where the Utilikilts and Amerikilts come from!

Q: Do you wear only kilts or do you wear other MUGs as well?
Hamish: In public places I wear mostly the kilts and the kilt-like garments I mention above, and just occasionally I'll venture out in a skirt. But I'm not too comfortable doing that.

At home, and in the immediate vicinity of my home, I always wear skirts - in summer they will be short and pleated, and in winter down to knee-length and maybe straight. I cannot abide anything coming below my knees!

I do have just one sarong, but I dislike the feel of wearing it away from the beach!!

Q: When you started wearing them, was there any stigma attached to seeing guys in public wearing skirt like garments? Did this ever bother you?
Hamish: Oh, yes! Even wearing a traditional kilt on the street here in England left one open to being ridiculed, and that bothered me tremendously. I went through a couple of years, at least, of absolute agony once I decided to wear them on a daily basis - and would frequently resort to taking a few glasses of 'Dutch Courage' before leaving the house! That was only four years ago!! Now, I am not at all nervous (except when in a skirt) but nor am I aware of any negative reaction from other people these days - maybe I am just oblivious of it, if it happens at all.

Q: You have been wearing unbifurcated garments for quite a number of years. At one point you decided to give up pants almost completely. Was that a difficult transition to make? Would you go back to wearing pants if you could help it?
Hamish: I did not decide to give up pants "almost" completely! It was a decision to give them up totally - all or nothing really. It was not a difficult transition because I did not do it until I had reached a point where I had a MUG to cover every event or necessity - from the most formal to the most casual, and everything in between. Even then, I retained a grey business suit and one pair of trousers - just in case! They were never required and I finally disposed of them just over a year ago. Today you will not find a single pair of trousers or shorts in my house.

Go back to wearing pants? Only at gunpoint, or possibly if I were threatened with imprisonment if I did not!

Q: I think many MUG wearing guys look to you as a role model because you have been wearing them for quite some time and you do it so unabashedly as if it is the secret to enjoying life. What is your thought about other MUG wearing guys looking to you as a role model?
Hamish: It IS one of the secrets to enjoying life - no doubt about it.
The fact that others look upon me as some sort of role model has only recently become clear to me - with the planning of my forthcoming Tour of the USA. So many guys have written to me, complete strangers many of them, from all over the States saying how much they want to meet me whilst I am in your Country - and that has knocked me sideways! I sometimes get similar messages from other parts of the world, but they are usually asking for advice as to what can be worn with what - that sort of thing. A senior Minion at Utilikilts and another old friend from elsewhere in the USA, when I told them of this influx of messages, both told me that I am "an icon" (yes, they both used that same word) to the MIK/MIS fraternity! I do find that hard to believe but if I am I am deeply honoured and am encouraged to go on doing what I do - just being me! At the risk of boring those who know me reasonably well, I feel it is important for me to go on posting photos of my various outfits from time to time, and to add them to my photo album on line. I am told that my photos help to encourage others who are just starting out on the 'unbifurcated' road.

Q: In your opinion, what is the best reason for guys to wear unbifurcated garments?
Hamish: The best reason is undoubtedly that of comfort and freedom. Then there is the matter of equality with females when it comes to matters of clothing choice.

Q: What do you feel has been the most influential event in creating the current growing interest in guys wearing kilts and other unbifurcated garments?
Hamish: This is a difficult one. It could be the number of pop and rock stars who, in recent years, have adopted kilts and skirts into their stage costumes, but I think it rather more likely to have come about with the advent of The Internet. Guys who have longed to wear unbifurcated garments but who have never dared to, have found that they are far from being 'the only ones' by stumbling upon sites such as "Tom's Café". The Internet has also made it possible for people like Steven Villegas to blossom forth with their brilliant designs bringing practical masculine skirts within reach of 'Joe Public'. Howie Nicholsby of "21st Century Kilts" has revolutionised the traditional kilt and given it much wider appeal - that must count for a lot.

Q: Do you think that this will be a fad or a growing trend? Do you foresee in the future that seeing guys wearing unbifurcated garments will be a common thing?
Hamish: Oh, it is not a fad! It is definitely a growing trend, but a slow one. The answer to this is very much in the hands of the designers and manufacturers. I think the trend will continue, through the kilts avenue, but the prices will have to be reduced somehow before it really gains a hold. Kiltmaking, even when the sewing is done on a machine, is a laborious and an expensive process. Somehow, someone has to come up with a means of mass-production without loss of quality. Utilikilts are also expensive for what they really are - work clothes. Their prices also need to be reduced, and different fabrics - maybe less robust ones - need to be introduced. Don't ask me how this can be brought about, because I do not have an answer, but I cannot see men wearing unbifurcated garments becoming a common sight until prices are at least half of their current figures.

