Who designed the German military uniform. Hugo Boss military uniform

The SS troops belonged to the SS organization, service in them was not considered a state service, even if it was legally equated with such. The military uniform of the SS soldiers is quite recognizable around the world, most often this black uniform is associated with the organization itself. It is known that the uniforms for the SS during the Holocaust were sewn by prisoners of the Buchenwald concentration camp.

History of the SS military uniform

Initially, the soldiers of the SS troops (also "Waffen SS") dressed in a gray uniform, extremely similar to the uniform of the attack aircraft of the regular German army. In 1930, the very well-known black uniform was introduced, which was supposed to emphasize the difference between the troops and the rest, to determine the elitism of the unit. By 1939, the SS officers received a white full dress uniform, and from 1934 a gray one was introduced, intended for field battles. The gray military uniform differed from black only in color.

In addition, the SS servicemen relied on a black overcoat, which, with the introduction of a gray uniform, was replaced by a double-breasted one, respectively, in gray. Officers of high ranks were allowed to wear their overcoat unbuttoned on the top three buttons so that the colored distinctive stripes were visible. Following the same right (in 1941) received the holders of the Knight's Cross, who were allowed to demonstrate the award.

The women's uniform of the Waffen SS consisted of a gray jacket and skirt, as well as a black cap with the image of an SS eagle.

A black ceremonial club tunic with the symbols of the organization for officers was also developed.

It should be noted that in fact the black uniform was the uniform of the SS organization specifically, and not the troops: only SS members had the right to wear this uniform, the transferred Wehrmacht soldiers were not allowed to use it. By 1944, the wearing of this black uniform was officially abolished, although in fact by 1939 it was used only on solemn occasions.

Distinctive features of the Nazi uniform

The SS uniform had a number of distinctive features that are easily remembered even now, after the dissolution of the organization:

• The SS emblem in the form of two Germanic runes "zig" was used on uniform insignia. Runes on uniforms were only allowed to be worn by ethnic Germans - Aryans, foreign members of the Waffen SS were not allowed to use this symbolism.
• "Dead Head" - at first, a metal round cockade with the image of a skull was used on the cap of SS soldiers. Later it was used on the buttonholes of the soldiers of the 3rd tank division.
• A red armband with a black swastika on a white background was worn by members of the SS and stood out significantly from the black dress uniform.
• The image of an eagle with outstretched wings and a swastika (which was the emblem of Nazi Germany) eventually replaced the skulls on cap badges and began to be embroidered on the sleeves of the uniform.

The camouflage of the Waffen SS differed from the camouflage of the Wehrmacht in its pattern. Instead of the conventional pattern design with applied parallel lines, creating the so-called "rain effect", wood and plant patterns were used. Since 1938, the following camouflage elements of the SS uniform have been adopted: camouflage jackets, reversible helmet covers and face masks. On camouflage clothing, it was necessary to wear green stripes indicating the rank on both sleeves, although for the most part this requirement was not respected by the officers. In the campaigns, a set of stripes was also used, each of which denoted one or another military qualification.

SS uniform insignia

The ranks of the Waffen SS soldiers did not differ from the ranks of the Wehrmacht employees: there were differences only in form. The same distinctive signs were used on the uniform, such as shoulder straps and embroidered buttonholes. SS officers wore insignia with the symbols of the organization both on shoulder straps and in buttonholes.

The shoulder straps of SS officers had a double backing, the upper one differed in color depending on the type of troops. The backing was edged with a silver cord. On shoulder straps there were signs of belonging to one or another part, metal or embroidered with silk threads. The shoulder straps themselves were made of gray galloon, while their lining was invariably black. The bumps (or "stars") on the shoulder straps, designed to denote the rank of an officer, were bronze or gilded.

On the buttonholes, runic "ridges" were depicted on one, and insignia by rank on the other. The employees of the 3rd Panzer Division, which was nicknamed the "Dead Head" instead of "zig", had an image of a skull, which was previously worn as a cockade on the SS caps. Along the edge of the buttonholes, they were edged with twisted silk cords, and the generals were covered with black velvet. They also knocked out the general's caps.

Video: SS form

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Hugo Boss was born on July 8, 1885 in Metzingen, Baden-Württemberg. He studied at the People's School (German: Volksschule) and until 1899 attended the Real School (German: Realschule). For three years he studied merchant business in Bad Urach.

