For Harley fans visiting Milwaukee for the anniversary, fashion is about family, culture, pride
Harley-Davidson fans arrived in Milwaukee in style, drawn from all over the world to celebrate the brand's 120th anniversary and wearing everything from custom leather cuts, to hippie bandanas, creative patches to matching outfits.
For the uninitiated, the vests which bikers wear are known as "cuts" as riders traditionally would cut off the sleeves of regular denim or leather jackets. The cuts also helped to keep them cooler and offer a way to show their identity, memories and biker pride.
For it's 120th anniversary, the company went all out on a schedule stacked with events and fun things to do. The Homecoming Festival takes place in several different locations across Milwaukee, including Veterans Park.
Here are some of the best-dressed Harley fans we saw Saturday in the park.
Harley-Davidson is about freedom, Gilis says
You can't say summer style without a bucket hat. Bucket hats add protection and safety from the sun, but they also make you feel like a superstar and grant free points for style.
Peter Gilis showed up with a Harley-inspired look: A black-and-orange anniversary bucket hat and a matching shirt. He came with his two friends from Belgium, Peggy Rypens and Patrick Lambregts. For him, Harley is all about freedom. In a busy world, the motorcycle allows him to let go of his problems, enjoy life and be completely free.
Custom cuts and colorful bandanas memorialize lost father
Harley culture is all about nostalgia and for this mother-son duo the brand holds a special place in their heart. Roxanne Zetzman and Jeff Zetzman Jr. came to Veterans Park to honor the memory of Jeff Zetzman Sr: An all time big Harley fan who loved riding his motorcycle.
To keep his memory alive, they showed up wearing custom-made leather cuts decorated with Harley Davidson pins and gave a snapshot of the 60s by rocking colorful bandanas. Roxanne wore a Harley Davidson bandana with the American flag colors while her son wore a black patterned one.
Calling all Combat Vets Association members
For Mark Diddle, his cut isn't just a simple leather cut — it's filled with sentimental value and can even help to find his fellow veterans who ride motorcycles as a hobby.
His leather cut has a special Combat Vets Association patch in the middle, as well as a wide array of patches including an American flag. The association's mission is to support and protect those who have defended the country.
American accessories are key, even if you came all the way from Brazil
There is nothing more American than a Harley. However for this duo from Brazil, Harley simply is a lifestyle. Joäo Carlos and Neusa showed up with a look which blended both patriotic American flag hats with a full-size Brazil flag.
Harley brings together fans from all over the world and unites them with a love of motorcycles and freedom this duo isn't an exception.
Twins talk tight-knit family, making good memories
Harley Davidson is also all about brotherhood — tight knit families who enjoy a good time rocking out and riding motorcycles. Twin boys Gilberto and Leonardo Gonzalez from Monterrey, Mexico, were excited to attend the anniversary with their family and meet new people.
They showed up wearing matching red long-sleeved shirts, and one of the Gonzalez brothers wore a leather cut with unique patches from the Coyote Chapter in Monterrey. Both wore denim baseball caps with Harley Davidson pins. For them, Harley is all about spending time with your loved ones and making good memories in the process.
Next year: Harley-Davidson CEO announces 2024 homecoming festival dates
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Harley-Davidson fans use fashion to tell stories at Milwaukee festival
