What are your 2019 leather jacket buying plans or aspirations?

[Monitor]

The jacket doesn't fit him the way I'd want any of my jackets to fit, that goes without saying but somehow, it all just works so well. He's the coolest movie guy ever. But then again, that's Harrison Ford. That's why the jacket works.

Also, honestly, if I was in Indy's line of work, I'd want that exact same jacket. Provided I was somehow cursed with wearing leather in a desert climate. Roomy fit with that semi-action back for comfort and two huge pockets for all the archeological stuff. Perfect!

Kurt Russell wore some cool jackets but IMO he achieved the impossible in that crummy old Schott by making it look like the coolest movie jacket ever.


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[Edward]

What I'm hoping this year will bring in is a LL Dominator, Aero Moonshiner and an Indiana Jones jacket. Aero used to make Indy jacket so I'm thinking that in CX. Won't be the most accurate repro out there but in CX, I'd definitely be the prettiest.

I wouldn't expect Aero would agree to do an Indy; they made a couple of trial models at the tail end of the Lauder years, but Ken put the kabosh on that pretty quicxk as he didn't want to do a film-repro jacket of that ilk. Depending on how accurate you want it - i.e. do you want an Indy jacket that is reasonably screen accurate, or do you want something in that general vein? - I'd consider an Aero Royale, or possibly something like a HWM without storm cuffs and with A2 patch pockets in place of the handwarmers.

Why the Indy jacket? I have one in goat which I rarely wear. The only thing about Indy's is they drape better in capeskin or lamb since the movie jacket is a really ultra-light wind-breaker style. A thick Indy will radically change the look. Not that there's anything wrong with this.

I would tendc to agree. I think that was the problem with the Aero prototypes, rerally - they were cxl. In time it wilol drape right, but it's going to take quite some time before it gets there. I do think the drape is a big part of the jacket's appeal, in a stiff hide it's just won't look right. I have a goat Wested Raiders I use for warm-weather leather and travel (places where I need a light jacket but it's not the end of the world if it gets lost or stolen). Very practical. Considered the Hero model, but having read into the details of that, I'd rather have the basic model which is a better fit on me than the Hero would be than a jackert which looks totally screen accurate only if you're built like a 40 year old Harrison Ford.

The Indy jacket was basically modeled on A-2 with the knits cut off, but crucially also had a very deep bi-swing added to the back - as in you could push your hand in beyond the wrist - and had waist level D-rings added and the cinch belts pulled tight as possible to create that 'super hero V-shape.
I only know this to be the case because I spoke to Deborah Landis, who designed the original jacket, walked me through the process - pushing her hand into the back of my Aero LBH's bi-swing to illustrate the point. It was a very entertaining conversation!

Yeah, the bi-swing shoulders and the slight vents at the hem were cut to make the jacket sit better over the gunbelt, and make the whip both more accessible and easier to wield. I'm kinda glad that they moved away from the look of the A2 as well; for my money, while we can all pick holes in its historical accuracy, the Indy jacket looks far better even now than would have the kind of repro A2 they'd have used in 1980.

Brief Digression.

Yep - this version of the story is well documented on COW and contested. We have learned over the years not to take the costume designer's word. Deb Landis has been notoriously variable about details (who knows why?- forgetfulness, imagination, ego?).

What fan bases tend to forget - and I've seen similar in so many of them - is that even costumiers working on highly successful films in the early eighties and before, well.... to them it was just another job, in the same way as to half the cast in the same films it's not a hobby into which they will pour endless time, love, money and attention/obsession, but a few weeks' work and a paycheck at the end. Ask them decades later about some really minor point, and, well.... they could be forgiven for doing a Shatner for real. I'm sure a lot of the time folks just repeat what they think they remember, or what they've heard back from the fans that they had done, rather than disappoint their audience. Seen it happen.

The Indy costume is really just a rip-off of Charlton Heston's costume from Secret of the Incas and Raiders even borrows shots and set ups from this movie.

Which was rather the point, though I suspect Spielberg preferred the term homage.

People have done this for years. In the last film Harrison Ford looks like an ageing cosplay Indy wannabe, dressed in an ill fitting, way too large repro jacket. The original jacket was a 1980's idea and fits loose. I don't mind that, but it is at odds with the short, trim jackets that have often become the house style here.

We don't have much call for the whip-movement in these parts.

I’ve always loathed the Indy jacket. Even as a kid I thought it made him look 20 years older and somehow less capable.

Heh. I'm in the other camp; it was Indy that made brown leather - and by association flying jackets I had previously considered naff - credible to me. If I'd never seen Indy and only Top Gun, I doubt you'd have gotten me within ten feet of a brown leather flying jacket.

 

[Bushman]

The jacket doesn't fit him the way I'd want any of my jackets to fit, that goes without saying but somehow, it all just works so well. He's the coolest movie guy ever. But then again, that's Harrison Ford. That's why the jacket works.

