The Little Book of Tom. Bikers

In 1953, Marlon Brando wore a black leather Perfecto motorcycle jacket, military cap, denim jeans, and engineer boots to portray Johnny, the sneering leader of the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, in The Wild One. In 1954, Tom of Finland abandoned brown leather in his artwork to create his own wild ones: muscular, hyper-masculine, black leather-clad rebels with powerful engines between their legs. The look was adopted by the Satyrs Motorcycle Club, the first gay outlaw club, that same year, making Tom's fantasy world a reality. Tom soon customized his new gay icons, adding leather jodhpurs, knee-high boots, and leather caps, and every motorcycle bore the brand name "Tom" on the gas tank.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2022
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

In 1953, Marlon Brando embodied the character of Johnny, the sneering leader of the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, in the iconic film "The Wild One." To achieve this striking portrayal, Brando donned a black leather Perfecto motorcycle jacket, a military cap, denim jeans, and engineer boots. This bold and rebellious ensemble not only captured Johnny's essence but also set a fashion trend that would resonate for years to come.

Fast forward to 1954, and Tom of Finland emerged as a prominent figure in the art world. He abandoned the traditional brown leather used in his artwork and introduced his own wild ones: muscular, hyper-masculine, black leather-clad rebels with powerful engines between their legs. This groundbreaking aesthetic was embraced by the Satyrs Motorcycle Club, the first gay outlaw club, that same year, bringing Tom's fantasy world to reality.

Tom's unique style continued to evolve, and he soon customized his new gay icons by adding leather jodhpurs, knee-high boots, and leather caps. Every motorcycle bore the brand name "Tom" on the gas tank, further cementing his identity as the king of the biker world. Toms bikers first made their mark in the pages of Physique Pictorial, Winter 1958, with two "Motorcycle Boys" gracing the cover of the April 1960 issue. From that moment on, bikers dominated Tom's PP content, catering to both his American readership and his growing obsession with the motorcycle lifestyle.

In 1968, Tom sought to create an ongoing character, a personal avatar, that would embody his passion for motorcycles and the biker community. He named this character Kake and elaborated on his riding adventures through 26-panel stories. Kake's gear, including a black leather jacket, white t-shirt, jeans, and high boots, became synonymous with Tom's identity, and he wore it proudly until the end of his life.

To celebrate his contributions to the world of art and fashion, Tom of Finland published "The Little Book of Tom: Bikers." This captivating book includes Tom's earliest images for Physique Pictorial, Kake in motorcycle gear, biker panel stories, and sizzling single drawings. All of these elements are packed into 192 pages of sexy, masculine men enjoying other masculine men in black leather, blue jeans, and high black boots. On bikes.

Tom of Finland's impact on the art world and fashion industry cannot be overstated. His bold and daring aesthetic challenged societal norms and paved the way for greater acceptance and representation of LGBTQ+ individuals. His legacy continues to inspire and influence artists, fashion designers, and individuals who embrace their own unique identities.

In conclusion, Marlon Brando's portrayal of Johnny in "The Wild One" and Tom of Finland's creation of wild ones revolutionized the fashion and art worlds. Their bold and rebellious styles, coupled with their commitment to celebrating diversity and individuality, continue to inspire and influence generations to come.

Weight: 409g
Dimension: 195 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836594172
Edition number: Multilingual ed