The words “The black leather jacket” bring to mind images of rebellion and rock ’n’ roll. The concept is solid, translation not required, it’s a “don’t mess with me” attitude. But where did it all begin, and how did a simple garment become a charged icon of the American life style?

This summer, the Harley-Davidson Museum® will present the special exhibition Worn to be Wild: The Black Leather Jacket. The exhibit traces the functional and design history of the biker jacket through an evolutionary history of the garment from clothing to cultural shorthand. More than 50 jackets will be on display, ranging from rare historical examples pulled from both the Harley-Davidson Archives and private collections to those worn by superstars of the stage and screen.

This is an exhibition dedicated to the modern art culture through an incredible exploration of history and craftsmanship.