Fantasy Relics: On Local Tailors
Design methodology of various countries evolved as conflicts progressed.
Massimo Osti’s legacy is informed by his trailblazing research and recognition of the importance of different methodologies from a wide range of political and ideological backgrounds.
“Osti sent emissaries to the four corners of the world to bring back items of clothing designed at different times in history. He wanted to study what people wore in the past to design the attire of the future.”
Designed in 1931, reversible German Splittertarnmuster was initially made for Zeltbanh shelter halves & used for two different seasons. The Zeltbanh was then popularized by Osti in 1982 through Stone Island’s Tela Stella fabric, and further popularized with a greater demand for waterproof personal protective gear.
As the US entered WW2, the response to the German Reversible camo & need for operational use in jungle warfare was Frogskin. Known for its use by the USMC, a particular pant style was then developed for the elite unit within the elite unit: the ParaMarine Trouser.
Identified by its differentiating diagonal access rear flap pocket, it’s considered technically the most evolved form of a monkey pant.
In conversation with
@tiredlab regarding our next collab, Reversibility has been a focal point. (Ty
@kammoman for his camo insight too). As Osti would ask: how would pants, that saw very limited use at the end of WW2, look like decades later?
Before Osti, East+SE Asian countries, due to their independence from colonial powers, would create thriving textile and garment industries & produce the world’s most interesting camo patterns (hence why so many brands outsource to Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, to name a few).
Shelter halves are mainstays for any military. A part of a soldier’s issued gear, if it went unused was perfect for upcycling. Local indy tailors & soldiers in countries at war would create the most interesting gear born out of conflict with the spare fabric.
These pants are an ode to what has always been done, but has yet to be found in the wild. Welcome to Fantasy Relics Tailor Shop by nothingknew & co., what can we make for you?
