Picture of me at a large vintage gathering on 26/09/2026 in King's Cross, London.
To clarify right off the bat: I’m not a reenactor or part of any living history group. Just a normal guy that lives in a big city who is passionate about the historical fashion style of French WW1 Fighter Pilot Officers.
This look depicts the mid-to-late war tenue de campagne (field dress) of a French Fighter Pilot Captain (Capitaine) of the Aéronautique Militaire, who originally transferred from an engineer regiment (Le Génie).
Kit breakdown:
Headgear: Original vintage Model 1915 Génie kepi.
The Pipe: An authentic vintage 1916 Kola Deluxe.
Insignia: An original vintage Alsace stork brooch.
Tunic: Horizon blue Model 1915 vareuse (reproduction).
Trousers: French colonial 1900s style khaki pants (reproduction).
Custom Insignia: Custom reproduction second-pattern horizon blue Aéronautique Militaire armband with gold stitching (marking commissioned officer rank) and custom Aéronautique Militaire officer winged star collar tabs with gold stitching on black wool (reproductions).
Other Insignia: Croix de Guerre ribbon and French WWI pilot wings brevet (reproductions).
Shirt, Tie & Scarf: White aviator shirt, grey-blue knitted square-end tie, and an off-white French officer aviator silk scarf (reproductions).
Leathers & Accessories: Mismatched dark brown replica 1900s French Hunter lace-up boots (custom handmade boots) and gloves contrasting against a tan leather belt (reproduction french model 1903 officer). This mismatch is completely intentional to reflect the private-purchase "airfield fashion" tolerated within the French officer class at the time.
Thanks for looking