The Schott Perfecto - as modelled by James Dean!?!

Leather jackets are one of those iconic fashion must haves that really stand the test of time and season, and are right up there with denim jeans when it comes to all round wear ability!?! Not all leather jackets are the same though, and the Schott Perfecto comes with a tale to tell and over 90 years of history embedded into every jacket made!!!

The story began in 1913 when two brothers, Irving and Jack Schott, started to make and sell raincoats from a basement on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Just two short years later they opened their first factory in Staten Island, and Irving Schott branded his jackets with the name of his favourite cigar – the Perfecto jacket was born!?!

During the twenties, the Schott brand set about revolutionising outdoor fashion and became the first brand to add a zip fastening to a jacket. This was followed by designing the very first leather motorcycle jacket in 1928 – 40 years before Harley Davidson!!!

During World War II, Schott was commissioned by the US Military to design and manufacture leather bomber jackets for the Air Corps and woollen pea coats for the navy – designs which would be worn by US servicemen for the next 60 years.

In 1954, Marlon Brando starred in the film ‘The Wild Ones’ and the image of him wearing his Schott Perfecto became an overnight sensation. Add to that the iconic image of James Dean who was hardly ever seen without his Perfecto jacket - and the Perfecto’s place in fashion history was assured!?!

Now over 50 years on from the days of James Dean and Marlon Brando – the Schott leather jacket remains synonymous with classic styling and quality workmanship. The company is still owned by the Schott family, and each leather jacket remains tailored by hand to the original quality standards drawn up by Irving Schott back in 1913.

Here at Lapels we stock the very best designs by Schott NYC. So, if you fancy a walk on the rebellious side – why not take a look at our website at www.lapelclothing.co.uk