Ok guys, need your input

[JCSD]

Working on my first ever custom build with Johnson Leather- base will be a J-24 cross zip in a Dark Seal Vermont Horsehide.

- brass zips all around
- biswing back or underarm gussets
- fan back design
- no belt loops our epaulets
- two tone elements in natural veg tan for contrast

Need some help with which parts would look best in the contrast natural tan leather- need it to be subtle. Also, not sure which fan back design to go with- Hooch Hauler and Freewheelers Sunset come to mind. Any suggestions/opinions that you guys have regarding my above choices and options would be greatly appreciated. Wondering if they will all work together for a cohesive design. For example, does the biswing work with the fan back?

Pics are always helpful!

J-24

Johnson Leather existing fan back design

Other fan back inspiration

Two tone inspiration

 

[handymike]

This is my favorite fan-back

But, I don’t usually see these backs with D-pocket fronts. I think having both an ornate back and a detailed front might be overkill.
Although....

 

[Mich486]

Himel Avro

 

[lucky23]

God, they’re all gorgeous.

 

[JCSD]

This is my favorite fan-back
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But, I don’t usually see these backs with D-pocket fronts. I think having both an ornate back and a detailed front might be overkill.
Although....
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Was thinking that I could modify the front like your pics but still want a bit of a “biker” vibe. Hard to find the balance with these Frankenstein projects.

 

[JCSD]

Himel Avro

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Avro is a great design.

 

[handymike]

I think the simpler Leathertogs style pocket would pair well with a busier back




Only thing is that I think the espresso/natural combo is too much contrast. Maybe think of a mid-tone Vermont to go with the espresso.

 

[Bfd70]

Too much for my taste

 

[JCSD]

Too much for my taste

Hoping that with some input I can get the right balance of details for something unique.

 

[JCSD]

I think the simpler Leathertogs style pocket would pair well with a busier back
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Only thing is that I think the espresso/natural combo is too much contrast. Maybe think of a mid-tone Vermont to go with the espresso.

Good suggestion with the Leathertogs. My hope was that the natural veg tan would eventually darken to something more complementary.

 

[handymike]

Depends...sometimes it’s just orange. Maybe JL can use the unfinished hide but dye it down a bit first. That way it will still develop character as it wears in.

 

[dwilson]

Maybe if you're going for an ornate back you maybe lose the D pocket on the front?

 

[AeroFan_07]

It's totally your choice, of course and I can see very positive elements working here. For me, the "sunburst" style back with a D-pocket crosszip front with two-tone leather is a little too much at once. However the results could be really striking if done well!

I like the "inspriation" jacket you show here with all elements of the body of the jacket in the darker brown, and the sleeves in the lighter brown. I would suggest avoiding a contrast sticthing unless it's beige. It'll be a nice project, but it won't be a subtle jacket.

 

[Marc mndt]

This is my favorite back design.

 

[Fonzie]

This is my favorite back design.

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What is this thing?! That’s the coolest cross zip ever!

 

[dwilson]

Man I really need to get back to Joshua Tree. Such a cool place.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I think a bottom belt with a half belt back is certainly too much and looks awful.

 

[Brandrea33]

I prefer the simple plain version.

 

[willyto]

What is this thing?! That’s the coolest cross zip ever!

Just vintage greatness that is. Also look at that HIGH armhole, that's just how it should always be.

 

[ykurtz]

Loved working with JL. For sizing he sent me a cloth jacket pieced together to test the measurements I sent to see how the jacket would fit. It was a great process since the end result was a perfect fit. It's fun building a jacket like you're doing from scratch. Enjoy!