Also, honestly, if I was in Indy's line of work, I'd want that exact same jacket. Provided I was somehow cursed with wearing leather in a desert climate. Roomy fit with that semi-action back for comfort and two huge pockets for all the archeological stuff. Perfect!

Kurt Russell wore some cool jackets but IMO he achieved the impossible in that crummy old Schott by making it look like the coolest movie jacket ever.

Kurt Russell has an iconic look in John Carpenter's remake of "The Thing." I'm also fond of his beater leather jacket from John Carpenter's "Escape" movies...

 

[Seb Lucas]

What fan bases tend to forget - and I've seen similar in so many of them - is that even costumiers working on highly successful films in the early eighties and before, well.... to them it was just another job, in the same way as to half the cast in the same films it's not a hobby into which they will pour endless time, love, money and attention/obsession, but a few weeks' work and a paycheck at the end. Ask them decades later about some really minor point, and, well.... they could be forgiven for doing a Shatner for real. I'm sure a lot of the time folks just repeat what they think they remember, or what they've heard back from the fans that they had done, rather than disappoint their audience. Seen it happen.
.

I think many people are aware of that, Edward. My point was simply don't accept the word of experts or people who 'were there' as they may be unreliable historians, for whatever reason. And for a costumer curating an exhibition, I think the fairly obvious 'mistakes' are highly amusing and revealing.

 

[Seb Lucas]

For some years I've been wanting a copy of this Sears made in a light/medium weight horsehide, without the belt.

But I could probably just get an Aero long Herc with adjustments, like no pocket flaps.

 

[Monitor]

Aaand incoming Lost Worlds leather vest. That one from the Deals thread. . .

 

[Edward]

Kurt Russell has an iconic look in John Carpenter's remake of "The Thing." I'm also fond of his beater leather jacket from John Carpenter's "Escape" movies...

The jacket from the first film is great. I love both films, but the second, ...LA, suffers a little bit from bigger budget / over-stylised to my eye (much like the second and third Mad Max films). I much prefer Snake looking rough-edged like in the first one.

Interesting how much the distressing plays in the look of that jacket, too - Wested do a version of it, but in their pictures with it in the smoothe, one-colour/tone goat, it just looks all sorts of wrong.

 

[barnabus]

There's only one more possible jacket on my scope for this year, and it'll be from Goldtop.

Because any jacket I get now will need to pass muster for riding, and I'm a massive ponce so I want armour, Goldtop offers the perfect combo of designs, safety and custom options.

I've got my eye on two from their range; the 1959, and the Lancer. And I'll be heading to Goldtop in person to try both on and decide what suits me best. But that'll be in a few weeks once I've flipped a few other jackets and freed up the dough.

I'll also be able to discuss custom colour options with them, as they've suggested in my conversations with them that they might be able to make a jacket in any of the colour options that are already available in their line of gloves.

I very much like their oiled cognac cowhide.

 

[Edward]

There's only one more possible jacket on my scope for this year, and it'll be from Goldtop.

Because any jacket I get now will need to pass muster for riding, and I'm a massive ponce so I want armour, Goldtop offers the perfect combo of designs, safety and custom options.

I've got my eye on two from their range; the 1959, and the Lancer. And I'll be heading to Goldtop in person to try both on and decide what suits me best. But that'll be in a few weeks once I've flipped a few other jackets and freed up the dough.

I'll also be able to discuss custom colour options with them, as they've suggested in my conversations with them that they might be able to make a jacket in any of the colour options that are already available in their line of gloves.

I very much like their oiled cognac cowhide.

The new navy gloves would look interesting in a jacket too. They do seem to be the only company I've seen so far to combine such a 50s / into the 60s retro design wioth the armour. Surprises me more companies aren't gonig there given the huge success of the whole retro bike style in recent years.

 

[barnabus]

Definitely. Although ridiculously, I'm only about 5 months into my Richa Daytona riding jacket which I adore and wear daily without even sparing it a thought. Why am I looking for another riding jacket? You tell me.

 

[Edward]

Definitely. Although ridiculously, I'm only about 5 months into my Richa Daytona riding jacket which I adore and wear daily without even sparing it a thought. Why am I looking for another riding jacket? You tell me.

But you need other colours, right? Frankly, half the reason I want a bike is for the sake of all the outfits!

 

[JMax]

But you need other colours, right? Frankly, half the reason I want a bike is for the sake of all the outfits!

I just have to add that if not for the fact that I ride, I would rarely if ever wear my jackets. Crazy, but part of the reason I want to move out of south Florida is to go someplace with better jacket weather. I am thinking NC, VA or back to Colorado.

 

[barnabus]

But you need other colours, right? Frankly, half the reason I want a bike is for the sake of all the outfits!

