Military Influences on Today's Fashions
Baby Boomers started the trend back in the Sixties, when they invaded Army Navy Surplus stores to stock up on navy pea jackets, watch caps, and camouflage pants. The more militant/hippie elements went so far as to prowl around with a grim expression while wearing a Che Guevara style military beret – a sure sign of rebellion and defiance of the bourgeoisie status quo. And the Beatles, with their faux officer hats, riding crops, and colorful epaulets, added fuel to the military fashion fire.
Since then fashionistas the world over have worked and reworked the military fashion angle to death. And guess what? It’s never gone out of style, and doesn’t look to be going out of style any time soon. Beetle Bailey is definitely a fashion icon.
Ever since Ralph Lauren did his own take on the military pea coat back in the Sixties, the major fashion houses in the United States and in Europe have used militaria as a way to both make a statement and to make clothes practical and durable as well as chic. The swagger that goes with military themed outfits is ubiquitous. At the latest Paris Fashion Week there were so many faux uniforms up on the walkway that patrons got hand cramps from continuously saluting pearl wearing admirals and sultry generals covered in the Croix de Guerre.
The fact of the matter is that today you can’t throw a stone at a fashionable soiree without hitting someone wearing Tom Ford’s aviator sunglasses or sporting cargo pants (first invented by the Navy during World War Two for sailor to load up on food and supplies quickly when their ship was torpedoed and sinking.)
Military jewelry is hot this season, as well. Platinum dog tags are everywhere, and silver collar bars denoting rank are de rigueur at every continental cocktail party. Sleeve stripes made of electrum, often encrusted with jewels, are to be seen in mosh pits and on university campuses worldwide.
Military tattoos are standard issue for both men and women; with Army bulldogs and Navy fouled anchors a favorite theme. And of course the military minded haute couture are reclining these days in nothing but leather bound campaign chairs – first designed for Napoleon back in the 1800s.
A special niche of the military theme fashion is being called Loden Green, after the ribbed sweaters that British commandos wore on their deadly raids in Norway and Brittany. The original sweaters were one hundred percent wool, with the sheep lanolin left in to provide natural waterproofing and wicking features to keep the commandos warm and dry during beachfront operations. Along with the sweater there was always an aluminum dagger in a leather sheath. Today’s fashionistas have taken the Loden Green look, using synthetic fibers to mimic the original organic wool, for ribbed blouses, shirts, and even trousers – all in the dull green of the original. And the leather dagger sheath is now an elongated black silk purse. This striking combination is to be seen in major fashion hot spots such as London, New York, and Paris. No doubt it will soon spread to the bumpkins in LA and Barcelona.
