As spring approaches, leather jackets take center stage with fresh designs from Coperni, Stella McCartney, Balenciaga, and standout brands like Zadig & Voltaire, AllSaints, and Manech Studio, blending retro charm, innovation, and sustainability to become essential seasonal wardrobe pieces.
As the transitional season approaches, a quintessential fashion formula is commanding attention across the style spectrum: pairing a leather jacket with your favorite outfit. This versatile combination has emerged as a staple for navigating the unpredictable weather characteristic of spring and early summer, offering both comfort and style. This trend was prominently featured in the spring-summer 2025 runway shows, with notable presentations from Coperni, Stella McCartney, and Balenciaga, each bringing their own distinct flair to the leather jacket’s timeless appeal.
Coperni’s collection revisited the 1970s aesthetic, presenting designs that lend themselves perfectly to everyday wear. Stella McCartney offered a more refined interpretation, incorporating sophisticated nuances and tied details that elevated the jacket’s elegance. Meanwhile, Balenciaga, under Demna’s direction, experimented boldly with form and structure, reinforcing the leather jacket’s role as a canvas for innovation in fashion.
Amid this renewed spotlight, several brands have distinguished themselves by elevating the leather jacket to a season-defining garment, poised to become essential wardrobe items for spring.
Zadig & Voltaire, established in Paris in 1997, epitomizes French street style with a wild and rebellious edge. The brand prides itself on authenticity and personality, crafting pieces that carry a retro charm reminiscent of vintage men’s wardrobes but infused with a distinct modern sensibility. Their jackets feature relaxed silhouettes and neutral tones, embodying a lasting rock-inspired spirit. Highlights include the Lienna Jacket, made from 100% smooth leather with zipper accents and an embossed wing detail on the chest (€845), and the Lessa Cropped Jacket crafted from suede leather, boasting an embossed wing on the back (€795). These designs are aimed at imparting a “cool girl” vibe instantly upon wearing.
London-based AllSaints, founded in 1994, specializes in leather jackets that transcend fleeting trends, becoming extensions of their wearers with a minimalist yet grunge-influenced aesthetic reflective of the 1990s. Their pieces carry a rebellious aura aligned with the metal music scene and a timeless attitude. Importantly, AllSaints is also committed to sustainable practices as a member of the Leather Working Group, underscoring their dedication to responsible production. Standout options from AllSaints include the Sofi Leather Bomber Jacket with drawstring (€499), featuring lightweight leather and a relaxed fit; the Clay Short Leather Jacket (€599) in soft napa leather with a boxy cut; the classic Orten Suede Bomber Jacket (€419) with ribbed trims and gold zipper; and the Ryder Leather Jacket (€499), noted for its loose fit, funnel neck, and raw edge details.
Manech Studio offers a distinctive homage to Spanish craftsmanship and the revival of textile production in traditional regions. The brand focuses on creating leather jackets that combine impeccable fit and premium materials, culminating in signature pieces designed to serve all year round. Manech embraces natural color palettes and retro influences, evident in their exclusive limited-edition capsule, Manech Leather. Each jacket is handmade from 100% leather, representing a blend of artisanal skill and statement-making style. Notable models include the Manech 001L in baby blue (€798), distinguished by an oversized 1980s-inspired cut with shoulder pads and lapels, and the Manech 002L in camel (€488), crafted from lamb napa leather with matching viscose lining and front pockets.
This season, from Parisian streets to London’s urban edge and Spain’s artisanal ateliers, leather jackets reaffirm their status as indispensable fashion assets, ready to accompany wearers through the nuanced climate of spring and beyond. The enduring mix of style, tradition, and innovation ensures they remain at the forefront of contemporary wardrobes around the world.
Source: Noah Wire Services
