Biker fashion: Two-toned leather motorcycle jacket from Burberry

Of course, just because the biker chic trend is about more than Brando jackets and black motorcycle jackets doesn’t mean to say that the trend is completely devoid of both styles. Take Balmain’s, pre-spring 2011 offering for instance: it’s a motorcycle jacket that is somewhat military-cum-Brando.

So with everything from boring blacks to statement silvers having been designed, what key elements should a fashioniser be looking for in a statement military jacket for 2011?The answer is two in particular.
Zipped sleeves

Biker fashion: Two-toned leather motorcycle jacket from Burberry

Of course, just because the biker chic trend is about more than Brando jackets and black motorcycle jackets doesn’t mean to say that the trend is completely devoid of both styles. Take Balmain’s, pre-spring 2011 offering for instance: it’s a motorcycle jacket that is somewhat military-cum-Brando.

So with everything from boring blacks to statement silvers having been designed, what key elements should a fashioniser be looking for in a statement military jacket for 2011?The answer is two in particular.
Zipped sleeves

Biker fashion: women’s elements

Can you imagine the military trend without a military jacket? Not possible. And so it goes without saying that the motorcycle jacket is the key statement piece for the motorcycle / biker fashion trend. Naturally, not any motorcycle jacket will do. While we undoubtedly will see fast fashion stores give us motorcycle jackets in the now-subdued vein of the ‘Brando jacket’, the motorcycle jacket in 2011 needs to be much more of a statement piece.

And so it goes that it’s not merely about an overused cut and simple black colour. In fact, many a colour will suit. You can take the lead from Burberry’s colour offerings (above in a traditional Burberry colour, immediately below in silver, and further below in two-tone leather), or you can look to spring 2010's colour trends, specifically those for leather, for inspiration.

Biker fashion: women’s elements

Can you imagine the military trend without a military jacket? Not possible. And so it goes without saying that the motorcycle jacket is the key statement piece for the motorcycle / biker fashion trend. Naturally, not any motorcycle jacket will do. While we undoubtedly will see fast fashion stores give us motorcycle jackets in the now-subdued vein of the ‘Brando jacket’, the motorcycle jacket in 2011 needs to be much more of a statement piece.

And so it goes that it’s not merely about an overused cut and simple black colour. In fact, many a colour will suit. You can take the lead from Burberry’s colour offerings (above in a traditional Burberry colour, immediately below in silver, and further below in two-tone leather), or you can look to spring 2010's colour trends, specifically those for leather, for inspiration.

Biker fashion: motorcycle chic trenddy 2011

 

Trends begin, they evolve, and then they fade or simply become a standard. Skinny jeans became a standard, the military fashion trend cannot. So as 2011's fashion trends come to fruition, as we move fully into a new decade, and as military chic becomes as drawn out as the war that inspired it, what becomes of the military influences that have helped keep the likes of Balmain and Burberry in fashionisers’ conscience? What replaces it?

The answer may lie in a trend that has been around for some time, but a trend that hasn’t been able to be much more than a blip on the radar while in the shadow of military fashion. The trend? Biker chic.

Biker fashion: motorcycle chic trenddy 2011

 

Trends begin, they evolve, and then they fade or simply become a standard. Skinny jeans became a standard, the military fashion trend cannot. So as 2011's fashion trends come to fruition, as we move fully into a new decade, and as military chic becomes as drawn out as the war that inspired it, what becomes of the military influences that have helped keep the likes of Balmain and Burberry in fashionisers’ conscience? What replaces it?

The answer may lie in a trend that has been around for some time, but a trend that hasn’t been able to be much more than a blip on the radar while in the shadow of military fashion. The trend? Biker chic.