In 1902, Boss went to work in a weaving factory in Metzingen. After completing military service from 1903 to 1905, he worked at a weaving factory in Konstanz.

In 1908, after the death of his parents, Hugo Boss took over their textile shop in Metzingen. In the same year, he married Anna Katharina Freysinger (German: Anna Katharina Freysinger). From this marriage was born a daughter, Gertrude (German: Gertrud), who in 1931 married sales agent Eugen Holy (German: Eugen Holy).

In 1914, Hugo Boss went to the front with the rank of chief corporal (German: Obergefreiter) and retired from the army in the same rank in 1918. Nothing is known about his active participation in the First World War. In 1923, Hugo Boss founded a small garment factory in Metzingen for the production of work and sportswear.
In 1930, his company was in danger of bankruptcy. On April 1, 1931, Hugo Boss joined the NSDAP (membership number 508889) and thereby saved his factory by receiving a party order for the production of uniforms for the SA, SS and Hitler Youth, other Nazi paramilitary structures and the Wehrmacht.

These are the black uniforms for the SS (SchutzStaffel), the famous brown shirts for the SA (Sturmabteilung) stormtroopers, as well as the black and brown uniforms for the Hitler Youth.

The author of the black SS uniform, as well as many regalia of the Third Reich, was Karl Dibich. He was born in 1899. Will die many years after the end of World War II in 1985. He also served in the SS as Oberführer. He designed the SS uniforms with graphic designer Walter Heck. Dibich also designed the Ahnenerbe logo and crosses for SS officers. By the way, Dibich was also the director of the Porzellan Manufaktur Allach porcelain factory in 1936 before the factory was transferred to the SS and moved to Dachau.
Walter Heck, a graphic artist, was also an SS-Hauptsturmführer. It was he who in 1933 developed the emblem of the SS, combining two runes "Zig" (the rune "zig" - lightning in ancient German mythology was considered a symbol of the god of war Thor). He also designed the emblem of the SA

Very soon the company became one of the main manufacturers of military and paramilitary uniforms. With the outbreak of World War II, his factory was declared an important military enterprise and received an order for the production of Wehrmacht uniforms. However, Hugo Boss was only one of the 75,000 German private tailors covering the army.
Production continued throughout the war. The firm received colossal revenues from the National Socialist state.
According to one version, Hugo Boss and his team could be the personal tailors of the Fuhrer and the hierarchs of the Reich, at least it is clear that the company enjoyed their patronage.

The expansion of production and profits of the factory was facilitated by the use of slave labor by citizens of the occupied countries, who were kept in inhuman conditions and exploited in the most inhumane way. During the war years, the company used forced labor of 140 Poles and 40 French prisoners. After the defeat of the Reich in 1945, the Allies tried Hugo Boss. But he, having convinced the court that he had become a Nazi but of necessity, escaped prison, he was sentenced to a huge fine of 100 thousand marks. “Of course my father belonged to the Nazi Party,” says Siegfried Boss, 83, today. "But who didn't belong to her then?"

The uniform of the SA assault troops by Boss

SS and GESTAPO caps designed by Hugo Boss

Collection autumn 1934-winter 1935

Collection 1935, Berlin

Hitler suit, designed by Hugo Boss 1935. Photo from a women's magazine

After the war, Boss quickly switched to sewing uniforms for police, railroad and postal workers, as well as work clothes. After the death of Hugo Boss in 1948, his son-in-law Eugen Holy took over the firm. Hugo Boss produced the first men's suit in 1953. In 1967, the company was taken over by Eugen Holy's children, Uwe and Jonen.
1946: The factory almost burns out again: Hugo Boss is accused of collaborating with the Nazis, fined 80,000 marks and deprived of the right to vote.

1948: Hugo Boss dies and his son-in-law Eugen Holy takes over the company. Hugo Boss again specializes in uniforms for railroad workers and postmen.

1953: Hugo Boss launches the first men's suit. This is a turning point in the history of the company: it begins to move away from mass production of clothing and gradually approach the world of haute couture.

1967: Uwe and Jochen Holy, the children of the former head of the firm and grandchildren of the founder, take over the company. It is they who turn the brand into a world famous fashion brand.

1970s: Hugo Boss develops rapidly. First, the firm becomes Germany's largest menswear manufacturer. Secondly, the company is turning into an influential fashion house.

