London-based label Maharishi presented a 1940s North African desert military inspired collection entitled ‘Theatre of war’ for this current season. With references to the forerunners of the SAS, the Long Range Desert Group (L.R.D.G.), the range featured military-inspired staples in distressed cottons and natural fibers including washed Irish linen and hemp, alongside more elaborate pieces in super lightweight voluminous voiles and recycled vintage parachute cord. A muted palette of washed vintage olive, sand and white made up the main color theme of the collection. Highlights included oversized asymmetric and quilted parkas, low crotch desert tribal style pants, safari-inspired smocks, African textiles, and all-terrain camouflage, as well as classic Snopants, officer shirts, and military work blazers. Fatigued by sand storms and lack of water, the soldiers went AWOL into deeper Africa, taking on elements of safari and indigenous clothing before disappearing even deeper into the desert, finally arriving at a heavenly watery oasis, where traditional camouflage and mud print colors turned into vivid blues on white. Maharishi * founder and creative director Hardy Blechman aimed to convey a strong anti-war sentiment through its use of camouflage -reclaiming its symbolic value away from war, back to its roots in nature and development by artists and to highlight objections to continued 21st century desert warfare. An awesome collection for the Indiana Jones in you. Ready to go yomping ?!
* Maharishi means 'great sage' in Sanskrit
* Maharishi means 'great sage' in Sanskrit
