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

[majormajor]

But that, my friend, is the nub of the issue. Yes they were produced in the US, and yes, they were selfedge. But the very LAST thing they were was "high end". They were "workwear", sold at workwear prices. The idea that workwear could ever be high end was, in the 60's, laughable.

Nowadays, folks who weren't around back then have bought the lie, completely. Jeans are either "vintage" or "designer" - and if they are cheap, they must be crap.

Yes, the Japanese market is, in relative terms, big. But, whichever way you look at it, the rest of the World is a bigger market. But the Japanese manufacturers ignore it. Maybe the rest of the world is less gullible??

Here's a great pic of some guys aiming for a new life further West.

Not the most affluent looking guys on the planet, but both managed to buy type 1 Levi Jackets.

If someone had told them that the marketing men would one day rename them "high end", I think it would have brought a smile to their faces....

 

[Boyo]

Major, I am really starting to like the Levi's type one a lot.. Does LVC still make it? I have found only one for sale..but not my size.. I would need a rather large size with a 25 inch p2p minimum.

 

[indigoeagle]

Major, I am really starting to like the Levi's type one a lot.. Does LVC still make it? I have found only one for sale..but not my size.. I would need a rather large size with a 25 inch p2p minimum.

There are a number of versions:
http://www.endclothing.co.uk/brands/levi-s-vintage/levi-s-vintage-1936-type-1-denim-jacket.html

and this is Made in the US (don't know about the first one, might be the same):
http://www.hickorees.jp/brand/levis-vintage-clothing/product/1936-type-i-jacket-raw-denim
The measurements differ a bit but XL should work. (Just checked; not available at endclothing anymore; but there should be other retailers. Perhaps Sivletto).

 

[Ishmael]

FW put up pics of their corduroy Brodovitch A-1.

 

[Sloan1874]

Very versatile jacket, smart and casual.

 

[Boyo]

Thanks for the links indigo... I'll keep looking..

There are a number of versions:
http://www.endclothing.co.uk/brands/levi-s-vintage/levi-s-vintage-1936-type-1-denim-jacket.html

and this is Made in the US (don't know about the first one, might be the same):
http://www.hickorees.jp/brand/levis-vintage-clothing/product/1936-type-i-jacket-raw-denim
The measurements differ a bit but XL should work. (Just checked; not available at endclothing anymore; but there should be other retailers. Perhaps Sivletto).

 

[majormajor]

Major, I am really starting to like the Levi's type one a lot.. Does LVC still make it? I have found only one for sale..but not my size.. I would need a rather large size with a 25 inch p2p minimum.

The main issue I have with the LVC repro is the tightness under the arms, due to the very "vintage" cut. Mine was so uncomfortable to wear, I sold it on. Last time I was up at Aero, I tried on a bigger one. Same problem. I have a 43" chest. I guess they were designed for skinny folks

 

[Ishmael]

The Curtiss, in "Extra Strong Horse Hide".

http://freewheelers.co.jp/blog/archives/3972

 

[Dr H]

Am I the only who gets niggled that every wind cheater with buttons gets called an 'A-1'? :-S
Casual chore jackets, leathern, woollen, or corduroy (that's a new one for me) with Letterman or shawl collars are great (I have an LVC Menlo Cossack), but beyond the basics (2 sleeves, buttons, etc.) I don't get it...
Pedantically, as ever...

 

[Sloan1874]

Nice. Sort of a slimmer-looking Barnstormer. Like the sheen on the leather.

 

[majormajor]

The Curtiss, in "Extra Strong Horse Hide".

http://freewheelers.co.jp/blog/archives/3972

Very nice

 

[Sloan1874]

Perhaps a silly question, but is there anywhere in the UK that sells Freewheelers?

 

[Ishmael]

Not that I've seen. I was under the impression that their first international distributor is Hickorees in NY, and that is a pretty recent happening. Indeed there is an article in this month's Clutch magazine spotlighting the new Hickorees - FW arrangement. Best place to purchase FW outside Japan is from John Lofgren.

 

[Ishmael]

Winchester in White. What do you think Sloan?

http://shop.mushmans.com/?pid=56106512

 

[Sloan1874]

Another gem. I have a very soft lamb cafe racer that's similar in colour, though less 'custardy', but I'd wear this without a second thought. Now, I just have to organise that big Lottery win...

 

[majormajor]

The collar of that Winchester looks like something worn in the opening scenes of a 70's porn movie!:eeek:

 

[Sloan1874]

The collar of that Winchester looks like something worn in the opening scenes of a 70's porn movie!:eeek:

How else, I ask you, am I going to earn enough money to maintain my jacket habit? Needs must etc etc

 

[majormajor]

How else, I ask you, am I going to earn enough money to maintain my jacket habit? Needs must etc etc

I knew I knew that face from somewhere!

 

[Sloan1874]

 

[ButteMT61]

I knew I knew that face from somewhere!

Oh-Oh-Ooooh! lol