Amelia Earhart Flight Jacket Reproduction - The Aviatrix

[Skyhawk]

Hello all, we have been in the planning stage for some time now on the Aviatrix jacket. Our goal is to produce a high quality, durable "real" flight jacket for women that is an exact reproduction of one of Amelia's favorite flight jackets. Our hope is that this project can contribute to preserving the memory of the legendary woman aviator, while providing a solid vintage style flight jacket for women.

You can help make this project a reality by supporting our kickstarter campaign:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/343095424/amelia-earhart-flight-jacket

 

[dujardin]

great idea, that's a really cool looking jacket

good luck with your project

 

[Skyhawk]

Thanks a million! Yes I agree a very cool looking jacket. I believe it is historically significant, not only as Amelia's jacket, but also as a piece in the evolution of the military flight jacket. This jacket would have been made in the early to mid 1930's and seems to fit right in between the A-1 and A-2 in terms of style and time period. It has the knit collar similar to the A-1 but has a zip front like the A-2. The pocket flaps are the familiar scalloped shape found on both jackets, but the pocket size and positioning are more like the A-2. The back was a one piece style like the A-2. I am really excited to get this project funded so we can build this historic jacket. We are starting to build up steam having 2 new backers just this morning! Remember that if you would like to support the project, you can pledge any amount. Even a $1 pledge will help us reach our goal and get this jacket produced.

 

[CBI]

I love this style - kind of hoping you will have a guy option. JC has created a few like this, very cool!

 

[colekwok]

Very tempting to get one for my partner. Possibly a good way to get her into this little 'hobby'.

 

[Skyhawk]

Yes, the best way! Nothing makes you appreciate a vintage style leather jacket like breaking one in and making it your own.

I have updated the project page with more levels of support, including the opportunity to purchase a pre-order Aviatrix jacket for 35% off the retail price!

To answer CBI, I have seen JC's. Nice details and right in line with my research. We can custom make one for a man. I am always open to doing custom projects. You can PM or email me anytime.

The men's would be a totally different pattern but based on our A-1. The Aviatrix is going to be women's sizing XXS-XL and will definitely have a more feminine cut like the original:

 

[bseal]

Anyone know if they found her or her repro jacket?

 

[ButteMT61]

Anyone know if they found her or her repro jacket?

Nope, just a jar of face cream or something along those lines...

 

[PADDY_M]

On some island wasn't it...

 

[bseal]

There it is!!!

https://www.legendaryusa.com/Cockpit-Womens-Amelia-Leather-Flight-Jacket.html

 

[omarco]

just took a look at JC's Electra Earhart Jacket.. thats pretty much my perfect ideal of a leather jacket.. want one :/

 

[Skyhawk]

There it is!!!

https://www.legendaryusa.com/Cockpit-Womens-Amelia-Leather-Flight-Jacket.html

Yes that's been on the site for quite some time. Not very accurate. The wrong zip, the wrong hide, the wrong pocket flap shape, and those weird seams under the pockets. Ok fashion jacket but not really a convincing reproduction. More like a modern interpretation.

I was just asked about the headwind version the "Aviatrix" in a PM.

We have been slowly but steadily moving forward with our version. Here's my response:

"Hello! I currently have an Amelia Men's version in production. It is a custom job for a return customer. It will be at least 4 weeks until I have some photos of it. The Hookless zippers are still being made for me. Just curious, what size would you be interested in? The zips will probably fit up to a size 44. Beyond that we would have to special order a zipper. Not a big deal but it does take some time to get them made. The labels are also being made at the moment. We are just about ready to go full production on these, the ladies version anyway. The men's version will be special orders only and most likely will not make it to the website.

I also have 2 other 1930's men's flight jackets coming out very soon. They will feature Hookless zips and period correct urea formaldehyde (1930's plastic) buttons. These jackets are reproductions of civilian flight jackets from a prolific flight gear maker in the 1920-30s. More info TBA soon!"

Unfinished "Aviatrix" pocket flaps and a Hookless Zip. The new zips will have dark brown tape but the same 1930's Hookless puller:

Best Regards,
Jay

 

[bseal]

How did you factually determine that the Cockpit replica uses the "wrong" hide which then comes along with the (rebuttable) presumption that yours is the correct hide?

Looking forward to seeing your finished project.

 

[Skyhawk]

Thanks! I will post updates when it's complete.
This does not look like Seal Lambskin to me. It looks like Russet Capeskin. The drape and the thickness and those rubbery looking ruffles. Also the fact that a lot of flight jackets in the 1930's were made with chrome tanned Capeskin and Goatskin. I don't hear of many that were made with Lambskin. Other informed jacket Mfgs have also surmised Amelia's jacket was probably made out of Capeskin.

I have seal Lambskin. I could make it out of Seal Lambskin. I don't think that would be historically accurate though.

All the best,
Jay

 

[Silver Surfer]

cape is correct. goat is correct. lamb is not, and never was....to my knowledge.

 

[bseal]

"Other informed manufacturers," whoa, a Trumpism.

 

[CBI]

"No one LOVES jackets more than ME"

 

[Skyhawk]

Wow guys!
Is that really necessary?
I didn't really want to make quotes but if its needed. This is from the Good Wear Leather site in regards to Earhart's jacket:
"It was most likely made with capeskin..."

 

[bseal]

Good Wear? Since when is that an informed manufacturer, the dude is ok with using grainy hide on pre-war Werbers?! Pshaw.

Next thing you know he'll be related to Amelia or sumthin'.

 

[CBI]

I was just having some fun - JC is the BEST!!! Love what you are doing Jay!