The symbol of rebellion, a biker, bomber or aviator made from durable leather is a transitional wardrobe staple that stands the test of time.
By Joely Chilcott
Few trends transcend seasons, ages and genders like a leather jacket.
Embodying the very essence of cool, they toughen up a floaty dress, elevate a pair of reliable jeans and can be worn over any top, patterned or plain, making them most versatile items of clothing you can own.
Plus, a leather jacket is a much more sustainable buy than an autumn coat made from synthetic fabrics that will soon go out of style.
The leather jacket was born out of practicality. During the First World War, the material protected pilots from the extreme cold of high altitudes.
And in 1928, Irving Schott, co-founder of New York company Schott Bros, designed a motorcycle jacket complete with asymmetric zip to improve wind-proofing and protect the paintwork of the petrol tank from when the biker leaned over it.
He named it the ‘Perfecto’ after his favourite cigar and the design, adopted by a Harley Davidson distributor, became a uniform for motorcycle clubs all over the US who adorned them with their gangs’ logos.
In the fifties, the style became synonymous with youth rebellion when Marlon Brando wore one in biker film The Wild One.
Its bad boy persona was embraced by rock bands like The Ramones and The Rolling Stones, and it crossed genders with the likes of Debbie Harry and Stevie Nicks choosing fringed and studded styles.
Leather jackets have been present for huge cultural moments over the years.
Take, for example, the oversized red leather style worn by Michael Jackson in the Thriller video. Or the T-Birds uniform in the 1974 film, Grease. Or the his n’ hers jackets of iconic 90s couple Kate Moss and Johnny Depp.
High fashion houses took a little longer to jump on board the street style leather jacket bandwagon.
An alligator version designed by Yves Saint Laurent for Christian Dior reportedly didn’t go down too well with management but was featured in a 1960 issue of Vogue. And since then, fashion brands all over the world have come up with their own interpretations of the classic leather jacket and continue to do so today.
And now is the time to bag your new trans-seasonal favourite.
Trust us, it will have a place in your wardrobe for decades to come. To help with your purchase, we have rounded up the top five his n’ hers styles we have our eye on this season. Wear any one of these for instant rebel style.
Invest in this signature style from Acne Studios and you won’t look back. The perfect timeless addition to your wardrobe that you’ll wear time and time again.
For a boho feel, try a jacket with extra fringing in a light, fresh colour. Wear a floral midi dress and boots and make a serious style statement.
Made with lambskin leather and sheepskin fur, this long-term jacket is a sustainable purchase that will last.
This gorgeous green relaxed fit style will age beautifully. With rounded shoulders and elasticated panels, it can be worn with ease.
For a modern take on tailoring, this leather belted blazer offers a more formal feel that will take you from day to night effortlessly.
For a classic, minimal look, this two-pocket jacket will become your go-to for any occasion.
Oozing cool, laid-back vibes, this biker jacket will become the staple of any wardrobe and looks great when paired with jeans and boots.
Deviate from black and embrace forest green. The epitome of casual style – for decades.
Few styles beat a warm leather and shearling aviator jacket in winter. Buy this for years of warmth and fashion cred.
Crafted in Italy from supple leather, the dark brown colour will age better than a fine wine.
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.
“People who want to ‘buy green’ should be able to do so, confident that they aren’t being misled,” says Sarah Cardell, interim CEO of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) which is currently investigating fashion brands including Asos and
We’ve compiled our top leather items to help you get the most out of these (sometimes difficult) times of social distancing indoors!
Leather is so durable it can live on even beyond its original use. Here’s our guide to repurposing.
Meet Elisa Castiglioni first place leather goods winner in this years Italy 2020/21 Student Design Competition.
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