The ironic statement a man will make when wearing the camouflage pattern is one that many set without realising. Traditionally a pattern used to blend in, people are reversing the statement to stand out.
First seen as a fashion avenue in the 80’s with the Warhol and Stephen Sprouse collab, and the Paris Fashion show in June 2012 saw designers such as Valentino, Kenzo and Dries Van Noten bring the camouflage print back into the fashion eye.
It is certainly a bold statement and one that has not gone amiss. With the pattern predominantly cropping up in the street and skate-wear staples, the camouflage trend is one that designers are certainly exploring. Like the leopard print for girls, it’s a safe way for a guy to feel a tad radical, without actually being radical. This is down to the influx of people buying into what seems to be seen everywhere.
Whether it is on light fitting jackets, Palladium boots, t-shirts or jumpers, variations and different takes on the pattern are being fed into the fashion market. Some may prefer the traditional green colour-way; however what we are now seeing is numerous colours finding themselves infused with one another. There are those that critique the pattern, with the "where does it end?" attitude.
People see camouflage as a look too far, yet others are attracted to it by its boldness and sheer stand-out statement. In fashion you will always have ‘praisers and slaters’ yet camouflage has brought out an opinion in everybody. The striking pattern inevitably leaves you with the question, "what do I wear it with?"
It is going to create a strong look for the eye, so I feel the pattern alone is something that should be the main centrepiece of an utfit. Couple it with something basic and simple; a pair of skinnies for example, that way you are going to have a balanced look, with a strong, unique element.
From what we have seen so far from AW12 and this year SS13, is that camouflage looks like it has cemented itself in the fashion industry, being used by both street wear and designer labels.