Schott: 100 Years of an American Original edited by Rin Tanaka

Edited by Rin Tanaka to mark the 100th anniversary of Schott Bros. – the iconic American manufacturer of bomber jackets, pea coats, duffle coats, and motorcycle jackets. After a commission by the U.S. Air Force and Navy at the beginning of WWII, the family­owned Schott Bros. began the production of their bombers and pea coats – jackets that came to define the brand, and which maintained a lasting and archetypal status in American culture. After the war, their Perfecto motorcycle jackets (manufactured from the 1930’s to the 1980’s and made famous by James Dean, Marlon Brando, et al.) became a symbol of irreverence and rebellion, giving the brand traction and credibility within a host of sub­cultures. This trend continued into the 1970’s and 80’s with the onset of punk, new wave, and early hip hop movements, all of which re-appropriated the Schott Bros. jackets – renewing the brand’s status as an influential and lasting American manufacturer.