Creative camouflage
If you take a shopping trip to the Bon Accord-St Nicholas Centre next week, be prepared to get some military inspiration, writes Donna Ross
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CAMOUFLAGE has become a universal style icon. It’s worn by anti-war protestors, appropriated by hip hop groups, explored by artists and designers and appears in street fashion.
The style will be hitting the catwalk in the Bon Accord Centre on Thursday next week as part of a special event developed by the Gordon Highlanders Museum, in collaboration with Aberdeen City Council’s arts development team and a range of partners.
Camouflage 08 explores the development of camouflage, from its origins with animals and plants using it, to its militarisation and then its impact on fashion and design.
Aberdeen-based fashion designer Isabelle Randall was commissioned to help with the event and has been supporting third-year textile students from Gray’s School of Art in the final stages of their garment construction as part of the project.
The group of 20 students responded to the camouflage brief by drawing inspiration from the three camouflage strands – nature, military and urban.
Creating their own camouflage print, fabrics and designs, an inspirational collection of couture garments has been created with the help of Isabelle.
Six pieces were selected for display at The Gordon Highlanders Museum and will be on show from April until October.
Isabelle has taken the concept of camouflage and concealment, and used it in her work.
Exposing what would normally remain unseen, she has created a contemporary garment using actual desert combat kit, and revealed its structure and construction.
Her work will be on show at the museum for the duration of the exhibition.
The whole collection of the students’ work will be showcased in the Bon Accord Centre on Thursday, from 6pm.
Models will be displaying the interesting outfits and make-up artists from John Lewis will be giving them outlandish looks for the event.
“All the pieces are very modern and very wearable. The event will be dynamic and interactive. All designers will be there to talk with passers-by who want to know more about any of the outfits on show.
“It will be an exciting event, pulling together creative forces both amateur and professional to showcase talent in the north-east.”
If you like what you see next week, some items designed by the students could be sold after the event.
Isabelle will take orders for made-to-measure items.
Shoppers will get a sneak preview of things to come at the camouflage event beforehand as designs from Isabelle and students Emily Steward, James Gardener and Kirsten Presley will be displayed in glass casings in the Bon Accord Centre from Monday until Sunday, April 20.
Sarah Lakin, who owns The Flower Room, is creating all the props for the pods. Visit www.theflower room.co.uk
For further information visit www.camouflage city.co.uk