1972: Hugo Boss sponsors Formula 1 racing, golf and tennis championships for the first time.

1975: Talented fashion designer Werner Baldessarini starts working with Hugo Boss.

1984: launch of the brand's perfume line.

1993: The company is taken over by the Italian holding Marzotto SpA (currently Valentino Fashion Group). The Holy brothers leave the enterprise. Peter Littman becomes the CEO of the company. He divides the brand into lines with different target audiences: Boss offering classic clothes, Hugo with bold youth models, Baldessarini with luxury products.

1996: Launch of the Hugo Boss Award for Achievement in Contemporary Art.

1997: The company receives a license to manufacture watches in conjunction with the Swiss brand Tempus Concept.

2000: The men's brand begins to produce collections for women. Hugo Boss, again accused of collaborating with the Nazis, joins the "Remembrance, Responsibility, Future" Foundation. It provides £500,000 in compensation to former forced laborers.

2002: the appearance of the children's line of the brand.

2004: Opening of a 1100 m2 boutique in Paris at 115 Champs Elysées.

2005: Launch of the Boss Skin line of men's cosmetics and obtaining a license for the production of glasses.

2006: First collaboration between Folker Kahele, creative director of Hugo Boss and Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay. The joint JK for Hugo collection includes biker jackets and gloves, trousers, jersey items.

2007: Private equity firm Permira acquires a majority stake in Hugo Boss Group. The Baldessarini brand is bought out by Werner Baldessarini. Hugo Boss has the Boss Selection line, replacing the sold brand.

2008: obtaining a license for the joint production of women's jewelry with the Swarovski brand.

2009: Launch of the Samsung Hugo Boss mobile phone.

2009: Hugo Boss employs more than 9,000 people.

2012: publication of the book “Hugo Boss, 1924-1945” by Roman Kester commissioned by the company management. The work tells about the times of cooperation of the factory with the Nazis.

Today Hugo Boss is one of the most recognizable fashion houses. The main shareholder of the company is Valentino Fashion Group. The General Manager is Bruno Sälzer. The company's designers were Werner Baldessarini, Andrea Canelloni, Jose Hang, Volker Kaichele, Bruno Peters, Graham Black, Eyan Allen, Karin Busnel, Bart de Becker.

Culture never exists on its own, it is not separated, it is not cut off. Culture is always inscribed in society itself. There is politics, there is economics, there is culture. Different spheres of society, but they are always together and close, closely connected and sometimes confused. If a society has some kind of political system that has its own goals and objectives, and most importantly ideas, then it will certainly give rise to its own culture. It is both literature and art. Everywhere there will be an imprint of the ideas that dominate society. Whether it's building construction, paintings by artists or fashion. Fashion can also be associated with politics, weaved with an idea, tied to propaganda.

Military fashion. Why not? Indeed, the form of the Third Reich is still considered the most beautiful form. Uniform by Hugo Boss. Today Hugo Boss apologizes. However, they have a good company: Volkswagen, Siemens, BMW. They collaborated with the fascists; captured Poles and French worked in their enterprises in terrible conditions. They form. Uniform for the military of the Third Reich. However, at that time Hugo Boss was not yet a large company and a well-known brand. Hugo Ferdinand Bossovich Blase opened his tailoring workshop in 1923. Sewed overalls, windbreakers, raincoats mainly for workers. The income was not great and the tailor Hugo Boss understands that only a military order can save his business. However, Hugo Boss was only one of the 75,000 German private tailors covering the army. He also sewed the SS uniform.

The author of the black SS uniform, as well as many regalia of the Third Reich, was Karl Dibich. He was born in 1899. Will die many years after the end of World War II in 1985. His ancestors come from Silesia, possibly from Poland. Of Education . He also served in the SS as Oberführer. He designed the SS uniforms with graphic designer Walter Heck. Dibich also designed the Ahnenerbe logo and crosses for SS officers. A sort of genius, talent, in the service of the forces of darkness. By the way, Dibich was also the director of the Porzellan Manufaktur Allach porcelain factory in 1936 before the factory was transferred to the SS and moved to Dachau.

Walter Heck, a graphic artist, was also an SS-Hauptsturmführer. It was he who in 1933 developed the emblem of the SS, combining two runes "Zig" (the rune "zig" - lightning in ancient German mythology was considered a symbol of the god of war Thor). He also designed the emblem of the SA. And together with Karl Dibich he created the SS uniform.

