A visit to leather jacket heaven in Thessaloniki - Thedi Leathers!

[barnabus]

I've been idly browsing Thedi's stuff (as I do often and I'm sure you do too), and my attention keeps being drawn to the MTC-127980 Twill Gabardine & Buffalo Leather.

This one :

Does anybody have one? Or any experience of Thedi's Gabardine fabric? The jacket is looking more and more irresistible, but I've got no info whatsoever apart from these photos.

 

[jacketjunkie]

I've been idly browsing Thedi's stuff (as I do often and I'm sure you do too), and my attention keeps being drawn to the MTC-127980 Twill Gabardine & Buffalo Leather.

This one :

Does anybody have one? Or any experience of Thedi's Gabardine fabric? The jacket is looking more and more irresistible, but I've got no info whatsoever apart from these photos.

here's one in german ebay with plenty more pictures:
https://www.ebay.de/itm/123719850279

 

[barnabus]

Thanks!

 

[TheBigEraser]

Like @red devil mentioned, I joined him and his lovely wife to this excursion to Thedi shop in Thessaloniki.

I must say I was blown away by all the jackets at display in the shop! so many new and old styles, also some not yet at his webpage and huge selection of different leathers in various colours and finishes: deer, cow, horse, buffalo, goat, sheep, shearling etc.

I have kept Thedi in high regard in the past, but seeing all his creations in real life made me think that he is quite probably the most creative and original jacket maker out there at the moment! The attention to detail is absolutely brilliant! You really need to see these jackets in real life to truly appreciate what Theodoros is doing.

Unfortunately I was overwhelmed by the overload of beatiful jackets on forgot to take lots of pictures like I intended.

However I did not forget to order new jackets!

I have on order black Shinki cross button, black Italian hh peacoat, green buffalo/military canvas cross button and a A-1(ish) style made of military canvas and camouflage leather(!).

Here is the black italian hh peacoat:

Here’s the cross button model that I’ll have made of green buffalo and green canvas:

Thedi’s black shinki (not the model I’m having made)

Couple of other pics:

Hi Jejupe,

Many thanks for the photos firstly. That cross-zip jacket with cossack collar looks particularly interesting for me. Do you happen to have more photos for that piece? Because I didn't see this model displayed at Thedi's website.

 

[Jejupe]

Hi Jejupe,

Many thanks for the photos firstly. That cross-zip jacket with cossack collar looks particularly interesting for me. Do you happen to have more photos for that piece? Because I didn't see this model displayed at Thedi's website.

Hi, I'm afraid I don't have more pics of that one. Thedi has only a portion of his styles listed in his website. Actually I think he doesn't bother updating the page anymore. I suggest looking at his instagram and contacting him directly for more info and pics.

 

[TheBigEraser]

Hi, I'm afraid I don't have more pics of that one. Thedi has only a portion of his styles listed in his website. Actually I think he doesn't bother updating the page anymore. I suggest looking at his instagram and contacting him directly for more info and pics.

Thanks!

 

[AeroFan_07]

For me to walk into that shop in Greece would be saying "goodbye" to any savings account I have left over.

I really dig his products, history, and passion for quality leather goods. We are truly living in a golden age of leather jackets here and now.

 

[Benny Holiday]

For me to walk into that shop in Greece would be saying "goodbye" to any savings account I have left over.

I really dig his products, history, and passion for quality leather goods. We are truly living in a golden age of leather jackets here and now.

So true. When I first came across the Lounge 15-16 years ago, there were two big players mentioned: Lost Worlds and Aero, with the odd reference to Eastman Leather and what were then cheaper (= less authentic) military jacket repro companies like US Wings. Now we've got a whole range of companies and jacket styles to choose from.

 

[Marc mndt]

I have been looking forward to meeting Theodoros for a long time but unfortunately due to Covid we had to postpone our trip to Thessaloniki a couple of times. Last week I finally had the opportunity to enter 'leather jacket heaven' as @red devil rightfully coined it.

The sweet smell of vegetable tanned leathers welcomes you into the store from the doorstep. The shop (that used to house the old workshop where the jackets were made) is foremost an 'experience store' because most of the jackets are display samples which are not for sale.

