Fashion Symbol

Fashion

Jun 5

We all wake up in the morning facing the choice of how to be perceived that day. Fortunately for us, we have plenty of options. And some speak much louder than the rest.

Let's be honest. Leather jackets have always been cool. But I’m not the one saying that. History is. Every single moment since the mid-1900s has led us to think that way. The movie industry has literally overwhelmed us with examples, starting back in 1978 with John Travolta in Grease. Then 1986 made us fall in love with Tom Cruise in Top Gun. The year 1990 made us dream of being Johnny Depp's forelock in Cry Baby. Lastly, 1999 set a simple rule: do not talk about Fight Club. But I think we could definitely talk about Brad Pitt’s iconic red leather jacket.

But now, don’t get me wrong. Even if men have probably led the way in the conception of the image of the sexy, rockish, mysterious, and bad-boy character—that we all started to fall for—women were certainly no less. As time passed by, the world witnessed more and more celebrities styling iconic leather jackets that infused the feminine universe with that utter coolness all women deserved. Gwyneth Paltrow fired up many film festivals and events by rocking leather bomber jackets and blazers. Who hasn’t ever heard of Miss Cindy Crawford? I hope nobody. It was literally impossible—during the 1990s—not to fall for that moving beauty that captured so many hearts. And what was she carrying at all times? Her iconic biker jacket. The same one she flaunted while hosting on MTV in the early '90s, or while jumping from airport to airport. And then—I swear—last example. Do you remember a girl starring in several successful movies, who gained notoriety for her humble, innocent talent mixed up with outstanding, natural beauty? Beetlejuice, Dracula (Bram Stoker), Edward Scissorhands, and last but not least, Stranger Things. Ringing any bells? Winona Ryder, who else. The actress became famous for wearing dark outfits most of the time, which never lacked a leather jacket here and there.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Pitt, *Getty Images*

We get it. It's not our fault. Every direction in which we could look, it would casually make us cross the gaze of a star who was already very good-looking, to use no other terms. It was no coincidence then that we began to combine the two, wondering if by dressing in a leather jacket people might consider us cool. But it doesn't end there. What we have previously described falls into the 1990s and 2000s, making this entire story outdated—if you want. But—as I said—it certainly didn’t stop there. The following decades showed the world different styles and trends, which re-represented themselves from time to time. But the leather jacket never left the spotlight. In fact, the phenomenon did not just stagnate within the Hollywood Hills. Our beloved celebrities slowly moved their style from the studios to the streets of reality, making us feel part of a movie in which we could all be protagonists. How many times have you happened to see Hailey Bieber spotted on the streets of Los Angeles while sporting an almost always flawless outfit? Many. And how many leather jackets have you seen her wearing? Too many. Who didn't then fall in love with Jacob Elordi as a mere tourist at the Sydney airport while sporting an edgy and sexy style? Of course, the list does not end there because names like Irina Shayk and Kendall Jenner are not new to those who make gossip one of their passions.

Seeing those personalities carrying out trendy leather jacket outfits inspired us all. All of a sudden we all wanted to be mysterious, sexy, and dark. It is not relevant whether we are talking about studded jackets, trench coats, or blazers in particular. This story has nothing to do with the mere aesthetic description of the garment. The leather jacket is a mood. An attitude. Something that encompasses all the various types that fall within it. Yes, we all wear garments because of the material, the softness, the craftsmanship, the details, etc. But isn’t it true that we wear clothes that give us something more other than just products to cover our bodies with? In this scenario, the leather jacket perfectly fits the mold. When we wear one, we don’t need anybody to give us compliments. We don’t need looks. Stares. Do you know why? Because wearing that blazer, trench, or any other kind of jacket, does the work for us. It’s not us walking on the streets. It’s an aura of subtle coolness that leaves traces of mystery wherever it passes by. The point is that the garment in question has the innate ability to elevate the outfit to another level, simultaneously blending seriousness and stylish nonchalance. Practical. Easy to wear. Suitable for year-round use. Elegant and refined even for work situations, this is something that can be called upon for almost any kind of event, creating an air of mystery that only draws interest. Now let's take a look in the mirror. We all want to be bossy but not too bossy. And let's face it, we're all a bit of bad boys/girls. We want to look stylish but not overly so. Sorry, but isn't the leather jacket just perfect for that?

Stefano Faloni

Stefano, eager to become a Chief Brand Officer in the fashion and luxury industry, has developed over time a deep interest in storytelling and branding. Thanks to experiences in the fashion industry in both London and Florence, he realized how important it is to craft narratives that resonate with people, acknowledging the connection between audiences and the era they live in. Seeing writing as a means to speak his mind with no preconceptions, Stefano acts as an Editorial Intern at Raandoom, reflecting on the reasons that dictate human actions.

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