Rock the Leather Jacket

James Sanders | June 15, 2011 | 0 Comments

The leather jacket is music’s black sheep – the one that everybody talks about, but still indulges. Too many artists have worn the leather jacket for it not to be as iconic as a perfect verse in a platinum hit. Designers know that consumers have that inner rock star with an urge to emerge onto the stage wearing nothing other than a leather jacket with a guitar to match. Thus, leather jackets consistently show up on the runways with fresh perspectives from each designer. Here are some of our favorite leather looks:

Men

1. Schott NYC for Barneys New York – Heritage Perfecto Jacket, $995
Let’s be clear – you don’t have to be a biker to pull off a biker jacket. This jacket by Schott NYC is aged in all of the right places with zippers for days. It’s special because it looks great over a button down, graphic tee, or V-neck shirt and jeans. The Heritage Perfecto Jacket will work for several different kinds of looks which means that the edgy and preppy guy can look good.

2. Jil Sander – Biker jacket, $2,745
This label is great for bringing out classic looks in different colors. This jacket in a bright/navy blue looks great against another color. Patterns also look great and can complement the jacket well if done correctly. The color embellishment adds detail to the contrasting simplicity of the collar.

3. Dsquared2 Biker jacket, $1,995
Dsquared2 does slim very well. Press studs embellish the look and make it both comfortable and accessible. The jacket is fully lined with tone on tone stitching. This brand does a good job with construction which always makes their purchases sound investments. The rich color is great for the fall – and can be worn throughout any chilly night.

4. Alexander McQueen Motorcycle Jacket, $4,325
This jacket is suede, unlike the others; still, Alexander McQueen consistently makes garments that bring out the inner rebel in anybody. This jacket is cut to fit slim, but the shredded cut at the bottom along with the wide collar and plaid lining made this jacket a keeper.

Women
1. Balmain – Antique Biker Jacket, $4,889
This jacket is for the inner Steven Tyler in all of you. This kind of jacket isn’t for everybody, but the loops, and cut make it kick ass. Because this jacket does so much all at once, pairing it with basics – graphic tees, or v-necks are in order. Washed jeans round out the look.

2. Givenchy Asymmetric Zip Jacket, $1,539.00
Leather jackets don’t have to all follow a basic formula anymore. The fun thing about wearing leather jackets is that it can feel like you’re breaking some kind of rule. Givenchy proves that here with their offering of an asymmetric jacket in basic black. The color seems to be the only basic element to this piece that accentuates the body in all of the right places. Unzipped, the jacket looks completely rebelled. Zippered, and worn with a long skirt, this jacket is the perfect compromise.

3. Rick Owens Safari Jacket, $2,599.00
Wearing this Rick Owens jacket at first glance can make you look like a long lost twin to Morpheus from The Matrix – on second glance, you might look like kin to Neo. But if styled correctly, this jacket can look chic and classic. I would dress it up with a belt to give the jacket the shape that you want. For those days where a curvier style isn’t desired, no belt with accessories will suffice.

4. Akris Punto Leather Jacket, $1380.00
Blue is one of the hottest colors for this season, and this light weight leather is perfect for those chilly nights and lukewarm winters. The color can bring out any complexion and will probably look good with anything in a neutral color.

5. Mackage Oceana Studded Leather Jacket, $450.00
This jacket is black lambskin at its best. This jacket is definitely rocker chic with the asymmetric zippers and distressed black coloring. Distressed skinny leg jeans look best with this jacket along with a basic top.

Lady Gaga Photo Credit: Nick Knight