I knew that I would become overwhelmed by all the awesome jackets and that I would probably not be able to make rational spending decisions. Therefore I prepared a shortlist with jacket styles that would be good additions to my collection and set a limit for myself at two new jackets, three at most .

Most of the display pieces were in size M or L, some S. I quickly learned that those labels don't mean anything. Lucky for me most of them were a reasonable fit so I was able to try on different styles.

First up was the cossack with W collar. I love how it looks on @Mandarin @Maxwell Von Chesapeake and @Mrfrown . Wanting something slightly different, I imagined one for myself in hand dyed teacore black horsehide.

They had three of these on hand, one in a green cowhide / goat suede combination, two in cowhide / canvas. One was a pre production sample that was used for trade shows, the other two are featured on their website.

When I tried on one of them, I didn't even have to take a look into the mirror to know it was a perfect fit. Theodoros and my girlfriend agreed so I said ok I'll take this one in black horsehide. Then there was silence lol. I looked at my girlfriend, she was shaking her head. Theodoros gave me a frown of disapproval lol. He said "Why in black, this one is perfect. I'll sell you this one". Who am I to argue with Theodoros

Next up was a mc jacket style that has been on my radar since Theodoros posted a pic of the jacket on his instagram more than a year ago. Unfortunately he didn't have the jacket on hand but Petros, Theodoros son in law who also came to the store for the occasion, was kind enough to go and pick it up from their workshop which is located just outside the city center.

When we discussed different leathers and finishing options, Theodoros also showed me a couple of black Shinki swatches. I know (some) jackets enthousiast see Shinki leather as the best of the best. Surely, Shinki offers nice leathers, but next to all the beautiful hand finished and hand dyed leathers from French and Italian tanneries that Thedi offers, Shinki looks kind of dull. Theodoros has been working in the industry for decades. His personal contacts from the tanneries know exactly what he likes and offer him the best hides they have to offer. This is something Theodoros is very proud of, yet on Thedi's website they just call it 'black Italian horsehide' or 'UK domestic sheepskin'. Anyway, I don't think any description can describe how nice they really are, these leathers should be experienced in the flesh.

This is Theodoros showing my custom order for the mc jacket, which will be in hand finished black Italian hh with brass hardware and a russet mouton collar. While Theodoros and I discussed all the options for leathers sizing and design, Alexandra (his lovely daughter) wrote everything down and made sure all details were well thought out: "Are you sure you want this snap here, it might feel uncomfortable while wearing the jacket without the collar".

Although the jackets come with a size tag, they don't mean much because for every custom order a custom pattern is made to perfectly fit the customer. Theodoros explained to me how pattern making takes up most of production time. "Sewing is easy" he told me lol.

I can't wait for this jacket to be ready. I have a feeling this custom 50s style mc jacket is going to be the pinnacle of my collection.

^^This one might be a future order. I tried it on and it was absolutely awesome. Theodoros told me he recently made this jacket in dark brown horsehide for a guy from Australia, his name was Nick @nickv . Theodoros really knows his customers. He and his team / family are awesome. If you ever have the chance to visit them, you should. It's a must do experience for every leather jacket enthousiast.

 

[jonesy86]

I have been looking forward to meeting Theodoros for a long time but unfortunately due to Covid we had to postpone our trip to Thessaloniki a couple of times. Last week I finally had the opportunity to enter 'leather jacket heaven' as @red devil rightfully coined it.

View attachment 366200 View attachment 366202
View attachment 366203

The sweet smell of vegetable tanned leathers welcomes you into the store from the doorstep. The shop (that used to house the old workshop where the jackets were made) is mostly an 'experience store' because most of the jackets are display samples which are not for sale.

I knew that I would become overwhelmed by all the awesome jackets and that I would probably not be able to make rational spending decisions. Therefore I prepared a shortlist with jacket styles that would be good additions to my collection and set a limit for myself at two new jackets, three at most .

Most of the display pieces were in size M or L, some S. I quickly learned that those labels don't mean anything. Lucky for me most of them were a reasonable fit so I was able to try on different styles.

First up was the cossack with W collar. I love how it looks on @Mandarin @Maxwell Von Chesapeake and @Mrfrown . Wanting something slightly different, I imagined one for myself in hand dyed teacore black horsehide.

