Irvin/B3/A2 inspirations... Burberry aviator jackets

[mimaximax]

I'm still not sure to buy it... I've found some pictures (of the women version), zooming on some details. The close-up make us realize the jacket is actually much less glowing. The leather seems not so dark and pretty matt. Despite the whole jacket being heavy, the leather seems thick but quite supple, pliable and lightweight.

I wonder what kind of oil they used to darken and give the little shiny effect to the jacket.



Some advice to keep it for years ? I'm still tempted...

 

[Spitfire]

Just one more comment.
A lot of people know that I am into Irvin jackets and stuff.
And several of them has mailed or called me, telling me that Burberry is now makin "pilot/flying jackets just like yours".
Well - they don't.

It only goes to show that fashion is only a matter of repeating the same classics over and over again - every 10th year or so.
Raybans are hot - now they are not - now they are hot....
MC leatherjacket are hot/not/hot
Buffaloes (those terribly plateausole things) are hot for the first time since they were not.

Irvin jackets will always be hot IMO - what Burberry does is only a very expensive ripoff.

 

[captaincaveman1]

Unless you have serious hedge-fund money to throw around... and perhaps you do... I suspect most folks who value the money they earn would have a big case of buyer's remorse the day after purchase.

For a fraction of the cost, you could buy a more accurate repro. A design that has stood the test of time for 70 years.

 

[Silver Dollar]

I wonder if you're paying for extra good quality or just a name.

 

[mimaximax]

I saw some photos of you (Spitfire) and Andrew wearing Irvins on the last pages of the Irvin nuts thread, I just wanted to tell you that you both looked awesome. I also like very much the darker one Andrew wore with black shearling. Despite liking Irvin jackets, and the choice of leather put aside, I still prefer what Burberry made sourcing inspirations on already superb and intemporal jackets. My purpose isn't to get a repro, just to wear a jacket I love. I've got a couple of Burberry's trench and I'm really satisfied with the look, the details and the quality. Besides, if there is any need of adjusting or in the case something brake, they take (good) care of your garment.

I don't like the artistic tarification either but there are only 5 made and I haven't seen other jackets that looked like them. Nowadays, some people spend more for 3DTVs, I just prefer this jacket.

Which price would have been more fair in your opinion (I mean counting materials, fabrication and a reasonnable profit margin) ? Is lambskin more rare or expensive than other leathers ? If it was made of goat or sheep skin, would have it made a great jacket ?

Thanks again for all your answers.


Edit : to Silver Dollar ; I'm paying for extra good quality (this doesn't exclude delicate materials), and I'm paying for the look, the visual details and the overall design. The guy willing to pay just for the name will buy bags, scarves, or shirts displaying a big Burberry tartan pattern on it (but that can still look OK), for a mere fraction of the price of this jacket... Regarding durability, even if lambskin is delicate, we are not talking about a t-shirt ! I expect to keep this jacket at least 6-7 years, wearing it about 20 times a year and taking very good care of it.

 

[gyrobroyeur]

Hi Mimaximax.
You are on a vintage clothes forum, and I'm sure you are welcome here.
The product you are talking about is a modern fashion (really nothing to do with a B3 or an Irvin, even if I admit we can use the word "inspiration")
I suppose this particular answer could find a positive feedbacks on modern fashion forums.
Lambskin is'nt a rare leather. It's possible to find really bad lambskin jackets for really cheap...
I suppose if this shearling was made of goat, the design could radically changed.
"6-7 years, wearing it about 20 times a year and taking very good care of it": I'm sure you won't have any problem with your jacket. otherwise, Burberry is a serious house: keep the ticket...

The good price is what you are ready to put in it.
Over 1000$, don't ask yourself if it worst it or not, just enjoy...
IMO, if you want to sell it one day, it will be very difficult to find somebody that put more than the quarter you paid...
I have a Burb trench too... But it's a classic (without tartan on collar back, out of fashion)... I bought it 120 euros in perfect condition (the first hand have to pay more than 1000 for it).
It's easyer to find somebody interested to buy a classic, than by a hardly stylised shearling.
As I told you before, if you are in love with this jacket, don't try to rationalise your purchase...

 

[mimaximax]

Thanks for your advice. As you say, it's clearly a modern fashion jacket that look vintage. Design and price put aside, is the jacket feels high quality ? Durability of lambskin fits my use, so it isn't a matter anymore.

