Latest News for Jonval Leathers & Furs

How to Wear Men's Leather Jacket Styles in Denver


October 19, 2016

How to Wear Men's Leather Jacket Styles in Denver
Their length, the way they close, their shape and silhouette, and the size and cut of lapels/collars distinguish leather jacket styles one from the other. The term “leather jacket” doesn’t imply a single, set style. There are lots of options, and all of the styles come with a history and a distinct projection of a specific image. Even within a specific style, different colors and textures can create very different looks. There’s no one best jacket. When deciding on a leather jacket style in Denver, take into consideration the use you need it for, the image you are hoping to project, price you want to pay, type of leather/skin you prefer, and color.

Marlon Brando wore a motorcycle jacket in The Wild Ones, and the style has been a cultural icon ever since. It’s also sometimes called the “Perfecto” jacket, after the Schott brand jacket that launched the look. This is the classic American take on the leather jacket, and is the jacket people think of when they imagine Harley-riding bad boys in black leather.  
Its associations are rough and rowdy, but a double-rider motorcycle jacket can dress up nicely, so long as it isn’t too heavy on buckles, snaps, and other extra bits. This style sports large, spreading lapels and a flared collar with snaps to fasten them down in wind. The front zipper typically runs at an angle, opening wide to form one lapel and allowing the other to fold out from underneath it. There are a number of different construction methods, however, and the shape and angle of the lapels can vary widely depending on brand and model.

Bombers, motorcycle jackets, and moto-jackets make up the majority of most timeless leather jackets. But there are, of course, countless variants on the basic styles, and even some crossover between them. An unlined bomber jacket with exaggerated lapels, for example, is verging into motorcycle jacket territory, while a moto-jacket with extra padding and insulation might look something like a collarless bomber.

Additionally, there are some less common styles that share basic leather construction. Dusters are long, split-backed overcoats that may actually extend to the floor or “dust” the floor near the ankles. Its is associated with a western style - and in earlier years, was worn in waxed cloth, but can also be used as a form of protection for those on horses or currently - on motorcycles. The split in the back was an original western style detail that allowed for riding a horse without the coat bunching up behind the saddle.

Leather blazers go in and out of fashion – mainly because blazer styles change so much, and they will be made in the current style fashionable when they are conceived. So unlike other styles, they can easily look dated – which is a bad thing for something as long-lived as leather. Only purchase one if you are willing to make a very bold personal style statement sometime in the future when yours goes out of style.

Sometimes traditionally non-leather jackets will be made out of leather: peacoats, trench coats, barn coats, etc. Use your good judgment about whether you think you'll want to wear these styles for years to come or not, because leather lasts for years and years.

At Jonval, your leather experts in Denver, we make all our custom leather jackets by hand in our Denver shop. Maybe you have your own design idea in mind, or maybe you have that favorite old jacket or pair of pants that you would love to replace, either way we can make that a reality. With virtually hundreds of leather samples to choose from in every color imaginable, the only limitation you have is your own imagination. Call us today for your custom jacket at 720-377-1555.

Additional Resources: How to Wear a Leather Jacket With Style
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Trends in Leather Fashion for Women from Your Local Leather Store in Denver


October 5, 2016

Trends in Leather Fashion for Women from Your Local Leather Store in Denver
Leather is a great material for clothing. Not only is it incredibly durable, this style of clothing is timeless. It will last for years and be in style for just as many. Whether you are new to leather, or looking for the latest styles, your local leather store in Denver will have the latest fashions. Review some of the trends you will see this winter and see how they can fit into your wardrobe. Read about the 2016-2017 leather trends and try one of the styles below!
 
  • Trench Coats: Perfect for warmth and style, the leather trench coat will be in style this winter. The trench coat has been a classic choice since the early 20th century. You can wear this style of coat in a variety of ways making it a great investment. For instance, you can choose an open look and pair it with a dress or long shirt in a color that complements the color of the coat. Top it off with some warm leggings or tights and matching heels or flats. Next, you can choose a classic look that is ideal for upscale events. Choose a solid color knee-length trench coat without flair and pair it with a dress that is the same length. Finalize the look with a sleek pair of pointed heels. For a more casual look, choose a lighter color style and keep it open when wearing it for fashion and not necessarily for warmth.
 
