Resort 17 Trends - Jackets: bomber and biker go into battle
The Resort 17 collections helped settled a debate, which is fashion's favourite new jacket shape - the bomber or the biker? The answer is both and there are plenty of updates to keep them looking fresh next Spring. Resident trend expert Sandra Halliday takes us through the key details to inject into your jacket offer.
Bomber vs biker: New kid battles classic favourite
Just a couple of years ago, the bomber jacket was the Next Big Thing for the industry but a hard sell in-store as bikers ruled the rails. Today, bombers have a healthier sell-through but bikers aren’t going down without a fight.
Let’s be clear - the default position for anyone selling a biker jacket or a bomber is to make it about as classic as they come. Think nylon, suede, black leather and you have the season wrapped up. But where’s the fun in that?
To take things to another level, use colour contrasts: and remember, that doesn’t only hold for bomber jackets where varsity styling has always meant contrasting sleeves. Contrast colour yokes and revers, patchwork effects and inset monotone florals add a fashion element and when interpreted in faux leathers or textile, are a more affordable option for shoppers who don’t want to invest big money in less classic styling.
Materials are key. All-over sequins take the bomber jacket from daytime to after-dark while satin, luxe leather and even lace (used as decorative inserts) adds an extra feminine edge.
The MA1 flight jacket (in khaki nylon or camo) and the black biker remain guaranteed bestsellers but even here, change is in the air. Designers have got the decoration bug and are adding a variety of motifs to dress up the classics. These motifs (or badges, which are also an option) can simply add extra on-theme detail to a military bomber jacket but more often they’re quirky and fun. Think birds, butterflies, flowers, hearts, cocktail glasses, lipstick squiggles or sequinned slogans.
Image credit: L to R: Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Valentino, Fendi, Valentino, Versace, Marc Jacobs, Bally, House of Holland
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