theory motorcycle jacket?

[Joel_Cairo]

I saw a black leather motorcycle-stylejacket from Theory today, down from $995 to $500. Looked cool, wasn't sure about the construction though. What's the communal wisdom on this brand? worth the $?

 

[TalkBack42Clicks]

This is the one in question right...

 

[Flame]

Not a fan of the distressing. I like to break my leather in just like my denim.

 

[rach2jlc]

I like Theory as much as the next guy, but I never understand their pricing or marketing strategy. They advertise themselves as a "contemporary" brand that makes basic, staple parts of the wardrobe in stretch fabrics. But, "basics" means just that; their items usually aren't terribly distinctive and yet they charge a lot for them (made in China shirts for $235 or more, pants $250 and up, etc.) As well, I don't really know who buys their stuff or who their target consumer actually is. I've got several friends who work for boutiques that stock (or once stocked) Theory and they said that nobody paid retail for it and tons of it were always on the sales rack.

I think that they shoot for the market of people who like Prada, Jil Sander, Lang, etc. but maybe just don't want to pay as much. Nevertheless, they still charge enough for their items that for an extra $40, you could actually GET the Prada or Lang shirt (button-fronts are usually in the $275- $295 area). So, in short, why buy Theory when you can get the brand they copy? And, of those I know who have bought Theory shirts (always on sale), they did so BECAUSE the shirt was the closest thing in styling to Lang, Prada, or Sander.

Nevertheless the styling isn't bad and the quality is okay. So, all in all, $500 isn't bad for a leather jacket, especially if it looks really good on you. Nevertheless, it definitely isn't a stellar deal. If it were me, I'd wait and hope it went down to under $300.

Also, it is the sort of jacket that, if you pay $500, you will never be able to resell on ebay and get your money back. If you like it, go for it, but it may be something you are stuck with forever. (Contrast to Dolce&Gabbana, on the other hand. I got a leather jacket on sale a long time ago for about $400, wore it for a few years, then put it on ebay and it ended up selling for $450).

John

 

[Joel_Cairo]

Originally Posted by TalkBack42Clicks

This is the one in question right...

Oh good god no, no distressing, no tassly bits falling off... plain black in rather nice (if thin) buttery leather... having a hard time finding a pic online though....

 

[faust]

FVCK NO! $500 for Theory - that's an insult to your wallet. You can easily get a Costume National or a Neil Barrett leather jacket in that range if you are willing to wait and hunt.

 

[Fuuma]

Originally Posted by Joel_Cairo

I saw a black leather motorcycle-stylejacket from Theory today, down from $995 to $500. Looked cool, wasn't sure about the construction though. What's the communal wisdom on this brand? worth the $?

I'm sure this won't match well with your perfumed handkerchief, I would pass if I were you.

 

[Joel_Cairo]

What's the most you guys think something like this should go for?

Originally Posted by Fuuma

I'm sure this won't match well with your perfumed handkerchief, I would pass if I were you.

LOL

 

[chorse123]

Theory also shows up frequently at the discounters. I don't quite get it. The materials, construction, and styling are nothing special. But the prices can be very steep. There are just so many better alternatives.

 

[Baron]

Originally Posted by Fuuma

I'm sure this won't match well with your perfumed handkerchief, I would pass if I were you.

Joel, you should get yourself a nice Joel Cairo avatar pic.

 

[j]

Eh, I'd buy from a leather brand or a designer with some experience in leather goods. I mean, if you really like it, okay, but even though it WAS 900 dollars, it's still 500 dollars, which is enough to get yourself a really nice moto jacket from a real leathers company, possibly semi-custom, or on ebay a nice one from a designer with some resale value.

 

[Joel_Cairo]

Originally Posted by Baron

Joel, you should get yourself a nice Joel Cairo avatar pic.

I chose this one. Its not Lorre as Cairo, but it sure is dashing.

 

[faust]

Originally Posted by Joel_Cairo

What's the most you guys think something like this should go for?

I'd pay $200 if someone was twisting both of my arms.

 

[Fuuma]

Originally Posted by faust

I'd pay $200 if someone was twisting both of my arms.

Me too but I'd tell them to keep the jacket

 

[amirrorcrackd]

If you're talking about the one at the Filene's Basement in NYC, DEFINITELY skip it. Theory's pricing is borderline insulting.

Dan