Zara B6 Clone - £89.99

[MeachamLake]

I know that discussion of faux leather jackets is blasphemy around here, but I thought it was interesting that Zara has produced what looks to be a very close copy of the B6 in their latest collection. I know it's not 100% accurate, but I've never seen a high street company produce a jacket that is so obviously based on the B6.

It comes in a seal brown or a lighter "redskin' esque colour. £89.99.

Before you slate me, I do have an actual B6 on order from Aero as we speak - but part of me is tempted to pick one of these up to use as a beater. Zara stuff in an XXL usually fits me perfectly as it's long and quite slim cut...

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/man/jackets/view-all/leather-effect-jacket-c758501p4913014.html

 

[Edward]

I'd argue it's closer a D1 than aB6, but yes.... not a bad look at all. And for being that little bit "innaccurate", it's probably all the closer to the flying-inspired jackets that a civilian might buy in the late 40s or the 50s.... If it is of reasonable durability, this could be an affordable alternative for a kid who is still growing, and for whom, therefore, a full-fat reporo like an Aero is a bit on the pricey side if they'll only get a year's wear out of it....

 

[GHT]

I know that discussion of faux leather jackets is blasphemy around here, but I thought it was interesting that Zara has produced what looks to be a very close copy of the B6 in their latest collection. I know it's not 100% accurate, but I've never seen a high street company produce a jacket that is so obviously based on the B6.

Wear whatever you like, you don't need either Lounger's permission or a note from your mother. It's nobody's business but your's. You might feel that some are so purist that it's causing you self imposed pressure, don't let that happen, your life, your money, your choice.

 

[MeachamLake]

Haha, too true GHT! Whilst I do love my uber expensive leather jackets, I do unfortunately have to wear "normal" clothes from high street brands most of the time. Maybe one day my entire wardrobe will be handmade, but until then I will have to make do.

I've gone ahead and ordered it...let's see how it turns out!

 

[l0fielectronic]

I think a few of the High Street brands are doing their version of this for this year, I'd guess in part on the back of the Dunkirk film and in a lesser way the Wonder Woman one.

I saw this in the window of River Island the other day...

I had a leather body-warmer from Zara a couple of years ago and it was nicely made.

Funny seeing this thread tough as, having sold a couple of jackets recently, I've been looking at the budget shearling jacket options - and spent about half and hour going through the 90 page Irvin thread on here yesterday (Damn you photobucket for your changes.)

 

[MeachamLake]

Good point Edward, it does have some D1 features in it - kind of a combination of both styles.

I think a few of the High Street brands are doing their version of this for this year, I'd guess in part on the back of the Dunkirk film and in a lesser way the Wonder Woman one.

Absolutely, I too have noticed more and more bomber/WW2 influenced clothing and designs appearing in the mainstream this past year - I would agree the Dunkirk has played a major part in this. It's also timely that this years big Call of Duty release is WW2 - I won't lie, I'm excited for it too! - so I expect that will bring with it a new wave of interest in the war.

I'm only 23 myself, and I guess I'm quite unique being so fascinated with WW2 history and clothing. I think it's great that mainstream fashion still looks to WW2 for influences...the fact it still sees these nearly 80 year old sheepskin jacket designs as cool and relevant in 2017 is quite remarkable when you think about it. Even in our relatively hollow culture where Kim and Kanye are idols to the masses, it's quite comforting to know that the image of the real heroes who served in WW2 is still seen as being worthy of emulation by younger generations. Long may it continue, and lest we forget...

 

[Big J]

I wish I could agree that this was some result of an at least temporary awareness of WWII, and that these high street brands were referencing that but...

It's much more likely that these chain stores like Zara, have looked at what 'hipsters' have been spending $1000's of dollars on for the last couple of years, and have merely thought 'how can we offer the appearance of that with made in China products at high-street prices for the masses?'

As usual, high-street fashion two years behind cutting edge, with pale imitations of something they don't understand. McDonalds fashion for the proles.

Shopping IS living! Why aren't you happy? You must buy more shallow disposable cr8p!
That's all this is. Burn it with fire.

 

[GHT]

I'm only 23 myself, and I guess I'm quite unique being so fascinated with WW2 history and clothing.

Far from it, far, far from it. Look up War & Peace, look up Twinwood, (RAF Twinwood is where Glenn Miller took off from, never to be seen again.) Look up War on the Line, look up WW2 Pickering. If you get yourself along to any of the many WW2 UK events, you will be amazed and surprised by the number of twenty somethings there.

