This spring, wearing camouflage won't help anyone stay under the radar. With designers such as Manolo Blahnik, Prada and Michael Kors creating high-end pieces and popular outlets such as Target and Payless Shoes offering budget-friendly examples, the green-and-brown print is attracting lots of attention.
"Camo is coming to a more mainstream market now; I think we will start to see it more and more," says Debbie Feehan of Madison, chief creative officer of Huckle and Gatsby, a Jersey-based clothing line for women.
Traditionally worn by hunters and members of the military, camouflage prints have been popping up on pop stars such as Beyonce, Rihanna and Kim Kardashian. Even comedian-turned-fashion-policewoman Joan Rivers is hawking her own design of camouflage pumps on the QVC home shopping network.
Wearing camouflage no longer necessarily translates to a tough look. This season, the print can be found on feminine items such as high heels, fitted skirts and silky blouses.
Victoria's Secret even offers a camouflage ruched corset, and there's a large selection of camouflage-inspired wedding dresses available at camoformal.com, a website that caters to women who embrace the trend.
Feehan explains that camouflage prints can be dressed up or down, depending on the material used.
"I think the pattern is really changed by what it is printed on," she says. "If it is silk, it is going to look very feminine, while cargo pants are going to look more masculine. It depends on what you are making out of it."
Joy Cutrone, a representative for the upcoming New Jersey Fashion Week in October, says she loves the look and thinks it can be very feminine when appearing on straight skirts, fitted shirts, shoes and bags.
She warns that the busy design isn't always flattering, however.
"I think a camouflage print really accentuates whatever part of the body it's on," says Cutrone, a Woodbridge resident who wears the crown of Mrs. Middlesex County. "So you don't want to wear it across any area you are trying to disguise."
