Who can forget the 1950s look sported by Marlon Brando in the movie, 'The Wild One'! Leather clothing has always been a favorite with our stars no matter what the era! We can therefore see, leather has been around for a long time and is one of the most versatile elements used for clothing. The versatility of leather is such that one can create different looks through various applications and treatments given to leather. Leather clothing therefore, has proven to be one of the most sought-after items especially with celebrities! A wide range of animal leather is used to create leather-based products such as jackets, gloves, handbags, belts etc. Some of the most commonly used types of leather remain to be cow, buffalo and ox leather. Sheep leather is most preferred due to the softness it lends to garments. So, have you often wondered about the uniqueness of leather garments and the part they play in the fashion scenario? Or do you think leather clothing is really passe?
Ultra Glam or Dead Boring?
Leather has been around for a long time and has always been used to create glamorous clothing. Sometimes, such clothes were known to create a stir but at times, such clothing invited criticism as well. Madonna was seen sporting kinky leather boots and George Michael flaunted jackets in their respective music videos. Celebrities and their fascination for leather garments is definitely old news now; and they have often influenced many young teens to go their way.
Cowboys and leather have always had a long association. Cowboys in leather chaps created quite a rage way back then! Leather items, such as jackets and gloves were associated with the sexy biker look! This was the time when Marlon Brando created a revolution and men on the streets tried to emulate him in every possible way! Although ,jackets were worn as a protection against wind blast and various factors that affected riders, these ultimately evolved into a style statement and were often purchased only to be 'in' with the crowd. Of course, one also needed an equally sexy motorcycle to complete the look! Well, fashion comes with its huge price tags and this is the price probably one pays to follow the latest trends! Leather jackets were therefore seen as a symbol of being macho and therefore, attractive to members of the opposite sex!
The fetish for leather clothing did not end there. It has also helped some major rock groups to complete an entire look as well. Could you ever imagine Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses fame, in a flowered shirt? Well, one can thus surely agree our favorite heavy metal groups would never look complete without leather attire and tattoos! In some cases, the use of leather was even extended to pants and accessories. They were a rage when Michael Jackson sported them as he danced the moonwalk. Leather pants were then considered to be hot and women were also quick to follow this trend. Black pants with belts that had big shiny buckles became a style statement, especially with the youth.
Today, one can see many new styles that are structured as per the designs sported by celebrities in the recent years. Madonna's leather bomber jacket can be seen in the many imitations that have flooded the market. Lingerie is also catching up big time due to the particular look and the kind of feel it offers. Leather clothing is, therefore preferred, due to the timeless and glamorous look it offers!
Does Fashion Really Kill?
Leather clothing may be popular due to the glamorous and versatile looks it offers, but is it really necessary in our wardrobe? Many questions have been raised by animal rights activists about the use of leather and other products. Many groups concerned with the rights of animals boycott its use and promote synthetic leather.
Leather clothing still dominates the fashion scene although it does evoke mixed reactions! One thing is for sure; fashionistas the world over cannot really ignore its timeless appeal.
