Marlon Brando as Johnny Strabler in "The Wild One" (1953)
Milwaukee — What we wear speaks volumes about who we are; whether a sophisticate in a classic little black dress or a hipster in uber tight skinny jeans. But no garment has been so telling about its wearer than the leather jacket. From James Dean to Michael Jackson, the leather jacket is as iconic as the famed folks who wore it.
Nearly a century ago the leather jacket may have been reserved for protecting aviators and bikers from the elements, but in modern pop culture it has been seen as a symbol of rebellion with an image of coolness. In honor of the edgy outerwear, Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee explores the impact of the iconic garment on American culture in connection with the motorcycle in an exhibit entitled "Worn to Be Wild: The Black Leather Jacket."
The exhibit explores the origins of the black leather jacket from its modest military roots to its reigning glory in classic Hollywood films such as "The Wild One" starring Marlon Brando. The exhibit runs through September 3rd and features more than 50 jackets.
Visit harley-davidson.com to learn more about the exhibit.
On My Radar:
Alexander McQueen leather "Biker" jacket, £3,245 (approx. $3,971).
Chicly Yours,
The Chic Spy
