The leather jacket has gone from a standard outfit for motorcyclists and rock and roll to a staple in every closet. Leather jackets can come in different colours such as brown, dark grey and styles such as studded, cropped and incorporating zippers to add different looks. Historically, leather jackets were designed for protective purposes and used in the military, police and aviation work forces and typically made with a thicker, durable fabric. In 2001 fashion shows, many designers such as Balenciaga brought back the leather jacket to life with the goth-chic themes in their shows. This trend, however, didn't hit the streets until early last year, quickly gaining popularity. The leather jacket has gone from the Fonzy "ehhhh" to a quick way to punch up a simple dress or outfit. It has become popular to mix feminine pieces with a leather jacket for a unique look.
Teen actress Vanessa Hudgens rocks the leather jacket with a flowing feminine dress
In the 50s and 60s when leather jackets were popular with the biker gangs and worn by the tough guys or "punks" in high school. Back then, a leather jacket would have cost about $7- $20 which was expensive at the time. Today, leather jackets tend to range from $40- $1000's of dollars depending on the style and designer. Most leather jackets are made in Europe, specifically Italy, as well as India and Pakistan.
Another popular way to wear the leather jacket is casually, with a plain sweater underneath
Leather is made from tanned animal hides and is typically derived from antelope, buckskin, lambskin, sheepskin and cowhide. Once the skin is removed from the animal at the meat processing plant, it is refrigerated, salted or packed into barrels of brine. Then it is sent to the tannery where the animal skins are processed to preserve and soften the hides. The tannery is the most important process of leather making, insuring that the garment is of high quality. After washing and drying the leather they are sent to manufacturing companies where sewing materials such as thread, buttons, snaps and zippers are added to make a unique piece.
Some celebrities that brought the leather jacket back to life include the grunge-styles of Lindsay Lohan, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Nicole Ritchie and Kate Moss. They were the original inspiration for many variations on how to wear the jacket, and have made it a must have in every woman's closet.
Leather jackets have taken the fashion scene by storm and have become the perfect outerwear accessory to glam up an outift. To add more chic-ness to the outfit, mix with Ray Bans and enjoy!
Here's a video of different ways to wear leather, focusing on the leather jacket
Works Cited
"Leather Jacket." Wikipedia . Wikipedia , 26 April 2010. Web. 10 May 2010. .
"True Love is a Balenciaga Leather Jacket." Fashion Devotion. Word Press, 28 Oct 2009. Web. 10 May 2010. .
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