On the road *CUSTOMIZATION*

During our research trips we usually run into vintage garments stock perfectly preserved, last time there were some OG-107 Army overshirts and we could not let them get away. The military overshirt was used in World War II with the name “OG-107” that is the military green color. It is a garment that is already contemporary and less military, with a clean line, with two large chest pockets and simplified sleeves and buttoning.. We have decided to give this garments new life by handmade customization inspired by nose art.
WATCH THE VIDEO

On the road *CUSTOMIZATION*

We have worked with an italian designer to make unique our real vintage over-shirts.

During our research trips we usually run into vintage garments stock perfectly preserved, last time there were some OG-107 Army overshirts and we could not let them get away. The military overshirt was used in World War II with the name “OG-107” that is the military green color. It is a garment that is already contemporary and less military, with a clean line, with two large chest pockets and simplified sleeves and buttoning.. We have decided to give this garments new life by handmade customization inspired by nose art.
WATCH THE VIDEO

The beginning

NOSE-ART-HISTORY2
Credits: US National Archive
Credits: US National Archive
NOSE-ART-HISTORY3
Looking at these over-shirts’ patches and stitched reinforcement made us thinking about old war planes’ nacelle, whose ding were covered by huge handpainted illustrations. Nose art had a significant presence during WWII, young pilots used to paint scary jaws, propitiatory symbols or a beloved woman to exorcise their fear of war. When it comes to Nose Art it is impossible not to mention Alberto Vargas, arguably the most important Pin-up artist ever, and so main inspiration for american bomber decorations.

Fellow travelers

PROFILO-CARLA
VISIT CARLA'S BLOG

Carla Manzi, designer and artist

“Creative at 360°”, Carla is an illustrator, artist and designer from Turin. For several years, she has been promoting a philosophy of worn art that provides for the customization of any type of garment.Vitality and creativity are the keywords of an extremely personal journey into a world of references and inspirations in which you immerse yourself while admiring her production. We asked her a few questions about her work and collaboration with Vintage55.

HOW WAS YOUR ARTISTIC CRAFTSMANSHIP PROJECT BORN IN TURIN?

It all started with a T-shirt, a single T-shirt on which I wanted to combine the knowledge gained during my work experience in terms of style and composition and my first passion, art. As soon as I saw my first work worn, I felt an overwhelming joy and satisfaction, and at that moment, I realized that customization could be more than just an experiment, but a real new direction. Mine is not a brand or a shop, but a laboratory where everything is created naturally, spontaneously and with love.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU IN THE REALIZATION OF YOUR WORKS?

Good question! To tell the truth, it depends a lot on the moment, on the illustration and above all on the product that will have to be customized or modified. When I am commissioned by a person I try to be inspired by his character, in this case, for example, I was inspired by the brand’s approach to celebrating vintage. When it comes to personal projects, on the other hand, I let my feelings of the moment inspire and guide me.

WHAT TECHNIQUES AND COLORS DID YOU USE FOR THIS PROJECT?

Given the medium dark colour of the starting garments (military green ed,) I had to rely on very high quality colours for painting on opaque and highly opaque fabrics, a guarantee in the sector; I would never want the personalization of the garment to involve a change in its use or in its washing. The colours I have chosen are in fact washable both by hand and in the washing machine. As for the technique, I generally reconstruct the figure on the garment with very light strokes of pencil or pen, then I proceed to fill the backgrounds of colour by applying it in the traditional way with a brush, and finally I proceed to the definition of outlines or details with smaller brushes. 

“Applying my art to a piece with such a great history is an experience that had not yet happened to me”

DID YOU FIND IT INTERESTING TO WORK  ON THIS PROJECT?

I found this experience and this work particularly stimulating for two main reasons: on one hand, my passion for illustrations was fully satisfied by viewing the archives of examples of nose art, archives from which the strong connection between this forgotten form of art and pop art is evident. Both share numerous references to the American pop culture of the time. On the other hand, I found it very interesting to work with original garments, applying my art to a piece with such a great history is an experience that had not yet happened to me, but which opened my eyes to the potential of vintage garments, real, strong styles with a story to tell.

Come with us

We have chosen with Carla four illustration that can bring back Nose art charme.

Each vintage garment is unique, it has peculiarity, signs of the time, weird sizing systems and variable colorations, that’s why you need to see them live in our stores:

STORE LIST

1. Choose your favourite vintage army oveshirt, try and discover it.

2. Choose which illustration would you like to apply and where.

3. We will create your unique piece 100% handmade and we will let you know when it’s ready.

DISCOVER OUR CHOICE :

OH-7

BOMB STORM

NIGHT MISSION

BOMB BABE

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