Helmut Lang
1997 Stretch Cotton Blouson with Contrasting Collar Detail
1997 Stretch Cotton Blouson with Contrasting Collar Detail
IT 46 (oversized): Best for an IT 48 - 38 Chest - S/M or a slim IT 50 - 40 chest - M.
Helmut Lang zipped jacket from S/S 1997. In excellent used condition with attached replacement button. Made in Italy.
Helmut Lang's output was rarely defined by seasonal themes. Design elements from his early collections were often reworked and reiterated until the label's demise, highlighting Lang's emphasis on refinement rather than novelty. The classic zipped blouson is a prime example of this attitude: First introduced in the early 1990s, it is one of Lang's interseasonal staples and was produced every season in different fabrics and finishes. Its effortless aesthetic evokes sophistication and understatement: a simple zip closure, a rectangular patch pocket and a sharp point collar complete the design. This version features a bold contrasting trim on the collar. This signature detail can be seen in various Helmut Lang designs from this period such as the 1997 evening jacket or the 1996 tailored shirt.
The blouson is crafted from a lightweight cotton twill with a crisp texture and slightly grainy finish. The addition of 2% elastane gives the fabric considerable stretch. The collar is trimmed with a strip of neon red nylon for a a sleek and subtly avant-garde finish that is synonymous with Lang's designs from this period. The cut is fitted on the body, with dropped shoulders and a considerably tapered silhouette. The waist tabs are reversed and placed further towards the front for a subtly aggressive look.
The streamlined design is finished with a yoke construction on the back and two-piece sleeves with buttoned cuffs. The chest pocket's edges are reinforced with triangular stitching. The polished silver zipper on the front is made by MRS Italy and the buttons are made from beige resin. French seams finish the unlined interior.
This jacket is a versatile and accessible example of Lang's revered and highly influential minimalist aesthetic. Its thoroughly modern detailing and sharp cut will add subtle interest to any progressive outfit.