The Greatest Love of All

Leather Fringe Jacket by Jean Paul Gaultier, Gray Tank by Brian Lichtenberg, Trousers by H&M, High Tops by Lanvin, Sunglasses by Karen Walker, Leather Bracelets by Hermés, Spiked Bracelet by Funk Plus, Rings by Burberry Prorsum
A good client of mine at work surprised me a few days ago with a gift: a mint condition Jean Paul Gaultier Leather Jacket circa 1985. He had no idea that it was my birthday, or just how much I would appreciate such a piece. We had been talking about leather jackets for the past few weeks as I helped him to acquire a few new pieces for himself. I told him how much I love leather jackets and the budding collection I've been growing over the years. To my great astonishment he revealed that he had been collecting designer leather jackets for years, and that his collection boasts a whopping 150+ pieces. Needless to say there are some pieces that haven't been worn in a while. His wife had been hinting at the need for a downsize in the 3 closets that houses the collection, and I didn't think anything of it when he offered me to try on a selection from his prized possessions. When he finally came in I gladly and graciously accepted the generous gift when he said, "I have no use for it anymore. It suits your style more than mine, even if it is a show piece."


I still cannot believe this man's generosity. I am the proud and lucky new owner of a vintage Gaultier leather jacket. He said the piece had been worn approximately 7 times. It is missing the belt, but that can definitely be replaced. I am in love with the soft yet structured leather, lined with a triple tier of fringed leather. The cropped style anchored with a broad shoulder is a tell-tale sign of what era it comes from. I am debating weather or not to keep the shoulder pads, but for now I want to appreciate this jacket in its original design. I say that this piece is from 1985 because my client said that it is the men's version (plus fringe) of the biker jacket Whitney Houston wears in her music video for "The Greatest Love of All." BONUS POINTS.



One of the greatest gifts you could ever give someone is something that you feel truly suits them. What makes this jacket such an awesome gift isn't just that it is by Gaultier I MEAN THAT IS A HUGE PART OF IT, but mostly because it was personally given based on interest and appreciation. He knew it would suit me, and I am forever grateful to my fellow collector. What comes around, goes around everyone :)

Speaking of the greatest love of all, the same day I received this jacket, my partner dislocated his shoulder while grappling in a sparring exercise at his training gym. I have been happily playing the role of Nurse J while trying to make time to develop content for my blog. Bare with me. I'm back ;)

- jerome