The leather jacket is arguably one of the most cult pieces of clothing within fashion history. Evoking rebellion, rock ‘n’ roll and effortless cool, it never really falls out of favour – but in recent years the leather jacket (in its many iterations) has featured heavily on the fashion week runways.
Most fashion historians credit the World War One aviation jacket as the original inspiration for leather entering the mainstream outerwear world. From the military look came the biker, with designer Irving Schott giving us the first ever Harley Davidson motorcycle jacket – before the zippered style took off thanks to the likes of Marlon Brando and James Dean (and later, rock ‘n’ roll pioneers such as The Ramones, Bruce Springsteen and Joan Jett).
These days, the leather jacket could just as easily be a bomber or a blazer, making for a staple that cuts across throw-it-on casual and cool eveningwear layering. Here’s our pick of the best new pieces for 2024.
Sandro’s distressed leather jacket, £659
If warm brown tones speak to you more than black, then Sandro’s option could be just the ticket. A soft, boxy cut gives a vintage look – as does the distressed effect of the leather – while lace-up details to each side give this option a slightly bohemian feel. Made from materials using Leather Working Group-approved suppliers.
Raey’s oversized biker jacket, £1,395
The fashion girl’s answer to the traditional biker is Raey’s ultra-slouchy offering, complete with classic silver hardware and an extra-roomy fit. The modern answer to Kate Moss’ famous off-duty outerwear, it would look just as effortless with a pair of jeans as it would thrown on top of a flouncy dress.
Magda Burtrym’s leather bomber, £1,960
The bomber had a major moment in 2023, and its rounded silhouette still remains popular – plus, eternal Gen-Z trendsetter Hailey Bieber continues to champion the trend, which is telling. In fact, Magda Burtrym’s oversized number is Hailey’s jacket of choice – giving just enough structure with its concealed shoulder pads, while still remaining low-key. A ribbed collar and cuffs give a nod to its nineties inspiration.
Jigsaw’s refined biker jacket, £325
Slouchy and oversized isn’t the only default when it comes to choosing a leather jacket that suits. A move towards more polished, tailored dressing is also afoot – which is where Jigsaw’s zip-front collared jacket comes in. This more fitted silhouette has also been championed by designers such as Loewe and Bottega Veneta, and offers a sleeker vibe.
Massimo Dutti’s cropped leather trench, £369
The classic canvas trench coat has been reimagined in leather recently by the likes of Prada and Saint Laurent, but Massimo Dutti’s version is cropped for seasonal wearability – and in a buttery caramel tone, no less. The boxy cut might feel modern, but this is a staple that will stand the test of time.
Josslyn Shi from California College of Art has been crowned Overall Winner of the Real Leather. Stay Different. International Student Design Competition at a glittering final event held at the U.S. Embassy in London.
Leather is undoubtedly always a key feature at fashion week – it forms the basis of countless staples, after all – but in recent seasons, the impact of leather as a textile all-rounder has majorly returned to favour.
In 1968, after a decade in the doldrums churning out terrible films and soundtrack albums, Elvis Presley made a triumphant return to the stage in a televised comeback special. The black leather suit he wore for this performance lives long in the memories of
And the winner is… Gal Benjamin, a Fashion Design graduate of Shenkar College of Design, Engineering and Art has been crowned International Winner of the Real Leather. Stay Different. Student Design Competition at a live final in London.
Meet Elisa Castiglioni first place leather goods winner in this years Italy 2020/21 Student Design Competition.
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