Rick Owens Lovers Thread

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Sounds like a lovely trip, the barge sounds great. We did that for a few days around a bit of England a few years ago, it was fun and a real experience. I'd love to do it in France as well.

If you are around Borough Market a nice area to go is Bermondsey Street, it's about a ten minute walk from the market and has lots of pubs, cafes and restaurants. http://goo.gl/maps/BtXen. It is also near Tower Bridge. There is a nice Spanish restaurant there called Pizarro. http://www.josepizarro.com/restaurants/pizarro/

Also if you're staying around St Pancras then Bloomsbury is a nice 'old London' area to walk around, Lamb's Conduit Street has pubs and shops and is nice to walk around. http://goo.gl/maps/tNBjJ

It's hard to recommend a pub, there are so many of them that are nice and old fashioned, you will pass many when you're exploring so just pop into a few!! I'm sure you'll be able to tell the nice ones from the chain ones just by the outside. The best pubs to eat at tend to be local neighbourhood ones outside of zone 1, but if you are only here for a couple of days you probably won't have time to get out of the centre. The pubs in town are better for a pint rather than a meal I'd say.

If you want somewhere special to go for a meal there is a place in Soho called Bob Bob Ricard, it's pretty unique, the food is great and it's a lot of fun. We go there a lot and have also taken my husband's parents there, so it is somewhere that I'm sure your in laws would enjoy as well. I'm sure you could walk in for lunch on a weekday, evenings you might want to call ahead. http://bobbobricard.com

Afternoon tea is a lovely thing to do. And getting the Eurostar is such an experience, I love it. No matter how many times you've done it you are still amazed that you get on the train in London and two hours later you are in Paris!! It's crazy. St Pancras is a beautiful station, while you're there you could check out The Gilbert Scott bar, it is quite grand and old fashioned.

Let me know if you have any more questions!


FANTASTIC!
Thanks thanks SO much for taking the time to do all of this for us - :hbeat::smooch::hugs:

I will check out all of your recommendations and yes, walking around Bloomsbury will be lovely.

We're getting pretty excited about this adventure. Love traveling by train - and this will be my first Eurostar experience crossing the channel!
 
FANTASTIC!
Thanks thanks SO much for taking the time to do all of this for us - :hbeat::smooch::hugs:

I will check out all of your recommendations and yes, walking around Bloomsbury will be lovely.

We're getting pretty excited about this adventure. Love traveling by train - and this will be my first Eurostar experience crossing the channel!

No problem! Honestly let me know if you have any questions about anything.

Also I don't know how well you know Paris, but my favourite area is St Germain/St Sulpice, beautiful streets, shops, cafes etc, you should definitely check that area out.

Also I forgot to ask - do you think you'll make it to the RO shops?! :graucho:
 
Fierce!

Hey, did you find anything on Gilt for you?
I immediately thought of you when I saw this..... :p

im supposed to be on a spending freeze (blasphemous i know) but i did buy a pair of the slip on shorts :P you did the right thing showing me, although my bank balance wont agree with you. theres a mens drkshdw sale on myhabit coming up soon also but it will likely be the same stuff that didnt sell from the previous 5 sales
 
Well, I finally did it. I bought my first Rick Owens "classic leather biker jacket"!! However, I am both overjoyed but simultaneously a bit distressed about whether to keep or return it. I bought it from MyHabit because it was listed for "only" $1470 while one of these would normally run between $2400-2800 at NetAPorter or elsewhere online. But I am torn over if it's really worth it. For others of you who own RO leather jackets, I have some QUESTIONS! I am not a RO expert so I really need your help!

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Firstly, I could find no tag anywhere inside the jacket that would normally tell you what materials it is made out of and where it was made. All it had a subtle black "Rick Owens" sown in (photo below). Is this normal? Are there tags on the interior of your jackets?

8759213380_fc1cd55c78_z.jpg


The zippers are also devoid of any sort of label. Are they supposed to have "Rick Owens" on them? My memory might be faulty but for some bizarre reason, I thought I had seen ones with RO etched in them. What do your zippers look like?

8758087417_eeb9f8f37a_z.jpg


Also, there are some discrepancies. In the description on MyHabit, it was listed as being "100% calf leather" and "made in Italy" but I noticed "Rep. Moldova" on the tag instead. The only information about the leather was a short paragraph saying "Garment made of 'Vintage' leather. The leather of this style has been manufactured with a particular 'stone wash' treatment...etc." (see photo below) So would this then be classified as the "washed leather" that I see sometimes used in descriptions? (on NAP, Barneys, etc). Where was your jacket made?

8758087643_bc2df43c56_z.jpg


The leather itself is buttery soft, which really surprised me because my [albeit vague] recollection of the texture on the same kind of RO jacket was much "thicker" and "stiffer." It also has a very very slight sheen to it but I would still consider it relatively "matte." The tags say that it was from the "Mountain F/W 2012" collection so I was surprised at how "thin" it was after reading from others' posts about how the F/W stock should be thicker. But maybe it's just relative. Do any of you have a jacket with this leather? If so, how has it stood up against regular wear? Because it just feels so delicate to me and I'm so afraid that it'll get easily scratched up.

