Vogue Italia’s contributing editor Rushka Bergman wears a crackle-finish, oversized, leather shearling jacket that skims the hemline of her thigh-grazing dress. Photograph by Valentina Frugiuele.
Between puffer jackets and leopard coats, this season’s outwear trends are geared to capture attention, and the shearling jacket is the breakout star. The classic silhouette took flight on the catwalks, where it underwent a modern, luxurious makeover. While at Balenciaga the jacket was seen forcefully pulled off the shoulders, Marc Jacobs showcased oversized dimensions, and Maison Margiela offered distressed, caped silhouettes.
Practical and timeless, the jacket comes with an old world charm, dating back to the early 1900s when airplanes were built with roofless cockpits. Due to sub-zero temperatures at high altitudes, stunt-man and parachutist Leslie Irvin designed a wool-lined sheepskin jacket that insulated against harsh weather conditions during flights. Irvin began manufacturing his designs in 1926; the jacket was popular among fighter pilots during World War II and even became the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force supplier.
Gigi Hadid teams a black muscle shirt and striped cropped jeans with a Proenza Schouler jacket draped off her shoulders during Paris Fashion Week. Photograph by Valentina Frugiuele
The rugged jacket saw a revival in the 1970s, taking on boxy and elongated styles. Today, slimmer cuts, cropped designs, extra-long sleeves and colorful options separates the silhouette today from its humble beginnings. The retro-inspired top layer only gets better with time. The more the leather ages, the more it becomes supple and full of character.
With the resurgence of the aviation staple, a number of style stars have jumped on board the trend. Drake is seen wearing a chocolate shearling-trimmed jacket à la Vetements style on the cover of his latest album, Views. Meanwhile, Gigi Hadid kept things cozy during Paris Fashion Week, where she was seen sporting a glossy Proenza Schouler number.
Swayed? Brave the short-lived winter chills by shopping our edit of aviator shearling jackets in the gallery below.
Swing Bombardier oversized shearling jacket
Cut from smooth leather, the off-the-shoulder collar is a defining feature of Demna Gvasalia’s debut runway collection for Balenciaga.
US $:3298
AED/SAR:12113
Crinkled leather and shearling jacket
Complete with plush-trim, the crinkled leather brings a tough aesthetic.
US $:1790
AED/SAR:6576
Paneled shearling jacket
A wrap silhouette is a unique alternative to the closet staple.
US $:4227
AED/SAR:15528
Antioch leather and shearling jacket
Black panels and prominent pockets deliver a graphic touch to the cozy outerwear piece.
US $:5101
AED/SAR:18735
Shearling-lined leather jacket
The textured leather adds a distressed feel to the asymmetrical neckline design.
US $:3301
AED/SAR:12125
Season 3 cropped shearling flight coat
A boxy, cropped silhouette in a bold color is a modern spin on the timeless jacket.
US $:1150
AED/SAR:4223
Shearling-lined leather jacket
Further emphasis on a cinched-waist is achieved through proportions. The heavy, wool collar draws attention to the shoulders, while the subtle, peplum silhouette adds definition to the midsection.
US $:2898
AED/SAR:10644
Shearling-trimmed leather jacket
A unique take on the classic style is imagined through the mint lining, complementing the deep forest green exterior.
US $:1515
AED/SAR:5566
Click here to discover more outerwear trends of the season.
Opening Image: Courtesy of Valentina Frugiuele
