MotivMFG is headed by Samuel Wei, founder of Radiance Blue and the pioneer of the heritage market in China; and Daniel Gu, a third-generation tailor and designer. Together, they combine old-world tailoring (from various antique European manuals) with workwear production techniques. Constant research into garment production techniques around the world informs their design, with the goal of recreating, as opposed to just reproducing.

Evocative of vintage motor jackets at a glance, the Zephyr Leather Jacket takes its inspiration from aviation apparel, with further utilitarian and military influences. It features a lightweight design, with minimal linings, and anatomical shaping throughout like the pleated back panel, gathered cuffs, and cropped torso. The fit adjusts further with an adjustable snap "buckle" belt across the lower hem, and the collar can be worn open or fastened fully closed with a similar D-ring and snap belt that sits beneath it.

The pockets are uniquely oriented as well, with a single large flap pocket taking up the majority of the torso - this can be filled from the top and snapped closed, and also features a side entry pocket that sits beneath it for your hand. On the other side of the placket, there's another complimentary welted hand pocket, giving you enough space for all your things and both your hands to have pockets for themselves.

It's made from veg tan lambskin leather, tanned in the South of France from fine grade hides. Vegetable tanning, as opposed to chrome tanning, is a natural process where animal hides are slowly tanned in natural extracts, usually derived from bark tannins, until they harden into leather. This particular lambskin is an extremely high quality full grain leather, with a more supple hand and lighter weight than cow or horsehide leathers, and is finished with a heavy waxing and glazing treatment that produces its creased and textured surface.

Over time, this waxy finish will wear off, further softening and relaxing the leather. As the shiny exterior also diminishes with time, the deep tonal variety within the hide will become more visible, especially in areas of high movement or wear. It's finished with handsome and minimal stainless hardware, from the flat face snaps to the unpolished D-rings, the front zipper includes a leather tab and bead for extra ease.

The entire jacket was constructed with a machine typically used for sewing up fur garments. As opposed to the plush, thick, heavy, and irregular materials the machine generally works, this lightweight single-layer garment allowed for extremely precise and intricate stitchwork throughout. This becomes more apparent on closer inspection, as the interior of the garment is finished immaculately, with extensive detail packed across the exterior and held together with some exacting seams and needlework. 

Fits true to size. Do not wash or dry, it's made of leather.

• 100% French lambskin
• Vegetable tanned leather with wax finish
• Cotton trims
• Relaxed body
• Cropped torso
• Pleated back
• Asymmetrical front
• Adjustable snap waistband
• Hidden D-ring chinstrap collar
• Gathered cuffs
• Large external flap pocket
• Two hand pockets
• Stainless hardware
• True to size
• Custom woven labels & ceramic hang tag
  
• Produced by MotivMFG in Beijing