Club Obi Wan

As an Indy community it's important to remember there are few vendors who make this stuff (in my opinion Tony is quite unique) so keeping them around by keeping them sane is wise!

That's IF they were sane to begin with.

Tundrarider wrote:

Baldwyn wrote:When I met Tony, he said he's getting closer and closer to creating the "ultimate" jacket. He said his vintage goat personal Raiders jacket was very close to that jacket. When he gets there, he's retiring from the business.
I'm calling Tony this afternoon to make sure he's in business.

Let us know what he says!
Thanks again,
Michael

Ummm...
Yeah...

Actually, if you ARE talking to Tony, please ask him to stay in business for just a couple more months, okay?
I haven't quite got it all saved up just yet.

Tundy, I really like what I see. Sleeves could be a little shorter, but that's ok! I can work with it...quick, now box it up and send it out to me before you break it in any more! I always like to break in my own jackets.

...I mean, it's a few days old, you can't be TOO attached to it?

Wow. I just found this tread. Wow. All I can think to say is...





Beautiful Jacket. Beautiful is just not a good enough word!

Well Done Tony! Another beautiful jacket!

Tundrarider wrote:You always write such enjoyable, positive messages ... I am always honored to have your posts on one of my threads.

Awwww...
Thanks pal (ya ol' smoothy!)
(And no worries: As much as I'm lookin' forward to my NOWAK, my beloved Wested ain't goin' anywhere!)

Amazing...absolutely amazing jacket there! It suits you perfectly, and those are excellent action shots for really demonstrating that jacket in motion.

Best wishes,
Nebraska Schulte

Good Lord, Michael!

You're finally caught up with all your mail of praise and congratulations (there was a TON of it, and every bit of it was well deserved!)
So, now that you've got all this "free time" let me give you just one more:
On top of everything else that's been said (so far) here in this thread, you sure seem like a gracious and warm-hearted host, as well!
It's not too may times I've seen someone put the time and effort into responding to every piece of "mail" they've received (maybe just Santa, Ringo... and now, you)


Seriously though, that was a fine - and, as I said, a very gracious - thing to do.


Y'know...I think for a while there, they stopped makin' 'em like you, Michael... but if the inspiration for a guy to start making something out of himself (something being a straight-shootin', kind, strong, courteous & polite kinda' man) is gonna gain steam anywhere... I think a community like this one is just as good a spot as any to get started.

So, I guess what I'm saying is: You set a fine example to follow.


Cheers, my friend (oh, and yeah... that IS a nice jacket!)
Mitch

Mitch LaRue wrote: So, I guess what I'm saying is: You set a fine example to follow.

I second that

hey michael!? I got a little package coming from venice...are you ready to go???

ok....so i spend my time alone with dr schneider!

Michael, you look AWESOME! You know, the Gear doesn't look "costumey" on you. It's like you belong in it -- especially this jacket!

nephilo wrote:ok....so i spend my time alone with dr schneider!

That's some tough duty nephilo. I have faith in you though

Beautiful!

awesome jacket, awsome outfit Tundrarider.

Now THAT is how Harrison should have worn that jacket in Crystal Skull!

Awesome jacket, my friend, and looks great on you with the rest of the gear!

Umm, Canyon, your avatar and avatar tag line just don't seem to go together

Location: In the UK and missing by beloved Mike in the United States...

Yes, I know.

But I just LOVE the look on Harrison's face there and the statement is very true.

Please don't throw your Aldens at me.

Michael, WOW! The jacket is great and it looks great on you....but thanks, too, for sharing the story behind it! I appreciate your contributions on this forum -- they've assisted me greatly and I somehow suspect I'll be going back to Tony Nowak sooner than expected to get another jacket!

BTW, I've been to LA several times this year and it never occurred to me to call him up and see if I could come by for a fitting. I'll have to do that next time!

Thanks again for great pics and commentary!

Tony

Tundrader, I was so inspired by your jacket I finally dropped the hammer and ordered one just like yours.

