There’s something powerful about a great jacket; remember Jacko’s red-leather number from his Thriller video? Or Brad Pitt’s leather blazer (coincidentally also red) in Fight Club? Striking jackets go down in history. Let’s take a closer look at the 5 most iconic jackets of all time:
Michael Jackson – Red Leather ‘Thriller’ Jacket
If there was ever a prize for ‘History’s most famous jacket’, Michael Jackson’s red leather jacket, from his Thriller video, would have to win. During filming there were actually two of these iconic jackets being used, one of which went for a staggering £1.1million at an auction in 2011 making it one of the most expensive jackets on the planet too! This red winged-shoulder leather jacket is now the inspiration for fancy dress costumes every year; an iconic design sure to be remembered as long as the legacy of Michael Jackson himself.
Brad Pitt – Red Leather ‘Fight Club’ Blazer
Another iconic red leather jacket, Brad Pitt’s ‘Fight Club’ blazer is almost as memorable as the film’s ‘The first rule of fight club…’ line. Perhaps it’s the fact that Brad Pitt is wearing it, or perhaps its the bold yet classic design that makes this coat so appealing? Whatever the reasoning, this coat had men across the world trying to create his effortlessly cool appearance.
Liam Gallagher – The Parka
This look might not be quite as strive over, but there’s no denying that Liam Gallagher made the Parka coat a classic jacket of the 1990’s. Parka coats have been a military and Eskimo essential for decades, but it was Oasis who made them a real fashion statement – one of laziness yet rebellion. Following Gallagher’s peak of fame, Parka’s went a little of the radar but are now back with a vengeance; making a popular choice for a cold winter.
Heath Ledger – ‘The Joker’ Long Purple Coat
Though talented actor Heath Ledger may have met a tragic end, the same cannot be said for his legacy. Remembered particularly for his moving role in Broke back Mountain, Ledger also made a name for himself as Batman’s Joker in the Dark Knight, bringing to the limelight another classic jacket design; his full length purple coat managed to make an otherwise feminine shade look terrifying. The Joker jacket has become another fancy dress classic.
Freddie Mercury – Yellow Gig Jacket
Queen’s lead singer Freddie Mercury was never afraid to make a bold statement – remember his cross-dressing appearance in the ‘I Want to Break Free’ music video? His most iconic fashion piece however, has to the simple bright yellow jacket worn onstage during his live performance at Wembley in 1986. Teamed with a white shirt and trousers, this military-inspired design has made its place in history alongside the undeniable talent of Mercury himself.
New Look are a retailer of value fashion apparel, the second largest women’s wear retailer in the UK, with over 1,000 stores worldwide. New Look’s designs range from ladies’ jackets to mensonesies.