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MEET JAMES BROTUS

I am what you might call a free spirit. I do not like to follow the same path as others and have always wanted to be my own man. In 1986 I bought my first leather jacket from a military surplus store in San Francisco. It was a Schott café racer. I wore it in, wore it out, and it served me well. There is something about a leather jacket that is much more than just a jacket; It is a statement of self.

 

When I do something, I have to do my very best. It’s an ingrained value, an obsession, that drives me to create products of the highest quality. I dislike mediocrity, and feel no fulfillment making anything that I have not put 100% behind. I was never satisfied working for others because deep down I wanted to be my own boss. Having the entrepreneurial spirit, an opportunity allowed me to start my own company in 1991, which gave me the independence I longed for. I made leather accessories

This led to a desire to get into fashion. So, I moved to Los Angeles and studied fashion design at Los Angeles Technical Trade College from 2001 - 2004. They prepared me well, and I worked as a pattern maker and tailor with various companies in Southern California. I had a rare opportunity to work for a brand that did high end custom leather for rock stars and celebrities, which boosted my skills to luxury levels.

 

I returned to San Francisco in 2017, and soon went to work for Golden Bear Sportswear, a heritage brand, which has been manufacturing leather and textile clothing since 1922. They are credited with creating the classic Dockworkers Jacket, and during WWII, they manufactured Bombers for the US Navy. I respect brands like Schott and Golden Bear Sportswear, and my designs are inspired by this tradition of timeless apparel. I see many companies replicating these same styles without variation. I have no interest in copying or following trends. I want to bring something fresh and exciting to the table.

What I do starts with one of the vintage classics. I modify the style, adding contrast colors and textures to come up with a piece that is innovative for motorcycling and the modern man. Made from the finest materials and craftsmanship, these designs are distinctive enough to give you individual self expression without losing the allure and timeless spirit of the original classic.

 

So, now you know a little about me. I am curious to learn more about you, and how I can make you the best leather jacket you will own. Let’s meet on Zoom.

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Every garment is handmade one at a time.

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Leather working tools.

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