The women’s perfecto, a timeless must-have…

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A legendary jacket…

The story of the women’s leather perfecto begins in 1928 at the Schott brothers’ workshops, whose eponymous brand specializes in creating rainwear. They receive an order from Harley Davidson, looking to manufacture a jacket that is durable and capable of protecting motorcyclists from the elements. Irving Schott then embarks on the creation of the famous jacket, which he will name “perfecto” as a nod to his favorite Cuban cigars. The original design features an offset zipper, thereby doubling the thickness of the leather, and snap buttons that allow the collar to be folded down. The wrists are zipped, the waist belt allows for tightening the jacket, and there’s even a pocket on the side for toll change. A few snips of scissors later, the jacket comes to life and quickly becomes the symbol of motorcyclists of the time.

Just like the little black dress by Givenchy in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the Repetto ballerinas worn by Brigitte Bardot in And God Created Woman, the leather perfecto became known to the general public with its first appearances in cinema. We find it on the back of Marlon Brando in The Wild One in 1953. Other stars like Elvis Presley and James Dean follow suit. A few years later, it’s John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in Grease who contribute to the popularization of the leather jacket, although it still remains primarily a staple of men’s wardrobes.

However, in the 60s and 70s, the perfecto suffers from a bad boy image, symbolizing a rebellious youth. Worn by “delinquents,” influenced by punk or rock’n roll, they roam in gangs on the streets, earning the nickname “Black Jackets” from the media of the time. The era’s leaders, the Sex Pistols, Ramones, and AC/DC, never part with it and customize their jacket with studs and patches.

… That still seduces us today

The leather perfectos underwent a complete feminization in the 90s thanks to German photographer Peter Lindbergh and his series Wild at Heart, published in 1991 in Vogue US. We see it worn by the most prominent models of the time: Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, and Naomi Campbell. The leather jacket, which until then still carried its bad boy image, becomes acceptable for these ladies.

The rock of the 2000s, led by influencers like Pete Doherty and Kate Moss, combined with the sudden enthusiasm of creators like Hedi Slimane for the movement, allowed the jacket to transcend time.

Like the marinière, the little black dress, and the jeans, the women’s leather perfecto is an essential wardrobe ally for women. It has retained its power and, like all good basics, it can be styled in countless ways and matched with both casual and chic outfits.

How to wear a women’s perfecto?

But how to be perfect and stylish in a perfecto? Here’s a roundup of the best looks of the season…

Rock version

Go for the total black look! Wear your perfecto with skinny jeans, a pair of pointed ankle boots or low Dr Martens. Accessorize your outfit with a wool or suede hat, and you’re all set!

Bohemian and romantic version

Here, we play on the contrast between femininity and the lightness of a long dress, mixed with a very raw leather jacket. Whether it’s made of suede, patent leather, or in color, it’s our ally for this spring. Paired with jewelry, it creates a perfect bohemian look!

Chic version

Want to add a little edge to your too-sweet look? The leather perfecto will be your best ally! Worn over a pretty blouse, or even with an evening dress and heels, it knows how to match with everything and adds a rock touch to your outfit!