View attachment 366197 View attachment 366199 View attachment 366196

They had three of these on hand, one in a green cowhide / goat suede combination, two in cowhide / canvas. One was a pre production sample that was used for trade shows, the other two are featured on their website.

When I tried on one of them, I didn't even have to take a look into the mirror to know it was a perfect fit. Theodoros and my girlfriend agreed so I said ok I'll take this one in black horsehide. Then there was silence lol. I looked at my girlfriend, she was shaking her head. Theodoros gave me a frown of disapproval lol. He said "Why in black, this one is perfect. I'll sell you this one". Who am I to argue with Theodoros

Next up was a mc jacket style that has been on my radar since Theodoros posted a pic of the jacket on his instagram more than a year ago. Unfortunately he didn't have the jacket on hand but Petros, Theodoros son in law who also came to the store for the occasion, was kind enough to go and pick it up from their workshop which is located just outside the city center.

View attachment 366198

When we discussed different leathers and finishing options, Theodoros also showed me a couple of black Shinki swatches. I know (some) jackets enthousiast see Shinki leather as the best of the best. Surely, Shinki offers nice leathers, but next to all the beautiful hand finished and hand dyed leathers from French and Italian tanneries that Thedi offers, Shinki looks kind of dull. Theodoros has been working in the industry for decades. His personal contacts from the tanneries know exactly what he likes and offer him the best hides they have to offer. This is something Theodoros is very proud of, yet on Thedi's website they just call it 'black Italian horsehide' or 'UK domestic sheepskin'. Anyway, I don't think any description can describe how nice they really are, these leathers should be experienced in the flesh.

View attachment 366195

This is Theodoros showing my custom order for the mc jacket, which will be in hand finished black Italian hh with brass hardware and a russet mouton collar. While Theodoros and I discussed all the options for leathers sizing and design, Alexandra (his lovely daughter) wrote everything down and made sure all details were well thought out: "Are you sure you want this snap here, it might feel uncomfortable while wearing the jacket without the collar".

Although the jackets come with a size tag, they don't mean much because for every custom order a custom pattern is made to perfectly fit the customer. Theodoros explained to me how pattern making takes up most of production time. "Sewing is easy" he told me lol.

I can't wait for this jacket to be ready. I have a feeling this custom 50s style mc jacket is going to be the pinnacle of my collection.



View attachment 366204

This one might be a future order. I tried it on and it was absolutely awesome. Theodoros told me he recently made this jacket in dark brown horsehide for a guy from Australia, his name was Nick @nickv . Theodoros really knows his customers. He and his team / family are awesome. If you ever have the chance to visit them, you should. It's a must do experience for every leather jacket enthousiast.

View attachment 366206

I’m on a train from Athens to Thessaloniki right now. I hope to pick up a jacket tomorrow.

 

[Mandarin]

I have been looking forward to meeting Theodoros for a long time but unfortunately due to Covid we had to postpone our trip to Thessaloniki a couple of times. Last week I finally had the opportunity to enter 'leather jacket heaven' as @red devil rightfully coined it.

View attachment 366200 View attachment 366202
View attachment 366203

The sweet smell of vegetable tanned leathers welcomes you into the store from the doorstep. The shop (that used to house the old workshop where the jackets were made) is mostly an 'experience store' because most of the jackets are display samples which are not for sale.

I knew that I would become overwhelmed by all the awesome jackets and that I would probably not be able to make rational spending decisions. Therefore I prepared a shortlist with jacket styles that would be good additions to my collection and set a limit for myself at two new jackets, three at most .

Most of the display pieces were in size M or L, some S. I quickly learned that those labels don't mean anything. Lucky for me most of them were a reasonable fit so I was able to try on different styles.

First up was the cossack with W collar. I love how it looks on @Mandarin @Maxwell Von Chesapeake and @Mrfrown . Wanting something slightly different, I imagined one for myself in hand dyed teacore black horsehide.

View attachment 366197 View attachment 366199 View attachment 366196

They had three of these on hand, one in a green cowhide / goat suede combination, two in cowhide / canvas. One was a pre production sample that was used for trade shows, the other two are featured on their website.