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I'm also a bit surprised at how "short" it is because it didn't look so short on the models and it definitely doesn't look short in the photos I posted. In fact, I think they may be a bit deceiving... I'm only 5'2 and the bottom of the jacket hits me exactly at my waist (well, technically not my "true waist" but slightly lower, like where you would normally place your belt). It kind of wears like a cropped jacket (but it's not)...which is something I'm not that used to. Despite that, to me it feels like the perfect length but it got me wondering how taller people felt in it? Because I can't imagine it being any shorter and still feeling okay...

Other than those concerns, I do like the jacket. It fits true to size and the shoulder/arms actually also fit well (I was a bit afraid it would be too tight due to the complaints I've read). I'm not head-over-heels in love with it so I'm unsure about keeping it. I've been contemplating getting this classic biker for 2+ years so I guess in a way, it is a really good "steal." I probably won't ever find it at a lower price...But then maybe it is that way because it was made in Moldova? Is there really a difference in the leather depending on what region it's from?

I am also very curious about how the "blistered" version compares to this and was wondering if anyone had any photos that they could post?

And just a couple more photos...

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Anyways, I would be really grateful if y'all could weigh in and help me decide... Also any comments or advice regarding the leather would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for the super long post. Thanks!
 
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Firstly, I could find no tag anywhere inside the jacket that would normally tell you what materials it is made out of and where it was made. All it had a subtle black "Rick Owens" sown in (photo below). Is this normal? Are there tags on the interior of your jackets?

Hi! The tag with al the info is inside the left interior pocket. Here you will find the exact product code (RO xxxx) and the leather code (L something), as well as the fabric details and instructions for care. On the last "page" of the label it will also mention the name of the manufacturer (Olmar and Mirta) and the place of manufacturing. I'm not sure whether the switch happened for SS12 or FW12, but at the moment the pieces of the jackets are sent from Italy to Moldova to be stitched together. It used to just say "made in Italy".

The zippers are also devoid of any sort of label. Are they supposed to have "Rick Owens" on them? My memory might be faulty but for some bizarre reason, I thought I had seen ones with RO etched in them. What do your zippers look like?

The zippers look exactly like this. The SS13 collection has new zippers. The back of the zipper may have the letters RY, or the word Raccini (?), or both embossed into it.

Also, there are some discrepancies. In the description on MyHabit, it was listed as being "100% calf leather" and "made in Italy" but I noticed "Rep. Moldova" on the tag instead. The only information about the leather was a short paragraph saying "Garment made of 'Vintage' leather. The leather of this style has been manufactured with a particular 'stone wash' treatment...etc." (see photo below) So would this then be classified as the "washed leather" that I see sometimes used in descriptions? (on NAP, Barneys, etc). Where was your jacket made?

Regarding Moldova: see above. The type of leather is specified on the tag in the left interior pocket. Most jackets are made of either lamb or calf leather. This, combined with the leather treatment specifies the Lx code on the tag. For instance, LB is blistered lamb and LV is calf leather (vitello).
The white vintage leather disclaimer tag has been attached to every single new jacket I've ever seen. I think most of the leathers are washed one way or another, but mostly retailers don't know what the exact treatment was and they simply put washed leather in the description because they don't know any better. Sometimes they don't even get the origin of the leather right (lamb vs. calf).

The leather itself is buttery soft, which really surprised me because my [albeit vague] recollection of the texture on the same kind of RO jacket was much "thicker" and "stiffer." It also has a very very slight sheen to it but I would still consider it relatively "matte." The tags say that it was from the "Mountain F/W 2012" collection so I was surprised at how "thin" it was after reading from others' posts about how the F/W stock should be thicker. But maybe it's just relative. Do any of you have a jacket with this leather? If so, how has it stood up against regular wear? Because it just feels so delicate to me and I'm so afraid that it'll get easily scratched up.

As far as I know the calf leathers are always rather thin, but I could be wrong. The easiest way of comparing leathers we have found is with the Lx code on the tag. LB for instance is rather thin, while my LG is rather thick. There do tend to be seasonal differences, also in the lining.

Other than those concerns, I do like the jacket. It fits true to size and the shoulder/arms actually also fit well (I was a bit afraid it would be too tight due to the complaints I've read). I'm not head-over-heels in love with it so I'm unsure about keeping it. I've been contemplating getting this classic biker for 2+ years so I guess in a way, it is a really good "steal." I probably won't ever find it at a lower price...But then maybe it is that way because it was made in Moldova? Is there really a difference in the leather depending on what region it's from?
It's still a lot of money for something you're not madly in love with, but of course the money factor isn't equally important to everyone so that's entirely up to you.
The fact that it was made in Moldova has nothing to do with the lower price or the quality of the leather. Even full-price jackets were treated and cut in Italy, but sewn in Moldova this past season.

