Camo Prep Native Americana.
Photos by Tom Wallace and Kathleen Gasperini
One of the most exciting aspects of this Fall’s fashion trade shows in Las Vegas August 22-24, 2011 including Project, Workroom, MAGIC, S.L.A.T.E., and Street came from an ironic mix in eras and motifs, particularly the mix of Native Americana and camo, and Navajo prints and Prep. Not only were these growing subcultures of textures and patterns prevalent among the unique blending of brands and styles produced in the eclectic area called Project Wooster by legendary menswear icon Nick Wooster, but also strong reflections could be seen in parts of Project, S.L.A.T.E., and Workroom (one area that’s fast becoming a favorite location where advanced contemporary/streetwear is spearheaded).
Moccasins, beads, flags…not much more O.G. than this in terms of Americana.
The concepts aren’t all that much of a reach if you think about the fact that American trends and reflections on modern heritage have been going strong now for the past couple of years, but the new twist is the mix of relic beads and newly discovered unique camo designs, and in other cases, the pairing of nostalgic preppy with Native American aesthetics, that some leading edge designers and streetwear mavens have combined that brings out a bohemian and military-inspired direction that at one time may have been at odds with one another.
It also reflects how the shows have been evolving over the past few years as all of the trade shows are moving in the direction of offering more for buyers and creating lifestyle and community networking installations and spaces that end-up producing such extraordinary crossovers.
Native American prints and modern vests and accessories tweaks the obvious. This is 2012.
This is seen also in the rise of prep-inspired styles in streetwear and the reflections of Ivy League and academia in tailored checks and plaids, denim, usages of woolen vests, lettermen jackets and cardigans, and great attention to details from brands such as The Brooklyn Circus and Akomplice, Crooks and Castles, 10 Deep, and others (stay tuned for more brands and details).
In our next story from the shows, we’ll also take a look at latest in streetwear trends from the Street and S.L.A.T.E. sections, along with music-inspired apparel and footwear ranging from Lip Service, Tripp NYC, T.U.K., and John Fluevog, and what’s-up among forward-leaning performance-wear from the likes Project 10 and brands such as Outlier, Ebbets Field Flannels, Mors, and Lunettes Kollektion.
From Pool, the theme crosses over, with textures, Native American prints and themes, and Chanel-like jacket.
The Brooklyn Circus at Workroom keeps with Ivy League aesthetics, craftsmanship, nod to retro with a leading-edge menswear contemporary vibe.
Moving into Navajo prep. Ironic-ed. But it’s working for next season. Latest from Two Flags from the UK and their interpretations.
Prep and Native American print shorts. Stripes of a different kind blending together. USA is the mash-up culture nation.
Beads and belts on the USA flag which is still going strong in various fashion installations and accessories.
More Native Camo Prep.
From the Nick Wooster area, the mix of prep, wool, and textured shorts with the Native patterns.
Nick Wooster in the middle of the conversation.
Sweater pins. Very punk rock meets emo (with the colors) meets heritage knits.
Belt buckles for 2012.
The teepee in the middle of the Nick Wooster X Project collaboration sums up the Native Americana X Prep X Camo theme.
