History and Appeal of Reese Cooper's Iconic Streetwear Jackets

The History of Reese Cooper and His Iconic Jackets

Reese Cooper is an emerging fashion label in the streetwear industry that has quickly developed a cult following. Founded in 2016 by designer Reese Cooper, the brand is known for its unique utilitarian-inspired jackets that fuse workwear and militaria influences with a modern, youthful edge.

The Founding of Reese Cooper

Cooper launched his label straight out of fashion school in Los Angeles, California. He had previously interned with streetwear brands like Stussy and started developing his own distinctive aesthetic and textile experiments. The first Reese Cooper collection debuted for Fall 2016 and included modern twists on classic menswear silhouettes like chore coats, varsity jackets, and overshirts.

Rising Popularity in the Streetwear World

The brand rapidly attracted attention for its unconventional fabric treatments and hybrid designs. By expertly blending natural fibers like wool and cotton with technical nylons and modern hardware, Cooper created jackets with an intriguing duality. They were functional enough for work and outdoor wear yet simultaneously exuded a raw, anti-establishment attitude perfect for metropolitan streets.

As the label's reputation grew, so did the hype. Reese Cooper was soon stocked at leading streetwear retailers like Dover Street Market. For Fall 2017, the signature nylon chore jacket that kickstarted the brand's success was reinterpreted as a black-on-black version that became wildly popular. The genesis of the now-iconic Reese Cooper jacket was born.

The Iconic Reese Cooper Jackets

At the heart of every collection are Cooper's signature jackets. They encapsulate the label's hybrid workwear-meets-streetwear spirit. Here are three of the most famous styles that have achieved must-have status among the streetwear scene.

Nylon Chore Jacket

This jacket combines the practicality of a classic chore coat with technical nylon fabrics for an avant-garde twist. Offered in an array of colors, it features flap chest pockets, a drawcord hood, and rubberized hardware for durability. The boxy silhouette flatters various body types. It quickly became a Reese Cooper hero piece.

Flannel Overshirt Jackets

These jackets take rugged buffalo check flannel shirting and give it an urban edge. Oversized fits with extra long arms and hems offer laidback vibes. Signature custom hardware like branded snaps and zippers elevate the workwear-inspired base. The lined variants provide warmth for cold weather while overdyed versions inject colorful personality.

Upcycled Vintage Jackets

Sourcing vintage military and workwear garments to repurpose and reconstruct with modern twists has become a brand signature. Rare finds like antique French chore coats or bomber jackets get reworked with re-dyed fabrics and edgy custom hardware. Each upcycled one-of-one piece has an appeal amongst vintage connoisseurs and collectors.

Why Reese Cooper Jackets Resonate

Reese Cooper garments stand out in the streetwear landscape for their authenticity and originality. By fusing workwear functionality with urban styling, they've cultivated an intriguing aesthetic. But beyond just looks, several factors give them widespread crossover appeal.

They're Versatile

Cooper jackets range from muted to vibrant colors alongside smart material juxtapositions. So they work for various personal styles from understated subtlety to stand-out looks. Their high-low mix means matching them with jeans and tees or tailored trousers has a cool nonchalance.

They're Wearable

While clearly designed for fashion-forward urbanites, the jackets maintain a rugged durability. So they transition wonderfully from city streets to country trails on weekend escapes. Many styles include technical details like water-resistance to increase functionality.

They're Collectible

The limited run capsules, custom fabric experiments, and one-of-a-kind upcycled pieces have made Reese Cooper a brand to collect. Having a rotation of his iconic jackets in different colors, patterns and materials is almost a status symbol among streetwear fans. The ability to mix various pieces creates personalized #OOTD styling.

Reese Cooper Continues Pushing Boundaries

As the brand extends into denim, tailored suiting, knits, and accessories, the beloved jackets remain staples in every collection. Cooper continues using performance technical fabrics not common in ready-to-wear alongside archival military textiles for new interpretations of his greatest hits.

But beyond fabric innovations, expanding into womenswear and genderless clothing also demonstrates Cooper's desire to challenge norms. The label seems poised to grow beyond its streetwear roots into a true multi-category lifestyle brand. However, the iconoclastic jackets at its genesis will likely always remain the heart and soul.

FAQs

Who is the designer behind Reese Cooper?

Reese Cooper is a fashion label founded in 2016 by emerging designer Reese Cooper. He had previously interned with streetwear brands Stussy and Huf before launching his own label straight out of fashion school in Los Angeles.

What materials are used in Reese Cooper jackets?

Signature Reese Cooper jackets fuse natural fibers like cotton and wool with technical nylons and modern hardware for hybrid designs. They feature fabrics ranging from flannels and chore coat cottons to performance technical nylons.

Where are Reese Cooper jackets made?

Reese Cooper garments are made in factories in Los Angeles where Cooper is based. Focusing on local small-batch production enables tight quality control and ethical labor practices.

What is Reese Cooper’s most popular jacket?

The nylon chore jacket available in a variety of colors is undoubtedly the Reese Cooper jacket that first put the brand on the map within streetwear circles. It jumpstarted the label’s success and spawned many reinterpretations each season.