The Movement
So Far...


I created 21st Century Kilts (TFCK) aged 18 in 1996. Being the 4th generation in the kilt industry, I needed to make my own mark within my parent’s business, Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmakers.

Howie Nicholsby 21st Century Kilts

Launched in 1999 at London Men’s Fashion Week I wanted the kilt to be more accessible to people without a Clan/Tartan connection, like myself, I have no family Tartan.

The brand and I was intertwined in Geoffrey (Tailor), this caused an infusion of modern and traditional I did not expect or want. Between the age of 20 & 30 I travelled promoting both modern & Traditional.
Sometimes away 27 weekends of the year; Scottish Highland Festivals in the USA & Canada, The NYC Tartan Day celebrations, a Monthly London fitting and other exhibitions such as the Clothes Show Live NEC Birmingham (where I met my amazing wife).

TFCK should not be worn with the usual cream socks and Jacobite shirts - the mix at Geoffrey (Tailor) did not work for me. In 2009, I was able to go independent to my own store on Thistle Street.

This decade allowed me to build and develop the brand. Now uniquely positioned in the options available for men wanting an un-bifurcated option in their wardrobe.

5000 days later… on the 18th of September 2022 I have moved back to the Royal Mile and re-unified with Geoffrey Tailor & Kiltmaker. My father Geoffrey has retired and I am working with an old colleague and friend, John Webster; foremost expert in Traditional Highland Dress.

Appointments are recommended but we are open 6 days 10am – 5pm (Closed Sundays).

We look forward to welcoming you back to the ‘New’ Store: 59 High Street, Royal Mile.

Who has Howie kilted?