Q: What type of activities do you do when wearing your kilts? Is there anything in particular that they are better for than pants?
Hamish: Since I do not wear trousers/pants, I undertake every activity whilst wearing kilts (or skirts), including gardening, washing the car, household decorating, etc., etc. Kilts are truly superior to trousers for most outdoor activities, such as walking and hiking. Running and many other sports are more comfortably undertaken in short, pleated skirts.

Q: What does your family and friends think about your wearing unbifurcated garments?
Hamish: They have never questioned me about my decision never to wear trousers again. It was a total non-event. However, I believe that both my parents, were they still alive, would have had a huge problem with it - as they would with my being Gay, had they ever known.

Q: Have you ever encountered a difficult situation because somebody took offense to the fact that you were wearing a "skirt"? What happened and how did you deal with it?
Hamish: No, I really can say that I have never found myself in such a situation. How would I deal with it if I did? Who can say? I'd probably run for my life as I am hopeless with confrontations!!!

Q: What was the best reaction you have gotten from wearing your MUGs? Strangest?
Hamish: I really cannot remember what the "best" reaction might have been, or the "strangest". The British public is shy of voicing compliments to complete strangers, so one is more likely to be criticised than praised.

Q: What type of notoriety have you gotten from wearing unbifurcated garments? Any news clippings, radio stories, etc?
Hamish: The notoriety I have earned through my kilt and skirt wearing has come about mainly through the BBC's local radio service here in the south of England. In the past three years or so, I have become established there as a bit of a celebrity. Occasionally, I am stopped in the street or in shops to be asked, "Are you 'Skirted Hamish of Storrington', by any chance?" (That is generally the name I am known by on air). Were I not dressed in a kilt or maybe a skirt, no-one would know me! I have a rather distinctive 'broadcasting' voice so that might be a giveaway when I am in conversation off-air. Once people know who I am, they often tell me how nice it was to have met me.......... I have been asked for my autograph........... I have been asked to pose for photos........ I have been invited into peoples' homes for a cup of tea! And now, people are anxious to meet me in the USA, thousands of miles from my home!!! So far, the Press has not been interested in making anything of my clothing preferences - they say it is not newsworthy!!!

Q: Do you feel that wearing MUGs have somehow improved or enriched your life? How so?
Hamish: Oh yes! Finding the nerve to get out there and do it was painful, but having got through that barrier I can truthfully state that I have been given much greater confidence in almost everything I do. I can go anywhere, with my head held much higher than ever it was in the past. As a friend recently told me, "You have re-invented yourself. You are no longer the Hamish I knew for years, but a new Hamish - a much more likeable Hamish." Also, I have gained hundreds of new acquaintances from all around the world as a result of my Internet appearances, and my closest current friendships have been formed, here in the UK, in like manner.

Q: Who is it that you personally feel has made an impact for the positive for guys wearing MUGs?
Hamish: Two people share that accolade: Howie Nicholsby and Steven Villegas.

Q: You have a considerable collection of MUGs which can be seen on IMFF.net. For you, is it all about freedom in clothing or also about fashion too? Is there sort of a "collector's" approach to your wardrobe at all?
Hamish: Certainly, an element of fashion comes into it. I cannot say I have ever really been influenced by fashion trends (there have been precious few for men in my time!), but I have long held an interest in looking my best; being neat, clean and tidy. Being able to wear a kilt and jacket (a kilt suit) in the same fabric has, I suppose, put me at the forefront of unbifurcated fashion for men. I am proud of that and grateful for having had the opportunity.

Yes, I believe that I do treat my 'wardrobe' of kilts in particular as something of a collection, and maybe that is why I am still adding, but never getting rid of, them. I never want any of them to wear out, and I should like to leave them all to a Museum when the time comes. To be displayed in The Hamish Bicknell Gallery at London's V&A Museum, perhaps!!!!

Q: What is [are] your favorite MUG[s] that you own and why? [Select two if you would like to select a UK and a more traditional kilt.]
Hamish: My solid leather Utilikilt would have to top my list. Not because of its cost/value, but because it is the most sensuous and comfortable garment I have ever worn. It is massively heavy when held in the hand, but that weight disappears when it is worn around the waist. It is incredibly sexy to wear also.

My second choice would probably be my off-white poly-wool kilt from "21st Century Kilts". This is a totally impractical and frivolous garment - I dread getting a mark of any kind on it - but again, it is so very comfortable. It is also unique in that Howie has never been asked to make another like it. It is essentially a summer kilt, because of its colour, and it makes a huge statement to those that see it.

Q: What would you tell somebody who is thinking about trying a MUG but nervous about making the jump?
Hamish: I would advise them to go ahead; to persevere - but slowly if that would make them less nervous. If it were practical, I would suggest that I accompany them on some of their first public outings (having someone with me helped tremendously). If necessary, I would suggest that they hire a kilt before buying one. Skirting, I think, is different. It takes a particular type of guy to carry off wearing a skirt, especially one from the Women's Department - I am not sure that I could advise our friend with this.

