The motorcycle world has been vigorously discussing the pros and cons of a new motorcycle-related movie, The Bikeriders, which is in American theaters right now. The issue of authenticity is always a touchy one, and the movie, written and directed by Jeff Nichols, comes in for some valid criticisms—it is a movie, after all. However, the leather jackets have avoided the wrath of the more demanding riders among us.
Schott NYC was behind the jackets in the move, which was an excellent choice, as Schott has been in the leather motorcycle jacket business for nearly a century. The public result of this collaboration with The Bikeriders’ Costume Designer Erin Benach is the new Schott Bike Riders jacket.
“From the moment I started researching for the film, Schott was front and center,” Benach explains. “It’s exciting when an American brand that has been around since the teens is still in existence and even more exciting when the quality is still there. Motorcycle enthusiasts know their history- they know the brands that were legitimate, and they know when you’ve done it right.”
The Schott Bike Riders jacket is a limited-edition model patterned after the jacket worn by Vandals leader Johnny Davis, played by Tom Hardy. The black leather motorcycle jacket has an MSRP of $1250 and a first run of 100 examples. The leather is soft to the touch and has a pebbled natural grain.
The jacket reflects the retro setting of The Bikeriders in several ways. The Schott Bike Riders jacket has a D-pocket configuration, which is a direct link to Schott’s classic 1928 debut jacket—the Perfecto. Conmar chain-pull zippers are pure 1950s, as is the 24-inch back length.
Inside, the Iridescent Burgundy Rainglow lining enhances the period appeal, as do the side pleats and V-shaped top yoke. Also, for the first time in Schott’s history, the jacket has belt loops and a hidden channel that allows you to select the belt of your choosing.
“Four generations of my family have been making motorcycle jackets by hand in the USA since the 1920s,” Schott NYC Chief Operating Officer Jason Schott says. “We’ve been in some of the most iconic American biker films and are honored to be featured in The Bikeriders. Using inspiration from our archives and our turn of the century machines, we created a timeless classic that feels true to the period of the 1960s, but yet modern to be worn today.”
Music and movie fans are familiar with Schott jackets—perhaps without knowing it. Iconic rebels Marlon Brando, James Dean, and the Ramones have worn Schott jackets, along with highly successful mainstream artists such as Bruce Springsteen.
The new Schott Bike Riders jacket continues that tradition.
