The Military Jacket

Burberry was the original company who designed the trench coat as we know it today. Established in 1856, the company's founder Thomas Burberry focused on outdoors attire with with the intention of producing a product that was water-resistant yet maintaining a breathable fabric. In 1914 Burberry was commissioned by the War Office to design their officer's coats to suit war conditions, hence the name "trench coat". Its distinctive black tan, and red pattern known as haymarket check or the "Burberry classic check" and was originally used as a lining for the Burberry trenchcoat in 1924. Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Prince of Wales have granted the company Royal Warrants, for those companies who supply goods or services to a royal court. Burberry continues to design elegant fashions every season with fresh new takes on the classic military coat. (Read More.....)

Ralph Lauren recreates some of the most sophisticated historical styles.  Ralph Lauren brings back the boldness and glamour of getting dressed.  The Ralph Lauren "Graydon jacket" is strikingly similar to patterns and styles of the military jackets of royalty. The details of appliques, hand stitching and embroidery is often seen in noble styles but often to labourous for most designers to produce.  Popular back then, but almost non existent now except in wedding gowns. Ralph Lauren is one designer who designs with attention to detail.  (Read More.....)

Military Jackets are timeless staples to any persons closet.  Military Jackets will never date or go out of style like typical fashions.   Military jackets have been seen all over the runways from Gucci to Moschino, and have been a favorite item with celeberties like Mischa Barton and Victoria Beckham..  Military jackets are usually found with some similar characteristics such as bold brass buttons, double-breasted tailoring, and often found in contemporary classic colors such as black, cream, or navy.   Some antique styles such as the longer military jackets seen in Russia have never gone out of style and provide extra warmth in the winter.  Mid-length or cropped military jackets are quite fashionable and provide the style while being capable of being warm in colder climates.  Military-inspired jackets can range in price from $40 to over $10,000 depending on the designer.  Some of the hottest designers such as BB Dakota, Forever 21, and Merona have outstanding designs for around the 70 dollar price range.  Not only can you find a comparable jacket that some of the celebrities are wearing, but you can find it for less!  (Read More.....)

I never discounted again how much a hat can make a difference after my former boss told me she picked me out of a list of job applicants because my "vintage beret" displayed a sense of style and confidence. A unique hat can certainly turn heads and give you the advantage of looking fashionable without even trying. The Beret can be traced back as military headgear in ancient Greece, and caught attention again in WW1 by French alpine troops, and then again in WWII, by the Maquis. Hollywoods take on beret hats were revived again in the movie GI Goe. It was the Cuban leader Che Guevara who made the beret a worldwide symbol. Monica Lewinsky alone gained worldwide interest in the beret after her scandalous acts with the American President. Today beret hats are often featured in the fall runway collections of the most well known designers such as Versace, and Ralph Lauren. (Read More.....)

Co-founders Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana met in Milan in 1980 while working for the designer Giorgio Correggiari. Dolce has had formal education in the fashion industry while Gabbana, was trained as a graphic designer.  Combining Dolce's tailoring skills, and Gabbana's styling; they make the perfect team.  The D&G fall/winter 2010 is all about masculine tailoring and military precision.  The label is known for signatures like corset dresses, leopard prints, and sexy suits.  This seasons looks took their inspiration from a french theatrical direction and a military approach with beautiful adorned fabrics and sharp masculine tailoring with golden embellishments. (Read More.....)

Some of the most spectacular military hats are the officer caps. Ebay has some of the most passionate collectors out there, that it is one of the very best sites for locating hard to find items. There are military memorabilia from Russia, Germany and around the world. Ebay has allowed the common person a chance to work for themselves finding and listing items they are interested in, as well as the consumer plenty to look at right from the comfort of their home. Ebay has allowed business a world wide outlet to new potential customers they wouldn't normally be able to entertain. Today, ebay is easier than ever to shop at. Buying is secure, and shipping is quick making ebay one of the best places to shop. Check out the military jacket finds from ebay: (Read More.....)

French couturier Pierre Balmain grew up in a home surrounded by fashion.  His father owned a wholesale drapery business while his mother and sisters operated a fashion boutique.  While on the path of studying architecture, he found himself sketching dresses which lead him to drop his studies and presue his true calling of fashion.  Christian Dior,Balmain and Cristobal Balenciaga were all the heavy weaights after World War II.  Balmains lines were elegant, feminine and graceful, but since Balmain’s death, his label has changed with the times to being more hip and trendy.   Current designer Christophe Decarnin has given the house’s look an rough and tough edge which has caught on with Hollywood's party girls.  Balmain's owner, Alain Hivelin, said sales had doubled since Christophe Decarnin was appointed in 2005.  Balmain jackets are filled with glitz and glam.  These beautiful jackets fetch over 10,000 but have been on sale for 6K.  They are very very pricey.  If you can afford it, go for it.  If you cannot, don't worry, there are dozens of other lines with glam for fractions of the price of these beauties. (Read More.....)

BB Dakota is a new hip clothing company which only opened its doors a few years ago and already has catapulted into the fashion spot light.  Since 2005, the company has shown itself to be a young, hip and glamorous line  of fabulous clothes.   Founder Gloria Brandes brings a unique French edge to the clothes that she creates.  She knows that a girl can look hot and sexy without showing a lot of skin, which is proving to be what women want.  The BB Dakota girl has attitude and confidence and is elegant.   Gloria Brandes, founder and chief designer at BB Dakota offers her customers "big fashion at small prices"   BB Dakota became a recognized name after Kristen Stewart wore a BB Dakota jacket in the movie "Twilight".  Not even knowing about the jacket appearing in the movie, "It was a tsunami of demand," said Gloria Brandes. "I think ours was the most significant clothing item of this first film." she goes on to say.  She is right, her line of clothes is quite striking.  "We try to make great fashion more accessible." BB Dakota is now available in better department stores and specialty boutiques across the globe. (Read More.....)