Motorcycle Jacket

1727 Words4 Pages

FM007 Styling- Trend Report

By Holly Paykel

132FPL4340




The Motorcycle Jacket




Introduction

The black motorcycle jacket holds both historical and cultural significance.
Throughout time, the motorcycle jacket has ‘transitioned from functional wear, to symbol of courage and cool, to iconic expression within popular culture, to flamboyant artistic design in applied arts and fashion’ (Glenbow Museum, 2014). Originally, created to appeal the emerging generation of “bikers” in the 1930s, the leather motorcycle jacket continues to hold significance in the fashion as an iconic, timeless item of clothing.

Since its initial establishment, the leather jacket has achieved an iconic status in the fashion industry. Its current cultural meaning …show more content…

The Schott Brothers, NYC

The original motorcycle jacket dates back to 1928 in Manhattan, New York. Brothers Ivring and Jack Schott, the sons of a Russian immigrant, designed and produced the first leather motorcycle jacket – the “ Perfecto”. The brothers created the jacket in alignment with the new era of “bikers” and America’s general fasciation with Motorcycles. The jacket retailed at $5.50 and was sold at a Long Island Harley Davison Store. The Perfecto was quickly adopted due to the jackets durability and cool, rugged look.

The “Perfecto” leather jacket, named after Schott’s favourite cigar, was the first jacket to feature a diagonal silver zipper. The design featured insured that no air would pass through the jacket when riding a motorcycle. It was made out of black horsehide, and also featured shoulder epaulettes and zippered sleeve cuffs. The “Perfecto” jacket quickly became a symbol of both adventure and danger in the 1930’s, perfectly complimenting the “bikers” fascination with …show more content…

Popular culture/fashion icons/music artists

Subcultures

Political views

- Stereotypes that surround the Perfecto leather jacket. The jacket symbolized a rough and rebellious youth culture. The leather motorcycle jacket was banned in schools in the 1950s.
- Completion of WW2 lead to a rise in rebellion. The movie “ The Wild Ones” (1954) featured hot young actor Marlon Brando , wearing his Schott Perfecto.
- James Dean featured in “Rebel Without a Cause” (1955)– Is there anything more masculine than the 1950s heartthrob on his bike with a cigarette dangling from his lips?
- Steve McQueen, a Fashion Icon ( The King of Cool) in the 60’s, was seen in popular culture riding motorbikes in his jacket smoking.
- Debbie Harry

- 70s/80s – Punk movement - The Schott Perfecto® was the uniform for rock stars like The Ramones, Blondie, Joan Jett and The Sex Pistols.

- 1974: When The Ramones hit the stage at CBGB (also wearing the Schott Perfecto), Punk magazine founder Legs McNeil described them like this: "They were all wearing these black leather jackets…They looked so striking. These guys were not hippies. This was something completely new

- Styled by Jean Paul Gaultier in the 1980’s
- Modern fashion Icon Kate

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