Leather advice for a very very newbie.

[ChubbMuff]

I do recommend Good Wear / Mr. J. Chapman, and I know exactly why I do so. I myself found it really energy- and time-consuming to get from Aero exactly what you want. Beside this I find their Front Quarter leather excellent, but only this one ... The lighter versions look nice but didn't fullfil my expectations.

With Good Wear customizing works best, and you won't have to order a remake because of sizing problems. Very friendly communication (Good Wear answers in full sentences ), and the quality of both the handicraft and the leather is outstanding and the best you can get.

To show only one example:

http://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/gwcalventura_images3.html

It is worth the waiting time in any case!

Kind regards,

Johannes

Hi Johannes,

Thanks for taking the time. Good Wear look really nice, I do love this one:

http://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/sale_arcadia_0001.html

It's like a trimmed and stripped shortened Hercules, I fell in love with the Aero Hercules initially (like 2 years ago) but just found after seeing many photos that it was a bit too much of a bulky cut. The Arcadia is really nice but I am after a longer style.

 

[Graemsay]

It's like your reading my mind! I replied to Amanda about modifying a Stuart after she gave me an initial no, so I'll wait and see. I really like the fit and look of the Hippy however I am not a fan of the pockets. It is also a jacket I can find no pics of anyone actually wearing the thing so it's difficult to get a gauge on how it actually looks on and what the length is. I would probably stear (geddit? Moooooo!) clear of the hide it's shown in as tan doesn't suit me and I want to break the bad boy in myself. Unless it's like that kind of leather that goes really goldy brown tobacco kind of colour the more you wear it. I could get into that...

Thanks for being so helpful!

I found one picture of the Hippy being worn on a Taiwanese site.

You could get it made up in a different hide, alter the pocket configuration, and so forth.

Jan's suggestion of a Cheyenne is a good one. I thought that it was a looser fitting design than it is.

 

[Lungomare]

Hi Johannes,

Thanks for taking the time. Good Wear look really nice, I do love this one:

http://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/sale_arcadia_0001.html

It's like a trimmed and stripped shortened Hercules, I fell in love with the Aero Hercules initially (like 2 years ago) but just found after seeing many photos that it was a bit too much of a bulky cut. The Arcadia is really nice but I am after a longer style.

Yes, also for my taste the Hercules is too bulky ...

The Arcadia is really nice but I am after a longer style.

Ask Mr. Chapman! He is an artist and might make a longer version or some kind of hybrid jacket as well.

Kind regards,

Johannes

 

[Edward]

ChubbMuff, to be honest I think your very best bet is to get in touch with Jonathan Logan as he makes a large number of different styles of 70s inspired leather jackets.

He is probably best known for making Brad Pitt's 70s red leather jacket for the film "Fight Club" which he still makes for customers.

http://www.jonathanalogan.com/

Jings, that was custom? It looked so right (perfect recreation of the 70s jackets that were plentiful and cheap and so commonly worn when I was an undergraduate, and are still popular among hipsters now), I assumed it was vintage.

Wow Smithy, thanks heaps. That looks almost perfect and is about how much I want/can afford to spend. The red may be a bit much but I am sure he can sort me a different colour. Do you know anything about this guy in terms of leather quality etc? The jacket looks lush! Thanks again Man.

PS You got a footy team you follow down there? Massive Swans fan myself.

The red was very distinctive. I did read somewhere that red (all Tyler Durden's leather jacket - at least two that he wears - are red) was chosen specifically because in some parts of the world, Italy especially, it is considered am "effeminate" colour... bearing in mind a huge theme in the film is challenging the conventional notions of what is "manly". Great film...

Seb: thanks for the reply. I have been on the Magnolia site but cannot work out if the guy makes the jackets in NZ or has them made "offshore" so to speak. I don't want the world's thickest FQHH or steer but do want something hard wearing. I know to many the style I want is more fashion but I want something well made that I can wear forever and not worry about it tearing or getting snagged.

It's no secret that Indy M has his stuff made in the Far East (I think it was Thailand). I've seen examples of his brand in person that were nice. The main qualitative issue some folks seem to have had is with measurements, which is always going to be a risk buying via mail.

 

[ChubbMuff]

I found one picture of the Hippy being worn on a Taiwanese site.

Was wondering where Aero were going with that style, then I saw this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EAST-WEST-M...pt=Vintage_Men_s_Clothing&hash=item3a73cabf59

Makes sense now, awesome jacket, but I couldn't pull it off. Nor find the 4G's.

 

[Smithy]

The Logan jackets are well made but just a notch above fashion cowhide. You'd get a decade out of it, if you're careful, but you won't be passing it on to grandkids. And that may be fine with you.

Hi Seb, that goes a little against what I've heard. I know a couple of guys who have had the Logan Fight Club jackets for quite a few years now and swear by them. They aren't gentle on them and they have praised their ability to stand up to punishment. Still going very strong apparently.

ChubbMuff, I still think if you are after a "new" 70s style jacket your best bet are the Logans and they can be made in different leathers I believe. I've seen the Fight Club style in brown and it did look great.

Jings, that was custom? It looked so right (perfect recreation of the 70s jackets that were plentiful and cheap and so commonly worn when I was an undergraduate, and are still popular among hipsters now), I assumed it was vintage.



The red was very distinctive. I did read somewhere that red (all Tyler Durden's leather jacket - at least two that he wears - are red) was chosen specifically because in some parts of the world, Italy especially, it is considered am "effeminate" colour... bearing in mind a huge theme in the film is challenging the conventional notions of what is "manly". Great film...