I hate not being able to add to the conversation and instead must echo the sentiments of others that came before me: your look has transcended being an indy fan wearing an indy jacket. It's perfection, like it was styled for you, not the other way around. I am really envious of that jacket. Wonderful.

Tundrarider wrote:King Hamlet,

Gosh, thank you so much for your kind words!!! I am stunned that you are ordering one like mine. I'm curious, though, how you place an order like that. I did send Tony lots of pictures of me wearing the jacket after I got it, so he has those on hand.

Yeah, it was a little difficult to express over the phone what I was looking for. In the end I guess I should have just emailed him pictures. But yours is an excellent jacket. My fiance often reads over my shoulder at night and she commented that you look like an alternate universe Indiana Jones and should take over the role when Harrison is finished

Tundrarider wrote: Funny that you "dropped the hammer" on this...you must have read the thread about "bitting the bullet," perhaps?

Yes, I read through that. It was a quirky little phrase that I happened to like and thought why the heck not. Didn't want to bite any bullets over this.
I read much more than I contribute, and have been following Michaelson and co. around since the Indyfan Days.

Tundrarider wrote:My friend, you have definitely "added to the conversation" here and I am highly complimented by your words and actions. That is very high praise.

Please keep me (and all of us!) posted on your new jacket!

Thanks for posting!

My best to you,

Michael

I will definately post pics and everything once my jacket arrives. Working with Tony has been a very pleasant experience. In order to ensure proper fit he sent me a jacket in the mail to wear and take pictures of and send to him. It seems everyone associated with this hobby have been perfect gentlemen and it's great to keep such fine company.

I thought I posted this Micheal but apparently not. Your jacket photos are what made me decide to commit and call Tony for my jacket. Your jacket looks so great, and fits so incredibly well, I had to see if Tony could do the same for me. He absolutely came through and I thank you for ultimately being the advertisement that put me in the shop! So thanks again, and what everyone has said here is correct; your jacket not only looks great but you look perfectly natural in the gear.
Take care,
J-

Hey I've lurked around these boards for years..

I bought absolutely everthing Indy from Noel Howard back in 2000 who was cool enough to meet me in person and allow me to hold an original Indy Jacket and Aldens.

I own two Westeds..but last year I came around to the idea of NEEDING a really good quality Fedora after never being happy with my self bashed Akubra and have been really interested in getting another Jacket.

This is bar none the finest Indy jacket I have ever seen.

You sir wear it extremely well, you appear to be in great shape which goes a long way to selling the look, and your Comic Book Chin doesn't hurt either.

As someone else here remarked, it doesn't look like a costume, you look at home in the stuff.

I MUST get one of these.

One question...I looked at Tony's page and can only see a link to the KOTCS jacket can anyone help me out?

Luke

Hey Mike..

Luke R
Joined: Wed May 13, 2009 11:28 am
Posts: 1

The best way to go about ordering a Nowak is to call Tony. I don't know in what part of the country you are located, but if you have the opportunity to meet with Tony at his shop, that's just the best, but many have had nothing but success with a phone order.
Enjoy, this is a great jacket!
J-









http://www.gosuperego.com/

Here's a shot of my happy cow a week later.


J-

Michael,

Thanks for the welcome!

Holt's right you were an active part of this board way before me..I just lurked in the shadows reading stuff from time to time..I immersed myself in the information on IndyGear back when I took the leap and bought everything about 9-10 years ago..I only joined COW when being a Voyeur was made impossible without registering! LOL

Unfortunately I never took any pictures of my meeting with Noel, to be honest I never had any expectations when I went to MBA costumes to buy the gear, but he was very welcoming, extremely accommodating and I was blown away when he brought out the Jacket and Boots. I was sad to read last year of his passing.

To answer our question...I've not got the Fedora just yet, there is much more choice now than there was almost ten years ago.

Thank you for the advice, I'll contact Tony direct, I think I'll tell him just like Tundrariders!

Hoose55 I live in London so dropping into his store is not something I can do, but I'll sure get in touch with Mr Nowak.

