Summer's Soft Spot: Leather & Suede

Behold jacket lovers, Spring-Summer 2011 will not be the same without having either a leather or a suede jacket on your back. One step further: the waistcoat.

We could call it "soft outerwear". We also know that leather and suede are not for everyone to sport. It takes a certain kind of attitude to dare the double skin. When it comes to style, they both tend to take you places: either in time or in place.

To talk about a comeback might sound superfluous: some of us never abandoned their favourite suede jacket since we bought one. Depending our age, it looks either vintage or a bit more tailored. What's thrilling about SS11 is the opportunity to pick a new one by keeping it neutral or rather eccentric. Electric colours are in. So is suede.

We know there are two kind of guys: the suede ones and the leather ones. Leather is probably the hardest to wear. You can get this close to Keanu Reeves in Matrix without wanting to. Finding the perfect jacket is a task men should undertake with great care. The cut and finishes are absolutely important and need to match one's own personality. This year pick unstructured and extra-light.

Classic cuts and colours will add to a man's tailored wardrobe. Copying the jacket in all its variations, keeping it basic, yet favouring it as the main piece of an entire look.

Biker boys: we love. Edgy yet even more classic than a double-breasted jacket - think James Dean. The Biker jacket is not only for bad boys. 2011 teaches: thanks to its light unstructured shape, it becomes a classy chic item to wear.

Every collection needs a new entry: the waistcoat. Seen on the catwalk over shirts, tees, alone, styled differently... Dolce&Gabbana used the "intrecciato" and knits... Waistcoats might have made you sream in horror a year ago (especially in leather or suede) but now they are in. Something to consider daring.