Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 10, 1991 TAG: 9102070280
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NEW YORK LENGTH: Medium
"The '90s are going to be remembered for the military and the gulf crisis," said designer Andre Van Pier. "The trend has begun, and I wanted to make it workable as sportswear and streetwear."
The 29-year-old Van Pier, known for his expensive celebrity clothing, presented his pricey camouflage collection at his Manhattan showroom Thursday.
His war fashions, often lined in gold silk and worn with high-heel pumps, do not belong on the Saudi desert. His camouflage garments, which cost $400 to $4,000, will be most at home in discos that cater to the rich and famous.
"I wouldn't think I'll be making money off of the war. I will be making a statement," Van Pier said.
Van Pier insisted that he is not making light of the war. He said he has a brother in the Air Force in Saudi Arabia who is crazy about the clothes.
"The troops are not going to be offended . . . but just the opposite," the designer said. "Since they can identify with it, I think it will make them happy. It will make them smile."
He said some of the jackets and vests are actually bulletproof.
Model Kelli Lockett, posing in the camouflage designs in front of a huge American flag, said she was worried "we were mocking" the soldiers.
"I understand what he is trying to do. It is the style of the future," she said. "But I feel funny because we are doing this while the war is going on and I don't find that funny."
She wore an olive camouflage pants suit - an unstructured hip-length jacket, lined in dazzling gold silk, over skinny-legged jeans. The outfit was set off by a silk stretch lame mock turtleneck.
On her head was an authentic military cap. A working gas mask and canteen were slung over her shoulder.
The price tag was $1,200 - just for the clothes.
by CNB