00s Avirex 1/400 ‘Snake & Dragon’ Hand Painted Leather Biker Jacket

Avirex’s brand ethos are rooted in the story of a small factory in Long Island, New York. Dating back to the 1960s, Avirex, who was originally supplying goods to the US Military, was on the edge of bankruptcy as manufacturing costs rose. Such a price increase forced the army to cease demand for A2 and B3 jackets, while the Navy followed suit, cancelling orders for G1 models. In the midst of financial hardship, an Arizona lawyer would pitch the idea of commercial expansion for the Avirex label, pushing higher ups to register the brand’s trademark. By 1975, Avirex, a derivative from the Latin words ‘avis’ for bird and aviation, as well as ‘rex’ for king, i.e the height of quality and craft, would go on to challenge the industry standard for leather working. Becoming a pop-culture icon in the 90s hip-hop and music scene, Avirex would become a renowned staple of vintage and collector’s wear.

 

Debuting in the 2000s, this leather biker is far from a standard Avirex jacket. Released in a quantity limited to 400, it comes stamped as #79 with hand painted black illustrations throughout. Depicting a traditional Japanese dragon intertwined with a snake on the underside, the painting demonstrates balance, power and greatness. Spiralling down either shoulder and sleeve, it’s accented with a tan leather base and metallic hardware, finished with an Avirex logo on the chest. Tagged as a size medium, this piece is in good condition with light signs of use.