The aviator jacket, whilst rooted in historical relevance, is now perhaps most prominently known as a fashion piece. Crafted from leather and often lined in plush shearling, much like the original designs that harp back to the functional in-flight attire first sported in the 1930s, the most premium pieces capture understated luxury in its most authentic form.
Perhaps it’s a subconscious reflection of what it symbolised for women that the aviator still remains in the spotlight today? When Amy Johnson became the first woman to fly alone from England to Australia in 1930, it marked a stand against gender discrimination and a time of women in power. She was, of course, renowned for wearing a leather aviator and styling it in the most authentic sense of the word. Was this what sparked our intrigue and commitment to the look?
More recently, the style has made its mark on the runway, perhaps most famously when it featured as a focal point in Burberry’s 2010 ‘Cadet Girls’ collection, and now it comes imagined in all manner of designs. Some stay true to the original aesthetic and some take just a hint of design detail in reference to the look. But what makes the aviator so special and how can we wear it for now? Here, we take a closer look at the newest addition to our AW17 collection and showcase how its versatile nature will ensure it remains relevant not just for this season but for years to come.
