The women’s perfecto, a timeless must-have…
A legendary jacket…
The story of the women’s leather perfecto jacket begins in 1928 in the workshops of the Schott brothers, whose eponymous brand specializes in the creation of rainwear. They receive an order from Harley Davidson, who wants to make a resistant jacket capable of protecting bikers from bad weather. Irving Schott then embarks on the production of the famous jacket, which he will baptize “perfecto” as a nod to his favorite Cuban cigars. The original creation has an offset zipper, doubling the thickness of the leather, and snap buttons to fold down the collar. The cuffs are zippered, the belt at the waist allows to tighten the jacket, and there is even a pocket on the side for toll money. A few scissor cuts later, the jacket is born and will quickly become the symbol of bikers of the time.
Like the little black dress by Givenchy in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and the Repetto ballet flats by Brigitte Bardot in “And God Created Woman”, the leather perfecto jacket will become known to the general public by making its first steps in cinema. It can be seen on the back of Marlon Brando in “The Wild One” in 1953. Other stars like Elvis Presley or James Dean follow suit. A few years later, it’s John Travolta and Jessica Newton-John in “Grease” who contribute to the popularization of the leather jacket, although it still remains primarily an item of men’s clothing.
But in the 60s and 70s, the perfecto will suffer from a bad boy image, symbol of rebellious youth. Worn by “thugs”, influenced by punk or rock’n roll, they hang out in gangs in the streets, which earned them the nickname “Black Jackets” given by the media of the time. The leaders of the time, the Sex Pistols, the Ramones, or AC/DC, never part with it and customize their jacket with studs and patches.
… That still seduces us today
Women’s leather perfectos will completely feminize in the 90s thanks to German photographer Peter Lindbergh and his series “Wild at Heart”, published in 1991 in Vogue US fashion magazine. It is seen worn by the most famous models of the moment: Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell. The leather jacket, which until then still carried its bad boy image, becomes respectable for these ladies.
The rock of the 2000s, led by influencers like Pete Doherty or Kate Moss, combined with the sudden enthusiasm of designers such as Hedi Slimane for the movement, allowed the jacket to withstand the test of time.
Just like the striped sailor shirt, the little black dress, and jeans, the women’s leather perfecto jacket is an essential wardrobe ally for women. It has managed to retain its power and, like any good basic, it can be endlessly varied and matched with a casual or chic outfit.
How to wear a women’s perfecto jacket?
But how to be perfect and stylish in a perfecto jacket? Let’s take a look at the best looks of the season…
Rock version
Here, we opt for the total black look! Wear your perfecto jacket with slim jeans, a pair of pointed ankle boots or low Dr Martens. Accessorize your outfit with a felt or suede hat, and you’re good to go!
Bohemian and romantic version
Here, we focus on the contrast between the femininity and lightness of the long dress, mixed with the very raw leather jacket. Whether it’s suede, patent leather or colorful, it is our ally for this spring. Paired with jewelry, it’s a perfect bohemian look!
Chic version
Want to add a little edge to your too-sweet look? The leather perfecto jacket will be your best ally! Worn over a pretty blouse, or even with an evening dress and pumps, it will go with everything and add a rock touch to your outfit!
