<<< Anyone into leather? >>>

[brandrea]

Evening folks! I thought I'd share an incoming of a different sort.

I've always been interested in owning a high quality leather jacket. I know its not for everyone and we can debate the ethics of using animals for clothing when there are other options ... let's leave that out of this thread please.

After quite a bit of research I discovered there are mainly three top tier, bespoke, leather jacket makers who ply their craft using old world techniques. One is located in Japan, the other in the USA and the last one is right here in my backyard in Toronto!

If you're into very high quality horse hide leather, you really owe it to yourself to consider a jacket from Himel Bros. I decided on a classic as this is probably the only nice jacket I'll ever buy in this price range ... and my wife already thinks I'm nuts... sound familiar?

What a treat this is. The "Imperial" is shinki horse hide which David sources direct from the craft tannery in Hikaku Japan. This leather is truly a work of art. You can read up on it at:

www.himelbros.com

Its tough to describe the smoothness and fine grain, the subtle sheen and the feel ... wow. The stitching is unreal, fine single stitched seams with 9 or 10 threads per inch. The lining is a super cool period correct camo maple leaf lining. David is a true artisan and craftsmen. He really puts alot into these jackets and it shows. I believe he stated that each jacket uses approx one complete hide and takes up to 18 hours to cut and stitch. These are heirlooms to be passed on and his motto: "everybody deserves one good thing" resonates with me.

I had the pleasure of spending a few hours with the man himself and we chatted for 3-4 hours about everthing from his beginnings with vintage clothing, and how he got into his bespoke leather goods business. We also chatted about a whole bunch of other topics some of which are forbidden here Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting David. The whole experience was truly amazing and I would highly recommend him to anyone who wants the introduction.

Anyway I just thought I'd share. Hope you like the pics







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[Xenon]

Just picked up this shearling coat for 60% off

[Bladeshot]

That is so cool! Great share. Thanks, Brian!

And it looks great on you.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Bladeshot

That is so cool! Great share. Thanks, Brian!

And it looks great on you.

Thank you Grant

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Evening folks! I thought I'd share an incoming of a different sort.

I've always been interested in owning a high quality leather jacket.

Damn, that's a sweet jacket. There's lots to like, for one it's damn timeless, I could picture that jacket in the 70s and looks great today. The color is perfect and has a cut that can be dressed up or down. That's going to age well.
Enjoy.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Damn, that's a sweet jacket. There's lots to like, for one it's damn timeless, I could picture that jacket in the 70s and looks great today. The color is perfect and has a cut that can be dressed up or down. That's going to age well.
Enjoy.

Thanks brother Now I’ve just got to make sure I don’t grow out of it

[RichM]

That’s quite a title. lol.

What a great looking jacket Brian. Wear it in good health.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Rich Mickol

That’s quite a title. lol.

What a great looking jacket Brian. Wear it in good health.

Now that I think of it ... you’re right, the title could’ve used a bit more thought

[austinp]

Super sharp jacket. Really can wear that bad boy anywhere.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by austinp

Super sharp jacket. Really can wear that bad boy anywhere.


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Thanks brother, I intend to

[Chewbacca]

1. The title made me think of time my wife and her best friend at the time both slapped me

2. You’re a monster for wearing leather

3. Nice jacket. Gonna read up on it

[JasoninDenver]

Feels good to buy the best doesn’t it?

Imperial?

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

Feels good to buy the best doesn’t it?

Imperial?

It sure does Jason and you know your jackets clearly.

Yes, this is the Imperial. He borrowed the original pattern from John Chapman (Goodwear Leather ~ one of the three top tier makers and based in the US)

[-dustin]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

1. The title made me think of time my wife and her best friend at the time both slapped me

Yeah, buddy! Good job. Hope there wasn’t any awkwardness afterwards.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

1. The title made me think of time my wife and her best friend at the time both slapped me

2. You’re a monster for wearing leather

3. Nice jacket. Gonna read up on it

I think one would suit you Chewy

[Razorsedge1]

Cool jacket! Thanks for sharing web site. Now all you need is a vintage motorcycle or convertible.... Enjoy!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Razorsedge1

Cool jacket! Thanks for sharing web site. Now all you need is a vintage motorcycle or convertible.... Enjoy!

Now you’re talking ... maybe a Norton or a Triumph

[Cazador60]

I'm digging that reddish or maroon color leather jacket and that black hat with the camo lining.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Cazador60

I'm digging that reddish or maroon color leather jacket and that black hat with the camo lining.

It’s a cool look on him for sure ... I wish I could pull it off

[dddrees]

Very nice Brian.

I guess you haven't seen any of my shoes or boots?

[SearChart]

Looks great!!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Very nice Brian.

I guess you haven't seen any of my shoes or boots?

No but I’d love to ... that’s next provided they’ll fit my orthotics

Originally Posted by SearChart

Looks great!!

Thanks brother

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by brandrea

No but I’d love to ... that’s next provided they’ll fit my orthotics



Thanks brother

I don't post from my phone and since I don't currently use an image hosting service it makes it a bit difficult. But anyway the top tier shoemakers do make some really nice leather shoes and boots. If interested sometime take a look at John Lobb, Edward Green, and Gaziano and Girling. Its not only nice dress shoes but some real nice boots and MTO can always be ordered where you can get them exactly the way you want them.

It does look like you are more a Viberg type person however and they make some really nice boots although the orthotics would more than likely would be an issue.

There really is nothing better than a real nice leather chair either and I have one fairly nice one for both my home office and living room as well.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by dddrees

I don't post from my phone and since I don't currently use an image hosting service it makes it a bit difficult. But anyway the top tier shoemakers do make some really nice leather shoes and boots. If interested sometime take a look at John Lobb, Edward Green, and Gaziano and Girling. Its not only nice dress shoes but some real nice boots and MTO can always be ordered where you can get them exactly the way you want them.

It does look like you are more a Viberg type person however and they make some really nice boots although the orthotics would more than likely would be an issue.

There really is nothing better than a real nice leather chair either and I have one fairly nice one for both my home office and living room as well.

I'm with you on the leather chair ... not the best picture but here is our Eames



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[JParm]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I'm with you on the leather chair ... not the best picture but here is our Eames



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Loving the Eames! We have a white one.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I'm with you on the leather chair ... not the best picture but here is our Eames



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Nice!!!

When all around me are buying that cheap plastic crap it's Leather, nice looking wood, and quality materials which are the things that I enjoy, interested in, and buy.

[Burlington]

Jacket looks great.

In these days of ‘fast fashion’ it is always excellent to see something hand crafted and most importantly designed to stand the test of time.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by Burlington

Jacket looks great.

In these days of ‘fast fashion’ it is always excellent to see something hand crafted and most importantly designed to stand the test of time.

x2

Well done, Brian. The quality is evident in the photos. Looks great, thanks for sharing.

I bet David could make a stunning strap for your 690..... ;-)

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

x2

Well done, Brian. The quality is evident in the photos. Looks great, thanks for sharing.

I bet David could make a stunning strap for your 690..... ;-)

Thanks buddy :cheers. You’re always thinking outside the box my friend, that’s an awesome idea

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Burlington

Jacket looks great.

In these days of ‘fast fashion’ it is always excellent to see something hand crafted and most importantly designed to stand the test of time.

Indeed and a very good point mention here. Timeless, classic, well made to last for generations.