So, I just came back from the FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) museum, where they had a motorcycle jacket
exhibit. Learned a few things about motorcycle jackets that I never new before. They've actually been around since 1928! So, a flapper and a biker coulda happened. Bizarre.
The iconic style is the Perfecto jacket. Sorry, the guards at the museum were total nazis about taking pictures, but the museum actually had one of these jackets diagrammed out. Apparently every part of the design and construction is intentional and practical. Asymmetrical zipper to protect against the wind, zippers at the sleeves for putting on/taking off gloves, cropped since the dudes wore high-waisted pants, and the epaulettes at the shoulders (yes...that's what they're called...who knew!?) are for stashing your gloves. I always wondered what those straps were for. I always kept my hat and scarf in those things.
Of course, it was always a symbol for rebellion, especially in 50s film
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| still from The Wild One, which was banned in the UK...for being awesome i guess. |
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| and our friend James Dean, of course. I personally couldn't stand him in Rebel Without a Cause. So whiny. |
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| biker gang, colorado 1970s |
The design of the jacket was basically the same for women...except shorter sleeves and the zipper diagonal was reversed.
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| hells angels biker gang 1965 |
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| women bikers 1975 |
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| ralph lauren |
I don't actually own a leather jacket in the Perfecto shape...It's been on my to-buy list since forever. My husband has one, though. Here I am wearing it. I thought he was super cool when he wore it. I was also 18 when I first met him.
I also have a RED cotton jacket in the perfecto shape. I don't really wear it too much cause red is so LOUD and the motorcycle shape screams REBEL. This jacket kind of screams trying too hard. That's kind of my problem with the classic motorcycle jacket. It's almost too iconic.
I think if I were to get a motorcycle jacket today, I'd probably get one like this Trash and Vaudeville teeny cropped jacket (which I tried on every time I went in that store) and wear it with a high-waisted long skirt. Like those poodle skirts, but evil obviously. For that 50s vibe. Y'know.
Do you have a Perfecto motorcycle jacket? Thoughts? Still cool? Cliche?
