Monday, May 18, 2009

Archival Finder: Andy's jacket, Woody's shoes & Italian motorcycle trousers

In the last few months, I've received a number of emails from people trying to a) locate out-of-production clothing b) identify clothing worn in movies or c) track down a clothing type or style w/no identifiable brand or vintage. I'm reprinting a few requests today to see if others might be able to assist in identifying and/or sourcing of these ephemeral items.



Andy in China

First up is a request from Daniel M. from London. Daniel is trying to identify the make and model of a fishing/photog jacket worn by Andy Warhol in the book, Andy in China. Daniel writes:
On scrutinizing the images I could not make out the manufacturers name but it looked like it ended 'oma' Could you advise what the manufacturers name is or where a copy could be purchased from?
I have to admit that I'm not a fan of synthetics. But I do love the pocketing on this jacket. I'd just have mine remanufactured in a nice light cotton poplin. Closest modern reissue might be this Woolrich Relaunch.

I wouldn't be surprised if Andy's outfit was inspired by some of the modern angler's wear ("khaki mist silicone treated gabardine") sold by Hunting World, a high end Manhattan sportswear and Safari outfitter popular in the 1970s.


Hunting World Catalog 1975

Another email request comes from an anonymous reader pining for a pair of work-type shoes worn by Woody Allen in Annie Hall. He writes:
The shoes appear, to my untrained eye, to look like welted, moc toe work... shoes? They look nearly identical to some crepe sole red wing boots I own. Have you ever known of a such a shoe? This was Woody in the 70's, so I'm sure it was American made. I'd appreciate any info you could share. - an anonymous (thankful) reader.


Annie Hall (Allen 1977)

I feel like I've seen these shoes a thousand times on the racks in Goodwill (not that they're not worth tracking down again). But I have no clue about their make or model. Apologies. Any general suggestions or ideas?


Vintage Italian Motorcycle Trousers

Finally, Indigo Slims blogger Jennifer sent in a request on behalf of a friend and motorcyle enthusiast. She reports that her friend is trying to find some stylish trousers to match his new Belstaff jacket:
He’s a keen bike rider, and has invested in a traditional Belstaff jacket with metal protective plates etc (that weighs about a ton), but can’t find trousers to complete his planned kit. He’s a traditional chap (a fan of Old Town in Norfolk, who I see you’ve found before me as they’re already on your approved list!), and has found pictures (attached) of vintage Italian army motorbike trousers. He’s asked if I have any suggestions as to who might be willing to re-create these, and I'm wondering if you in turn had any ideas? I’m going to suggest he talk to British Millerain as they may have some ideas, but other than getting a pair made specially by a tailor, I couldn’t think of [other possible resources].
Personally, I'd recommend shopping from the past. I love the old, 1950s-era Barbour motorcycle suits shown in reprints of the older catalogs (below). I'm wondering whether it would be possible to have Barbour create a custom pair of motorcycle trousers based on one of their vintage patterns. They may even have a pattern in their archives that closely resembles the details of the Italian motorbike trousers

Barbour Catalog Reprint

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

From the look of the pockets, Warhol might be wearing an M42 airbone jacket, as issued to US paratroopers in WW2. Buzz Rickon make one, as do other repro vendors.

Neil

Fern said...

I like Andy's jacket a lot. Have you done a post on wading jackets yet? They look very sharp. Patagonia makes a nice version called the SST Jacket.

Lesli Larson said...

Anon--

Thanks for the lead on the jacket. I wasn't thinking airborne jacket but it makes sense.

Fern--

I'm definitely saving a spot on the blog for a future post on wading jackets. My favorite is the Barbour wading jacket which, with it's crazy short length, fit me nearly like a normal jacket. In general, I shy away from Patagonia synthetics... but I do love the retro-x (plastic pop bottle) vest...

James said...

Thanks for taking an interest in my Motorbike Trousers, but have you noticed that the model in the picture is wearing them back to front?
Very Bad Drills!

Anonymous said...

My dad used a have a pair of DieHard work shoes from sears that looked just like Woody's. He got them in the early 80's so they could very well be the same. Redwing still makes very similar ones, and you could also get something very like them from Russel Moccasin.

FAPORT International said...

wow1 i really like Andy's jacket...
nice post...

indigo slims said...

James has found his trousers: http://www.kakaduaustralia.co.uk/acatalog/Oilskin_Cloth.html
I think you'll approve of Aussie workwear.

Thalia said...

I am loving these exterior pockets and double knees at Jobman.
http://tradelineglobal.co.nz/jobman2.htm