COLORFUL CAMO - BIG SPRING TREND

J.CREW MILITARY JACKETIn the fashion world, there are iconic references that return again and again every few years. MEN'S CAMO PANT AT NORDSTROM While they never really disappear completely, some years they appear in so many collections - they are a bona-fide trend.   More noticeable than cut or style, it's colors and patterns that steal the headlines.   Pinstripe, Hounds tooth, Paisley, and Prince of Wales Plaid are great examples.   One that has less sophisticated or designer roots is Military and Camouflage patterns. VALENTINO CAMO TOTE - SAKS 5TH AVENUE  Inspired from the platoons of every armed forces around the world, using the pattern in fashion collections is an obviously ironic choice.  Taking a most utilitarian design, one in fact designed NOT to be seen, and turning that into a fashion statement.  The ultimate irony.

In the last month, NYC has been awash in Military style jackets and Camouflage prints.  VALENTINO CAMO SNEAKERS I take the subway often between Brooklyn and ManELIZABETH & JAMES CAMO JEANS hattan and every train is full of hipsters representing the trend.   More often - women do military jackets, guys do camo.   However, this year it has crossed over - girls and boys both doing every style.   Backpacks, pants, tights, jackets, and bags - all in camo, from every price point.

On the runway,SALVATORE FERRAGAMO MILITARY JACKET, KNIT, & SKIRT - W MAGAZINE - PHOTO: KAI Z FENG the trend is of course the most sophisticated.   Massimiliano Giornetti at Ferragamo reinvented the trench coat for his Women's Spring 2013 collection.   The color palette was unmistakably military, and serves as an excellent backdrop for Camouflage accessories.  

Best worn in limited quantities, camo usually serves as the only print in any ensemble.   It's a great way to perk up solid earth tones or autumnal colors of brown,TOMS SHOES - CAMO MESH AT NEIMAN MARCUS orange, beige, and green.

Some brands that have chic pieces covering the look:  TOMS, VALENTINO, Figue, FERRAGAMO, Dockers, MILITARY CHIC NOMAD BY FIGUE William Rast, & Jack Spade.

Wearing DOCKERS CAMO PANTS one of these pieces might make you walk a little straighter and stand a little taller.   Even if it doesn't, it will make you look cool and relevant this Spring!

The look is not limited to clothing.  EverythingWILLIAM RAST BACKPACK from dopp kits, wallets, boots, watches, and socks are offered in every shade of camo for guys and girls.

We might have the house of Christian Dior to thank for this latest camo craze.  Two years ago the house hired artist Anselm Reye to jumpstart some excitementZADIGE & VOLTAIRE CAMO CASHMERE with the Dior accessories.   His vision was pop art camo prints that made their debut at Art Basil in Miami.  The buzz worked.   Those pieces JACK SPADE CAMO WATCH sold out quickly!

*Click on images to learn more about featured styles or to shop the look.*  

*Click designer links to visit company website and see their camo or military look.*