I am also very curious about how the "blistered" version compares to this and was wondering if anyone had any photos that they could post? Anyways, I would be really grateful if y'all could weigh in and help me decide... Also any comments or advice regarding the leather would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for the super long post. Thanks!

The blistered lamb tends to be very thin and drapes well, but even that depends on the dye that was used. Metallics can be a bit more stiff. Others have said that a black blistered lamb jacket was so thin and paper-like that it didn't look or feel like leather anymore.
I personally like a bit of structure in the leather but not to the point that the dye is peeling off. It all depends on what you're looking for, really... Of course, if not paying retail price is a priority for you then you might have to compromize on something else. But even then you still have to love it $1500 worth imho. If that's not the case with this jacket you could try to figure out what it is you're looking for and I'm sure all the helpful people here in the thread will guide you towards the right Lx code.

Good luck!
 
Hi! The tag with al the info is inside the left interior pocket. Here you will find the exact product code (RO xxxx) and the leather code (L something), as well as the fabric details and instructions for care. On the last "page" of the label it will also mention the name of the manufacturer (Olmar and Mirta) and the place of manufacturing. I'm not sure whether the switch happened for SS12 or FW12, but at the moment the pieces of the jackets are sent from Italy to Moldova to be stitched together. It used to just say "made in Italy".

Thank you sooooo much for the detailed reply! I found the tags in the inner left pocket just like you said! I'm glad to see it made a distinction between "Origins of leather/treatment of leather/Pattern/Sizing/Cut/etc in Italy" and "sewn in Moldova." And I love that the tag is hidden inside the pocket b/c then it won't get in the way and you can't feel it.


The zippers look exactly like this. The SS13 collection has new zippers. The back of the zipper may have the letters RY, or the word Raccini (?), or both embossed into it.

Upon further inspection, I found that the front+back of the zipper-pull have nothing on them but the back of the zipper-slide says "Raccagni Italy." (Apparently that is a company that makes zippers).

As far as I know the calf leathers are always rather thin, but I could be wrong. The easiest way of comparing leathers we have found is with the Lx code on the tag. LB for instance is rather thin, while my LG is rather thick. There do tend to be seasonal differences, also in the lining.

Yep, you were right! Mine says "LV" and "100% calf leather, 100% pelle di vitello." I still don't fully understand the different kinds of leathers and the processes through which they undergo but google tells me that "vitello" is "calfskin with a fine natural grain and a rich hand and luster. This is an exceptionally soft leather with a light protective, semi-bright topcoat." Mine definitely has a very slight "luster" but it's not that bad (personally I don't like shiny leather...)

It's still a lot of money for something you're not madly in love with, but of course the money factor isn't equally important to everyone so that's entirely up to you.

Yeah, I'm still on the fence about it...But I have a couple more days to decide. I have it sitting next to me and have been starring at it all day, unable to focus on work. LOL.

Thanks again for your extremely helpful reply!!
 
I'm the same size as you and a 38 is a good fit for me. That is my normal IT size as well. I have bikers in a 38 and a 40, I got the 40 before I realised they stretched, and now it still fits but is a bit looser than I would like. The 38 was snug when I got it but it stretched and now fits perfectly. I'm a 32DD as well and I don't find the 38 squashes my boobs. It has basically molded to me. Also if you're not going to wear anything too thick underneath a 38 would be fine.

May I ask you what kind of leather your bikers are made out of? I've been reading that lambskin stretches a lot more than calfskin and I currently just bought one made from calfskin (LV, vitello) so I wasn't sure how much stretch to expect. It currently fits quite snug on me but I would like it to eventually expand a bit so that it's fitted but not "tight"....
 
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May I ask you what kind of leather your bikers are made out of? I've been reading that lambskin stretches a lot more than calfskin and I currently just bought one made from calfskin (LV, vitello) so I wasn't sure how much stretch to expect. It currently fits quite snug on me but I would like it to eventually expand a bit so that it's fitted but not "tight"....

Sure, I have an LC in a 38 and an LG in a 40. They are both FW. I feel as though they have both stretched by one size. I don't know LV, but it looks nice in your photos. LC for me is a perfect middle of the road leather, medium weight, medium stiffness, some graining but not too much/too little. LG is on the stiffer side, on the thicker side and very grainy. I love both though. I would think most leather would stretch regardless of whether it's calf or lamb.

I also have an LB vest and that is very light and very drapey, I guess it depends on what you are using it for but for an everyday all weather jacket I would like something more substantial.

Sounds like you got a great discount on a seasonless jacket, but if you don't love it then you shouldn't keep it.

Also don't worry about scratches, good quality leather like this can handle it, if you get any scratches they'll just rub out. My LG is brown and the leather is quite 'raw'/untreated so it scratches easily, but they just rub out. My LC doesn't get scratches at all.
 
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