Man's jacket
Brand
Harley-Davidson
1983
Leather and metal
Gift of Pepper Hemingway
Object number2013.30.1
The “biker” jacket was originally designed by Irving Schott in 1928. Dubbed the Perfecto, it was distinctive for its asymmetrical, cross-body design, durable black leather, and exposed metal hardware. After World War II, motorcycle gangs adopted the jacket as a uniform, often emblazoned with gang signs. Marlon Brando made this “biker” look famous in the Wild One, which helped cement the leather jacket as a symbol of outlaw rebellion.
DescriptionMan's set; motorcycle jacket and belt; motorcycle jacket in black pebble grain leather with silver metal zippers and snaps; coordinating black leather belt in smooth grain leather with large silver metal oval shaped buckle closureExhibitions