Market Watch: F-1 Flight Jacket by Alpinestars

Here's a bit of sartorial history: The flight jacket was originally designed exclusively for fighter pilots during WWI. At the time, most airplanes had exposed cockpits and so pilots needed garments which could keep them warm, hence utilitarian coats like fur-lined shearlings, bombers and the flight jacket, the earliest of which were designed under the auspices of the US Army's Aviation Clothing Board around 1917. Their chic-factor did not escape civilians and flight jackets soon became wildly popular off the army base. They continue to be a style staple today and the best version I've seen so far is designed by Alpinestars, the Italian brand, which has a history in designing for action sports like motorcross, Formula One racing and BMX. They call this beauty, pictured above, the F-1 Pilot Jacket, and it's exclusively for women. The jacket comes fully lined with satin taffeta, snap closures on chest and side pockets, and is equipped with an extra chest pocket for good measure. In addition to fuchsia, it comes in midnight blue and burnt orange. Available at www.alpinestarswomen.com for $220.