Fall 2011 Leather Trends

We are obviously big fans of the leather due to the look and functionality while on your bike, but we aren’t the only ones in love with leather this season. Both men and women’s fashion designers focus on leather this 2011 fall runway season. The emphasis for women moves away from the classic biker chick to incorporating leather in every day garments and evening wear.

For men, of course, the leather motorcycle jacket, never goes out of style.  Following are our designer favorites, from pea coats to accessories, showcased on the Paris and Milan runways by some of the best designers in men’s wear.  Take inspiration from the runway looks and then check out Leather Bound Online’s selection of leather jackets, vests and pants.

10 Top Leather Trends for Fall

1. Switch up textures with leather detailing on wool outerwear. On the lapels or sleeves, it can make all the difference. (as seen in Simon Spurr)
2. Mix it up. Big sweaters worn underneath suit jackets and with khakis, casual coats over luxurious leather jackets. (as seen in Tommy Hilfiger)
3. The bomber parka. Functional, practical, and completely cool. (as seen in Gilded Age)
4. For your next winter coat look for simple, sculptural shapes and wear them with clean lined and fitted casual clothes like a leather pea coat. (as seen in Valentino)
5. Layer different tones of dark wool, and add an unexpected dose of color with an accessory like leather gloves. (as seen in Louis Vuitton)
6. Try a retro briefcase in wine or caramel. (as seen in Prada)
7. Rustic Americana straight out of the Pacific Northwest. No leather here but going for “more motorcycle punk than granola backpacker.” (as seen in Adam Kimmel)
8. Layered militaristic detailing, wool felt, and treated leathers over a super-masculine, slightly oversized silhouette. The collection, a mix of black, pale grays, brown, and teal, included two elements that were popping up all over in Milan — the color camel and the use of double-faced materials. Another interesting wrinkle? Use of laser cuts. (as seen in Z Zegna)
9. Great detailing on leather pants and outerwear, mixing hard and soft with bold masculine silhouettes undercut by soft fabrics. (as seen in Versace)
10. Reversible wool pea coats, robust knitwear and luxury suede parkas put the emphasis on function. (as seen in Bally)

Function Over Form

The trend for fall seems to point toward a reworking of classics to add more function to menswear. It may be a sign of our economic times, but practicality never goes out of style when you mix it up with a little color.

Posted In: Leather Motorcycle Jacket, The Leather Look