What's all the brouhaha? Well this week, it’s the leather jacket. I read somewhere that the leather jacket is pretty much cultural shorthand for cool, and I would add that it’s also your best friend.
Leather jackets started as aviator and military jackets in the early to mid 1900s. I can only imagine that the mystique of being a fighter pilot helped with the popularity among men and women, as every guy wanted to be a pilot and every girl wanted to wear her boyfriend’s jacket when he was home from the military.
But the leather jacket became iconic with Marlon Brando in his 1953 portrayal of Johnny Strabler in "The Wild One.” He was the rebellious young gang leader: handsome, edgy, and full of attitude. The movie was a hit, and so was the jacket. To really make it a part of the American culture, James Dean brought his "Rebel Without a Cause" portrayal just two years later, and the leather jacket became the American symbol of attitude, rebellion, youth, and living on the edge.
The leather jacket became the symbol of the greaser throughout the late '50's and into the '60's, all the while becoming more wearable and less utilitarian and specifically "motorcycle.” It was the uniform of "The Fonz" in the 70's. Then, it was adopted by the rockers in the '80's who added studs, safety pins, and their own brand of "cool.” Now the leather jacket is worn by "ladies who lunch,” big burly bikers, and everyone in between. There’s a leather jacket for every taste and it’s a mainstay.
So that’s the short version of why it’s cool. But as I mentioned, a leather jacket is also your best friend. Like a friendship, a good jacket improves with time. The more you "break it in,” the more it becomes specifically yours. It’s something you can rely on, always look great in, and the more you wear it, the more it feels like "home." The bonus plan? It never goes out of style. :)
There’s been a lot of buzz about the leather jacket that’s premiering in The Lisa Robertson Show this Friday night. We’ve given a few sneak peeks in PM Style and there’s already a lot of interest! This leather jacket is one that I will definitely be wearing this fall and winter. It’s an evolution of the motorcycle jacket, but done in a way that’s very flattering. You can wear it open, closed, halfway closed (a personal fave—zipper stopping at empire waist line), and with the collar flat or "popped" in back. This is a jacket that gets better with time. Wear it around and it will break in quickly. I think a leather jacket is a great investment. You'll wear it a lot, as it can go from casual to corporate and out to dinner. And, again, it's something you'll wear for many years.
By the way, you can get this jacket in all black or with a brown body and black sleeves. But, you have to join us early to get it. In fact, here’s a little tip: when Amy posts the tune-in post on my FB page (Lisa Robertson QVC) a few minutes before the show, there will be a link that takes you right to the jacket. (There will be pictures of it this week on my page so you can give it lots of thought.) On Friday night, get on my FB page and find that link so you can get your size and color. I know it will go quickly and I want you to be ready! :)
We also have something brand new from Dr Perricone this week, some gorgeous jewelry including a beautiful black spinel bracelet from G.I.L.I.(TM), a new G.I.L.I.(TM) dress and Roma Tote. It’s almost an exclusively G.I.L.I.(TM) show! I am excited. I know I say that every week, but it’s true I think having the show in seasons, and not all the time, allows us to make it truly special. :)
See you Friday night at 10pm ET!!!
—Lisa