Could I supply my own leather for an Aero jacket?

[Peacoat]

I don't see why you would. You can get custom anything (including a design with an Aero jacket as a starting point) from
Johnson Leathers of San Francisco for half the price and better service. Just my opinion, owning both.

While I like the JL jackets a lot, and have two of them, I think Aero has a better selection of top end hides. The CXL they get from Horween is really nice, especially in the brown. And the seal Vicenza, from what I have seen from Carrie's posts, really knocks me out. I just don't think those two hides will be topped anytime soon. Unfortunately I don't think JL has a channel for them.

 

[music321]

I guess I mentioned "Aero" since I know their work to be of the highest quality. It occurs to me that I might find something local. Are there recommendations for something in the New York area? Schott is here, but I don't think that they do custom work. BTW, I don't think that Aero offers 'roo any longer. This pic, posted by Lemon328i is of an Aero Roo jacket with a wonderful color:

 

[SkyTurtle]

These Aero hides not close enough for you?

Hey, Nerd. Do you know the names of those hides? I have a King of the Road in the design phase and would love to consider those finishes if they're still available. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ProteinNerd]

I think they are called Battered Tan and Battered Seal.

 

[feltfan]

While I like the JL jackets a lot, and have two of them, I think Aero has a better selection of top end hides. The CXL they get from Horween is really nice, especially in the brown. And the seal Vicenza, from what I have seen from Carrie's posts, really knocks me out. I just don't think those two hides will be topped anytime soon. Unfortunately I don't think JL has a channel for them.

That's a matter of personal taste and I understand your point. But this thread is about a guy who wants to supply his
own hide. If he is going to eliminate the one advantage (perceived, mind you, since I wouldn't want all of my jackets
made of CXL) Aero has, then he might as well go to Johnson, where he probably has a better shot at an outstanding fit
and all the customizations he wants, at half the price, with a much faster turn around (and buys American, if it matters).

 

[ton312]

Both Aero and Johnson will get you better hides than you are able to source yourself. For what you are after (from the opening photo) I would ask Johnson to send you a sample of a cowhide they have called "Rocky". It's a dark brown, 2.5-3oz that will very quickly show light brown undertones. It's very cool stuff and it looks like it would develop an amazing patina in very short order, without the faux aging that is aesthetically unpleasant and screams cheap 80's jacket.

 

[Otter]

Isn't Lost Worlds based in NY ? I don't know how Stu would be about your own leather, but you could always ask.

 

[Carlos840]

Isn't Lost Worlds based in NY ? I don't know how Stu would be about your own leather, but you could always ask.

I doubt you could source a leather manly enough for Stu to work with on your own...

 

[Otter]

What little I have seen of his jackets have looked very good........cue a new thread for LW owners jackets ?

 

[Sloan1874]

Isn't Lost Worlds based in NY ? I don't know how Stu would be about your own leather, but you could always ask.

He'll probably take a contract on out you.

 

[Fanch]

 

[Peacoat]

He'l probably take a contract on out you.

Yes, and I wouldn't even raise the subject with him. Bad things would happen.

 

[K-Pants]

Walrus hide? Anyone?

 

[Edgar Laurel]

Isn't Lost Worlds based in NY ? I don't know how Stu would be about your own leather, but you could always ask.

There's the risk he would call you a sissy for sourcing your own leather instead of using real mens leather.

 

[Edgar Laurel]

He'll probably take a contract on out you.

Is he really that "strange"?
If I was interested in one of his jackets should I aproach carefully?

 

[Sloan1874]

I'm almost certain that Stu would be pretty catagoric in his answer if you asked him to make a jacket with your own leather. His own hides are pretty unique to his own work, just as Aero and Good Wear's are, so the idea of Stu, given his robust attitude to his craft generally, making a jacket from any old leather seems unlikely.

 

[Plumbline]

I've "spoken" to Stu in person and communicated through email many times, and have/have had more than a few of his jackets. I'm not so sure he would be so against this ( and at the very least he'd more than welcome the discussion). His website content and "tone" don't resonate well with many on here .. but I have to say he's produced nothing but exceptional products ( Suburban, Bedford, B3 and ANJ-4) for me and with excellent customer service even with customisation ( size and linings etc.).

.... equally Diamond Dave would also be up for this perhaps.

 

[Sloan1874]

I wouldn't say that somebody who puts this on his website is encouraging an 'own material' option:
"Although our jackets cost more than some others we've never -- NEVER! -- heard from a customer that the difference wasn't worth it. That's because LOST WORLDS sells to educated grown-ups who purchase by choice rather than "internet buddy coercion." Frequently a first-time customer has reservations about spending "so much." When, however, the jacket arrives, he thinks it cheap at the price. But not everyone needs the Best. If YOU do...."
Basically, he's saying 'you come to me because you want what we offer'. What's the point of having a personal brand built on a consistency of materials, design and workmanship, if you're willing to chuck it out just for just one sale? If I was Stu, I would be quite offended by somebody approaching me and saying 'I quite like you're designs but you're choice of materials suck'. The OP should go to a leather tailor who's happy to make a design of the customer's making with leather of their own choosing, like Navatsea's one.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Sloan, those are the childlike ravings of a self-glorifying pantaloon.

 

[Sloan1874]

Mine or his?