Tundrarider wrote:

Luke R wrote:Holt's right you were an active part of this board way before me..I just lurked in the shadows reading stuff from time to time..I immersed myself in the information on IndyGear back when I took the leap and bought everything about 9-10 years ago..I only joined COW when being a Voyeur was made impossible without registering! LOL

Well, I gave you "credit for time served" as a lurker!!!

As for dropping into his store, it's fun, but definitely not necessary. Most of the awesome Nowaks on this forum were all made long distance.

Hey!!! I just realized that today is my COW anniversery!!! Hooray!!! It's been a great year! Thanks, everyone!

Michael

Congrats! I don't know about you, but this place is one of the "constant destinations" in my life that I'm always happy to visit.

Hey Michael, I probably should put this in one of your other threads, but since this one is being frequented right now...How long is the back of your TN LC?

Travis

How bout this?

Travis

Tundrarider wrote:

Hollowpond wrote:Hey Michael...How long is the back of your TN LC?

Travis

Thanks, Travis!

The jacket back is about 25.5 ".

A few reasons behind the decision for the length:

1) Though the jacket is offically an LC style, this was just the "starting point" for the jacket in terms of leather choice, color, distressing and pattern cut. From there I indicated to Tony that I wanted the jacket noticably shorter and provided screen grabs to illustrate the look I wanted.

2) I'm 6'4" tall, but I have a short torso and long legs.

3) I wanted the jacket to simply be a INDY jacket, though not SA to any one film. One jacket that incorporates the Indy look from not only the films, but also the original concept photos by Jim Steranko.

Long answer to a short question....

Michael

Zactly what I needed to know!

Travis

Tundrarider wrote:

Hollowpond wrote:Hey Michael...How long is the back of your TN LC?

3) I wanted the jacket to simply be a INDY jacket, though not SA to any one film.

That's exactly what I am doing with the order I just placed with Tony...I ordered a Raider style, in the 747, but WITH the button snaps at the top and bottom of the wind flap...hey, it gets cold here in Michigan!

I guess I just asked myself, what kind of coat would I order were I a globe-hopping archeologist...I mean, this coat will be a regular coat for me and I want it to be my Indy coat, SA isn't the most important thing for me.

singsingjohnny wrote:
I guess I just asked myself, what kind of coat would I order were I a globe-hopping archeologist...I mean, this coat will be a regular coat for me and I want it to be my Indy coat, SA isn't the most important thing for me.

Nothing wrong with that at all! And you will really love the 747 leather when you get hold of it.

From the pics I've seen of the 747 posted here, I really cannot wait...I love the way it ages too!

Interesting with the snaps Singsing. Did you ask for them to be exposed on the storm flap or hidden?

Funny you mention that, I was thinking about that yesterday while walking the dog...hidden would be a bit more SA, but I kind of like the look of the snaps on the CS/LC coat...I'm not sure what to do! I doubt Tony has gotten to work yet, so I figure I have some time to think about it...I'm kind of leaning towards visible snaps though.

I was just curious.
Hidden you may have the best of both so to say. Might be a little more classy?

Tundrarider wrote:Whatcha doin'?

Oh...I'm up to something. Actually I'm going to get a jacket made and I'm kinda looking at all of the ones I like. Like you, I want an amalgamation that suits me. I really like the cut of your jacket.

Travis

Michael, thanks for sharing. Such a great story! I know you will but honor Tony and wear it well.

Michael, your jacket is gorgeous! I can't get over how amazing it looks!! The distressing, the fit, I mean it's perfect! Enjoy it, my friend

Hmm I think this is a perfect example of why it's better to get something that fits me rather than being SA. It's obviously Indy, no one in the world except people here would know any difference. Too bad I can't ever have a story like this :/ But I do hope someday I find someone that really knows how to make a good jacket.

There is another part of me that wants something authentic, like a collector's item. But that's a whole other story,..

Blue aren't you near LA? You might look at Jonathan A Logan. He doesn't make Indy jackets but he does make a high quality jacket and has various styles, including some of his own movie jackets.

