Loaded Leather

In homage to the progress that the late 60s and early 70s leather brands made with their innovate leather dyes and detailed patterns, Belstaff created some of the finest racing-style leather jackets for SS17, modelled after Belstaff’s iconic jackets: the Trialmaster, Roadmaster and Cafe Racer. Referencing the way that these dyes allowed drivers to create a recognisable racing persona, Belstaff created a series of leather jackets, each with unique colours and pattern markings, as if the models were ready to race. The leathers were contrasted against hand-waxed suedes, outerwear fabrics, and pale lightweight denims.

Into the Woods

The set for Belstaff took us away from the busy streets of Westminster and deep into the forest. Pine trees reached up to the ceiling, whilst bark was scattered across the floor, making for delicate treading from guests and models alike. The models were perched on top on the bonnet of a vintage pick-up, on top of stacks of enormous car tyres and next to 40-year-old motorbikes. Behind them stood sky-blue panels almost as tall as the trees, and the bright lights overhead emulated sunshine. The total effect engulfed you in the Belstaff world; all you need is a blast down a forest road on a vintage motorbike.

On Any Sunday

Inspired by Bruce Brown’s groundbreaking 1971 motorcycle film, On Any Sunday, starring Steve McQueen, Belstaff celebrated the “devil may care” attitude of the boys on (and off) the motorcycle track. The colour palette routinely referenced the sun-bleached colours of the film, and combined them with patterns from famous archive Belstaff pieces from the early 70s. Racing motifs were everywhere in this collection, referencing famous racing heroes and their signature looks. There were also womenswear looks presented from the Spring 17 pre-collection, which took the same hardcore biker inspiration as a key element, as well as referencing some of Belstaff’s earliest female adopters: the legendary aviatrixes Amelia Earhart and Amy Johnson.