Apparently wardrobe went op shopping and picked up some pieces to use in the film and to use as patterns for other items. Jonathan Logan was tasked with knocking up the jacket for Pitt. Have to agree with you, spectacular film and one of my favourites.

 

[ButteMT61]

You guys are getting closer to this...
lol

 

[ButteMT61]

Have a jacket that you want duplicated?
Have a jacket that is unique and valuable that you want to keep in the closet and wear its replica?
Have a jacket that is worn and damaged and you want a brand new of the same, only they don't make it any more?

Talk to the experts. Bill Kelso can make a clone of your jacket. With all the details and nuances that you will specify.

Why not send us an email to sales@billkelsomfg.com and discuss?

Thanks,
A. Falzon obo Bill Kelso Mfg.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Hi Seb, that goes a little against what I've heard. I know a couple of guys who have had the Logan Fight Club jackets for quite a few years now and swear by them. They aren't gentle on them and they have praised their ability to stand up to punishment. Still going very strong apparently.

We'll see in a full ten years, won't we? I've seen one and it is an unremarkable fashion jacket like you used to buy in a mall. That doesn't mean it is bad, just unremarkable. Maybe you can get a couple of decades out of one. My dad still has a black fashion jacket he bought in 1978. My point is people dig the Logan cool factor more than anything. I don't think any of them will outlive an Aero half-belt, for instance. And for me personally a good 10 years out of a jacket is not too much of a problem. Depends what this fellow wants, huh?

 

[Seb Lucas]

QUOTE]

Goodness! For me that is one of the ungliest jackets I have ever seen! Those rows of pockets are like swollen teats on a sow.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

QUOTE]

Goodness! For me that is one of the ungliest jackets I have ever seen! Those rows of pockets are like swollen teats on a sow.

It would look much better with an added flap pocket on each sleeve.

 

[ButteMT61]

It would look much better with an added flap pocket on each sleeve.

I was thinking zippers and a removable faux-fox collar...good lord!

 

[Edward]

Apparently wardrobe went op shopping and picked up some pieces to use in the film and to use as patterns for other items. Jonathan Logan was tasked with knocking up the jacket for Pitt. Have to agree with you, spectacular film and one of my favourites.

Of course, it makes sense that for a film wardrobe they'd want multiples... The one thing I wish they'd added to the film was the epilogue from the book.

 

[firsttimelistner]

Hi Chubb, soulrevolver do red, black and brown versions of the fight club jacket. It is nappa so very light and very soft but you would get a lot of wear out of it in Australia. Their sizes are very slim fitting so size up if in any doubt. http://www.soulrevolver.com/vintage-style-leather-jackets/mens/hitman-antique-brown

 

[Smithy]

Of course, it makes sense that for a film wardrobe they'd want multiples... The one thing I wish they'd added to the film was the epilogue from the book.

I enjoyed the book as well Edward, one of those rare occasions where the book and its screen adaptation are equally effective.

 

[ChubbMuff]

It's no secret that Indy M has his stuff made in the Far East (I think it was Thailand). I've seen examples of his brand in person that were nice. The main qualitative issue some folks seem to have had is with measurements, which is always going to be a risk buying via mail.

I have no problem with offshore (obviously I am looking at manufacturers outside Oz) but if I do spend the flash I would rather talk direct to someone who is actually in the factory.

ChubbMuff, I still think if you are after a "new" 70s style jacket your best bet are the Logans and they can be made in different leathers I believe. I've seen the Fight Club style in brown and it did look great.

Thanks Smithy appreciate the advice. The website and quality look good to me.

Hi Chubb, soulrevolver do red, black and brown versions of the fight club jacket. It is nappa so very light and very soft but you would get a lot of wear out of it in Australia. Their sizes are very slim fitting so size up if in any doubt. http://www.soulrevolver.com/vintage-style-leather-jackets/mens/hitman-antique-brown

Cheers Firsttime, those jackets look very nice and there are a stack of them. Thanks!

 

[ChubbMuff]

Ask Mr. Chapman! He is an artist and might make a longer version or some kind of hybrid jacket as well.

I sent off and email asking about getting a jacket made and received a very polite reply telling me John has over 120 jackets lined up and isn't taking any orders for the next 12 months! So I envy you and anyone with one of these creations, it sounds and looks like he is an excellent artisan.

Any chance you can show me or direct me to a pic of your jacket Johannes?

 

[ButteMT61]

I sent off and email asking about getting a jacket made and received a very polite reply telling me John has over 120 jackets lined up and isn't taking any orders for the next 12 months! So I envy you and anyone with one of these creations, it sounds and looks like he is an excellent artisan.Any chance you can show me or direct me to a pic of your jacket Johannes?

I'll sell you my July spot for $2000 lol

 

[Lungomare]

I sent off and email asking about getting a jacket made and received a very polite reply telling me John has over 120 jackets lined up and isn't taking any orders for the next 12 months! So I envy you and anyone with one of these creations, it sounds and looks like he is an excellent artisan.

Any chance you can show me or direct me to a pic of your jacket Johannes?

Hi!

Good Wear's HP says that they are taking orders now!

So far I've got leather samples by Good Wear that show hides of top quality - best choice for an A-2 repro (and other jackets). A friend of nine has his jacket yet, but for he's on holidays now I can't show it.

I'll get exact this jacket in a few month, then I'll post pics wearing it ..

http://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/gwwerber39_images1.html

Regards,

Johannes

 

[ChubbMuff]

Good Wear's HP says that they are taking orders now!

Maybe for the regulars

I think they were not interested in mine because I had a few mods too.