Maison CHAPAL reveals a collaboration with CAULAINCOURT for the legendary USAAF jacket.

Under the experimental “Bandit” label, CAULAINCOURT interprets the original USAAF in brown glossy sheep leather from CHAPAL.

The origins of the jacket worn by US Air Force aviators during the World War II are fully acknowledged as a reference in this collaboration.

The creative additions are the reminiscent of the illustrations of American squadrons painted on flying machines and GI jackets ; and later, the jackets of ’50s biker gangs such as “Hell’s Angels”, with a winged skull and biker helmet on the back, topped by the name of the town or local chapter as a sign of recognition.

Russian artist Yann Avril lent his pen to transcribe Alexis Lafont’s inspiration on this jacket:

– On the left breast, a leather patch reminds the aviators’ “name plate” to feature the pilot’s name with foor bees as CAULAINCOURT logo. They suggest trophies of the victorious US Air Force aviators.

– At the back, an embroidery depicting a pin-up sitting on a bomb.

– On the lining, the same playmate silk-screened in orange ink on a cotton poplin.

Then comes the typical patina of the shoemaker, applied to the entire jacket by hand using a cloth. The iteration of layers, coloring and bleaching, gives a natural effect. Each dye is the result of a very specific mixture, making each piece unique.

Jean-François Bardinon, President and Artistic Director of the CHAPAL comments: “These embroidered designs inspired by the Art-jacket are very interesting and the patina contrasts with our tanning techniques: the jacket is interpreted. CHAPAL’s American roots in Brooklyn allow us to play with history and its symbols.”

Here we’re wearing a unique piece of vintage style, a jacket that has lived through history, giving a bad-boy style that’s both rebellious and chic… “Bandit”, in short!