This style involves numerous processes, starting with hand selecting the shearling. Our Italian factories employ an expert to obtain the best quality, a necessary step as we use Italian shearling that is a by-product of the food industry, a conscious choice we made as a brand to avoid consumer waste and animal cruelty, whilst still maintaining the highest quality materials. The shearling is then hand painted with a water repellent napa finish, while the quilting is produced separately. The button holes around the neckline need to be welded as they are leather, and then the entire garment is bound in leather, totalling twenty hours.

How many artisans work on it and who are they?

This collection has one of the largest number of artisans working on each piece, with eight individuals from our factory situated outside of Florence coming together to make our Aviator styles. There is the specialist sorting through the shearling, the artisan who applies the napa finish, the quilting process, the artisan who cuts and binds all of the leather which two separate artisans must then assemble piece by piece and stitch together, before the button holes are fashioned and welded. Finally, quality control is overseen by the final artisan in the process.

The colours, tailoring, zipper details and use of Italian Napa leather all feel more traditional than some of our more sculptural pieces, however the lightweight, functional, water-resistant, transeasonal elements that are Marfa Stance staples ensure that the collection is updated and modern. Because this design features a slimmer fit than the more oversized silhouettes running through our collection, it was incredibly important to incorporate our signature ruching on the elbow, to allow the wearer to comfortably bend their arms and layer knitwear underneath. I always aim to design transitional garments, and with all of the leather and shearling focused on the front of the piece, and the back covered in our core upcycled quilting, the collection effortlessly transitions through Autumn and Winter, into Spring.

What are the modular elements?

Each Aviator jacket has a corresponding Aviator Collar, with the shearling and leather being an identical colour match, and making the end result look as though the two components were one new piece, evocative of a vintage pilot’s jacket. However, you can also customise and make it modular, choosing to add any Collar to your Aviator piece, adding a modern pop of colour or texture. Equally, any of our modular Hoods can also be attached, adding protection from the elements. The Aviator Group also works well underneath some of our less fitted coats as a second layer, and the Cropped Aviator Vest looks perfect paired under the Cropped Aviator, for a double leather look, and complete thermal insulation.