How do the leather looks in the close ups ? This lambskin seemed thick and treated to look older than it really is ; they say in the description it has been tumbled. Is tumbled lambskin even more fragile ? Is this high quality lambskin that may last longer than other lambskin ? What is a low quality lambskin ? How can this jacket get the darker and shiny patina showed in some pictures ? Does the shearling here reach the criteras of a top-notch Irvin jacket repro ? What about the zips and belts ? They talk about smooth Kenya leather straps, what is this actually ? It seems to be black brass buckles ; are buckles painted black ? These belts have been sourced somewhere ?

I think a classic vintage clothes forum is the right place to ask for advice because it's the place where I can meet highly knowledgeable specialists that can teach me about construction, quality and technical questions.

 

[normanf]

You're wrong. It is based on a particular World War II shearling jacket - ANJ4. Minus the ribbed knit sleeves. That's why I knew it WAS based on a particular WW II aviator jacket but I couldn't place the homage.

Now I do!

 

[Smithy]

You're wrong. It is based on a particular World War II shearling jacket - ANJ4. Minus the ribbed knit sleeves. That's why I knew it WAS based on a particular WW II aviator jacket but I couldn't place the homage.

Now I do!

I'd disagree with that. The first picture on the first page (which I believe is the jacket that the original poster is considering purchasing and which the discussion is about) is not really like an ANJ4 at all. The asymmetrical collar shape (of the main inner collar) is far more like an Irvin. Obviously the two leather straps on the collar are reminiscent of a B-3. Overall I think the jacket is an amalgam of different features of various flying jackets but perhaps the largest influence is of the Irvin.

 

[gyrobroyeur]

I'd disagree with that. The first picture on the first page (which I believe is the jacket that the original poster is considering purchasing and which the discussion is about) is not really like an ANJ4 at all. The asymmetrical collar shape (of the main inner collar) is far more like an Irvin. Obviously the two leather straps on the collar are reminiscent of a B-3. Overall I think the jacket is an amalgam of different features of various flying jackets but perhaps the largest influence is of the Irvin.

I think you don't speak about the same thing...
I suppose Normanf talk about his faux shearling?
To be honnest, it seems really far from an ANJ4... [huh]

 

[JoeNiblick]

So wait... Did Mimaximax ever make a decision? Paris winters are quickly approaching!

 

[kyboots]

Burberry Jacket

Dear Mimaximax: Please buy the Burberry jacket. It is a designer look that you like, and Burberry is not known for making bad clothes or they would not still be in business after all these 100+ years. It's hot and trendy so why not get what you want? It looks good in the fashion show, so why not buy what you like. We all like different things. Obviously there are others who do too. Show us the pics when you get it! Can't wait to see it! John

 

[alfyman]

I just got a New Sheepskin jacket

I just got a New sheepskin jacket at www.cirrus.com

 

[alfyman]

very nice

I would buy it,

 

[Jeff M]

What Andrew said.

 

[matei]

I think they have one in the display window at Selfridges. It isn't my cup of tea, but hey - to each his own.

 

[Spitfire]

I just got a New sheepskin jacket at www.cirrus.com

Are you sure?
lol

 

[kyboots]

Jacket

Hey Alfyman! that link took me to Cirrus Logic ( there is none of that in this thread ) but where is the jacket? John

 

[mimaximax]

Hello, I finally might have this Burberry aviator jacket. The few items produced were sold-out everywhere. It was extremely difficult to find one, especially in the right size. The only one I found, after one whole month of research around the globe, was in Austria. They're supposed to send it to me today.

While I was looking for it, I learned that the jacket was made after Burberry archive blueprints.

I hope all will go well as planned. As soon as I get my hands on it, I'll post pictures

 

[The Good]

Hello, I finally might have this Burberry aviator jacket. The few items produced were sold-out everywhere. It was extremely difficult to find one, especially in the right size. The only one I found, after one whole month of research around the globe, was in Austria. They're supposed to send it to me today.

While I was looking for it, I learned that the jacket was made after Burberry archive blueprints.

I hope all will go well as planned. As soon as I get my hands on it, I'll post pictures

Alright, I look forward to seeing pictures of your new jacket!