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

Discussion in 'Textiles, Needle Arts, Clothing' started by journeymagazine, Apr 25, 2024.

  1. journeymagazine

    journeymagazine Well-Known Member

    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!

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    charlie cheswick likes this.
  2. mirana

    mirana Well-Known Member

    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 :playful:, 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.
     
    charlie cheswick likes this.
  3. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    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
     
  4. journeymagazine

    journeymagazine Well-Known Member

    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!)
     
    pearlsnblume likes this.
  5. journeymagazine

    journeymagazine Well-Known Member

    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!
     
  6. bluumz

    bluumz Quite Busy

    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? ;)
     
  7. mirana

    mirana Well-Known Member

    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.
     
    pearlsnblume likes this.
  8. journeymagazine

    journeymagazine Well-Known Member

    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!
     
  9. bluumz

    bluumz Quite Busy

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

    charlie cheswick Well-Known Member

    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
     
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  11. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    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
     
  12. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    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
     
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  13. charlie cheswick

    charlie cheswick Well-Known Member

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

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  14. charlie cheswick

    charlie cheswick Well-Known Member

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

    Debora Well-Known Member

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

    Debora
     
  16. journeymagazine

    journeymagazine Well-Known Member

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

    charlie cheswick Well-Known Member

    hi deb
    the zips look like details from a bomber jacket, and breast pocket
     
    Debora likes this.
  18. charlie cheswick

    charlie cheswick Well-Known Member

    not on all bomber jackets i must add

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    Debora likes this.
  19. NanaB

    NanaB Well-Known Member

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

    Debora Well-Known Member

    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

    Screenshot 2024-04-26 at 6.20.47 AM.png
     
    mirana likes this.
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