 

[MeachamLake]

Far from it, far, far from it. Look up War & Peace, look up Twinwood, (RAF Twinwood is where Glenn Miller took off from, never to be seen again.) Look up War on the Line, look up WW2 Pickering. If you get yourself along to any of the many WW2 UK events, you will be amazed and surprised by the number of twenty somethings there.
View attachment 88097

Will definitely have to get myself down to one of these events...they have always been on my list but just have never managed to time things correctly. Great to hear that they hold appeal to all ages though!

 

[dubpynchon]

That's actually not too terrible... once you don't go for the grey that is.

 

[MeachamLake]

That's actually not too terrible... once you don't go for the grey that is.

The grey is vile...as are those ridiculous "flood pants" all the models are wearing. I mean, I like a trouser with a 2 inch cuff and minimal break, but come on...

 

[Big J]

I can't believe you people are bringing this discussion here. Edward ought to know better, and Meacham Lake could conceivably be from Zara's marketing department.
It's a PLASTIC JACKET!
No one started threads dedicated to the MA-1 'clone' knock-offs that have been big for the last couple of years, so please, let's not dignify this awful chain store lowest common denominator trash.
There must be specialty forums for mall fashion.

 

[MeachamLake]

I can't believe you people are bringing this discussion here. Edward ought to know better, and Meacham Lake could conceivably be from Zara's marketing department.
It's a PLASTIC JACKET!
No one started threads dedicated to the MA-1 'clone' knock-offs that have been big for the last couple of years, so please, let's not dignify this awful chain store lowest common denominator trash.
There must be specialty forums for mall fashion.

I can't quite tell if you're joking or not.

Yes, it's a plastic jacket, but I thought it was nothing more than a curiosity considering the B6/D1 style is rarely copied by mainstream fashion which has only ever really focused on the MA-1. That is why I shared it...nothing more.

I don't know if you read my first post, but I have an actual sheepskin B6 on order from Aero as we speak, which is why seeing this piqued my interest.

 

[nick123]

The "bomber" jackets are in vogue this year. Not sure if they've made it to the streets but they are being promoted. There was a showcase in the New York Times or another paper with Burberry-esque B-3s, Schott, and such a while back. Probably to coincide with Dunkirk.

 

[ton312]

So I needed a navy blue sports coat for a wedding that was Norte Dame themed and my wife actually suggested Zara because it's relatively cheap and I don't really need a navy blue blazer for any other occasion. I thought they only sold higher end versions of forever 21 type women's clothes but she went with me and I found one, the only XL on the rack and tried it on. I could hear and feel the stitches popping out on the shoulders and I'm pretty sure if I bent my arms it would be full Bruce Banner post Hulking out.
Bottom line is the stuff isn't very well made and it's sized super, super small. I think the price point for that stuff is actually quite high given the way it's put together and the materials they use. That said, I agree with @GHT, wear what you want. But I suspect when the Aero arrives you will quickly lose any interest in the Zara jacket.

 

[Blackadder]

Depending on the material used. If suedette, then not bad. If its PU then it will probably last for one or two seasons only. These new Zara faux leather jackets, bags which are made of PU disintegrate even in storage. Wonder if it's because they needed to be biodegradable.

 

[Stand By]

Hello Meacham Lake and please don't be offended by Big J's comments. Email and text is a tricky medium that is unable to convey tone, so for all of its wonder and cleverness, it is responsible for much miscommunication in the world, so I always try to take a pause to consider that, especially at this virtual bar where we all happily convene with our shared passion for classic jackets.
I think Big J is referring to the fact that TFL was specifically designed to discuss and celebrate the finer things in life, namely at this bit of the bar, where we all enjoy quality jackets and gear. This jacket doesn't qualify - but it is interesting to see the fashion houses trying to emulate with cheap materials what we all know to be sheer class and one pays for that (I have an ELC RW B6 from 2005 and love it). The jacket is tat but imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, as they say.
Personally, I'd put the 80 quid towards a very nice belt to go with the quality Aero you have coming. Buy better, buy less.

 

[Benny Holiday]

Don't make Tony angry . . . you wouldn't like him when he's angry!

 

[dubpynchon]

At least they took their inspiration from a classic jacket. I hope this doesn't mean we're going to see lots of muppets running around in B-6 copies this winter. Actually this might give me the opportunity to tell a fashionista where their jacket comes from and address him as 'son'.

 

[ton312]

Don't make Tony angry . . . you wouldn't like him when he's angry!

LOL. I seriously think anyone over 150 lbs would struggle with the fits there. It's insanely euro trim. Sleeves have the diameter of socks and the shoulders are a good 2" under the tag size! I did find a blazer at Nordstrom Rack that I barely wore during the wedding (it was outdoors and 1000 degrees). Returned it promptly the following Monday. I wore it tacky. Didn't undo the stitch in back and didn't care.