Here is such a story. The history of the military uniform, which had its own designers.

Long gone are the days when reenactors were confused with roleplayers. Today, historical reconstruction is often no longer just a hobby, but also serious work - research, study of crafts and restoration, regular intensive training, work with youth, performances in front of the audience and much more. The reconstruction movement has existed for more than one century. Back in the 17th century, certain historical events and victories were recreated for the public so that the people would not forget their history. In post-revolutionary Russia, in 1920, the first reconstruction was carried out - the storming of the Winter Palace, a costumed military "show", in which about 10 thousand people took part. Reconstruction of the Second World War in the Soviet Union originated in the 80s, when the first attempts were made to create mass events. Almost every re-enactor has a sufficient number of original antiques, since it is customary for us to make everything look as authentic as possible. Particular attention is paid, in particular, to the life of a soldier: so that money of those times, wallets are in the pockets, soap, a razor, and a toothbrush are with you. Many have a duffel bag or knapsack fully equipped, some food is in their bread bags, some have old German newspapers.

Copies of tunics, awards and equipment of the 3rd Reich

Military uniforms of Wehrmacht soldiers some are perceived as the embodiment of evil, others - as an ordinary exhibit of collections or a necessary attribute of historical reconstructions. But regardless of the attitude, the form of the Third Reich is interesting in itself - from the point of view of its diversity and the reasons that led to certain design decisions.

Lovers and connoisseurs of history usually live outside of time and boundaries. They try to replenish their collections with amazing things that can be dated back to the last century. New builds are also in demand. Now the reconstruction of the uniform of the 3rd Reich is of great value. It is used not only as exhibits, but also for mass events of various historical clubs.

Almost all remakes of items of the 3rd Reich are completely identical to their counterparts. There is only one difference - recent production, which increases the service life. Buying a copy of the 3rd Reich clothing for reconstruction is quite simple - just refer to our Antik1941 online catalog. We guarantee fast delivery throughout Russia.

Buy a copy of the awards and weapons of the 3rd Reich

Not only uniforms, but also other accessories and items of the 3rd Reich are of great value. Our catalog is replete with various accessories that will help you do the reconstruction. Among them:

• copies of German uniforms;
• models of firearms;
• models of awards;
• copies of German orders;
  
• reconstruction of interior items;
• and much more.

If you need copies of weapons 3 Reich, you can choose not only machine guns and pistols, but also dummies of daggers and remake German knives. This will help to fully experience the times of the brutal war, to touch the ancient history. Everything differs in quality, in full compliance with the original.

Many turn to us to buy a copy of the 3rd Reich award. By the awards of a certain era, you can determine what priorities the nation had, what people were striving for.

We are always ready to help you in purchasing replicas and original antiques. Contact our online catalog at any time, leave orders that will be completed promptly.

High-quality copies of German orders and medals, copies of daggers and bayonet-knives, reconstruction of the German form of the Second World War, models of firearms, reconstruction of German military equipment, copies of steel helmets, reconstruction of household items and interior of the 3rd Reich- once again we repeat that all these things are intended for historical reconstruction, but not as for the purpose of propaganda of the criminal regime that existed in the 3rd Reich before 1945 ...

used the slave labor of citizens of the occupied countries, held in inhuman conditions. Such an accusation is contained in the book of Roman Kester, a young historian from Munich. The historian received an order for the book from the company itself, which wanted to shed light on the darkest pages of its past.

German fashion house Hugo Boss has apologized for the mistreatment of those who were forced to work in their factory during the Second World War, which produced military uniforms for the Nazis.

At the factory, which served as the basis for the current Fashion House, 140 immigrants from Poland and 40 from France were used as forced labor in those years.

After the defeat of the Reich in 1945, the Allies tried Hugo Boss and sentenced him to a huge fine of 100,000 marks, but he escaped prison. He claimed to have become a Nazi out of necessity. But this is not true. He joined the NSDAP in 1931.

"It is clear that Hugo Ferdinand Boss joined the party not only because of the opportunity to receive orders for the tailoring of military uniforms, but also because he was a follower of National Socialism," the author writes.

One of the first major contracts that Hugo Boss got was to make brown shirts for members of the newly formed Nazi Party.

By 1938, the factory was producing army uniforms, and eventually they began to sew uniforms for SS units.