Military swagger is back with a bang!
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Friday December 16, 2016 14:59
When we think of the military, our first thoughts probably turn to battle hardened solders, cocky pilots, guns and men willing to put their lives on the line to protect their nation’s interests. However, it is unlikely that the idea of fashion and style springs to mind.
Yet so many items of clothing we own are taken straight from the military handbook or adapted from pieces that were designed first and foremost for the battlefields rather than the high streets of Botswana.
In fact, there are so many items from the armed forces camouflaged under the style banner, which make us think that they have always been part of the fashion scene.
Technically, we owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who fight for the idea of freedom. We also owe them gratitude for the clothes that have passed from military bases and war zones dating back centuries and now find themselves firmly ensconced on different corners of the world’s fashion industry.
We have seen this fashion trend being adopted from different streets by different types of people from different social groups. This fashion sense can be worn anyhow to showcase the character of each individual and it is the cheap way to look glamorous.
For decades we have seen military fashion coming and going. According to Spero Villioti Academy’s The Sophisticated Approach to Studying Fashion, this new fashion trend started during World War II, when civilians, even ladies, took to wearing government-issue trench coats as everyday outwear.
In the Vietnam era, young people in the antiwar movement appropriated fatiques, camouflage, army jackets, cargo pants as a symbol of protest.
They became trendsetters in the process and before long, the elite, like model Lauren Hutton started sporting the look. Locally, we have seen some of our celebrities like Vee Mampeezy, Girly O’Dibody and a few other artists wearing the military clothing.
Most of the shopping outlets have also stocked a number of camouflage and military clothing items. The clothing items vary from shorts, skirts, dungarees, skinny pants, cargo pants, muscle tops, dresses, jumpsuits and many more including shoes.
This new fashion style gives non-military people a chance to wear military clothing. Its natural and beautiful colours complemented with a few accessories can give an individual a rich and glamorous look. For a simple but still a cool look, one can wear either camouflage pants and a plain black or military green vest, top or t-shirt depending on their sense of style or vice versa. The jumpsuit also gives a cool and elegant look. One can either wear it with heels, pumps or sneakers. You can choose shorts or long jumpsuit that complements your figure and add a dash of accessories to spice up your looks.
This is a must have clothing item for every young fashionista more especially the night crawlers as it gives then a simple and elegant look. For those who are willing to go an extra mile and look more sophisticated in their military styles, they can look for various options to spice up their look as these military clothes also have stylish designs that can complement their fashion sense.
Meanwhile, we have seen the entertainment industry incorporating this fashion trend into their events. Morwa Recreational Park has decided to adopt the military style and turn it into an event. It will be hosting the Military Festive Fest on December 23, 2016.
According to the joint owner, Thoko Ratsatsi famed as DJ Thoko, the event was inspired by the military fashion trend that most people more especially the youth have shown a great interest in.
“Military fashion is unique, affordable and many people have shown a great interest in this new fashion trend. The concept of military event is just as appealing as the fashion trend. We know that we will have a great turn up at our event because many revelers would like to showcase their military fashion styles,” he said.
However, weapons will not be allowed in the premises and Thoko promised that security will be very tight to ensure everyone’s safety.
Ratsatsi said the event will feature Sdudlanoma 1000, Jujuvine, DJ Mamito, Girly O’Dibody, Baxon, DJ Styles, Ganda and Onks. This event’s theme is ‘Oketsa Modumo’. Enterance fee will be P50 before 10pm and P60 afterwards. Cooler boxes will be allowed free entry.