No one expresses the greatest virtues of suede as well as Alfredo Rifugio. Known as ‘The King of Handmade Leather
Jackets’ he has been an indomitable figure of Italian craftsmanship for over 50 years. Suede in many ways has that
unrivalled ability to breezily transition through seasons. Each one of Rifugio’s jackets is a statement piece, with
a majority of jackets known to contain over 1,800 stitches – including in the working sleeve button holes, which
demonstrates the brand’s sheer devotion to craft. The transition from summer to autumn is arguably the best time to
don one of Alfredo Rifugio’s jackets as it's warm enough for you to sport the jacket as your main piece and not have
it suffocated by an overcoat. In recent years, the bomber jacket has transcended the environs of subcultural cool to
become a mainstay in the modern man's wardrobe. A suede bomber jacket is also an extremely versatile autumn option
and as Rifigio’s designs are tailored with more sophistication than most, you can get away with either pairing them
with jeans or using it is a smart casual jacket with tailored trousers and dress shoes. The brand’s bombers come in
a variety of hues from beige to navy in a selection of different styles from your classic bomber to a handmade cargo
pocket bomber jacket. For a slightly smarter appearance, a special mention must go to their light brown suede blazer
which is handmade in Naples and is wool-lined for that extra warmth. It is an indulgent and eminently practical
piece that is quite unique. The brand’s suede selection also comes in the form of flight jackets, Harringtons and
longer safaris in extremely soft and supple textures.
A brand synonymous with rock ’n’ roll, counter-culture, renegade notoriety and testosterone-soaked masculinity is
Schott NYC. It is quite fitting that they’re also purveyors of undeniably cool suede jackets. Their pale blue goat
suede bomber depicts this youthful, fun charm that perhaps can only be compared to the way a young Paul Newman used
to carry himself. This jacket has the ability to be the centre stage of the outfit, where its beautiful shade of
blue will blend in perfectly with nearly any other tone within reason. If pale blue isn’t your colour the same model
also comes in a rust hue and also a dark beige which is certainly more reminiscent of the brown suede jackets that
Marlon Brando used to wear.
At the turn of the season, when the lush green leaves still occupy the stems on the trees – a lightweight suede
jacket is going to be a wise option in order not to overheat, especially if you’re on the move from city to city.
Made in Italy, Valstar’s grey suede jacket is unlined for that lightweight feel and breathability. It features all
the finer details of tailoring that you would expect from the Milanese-based brand, with its bellow patch pockets
and front placket with button snaps.
When inspecting the compartments of your wardrobe – the seasonal change can dictate considerable indecisiveness, but
by investing in a tailored suede jacket you will be able to navigate the change in season in real style with just
the right mix of sophistication and rebelliousness.
