"Thanks!" to Heidi (in this post) who let us know that there's an interesting take over at the Los Angeles Times (click here) about J.Crew's recent debut of their Spring 2010 collection.Could camouflage be coming back?The styling in that image from J.Crew's latest collection just looks... off. It doesn't work {for me anyways} to pair a camouflage jacket with a super-feminine ruffled white dress, let alone with those sneakers. My first impression, "yikes!"
By Emili Vesilind
October 30, 2009
There it was -- hiding amidst the floaty pink-toned feminine fabrics at J.Crew's spring 2010 fashion presentation: a thigh-length military jacket done up in hardcore olive-hued camouflage.
The speckled print -- which was first worn by nonmilitary personnel during the Vietnam War (often by war protesters) -- has been absent from mainstream fashion since '90s-era grunge. And the toughie print has perhaps never been paired with more girly gear than it was at the J.Crew show -- where fat pearls and tiered ruffles peeked out from under the military jacket.
Camo prints in various color schemes have always loomed large at skate and snowboarding companies -- including Volcom and Burton -- but are they poised to return to fashion-forward dressing?
I like the idea of pairing the combat print with hyper-girly elements like red lipstick and heels. It feels impromptu and unexpected. But do you think such a deeply schizophrenic look could work off the runway? Let us know your thoughts.
As for the camouflage jacket, which the article is based around... I am not a fan. I don't think it is a timeless staple for Women, unless you are in the military or a small child. JCAs money are better spent on a Schoolboy Blazer or a Jackie Cardigan.
What are your thoughts on the camouflage jacket by J.Crew? Are you a fan of the look? Do you like the overall style shown in the image?
Side Note: The Frisky (click here) has additional images of J.Crew's Sneak Peek into the Spring 2010 Collection.
I like it in principle and would love to wear it, but being in the Army for 5 years ruined me on any possible incarnation of camouflage....ugh. But I really really like the coat with the dress.
ReplyDeleteI don't wear things with a camouflage print- my husband best summed it up for me- "men & women have died wearing camouflage fighting for their country, so it's not a fashion statement". I'm not offended when people do wear it- in fact, I barely notice it. But personally, I wouldn't wear that jacket.
ReplyDeleteI am just... gobsmacked. I agree with Mr. Molly Darling emotionally, and sartorially I wouldn't touch the look in the pic with a ten foot pole. The cargo pant + heels look has morphed into this mess. What's next, blacking out a few of the models' front teeth, adding a diamond tiara, seven necklaces, waste management coveralls, belted, layered over a tank, a long sleeve henley, and a men's xs oxford with the collar popped, and worn with neon fishnet anklets and platform cankle booties? Yes, my JC dollars will continue to go to the Jackies and jersey dresses. I could possibly be in a rut, but I probably won't look back at pictures of myself from this era and bust a gut laughing at myself!
ReplyDeleteIn the past I've seen so many slobby non-military teenagers wandering around in camouflage pants that I can only associate camouflage with that. So no, I wouldn't buy it. I feel it is silly on civilians and should stay a military thing.
ReplyDeleteI like the jacket, the length is what makes it work. I'd only pick it up on sale, though.
ReplyDeleteHate camouflage, never liked it. Even Goldie Hawn wanted to know if it came in other colors. Weary of the frilly dress and tennis shoes. It was clever once.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm optimistic that there will be some cute things for Holiday!
LOL CheesyGoodness, they are going to hire you for the next catalog, that was brilliant!
ReplyDeleteNah for me too. There was a time when I would've worn me some camo shorts, but now I like more feminine looks.
ReplyDeleteThe model looks like she stuck her finger in a wall socket, the pic does not help sell what she is wearing.
ReplyDeleteBack to the 80s we go, I hope big hair does not come back.
The dress, jacket, and shoes look as if they may be decent on their own, but I don't really care for them worn together.
ReplyDeleteNo camo for me. I agree it stays in the military family, w/hunters or for child's play. At least it's not purple camo.
ReplyDeleteActually, last time JC did camouflage was around summer of 2002. Was the thing that made me go "huh" among their "traditional" prints and plaids. A "longer-length" mini and shorts, if memory serves (how sad I know this.) Also, camo in small doses is returning among designers like Narcisco Rodriguez. Can't remember which actress just showed up in an InStyle S/S 2010 fashion show shot wearing one of his dresses with the print on top? Do like the styling idea of a JC casual "duster" coat over a fancy dress. To each their own, but this won't be going in my shopping bag next year either.