When I tried on one of them, I didn't even have to take a look into the mirror to know it was a perfect fit. Theodoros and my girlfriend agreed so I said ok I'll take this one in black horsehide. Then there was silence lol. I looked at my girlfriend, she was shaking her head. Theodoros gave me a frown of disapproval lol. He said "Why in black, this one is perfect. I'll sell you this one". Who am I to argue with Theodoros

Next up was a mc jacket style that has been on my radar since Theodoros posted a pic of the jacket on his instagram more than a year ago. Unfortunately he didn't have the jacket on hand but Petros, Theodoros son in law who also came to the store for the occasion, was kind enough to go and pick it up from their workshop which is located just outside the city center.

View attachment 366198

When we discussed different leathers and finishing options, Theodoros also showed me a couple of black Shinki swatches. I know (some) jackets enthousiast see Shinki leather as the best of the best. Surely, Shinki offers nice leathers, but next to all the beautiful hand finished and hand dyed leathers from French and Italian tanneries that Thedi offers, Shinki looks kind of dull. Theodoros has been working in the industry for decades. His personal contacts from the tanneries know exactly what he likes and offer him the best hides they have to offer. This is something Theodoros is very proud of, yet on Thedi's website they just call it 'black Italian horsehide' or 'UK domestic sheepskin'. Anyway, I don't think any description can describe how nice they really are, these leathers should be experienced in the flesh.

View attachment 366195

This is Theodoros showing my custom order for the mc jacket, which will be in hand finished black Italian hh with brass hardware and a russet mouton collar. While Theodoros and I discussed all the options for leathers sizing and design, Alexandra (his lovely daughter) wrote everything down and made sure all details were well thought out: "Are you sure you want this snap here, it might feel uncomfortable while wearing the jacket without the collar".

Although the jackets come with a size tag, they don't mean much because for every custom order a custom pattern is made to perfectly fit the customer. Theodoros explained to me how pattern making takes up most of production time. "Sewing is easy" he told me lol.

I can't wait for this jacket to be ready. I have a feeling this custom 50s style mc jacket is going to be the pinnacle of my collection.



View attachment 366204

This one might be a future order. I tried it on and it was absolutely awesome. Theodoros told me he recently made this jacket in dark brown horsehide for a guy from Australia, his name was Nick @nickv . Theodoros really knows his customers. He and his team / family are awesome. If you ever have the chance to visit them, you should. It's a must do experience for every leather jacket enthousiast.

View attachment 366206

Great report and great pictures. I really hope to get there myself. Congrats for the MC Jacket, it looks great. I promised myself I was done with leather jackets (I have way too many), but if ever I were to make an exception, it would be for a Thedi. I know exactly which one.

 

[Robbie79]

Thanks for your interesting report of your visit to Thedi! Makes me want to make a stop in 1.5 weeks as I won’t be too far away….maybe it’s not a good idea as I probably would lose self control

 

[roadking04]

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with us, Marc. WOW, what a place. Looks like he has quite the display (collection) of old M/C jackets hanging around. I am a sucker for motorcycle leathers. I can't wait to see your cross zip when it is done. It looks like Thedi is the new flavor of the month, I can't wait to see these new creations roll in. Thanks again for the great write up/pics.

 

[red devil]

Thanks for sharing this with us! Reallly nice to read

When we discussed different leathers and finishing options, Theodoros also showed me a couple of black Shinki swatches. I know (some) jackets enthousiast see Shinki leather as the best of the best. Surely, Shinki offers nice leathers, but next to all the beautiful hand finished and hand dyed leathers from French and Italian tanneries that Thedi offers, Shinki looks kind of dull. Theodoros has been working in the industry for decades. His personal contacts from the tanneries know exactly what he likes and offer him the best hides they have to offer. This is something Theodoros is very proud of, yet on Thedi's website they just call it 'black Italian horsehide' or 'UK domestic sheepskin'. Anyway, I don't think any description can describe how nice they really are, these leathers should be experienced in the flesh.

And this is exactly why I kept saying that when ordering from Thedi, you are better off letting him choose the leather. Forget about brands such as Shinki, Horween or whatever else... They are just brands and nothing more.

