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Of course there are artistic components to the jackets we exalt here. Many of the details we discuss here are purely artistic in nature, including leather colors/shades, leather grain and patina, stitch color, top stitching, stitching symmetry, liner styles (solid versus patterned liners), patches, labels (including use of original manufacturer labels), collar angles, paintings on the back of jackets, etching on snaps, accuracy of the reproduction (compared to the original/vintage jacket), zipper piping, etc. Other details have both artistic and functional components (e.g., interior pockets and whether the pocket can be seen from the outside). Our obsession with the perfect fit is far more about art than function. Frankly, many of the ostensibly functional components of jackets take on artistic overlays here, and oftentimes the art dominates the function (e.g., zipper styles, sizes and pulls, pocket placement, gussets, jacket length, sleeve length, etc.). Even the weights of the different leathers have artistic implications (the mid-weight leathers often drape better).
At the end of the day, what is the single most important factor that determines whether a jacket is a success or not? The fit! How does the jacket look when worn. That’s art. When was the last time someone posted here that their jacket fits perfectly and they love the look of the jacket, but they are returning/selling it because it is not sufficiently functional? Its certainly possible, but a rare occurrence. The vast majority of the time, we return/sell jackets because they do not fit well. Alternatively, over time we lose interest in the style of the jacket. In both instances, the decision to sell is driven by artistic considerations.
Hookless zippers are a perfect example of art dominating functionality. Hookless zippers are a huge pain in the ass, and totally non-functional. Yet, many here exalt hookless zippers because of their inspirational connection to the original/vintage jackets upon which our reproductions are based. Many of the original pocket designs were intended for items that very few carry today (e.g., maps, guns, etc.). Yet, jackets continue to incorporate the original pocket design elements for artistic reasons.
Functionality remains a relevant and important consideration. That said, art is a major focus of this community.
At the end of the day, what is the single most important factor that determines whether a jacket is a success or not? The fit! How does the jacket look when worn. That’s art. When was the last time someone posted here that their jacket fits perfectly and they love the look of the jacket, but they are returning/selling it because it is not sufficiently functional? Its certainly possible, but a rare occurrence. The vast majority of the time, we return/sell jackets because they do not fit well. Alternatively, over time we lose interest in the style of the jacket. In both instances, the decision to sell is driven by artistic considerations.
Hookless zippers are a perfect example of art dominating functionality. Hookless zippers are a huge pain in the ass, and totally non-functional. Yet, many here exalt hookless zippers because of their inspirational connection to the original/vintage jackets upon which our reproductions are based. Many of the original pocket designs were intended for items that very few carry today (e.g., maps, guns, etc.). Yet, jackets continue to incorporate the original pocket design elements for artistic reasons.
Functionality remains a relevant and important consideration. That said, art is a major focus of this community.
