This piece is the new and luxurious Autumn/Winter 2000 iteration of the famous astro biker parka first introduced in Helmut Lang’s Autumn/Winter 1999 collection. It retains all of the classic astro biker detailing such as the motorcycle detailing/articulation on the sleeves, fur collar attachment, gunmetal zip + flap front closure, and bondage backpack straps but updates the piece with a sharper cut (given the lack of padding that the originals had) and a beautiful 60% wool 40% mohair blend fabric. Unlike the more structured ballistic and moleskin used in prior iterations, this amazingly cozy and striking wool fabric drapes on the body better and moves with the wearer more fluidly and elegantly.
Made in Italy 8/10 Condition - slight pilling on the surface
The Astro Parka is by far one of Lang's most impressive garments, in its original Autumn/Winter 1999 iteration it saw the use of high-tech fabrics like ballistic nylon, ballistic cotton and polyurethane blends (in the famous silver biker version), the use of these fabrics seem the most fitting for the futuristic appearance of the Astro Parka/Biker. However, as it appears in this wonderful garment, Lang demonstrates that the silhouette is just as effective in traditionally used textiles like mohair/wool (and even ribbed cotton, as he showed us in 2003). This version of the Astro Parka is a true testament to Helmut Lang's remarkable design proficiency. Re-imagining this item in a lovely wool and mohair gives it a sense of classicism, this is put in direct tension with its silhouette which is undeniably situated in the future. The dark satin lining also introduces a notion of formality and elegance to the garment, which in its previous iterations seemed absent due to the rugged, technical fabrics. Everything we know about the Astro Parka remains but the context has changed, with a simple swapping of fabrics.
This is a really special piece, very rare to see in all black. You will not be disappointed.
