Christian Benner's Stephen Burrows One-Of-A-Kind Leather Jacket

This is one of four one-of-a-kind leather jackets inspired by icons featured in the documentary THE TIMES OF BILL CUNNINGHAM. 

Stephen Burrows is celebrated for his graphic color blocking and innovative use of matte jersey fabric at the height of the disco era. He became one of the first Black fashion designers to achieve international acclaim. Burrows was attracted to the stretch of knit fabric. He used a featherweight Jasco-brand jersey, typically used for lingerie, that required skilled sewing techniques. Hems were finished with zig zag edging, usually in red thread. Initially created by mistake, the “lettuce effect,” a curling hem caused by overstretching the jersey, became his signature. His pieces were often soft and stretchy, and they were intended to be worn without any undergarments.

Dance and movement were at the forefront of Burrows’s design inspirations. While still in high school, he made Mambo dancing ensembles for his friends. In 1968, he opened “O” boutique, strategically located across the street from a popular nightclub. In 1970, Geraldine Stutz, president of department store Henri Bendel, offered the designer his own boutique within the store. Called “Stephen Burrows’ World,” it lasted from 1973 to 1976. His line proved to be extremely popular and profitable, capturing the spirit of the 1970s assertive woman. His slinky, unstructured pieces helped establish American fashion as independent from the influence of Parisian couture. 

In 1973, Burrows was one of the five American designers invited to participate in the “Battle of Versailles” fashion show, a spectacular competition between American and French designers. Burrows was the youngest American designer to be included in the runway presentation, and he gained international recognition for his participation. 

Our friend and Seaport neighbor Christian Benner has taken the traditional black leather jacket and spun it into a tribute to Burrow's. The color block design across the front and back of the jacket are a nod to his iconic work.

A true one-of-a kind statement piece; the jacket is a MEDIUM.

Available for viewing by appointment at the Live Rocket Studios, please email info@liverocket.com.