Today, the leather jacket is pretty much cultural shorthand for cool – put it on and your outfit instantly exudes an edgy, bad-boy quality. Here, a look at how the outerwear icon evolved from protective gear to a modern-day style must-have.

Early 1900s
Brown leather flight jackets are worn by aviators and members of the military. During WWII they become known as “bomber jackets,” prized for their heavy insulation and warmth.

1928
Irving Schott designs the first motorcycle jacket and sells it for $5.50 (yes, you read that right) at the Harley Davidson store in NYC.

1953
Here’s where the Hollywood years come in. Marlon Brando wears a leather bomber jacket and schools everywhere ban “the Brando look,” fearing it symbolizes a rebellious youth culture.

1955
Rebel-without-a-cause (and movie star heartthrob) James Dean is hardly ever seen without his leather jacket, further perpetuating its rebellious reputation.

1963
Paired with his signature aviators, Steve McQueen single-handedly makes the leather jacket the epitome of cool.

1974
“The Fonz” debuts his leather jacket on the popular TV show Happy Days. This very jacket remains on display today in the Smithsonian Institution.

Early 1980s
Punk rockers (see Blondie and Billy Idol) give the leather jacket their own spin, adding studs, safety pins, and of course, plenty of attitude.

Today
The leather jacket is an outerwear staple seen on a slew of celebrities. Purchase your own in our Giorgio Armani Men Boutique.

Our Giorgio Armani Men Boutique opens Wednesday, December 19, at 3PM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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From Versace to Valentino, take a peek behind the labels that have defined men’s formalwear. Through trial, tribulation, unexpected deaths, and iconic on-screen moments, these luxury houses continue to rule the fashion roost.

Brioni
Founded in Rome, 1945

Classic cuts made for the ever-confident guy, charismatic businessman, and bona fide bad boy. Brioni is known as the official suit of James Bond (worn by actors Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig) and was made infamous by New York crime boss John Gotti of the Gambino family – who earned his nickname, “Dapper Don,” thanks to his extensive wardrobe of custom Brioni suits. These timeless pieces were also favorites of handsome Hollywood hall-of-famers Clark Gable and Cary Grant, and can be seen on today’s red carpets on the likes of Al Pacino, Kirk Douglas, and Donald Trump.

Versace
Founded in Milan, 1978

Contemporary, one-of-a-kind, stand-out-from-the-crowd pieces, these suits are for the man who likes to make an entrance. Worn famously by rap stars and musicians alike, the distinguished Versace name is associated with glamour and over-the-top chic. Elton John dons Versace duds encrusted with diamonds or crystals. Versace designs were also favorites of the late rap star Tupac Shakur and Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose.

Yves Saint Laurent
Founded in Paris, 1962

YSL defined Parisian fashion for decades and made ready-to-wear clothing as covetable as couture. After the death of the founding designer (and namesake) in 2008, the former Dior Homme creative director took the helm and unexpectedly announced in June, 2012, that the fashion house would be renamed Saint Laurent Paris. Still, the late designer’s legacy will forever be honored and revered. The YSL guy? Chivalrous and refined.

Valentino
Founded in Rome, 1959 (first menswear shop, 1971)

By the mid-1960s, founder Valentino Garavani was considered the virtuoso of Italian couture. After receiving the Neiman Marcus Award in 1967, his designs were worn frequently by royalty and political magnates alike. Ultra masculine, suave, and a tad playful, the Valentino man loves culture, tradition, and leisure.

His Luxe Suit: Ermenegildo Zegna & More opens Thursday, December 13, at 3PM ET.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

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1800s
German mines shut down – so miners turn to woodworking as a means to provide for their families.

1870
Friedrich Wilhelm Füchtner creates the first commercial, mass-produced version of the nutcracker – a king wearing cavalry dress and a crown reminiscent of a miner’s hat.

1892
Peter Tchaikovsky’s ballet, The Nutcracker, premieres, sparking people’s interest in collecting nutcrackers.

1945
American soldiers return from World War II, bringing the nutcrackers home as keepsakes.

Today
Legend says nutcrackers serve as trusty watchdogs, guarding your family from evil spirits and danger.

“Don’t be afraid, my beard is long, my head is large, my look is grim, but that matters not. I won’t bite you. In spite of my big mouth and grim appearance, I look with my heart for your happiness.” – German folklore

The 12 Days of Merry: The Holiday-Ready Home Boutique opens Sunday, November 18 at 11AM ET .

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