unwearable jacket, ideas please?

[Mark]

wear it with the collar popped up perhaps it looks more like band collar jacket, or pop up the rear and let the gravity do the front part naturally, even shawl collar benefit from broken in look when they look broken in and not like plastic baby bib, it would look a lot more natural at least on my fabrics cossack it looks nicer once I wear it a lot.

Hi and thanks for that. All options were considered but my collar is more "flared" than yours so would not work.

 

[Mark]

I agree with @zebedee. Can you send back to Bill Kelso to have it reverted back to its original form then sell it...if thats worth the effort?

Thanks for that. BK has already had the jacket (for a year!). He did not charge for the alteration but had in my opinion rushed it. It looked awful and wrong on return. I doubt he would have it again and to wait another 6/12 months!!

 

[Mark]

Mark I assume the jacket collar has been separated already right? That's why its not in a sell-able condition?
If you haven't had any work done just move it on. If it's in the mid of getting some work done, there is still a way to fix it.
Get Andy to make and send you a point collar in the same russet HH. So it matches. Then ask your local machinist to set the new point collar in place. It would also be easier if Andy can do the repair, not sure if he does that. Do the math to see if shipping a whole jacket back and forth works out or not. Just a collar is faster.
My SBV2 jacket was originally with a rounded type collar, but I didn't like it then, so I requested custom dress collar. You won't be able to use the existing rounded collar, you need a new point collar to set into the same place. Like this, and there will be a notch.
View attachment 501040

Hi and thanks. That looks great. BK has had the jacket already. Put on a pointed collar but it looked rushed and awful. I also had an issue with the exposed lined facings. These were redone couple times and now look worse than the original. I need to post pics to show what I mean. Thanks again.

 

[Mark]

Mouton is the ticket.

Hi, yes I thought and still think that too. A fur collar of sorts could cover all manner of sins so to speak. However I don't think Jules wanted to take the job on. He felt it was a little above his skill set. Shame, but now I have run out of options it seems.

 

[Mark]

I’d like to see it too but it feels a bit morbid to look at someone’s misfortune.

Not at all, later today or Saturday. Pop corn at the ready!

 

[Aloysius]

Hi, yes I thought and still think that too. A fur collar of sorts could cover all manner of sins so to speak. However I don't think Jules wanted to take the job on. He felt it was a little above his skill set. Shame, but now I have run out of options it seems.

This really does feel like putting good money after bad, but I reckon Aero could take care of making/attaching a fur collar if they have capacity in their repairs department.

 

[Mark]

Oh yeah option number one here for sure. I’m assuming they can match the leather. If BK refuses then OP needs to find another solution. Depending on how much leather there is, it can potentially be turned into an LVC Einstein type shawl collar or any other smaller shawl collar. I doubt a mandarin collar would look good and there’s probably not enough leather for anything else. Needless to say it will never look as good as the way it came from BK.

Yes, I sadly agree. Have considered cannibalising the jacket and have wallet/bag made from it! Leather too beautiful to just discard.

 

[Mark]

This really does feel like putting good money after bad, but I reckon Aero could take care of making/attaching a fur collar if they have capacity in their repairs department.

Hi, that would be great but I doubt they would take on another makers jacket?
Thanks

 

[Aloysius]

Hi, that would be great but I doubt they would take on another makers jacket?
Thanks

They've done it before, both modern and vintage, though as a rule they will not accept Japanese repros due to the heavily skived, high stitch count seams getting in the way of repairability.

 

[Mark]

You could get someone to make a shirt style collar in a nice mutton color that would go well with the rest of the jacket and corduroy underneath , so it won’t matter the leather matching.

Five star could be a budget option, but others like Thedi could do it nicer, albeit pricier.

Hi, yes have considered Thedi. They could work some cloth material into it. Guessing more options that way. I have not asked yet. It would be pricy though, especially p&p/taxes + he is not cheap Had a canvas roll bag from him. His work is just outstanding.

 

[Mark]

They've done it before, both modern and vintage, though as a rule they will not accept Japanese repros due to the heavily skived, high stitch count seams getting in the way of repairability.

Ok, thanks for that. I may well ask.
Cheers

 

[Marc mndt]

Hi, yes have considered Thedi. They could work some cloth material into it. Guessing more options that way. I have not asked yet. It would be pricy though, especially p&p/taxes + he is not cheap Had a canvas roll bag from him. His work is just outstanding.

Theodoros will not go anywhere near a bill Kelso jacket.

 

[Fonzie]

Theodoros will not go anywhere near a bill Kelso jacket.

True. I forgot about that part.

 

[Mark]

Theodoros will not go anywhere near a bill Kelso jacket.

Really!? Must have history. BK seem to have history with everyone!

 

[Hide'n'seek]

Hi, that would be great but I doubt they would take on another makers jacket?
Thanks

We would have no interest in doing anything with a Kelso jacket , especially after they themselves have bodged a repair / alteration.
Trying to alter a leather jacket isn't something to be taken lightly , the end results are rarely done to 100% satisfaction. It is generally always the better option to cut the jacket loose and move it on and then replace with a jacket that you want or that fits instead of throwing money at alterations that will inevitably reduce the jackets value or sale ability.
I know none of this helps you now as you have already had work done.

 

[Will Zach]

I have faith in this forum. People here are so knowledgeable and innovative it isn't even funny. I bet after you post detailed pictures there will be some ideas from the likes of @Marc mndt , @navetsea , @Carlos840 ,@regius . Sorry to drop names like that (and miss many other experts), but would love to see this solved.

 

[ton312]

Without photos there is no advice anyone can give that will amount to anything....

 

[Mark]

We would have no interest in doing anything with a Kelso jacket , especially after they themselves have bodged a repair / alteration.
Trying to alter a leather jacket isn't something to be taken lightly , the end results are rarely done to 100% satisfaction. It is generally always the better option to cut the jacket loose and move it on and then replace with a jacket that you want or that fits instead of throwing money at alterations that will inevitably reduce the jackets value or sale ability.
I know none of this helps you now as you have already had work done.

Hi and thanks. Are you Thedi leathers? I have this morning emailed Aero to see if they can help. Appreciate your upfront reply and I get your reasoning.

 

[Mark]

Without photos there is no advice anyone can give that will amount to anything....

I will post pics tomorrow. thanks

 

[ton312]

I will post pics tomorrow. thanks

I've altered many jackets. some have turned out superb and others have not. I do believe there will be a solution for you and it will cost you a good chunk of change. Seeing as how you have already started down this path, any pics you can provide will certainly help guide you along. I once altered a Bates jacket with a ridiculous (-ly cool) down to CR collar. I paid $200 for the jacket, $100 for the alteration and sold the jacket at auction for $475. Point being, all hope is never lost IMO