Background: having seen a fantastic Wayfarer in natural Vicenza on Thurston's website, I decided that my collection had a hole in that was a perfect fit for it.
So I took a trip to Gala to try one on - I think most people find themselves sitting between sizes and I toggle between 36 and 38, depending on style and era - and get up close and personal, so to speak, with the leather.
Anyway, while I was there, Ken sold me on their new unfinished, mid-weight 'raw' Italian leather. It's to being about four or five shades lighter than the Vicenza, and finished with a light oiling rather than sealed with a top coat.
This means it;s open to elements and will develop character and patina at an accelerated rate. At the moment, it's a creamy, almost latte-ish colour, but with a bit of sun and the inevitable showers, it will start to deepen to a honey-caramel colour.
The try-on Wayfarer in the showroom was an immaculate size-38 in walnut-colour horsehide made by Morgan, Aero's latest young addition to the family and an amazing talent - it was her first shot at making this pattern and was stitch perfect. I was so impressed, I asked her one the spot if she would make my one!
It arrived yesterday - having been thwarted by DHL on Monday - and I'm blown away by the jacket. As you can see, the leather is stunning, though a slightly deeper, double cream colour, and already showing a bit of grain already. I went with antique brass metalwork, just to give a little contrast, and black sateen cotton lining.
Obviously, it'll be a bit more vulnerable than the usual FQHH and this isn't for everyone. But from the examples I've seen of other Aero jackets made from this leather, I think the results will be stunning and I'll update this thread over the coming months to show how it develops character.
No wear pics at the moment, I'll get my other half to do those once the sun comes out again - it was bucketing down here today - but the fit is spot on: slim and high on the arms and a close fit on the body. Anyway, enough chat, here's yer jacket porn:
So I took a trip to Gala to try one on - I think most people find themselves sitting between sizes and I toggle between 36 and 38, depending on style and era - and get up close and personal, so to speak, with the leather.
Anyway, while I was there, Ken sold me on their new unfinished, mid-weight 'raw' Italian leather. It's to being about four or five shades lighter than the Vicenza, and finished with a light oiling rather than sealed with a top coat.
This means it;s open to elements and will develop character and patina at an accelerated rate. At the moment, it's a creamy, almost latte-ish colour, but with a bit of sun and the inevitable showers, it will start to deepen to a honey-caramel colour.
The try-on Wayfarer in the showroom was an immaculate size-38 in walnut-colour horsehide made by Morgan, Aero's latest young addition to the family and an amazing talent - it was her first shot at making this pattern and was stitch perfect. I was so impressed, I asked her one the spot if she would make my one!
It arrived yesterday - having been thwarted by DHL on Monday - and I'm blown away by the jacket. As you can see, the leather is stunning, though a slightly deeper, double cream colour, and already showing a bit of grain already. I went with antique brass metalwork, just to give a little contrast, and black sateen cotton lining.
Obviously, it'll be a bit more vulnerable than the usual FQHH and this isn't for everyone. But from the examples I've seen of other Aero jackets made from this leather, I think the results will be stunning and I'll update this thread over the coming months to show how it develops character.
No wear pics at the moment, I'll get my other half to do those once the sun comes out again - it was bucketing down here today - but the fit is spot on: slim and high on the arms and a close fit on the body. Anyway, enough chat, here's yer jacket porn:
