I have worn my jacket all over the world in the last 3 years. Literally. Amazon twice, all over South America, Egypt, Jordan, Europe, Asia, Southeast Asia, Russia, South Africa and Botswana. Saying that it has taken on some wear and tear would be an understatement. While it all looks great, my right hand pocket stitching was beginning to seperate. So, I was hoping I could have its maker make a quick repair for me. If anyone is intersted in the slightest of seeing photos of the jacket in these exotic locales, take a look at my fb album: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid= ... 386&type=3
When I got to the wested shop, Gemma was there to greet me. She was very welcoming and attentive, even though she seemed extremely busy trying to get orders out the door before DHL showed up. They took my jacket, removed the liner around the pocket and restitched the pocket up. Then, of course, they re-attached the liner. Good as new! All of this in the space of about 20 min.
We chatted breifly about their role in making the original Raiders jacket and providing prototypes for ToD, Crusade and KOTCS, which lamb was used for the Raiders jacket (the soft lamb, as opposed to the new option of a heavier lamb). She also mentioned that they actually referred Steve Delk and helped them get the contract for providing the KOTCS hat. This suprised me. (Hope this doesnt spark some kind of contraversy)
Anyway, it was great visit and so sureal seeing racks and racks FULL of Indy jackets in all different leather types and sizes. One more thing that Gemma mentioned that suprised me: I asked her if it was possible to make my coat a bit longer. I sometimes wish I had half an inch more length on the coat. She said, "put it on". I did as instructed and she said, "Nope. That is where it is supposed to be". She stated that they are to land at the waist. So while a bit longer would still be nicer having her tell me that it is just right the way it is, makes me feel a lot better about it.
Here is a photo of my newly repaired jacket out front of the shop.
If you every find yourself in London and want to visit the folks that made the magic, I definitely recommend stopping by. Not only do they make a great product, they are a great bunch of folks willing to entertain the yankee Indy freaks with some fun details and insight. Though I had hoped to meet Mr. Botwright (he wasnt in the shop this afternoon) Gemma was great and made me feel very welcome.
All and all a great experience. Thank you Gemma!
A very grateful Yankee Indy enthusiast.
