Not-so-hidden trend: Camouflage

A lot of my pre-Vegas conversations focused on what retailers were searching the spring 2012 market for. Over and over again I heard echoes of “less plaid” and “what’s after heritage?” (You can read September’s contemporary retail roundtable here.) We’re starting to see camouflage prints hit the floor for fall and based on what I saw in Vegas (and New York) I think camo will become even more important for spring. Look for it on pants, jackets, swim, wovens and accessories. It will bring a pop of pattern to the floor and look great merchandised with all of those non-denim bottoms you’re buying for spring…

Barbour’s Bourne Camo jacket from their Heritage collection has a whimsical feel (look closely and you’ll see birds and dogs throughout the fabric). At about $499 this collection has the slimmer, contemporary fit down.

Black Apple (the sister brand to Public School) is about two years old and sells to retailers like Vinnie’s Styles in Brooklyn and on Karmaloop.com. This “Principal” camo jacket retails for $120. Jordan Thomas from the Foundation showroom looks great sporting this Black Apple camo hat.

Flud is expanding their collection from watches into other accessories for spring 2012. With more men looking for cool bags to carry all of their electronics in (iPads, e-readers, etc.) they’re entering this market at the perfect time. I love the sporty look of these camo duffle bags and backpacks for $55 to $62 retail. They have some fun camo watches too.

Components by John McCoy is getting into this trend with swimwear from Haspel. They’re selling for $29.50 wholesale, but could retail for anywhere from $75 to $85, depending on the retailer.

Equipment is back again showing menswear for spring 2012. Check out these vintage prints from the ’70s. Short sleeved styles retail from $100 to $200.