"The Grizzly"

[AdeeC]

Here is a couple of vintage examples. It appears in the old days this was a popular casual jacket.

 

[resortes805]

Yup, these jackets were a real popular choice for youngsters.

Here's a longer length shawl collar model by Buzz Rickson

 

[AdeeC]

That Buzz Rickson is a really nice example though I prefer the shorter look. Must cost a bomb. These jackets seemed to have popularity with all sorts. Looking at vintage photos and ads they were touted to sporty people, teenagers, outdoor types, motorcyclists and for general casual wear. Seem to have broad working class every man appeal and also unisex. These days they are mostly associated with tough bikers, campy types or unblinking individualists at least outside Japan.
I wonder if the look will ever become mainstream again? Maybe if someone like Brad Pitt or other big film star wears one in a blockbuster film it could happen.

 

[Don Tomaso]

I think it is as with fur coats. With the animal-rights movement and so people simply cannot stand the view of someone wearing something with real hair on it. We have a fur specialist's shop where I live and it is going bankrupt due to the lack of patrons. Leather without hair seeems to be a different beast, though. People are funny: If you want to wear another animal's tanned skin, shave it first!

 

[rocketeer]

I think it is as with fur coats. With the animal-rights movement and so people simply cannot stand the view of someone wearing something with real hair on it. We have a fur specialist's shop where I live and it is going bankrupt due to the lack of patrons. Leather without hair seeems to be a different beast, though. People are funny: If you want to wear another animal's tanned skin, shave it first!

It appears we do not have the same affection for sheep though do we. We simply turn the jacket/coat inside out.
As for the look of the grizzly, go into any shopping complex and you will find body warmers with fake fur or a woollen texture:
Bellow is a quick link to an eBay page. OK this one is for kids but adults versions are available from stores such as Fat Face, Superdry, Allsaints plus many others.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Faux-Fur-Girls-Bodywarmer-Gilet-Age-3-4-/111562160641?pt=UK_Kids_Coats_Jackets&hash=item19f99f7a01

These are basically waistcoats, but are usually worn over other items such as jackets by the youth of today, no doubt inspired at least by the original 'Grizzly' look somewhere along the line

As a high end garment, integral to a leather jacket I guess it has had its day and is now only sold through our favourite outlets listed on these forums.

 

[Plumbline]

I had an Aero "grizzly" for a short period in the late 2000's ( boght it from the USA on the bay) ... I have to say it didn't "feel" like horsehide it felt more like the cowhide rugs you get as throws in Ikea etc. ( and this isn't a reference to Storse or anything just an observation) .... the hair also "moulted" or fell out with wear and left the hide a bit baldy in places ( sides next to the arms). I think if I was going down the "Grizzly" route again I'd go the laskinlamb style route in Black ... it was also a seriously heavy jacket @ 8Kg.

I have to say these look MUCH better worn

 

[resortes805]

Here's a fun jacket I bought from Mattson's Japan...a tweed and fleece warm-up jacket. A cozy lightweight alternative to a full-on horsehide and mouton grizzly. Pictured with fellow lounger, Damian.

 

[Sloan1874]

Yup, these jackets were a real popular choice for youngsters.

Here's a longer length shawl collar model by Buzz Rickson

I think it works much better with the shawl collar. I could see myself wearing this. I've heard people on the Lounge that one of the problems of the horse hair ones, generally, is that they shed!

 

[Dinerman]

There's a lot of USN deck jacket in that Buzz Rickson design. Not a style that was ever produced originally, but it works.

 

[resortes805]

There's a lot of USN deck jacket in that Buzz Rickson design. Not a style that was ever produced originally, but it works.

Yup, It's a grizzly take on their version of the N-1 design.

 

[Stearmen]

I see your Grizzly Jacket and I raise you, a Wookie Jacket!

 

[resortes805]

Cushman just released this grizzly varsity jacket

 

[resortes805]

From a few years back, Cushman's grizzly inspired all Melton sport jackets.

 

[thor]

The Real McCoys/Joe McCoy has this "Aklak" jacket selling for 259,200 Yen (1466£).

 

[resortes805]

That Aklak is sharp.

Alexander leather released this Edwin denim and mouton grizzly.

 

[Plumbline]

I'm becoming very tempted by a black Grizzly with nickle hardware for on the bike .... black CXL steer with rivited pockets like P38 M/C Jackets a Century of Leather Design ( which the AL version is based on)

P43 1930's Laskinlamb appears to what the RMZ one is based on ( given the differences in shoulder design)

 

[resortes805]

I really need to get that book!

 

[nick123]

I remember reading either in this thread or somewhere else and admission by Amanda or someone that the hair will inevitably come out in places. I think this would be a jacket I'd baby rather than wear hard.

 

[Plumbline]

I think that relates to the Horshide "Hair On" jacket that Aero did .. rather like the famed "King o Fur" jackets from the 1930's. I had one of these and it did indeed end up rather sparce in places

The sheepskin ones and Muton ones would be quite robust .. if Irvin's and shearling jackets are anything to go by ( they are certainly more robust than Hair on Horsehide .. in my experience anyway )

 

[resortes805]

Just arrived today from Shibuya!