Faux Soldier

A long time ago fashion borrowed camouflage from the military. KS wonders whether fashion will ever give it back.

Camouflage is an adaptation some animals use as protection from predators. An animal that uses camouflage likes to look like things in its environment. “I'm a tree, I'm a rock, I'm not really here, look over there” etcetera. Funnily enough this is why camo should now be called the invisible fashion — it's been revived, renewed, and recoloured so often that it's bordering on style staple. Ironic, isn't it?
In the good ol' days camo consisted of ill-fitting army surplus couture for hippies, anti-Vietnam war protestors and punks, not to mention soldiers and hunters.

Whether roo-shootin', bear- huntin', or bar- trawlin', typically people in uniform and city-soldiers avoid the bright oranges and citrus pinks. Grizzly bears are constantly foiled by camo phones, toilet paper, purses and cars. Camo batteries, pencils, hats and shoelaces keep those naughty warmongers at bay. Although it's everywhere, you can hardly notice it anymore. It is becoming a case of not seeing the camo for the trees.

“I can't say I like the look, it's too easy,” says personal stylist, Rebecca Walsh. “If it's your plan to hide in a crowd, go ahead with camo.”

The fact that camouflage is in so many mainstream stores coyly suggests it's now considered a solid style, not a merely a flash fad. This fad has surpassed the prediction of two years ago that it was merely a slow style cycle, taking time to catch on even though the glossy mags show it coming in and out of style mixed in with military hardware, detailing and colouring. It's been on the shelves for an age, and it will continue to sell. Ten years ago Ralph Lauren introduced his military range, three years ago Celine had bullet belts, last month DoCoMo's camo phone popped up.

The popularity of camo is just like the seasonal fluctuations of waist-lines, up and down. By the time you work up the nerve to actually purchase something in this print it may be deemed passé. If you have already invested in this trend, keep it handy because it will be hot again before you can say “as if.”

So what's the attraction? Uniform equals strong, and strong equals sexy. Also the broad colour spectrum means you can mix and match with just about anything already in your wardrobe. Camo works particularly well in a block-colour plus camo combo. On the flip side camo on camo is not a great idea unless you are in the armed services and about to commando roll your way across town. Although a personal rule is “More is more”, too much camouflage is a very bad thing. In relation to military style in camo colours, an epaulet here, a pocket there, a badge placed with coordinated abandon and you have struck camo sheik.

“I think it's best to choose one item and leave it for people to find it themselves, don't throw it in their faces,” says Ms Walsh. “A fitted army-green military jacket with super skinny denim jeans and stiletto boots is a look that can't be done wrong, unless it's on the wrong body, that is, an unconfident body. You have to work it.”
Instant attitude with kick-ass connotations. Make a statement through understatement. That's if people notice you.

Camo can be done if it's done well, and if you want to invest start slow. Maybe it's all beside the point, as one fashionista put it “It's vacation time, nobody has any money to buy anything new. So every-one will be wearing what they already have.” Good luck blending in.

Text: Jared Olthof • Photos: KS