The State of the Art in Japanese Outerwear: Freewheelers and Co 2012-13 Collection!

[indigoeagle]

My understanding was that all the Shinki HH is FQHH, no?. Mine included.

My jacket is borderline fine for the winter here, with most days well above freezing here. But I get cold easy. And I opt for a different jacket for colder days and for morning and nights.

I somehow thought (obviously wrongly) that FQHH was only from Horween. But of course, why shouldn't Shinki offer that, too.

 

[Ishmael]

Honestly, I don't know what quarter the Shinki is from (only that it's not the rear cordovan quarter). It's a good question.

 

[indigoeagle]

For a longer leather coat this one by Old Joe is a also a very well done one.
It's also horsehide. The lining is 84%cotton with some line/hemp.
Seems to be sold out everywhere, though:
www.pikey.co.jp/fs/shops/oldjoe/12ss-lether-sports-coat

It was also released in a darker colour:
http://www.redcatsaloon.com/rcs/archives/6301

 

[majormajor]

For a longer leather coat this one by Old Joe is a also a very well done one.
It's also horsehide. The lining is 84%cotton with some line/hemp.
Seems to be sold out everywhere, though:
www.pikey.co.jp/fs/shops/oldjoe/12ss-lether-sports-coat

It was also released in a darker colour:
http://www.redcatsaloon.com/rcs/archives/6301

A very cool design. I love that one. Cinch back detail is first class.

Unfortunately, this, like every Japanese jacket I look at, suffers from the same three problems.

1. Too expensive
2. Not made in any size over a 42
3. Sold out!

SO frustrating:eeek:

 

[SLAB]

that coat from Old Joe is also really lovely; Old Joe has been flying under the radar too long, they release great products

 

[SLAB]

majormajor, if its any consolation, I find it extremely frustrating to be built like a Japanese but not have the $ to acquire these. I'm still saving up for my first Freewheelers leather jacket; i'll get there one day

 

[majormajor]

majormajor, if its any consolation, I find it extremely frustrating to be built like a Japanese but not have the $ to acquire these. I'm still saving up for my first Freewheelers leather jacket; i'll get there one day

I'm with you on that one, SLAB. An opening for a UK maker to make something similar

 

[Ishmael]

Really like the darker, somewhat cordovan toned, on the Old Joe jacket. I may have to get something like that, some day.

Too expensive? Should we export the work to Bangladesh?

 

[Ishmael]

These three shirts are great, particularly the last one. Need to find a place to check these guys out.

http://www.redcatsaloon.com/rcs/archives/13563

 

[Sloan1874]

Really like the darker, somewhat cordovan toned, on the Old Joe jacket. I may have to get something like that, some day.

Too expensive? Should we export the work to Bangladesh?

No, I don't that would help anyone. It's just frustrating that it's really lovely stuff but twice the price of an Aero or an ELC - at that kind of ratio I'd like to try it on and have a good look at it first. I'm kind of mystified why nobody's imported them into the UK. You'd imagine a London stockist would have no problem selling them.

 

[majormajor]

Really like the darker, somewhat cordovan toned, on the Old Joe jacket. I may have to get something like that, some day.

Too expensive? Should we export the work to Bangladesh?

Hi Ishmael,

Aero produce similar types of jacket, in beautiful hides, for around £650 ($1000). They are handmade in Scotland. So yes, for me, £1136 ($1700) IS too expensive

 

[Sloan1874]

Really like the darker, somewhat cordovan toned, on the Old Joe jacket. I may have to get something like that, some day.

Too expensive? Should we export the work to Bangladesh?

No, I don't that would help anyone. It's just frustrating that it's really lovely stuff but twice the price of an Aero or an ELC - at that kind of ratio I'd like to try it on and have a good look at it first. I'm kind of mystified why nobody's imported them into the UK. You'd imagine a London stockist would have no problem selling them.

 

[majormajor]

I'm kind of mystified why nobody's imported them into the UK. You'd imagine a London stockist would have no problem selling them.

Very true.

I was talking recently on another site about the dearth of any really good denim shops in the UK. Even American Classics is low on stuff. And I guess the same applies to leather jackets.

A sign of the recession hit times??:eeek:

 

[SLAB]

I'm still kicking myself for not buying this amazing calico shirt when I had the chance (it was even on sale); can't find it anywhere now
http://www.redcatsaloon.com/rcs/archives/5956

 

[SLAB]

Very true.

I was talking recently on another site about the dearth of any really good denim shops in the UK. Even American Classics is low on stuff. And I guess the same applies to leather jackets.

A sign of the recession hit times??:eeek:

actually, i remember reading somewhere that at times of recession luxury brands and expensive items sell even better (something to do with added prestige in times of hardship)

 

[Ishmael]

Majormajor, when you add "for you" to "too expensive" I have less of an issue. But "too expensive" by itself is rather inconsiderate of the people who make these jackets and deserve to be well rewarded for their craft. In addition, let's be real, #1 (too expensive) and #3 (sold out) from your list above are mutually exclusive.

Finally, I see you've made Aero into the gold standard, or "general equivalent". For you, there are no other jackets, just 1.7 Aeros. Fine.

 

[majormajor]

Finally, I see you've made Aero into the gold standard, or "general equivalent". For you, there are no other jackets, just 1.7 Aeros. Fine.

No way are Aero a "gold standard". I was merely quoting them as an example. I have a number of Eastman Leather jackets which are equally good, and their hides are phenomenal. They too are made in the UK, at something like half the Japanese norm pricing.

LVC have also just reintroduced a repro of their 60's Suede Type 3 jacket. At £630, or less than $1000

Apart from turning them into "unobtainium" by only making a dozen or so of each design, I fail to see what else you get from the Japanese makers for the extra cash

 

[Sloan1874]

Wouldn't argue about the workmanship or anything, it's just a long way to pay a lot for something that might not suit/fit me. Still love looking at them, and you never know, if I keep buying a lottery ticket...

 

[majormajor]

The workmanship of the Japanese stuff looks first rate. And I guess the pricing of jackets debate will run & run.

For me, the only Jacket that I would pay that kind of price for would be a Goodwear. But then I'm not just paying for the workmanship, I'm paying for the huge amount of work that John C has put into the historical accuracy.

It's like the folks that buy a Gibson Historic Les Paul, and then send it to Historic Makeovers to have it stripped down and rebuilt. They pay big bucks TWICE - but they get absolute accuracy. And if that is what they want, I guess, to them, it is good value.

The Japanese jackets are BEAUTIFUL, but lay no claims to any kind of historical accuracy. So, for me, too expensive with no good reason.

But, hey, for those who DO buy them, congrats on a great looking jacket!

 

[Ishmael]

Merely quoting them as an example? I hope nobody was drinking any hot beverages when they read that.

My use of gold standard was admittedly off track. "General equivalent" (the money commodity itself--i.e. what everything else must express its value in) is more apt.
Only way for any jacket's value to be expressed is in, not Euros, but Aeros.