ReplyDeleteI know JCrew had a camo canvas tote out the summer of 2007 as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Molly Darling and how her husband summed up camouflage. Defintely should not be a fashion statement.
Maybe it's not calling to me because there are no ruffles or beads on the jacket anywhere. :-) I think I'm a little worried about what else is coming.
ReplyDeleteI like camo is small doses--like on a pair of heels or a bag--and I also like unexpected interpretations of it with different colors/patterns. But I don't care for that jacket. I wish I could find a more articulate way of explaining why, but I just don't think it looks good.
ReplyDeleteI MISS THE OLD J.CREW!!!! IF I WANTED TO LOOK LIKE A BROOKLYN HIPSTER I WOULD SHOP IN BROOKLYN OR AT URBAN OUTFITTERS. BRING IT BACK!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI live in a military town and many of my friends and neighbors serve. Like Molly Darling, I'd never wear camouflage as a fashion statement.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time, I'm not offended when kids hit the army surplus for DIY fashion--I did it myself as a teen in the 80s. But IMO it's ridiculous for mid-range mall designers to offer camo items as a deliberately manufactured, pre-packaged "look." (Even more ridiculous than $100+ pre-fabricated "distressed" jeans--whatever happened to *wearing* them until they got that way?)
not into camo myself. But it would be easier to take in small doses. This jacket is way too huge!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking "hot mess". The individual pieces may be ok, but all together it just looks silly.
ReplyDeleteAnd despite my beloved A&F camo pants from about 7 years ago, I think it should be limited to the under-20 crowd.
I am kind of surprised that so many of the JCAs seems to agree with my feelings about camo. Totally agree with Molly Darling and CheesyGoodness, that was too much! :) I see so much of it - on 30-somethings like me, too! - but it's not for me. Depressing to me that JCrew is jumping on this. Especially since spring seems to be so heavy into it...
ReplyDeleteTo me, camo is right up there with wearing skulls and patterned hoodies. Ick.
ReplyDeleteCamo... NO! Why would JCrew do this? Well, obviously it will end up languishing in final sale...
ReplyDeleteum..... I like the dress...? And the flowers are pretty. ;)
ReplyDeleteIronically, I'm in the process of knitting a sweater vest in a less-literal camo-inspired color pattern: http://www.flickr.com/photos/36290074@N06/4065181087/ (Excuse the stray threads hanging, almost finished!)
ReplyDeleteWhenever I see camouflage appear in fashion now and again, I've always understood the statement to be one of homage to those who've sacrificed--- and not necessarily a statement of support for the idea of war.
Naive of me?
P.S. Alexis, I love visiting your blog--- what a dynamic forum/fashion source you've created for all of us. Thank you!
ooops, link:
ReplyDeletewww.flickr.com/photos/36290074@N06/4065181087/
The dress is rather pretty but I am not fond of this outfit. Maybe it's too young for me, looks like something a teenager would wear. J.Crew likes to market to every age group so I can understand this offering but I would never buy a camo jacket.
ReplyDeleteA couple years ago I learned that it is illegal to wear camouflage or military clothing in a lot of Caribbean countries. As we are planning our December vacation to St. Lucia and Martinique I made a mental note to leave the boyfriend military jacket at home. I'm sure most tourists could get away with one such piece but I'm a pretty cautious traveler so I'll err on the side of caution. Love that jacket but can usually make do with a couple of light cardis, which are easier to dress up anyway.
Everyone: Love reading the comments for this post. Glad to see I am not the only one who is not feeling J.Crew's camouflage style.
ReplyDeleteKathy: Thanks for the nice words. The JCA community is fantastic!!! :)
ShuLvr --> Have fun on your trip, you will LOVE St. Lucia, it is paradise.
ReplyDeleteWar is not fashion. Fashion is fun,not war... I would not wear it... but it can also mean, support our troops...
ReplyDeleteI work in the humanitarian aid field...if I dress up in military gear this would confuse people and most likely put my life in danger. While I respect my military colleagues, its a big no thanks in the fashion department.
ReplyDeleteNot for me. I agree with Molly.
ReplyDeletei just bought an authentic camo military jacket at a vintage store and i was excited to learn that some major lines are including camo this spring. i think when people wear camo, they are paying respect to those who have served for their country and i don't see why this should be a bad thing.
ReplyDelete