A French Air Force pilot leather jacket, estimated from the 1970s.
A work that requires little introduction.
This piece served as a design source for Maison Margiela's replica line.
Given that numerous other houses have sampled from it, the construction speaks for itself—a first-rate execution.
While civilian variants are commonplace, this is an official military-issue piece, actually used in service.
For those with an eye toward authenticity, military-issue carries a different weight than its civilian counterpart.
This example is notably rare among pilot jackets of its kind—it retains an original chin strap.
Military-issue or civilian, genuine French Air Force pilot jackets with chin straps are virtually unheard of.
The deep navy that characterises the French Air Force pilot jacket is strikingly beautiful here.
It is a colour one does not encounter elsewhere in leather jackets—singular in its presence.
The leather appears to be goat or sheepskin, characterized by a supple hand.
Many hesitate before leather that tends toward stiffness, but such concern is unfounded.
This piece has already taken on that quality of a second skin—soft, compliant, and effortless to wear.
The zip sliders carry a ECLAIR-made fastener.
The piece features a double-zip configuration, allowing for varied ways of wearing it.
Nylon lining, a left chest pocket, a pen pocket on the left sleeve—such military details command attention.
The design is fundamentally simple, a foundational piece that pairs with nearly any approach to dressing. Versatility is assured.
The armholes and body are generously cut, allowing for layering even in the depths of winter.
Scuffing, that inevitable consequence of leather, is nearly absent. This is a rare example in near-mint condition.
The front zip operates without issue.
Inside, there remains a pocket designed to house a rescue vest—evidence of its military service—thoughthe vest itself is absent from this example.
Size marked 96M, this runs larger than typical for a pilot jacket, suiting those of greater frame without difficulty.
It wears well oversized, equally striking worn generous on a smaller form.
A defining piece of French vintage. Should you be seeking such a thing, this moment presents itself.
