The M-65 coat: A decades long march

Newer and newer pieces are hyped by fashion in each season, still we may observe that some timeless ones also appear in new collections. The olive green cotton coat is exactly of this kind which became a hit of the 2016 spring fashion shows. Giant fashion houses such as Versace, Saint Laurent or Valentino all rediscovered the original M-65 coat manufactured by Alpha Industries. Some decorated it with beads, other designers coloured the original outfits.

The basis of the trend was the 50th anniversary of the creation of the M-65 coat in 2015. Now let’s review the story of this classic piece of clothing.

Alpha Industries has been delivering outstanding quality military clothing for the US Army for decades. The first M-51 and M-43 coats performed their task well and soldiers were content wearing them but the company designers continually refined the products along with recent needs. The present form of the M-65 jacket thus came into existence. The added padding, the two shoulder straps and extra large pockets all proved to be useful both for the soldiers on field, and for the ground service personnel. It also excellently held its ground in Southeastern Asian temperatures.

A few years later it became an almost obligatory outfit for the rebel youth and the activists of the anti-war movements. Famous artists, politicians wore the model, such as John Lennon, Jane Fonda or John Kerry.

Having started wearing the M-65 model in masses, its sudden emergence on screen did not seem too unexpected, either. The model turned up in giant box office hits such as ’Taxi Driver’, ’Rambo’ and ’Annie Hall’. Perhaps it is not by chance that the model is visible in these famous movies – what they have in common is their costume designer, Ruth Morley.

Celebrities like adding M-65 coats to their wardrobe, as well. In May, Rihanna was seen in a camouflage coloured model in New York, while David Beckham voted for the classic olive green piece on his spring walk.

Do not miss out on trends either, so browse the M-65 coats available in different colours. Due to its strong fabric, it will definitely be a perdurable piece of your wardrobe.