The unofficial Drake's London Appreciation Thread

[The B.]

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I just bought an RMFB nylon down vest in Japan from their store and had to size up by two. Works well over the Drake's line jacket.

I got to meet the designer and talk to him. He said that Michael Hill was there a few weeks ago to discuss FW24.
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All Drake's (except shoes) on the left. All RMFB on the right. That's the designer.

Is that the navy Coverall?
The emerald green gets all the attention, is hard to find the navy one in the “wild”.

 

[Gerry Nelson]

Is that the navy Coverall?
The emerald green gets all the attention, is hard to find the navy one in the “wild”.

It's the winter stable jacket: https://www.drakes.com/blogs/news/the-winter-stable-jacket

 

[Ancestral Star]

Well, well, well, who bought all the ALD/Drakes items already? 🧐

I really need that “Made in China” Drake’s velvet track suit in my life. 🙄

 

[ikoiko]

I really need that “Made in China” Drake’s velvet track suit in my life. 🙄

"Made in China" shouldn't be a factor when making a purchase, unless you're explicitly boycotting the country. Which then, fine.

That said, I will be trying out the carpenter pants. 🤷🏻‍♂️

 

[Kid_Icarus]

Does anyone on here have one of the Rocky Mountain Featherbed Christy jackets or vests from Drake's? I kinda like the navy tweed one but the prices are eye-watering. I haven't had a down jacket in about 1,000 years and am wondering if they're worth the splurge, and how they look when not in a lookbook!

I have a Christy vest with a shearling collar from Frans Boone and generally like it, although I don't wear it that much. It's VERY puffy at first but flattens out with wear. It's also pretty cropped. I had to size up two and it's still quite fitted over a shetland. If I didn't already have one, I'd be tempted by the brown waxed version Drake's has right now, which looks very nice (love the contrasting red lining), but I definitely can't justify owning two of them, especially how they're priced.

As far as RMFB jackets go, I bought the green hooded DMP parka for Drake's last year and kind of regret it. First of all, when my wife saw me in it she told me I looked like one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which stung and now I can't unsee it. Also I sized up based on my experience with the aforementioned Christy vest, and then lost weight, so now it's way too big. If anyone is interested, I've been meaning to sell it; it's a size 46, still NWT, hanging in a garment bag in my closet.

 

[Ancestral Star]

I have a Christy vest with a shearling collar from Frans Boone and generally like it, although I don't wear it that much. It's VERY puffy at first but flattens out with wear. It's also pretty cropped. I had to size up two and it's still quite fitted over a shetland. If I didn't already have one, I'd be tempted by the brown waxed version Drake's has right now, which looks very nice (love the contrasting red lining), but I definitely can't justify owning two of them, especially how they're priced.

As far as RMFB jackets go, I bought the green hooded DMP parka for Drake's last year and kind of regret it. First of all, when my wife saw me in it she told me I looked like one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which stung and now I can't unsee it. Also I sized up based on my experience with the aforementioned Christy vest, and then lost weight, so now it's way too big. If anyone is interested, I've been meaning to sell it; it's a size 46, still NWT, hanging in a garment bag in my closet.

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I feel your pain. I had bought the bright red Christy vest and first thing I get from my girlfriend is “Marty McFly”. Wearing it with denim doesn’t help.

 

[ppk]

I don’t think they stock it currently in wool. The jacket is called Mk. IV Games Blazer

Thanks. I decided to go with a RL Polo Chore Coat. It is cooler and cheaper, that's always a winner.

 

[Janshi]

Thanks everyone for your feedback! I decided to try the green 38 with a quilted coat and thick turtleneck underneath. I was pleasantly surprised at how it fit - the cuff ends pretty much at the same point as the 36, the collar has more character when popped, and the added length adds to the sweeping feel of the coat.

That being said, I'm not sure how I feel about how it drapes on my shoulders or the sleeve line - the extra fabric of the 38 bunches up whereas the 36 presents a cleaner line. It's also a much heftier jacket compared to the 36 -- at some points I felt like I was wearing a cape. None of these are deal breakers, but they do give me food for thought.

Surprisingly, both the 36 and 38 fit over my extra layers without too much difference. The 36 was comfy, the 38 extra comfy. So it really comes down to certain details - cleaner lines vs more billowiness, the comfort of extra space vs the security of a solid fit. Decisions, decisions.