RCSignals wrote:Blue aren't you near LA? You might look at Jonathan A Logan. He doesn't make Indy jackets but he does make a high quality jacket and has various styles, including some of his own movie jackets.

Somewhat.. like 4 hours..
But yeah I think I'll give it a year of working out first.

jacket looks really good on you Michael. Really wish tony was still with us. I live in LA now, would have loved to visit his shop and see his work... and get a jacket

I'm sure Riley would be happy to have you visit. Maybe just give him a call first!

ahhh so they do have others who work there? Im just catching back up on my indy news, so im a bit lost still on everything that happened. I was pretty amazed last night to realize tony was BIG TONY from the beginning of Pumping Iron! Man i would have loved to meet him and talk some weight training with him, would have been even more honored to meet him. Ill def have to check out the shop still. Although im planning to grab the new US wings new zealand lambskin... cant beat that price. Actually.... would you mind giving a general estimate of how much your jacket Cost?

by the way, besides the jacket looking great, you make a really great Indy too. Saw pics of you with friends at comic con in the past 2 years, very cool.

Not to speak on anyone's behalf here, but...
Indakin, what Michael's telling you here is, of course, correct... but it might no longer be the current state of things.

I was speaking with Riley Barrie quite recently and he quoted me a higher price than the one Michael got from Tony back when he ordered his...
In other words, I think perhaps the price on that jacket may have gone up... but you should probably contact Riley to confirm this.

And just to be clear, I was asking Riley about EXACTLY the type of jacket Michael owns:
That exact style in that exact leather with that exact amount of distressing

(Michael, if that reads as being flattering to YOU... well... GOOD. It should be taken that way!)

Fox

thanks for the info! Def out of my price range though.

I realize we are all in different places financially, and have different priorities, but if you're buying gear for the long haul, it's better to buy it once "right" instead of having to "upgrade" later. Believe me, I know, as I have upgraded nearly every piece of my Indygear at least once!

Michael [/quote]


I love and totally agree with what Michael said, especially the part I quoted above. I too have upgraded EVERY PIECE of gear I own at least once, some as many as four times.

When you get the piece that really works (like a hat, a pair of boots, a whip, a jacket . . . ), you almost feel ashamed, not for spending so much on it, but for wasting your time and money on the garbage you bought before that you now look at and think, "not only is this NOT very screen accurate, its not good quality, I'll never wear it, and no one wants it."

Of course, some things ARE too expensive and seem like overkill. But Tony's jackets are everything they should be and more. And I'm sure Riley is living up to his father's quality assurance and customer satisfaction.

Jack Henry

Tundrarider wrote:
I realize we are all in different places financially, and have different priorities, but if you're buying gear for the long haul, it's better to buy it once "right" instead of having to "upgrade" later. Believe me, I know, as I have upgraded nearly every piece of my Indygear at least once!

Michael

Amen, well put!

DarenHenryW wrote:I realize we are all in different places financially, and have different priorities, but if you're buying gear for the long haul, it's better to buy it once "right" instead of having to "upgrade" later. Believe me, I know, as I have upgraded nearly every piece of my Indygear at least once!

Michael

I love and totally agree with what Michael said, especially the part I quoted above. I too have upgraded EVERY PIECE of gear I own at least once, some as many as four times.

When you get the piece that really works (like a hat, a pair of boots, a whip, a jacket . . . ), you almost feel ashamed, not for spending so much on it, but for wasting your time and money on the garbage you bought before that you now look at and think, "not only is this NOT very screen accurate, its not good quality, I'll never wear it, and no one wants it."

Of course, some things ARE too expensive and seem like overkill. But Tony's jackets are everything they should be and more. And I'm sure Riley is living up to his father's quality assurance and customer satisfaction.

Jack Henry[/quote]

I wholeheartedly agree with both of these sentiments above. I've been on the upgrade train myself. And you find that you have actually spent more that way rather than going for the top at first. It just doesn't seem that way because you've advanced in increments.