 

[jonesy86]

I have been looking forward to meeting Theodoros for a long time but unfortunately due to Covid we had to postpone our trip to Thessaloniki a couple of times. Last week I finally had the opportunity to enter 'leather jacket heaven' as @red devil rightfully coined it.

View attachment 366200 View attachment 366202
View attachment 366203

The sweet smell of vegetable tanned leathers welcomes you into the store from the doorstep. The shop (that used to house the old workshop where the jackets were made) is mostly an 'experience store' because most of the jackets are display samples which are not for sale.

I knew that I would become overwhelmed by all the awesome jackets and that I would probably not be able to make rational spending decisions. Therefore I prepared a shortlist with jacket styles that would be good additions to my collection and set a limit for myself at two new jackets, three at most .

Most of the display pieces were in size M or L, some S. I quickly learned that those labels don't mean anything. Lucky for me most of them were a reasonable fit so I was able to try on different styles.

First up was the cossack with W collar. I love how it looks on @Mandarin @Maxwell Von Chesapeake and @Mrfrown . Wanting something slightly different, I imagined one for myself in hand dyed teacore black horsehide.

View attachment 366197 View attachment 366199 View attachment 366196

They had three of these on hand, one in a green cowhide / goat suede combination, two in cowhide / canvas. One was a pre production sample that was used for trade shows, the other two are featured on their website.

When I tried on one of them, I didn't even have to take a look into the mirror to know it was a perfect fit. Theodoros and my girlfriend agreed so I said ok I'll take this one in black horsehide. Then there was silence lol. I looked at my girlfriend, she was shaking her head. Theodoros gave me a frown of disapproval lol. He said "Why in black, this one is perfect. I'll sell you this one". Who am I to argue with Theodoros

Next up was a mc jacket style that has been on my radar since Theodoros posted a pic of the jacket on his instagram more than a year ago. Unfortunately he didn't have the jacket on hand but Petros, Theodoros son in law who also came to the store for the occasion, was kind enough to go and pick it up from their workshop which is located just outside the city center.

View attachment 366198

When we discussed different leathers and finishing options, Theodoros also showed me a couple of black Shinki swatches. I know (some) jackets enthousiast see Shinki leather as the best of the best. Surely, Shinki offers nice leathers, but next to all the beautiful hand finished and hand dyed leathers from French and Italian tanneries that Thedi offers, Shinki looks kind of dull. Theodoros has been working in the industry for decades. His personal contacts from the tanneries know exactly what he likes and offer him the best hides they have to offer. This is something Theodoros is very proud of, yet on Thedi's website they just call it 'black Italian horsehide' or 'UK domestic sheepskin'. Anyway, I don't think any description can describe how nice they really are, these leathers should be experienced in the flesh.

View attachment 366195

This is Theodoros showing my custom order for the mc jacket, which will be in hand finished black Italian hh with brass hardware and a russet mouton collar. While Theodoros and I discussed all the options for leathers sizing and design, Alexandra (his lovely daughter) wrote everything down and made sure all details were well thought out: "Are you sure you want this snap here, it might feel uncomfortable while wearing the jacket without the collar".

Although the jackets come with a size tag, they don't mean much because for every custom order a custom pattern is made to perfectly fit the customer. Theodoros explained to me how pattern making takes up most of production time. "Sewing is easy" he told me lol.

I can't wait for this jacket to be ready. I have a feeling this custom 50s style mc jacket is going to be the pinnacle of my collection.



View attachment 366204

This one might be a future order. I tried it on and it was absolutely awesome. Theodoros told me he recently made this jacket in dark brown horsehide for a guy from Australia, his name was Nick @nickv . Theodoros really knows his customers. He and his team / family are awesome. If you ever have the chance to visit them, you should. It's a must do experience for every leather jacket enthousiast.

View attachment 366206

I’m on a train from Athens to Thessaloniki right now. I hope to pick up a jacket tomorrow.

Thanks for sharing this with us! Reallly nice to read



And this is exactly why I kept saying that when ordering from Thedi, you are better off letting him choose the leather. Forget about brands such as Shinki, Horween or whatever else... They are just brands and nothing more.

 

[jonesy86]

I have been looking forward to meeting Theodoros for a long time but unfortunately due to Covid we had to postpone our trip to Thessaloniki a couple of times. Last week I finally had the opportunity to enter 'leather jacket heaven' as @red devil rightfully coined it.

