LEATHER JACKETS IN FILM: A STORY OF BADASSERY
For many years, leather jackets have been an iconic piece of clothing in movies. They've been worn by some of Hollywood's most badass characters, becoming synonymous with toughness, defiance, and style. Many legendary films featured excellent leather jackets that became the desire of many fashion-forward individuals. From the late 1990s film Rebel without a Cause jacket to the most recent screenplay, Kayce Dutton Jacket in Yellowstone, leather jackets have been a symbol of badassery in cinematic history.
The Birth of the Leather Jacket in Film
The leather jacket's origins can be traced back to the early days of Hollywood. They were mostly used by aviators and motorcycle riders in the 1920s and 1930s. Leather jackets became a mainstay of the Rebel without a Cause in the late 1940s and early 1950s. In the 1953 film "The Wild One," Marlon Brando famously wore a leather jacket, cementing the leather jacket's role as a symbol of rebellion in the cinematic world.
The 1950s - A Decade of Leather Jackets in Movies
The leather jacket became the go-to item for Hollywood's bad boys in the 1950s. In "Rebel without a Cause," James Dean cemented his place in Hollywood history by wearing a red leather jacket. His character, Jim Stark, was the ultimate rebel, and the jacket was a symbol of his defiance.
Sidney Poitier wore a leather jacket in "The Blackboard Jungle" and was one of the film's rebellious yet musically talented youngsters. The leather jacket symbolized his character's rebelliousness and rugged exterior, giving him a striking appearance.
The 1960s and 1970s - A Time of Revolution
The 1960s and 1970s were revolutionary years, and the leather jacket became a hallmark of the counterculture. In "Easy Rider," Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper rode their motorcycles across America while wearing leather jackets. The jackets represented their defiance of mainstream society and their willingness to live life on their own terms.
The leather vest was the gang's outfit in "The Warriors," a 1979 film about a New York City gang. The jackets were covered with patches, serving as a sign of the gang's identification and their rejection against authorities.
The 1980s - A Decade of Action Heroes
The 1980s were the decade of the action hero, and the leather jacket became a staple of the genre Bruce Willis wore a leather jacket in "Die Hard" as John McClane, a cop combating terrorists in a high-rise building. The jacket represented his toughness and capability to survive even in the most dangerous situations.
Arnold Schwarzenegger wore a leather jacket in "Terminator" as the titular figure, a cyborg sent to assassinate Sarah Connor. The jacket reflected the character's badassery and ruthless pursuit of his mission.
The 1990s and 2000s - A Time of Revival
The leather jacket experienced a revival in the 1990s and 2000s, becoming a film wardrobe staple once again. Keanu Reeves wore a long black leather coat in "The Matrix" as Neo, a hacker who discovers he is living in a computer-generated world. The coat symbolized his transformation from an ordinary person to a badass hero.
Brad Pitt wore a red leather jacket as Tyler Durden in "Fight Club," a character who reflects the narrator's alter ego. Durden's jacket symbolized his revolt against society and his desire to live life on his own terms. Apart from movies some iconic TV series have also featured leather jackets like Lily Collins jacket in Emily in Paris, Kayce Dutton TV series Yellowstone Luke Grimes vest, Carla Roson jacket from Elite are some of the best examples of leather jacket being a trendy wear.
The Legacy of Leather Jackets
Today, the leather jacket continues to be a symbol of coolness and toughness, representing characters who are unafraid to be themselves and break the rules. They are generally associated with rebellion and counter-culture, it has also been worn by figures who embody power and authority. It's a garment that can be interpreted in a variety of ways, making it an essential item of film and pop culture for decades. Tom Cruise's jacket in Top Gun, Kayce Dutton Brown's Vest in Yellowstone, and Bruce Willi's jacket in Die-hard are the perfect examples of the leather jacket being a symbol of badass on the big and small screen. Its versatile nature has made it a timeless symbol of coolness and toughness, and it's likely to continue to be worn by Hollywood's badasses for many years to come.
