The camouflage print has been around for longer than you can imagine. In fact, it dates as far back as the mid 18th century, when it was first practiced in simple form by jäger- or rifle units.
During the WWI (1914 – 1918), by a sheer stroke of genius, the military force uniform became a glamorous fashion statement. But unlike other fashion statements, aside from just looking cool, the camouflage print also has real functions because quite literally, you could take it to war with you. So it actually makes all the sense in the world to love it!
Here are 7 times the camouflage print proved to be lit AF 🙂
1. Saving lives during both world wars
Camouflage was first practiced in simple form in the mid 18th century by jäger- or rifle units. Their tasks required them to be inconspicuous, and they were issued green and later other drab colour uniforms. In military, to camouflage means applying colour and materials to military equipment of all kinds, including vehicles, ships, aircraft, gun positions, and battledress, either to conceal it from observation or to make it appear as something else. It probably went on to save hundreds of lives during WWI and WWII. Just like that!
2. From the barracks to the runway
Military camouflage patterns have been popular in fashion from as early as 1915. Many major designers have exploited camouflage’s style and symbolism, and military clothing or imitations of it have been used as street wear. Producers using camouflage in the 1990s and beyond include John Galliano for Christian Dior, Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, Comme des Garçons, Chanel, Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce & Gabbana, Issey Miyake, Armani, and Yves Saint-Laurent. Companies closely associated with camouflage patterns include 6876, A Bathing Ape, Stone Island, Stüssy, Maharishi, mhi, Zoo York, Addict, and Girbaud.
3. Destiny’s Child rocking it in “Survivor”
Our queens Destiny’s Child definitely owned the camo-ed out look in their “Survivor” music video. A little history lesson on “Survivor”: In 1999, Destiny’s Child members LaTavia Roberson and LeToya Luckett left the group and were replaced by Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin. Soon afterwards, Franklin also dropped from the group. Because of that, the group was compared to the reality series “Survivor”, which inspired Beyoncé to write the song. “Survivor” went on to win “Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals” at the 2002 Grammy Awards and also the 2001 MTV Video Music Award for “Best R&B Video”. Can’t say that the camo vibe didn’t contribute to that 😉
4. Because camouflage equals bulletproof
Blink and you’ll miss it! Remember when Josh Hartnett stole hearts with a crew cut and a camouflaged vest in “Black Hawk Down”? Or when Demi Moore sucked it up (she shaved her head) and beefed it up, and proved to the world that women can lead in “G.I. Jane”? Or more recently, when Song Joong Ki swept fangirls off their feet as he rocked the camo swagger in hit K-Drama “Descendants of the Sun“? It’s amazing what a little bit of camouflage can do to empower, add cred, and complete the look of a tough character, be it male or female 😉
5. When these K-Pop stars validated it
The best way to start or to validate a (style) trend is to get K-Pop idols to wear it or be seen wearing it. Judging by their frequent appearances in music videos, music programmes, variety shows, concerts, fan meetings, and in real life (read: airport fashion), K-Pop idols are able to rock clothes like they’re on a runway and totally own it. Case in point, the camouflage print. We’ll let the above gallery of camouflage awesomeness do the talking. After all, a picture speaks a thousand words.
6. The ape that revolutionised camouflage
Streetwear junkies would remember this one! A Bathing Ape, otherwise known as BAPE, is a Japanese clothing brand founded by Teriyaki Boyz’s Nigo in 1993. BAPE frequently collaborates with other brands and features characters from popular media such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Marvel, Nintendo, DC Comics, and Sanrio. But one of BAPE’s most notable designs that remain evergreen till this day is their camouflaged print, which is still used throughout the BAPE range – on goodies, accessories, hoodies, jackets, T-Shirts, and shoes. People would pay big money for the highly coveted BAPE items and many international celebrities have been spotted wearing BAPE’s clothing.
7. Converse Reflective Camo Chuck II sneakers
If you don’t already know by now, we’re big fans of Converse sneakers – especially the Chuck II. When we heard that they were releasing a reflective camo version of the Chuck II, we knew that we had to get our hands on a pair! Because they’re reflective, they’re perfect for nocturnal exploration so you can do more of what you do when the sun goes down. Best of all, the new reflective material doesn’t compromise existing innovative Chuck II features like Lunarlon insole cushioning, padded non-slip tongue, and super soft micro-suede lining, so it’s comfy for long-wearing. Winning!
The Converse Reflective Camo Chuck II is now available at a retail price of RM329.90-RM349.90 at Converse Malaysia retail stores and via the brand’s official website.
Sources: Military Camouflage Wiki, WSJ / Featured image from YG Entertainment.
