Worn to be Wild: The Black Leather Jacket special exhibit showcases history of iconic piece of clothing

The Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee, USA chronicles the fascinating story and evolution of what is arguably one of the most iconic pieces of clothing of the 20th century with the exhibition Worn to be Wild: The Black Leather Jacket. The Museum’s special event space, the Garage, has been transformed to house nearly 60 leather jackets once worn by World War II fighter pilots, film stars, rock legends, rebel youth and runway models, to include from the USA’s SchottNYC and the UK’s legendary Lewis Leathers.

The masterfully designed exhibit takes visitors through five areas where the leather jacket has played a major role – History, Music, Fashion, Hollywood and Collectors. In addition to the jackets, Worn to be Wild uses artifacts such as motorcycles, riding gear and photographs, to include images from the Ace Cafe London Archive, to help tell the black leather jacket’s story.

Worn to be Wild: The Black Leather Jacket runs through Sept. 3 and is presented in partnership with the EMP Museum in Seattle. This is the first major traveling exhibit created by the curatorial staff at the Harley-Davidson Museum, and it’s the first time the complete history of the black leather jacket is being showcased, giving visitors a glimpse into all facets of how the jacket has become a main staple in popular culture. 

The impressive collection reflects months of assembly, years of coordination and nearly a century of history. This exhibit traces the black leather jacket from its utilitarian roots in the 1920s, protecting motorcyclists and pilots from the elements; to its adoption by celebrities, rock stars and counterculture youth as a symbol of rebellion and cool; to its modern day designs seen on runways and in stores around the world.

“Worn to be Wild uses an amazing array of garments with unique stories to depict the role the black leather jacket has played in popular culture,” said Jim Fricke, Curatorial Director at the Harley-Davidson Museum. “With materials on loan from around the world – including key pieces from EMP, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and Jean Paul Gaultier – the exhibit is the first comprehensive look at the impact of this iconic jacket. The combination of motorcycling, pop culture and fashion will appeal to a wide audience”

The jackets featured in Worn to be Wild range from the first leather jacket made by Harley-Davidson in 1929 and other early riding jackets to artfully adorned punk jackets. Hollywood plays a big role in the collection, featuring jackets worn on the screen and stage by stars like Elvis, Fergie, Arnold Schwarzenegger (Terminator 2), Gene Vincent, Harry Shearer (Spinal Tap), Hugh Laurie (House) to name but a few. High fashion stakes its claim in the exhibit with five outfits and leather jackets on loan from French designer Jean Paul Gaultier, as well as jackets by Gianni Versace, Jeremy Scott and several other designers.

Worn to be Wild will be showcased at the EMP Museum, Seattle, October 2012 through February 2013 as well as at several other venues through the end of 2014.

Special Events

Untold Stories: “Rockers, Rebels and Runways: The Black Leather Jacket”
Thursday, July 19, 7 pm.

Museum Curatorial Director Jim Fricke will host a lively discussion of the influence of the motorcycle jacket and the rebel image on popular culture. Panelists include Oscar-nominated costume designer Deborah Nadoolman Landis, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Curatorial Director Howard Kramer, and Harley-Davidson General Merchandise Creative Director Karen Davidson. Cost is $15 for Museum members and $20 for non-members, and tickets can be purchased by visiting www.h-dmuseum.com

About the Harley-Davidson Museum

The Harley-Davidson Museum is located at 400 West Canal Street in Milwaukee and provides a glimpse of American history and culture like you’ve never seen it before – through the lens of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. The Museum, a top destination in Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin, is open year-round and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area each year. The 20-acre campus offers abundant and free parking, and includes Motor® Bar & Restaurant and The Shop. 

For more information on the Museum’s galleries, exhibits, special events, tickets, and more, visit the new and improved www.h-dmuseum.com