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

bigmanbigtruck

A-List Customer
Messages
360
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
 
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long218

New in Town
Messages
15

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

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,849
Location
SoFlo

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

New in Town
Messages
15
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.
 
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barnabus

One Too Many
Messages
1,494
Location
Britain's oldest recorded town
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

One of the Regulars
Messages
188
Location
Cyberspace
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.
 
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cbez

One Too Many
Messages
1,787
Location
CA
This cheap ass company, making the panels not match. Why aren't we calling them out?
1000027283.jpg
 

red devil

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,961
Location
London
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.

1730831250876.jpeg


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?
 

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