  • Dresses: Leather dresses are on the list of fashion trends this winter. This warm option provides a sleek unique look for several types of occasions. One of the top trends at the Fall/Winter Fashion Week in New York, this style will really make you stand out at your next event. Pair a leather dress with a jacket of a different material, such as fur or cloth. Next, be sure to accessorize with a color that will pop if your dress and jacket are dock. Top it off with a great pair of booties. Tights or leggings may be great if you are looking for additional warmth.
 
  • Leather Accessories: Accessorizing a look with leather will be perfect for winter. First, there are a variety of leather jackets that will complement any outfit. However, pair a great outfit with a classic pair of leather gloves. You will love the way they feel and how warm they are during the colder months. Another great way to accessorize is with a leather purse. Not only will the style always be in fashion, but will hold up much longer than traditional cloth style purses. As always, leather boots are always in. Check out several styles at your favorite fashion store.

Leather is a great addition to one’s wardrobe. If new to leather, learn more about breaking in your new Denver leather jacket.  For the latest in fur and leather fashion, visit Jonval! We have a wide variety of leathers, furs, shearlings and accessories to help you find the one perfect look you need. We offer the best selection of manufacturers all across the globe and guarantee the best quality and uniqueness! Visit us at 6880 E. Evans Ave. in Denver from 10 a.m. to 5:30 pm. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.
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Gentlemen, Here's How to Coordinate Your Custom Leather in Denver


September 28, 2016

Gentlemen, Here's How to Coordinate Your Custom Leather in Denver
The task of coordinating leatherwear can be confusing to some folks – especially to men. Do you have to match shoes to belt? This seems to be a worldwide problem, and indeed, there are many such items to take into consideration, including watches, gloves, bags, wallets, jackets – even trousers. As your premier Denver leather store, we have a showroom full of leather, so trust us to steer you in the right direction.

Gentlemen, take heart - it doesn’t have to be complicated. When you get your leathers right, you build a solid base for your personal look and style. Everything else can be as wildly contrasting or as perfectly matched as you want it to be after that.

Here are a few simple guidelines to get you started. As with all things fashion, sometimes breaking the rules can make a superb statement in its own right, so don't think you always need to strictly follow them. Hopefully this will nudge you toward comfort and provide inspiration:

Belt & Shoes
When it comes to matching leather belts to shoes, many men admit they are clueless. This is the big one. It’s also the simplest, and it’s the one rule that is least acceptable to get wrong. This is what women all over the planet will clarify for men everyday.

The golden rule?

Your belt and shoes should be of a similar color and formality.

The color bit alone seems to give most men trouble; how matchy-matchy is too matchy-matchy? Can I pair brown with tan? What about these bright blue shoes – am I meant to find a matching belt for these? Rest assured, it’s simpler than you think.
  • Match leathers from the same color family. Blacks with blacks, browns with browns, tans with tans, etc. This is the easy part. If you get nothing else right, get this right. Equally, you don’t need to be too exact, which leads us to our next point.
  • It’s pointless to waste hours and hours hunting for that perfect tone of brown that matches your shoes with utter precision. Not only is this going to be barely noticeable, it is probably going to look too meticulous. A slight discrepancy is going to give you a bit of confident and cool nonchalance, not scruffiness. Conversely, if you’re too far off color-wise, you’ll just end up looking lazy. Deep brown shoes and a light brown belt, for example, can look mismatched.
  • Don’t attempt to match wild colors. A fluorescent yellow belt could be the perfect statement for you, and you could probably build a good look around it. But to find and wear a matching pair of shoes would be not only difficult, it might just be ridiculous.
Formality
Just as a tan belt can look out of place with black shoes, an ultra-casual pair of brown suede loafers is going to be ill matched with an equally brown, but much dressier, slim leather belt. Similarly, your highly polished oxfords could do without that great big belt buckle.

We hope this information has been helpful, and if you are looking for leather options or information, you have come to the right place. We are your go-to, local leather store in Denver, here to help you. Contact Jonval Leather and Fur today at (720) 377-1555.

Additional Resources: How To: Co-ordinate Leathers
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The Reason a Custom Leather Jacket is so Highly Prized


The Reason a Custom Leather Jacket is so Highly Prized
Leather is one of the oldest materials known to man. It has been used for many centuries, and therefore has a rich history when it comes to its preparation and use. And leather is often a more expensive, natural choice. The durability that leather possesses is one reason so many choose it as their go-to material for clothing, accessories, custom jackets, shoes, furniture, and more.