Q: Recently, a photo of Alan Cummings [Night Crawler from the new Xmen United: X2 movie] has surfaced online where he is wearing a denim kilt apparently made by Levi's Jean Company to the premier of the movie. What is your reaction to this?
Hamish: I know Alan (he is also a good friend and customer of Howie Nicholsby, and he has a few "TFCK" (21^st Century Kilt) kilts - not as many as I have, however!). I know nothing about this film, or whether Alan wears a kilt in it. I happen to know that he already has a superb denim kilt made by Howie, but if he also has one made by Levi's, I should love to compare the two.

Levi's marketed a denim kilt several years ago, but soon dropped it because it was not popular. This was hardly surprising, as it was not made available to any of their own stores here in the UK or any of their franchises! It is good that they are prepared to put their name to a kilt, but what is the point if no-one can buy it?! (editor's note: officially the source of said kilt is unknown. The report that it was a Levi's jean kilt came from a source at Utilikilts. Where the original source of this info is from is uncertain so it could possibly still be a "21^st Century Kilt" original. See photo (soon).)

Q: Is it a good sign for MUG wearers that major clothing companies like Levi are starting to notice a trend?
Hamish: Oooops! See above.

Q: Do you think movies such as Braveheart or Rob Roy help the popularity of MUGs by romanticizing them or do you think it is counterproductive to what wearing MUGs is really about which is comfort and freedom in clothing?
Hamish: No, I don't think these films did much for helping guys into kilts or MUGS. The kilts were depicted as historical garments in those films. They may have encouraged some of your fellow Americans to adopt them when visiting Ren. Faires, etc. (We don't have such events here, so there would be little point in British guys investing in Great Kilts - they are definitely not modern, every-day wear!) The films did however, bring (historical costume) MUGS into the public eye, as did "Quo Vadis", "Ben Hur" and "Gladiator" ........ but I don't recall guys hitting the streets in togas and Roman-style tunics as a result! Historical films won't do it.

More films along the lines of "The 51^st State" ("Formula 51" in the US) with Samuel Jackson in his kilts and set in the present day, would have a greater impact on guys of today.

Q: MUG wearers include guys who are everything from truck drivers to school teachers. It's unusual for a garment to cater to such a diverse audience since clothing often "defines" the person, or at least so they say. Why do you think the appeal of MUGs is so wide spread?
Hamish: But then, baseball caps, t-shirts and blue jeans appeal to all sectors of our male society - leather jackets, too. If, as you say, MUGS are popular from truck drivers to school teachers, I'd say that is because all men appreciate comfort! Men from all walks of life are bound to feel the need also for equality, and for freedom of choice. I really do not think a man's social standing has any bearing on his clothing choices - if he can afford to have those choices!

Q: Why, when in history and in other nations of today it clearly shows that unbifurcated garments were common, do you think that popular public opinion dislikes the idea of guys in skirt like garments?
Hamish: I have pondered this one too, and can only come up with the well-worn response that popular public opinion considers any skirt-like garment to actually be a skirt. And skirts are worn by women. Therefore, if any man wears a 'skirt' he is emasculating himself.

Having said that, in my own experience of recent years, I have spoken with many guys, usually as individuals not as parts of groups, and they have been generally sympathetic to the idea of guys wearing MUGS. Talk to those same guys when in groups, and they cannot be honest with themselves - they laugh at the very idea ............ because of a fear of their peers, I'm certain.

Q: It has been said that companies like Amerikilt are blatant rip-offs of Utilikilt where as others bless the concept of competition and expanded awareness of unbifurcated freedom. What is your take on this?
Hamish: I agree with Steven Villegas on this one: imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Personally, I do not think the Amerikilt IS a rip-off. They are not in the same class as Utilikilts (quite), but I prefer their arrangement of the snap fasteners and the wider aprons. Each brand has its place, in my opinion, and I should welcome more manufacturers/designers coming onto the scene.

Q: If there was one person you would like to see in a kilt, who would it be and why?
Hamish: Simple! Our young Prince William. He is a stunningly good looking fellow and he is very popular with old and young citizens of the world, not just this country. Unfortunately, he has stated that he will never be caught wearing the kilt! He is tall, so perhaps he doesn't have the legs for a kilt - I don't know, as he is always in long trousers, not shorts! But were he to start kilt wearing - even Utilikilt wearing - he would have a huge impact on sales of the garment.

Q: Is there one person you wish you had never seen in a kilt? If so, why?
Hamish: No, I cannot think of anyone right now. Oh, yes! Hang on a minute. No disrespect here, Christopher, but what about all those Americans who go totally over the top with all the unnecessary accessories when dressing in their Scottish kilts?!! And especially those who wear their kilts several inches below their knees. Uggggh! You would NEVER see that in Scotland!

Q: What is the last thought about MUGs that you would like to leave with anybody reading this interview?
Hamish: Don't knock it until you have tried it!

Hamish's picture gallery of his kilts can be seen at the International Men's Fashion Freedom website.

top