The New Hybrid Bomber Jacket Trend
On the Paris men’s runway, one of the most notable pieces to come down the catwalk was the ultra versatile bomber jacket. Its informal, utilitarian qualities stem from the athletic varsity jacket, making the hybrid jacket spring’s most popular topper this season.
Designers reinterpreted the bomber in new luxurious fabrics, innovative tailored cuts and vibrant prints. It almost seems as if designers across the board agreed to celebrate the bomber jacket as a mainstay of urban style.
3.1 Phillip Lim’s “accidental tourist” is on point with the season’s edgy, alternative mismatched style that is so in right now. His playful men’s collection features casual separates ranging from leather jackets to neoprene T-shirts to tropical beachwear. Phillip Lim drew inspiration from the wetsuit to design his foam neoprene bomber jacket combined with leather, to give the jacket athletic, casual appeal. Paired with an oversized yellow Baja T-shirt, the yellow stripes on the jacket’s collar and cuffs create a lighthearted ensemble. In addition to the jacket and top, the black loose-fitting trousers are the perfect go-to pant to match with just about anything. The models are accessorized with sandy espadrilles, jelly sandals, functional man bags, and beach totes.
Dior Homme’s version of the bomber jacket is precisely tailored, creating a clean architectural silhouette. The meticulous cut of the smoky blue mechanic’s jacket is boxy and loose, with ribbed cuffs and a ribbed waistband over coordinating stovepipe pants tailored in the same minimalistic style. The black patent oxfords, with silver-plated toes, accentuate the overall monochromatic and dramatic look.
Smells like teen spirit? Hedi Slimane’s inner rebel was rockin’ and rollin’ at Saint Laurent’s spring menswear show. It was an intriguing mash up of rock star glam and L.A. rockabilly style, with hints of the Wild West. Lanky young models strutted down the catwalk in high-waisted, pinstripe cigarette pants, featuring striking belts with polished silver buckles. He transformed adolescent angst into a sexy, brash look with his satin varsity jacket with contrasting white sleeves. Silmane adorned his musical rebel with a red paisley bandana around the neck, and stark white pointed-toe winklepickers. The grey-toned camo print graphic T-shirt, slicked back hair, and heavy eyeliner pay homage to David Bowie.
A road trip across the states is what Kim Jones had in mind when he designed the Louis Vuitton Spring 2014 menswear collection. The ensembles touch on different iconic American stereotypes. Here he pulls from the jock influence by outfitting his model in a varsity style letter jacket, made from precious red kimono silk. Pairing the Harrington inspired jacket with midnight blue checked trousers gives this high school classic a sleek upgrade, bringing a touch of nerdy quirkiness to this overall jock look.
The Valentino model is sporting a more casual look than in previous seasons. His olive green leather bomber is styled with clean geometric patchwork black leather accents on the collar and cuffs. The jacket, over a simple white shirt, is cropped just short of the hips, which adds to the utilitarian feel. The understated narrow fit trousers and brown leather oxfords pair nicely with the earthy color palette.
At Hermes, Veronique Nichanian created seductive leisure wear in a soft palette of blues, rusty browns, and grays. Nichian transformed Hermes classics into high-end resort-wear. The soft shirt-like tailoring of this lambskin leather jacket hangs open over a loose cotton tunic shirt. Relaxed fit trousers taper down to the ankles and fall just above the ubiquitous spa slide sandals, which was spotted on all the major catwalks this season.
