Random Rants
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@Jii:
And on a side note, I understand that the reason for there not being as many shirts in big sizes was a production issue but there really seems to be quite a demand for these bigger sizes and I'd hate it if every release in the future would be like this so I sincerely hope that in the future there would be a way to make more. I for one would be willing to commit to buying (or paying a 100% deposit) in a preorder stage in order to get a shirt I'd want. I do understand that there's loads of problems (sizing or production issues etc.) that comes with that but I still think it would be worth a thought.
E: just checked the shop and there's only one XL in red left. This has got to be one of the fastest movers, right? Incredible.
Cross posted this from the IHSH-59 thread since I think it could be worth a discussion. I know it has been discussed before and has been deemed very labor intensive for the Stubborn Crew and involves a load of hassle. Like I said in my post, I would be willing to pay a 100% deposit for an item pre-production that I really really wanted even though I know that the price would be finalised later. Even the fact that there would be some unforeseen circumstances that would affect the outcome unfavorably from my point of view (production issues, damage, whatever) I would still feel better in knowing that IH had made their best efforts regarding me getting the piece of clothing that I want. I feel that it could be a win/win situation, you sell more stuff and still have the same risks regarding inventory and such - right?
I know how you guys at the HQ feel about this but I really dislike the fact that we now have to "fight" for items and I feel that it could ultimately work against the thing we've got going on over here as a community. Surely there can be some way to improve the situation? And by no means is this an attack or critique against what you're doing, I know you're busting your bollocks providing us with this stuff and so much more and we certainly are a needy crowd. The thing is, I can't find any reasons to buy anything else than IH nowadays and in addition it's the only japanese brand that caters to us bigger guys (thanks to G for making that happen as well).
We just need our fixes and we need them bad.
E: I do understand the "exclusivity"-aspect of IH gear but I personally don't give it extra value and it doesn't affect my buying behavior.
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I really do understand the sentiment about the larger sizes and being gone forever etc etc but in this case I think you have to look at it from G's point of view.
Say 10 people pre order a shirt all paying the full deposit amount like you say. In the process of making the shirts three of them are ruined for whatever reason which I think is what happened with this particular run of shirts, the 59. What is G to do in this case? Does he order a whole new batch of fabric to fill those 3 people that got screwed out? Does he have to have a lottery to see who gets to have the shirts? I don't think it really matters pre order or not someone either way is going to be unhappy or left out. I think the only way for more people to have access to Iron Heart is for demand in all sizes increase if that makes any sense
The red 59 may be a good indicator of demand increasing but really im just a guy named scroogen on the internet!
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Erm….....
http://www.ironheart.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2970.msg151326#msg151326
I am trying to work out a way to help you guys…
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I know you are G - and have filled out that form. The point in my rant was the "commitment to buy" part, which could prove to be a good way to satisfy some needs (in case that you have the pattern made for the size required or will make it anyway regardless of pre-production interest).
Anyway, I was just airing my thoughts in a rant-like-fashion and in no way did I mean any disrespect towards the work you guys are doing. And I certainly have no idea about all the intriicacies involved in the process of making these beautiful garments - what's possible to do and what's not.
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I just read this in the "Denim You Despise" thread on Superfuture.
**> Iron Heart is an interesting case. I have tremendous respect for the brand and can clearly see that everything they crank out is incredibly well made, but there's just something about it that feels kind of bland to me.
I feel like they have much more of a utilitarian aesthetic than many of the other Japanese Amekaji brands, and they're less interesting to me as a result. However, this probably translates a lot better for overseas markets than some of the more idiosyncratic Japanese stuff so it's a matter of taste, really. Plus, the fact that I just don't think most, if any, of their clothes would fit well on my tall, skinny frame.
Part of the appeal of brands like Flat Head, Redmoon, etc. is that it feel like they have a unique sort of flavor that carries across their whole range of products that resonates with me. In the case of those two, a western vibe that appeals to my Texas heritage, I guess.
As I've said before, I think RJB makes awesome quality clothes but I dislike the who billiard-room look found on a lot (but not all of) their clothes. A Japanese brand I really don't like is Tedman. I find all their devil baby iconography incredibly silly and think they're basically a parody of Amekaji excesses. It annoys me when half an issue of Lightning focuses on them.**
I composed a long reply to post, detailing that I once had similar thoughts until I experienced Iron Heart denim and clothing first hand, and appreciated the unique and stubborn quality of garments that don't give up their colour, shape, and stitching in the first three months you have them…....then I realised I couldn't be arsed to educate this guy as he sounds like a newly graduated university student, who is full of the importance of theory, with no practical experience of what he is professing to be an expert in.
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I dunno, he's entitled to his opinion. IH is most certainly workwear, which doesn't always appeal to all.
My personal opinion is that IH looks most in it's element on someone who's trying to unscrew a seized nut, not on someone sipping coffee out of a cup the size of my left testicle
And this guy's opinion is about the same as mine. IH has a utilitarian look to it. It just doesn't work for him.
Personally, I don't get the Native American motifs of Flat Head, but that's just me. My son is a quarter Native American, and he doesn't really get it either
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I get that he in entitled to his opinion, I just think his opinion is not based on experience. I've owned a fair amount of stuff made by Samurai, Flat Head, Oni, Sugar Cane etc…. but I've settled here for a reason, and based on experience of product. If he'd said something like , "I tried a pair of Iron Hearts, but they just weren't for me", then fair enough, but to dismiss without trying is errrrr.....a little to dismissive for me :-\
Plus, the fucker negs me every time I post a WAYWT, and now I know why, he has his little IH hatred axe to grind, hidden behind his polite rhetoric.
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Plus, the fucker negs me every time I post a WAYWT, and now I know why, he has his little IH hatred axe to grind, hidden behind his polite rhetoric.
Mega, get the fuck outta there
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I like talking about shoes and stuff though
Seriously, I'm not there anywhere near as much as I used to be though, it mostly just annoys me now.
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Eh, I thought the analysis was reasonable. If he doesn't like the utilitarian aesthetic, there's no point in trying on the clothes, so he can't comment on quality or longevity. I kind of agree with most of his points, actually.
The part about the "western" aspects of Flat Head stuff is why I don't like most of their gear. He right on with the Ted Man critique, too. Same could be said for Buzz Rickson's obsession with military motifs.
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I don't think the aesthetic is utilitarian though
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I think I've learned to be more dismissive as I've matured with my purchases. When I first started, Skull Jeans by an Alchemist was pretty hot, and I thought "well, I'm going to look like an asshole in that"
Well, a pair popped up at a price I couldn't resist. The fabric is still one of my favorites to this day…
...but I look like a jerk in them.
I tend to follow my gut when it comes to purchases now, especially since it's a real hassle for me to try things out and then return/sell them
I'm chalking it up to "knowing what I like"
