The backstory of Camouflage.

Camouflage, the art of concealment by the development of colour and patterns to provide disruptive shape aesthetic, has a rich history that spans centuries and has evolved significantly over time.

We won't talk leopards and chameleons here. We humans don't have it occurring naturally (yet) so we make do with creativity. 

1. Ancient Beginnings:

• Hunters and warriors in ancient civilizations employed rudimentary methods to blend into their environments. They used natural materials like leaves, mud, and animal skins to break their outlines and become less visible.
  
  

2. 19th Century Europe:

• In the 19th century, military uniforms were designed in solid drab colors to avoid easy detection.
• The concept of camouflage began to take shape during World War I when Soldiers’ brightly colored uniforms made them easy targets for snipers and enemies, prompting experimentation with ways to blend into surroundings.
  
  

3. WWI and Beyond:

• During WWI, armies adopted camouflage patterns to enhance survival on the battlefield. Artists like André Mare designed schemes for land camouflage, including observation posts disguised as trees.
• At sea, merchant ships and troop carriers were painted in dazzle patterns—highly visible but confusing to enemy submarines regarding speed, range, and heading.
• WWII saw diverse camouflage schemes for aircraft and ground vehicles across different theatres of war.
  
  

4. Modern Applications:

• Military camouflage continued to evolve rapidly, but radar technology rendered fixed-wing aircraft camouflage obsolete.
• Beyond warfare, camouflage found non-military applications, such as making cell phone towers less obtrusive and aiding hunters in approaching wary game animals, even hiding the shape of new automotive designs on road tests (see below)
• Fashion embraced patterns derived from military camouflage, exploiting their strong designs and symbolism.
• More interstingly and with relevance for the HOUSE of CAMO, camouflage themes also recurred in modern art, science fiction, and literature.

Image credit: WHICH CAR