Beads, jewels and other adornments on M/C jackets

[ton312]

This is new ground for me and not something I'd really have thought I'd ever get into at all. But I purchased some wooden beads for my Vanson (which I know is not even remotely period correct for this type of decor) but I loved the way it turned out. Suddenly, thanks to the interweb, I'm fascinated by the way these adorned jackets look. The jeweled Buco and other riders of the 50's. It has a very Native American feel to me and I think these details add a ton of character to the basic black cross zip. It's an interesting way to add subtle or loud customization to a jacket but it could probably go really wrong, really quick. I think it's a love it or hate it type deal and I can't figure out why I suddenly love it. Show me what you've got. Or love. Or hate.

 

[ton312]

Exhibit A

 

[navetsea]

I wear wooden black beads wristband or sometime brown on my wrist which sometime shows under the sleeve, but not on my jacket
on my jacket I slapped that cross on my avatar on the top back behind the neck hole, and carved bullet shaped thing as a puller for the main zip

maybe some dangling black wooden beads or antiqued silver or perhaps bone/ claw/ teeth might work on black jacket too... but I don't dare

 

[Superfluous]

Ton, I love your collection of jackets, so it is with great respect and admiration that I decline to embrace the beads. I personally think the beads detract from an otherwise sharp jacket. Just my 2 cents, and I admittedly am rather conservative in this regard.

 

[ton312]

Ton, I love your collection of jackets, so it is with great respect and admiration that I decline to embrace the beads. I personally think the beads detract from an otherwise sharp jacket. Just my 2 cents, and I admittedly am rather conservative in this regard.

I hear you...it's something I've never really cared for myself, but oddly enough I kinda dig it. I've never seen or handled one of those bedazzeled Bucos with all the spot work and such but for some reason I'm finding myself fascinated by them...

 

[nick123]

Kind of related so I'll link it. Saw it on tv the other day...beaded Buco kidney belt. Gorgeous.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/se...als/kidney-belts-hat-photo-ca-1950--201504A07

 

[navetsea]

maybe do it like Predator's trophy idea, all different things collected from different sources so not so mitchy-matchy as long as they look balanced.

 

[ton312]

maybe do it like Predator's trophy idea, all different things collected from different sources so not so mitchy-matchy as long as they look balanced.

Yes! This is a good idea! Like a squirrels skull on one side and a lizards leg on the other! Now...I have to learn to hunt! Seriously I think your right...if the adornments are more unique/meaningful then it makes more sense...

 

[tropicalbob]

Kind of related so I'll link it. Saw it on tv the other day...beaded Buco kidney belt. Gorgeous.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/se...als/kidney-belts-hat-photo-ca-1950--201504A07

$1600? I saw one in a used-clothing store in Dayton many years ago going for $2.00. I really liked it but didn't see any use for it, other than a kind of art-object.

 

[SoCalSoftailSlim]

I prefer just clean, functional lines on a leather bike jacket - with honest wear from the ride.

But I can dig some personalization if that's your thing. It's not like the old timers didn't adorn their jackets with various goodies.

Bottom line is life would be pretty damned boring if we all had the same taste.

 

[tropicalbob]

I've always thought of buttons and whatnot on a leather jacket as a British thing. The only Americans I've ever known who wore them were punks in N.Y. back in the day who also had fake English accents.
No offense, Ton.

 

[Peacoat]

Ton, I love your collection of jackets, so it is with great respect and admiration that I decline to embrace the beads. I personally think the beads detract from an otherwise sharp jacket. Just my 2 cents, and I admittedly am rather conservative in this regard.

I have to agree with Superflous. Not to be pedantic, but if Marlon Brando didn't wear it in The Wild One, it doesn't belong on my MC jacket.

 

[TREEMAN]

I get the idea and there is something to this. Less beads might be the answer.......like three beads on only one strand period. Just a little taste might be all that's needed here.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I went a little more conservative with dice and old Abate pin, plus matching dice on fork bag....

 

[Edward]

I must dig out my johnson and photograph it....

Steady.

It's a D-pocket that somebody had johnson make them, then it found its way to the UK, where I bought it from the second owner. Somewhere along the way - first or second owner, I don't know - it gained a little bit of rhinestone and studding on the belt (complete, removable) and the body. Not a whole lot - still fairly subtle. I've never gone in for putting pin badges on a leather jacket as I don't like that sort of mark on one, but the odd bit of permanent studding is fine with me. Mostly I leave 'em plain. I do still have a cheap Perfecto knock-off that I had sprayed up with BRMC colours, though, for the time I went to a theme event as Johnny Strabler. The Johnson I wear regularly.

 

[nick123]

I must dig out my johnson and photograph it....

Steady.

It's a D-pocket that somebody had johnson make them, then it found its way to the UK, where I bought it from the second owner. Somewhere along the way - first or second owner, I don't know - it gained a little bit of rhinestone and studding on the belt (complete, removable) and the body. Not a whole lot - still fairly subtle. I've never gone in for putting pin badges on a leather jacket as I don't like that sort of mark on one, but the odd bit of permanent studding is fine with me. Mostly I leave 'em plain. I do still have a cheap Perfecto knock-off that I had sprayed up with BRMC colours, though, for the time I went to a theme event as Johnny Strabler. The Johnson I wear regularly.

You've been promising to show this jacket for years 'Ward! Time is of the essence!

 

[ton312]

I've always thought of buttons and whatnot on a leather jacket as a British thing. The only Americans I've ever known who wore them were punks in N.Y. back in the day who also had fake English accents.
No offense, Ton.

None taken!

 

[ton312]

I have to agree with Superflous. Not to be pedantic, but if Marlon Brando didn't wear it in The Wild One, it doesn't belong on my MC jacket.

I've always thought myself more of a Peter Fonda than a Marlin Brando type

 

[Monitor]

I love adornments, they're a must on a lancer front styled jackets. But not too much. That LW looks so fancy fancy and pose-ish. Nowhere to put 'em on a CR, though...

 

[ton312]

I love adornments, they're a must on a lancer front styled jackets. But not too much. That LW looks so fancy fancy and pose-ish. Nowhere to put 'em on a CR, though...

I agree. That's taking it too far me thinks.