Here are some pics! I wasn't wearing the quilted coat in these pics because it was too damn hot. Also I don't think they quite do the coat justice but what can you do.

 

[ponderosa]

Thanks everyone...etc

That's it! This is how the coat is intended to fit. 36 was okay but perhaps a little too clean for the style. Should be sweeping and billowy, as it is here -- looks great, just might feel a little different than what you're used to. Bals are supposed to be like wearing blankets.

 

[Trevallon]

Thanks everyone for your feedback! I decided to try the green 38 with a quilted coat and thick turtleneck underneath. I was pleasantly surprised at how it fit - the cuff ends pretty much at the same point as the 36, the collar has more character when popped, and the added length adds to the sweeping feel of the coat.

That being said, I'm not sure how I feel about how it drapes on my shoulders or the sleeve line - the extra fabric of the 38 bunches up whereas the 36 presents a cleaner line. It's also a much heftier jacket compared to the 36 -- at some points I felt like I was wearing a cape. None of these are deal breakers, but they do give me food for thought.

Surprisingly, both the 36 and 38 fit over my extra layers without too much difference. The 36 was comfy, the 38 extra comfy. So it really comes down to certain details - cleaner lines vs more billowiness, the comfort of extra space vs the security of a solid fit. Decisions, decisions.

Here are some pics! I wasn't wearing the quilted coat in these pics because it was too damn hot. Also I don't think they quite do the coat justice but what can you do.

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I went through the same thought process as you. Looking at your pictures, I think it looks spot on.
But I had the "cape" feeling as well (my girlfriend said: "Sherlock Holmes!" when I entered the room...). And ultimately didn't feel comfortable making a purchase of this order when I still had doubts.
I know from experience though, that in a couple of years I will probably regret not buying it.

 

[Trevallon]

Well, well, well, who bought all the ALD/Drakes items already? 🧐

Not me. That collaboration leaves me completely cold.

 

[henrip]

Thanks everyone for your feedback! I decided to try the green 38 with a quilted coat and thick turtleneck underneath. I was pleasantly surprised at how it fit - the cuff ends pretty much at the same point as the 36, the collar has more character when popped, and the added length adds to the sweeping feel of the coat.

That being said, I'm not sure how I feel about how it drapes on my shoulders or the sleeve line - the extra fabric of the 38 bunches up whereas the 36 presents a cleaner line. It's also a much heftier jacket compared to the 36 -- at some points I felt like I was wearing a cape. None of these are deal breakers, but they do give me food for thought.

Surprisingly, both the 36 and 38 fit over my extra layers without too much difference. The 36 was comfy, the 38 extra comfy. So it really comes down to certain details - cleaner lines vs more billowiness, the comfort of extra space vs the security of a solid fit. Decisions, decisions.

Here are some pics! I wasn't wearing the quilted coat in these pics because it was too damn hot. Also I don't think they quite do the coat justice but what can you do.

View attachment 2086597 View attachment 2086599 View attachment 2086611

Absolutely beautiful fit imho!

 

[Gerry Nelson]

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"
"Marty McFly"
"Sherlock Holmes"

What is it with these women who don't appreciate our innate stylishness and extremely good taste?!?!

😉

 

[sussi]

It depends of ones build and bonestructure of course but I’d recommend to try on bigger sizes. At first the coat felt quite large and roomy, but after a few wears I started to understand the fit and size better. I’m not an advocate of a slouchy style in general to be honest but Drake’s balmacaan really looks best when the fit is a bit loose, very relaxed and allows layering. If anybody wants a more fitted coat the polo coat is probably a better option.

I think my size 40 coat looks great like this when wearing shetland for example. But if you look from behind you’d see the shoulders are a bit thight.
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For comparison this suede chore is 38
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I must admit that I can not get that coat with that pattern out of my head. I am afraid you sent me on a hunting mission and now I hope one day 1 will pop up somewhere. Is it from fall 2021?

 

[nachobarro]

@Janshi the coat looks great!

I think wearing an straight or slim cut pair of jeans/pants would help a lot with the overall shape and feel of the coat. Skinny jeans will make the coat feel more of a cape than anything.