2011 Washed Leather Biker Trousers

IT 46 (adjustable): Best for a 30", 31" or slim 32" waist.

Burberry Prorsum biker trousers from S/S 2011. In excellent used condition. Made in Italy. RRP: $2195 (£1331)

S/S 2011 was another grand success for Burberry and Christopher Bailey. Many of A/W 2010-2011's signature military-inspired pieces were stripped down and decorated with leather trims and iconic biker detailing. Tim Blanks writes:

'Christopher Bailey's trip to the Burberry archives last season helped him to the best men's collection of his career with the company, and he hit pay dirt again with Spring's return visit. A stash of early twentieth-century biker gear designed by the very forward-thinking Thomas Burberry gave him the idea for his "heritage biker" collection. It was another spectacular outing. Bailey may have made his rep with collections that leaned toward wistful melancholia, but the harder he goes, the better the clothes seem to get. [...] The biker influence loomed in vests, coats, pants, and jackets [...] To temper the toughness, Bailey paired a biker vest with jersey pants, motocross leathers with a luxe suede trench, and a sheer safari shirt with a studded vest. That balance between boyish vulnerability and male strength is quintessential Bailey.' (our emphasis)

These substantial trousers were undoubtedly one of the collection's signature pieces. They were worn in most runway looks and appeared prominently in the seasonal campaign. Their critical and commercial success is easily evident in their highly detailed design, which combines a unique construction and luxurious materials with a flattering cut. 

The trousers have a form-fitting silhouette with a low rise and slim leg. They are constructed from heavyweight lamb leather that has been washed for a supple finish with beautifully pronounced grains. The leather's luxurious texture gives depth to an abundance of interesting details: The front has sets of flapped and slanted zipped pockets that lend the trousers an aggressive edge. Likewise, the knees feature oversized rectangular panels with heavy horizontal topstitching and the ankles have long zippers and straps. 

The trousers' attention to detail is phenomenal, and elevates their statement design to an almost couture standard. All hardware has a matte black finish and features branded engravings. The popper studs feature S/S 2011's signature distressed design, while the zippers are custom made Lampo, with the Prorsum logo even on the back. The waist has a layered construction with partially concealed elastic straps that can adjust it. The back features military double pleats for a contoured shape, while the crotch area is covered with sharp triangular topstitching inspired by the undercollar of trench coats. The interior is fully lined in a supersoft 56% viscose/44% polyester jersey that makes the trousers a pleasure to wear. The fly secures with five snap buttons, ensuring that tension is distributed evenly without stretching. Overall, all seams and stitches are flawlessly executed. 

This is by far one of Burberry Prorsum's most iconic pieces, and everything from their detailing to the construction is top notch. Their substantial leather and exquisite finishing ensure that they will be worn for years, only to look better with wear.