The Iconic Jacket That Started a Mission
M-65 FIELD JACKET
ORIGINAL M-65 FIELD JACKET OLIVE GREEN
THE IDEA BEGAN FROM A FEW SIMPLE STITCHES THAT LED TO A HISTORY LESSON AS VAST AS THE SMITHSONIAN.
This jacket was what began our entry into the convergence where our Armed Forces meet fashion. The civilian connection of culture sewn into the understanding of our military. This timeless jacket and the construction of it’s history. The symbol for peace, understanding and the counter-culture.
Gregory Cook in Vietnam. Machine gunner. Double Purple heart.
News article mentioning Gregory and his armored cavalry regiment during the war.
Nolan Fletcher second from the top on the right in basic training circa 1971 at Fort Ord in California.
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE
It’s service began in the jungles of the controversial Vietnam War. It protected our troops in every climate it came up against. Prior to this jacket the M-51 cold weather jacket didn’t translate to the jungles in Vietnam. This is where Alpha Industries entered with the contract from the Department of Defense and the M-65 legend began.
INNOVATION THAT IS STILL RELEVANT TODAY
Enter NYCO. This was a nylon and cotton mixture that was extremely wind and water resistant. Brass zippers, a hidden hood, Velcro on the cuffs for an easy and quick way to roll up sleeves along with a triangular cuff for glove attachment in case of radioactive fallout.
The jacket has a snap-closure storm flap, a drawstring waist and bottom, four reinforced snap-flap cargo pockets and a warming liner that’s detachable, making it versatile for the hot days and colds nights in the jungle. Badass, cohesive and practical design. That is the M-65.
It became a rugged and cool symbol in classic films like Taxi Driver, Terminator and Serpico to name a few.
THE RENAISSANCE BEGAN WITH A SIMPLE SKETCH
Our initial sketch for the messenger bag.
OUR FIRST TRANSFORMATION
OG M-65 transformed into a messenger bag.
We began the first pattern design with a meticulous process of deconstructing the jacket stitch by stitch to maintain the integrity of the original design. We reconstructed it using all of the pockets, lining and keeping the style of this classic icon.
ADJUSTMENTS FROM UTILITY TO COUTURE
Our second and final pattern design for the M-65 field jacket conversion
Boo modeling Greggor’s bag during our launch party where we honored him for his service.
Greggor’s patches added to the bag
Our final design for the messenger bag was the original M-65 field jacket that Gregory Cook wore during his time in Vietnam. We transformed it, honored him for his service during our launch party and fashion show, added the patches to the design and he gifted it to his daughter Jennifer.
The Cook family felt it was the best gift they have ever given her.
She will carry his memory in a new form for the rest of her life.
