Gentlemen's Vintage Show Recap

I hope you all got a chance to go to the 1st Gentleman's Vintage Show last week, it was hopping.  There were all kinds of tasty bits and pieces to send you straight to the front of the style line.  I only had a few hours to work the show, so my first goal was to get a quick overview of the vendors. New York based, Amacord always has great pieces and it was at their booth I found this amazing jacket.  This garment had several details that instantly grabbed me.  I'm a big fan of smartly-cut, short jackets.  Modern bomber style jackets (with rib bottoms) are usually hip length, because companies try to make their clothing appeal to as many people as possible (overly democratic). The outside of this jacket is a dense twill fabric which feels like wool and polyester with a little nylon.  The interior lining is all wool. There are no hand pockets.  I think the deep pockets were made for holding folded paperwork since this jacket was part of a  delivery uniform from the Duvenoy Bakery. There's also a stitched pen pocket on the left side.  The sleeves are angled forward at the elbow which makes sense, as the wearer probably spent considerable time driving or carrying things, both action that require a bent arm position.  The collar has an interesting partial stiffener in it that makes it roll nicely.  I'm going to make a pattern from it next week.  I'm thinking a nice wool herringbone and some pleated pockets for our version. 

As a maker, there were so many awesome details and good ideas it was both inspiring and humbling all at once.  It definitely made me more committed to produce as much as possible here and just appreciative of American manufacturing overall.  Bobby of Boston had amazing Regatta jackets and an entire booth full of vintage ivy-league inspired goods. I picked up a few pocket squares and a scarf tie there.  The Archive, who was also at the women's vintage show, had top notch vintage pieces.  There were a couple of 1930's suits that were dreamy.  Next show I hope to find out what vendors do rentals, since I'm always interested in capturing authentic details from these clothes and offering them in shapes that fit the modern man.  

I'll definitely give you advance notice of the next event and in the meantime make sure to visit and support your local vintage dealer. (Your wallet and your woman will thank you).  They preserve an essential part of our history and remind of us of the great legacy that we all continue to take part in.