S/S 2013 Trend: Bomber Jackets

The Return of the Bomber Jacket

By Nabillah Akhtar

Did you know that the first ever bomber jacket was originally created out of necessity and that it couldn’t have been further from the fashionable wardrobe staple we know and love today? Its origins lie within the First World War, where they were produced purely to keep French and Belgian ‘bomber’ pilots warm during their long haul flights. Throughout the years though, the statement piece has been recreated in many forms; in the eighties thanks to Tom Cruise and ‘Top Gun’… no one was caught dead without their signature aviator shades to compliment their dark leather versions of the jacket.

With the sudden emergence of grunge in the early 90’s a la, Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) and the last few remnants of bold eighties hues i.e. Madonna, the jacket was again, reinvented this time-with an urban edge. The Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff were the self proclaimed poster children for 90’s hip hop scene and had a huge influence on fashion trends at the time. With the combination of a hit television programme to sell out singles, the daring duo helped to influence the likes of TLC, Oasis, The Spice Girls, the cast of the film ‘Clueless’, super models-Cindy Crawford & Naomi Campbell as well as, Notorious BIG and Lil Kim, who all embraced the daring style by wearing clashing prints, ill fitting colour blocking pieces and dramatic, ribbed golden chains.

After almost fifteen years, the ever versatile bomber jacket has again reappeared on Givenchy’s catwalk for spring/summer 2013 and was recently included in Versace’s ever popular collaboration with high street store: H&M. The collection sold out within a few hours and provided us mere mortals, with designer pieces at an affordable price.

As always fashionable clothing and celebrity endorsers go hand in hand and there’s no shortage of people on the bomber jacket bandwagon in 2013. Sudden BFF’s Rita Ora & Cara Delavigne are to name a few, showcasing both their eclectic and eccentric styles of clothing, the chums are already taking both the music and fashion industries by storm!

Reality television heart throb, Oliver Proudlock from hit e4 show, Made in Chelsea, brags a bright array of eighties throwback style- from his quirky orange glasses to his Boy George inspired earring, this baroque jacket wearing fiend has just started his own t-shirt collection and is going to be hugely successful in his own right.

To see Oliver Proudlock’s style blog click here.

Another pop superstar, never afraid to embrace daring fashion trends is sexy, songstress Rihanna. Often papped in key seasonal trends, the bomber jacket was not to be missed! She played homage to the 90s by wearing a pink, classic Chanel printed jacket which was teamed with a ribbed golden chain and bright red lips; this helped to compliment her dark tousled locks that she was sporting at the time.

As a true 90’s kid myself, I salute all the celebrities who channel the fierce fashions reminiscent of my childhood and have invested in a kitsch, vintage jacket too. With all major high-street stores selling a beautiful array of bomber jackets, this trend is set to stay as a wardrobe staple throughout the year, I advise you to invest in yours now!