If James Dean’s rebel had ever found his cause, it would’ve looked something like this:
In celebration of Barneys New York’s new flagship at 7th Ave. and 16th St. in Manhattan — the same corner where Barneys first opened its doors in 1923 — the menswear mecca has teamed up with Christie’s for the launch of a charity auction called “The Black Leather Jacket.”
On the block: 23 one-of-a-kind cowhide motorcycle jackets, each designed by a noteworthy artist or designer (read: Dries Van Noten, Alexander Wang, Helmut Lang, etc.), with all proceeds going to two local non-profit institutions, the LGBT Center and alternative art space White Columns.
The collaboration is an homage to Barneys’ famous “Denim Jacket” event in 1986, which featured designs from the likes of Yves Saint Laurent, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol. The exhibit is currently on view at the NY flagship and bids will be accepted online only through March 22nd.
You can find three of our favorites below.
GLENN LIGON – Untitled
Oil slick on leather with a signed maroon satin lining.
UGO RONDINONE – Jacket with a Cause
Acrylic paint on leather with an asymmetrical zip-front and a quilted yoke.
HELMUT LANG – Untitled
Wearable art composed of leather, mixed media, pigment and resin. A street-tough conversation piece with silver and brass hardware lined in smooth satin.
Photographs by Richard Pierce
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