I just parked up outside Aldi to buy some groceries, and a bloke immediately started up a conversation about bikes (as often seems to happen the moment I get off), during which he commented how nice my jacket was and how well it complemented the bike, because of the retro vibe.

Astonishing that a cheapo riding jacket covered in flies can nonetheless draw nice comments.

But yes, I DO want other colours.

 

[red devil]

But you need other colours, right? Frankly, half the reason I want a bike is for the sake of all the outfits!

Careful here, because you start thinking that you need different bikes in different colours to better complement your jacket collection... variety is indeed important

 

[El Marro]

If I'd never seen Indy and only Top Gun, I doubt you'd have gotten me within ten feet of a brown leather flying jacket.

I could not agree more. I loved Top Gun when it came out and I think I saw it three or four times in the theater. But the ensuing craze of oversized and over-patched Top Gun themed G-1 jackets scared me away from that style for a good 30 years.

 

[Edward]

I just parked up outside Aldi to buy some groceries, and a bloke immediately started up a conversation about bikes (as often seems to happen the moment I get off), during which he commented how nice my jacket was and how well it complemented the bike, because of the retro vibe.

Astonishing that a cheapo riding jacket covered in flies can nonetheless draw nice comments.

But yes, I DO want other colours.

I think a lot of people are really starting to appreciate the classic look with bike gear; even subcinsciously, I think mosdt folks are bored of the 'Power Ranger covered in logos' look that was so dominant for so long. (I know there are plenty of bike jackets I liked the generasl style of, but will never buy because I hate the logos.)

Careful here, because you start thinking that you need different bikes in different colours to better complement your jacket collection... variety is indeed important

Oh, I already have a list of all the bikes I would buy if I won the Lotto (Mutt 250cc, Black Douglas, Triumph Bonneville, Royal Enfield C500, and some American-40s/50s-style but not necesarily made bobber-custom-flatracer type). Definitely there would be outfits appropriate to each....

I could not agree more. I loved Top Gun when it came out and I think I saw it three or four times in the theater. But the ensuing craze of oversized and over-patched Top Gun themed G-1 jackets scared me away from that style for a good 30 years.

Ha, I hated the film from the off, which is probably why I hated the overpatched look. Interesting it put you off when you actually liked the film!

 

[regius]

Some of you may remember the Aero Elvis I got, turned out to be not such a nice fit so I sent it back opting for the alteration option for 100 pounds. But ever since they acknowledged receipt of my return, there been no word from Denny. It’s been almost a month. I guess they are on summer hours?


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[Psant25]

Some of you may remember the Aero Elvis I got, turned out to be not such a nice fit so I sent it back opting for the alteration option for 100 pounds. But ever since they acknowledged receipt of my return, there been no word from Denny. It’s been almost a month. I guess they are on summer hours?


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I dont know about denny, but I emailed back and forth with holly and christine last week. Very prompt responses to my questions.

 

[Mich486]

Some of you may remember the Aero Elvis I got, turned out to be not such a nice fit so I sent it back opting for the alteration option for 100 pounds. But ever since they acknowledged receipt of my return, there been no word from Denny. It’s been almost a month. I guess they are on summer hours?


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I did a return (for a trade in) a couple of weeks ago and it was Christine who got back to me. You might as well try and email her


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[Colin G]

2019 has now come and gone so I figured I'd bump this up and see how everyone fared. Did any of you stick to the plan or completely fall apart at the seams and buy more than you planned?

So, let's hear it. How did your 2019 shake out?

For me it was supposed to be a boots and belts year, and not jackets. I did not stick to my plan. I ended up buying two leather jackets and a waxed canvas winter coat but I also sold off a Lost Worlds ANJ-4 and got rid of my three Thedi jackets. I also ordered a new Langlitz motorcycle jacket so four went out and four came back.

As for boots ans belts, I grabbed 5 pairs of White's Boots and zero belts. I guess 2020 can be the year of the belt.

2020 will be a strange year for me. I plan on picking up one more leather jacket when I go to Japan next month and a pair of Wesco Mr Lou engineer boots and that is it.

2019 brought some great change to my life. At 48 I found myself with an imminent and forced career change. The company I worked at for the last 17 years shut down my division so I was out on the street and needed to make some critical life decisions about seeking new employment in a dying industry or make a 180 degree change and switch to something else. I weighed out my options and talked it over with my spouse and I have decided to go back to University in the fall of 2020 and finish off my Anthropology degree. These days a degree is the new high school diploma so in order to land a great paying job like I had, I will have to go back and finish my degree 18 years after I started. It always bothered me I never finished so now is my chance for redemption. I have about a year and half left so not a lot but enough. I'll be in class with kids half my age since I have some 100 level courses I never tackled. I have about four 400 level Anthropology classes and the rest is the 100 level BS I never took.

I wish all of you guys the best in 2020 and hope you can post up some wonderful finds in the new year. I'll be living vicariously through you fellas for the next year or so I am counting on you.