Can anyone tell me about this DKNY 'Original Sample' Men's Jacket?

Can anyone tell me what I found at a local thrift store yesterday?
It feels kinda like suede or leather but the closest I've found doing an image search was denim.
It has a tag that says ORIGINAL SAMPLE NOT FOR SALE and it is heavy!
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

Definitely leather and probably 1990s.

Another seller had this to say: "These prototypes were used by Donna Karen, staff and marketing representatives and often taken to the heads of upscale department stores for potential exclusivity and order.

Once approved, these models were made for worldwide distribution, sometimes solely issued under the exclusive label of a particular major department store, other times they may just make the Donna Karan runway and production for that season."

That tracks with what I know about samples.

You might need to move a bit further north to use this one , but it's a cool piece. Leather jackets are hit or miss to sell unless it's designer or brand new. Best to look at what other vintage men's DKNY are selling for, that kinda look like this one, to price it.

 

According to the internet, that iteration of the DKNY logo dates from 1984-2016. Given the piece was made in Hong Kong, going to be earlier rather than later because production (of almost everything) moved to China not long after the company's founding.

Debora

 

Thanks Debora- I thought earlier too when I saw Hong Kong but since j know nothing about clothes I didn't say anything (I didn't know DKNY made stuff for guys!)

 

Thank you! Can I use the sample description in describing it?
I thought of a title after reading it - Rare Men's DKNY Prototype Leather Jacket! (or something close ) - it would get someone's attention!

 

Just to split hairs... a prototype would have been made by the designer or at the design house. A sample is generally made by a factory based on the designer's design.
Clear as mud?

 

I mean...everyone on e bay copies everyone else so I doubt you'll get a cease and desist. I might say it in my own words though, since it's just from another seller and not an authoritative website. Agreed with bluumz I would call it "Original Sample" in the title.

 

I think prototype sounds more 1 of a kind, but I also know you guys know more than me in these matters!

And because of that knowledge I want to ask 1 more question: how would you describe it's style?
To me it looks like a jacket a cowboy would wear on a long cattle drive?
Thank you for all the help, it is greatly appreciated!

 

Gotta say, I don't see that. I'd call it a car coat but let's see what Debora says.

 

looks loosely based on a chore jacket, which sell well at the moment, the buffalo check lining is a nice touch as well

its a nice jacket

 

Thought I'd posted this yesterday but not too late...

Karan didn't launch the men's line until 1992 so that's your earliest date.

Debora

 

With a quick glance through eBay's completed listings, I see there is a market for DKNY vintage men's leather jackets but mostly in bomber and motorcycle styles. If it were mine, I'd think $50 a good sell. As above, the definition of chore jacket matches the style of yours. Some helpful words: vintage, not-for-sale sample, size M, black, distressed leather, hip length, relaxed shoulder, zip closure, black corduroy collar and cuffs, wool [if it is as it appears to be] black & red plaid lining, made in Hong Kong, generous cut. Not sure you need more than that but... 2 large flap pockets and 1 small zip pocket on front. [Add any pockets in the inside.] Adjustable side half-belts with brass-colored buckles.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chore_jacket

Let's wait for others to weigh in. If I'm wrong about any of above or above can be improved, welcome input.

Debora

 

yeah its more like a modern day chore than the classic blue varieties

 

but journeys also has touches of bomber jacket in it as well, so a bit of a mix in styles

 

Not a challenge, just curious. What bomber jacket "touches" do you see?

Debora

 

Thank you all - I'd never heard of a chore jacket; learn something new everyday!

 

hi deb
the zips look like details from a bomber jacket, and breast pocket

 

not on all bomber jackets i must add

 

That style reminds me of what they call a barn coat.

 

You're right. From the internet:

"Chore coat, barn coat, utility jacket and worker jacket are names you've probably seen thrown about online or heard in discussions when describing this practical jacket. While there are many iterations, they all seek to describe more or less the same garment."

Here's a L.L. Bean barn coat as an example.

Debora