(Trigger warning) Are we giving too much credit for wabi-sabi/Japanese craftmanship reputation for uneven graining (especially in high visible area)?

[bigmanbigtruck]

Grain isn't 'distressed' and the only artificial grain is embossing.

However they could easily ask the tannery to provide x number of hides with 5% more shrink or smth so they could do mismatched panels.

fair enough on 'distressed'... I meant more of a process to bring out the grain

 

[long218]

1950's Style Sports Jacket "WIND WARD" 【BUSTED SHRINK HORSE HIDE/DARK SEAL "VOLCANO"】 - MUSHMANS ONLINE SHOP | アメカジ通販 マッシュマンズ オンラインショップ

現代生き続ける「アメカジ」を通販する、MUSHMANS(マッシュマンズ) オンラインショップ。取扱ブランドは、JELADO,RAINBOW COUNTRY,TOYS McCOY,THE FEW,BUZZ RICKSON'S,SUGAR CANE,CHESWICK,Dry Bones,SKULL JEANS,White's他多数！

shop.mushmans.com

Just saw this super grainy HH but well put together MUSHMANS×RAINBOW COUNTRY "Windward" jacket. This is the result when jacket makers actually select for grainy aesthetics.
Having random uneven-grain panel(s) showing up on your $2000 jacket because a maker is too lazy/cheap to put in an extra QC step while continue to tout craftmanship and dedication just seems laughable. If jacket makers don't put in the premium of extra labor to select the best leather panels (most aesthetically pleasing grainy/smooth panels), why are they still commanding a premium?

 

[Will Zach]

1950's Style Sports Jacket "WIND WARD" 【BUSTED SHRINK HORSE HIDE/DARK SEAL "VOLCANO"】 - MUSHMANS ONLINE SHOP | アメカジ通販 マッシュマンズ オンラインショップ

現代生き続ける「アメカジ」を通販する、MUSHMANS(マッシュマンズ) オンラインショップ。取扱ブランドは、JELADO,RAINBOW COUNTRY,TOYS McCOY,THE FEW,BUZZ RICKSON'S,SUGAR CANE,CHESWICK,Dry Bones,SKULL JEANS,White's他多数！

shop.mushmans.com

Just saw this super grainy HH but well put together MUSHMANS×RAINBOW COUNTRY "Windward" jacket. This is the result when jacket makers actually select for grainy aesthetics.
Having random uneven-grain panel(s) showing up on your $2000 jacket because a maker is too lazy/cheap to put in an extra QC step while continue to tout craftmanship and dedication just seems laughable. If jacket makers don't put in the premium of extra labor to select the best leather panels (most aesthetically pleasing grainy/smooth panels), why are they still commanding a premium?

You were told they do it to mimic 50s jackets with uneven grain, yet you keep trolling. Don't buy if you don't like it.

 

[long218]

You were told they do it to mimic 50s jackets with uneven grain, yet you keep trolling. Don't buy if you don't like it.

That not the point. The point is that here the jacket maker INTENTIONALLY choose grainy leather while still only charging 132k yen. That mean a jacket maker can also INTENTIONALLY choose smooth leather for their jackets. Yet brands like Real McCoy's continue to charge 220k yen (almost 2x) to sell uneven grain (front) panels while we continue to tout them rather than calling them out.

 

[barnabus]

That not the point. The point is that here the jacket maker INTENTIONALLY choose grainy leather while still only charging 132k yen. That mean a jacket maker can also INTENTIONALLY choose smooth leather for their jackets. Yet brands like Real McCoy's continue to charge 220k yen (almost 2x) to sell uneven grain (front) panels while we continue to tout them rather than calling them out.

What do you want to happen?

 

[Nykwil]

This is why I choose not to stress over an item I spent $2k on because in the end, after wearing it for a few months I'm not staring at mismatched panels, or worrying about it. It all evens out in appearance somehow.

I see jackets on here that look like they're never worn.

Wear your jacket and don't stress about it. The uneven grain and character of leather is part of the charm.

I say this as a person with 2 RMC jackets. I have stretch marks on certain panels that I find extremely unique like a fingerprint, unique to just mine. Rather have that than a plain lifeless jacket like everyone else.

If you have the mindset that your money is worth having perfection, I have some news for ya: Perfect is the enemy of good.

 

[bigmanbigtruck]

What do you want to happen?

He wants the option for smooth or grain only panels for an organic product like leather. Where even if you go smooth only, the panels will all evolve differently anyway with usage.

 

[cbez]

This cheap ass company, making the panels not match. Why aren't we calling them out?

 

[Hoanglong]

I wore it for about 2 years
Their leather is different from all other brands, this is highly identifiable. The leather has nice and strange lines

 

[red devil]

I personally find having different grain or shades in panels to be nice when made tastefully. It all depends on the skill of the person cutting the leather.

This for example is technically mismatched, but in my eyes it enhances the jacket.

There were no expenses spared on this jacket.

On the other hand, using panels with scarring and other imperfections and calling it in keeping with the "natural characteristics of the leather" ...is taking the piss.

@long218 , if you think these Japanese brands are overprices, and quite a few members will agree with you, go for a custom. At these prices you can work with most top end makers.

Where are you based?

 

[jchance]

I wore it for about 2 years
Their leather is different from all other brands, this is highly identifiable. The leather has nice and strange lines
View attachment 652683

Do you find it weird that some panels are still black while others are now brown?