There are fashion trends that never seem to evaporate, ones that always seem to come back season after season and always feel fresh. Military chic is such a trend and for some odd reason it keeps on influencing. Is it the authoritative look? The allure? The functionality? The comfort? It’s actually all of those things and more.
Opposing troops putting aside their differences in 1914 to share Christmas
John Galliano - Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Modern menswear grew out of military uniforms on many levels, the transition from breeches to pants (18th century to 19th century) is easily observed when looking at military uniforms. Plus, military details translate well in general, as they adapt easily to any style. Let’s not forget that the ladies also like to borrow a few of these hyper-masculine accouterments.
Gucci - Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Versace - Fall 2012-Winter 2013
The Russian national soccer team's new uniform
The last Milan and Paris menswear shows peppered their line-ups with more than a few military references and these martial touches were as varied as they will be influential. It’s a matter of time before the women’s collections start adopting some of the looks.
Burberry and the Trenchcoat’s military origins
Prada - Fall 2012-Winter 2013
WWII redux - Brad Pitt in 'Inglourious Basterds' and Tom Cruise in 'Valkyrie'
Umit Benan - Fall 2012-Winter 2013
WWI French Uniform
From field camouflage to officers’ regalia, coats are getting the reboot. The looks are a Who’s Who in world military history. Some, like the classic tailored wool types, reference a Napoleonic vibe, a mariner’s peacoat, or a general’s formal get-up.
Dries Van Noten - Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Napoléon Bonaparte's formal uniform, 1800
Balmain - Fall 2012-Winter 2013
The first double portrait of Prince William and Prince Harry by artist Nicky Philipps
Yohji Yamamoto - Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Today’s superstar, the “puffy” down-filled parka coat, is getting creative as well. Whereas a few designers are tweaking it, others are playing with the look and lining it in fur. Just check-out actual WWI and WWII references and you’ll be surprised to find out that these coats have always been around.
WWII German Elite (Waffen-SS) Uniforms
Jean Paul Gaultier - Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Military Camouflage - M-65 Field Coat and Jacket
This trend is picking-up steam and some labels are actually repurposing army surplus items and lining them anew with every fashionable type of fur in a range of colors.
Fur Parka by Mr & Mrs Furs
Fur-lined military parka by Mr & Mrs Furs
With the women’s collections upon us, what types of military references will we see?
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