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Maharishi’s Creative Director, Hardy Blechman has been extremely influential in the proliferation of camouflage and combat trousers (or Snopants®) in civilian fashion over the past decade. Now, after seven years of research, he reveals the depth of his exploration into the vast world of camouflage in his magnum opus: DPM (Disruptive Pattern Material). DPM is an encyclopaedic art book that charts the history of
camouflage from its roots in nature, through to its adoption by the military, and on to its current popularity and use within modern civilian culture. Divided into two books totalling 944 pages, no other title offers such comprehensive coverage of this multifaceted and highly engaging subject.
DPM contains over 5,000 images, many of which are previously unpublished, including work from some of the world’s leading nature, military, and fashion photographers and archives such as National Geographic, Imperial War Museum, Steven Klein, Nick Knight, and Albert Watson. Featured are depictions of camo-clad
cultural icons such as David Beckham, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, U2, Notorious BIG, Busta Rhymes, Janet Jackson, Ali G and Joe Strummer.
The ‘Nature’ section sets out the camouflage phenomena that have evolved in animals and plants over thousands of years and is beautifully illustrated with pictures of organisms disappearing into their natural habitats. This is followed by an in-depth study of the development of camouflage and deception tactics used by the military in warfare with
particular emphasis on the role that artists played in translating camouflage colouration
and disruptive patterns from the natural world to the uniforms and machineries of war.
The supplementary book DPM: Military Camouflage Patterns of the World is the most
extensive guide to official military camouflage patterns ever published with details of the
past and present camouflage uniforms of 107 nations around the world.
DPM, also for the first time in print, thoroughly documents the rise of camouflage outside of the armed forces in the work of fashion designers, painters, sculptors, graffiti artists, graphic designers, costumiers, architects, musicians, film stars, toy designers, and many others. In this third ‘Culture’ section, an account is given of the history of the influence of military styling on civilian clothing and how camouflage has been elevated from the surplus market to the collections of high fashion houses. The fashion pages feature camouflage garments by the likes of: Maharishi, A Bathing Ape, Supreme, Stussy, w)taps, Adidas, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Comme des Garçons, Dolce & Gabbana, Richard James, Roberto Cavalli, and Stone Island.
Throughout this unique book a strong anti-war sentiment is expressed as DPM challenges perceptions about the militaristic, aggressive associations of camouflage and seeks to remind people of its natural origins and aesthetic beauty. DPM is the most authoritative book of camouflage ever published and an indispensable modern reference guide for both the novice and seasoned camoufleur. It is available in all good bookshops and direct from:
www.dpmpublishing.com