Biker jackets have got a hot new look for summer, reports MAXINE GORDON.

Zippy-chic has taken the fashion world by storm ever since Gucci paraded its funky leather biker jacket on the catwalk. Posh Spice, Zoe Ball and Meg Mathews all become devotees of the little black zip-up - helping no end its rise to the top of the style hit parade.

But if you thought the biker jacket had reached the end of the road, you'd be wrong. Colour - the fashion story of the spring and summer - has opened a new chapter in its fortunes.

Hot pink, brilliant red, soft lilac and seaside turquoise have all burst on to the fashion front this season, ensuring this summer will be bright, even if the weather's a washout.

And the good news is that a rainbow coalition has been formed between the biker jacket and the new colour palette to produce garments suitable for summer.

Leather in summer? Well, it isn't as daft as it might appear. After all, even if we are blessed with some hot days, chilly evenings will still warrant a jacket.

And if you want to make a style statement, you should be looking at the latest collection of leather and suede jackets in softer colours for summer.

Make the high street your first port of call. Leading the charge of the leather brigade is Lakeland, the fine leather specialists with a branch in York's Stonegate.

It has a range of super-trendy zipper jackets in hot, bubblegum pink. About to join the collection are jackets in lilac, turquoise and creamy white.

Lakeland's Sue Hext says: "Vibrant colours are already having an impact. They have helped revive people's interest in clothes. For so long, it's been black or linen in plain colours, and suddenly there's been an explosion of colour which is really inspiring people.

"These jackets started coming through last autumn, but it's just grown and grown and the predictions are it will carry through to next spring.

"Just now we are seeing hot pinks, lilac and turquoise, but in the autumn there will be jackets in tan, orange, red and green, with pastel shades predicted for next spring."

Styles are also changing, with plain, zip-front jackets, those with funnel necks and 'speedway' styles with padded elbows coming in alongside the biker range at Lakeland, adds Sue.

Several are available in suede too. "Suede really lends itself to these bright colours," says Sue.

"It is lighter and softer for summer, and certain suede tends to be cheaper than leather. But it is important for it to be protected, so it doesn't get grimy."

Lakeland has a range of products suitable for protecting suede and leather and staff can advise on how best to look after these garments, she adds. Another reason to explain the popularity of the leather look is its affordability.

At Lakeland, a pink zip-up leather jacket costs £149 with a suede number coming in at £79.95 - prices which prove very competitive with jackets from the high street chains.

French Connection Buy Mail has a vibrant red leather biker jacket for £250; Next's spring/summer catalogue has a suede funnel neck jacket for £190 and M&S Direct has a leather funnel-neck jacket in caramel for £250.

Sue says leather is more affordable than ever. "A lot of it is to do with fashion. Leather used to be classed as a luxury item and was not so widely sought after.

"Fashion has revived its fortunes and it has become a lot more accessible.

"And with these new colours, it's really wonderful. You feel much more like going shopping."