Well Camo is more than just a craze, it is a staple in Streetwear and Hip Hop Culture, whether that be on the runway, the striking piece in a brand’s lookbook or simply spotted on your favourite artist. The pattern can take many variations from the classic Woodland to desert, digi, real tree plus many more - whilst always finding ways to be reinvented, evolve, yet still stay true to its origin.
To go all the way back, Camouflage originated in France during World War I in 1914, considering stepping into battle wearing bright blue or red uniform wasn’t the best idea..
French artists, particularly with experience in theatrical set design, were instrumental in developing these camouflage techniques for military use - applying paint and patterns to disguise the soldiers and equipment. Once formulated, camo clothing stayed on the battlefield until the second half of the twentieth century when it finally infiltrated Pop Culture. With what started as ironically reimagining the pattern, it didn’t take long for Vogue to write the first article on camouflage print clothing in 1971, saying it’s a “functional, practical, good looking print and just as wearable as the everyday blue jean”.
Hip Hop would respect the camo print within the culture since its 1980s inception in Brooklyn, New York. To begin, rappers and skaters would shop at army/navy surplus stores to find low-priced clothes that were durable, long lasting and able to provide a feeling of being tough enough to take on the streets. It wouldn’t be long before rappers like Tupac, Wu-Tang Clan and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony embraced this look from the streets and spread the trend to fans. Unknowing what was to come, at the time during the late 80s and 90s it was clear that if someone was rocking camo, it’s a safe bet they listened to Hip Hop.
With famous Pop & RNB acts also adopting the look, the love for the print would remain.
Amidst the years going by, the genre and trends within would progress. By the mid 2000s the rise of Japanese streetwear brand BAPE, would add a whole new era to the camo print. Ending the need for hip hop fans to search the surplus stores by creating a desire for the eye popping exclusive pieces. The colourful looks would be seen on the likes of Pharrell, Kanye and Lil Wayne, these iconic images are still referenced today and will probably appear on mood boards for the rest of time.
Although from a mainstream standpoint ,camo may be pushed in and out of popularity due to commercial fast fashion bouncing it from cool to uncool again. It will forever be stamped and remain at the heart of Streetwear & Hip Hop Culture.
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