Inspiration LA 2023

[Will Zach]

Is anyone attending willing to post a photo essay? Seems like a lot of cool stuff being shown. Thedi, Ooe Yofukuten, probably others, too, @dudewuttheheck ? Maybe on your YT channel? @TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead ?

 

[photo2u]

I might go in the afternoon.

 

[Tom71]

Would be interested too. Really enjoyed the sneak-peek on @dudewuttheheck s Insta (BTW: great pickup there. I love it on you!).

 

[torfjord]

@jeo is there as well

 

[Leigh H]

@jeo shared some nice vintage jackets on his IG story.

Post them here!

 

[TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead]

I just got back. Pretty cool show but in all honesty, I thought it was going to be a bit bigger (that's what she said jokes accepted). Glad I didn't do the double day thing as I pretty much was done after a few hours, but in all fairness, I wasn't hanging out at every single booth and going through each rack. Main purpose was to meet Theo from Thedi and have him measure my collar so he could do another shearling detachable for me. Handling all his leathers and designs in person though was a real treat. Has got me rethinking my closet. I've said it before, if I won the lottery, I'd be on a flight to Greece and pretty much fill up the suitcases. Now having seen them person, I'm all in. He's got an amazing touch for pattern design and fit. Stuff that I thought for sure no way would fit, went on like a glove. But he wasn't selling items at the show, just taking measurements for future orders. Got my eye a few things in the future, but the wallet was spared today.

Ran into @jeo @Mister Rivets @Jiaward Also spotted Dave Himmel at the very end. Nice guy, shared some jacket encyclopedia knowledge.

Couple booths had amazing stuff for sale--Bucos for days, Taubers, etc. 2 booths in particular just had dream collection stuff. The mark up wasn't that bad considering they had bigger sizes and the overall conditions. Me and Jeo were just raving at some of the label qualities. Stuff looked brand new. He scored really, really big with one of the most amazing jackets I've ever seen and given the model/year/etc. and condition it was in, that would be end game for me. I won't steal his thunder and let him share.

Overall, glad I went, but was surprised more vendors didn't attend. Would have been nice to have IH, RMC, etc. But even a lot of LA based companies were nowhere to be seen like BraveStar, Railcar, etc. Not sure how relevant conventions are post covid and in this social media age. I'm probably not the right demo, but I think it's really cool to see the stuff in person.

 

[handymike]

Bummed I didn’t make it to meet you guys, but it wasn’t meant to be today.

 

[photo2u]

Friends, I think the show was good. Sad that did not see some of LA's finest like Brian the boot maker and BraveStar. However, I did see some international heavy hitters Theodoros Pampoukas and David Himmel.

I actually capture David Himmel commenting on his jackets exclusively for our fine forum members. More to come.
Here are the fine craftsmen.

 

[Jasonissm]

Friends, I think the show was good. Sad that did not see some of LA's finest like Brian the boot maker and BraveStar. However, I did see some international heavy hitters Theodoros Pampoukas and David Himmel.

I actually capture David Himmel commenting on his jackets exclusively for our fine forum members. More to come.
Here are the fine craftsmen. View attachment 505765 View attachment 505766

Thedi's outfit with the CHP and jodhpur pants, so badass!

 

[photo2u]

Theodoros, Is a CLASS ACT. He is such a nice person, He comes across as a true genuine gentleman. David is a kind down-to-earth passionate gentleman. David, within a few seconds, dialed my measurements to perfection. Incredible to be honest. Not even my old-school tailor was able to do it.

 

[Marc mndt]

Stuff that I thought for sure no way would fit, went on like a glove.

Which models did you try on and what does you shortlist look like?

Couple booths had amazing stuff for sale--Bucos for days, Taubers, etc. 2 booths in particular just had dream collection stuff. The mark up wasn't that bad considering they had bigger sizes and the overall conditions.

Oh man, I saw some pics on Instagram. I know for sure I would go home broke lol.

 

[jeo]

Awesome Hercules with mint liner and label with rough wear style flap pocket.

Incredibly rare Levi’s jacket. Mint condition.

This was the gem of all gems as far as I’m concerned in this entire event. Like brand new JH-1.

Hercules with the green/black wool liner

This Peter’s was the rarest jacket of the entire event. Not in perfect condition but still, I was floored just to see it.

 

[jeo]

Continued photo dump

Peter’s

Even rarer Levi’s. Larry of Hellers cafe ended up buying it. Insane price on it. He was such a nice guy!

Tried on this Thedi. Fit me perfectly. I think I may take the plunge and get a custom Thedi. Was surprised how heavy and substantial they are.

Rough In half belt. Primo condition.

Rare and interesting Canadian jacket

 

[jeo]

One of two jackets I bought. Someone here posted it on the finds and deals thread. Thank you to whoever that was! Mint Buco J-24 steer hide from the early 60’s with original collar and belt. Bought from the original owner. She said she even has the receipt that she will try and dig up and send me. She also said she will dig up old photos of her in the jacket.

This guy look familiar?

Incredible wool/leather jacket from the 30’s

 

[jeo]

This was an amazing jacket from the 30’s but it was kind of toasty.

This one from the 30’s though was not toasty. Very small size, even too small for me. But it was amazing!

Well…maybe this was the rarest jacket. The only leather jacket from Larry’s collection that he wants to keep, although he said that everything has a price haha. He thinks it’s a 1 of 1.

 

[Marc mndt]

@jeo great pics thanks for sharing. Congrats on the buco, great score. We usually see these steerhide ones totally beat up with lots of 'teacore'. This one was well taken care of. So you actually met the first owner?

Is that the recently discussed Freenote x Himel collab I see there? Did you have a chance to try it on?

 

[jeo]

From the Berberjin booth

This amazing jacket fit me but was a little too toasty for my liking

 

[jeo]

Another shot of that Levi’s aviator along with the back.

Same exact jacket that I bought but nowhere near as good of a condition and no collar. They wanted $1200 for it. Makes me feel good about what I paid for mine.

 

[jeo]

 

[jeo]