Shaeri_1
When I first read the challenge...two things came to mind. History and a pirate's motivation.
The Pirates we all see on movie screens actually lived in between the 15th and 18th Centuries. There was no running water, a bath was very rare. They washed their clothes once a month if they were lucky. So I quickly knew one thing...my pirate would not be pristine...he was going to be dirty because that was a fact of life in that era. Second, when I think about pirates, I am not drawn to flashy captains. I wanted to create clothes for the type of man I would be drawn to if it was that era. He doesn't care how he looks... When he gets up in the morning, he dunks his head in some water and goes up on deck to see what adventure he's going to find. He's a bit of a romantic, so if there is a pretty governor's daughter in the next port, he'll take her as well as the riches he finds. He's rough, rugged and battle tested.
When I created his clothing, I knew a few things. The coat was out. This is the Caribbean, it's hot, he's fighting a lot, so we left it down in his bunk. The leather sash across his chest tells us that he is a simple man with only one motivation. Treasure. His notched leather sash is only decorated with small gold accents and a simple gold buckle. I hand-painted the gun that is placed within his red silk cummerbund and hand-made his dagger that is concealed behind his back. He is able to draw his pistol or throw the dagger with his right hand while he is sword fighting with his left. My guy is always ready for a fight.
If you notice, on my pirate, his clothes are dirty, he's got tears in the sleeves of his loose, flowing silk shirt. The rips in his sleeves are a reminder of the action he has seen. Again, we go back in history for the pants. The pants of the time, along with the shirt, primarily had laces, and that is how he ties his clothes shut. Finally, we come to the boots. They are the summation of the entire ensemble. We are reminded of the leather sash across his chest by the matching notched leather and golden buckles that adorn the sides of the boots and the folded leather top decorated with the same gold accenting that edges the sash. Finally, the theme runs it's course by staying with the same type of leather that was on his pants, only darker.
In all, I wanted to achieve a look for the every man. He doesn't have to be a flamboyant captain to look like he's seen his share of the action. My pirate isn't the most glamorous guy, but he sure as heck can kick some serious butt. I hope that men who choose to wear Battle Tested will feel a little bit like the romantic bad-boy I envisioned he would be for Pirate Week in There.
Battle Tested Shirt (HR-C)
Battle Tested Pants
Battle Tested Boot
