Jackets inspired by WWII bombardiers and varsity athletes stormed the runways in New York, Paris and Milan, launching this season’s modern take on the classic bomber. Once fashioned from silk parachute remnants, the updated versions come in a variety of fabrics. Adorned with colorful appliques, the new designs channel the Tailor Toyo Japanese look that cloaked servicemen after the war. There’s no denying that these fashionable bombers soar.
Heavily influenced by Alexander McQueen, contemporary designer Han Chong created a sultry cropped bomber jacket ($595) with floral-lace satin cutouts for his fall runway show. Available at Neiman Marcus, Fashion Island. :: neimanmarcus.com
Mickey Mouse meets Marc Jacobs with this collegiate varsity jacket ($2,700) constructed in France with soft Italian shearling. Available at Nordstrom, South Coast Plaza. :: nordstrom.com
Karl Lagerfeld’s animated alter ego adorns sneakers, clutches and iPhone cases. For the fall, the designer embellished this Fendi apres ski jacket ($3,310) with a mini Karlito appliqué with playful fur eyebrows. Available at Fendi, South Coast Plaza. :: fendi.com
Alice + Olivia’s creative director, Stacey Bendet, worships bright colors. Her Instagram is flooded with rainbow hues, odes to her children and snaps of her globetrotting travels. The Lonnie ruby and black bomber ($495) reflects Bendet’s eye for opulence and exotic patterns. Available at Alice + Olivia, 410 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills :: aliceandolivia.com
Humberto Leon and Carol Lim split their time designing for Kenzo, but the duo won raves in 2002 with Opening Ceremony, a brand inspired by the Olympics. A rose-colored reversible silk jacket ($525) nods to the company’s athletic roots. Available at Nordstrom, Fashion Island. :: nordstrom.com
Needle & Thread’s three-quarter-sleeve Butterfly Garden coat ($450) transforms a casual silhouette with a baseball collar into a vibrant fashion piece with beaded embellishments and floral designs. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, South Coast Plaza. :: saksfifthavenue.com
Straight from the runway, a Coach 1941 cropped varsity jacket ($795), with appliqué patches crafted in New York, pairs well with dresses and skirts for a pleasingly sporty look. Available at Coach, South Coast Plaza. :: coach.com
Creative director Alessandro Michele borrowed glittery butterflies and blossoming floral bouquets from his imagined Gucci Garden for this striking embroidered duchess silk bomber ($3,500). Available at Gucci, South Coast Plaza. :: gucci.com
