We Redesigned Alpha Industries' Iconic MA-1 Bomber
Brand: Alpha Industries x Highsnobiety
Price: $975
Release Date: February 22 at 3 pm CET/9 am EST
Buy: Highsnobiety Shop
Editor's Notes: The function-first approach to designing military wear has created some of the most iconic and widely-worn designs in fashion, from trench coats to cargo pants and, of course, the MA-1 flight jacket.
First created for the US military, its boxy silhouette, knitted collar, and lightweight insulation made the jacket a firm favorite amongst much more than just pilots, launching a storied history from being a subcultural icon to canvas for high fashion experimentation.
So, when looking to put our own spin on the iconic jacket silhouette, it was only natural that we tapped the brand which has been its premier creator since the '60s, originally manufacturing MA-1s for the military.
The Alpha Industries x Highsnobiety Leather MA-1 redesigns the bomber jacket in a new fit and all-black color scheme. This gives the limelight to its outer shell crafted from napa leather which uses unsplit sheepskin for a more soft and durable finish.
"When we were challenged with creating an MA-1 jacket we looked at how we can elevate the standard MA-1," says Nin Truong, Design Director at Highsnobiety. "We picked a smooth leather and added it to a silhouette inspired by Alpha's 90s designs which are a little more cropped with slightly more volume up top."
Beyond the outer shell of the jacket, which also includes a co-branded removable flight zipper pull and debossed Highsnobiety branding, the inside features a green satin lining. This is a reference to the jacket's military past, reminiscent of the lining first used for the MA-1 before being updated with its now-iconic orange hue to help downed pilots be spotted.
Bringing our own, elevated spin to a universally loved design, the Alpha Industries x Highsnobiety Leather MA-1 is launching in limited numbers on February 22.
