AL - Simmons Bilt!

[Big J]

Yeah, stealing the Aero labels is so strange. There is no reason I can imagine for that, other than to counterfeit Aero products.

 

[Fanch]

I wouldn't be entirely surprised if they folded the company in the next year or so. It doesn't seem to have gained much market traction, and they're in the sort of niche market where brand loyalty runs high, and the negative publicity around the Lauder trial and the perceived attempt to buy Aero out from under Ken, similarity in their range, and so on doesn't play well.

Edward, I have been particularly impressed with your scholarly, insightful comments. What you just said in your above statement is the thought I was attempting to make earlier on this thread. I too have the impression that AL's market share has gradually slipped away after their initial splash a couple of years ago. If Aero had folded and closed their doors in late 2012, perhaps AL might have been more viable, but perhaps not even then. [huh]

 

[Sloan1874]

I too have the impression that AL's market share has gradually slipped away after their initial splash a couple of years ago. If Aero had folded and closed their doors in late 2012, perhaps AL might have been more viable, but perhaps not even then. [huh]

I agree. A rebranding along the lines of what they've attempted (poorly), suggests that they were happy to sacrifice any market recognition that they had - it's a big thing to jettison the label that you've spent three years building up - so the calculation must have been that the risk outweighed any benefits.
To me, though, the whole AL business model was based on Aero going into tail spin early on, and the likes of Horween and other suppliers simply shrugging their shoulders and falling into line with the new business as a replacement of sorts. Without Aero dropping out of the market, it was always going to be an uphill-to-impossible struggle as they were attempting to offer what were effectively inferior versions of Aero's older stock models: they had no access to FQHH, a design range that has dated rapidly with the upgrading of almost all rivals, and a brand tarnished from the start by Will's actions in relation to his previous employer ie storse and thefts.

 

[Big J]

So what Aero did DiCaprio wear in Inception?

 

[tropicalbob]

1950's HB, wasn't it?

 

[Fanch]

So what Aero did DiCaprio wear in Inception?

I dunno - I've never been able to figure that one out. The closest seems to be a Pioneer with modified sleeves that appear way too short. [huh]

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Doesn't look like an Aero to me.

 

[Sloan1874]

This one dates from the old regime, and given the 'anything goes' policy of the period, who can say?

 

[Fanch]

Doesn't look like an Aero to me.

HD I think I recall reading somewhere that it is an Aero, although I could be wrong. Obviously it is a modified Aero, if one at all. Maybe a modified 1950's HB?

 

[ButteMT61]

Doesn't look like an Aero to me.

Well, it's not a 50's HB/HBD as it's nothing like mine...

 

[pauleway]

what were effectively inferior versions of Aero's older stock models:

I have the Arkansas AL, which is basically a 30's HB, and I also have an Aero 30's HB and the AL Arkansas is not inferior in any way to the Aero! It is just as well made in every way and is my "Go-To" jacket!!

 

[handymike]

That's one of the jackets that got me over here...
I think we read in the Julie L/ Captain America jacket interview that it is an Aero jacket.

 

[pauleway]

Doesn't look like an Aero to me.

It does not look like an Aero, and it looks like he has the cuffs (with the button closure) tucked in.

 

[devilish]

I know I am running the risk of sounding like an AL apologist at this point but here goes anyway. The whole 'vintage style with a modern cut/twist' thing is omnipresent in a certain sector of 'fashion' right now. It maybe an oxymoron but it isn't AL's invention. Even such well respected companies as The Real McCoy's do it. In fact, they've always done it. A lot of their designs look like almost stitch for stitch repros but they alter the fit to be slightly less boxy or roomy on many of their models.

Many, many companies jumping on the Heritage bandwagon use this term on virtually every blurb for every article they make. It is nauseating but hardly the sole property of AL.

 

[Sloan1874]

It's more to do with the fact that AL - I can't be bothered with the new name - used the oxymoron up front as their calling card.

 

[tropicalbob]

I like the way Mascot handles this: Our aim ... is to revive the lost designs with jackets that will be as close to the originals as possible, albeit it with modern elements, plus as the originals were rarely made in larger sizes, we will recreate them to accommodate this." This is smart, as part of their market will be the guys who wore them 30 years ago and couldn't squeeze into them today.

 

[AdeeC]

I have been looking ar AL's anonymous A2. Looks like a Bronco copy and very similar to Aero's Bronco. Website says it is based on a pattern from 1942 so not a generic version. Vague, every other maker always tout the authenticity of their versions with the original source name. I don't think Bronco's are suspects for the "unknown maker" moniker.

 

[tropicalbob]

It's also refreshing and instructive to look at the AL/SB site and then go to Mascot, as the latter is passionate about those jackets and their market niche is crystal clear, while the former is, well, what it is.

 

[Sloan1874]

I like the Mascot site and their approach, it's similar to that of Aerial Star: focused and well-presented.

 

[Big J]

I like the Mascot site and their approach, it's similar to that of Aerial Star: focused and well-presented.

There was an Aerial Star A-2 on the Lounge a while back that looked really nice! I can't remember who posted it...

The market is big enough for a variety of manufacturers making similar products. AL just seemed to be kinda stalking Aero from the off, it's creepy.