CJAD show: Leather Jackets
Leather clothing has moved from the edges of society, out of the north lands, past the bikers and right into mainstream dressing. Leather has become so versatile and malleable that European designers use it regularly in their collections. The newest incarnation version is full of stretch and worked so thin that when worn it looks and feels skin like again.
Kinds of leather:
Lambskin – the softest and most expensive but also requires more upkeep and care
Suede – here in Canada, usually comes from tanning pigs and is very difficult to wear in our climate (can also be made out of lamb but is more expensive)
Cowhide – stronger more textured leather, less expensive
Nubeck – newest tanning method of cowhide which makes it appear suedelike, quite durable
Sheepskin – heaviest, thickest, warmest because it leaves the wool attached. Merino is the Rolls Royce name for sheepskin because it is much lighter and more comfortable to wear and of course much more expensive.
Buying directly from the manufacturer is easy in Montreal. Both Alaska Leather and Coronet are family businesses, each open over 30 years, offering quality men’s and ladies’ jackets, coats suits, pants, skirts, long coats and removable-lined winter jackets in the newest styles at about half the price of downtown. Make a choice from the showroom or have something made to order at the same price.
Alaska Leather, 71 St Viateur East at Casgrain
Tel: 514-277-6259
Hours: Mon-Sat 9-4 and by appt.
Coronet, 7475 boul. St Laurent at Faillon
Tel: 514-272-2638
Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 8-3 (Closed July, Summer: Mon-Fri 9-4, Sat 10-3)