Hollywood’s Love Affair with Leather

The world of movies in Hollywood is not just limited to entertainment, it goes one step beyond. Viewers not only see the movies but also try copying the style statements made by their favorite celebrities. There are a lot of movies that have seen a lot of Hollywood stars wearing cool leather jackets. The jackets worn by these celebrities have had a great impact on the leather jacket industry overall. From the Schott Perfecto biker jacket that was famous in the 50s to the bomber jackets worn by Indiana Jones, these jackets have had a great impact! The list below looks at some of the most celebrated jackets:

For Whom the Bell Tolls

The legendary Gary Cooper played the role of a lady killer, ready to fight during the Spanish Civil War. Based on a Novel by Ernest Hemingway, the character was brought to life with a similar wardrobe. Gary Cooper sported a shearling lined leather jacket that complimented his role well. The movie went on to win 9 Academy Awards making Gary an icon. The movie being an instant hit directly impacted the sales of the leather jackets.

Indiana Jones

The jackets worn in Indiana Jones are amongst the mostly sought leather jackets till date. The leather jackets played a pivotal role in creating the Indiana Jones character. The jackets were specially designed and the director insured that the jackets were separate from the ones available in the market. Being unique in the way it looked the jacket was an instant hit along with the character. Everything about this bomber jacket was different. None of the leather bomber jackets in the market could match it.

Top Gun

Tom Cruise plays the lead role in ‘Top Gun’ and he plays it well. Not to forget the leather jacket he has worn in the movie. The leather jackets he has worn are mostly those worn by Naval Aviators. With a gold wing on the shoulders and some patches on the breast and sleeves, this jacket has been made out of French antique lamb skin. This is one jacket that was instant hit just like the movie itself.

Fight Club

A fashion statement was made by Brad Pitt when he wore that simple red leather jacket in the film ‘Fight Club’. He has been shown as a rebel, someone who is not conventional in his approach. Most people were instantly able to connect to the idea; most people have the same alter ego. It is said the original leather jacket was found in a thrift store in LA by the costume designer for the movie. The jacket was redesigned for the film, giving it a slim fit and making it out of high quality Napa leather. This just goes to show how much of rebellious characters in Hollywood are linked to wearing leather jackets.

Summary: 

Hollywood has come a long way when it comes to wardrobes, especially leather jackets, from the Marlon Brandon biker jacket in the Wild Ones to the Nicholas Cage jacket in Ghost Rider to the leather jacket worn by Travolta in Grease all have distinct and unique designs.

The History of Leather Jackets

When you talk about leather jackets, they are not just like your ordinary wardrobe item; they have a rich history and can be styled in countless ways. Over the years the leather jacket fashion has evolved immensely. From Fashion to bikers to military, they have all worn leather jackets and each has its unique style. 

Early days of leather jackets

The history of wearing leather jackets can be dated back to the period of the cave men. It is clear for the cave paintings made in caves that even back then leather was used by the primitive people. The leather they used was not very fashionable, but the main objective was to protect them. The treatment back in the days was done with natural ingredients such as barks and plants.

You can see the paintings in the Egyptian tombs to understand that as time progressed leather was then used as clothing, burying the dead and even for military equipment. Since that time, leather has become an extremely important raw material.

The Roman’s used leather on a larger scale, where they started using it to make footwear, clothes, military equipment, and most for shields, saddles and harnesses. Archeologists have discovered large quantities of leather goods in the roman sites. These have been used as footwear and clothing.

Introduction of leather manufacturers

As time progressed, the Romans introduced leather manufacturing in Britain. Most monks back in the days were experts at making leather; most of it was used for writing purposes. The Britons further introduced the use of leather as footwear, clothing, leather bags for carrying items and hulls of boats.

As centuries progresses leather manufacturing has expanded steadily and back in the medieval days almost every town had a tannery. These still exist in the names of different streets.

Leather in the 20^th Century

In the 20^th century leather was used to make style statements, especially when brown and black leather jackets were used in movies by leading stars. The most famous leather jacket of the 50s was the Marlon Brando leather jacket from the movie ‘The Wild Ones’. The jacket became an instant hit and the demand of leather jackets among the American and British youth increased heavily.

From the Greaser Jackets of the 50s that was seen in everyone’s wardrobe to the Fonz’s iconic jacket of the 60s almost every second person owned a stylish leather jacket. The fashion of leather jackets further increased with the introduction of bomber leather jackets for the military. These jackets were also used by stars in different movies such as Jimmy Stewart in ‘Night Passage’. Brown leather jackets have been a must have for any Hollywood adventurer.

Most of the demand for leather jackets in the 20^th century has been seen because of the Hollywood influence on the fashion industry. From the leather jacket worn by the lead character in the movie terminator series, from the long coats worn by Neo in ‘The Matrix’ have gone on to define the leather jacket business from time and time again.

Summary:

The leather Jacket has evolved over the years from a protective gear to a style statement. This has mainly been possible because of the use of leather jackets in the movies.