THE 7 – NATION ARMY PROTAGONISTS
The transformation of military uniform easing its way into modern streetwear fashion through the years, worldwide.
Military uniform is a form of standardized dress worn by the armed force members and military forces of various nations. Military dress styles have gone through great changes over the years from colourful and complex to extremely convenient. The styles and decoration of military uniforms varied enormously with status, age and resources of the military throughout the ages. Being a soldier in a heated battle was a confusing and frightening place and uniform eventually provided the means were the participants could be identified in a confused fight
Rank and uniform have gone hand in hand, as a uniform signifies status. Uniforms helped to produce a feeling of pride in one’s country and one’s cause. Another different type of uniform is camouflage. This uniform in the military is of uttermost importance, because the camouflaged patterns on the uniform are a blending in with the environment of where the soldier is based, and will protect him/her as the target against the enemy. Military uniforms have continued to evolve throughout the years, often being influenced by civilian fashion and realism. The uniforms within each branch differ not only on rank but also based on various occasions such as formal, non-formal or work
After The War
By the time that World War Two came to an end camouflage and military inspired styles began to make their way into people’s everyday wardrobes. After the returning of soldiers and veteran soldiers from the war, “hand-me-downs” of soldier uniforms, jackets, trousers and other items became a very important, and fashionable item of clothing towards the youth generation as the military street subculture was established. Vintage military uniforms functioned as a powerful statement within the subculture were the wearer where exploiting the symbolism attached to it.
Vintage Military Clothing is Cemented in Society
Because of its broad symbolism, it is easy to use military clothing to express one’s personal style regardless of what it is. Meanwhile camouflage patterns were being adapted and reinvented in the world of street fashion. A majority of designers around the world and fashion labels all embraced military styles, incorporating it into their collections, editorial fashion shoots, etc
This collection of garments demonstrates how vintage military uniforms from all 7 continents of the world have, through the years evolved into fashionable streetwear garments. Various subcultures such as pop culture & reggae musicians, dance/choreography crews, skateboarders, fashion influencers have adopted the military uniform trend, incorporating the style into their daily wardrobes. The use of olive green & camouflage cotton twill fabrics, heavy topstitching, bullet-proof belt buckles are some of the featured key contents in the collection, building up the look & feel of each garment.
