VISUAL ARTS

War and Fashion. The two may seem particularly diverse at first glance, however they have a strong correlation that has persevered throughout history. The fashion world continues to replicate particular trends in the form of materials, innovations and silhouettes from the United States military. As long as this standardized attire has existed, there have been imitations found in parallel fashion eras. From the introduction of khaki to the American textiles market, to the rise in popularity of Tiffany & Co.’s pricey titanium dog tags, military and fashion styles have had strong bonds during the course of warfare history.

The intention of this exhibit is to illustrate the significant impact that military style has on fashion trends from the Vietnam to Iraq Wars. The irony that war can somehow be fashionable evokes powerful and complex expressions in the form of wearable patriotic replications. War, fashion and pop culture seem interdependent as a result of environmental impact and media exploitation. When further inspecting these three components, the manifestation of military attire into civilian dress and lifestyle is a phenomenon that cannot be overlooked.