Monday, November 28, 2011

4 Classic Leather Jackets in Film

By James Moore


Leather jackets have been a big element of American style for many years and with a continual presence in movies that have grow to be wildly popular, it's no wonder why. Having evolved from historic military conflicts, leather jackets have been worn by many of the bravest men globally. In addition, the risk-taking nature of WW2 veterans who used these jackets with the motorcycle to pursue adventure appeared to supply a great deal of context for filmmakers ever since. As a result, the leather jacket has not only been showcased in a remarkable number of films, but in addition has leapt to the leading edge of American fashion as a cornerstone piece for the wardrobes of men and women alike. However not all movies highlighting such a jacket have been as impactful as , so let's review four films that have perhaps done the most to popularize the leather motorcycle jacket.

Rebel Without a Cause: A Vintage Movie

Anyone familiar with vintage films of the 1950s would probably agree that the star power and youthful anxiety of rising star James Dean thrust the classic leather motorcycle jacket into the American consciousness. The story of a young man estranged from the love of his family, this quintessential coming of age drama resonated with numerous teenagers around the world who related to character Jim Stark and dreamed of being like him. Even though better known for looks that included a bright red jacket, not to mention the T-shirt and blue jeans that sent a huge number of teenagers to their local clothing stores, Rebel Without a Cause set the interest in the leather jacket on fire after Marlon Brando's The Wild One ignited the spark. Naturally, this is probably the start ofthe leather jacket's rise in pop culture.

Easy Rider: 60s Cool

Nobody can completely asses the movies most influential in the rise of the leather jacket without considering 1969's Easy Rider. Featuring Peter Fonda as Wyatt, this movie connected with the late 1960s counterculture movement as it observed Wyatt and his friend Billy on a cross country trip to Mardi Gras. Addressing many of the social concerns of the day, the film became extremely successful and in many ways defined the fashion of the period. Fresh and new, Wyatt's jacket was a distinctive black moto jacket with red, white and blue rally-style stripes including a buttoned tab collar. Paired with a handsome Peter Fonda, this leather jacket provided a feeling of style different than that seen before and demonstrated to movie goers that leather jackets can vary in style. Easy Rider certainly provided a big boost to the leather motorcycle jacket.

Beat It: Michael Jackson's Video

Presenting the leather jacket to the 80s, very few films had more effect than Michael Jackson's video Beat It. Although the video might not be the duration of a feature film, this video had a extraordinary impact on both the music and entertainment scenes, not to mention style. One of the first to feature mass choreography, the story of the video revolved around a struggle among two gangs whose street battle is split up by Jackson wearing an appealing red leather jacket. Tackling the topic of senseless street violence, Beat It grew to be exceptionally well-liked and the embellished read leather jacket or ones like it quickly became ubiquitous throughout the country. There's little doubt that Beat It brought the leather jacket into the 80s and 90s.

The Matrix: Full Length Leather

1999's The Matrix was another example of a very popular movie that introduced the public to a lesser known form of leather jacket, the duster. Typically found in a variety of old western movies, this type of jacket paired well with this modern psychological thriller that captured the imagination of millions across the globe. Starring Keanu Reeves as Neo, the story centers on Neo's investigation of his concept of reality while the movie offers break though special effects that transfixed people everywhere. In addition, the dark sinister tone taken on by the movie seemed to impart these qualities on Neo's distinctive leather jacket. So stepping into the new century, a fresh set of consumers became interested in locating the black leather duster from The Matrix.

Even though there have been numerous films that have popularized the leather jacket, Rebel Without a Cause, Easy Rider, Michael Jackson's Beat It and The Matrix are definitely amongst the most impactful.

About the Author

James Moore is a style blogger and has worked as a fashion buyer dedicated to leather products including outerwear like leather leather motorcycle jackets http://www.wilsonsleather.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3510385 . Dealing with fashion conscious clients who want to look good, James evaluates a range of coats including leather motorcycle jackets for men http://www.wilsonsleather.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3510385, leather motos and hipster jackets to find the ideal styles at the right price.




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