Algerian War Chic

Nom de Guerre is a New York based fashion designer. For their Spring/Summer 2010 collection, they've decided to draw inspiration from the look of belligerents in Algeria's war of independence, both on the Algerian side and the French OAS militia that tried to squash the independence movement. The result: epaulets, khaki shirts, camouflage pants, and more. It's like extras from Battle of Algiers.

Here's how they pitch it:

Via  Rue89 and @selim

Comments

[X]

This is sick. Couldn't they at least have waited until all the survivors were dead?

[Dr Benway]

The only point they succeed in making here is that when fashion attempts to 'engage' in political expression, the result is simply a thinly veiled narcissistic self-promotion.

Please - stop taking yourself so seriously! Fashion is not some renegade subversive art - fashion is ephemeral, commercial, and low-quality design. I hate to even compare fashion to other forms of expression - it would be insulting - but no fashion passes the only objective test of quality - it does not stand the test of time in the way that music, literature, painting, sculpture, etc can - and do.

I wish I could ignore these people - they are so exasperating - and I feel ashamed that I can't help myself and ultimately give them the thing that they really desire - attention.

~Benway

[Rania Abdulla]

Your article was linked here:
http://parlimode.blogspot.com/2010/03/au-nom-de-la-guerre.html