Union Garage NYC X Vanson Leathers 'Robinson Jacket'

Take the rich heritage of a world renowned leather jacket and race suit maker and cross it with the youthful ingenuity of a dialed-in Brooklyn moto-shop and something good is sure to come out. The proof is clear with the 'Robinson Jacket', a collaboration between Vanson Leathers and Union Garage NYC. The American made jacket, produced in Fall River, Massachusetts, is a waxed cotton motorcycle jacket built with everyday use in mind. The Robinson is made with a rugged 10.10 oz Martexin water-resistant waxed cotton shell making this an heirloom quality jacket that your kids will fight for. 

Aside from style, the jacket is loaded with technical features, each one with the comfort and safety of the rider in mind. While the addition of hidden leather panels in the jackets' elbows and shoulders offer extra abrasion resistance, added protection is provided by removable CE-certified D3O armor for the shoulders, elbows and back making this a jacket that classically blends timeless style with modern day safety. The Robinson is only available from Union Garage NYC. 

Look for the Robinson jacket to be featured Issue Eleven of Iron & Air Magazine. Subscribe here to get the latest issue.  

Image Credits: Blaine Davis (studio) | Ryan Handt (lifestyle) 

Farmer’s Racer SR400

Lars Gustavsson is founder of a small company in Sweden called Farmer’s Racer, a one-man brand making pack-bags and backpacks the old fashion way in waxed cotton with leather details sewn with vintage sewing machines.

The company started making bags a year ago when Lars realised there was a  gap in the market between the high-tech Goretex/Kevlar/Carbon kit and Leather chopper accessories. Cool bags for trackers and cafe racers were hard to find so Lars decide to make them himself. As a testament to their success, one year on Farmer’s Racer has been chosen by Gestalten as one of the 60 designers written-up and featured in The Ride.

As a bike-centred brand they needed a signature bike, and the chosen machine is this 1984 Yamaha SR400. The inspiration for the build comes from the old Swedish gravel racers and hill climbers of the old school variety. It was an era of experimentation and tactics designed to inspire confidence in the riders, so anything and everything was tried to add greater performance, better traction, improved cooling, etc. The numbered forward-mounted side panels pay homage to that idea.

Lars’ bike draws a lot of attention; “the motor vehicle inspectors, police and old men share the same question: Do you race this thing?” “No. I made it to celebrate the era when farmers and industrial workers raced their bikes through the spruce forests and meadows.”

It’s a very nicely put together bike with a no-nonsense shortened rear-end and tucked-in headlamp, and as you’d expect from an apparel designer the finish and paintwork is also top-notch. Thanks for Sharing Lars. See more about Lar’s bike and his gear on Farmer’s Racer.

via The Bike Shed

BMW 760Li Sterling by Robbe & Berking: Silver is the new gold

There’s a lot of truth in the saying ‘fish prefer to bite silver hooks’ – and in that vein, BMW’s ‘Individual’ division has collaborated with silversmith Robbe & Berking to create the unique 760Li Sterling…

"From the silver-plated kidney grille to the model insignia on the bootlid, every relevant detail shimmers in silver..."

For more than two decades, BMW’s Individual department has been applying personal touches to BMW models before they even leave the factory. Now, the department can add another tradition-steeped name to the collaboration list, having produced the 760Li Sterling in conjunction with Robbe & Berking.

The German silversmith doesn’t exactly have anything to prove; indeed, step onto a private jet or superyacht, and the chances are that the cutlery used will be a product of Robbe & Berking. The idea behind the Sterling came about when the company’s CEO, Oliver Berking, saw the previous joint effort with grand orchestral manufacturer Steinway & Sons, and proposed the idea of a co-operative project to top brass in Bavaria.

All that glistens is silver

From the silver-plated kidney grille to the model insignia on the bootlid, every relevant detail shimmers in silver. BMW even authorised the recreation of the propeller badge in the precious metal, with enamel detailing elaborately completed by hand. Inside, the usual trim details are supplanted by items hammer-beaten in 925 sterling silver – the doorcard inserts being a prominent display of this type of craftsmanship. There’s also a bar set fitted flush into a bespoke panel in the rear.

The overall result is yet another subtle makeover from BMW Individual. To the untrained eye, it might look like a standard high-spec car, but those in the know will be able to appreciate the levels of craftsmanship and high-quality metalwork that has been melded into this 760Li. The theoretical price – since it’s set to remain a one-off – is estimated to be around 320,000 euros.

Photos: Tom Kirkpatrick for BMW

Further information can be found at www.bmw.com.

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