View attachment 366200 View attachment 366202
View attachment 366203

The sweet smell of vegetable tanned leathers welcomes you into the store from the doorstep. The shop (that used to house the old workshop where the jackets were made) is foremost an 'experience store' because most of the jackets are display samples which are not for sale.

I knew that I would become overwhelmed by all the awesome jackets and that I would probably not be able to make rational spending decisions. Therefore I prepared a shortlist with jacket styles that would be good additions to my collection and set a limit for myself at two new jackets, three at most .

Most of the display pieces were in size M or L, some S. I quickly learned that those labels don't mean anything. Lucky for me most of them were a reasonable fit so I was able to try on different styles.

First up was the cossack with W collar. I love how it looks on @Mandarin @Maxwell Von Chesapeake and @Mrfrown . Wanting something slightly different, I imagined one for myself in hand dyed teacore black horsehide.

View attachment 366197 View attachment 366199 View attachment 366196

They had three of these on hand, one in a green cowhide / goat suede combination, two in cowhide / canvas. One was a pre production sample that was used for trade shows, the other two are featured on their website.

When I tried on one of them, I didn't even have to take a look into the mirror to know it was a perfect fit. Theodoros and my girlfriend agreed so I said ok I'll take this one in black horsehide. Then there was silence lol. I looked at my girlfriend, she was shaking her head. Theodoros gave me a frown of disapproval lol. He said "Why in black, this one is perfect. I'll sell you this one". Who am I to argue with Theodoros

Next up was a mc jacket style that has been on my radar since Theodoros posted a pic of the jacket on his instagram more than a year ago. Unfortunately he didn't have the jacket on hand but Petros, Theodoros son in law who also came to the store for the occasion, was kind enough to go and pick it up from their workshop which is located just outside the city center.

View attachment 366198

When we discussed different leathers and finishing options, Theodoros also showed me a couple of black Shinki swatches. I know (some) jackets enthousiast see Shinki leather as the best of the best. Surely, Shinki offers nice leathers, but next to all the beautiful hand finished and hand dyed leathers from French and Italian tanneries that Thedi offers, Shinki looks kind of dull. Theodoros has been working in the industry for decades. His personal contacts from the tanneries know exactly what he likes and offer him the best hides they have to offer. This is something Theodoros is very proud of, yet on Thedi's website they just call it 'black Italian horsehide' or 'UK domestic sheepskin'. Anyway, I don't think any description can describe how nice they really are, these leathers should be experienced in the flesh.

View attachment 366195

This is Theodoros showing my custom order for the mc jacket, which will be in hand finished black Italian hh with brass hardware and a russet mouton collar. While Theodoros and I discussed all the options for leathers sizing and design, Alexandra (his lovely daughter) wrote everything down and made sure all details were well thought out: "Are you sure you want this snap here, it might feel uncomfortable while wearing the jacket without the collar".

Although the jackets come with a size tag, they don't mean much because for every custom order a custom pattern is made to perfectly fit the customer. Theodoros explained to me how pattern making takes up most of production time. "Sewing is easy" he told me lol.

I can't wait for this jacket to be ready. I have a feeling this custom 50s style mc jacket is going to be the pinnacle of my collection.



View attachment 366204

^^This one might be a future order. I tried it on and it was absolutely awesome. Theodoros told me he recently made this jacket in dark brown horsehide for a guy from Australia, his name was Nick @nickv . Theodoros really knows his customers. He and his team / family are awesome. If you ever have the chance to visit them, you should. It's a must do experience for every leather jacket enthousiast.

View attachment 366206

I am both disappointed and relieved to hear that he may not have many jackets OTR in my size. He had his tannery take his brown goatskin down to .8, and he is
Making me a burnished cross zip.

 

[Marc mndt]

I am both disappointed and relieved to hear that he may not have many jackets OTR in my size. He had his tannery take his brown goatskin down to .8, and he is
Making me a burnished cross zip.

This model, right?

 

[Tom71]

I have been looking forward to meeting Theodoros for a long time but unfortunately due to Covid we had to postpone our trip to Thessaloniki a couple of times. Last week I finally had the opportunity to enter 'leather jacket heaven' as @red devil rightfully coined it.

