How many new jackets do you have coming (and how many potential ones)?

[dannyk]

Cool, thanks!


Ah, the 59er Highwayman.... Interesting model. Not, as some assume, a repop of the Lewis Dominator (which closely resembles it), but in fact a repop of an original Highwayman-brand jacket from 1959, made by Rivetts of Leytonstone, East London. Back in 1983, Ken made the first HWM as we know it now for a customer. It started off as being based on that original jacket, but per the fashion of the 50s revival then in swing, Ken Americanised the fit, made it a bit looser, changed the cuffs. This version is faithful to the original. Rivett's were Lewis-Aviakit's big rivals for many years - crucially, they were making this style, which became ubiquitous among the ton-up set in a way cross-zips never quite did, for several years before Lewis introduced their Dominator and Corsair models. Lewis ultimately bought out Rivetts (never been able to find out exactly when), but at some point left the brand unused, which is why the Highewayman mark was available for the Aero jackets by the 1980s.

I already have a standard Highwayman, but I'm always sorely tempted by this version whenever I see one....

I’ve heard back and unfortunately he says he’s heard nothing about expanding the size range as you can imagine.

 

[Edward]

I’ve heard back and unfortunately he says he’s heard nothing about expanding the size range as you can imagine.

Guess I'll just have to keep waiting. It'll happen sooner or later, I'm sure - the Chinese aren'tg ones to miss a trick when it comes to expanding a business market!

 

[Edward]

With that particular style, I'd prefer the Lewis Leathers. It's their flagship style after all and I like the Dominator better with no seams on the chest.

THat is the other difference as stock, of course - the fringed model (Pathfinder?) in the Lewis range has the yoke (to fit the chest fringing, obvs), the Dominator two chest pockets, the Corsair a plain front. The yoke is an original feature of the Rivetts jacket, though I suspect Aero might delete it if asked nicely. When I got my Dustbowl I was able to have it with plain front and a chest zip, though I could be tempted by the chest yoke on this one if I needed to 'differentiate' ("No, dear, it's not an identical black jacket - this one has a chest yoke, you see, and I *need* one with that - it make it different from all the others....").

I really like the Dominator as well. Like you, I think chest pockets are a little bit nicer than a front yoke. But I much prefer the back design of the 59'er over the dominator. And it's 230 GBP difference in price...

Lewis are lovely, but yeah, crazy spendy. I think the price difference is more now than it used to be? I'm guessing the weak pound hits that. (From what I gather, in the jacket business any advantage in exports for a weak pound has been hit hard by an increasing in the cost of buying in hides from both Europe and the USA.)

 

[handymike]

Premier Highwayman: (@Witchtrip configuration).
Should be here by Halloween .

 

[El Marro]

Premier Highwayman: (@Witchtrip configuration).
Should be here by Halloween .

That’s awesome!
Which hide did you go with?

 

[nick123]

THat is the other difference as stock, of course - the fringed model (Pathfinder?) in the Lewis range has the yoke (to fit the chest fringing, obvs), the Dominator two chest pockets, the Corsair a plain front. The yoke is an original feature of the Rivetts jacket, though I suspect Aero might delete it if asked nicely. When I got my Dustbowl I was able to have it with plain front and a chest zip, though I could be tempted by the chest yoke on this one if I needed to 'differentiate' ("No, dear, it's not an identical black jacket - this one has a chest yoke, you see, and I *need* one with that - it make it different from all the others....").



Lewis are lovely, but yeah, crazy spendy. I think the price difference is more now than it used to be? I'm guessing the weak pound hits that. (From what I gather, in the jacket business any advantage in exports for a weak pound has been hit hard by an increasing in the cost of buying in hides from both Europe and the USA.)

Where there's a slight edginess to the Lewis, there's class to the Aero. Pick your poison.

 

[handymike]

That’s awesome!
Which hide did you go with?

Black CXL

 

[torfjord]

Lewis are lovely, but yeah, crazy spendy. I think the price difference is more now than it used to be? I'm guessing the weak pound hits that. (From what I gather, in the jacket business any advantage in exports for a weak pound has been hit hard by an increasing in the cost of buying in hides from both Europe and the USA.)

The weak pound hasn’t really had any effect on prices for me unfortunately. I’m in Sweden and the Swedish krona is at an (all time?) historical low point. Buying from the UK has actually become more expensive for me in the past year, despite the long running and highly entertaining Brexit show.

 

[Psant25]

Well I just got the call. The mp500 from Johnson Leathers that was going to take a couple weeks took a couple days. Hoping the stock mp500 fits and is a keeper! Will post when I get it. Was going to use as a fit jacket but measurements came out pretty darn close. And specified about exactly how i would make it. The mp500 is a stock cross zip moto jacket they make. Similar to my langlitz columbia and a cal lapd
-3.5 oz naked black cow
-antique brass hardware
-no collar snaps
-hidden lapel snaps
-25 inch back

 

[Man of Vintage]

Scored this all original vintage Westbury Sportswear horsehide jacket today - I really like the one piece back. I've never seen this particular maker, have you @tmitchell59 ?

 

[Psant25]

Anyone gonna order aeros new leather ? Would love to hear details/impressions

 

[ton312]

Anyone gonna order aeros new leather ? Would love to hear details/impressions

Badlassi?

 

[JMax]

Anyone gonna order aeros new leather ? Would love to hear details/impressions

Badalassi? Saw a post on FB but I don't see anything on the Aero page. I was pondering an Indian Ranger for an EOY purchase and think this leather would work.

 

[Boyo]

I saw a recent Instagram post regarding the use of Badalassi leather, apparently as it comes from the tannery its very heavy and stiff, Aero need to send it on to another leather company to "rework" it so that its suitable for jackets.. @dudewuttheheck recently received an A-1, the leather looks really nice.
If it matters its available only in cowhide, ( Badalassi doesnt make horsehide)
as of now Aero have two colors Tobacco and Russet

 

[ton312]

Posting this for @Monitor and myself:

 

[tmitchell59]

Scored this all original vintage Westbury Sportswear horsehide jacket today - I really like the one piece back. I've never seen this particular maker, have you @tmitchell59 ?

View attachment 190150 View attachment 190151 View attachment 190152 View attachment 190153 View attachment 190154

Nice score! I have not seen this label. I will add to my label list.

Not a style I am familiar with either. Unique.

 

[Psant25]

Yes @ton312 @JMax

Instagram under comments aero says 1-1.2 mm

@dudewuttheheck what do you think about it?

Thanks @Boyo

 

[powersci]

Got the shipping notice last night for my Aero B3 and ANJ4. Arrival on Wednesday. Pictures to follow!

 

[Psant25]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3pkWJ7JYVZ/?igshid=atqt4dog5izh

 

[ton312]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3pkWJ7JYVZ/?igshid=atqt4dog5izh

Looks quite a bit nicer that what I saw on Aero's FB page...quite a bit indeed.