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June 22, 2005
Camouflage owns me
There is something soothing and sexy about camouflage patterns. Its ability to turn ordinary fashions to something almost surreal amazes me.
In 1997 I started buying camouflage accessories and when questioned about my eager need for said items I would preach its wonder, and warn everyone about its return to fashion.
What does camouflage have to do with design? Camouflage is design. The book DPM: Disruptive Pattern Material is excellent. It is Hardy Blechman's exploration into the world of camouflage, charting its history from its roots in nature, through to its adoption by the military and on to its current popularity and use within modern civilian culture. (Also how countries designed the camouflage they use) Containing over 5,000 images, many of which are previously unpublished, and drawing on the knowledge of an extensive team of consultants, DPM is an indispensable reference guide for both the novice and seasoned camoufleur. (The book, which I have yet to purchase, is conveniently on my amazon.ca wish list.)
With an expensive book like that you have to know camouflage is spectacular.
When it comes to designing camouflage patterns for artistic purposes (as opposed to military) it is all up to the designer, what kind of feeling do you want the camouflage to have? Any object can have camouflage applied, and any pattern can be used (in the camouflage banner I used leaves and birds) How you make it look and feel are up to you, it is always more enjoyable to design your own instead of finding another and maipulating it to suit your needs. It might take a couple of designs but once you get a design you think works, ask other people what they think and improve it from there.
And now, back on topic. Camouflage, it is such a wonderful addition to any wardrobe, from a lanyard to a belt, it can be included in almost any way to accent an outfit. You might be thinking, how can I incorporate camo into my wardrobe? It's easy, for women a simple addition could be something as small as a purse and for men, a wallet. What about evening and professional wear you ask? For the women: as mentioned earlier, a purse. (Although most quality camouflage purses can cost quite a bit.) For men: something as tiny as camouflage cufflinks.
But be warned, improper use of camouflage can lead to disaster, I have seen may people (mainly males between 16 and 25… and some as old as 30) attempting to look good while being draped in a full camouflage outfit.
Mixing of camouflage patterns can also be very tricky; one must never wear two separate shades of camouflage. (Actually, one of the men mentioned above was a wearing green camouflage jacket with grey camouflage pants.) I happen to own quite a selection of camouflage attire, and although I really love it, I will never mix shades. Ever. It clashes and is simply wrong.
Some people think that wearing camo is a sign of insecurity, that perhaps by wearing camouflage, one will look tougher (perhaps they are in the army, but on leave to purchase a coffee from Tim Hortins?) For some this is not the case, I wear it as an accent only and never, under any circumstance (aside from jackets) will wear it to seem like something I am not.
On a side note, for those of you who think you look tougher by wearing all camouflage, you don’t. Nobody really thinks you are in the army.
How does one purchase a quality article of camouflage? Beware, there are many companies that have jumped on the bandwagon, and produced lower quality camouflage merchandise from CD wallets to automotive accessories. These products are not always noticeable, but can be identified with a keen eye. Some have slightly off colours. They look goof from far away, but upon closer inspection are just tacky and the colours don’t “mesh” with each other. Some should not be camouflage at all, mainly any automotive product. (Your Taurus is not tougher, and neither are you because of those wicked camouflage seat and windshield wiper covers)
There are many companies who produce quality camouflage products ranging from jackets, hats and belts all the way to shoes, wallets, purses and backpacks. The majority of them are rather expensive, but well worth the purchase due to quality in manufacturing. I have found that skateboard companies have mainly produced a lot of the nicer camouflages clothing items
Other camouflage items can be found almost everywhere, and while finding unique items that your friends wont have might be tough (and expensive) many are well worth the money.
www.dpmhi.com is a good place to look if you are looking for some unique speakers.
The B&W x
DPM 601 speakers are an excellent buy (aesthetically speaking as I have yet to purchase that as well.. and with just cause at £275.00). They also have a wide range of camouflage products including the particular spray paint needed to customize anything you want. (Although I do not recommend doing so without proper experience)
Camouflage has been a great addition to my lifestyle, and any article bearing this pattern would be a welcome purchase. However be warned, a couple of camouflage items in your room/apartment/house may add to the style, but it is the same as with clothing, too much can lead to disaster. So be wise with your purchases, don’t but any and all camouflage merchandise, be selective and buy only what you absolutely can’t live without.
Well I guess that is it for my camouflage post. I managed to talk about what I love and sneak in my amazon.com wish list for anyone with the funds and generosity.
Perhaps I will post again regarding my fashion opinion.
For any of you camo lovers out there, what was the latest and greatest camouflage item you purchased?
For me, it was my parka. Solid black exterior, and camouflage interior. It was manufactured by spiewak and with the camouflage on the inside, only the right amount shows.
Patrick Stolk-Ramaker
Posted by Patrick Stolk-Ramaker at June 22, 2005 02:13 AMPosted to Camouflage
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