View attachment 366200 View attachment 366202
View attachment 366203

The sweet smell of vegetable tanned leathers welcomes you into the store from the doorstep. The shop (that used to house the old workshop where the jackets were made) is foremost an 'experience store' because most of the jackets are display samples which are not for sale.

I knew that I would become overwhelmed by all the awesome jackets and that I would probably not be able to make rational spending decisions. Therefore I prepared a shortlist with jacket styles that would be good additions to my collection and set a limit for myself at two new jackets, three at most .

Most of the display pieces were in size M or L, some S. I quickly learned that those labels don't mean anything. Lucky for me most of them were a reasonable fit so I was able to try on different styles.

First up was the cossack with W collar. I love how it looks on @Mandarin @Maxwell Von Chesapeake and @Mrfrown . Wanting something slightly different, I imagined one for myself in hand dyed teacore black horsehide.

View attachment 366197 View attachment 366199 View attachment 366196

They had three of these on hand, one in a green cowhide / goat suede combination, two in cowhide / canvas. One was a pre production sample that was used for trade shows, the other two are featured on their website.

When I tried on one of them, I didn't even have to take a look into the mirror to know it was a perfect fit. Theodoros and my girlfriend agreed so I said ok I'll take this one in black horsehide. Then there was silence lol. I looked at my girlfriend, she was shaking her head. Theodoros gave me a frown of disapproval lol. He said "Why in black, this one is perfect. I'll sell you this one". Who am I to argue with Theodoros

Next up was a mc jacket style that has been on my radar since Theodoros posted a pic of the jacket on his instagram more than a year ago. Unfortunately he didn't have the jacket on hand but Petros, Theodoros son in law who also came to the store for the occasion, was kind enough to go and pick it up from their workshop which is located just outside the city center.

View attachment 366198

When we discussed different leathers and finishing options, Theodoros also showed me a couple of black Shinki swatches. I know (some) jackets enthousiast see Shinki leather as the best of the best. Surely, Shinki offers nice leathers, but next to all the beautiful hand finished and hand dyed leathers from French and Italian tanneries that Thedi offers, Shinki looks kind of dull. Theodoros has been working in the industry for decades. His personal contacts from the tanneries know exactly what he likes and offer him the best hides they have to offer. This is something Theodoros is very proud of, yet on Thedi's website they just call it 'black Italian horsehide' or 'UK domestic sheepskin'. Anyway, I don't think any description can describe how nice they really are, these leathers should be experienced in the flesh.

View attachment 366195

This is Theodoros showing my custom order for the mc jacket, which will be in hand finished black Italian hh with brass hardware and a russet mouton collar. While Theodoros and I discussed all the options for leathers sizing and design, Alexandra (his lovely daughter) wrote everything down and made sure all details were well thought out: "Are you sure you want this snap here, it might feel uncomfortable while wearing the jacket without the collar".

Although the jackets come with a size tag, they don't mean much because for every custom order a custom pattern is made to perfectly fit the customer. Theodoros explained to me how pattern making takes up most of production time. "Sewing is easy" he told me lol.

I can't wait for this jacket to be ready. I have a feeling this custom 50s style mc jacket is going to be the pinnacle of my collection.



View attachment 366204

^^This one might be a future order. I tried it on and it was absolutely awesome. Theodoros told me he recently made this jacket in dark brown horsehide for a guy from Australia, his name was Nick @nickv . Theodoros really knows his customers. He and his team / family are awesome. If you ever have the chance to visit them, you should. It's a must do experience for every leather jacket enthousiast.

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Great write-up and super photos, Marc! Exactly my experience when I met the family in 2019. They actually opened the shop for me and Thedi drove over from home to meet me and my wife. Nothing better than meeting the person behind the product!

 

[Monitor]

Great write up and that is such a cozy, nice place Zeus' got there. I wish I hadn't gotten myself banned for life from there. Those belts are fantastic. I'm not sure what jacket I'd get if I ever visit but I know I'd leave with a bag full of accessories.

 

[Marc mndt]

I'm not sure what jacket I'd get if I ever visit but I know I'd leave with a bag full of accessories.

You could get one of their beautiful bags and fill them with accessories