In the 1953 classic The Wild One, Marlon Brando plays Johnny Strabler, an outcast motorcycle rebel. Clad in engineer boots, raw denim, and a leather jacket, Brando’s character became the epitome of the post-war outlaw, as he leads his Black Rebel Motorcycle Club around California.
Coinciding with a developing culture of the time—with many servicemen returning from the war and turning to motorcycles as a way to let off steam—this new uniform made a strong impression. In retrospect it’s easy to see why; it was bold, it made a statement, and it was aggressively anti-establishment. Sure, the outlaw’s choice of vehicle had a lot to do with it, but the clothes spoke just as loudly as the pipes of a Harley. And that was largely down to the perfectly fitted black leather ‘rider’s’ jacket, most notably Schott NYC‘s ‘Perfecto‘.
Trophy Clothing was established fifteen years ago by Masaki Egawa, a motorcycle and vintage clothing enthusiast. Given this, it’s no surprise that Egawa turned his hand to the classic style of leather jacket worn by Brando and countless others during the late 40s and 50s. The Ranger W Rider’s Jacket is cut in the classic asymmetrical Perfecto style, including a kidney pocket, slant cut chest pocket, snap closure coin pocket, and period-correct ‘bell’ style zippers.
Made in Japan from a Teacore Horsehide, the jacket is tanned and constructed in Osaka. This is a classic rendition of a rider’s jacket, done to the highest standards.
Available for $1,765 at Sonder Supplies