In history, the Greeks and Egyptians were using leather for clothing all the way back in 1300 – 1200 B.C. From their use, leather spread throughout the entire Roman Empire. The Chinese were also known for using animal hides and tanning them into usable leather during the Middle Ages. And of course, the Native Americans in North America were highly skilled at preserving and using leather long before the Europeans arrived. Because it has been around so long, the process of farming, preserving, tanning, and crafting leather into usable products has been perfected throughout the centuries, making it one of the oldest – and greatest – materials we still use today for our products. 

The process of preparing leather is very specific and not easy, so there is a demand for leather, as it is highly durable, and when properly cared for, it can last decades. In history, well-prepared leather had a great following among the royals and those with money, because it was seen as a material that possessed richness. It was used by the rich, and is still one of the more expensive materials in today’s world.

Leather is durable and can last decades if properly cared for, so most folks don't mind paying a bit more for a product made of leather. It is considered more of an investment, as the product will last way longer than other materials. Leather has a great feel and smell. This also makes leather products desirable. The feel is amazing, the look is stunning, the lifetime of the product is prolonged, the smell is rich, and this all adds up to the sophistication and richness that leather possesses.

 Types of leather:
• Full Grain – The highest grade and most expensive.
• Top Grain – Left with some grain, but sanded to get rid of any type of markings.
• Genuine Leather – This leather has no grain left and is taken from the bottom portion of the hide.
• Bonded Leather – The lowest grade of leather. All the scraps and shavings of leather are pressed and glued together to form sheets.

In today’s world, leather is not just for the rich and royal, but it is pricier than other jacket materials. One thing still remains true about leather, though, and that is: When worn, it gives the wearer the same rich qualities as itself.
Inspired? At Jonval, we make all our custom leather jackets by hand right here in our Denver shop. With virtually hundreds of leather samples to choose from in every color imaginable, the only limitation you have is your own imagination. Call us today for your custom jacket:  720-377-1555.
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Your Denver Fur Coat Experts Debunk Real-Fur Myths


September 14, 2016

Your Denver Fur Coat Experts Debunk Real-Fur Myths
If you have never worn a real fur coat, you have probably wondered how it would feel to wear one. And whether you’ve considered wearing them yourself, or you’ve wondered why people are so enamored with wearing them, you have probably heard a lot about furs – from the many types of custom design fur coats available to the controversies that surround them. Unfortunately, much of what you may have heard about real fur is comprised of myth. In our efforts to bring you real information you can use, we are offering to debunk some fur myths.

Animals Are Trapped and Left to Suffer
Fur farmers actually raise the animals they need, which means there is no trapping of wild animals. Traditionally, when people think of furs, they envision bear traps and other similar steel traps historically used. Fortunately, this isn’t the way the fur industry works any longer. Fur farmers also use more humane methods of obtaining the furs, so the animals themselves don’t suffer.

Fake Furs Are More Sustainable
Because real fur coats and real fur accessories are made from natural furs, they are biodegradable when the fur's life ends. This myth simply doesn’t make sense, because fake furs are made from non-renewable, petroleum-based products that are actually harmful to the environment – both in the production phase and after the coat is discarded.

Animals Are Mistreated
When you think about fur animals, it makes sense that the quality of their fur relies heavily on their diet and how well they are cared for. Fur farmers make sure they are raising the highest quality furs, so they can continue to stay in business. This means using the most humane processes for raising, caring for, and even harvesting the furs.

Domesticated Animals
There are some who try to perpetuate the myth that furs are made from domesticated animals, such as dogs and cats. But we are all aware of the most popular types of fur coats, such as mink, rabbit, and fox. And no reputable furrier is going to use the fur of domesticated animals to make their creations.

No Regulations
There are state, federal, and even international laws in place designed to protect the fur industry and its consumers. But many people would have you mistakenly believe that the fur industry is relatively unregulated. Fact vs. fiction tells us, however, that this just isn’t a fact. The laws cover things like animal welfare, environmental regulations, as well as industry codes.

Endangered Species
Every animal that is used by reputable business owners in the fur industry is legal to hunt/use. Endangered species are not used in the fur industry. This practice would be highly illegal as these animals are legally protected.

Need more information? If you’re looking for the best real fur coats and accessories in the industry, contact us at 720-377-1555 to get more information about the pelts we use for our products, because we only use fur from reputable fur farmers.
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