One of the Most Popular Menswear Trends Has a Very Cool History
The motorcycle jacket is so prevalent in menswear this season that I find it difficult to see why anyone wouldn't want a standard leather biker jacket regardless of their overall style. It's the answer to a healthy and robust Fall 2014 wardrobe. When Sandro created this piece, I saw it as the glimmer of hope and substance to an otherwise pabulum season of men's fashion. But thankfully, the all too prodigious coat and it's thick hide is the perfect accompaniment to any outfit. So... that being said... where did this marvel of a jacket come from and why do we need one?
Well the classic "American Perfecto motorcycle jacket" with diagonal zip and epaulets was introduced to menswear in the early 1950's was worn and popularized by Marlon Brando in The Wild One. The jacket was originally designed in the 1920's by Irving Schott, of Schott NYC and later became common place in the early 1960's. I think it's come and gone so many times that it takes a true genius to make it mainstream again and that's exactly what I've seen on the runway's of Fall 2014 collections from all walks of designers and creative teams.
Another man I'd like to talk about is Touko Laaksonen, best known by his pseudonym Tom of Finland. He was a stylized androerotic graphic novelist whose impact on fashion cannot be overlooked. He endowed the fashion community with sexualization from all aspects including moto-gear (both leather and denim), uniforms (which make a constant reappearance in fashion in more fitted and flattering cuts each season), and of course the skin tight leathers that he evoked into his more fetish work. Ultimately, I feel that since his work is time-stamped, it can actually be said and has been in "Tom of Finland: The Art of Pleasure by Micha Ramakers" (NSFW) that he is one of the original creators (and promoters) of the moto-leather jacket.
The moment I slip this Sandro Paris motorcycle jacket on, the etymology of the jacket melted away and instead I felt cool. Like a greaser in some rockabilly novel or any of the Sha Na Na group members... the raw motorcycle jacket is forever awesome and here to stay... at least until next season.
httpv://youtu.be/bfZfH33baMs
What I'm Wearing:
Sandro Paris Leather Jacket Sponsored by Sandro Queen Street Toronto
John Galliano deep-V
Prada Denim
Versace sunnies
Gucci Boots
Rebecca Necklace was a gift from a family member who picked it up in Italy on Vacation (Love IT!)
Images: Matthew St. James
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