Souvenir Jacket/Skazan/Sukajan No. 2

Vintage Script Japan souvenir jacket, J.Crew tee, Levis denim, Frecap Shoes

Here is another souvenir jacket in my collection.  I acquired it in a small thrift store in Seoul.  It was in pretty awful shape, but it reminded me of an antique that just needed a little refurbishing.  The colors shine bright after dry cleaning and the details in the embroidery stand out.  A few stains remain to remind me of its age.  Red, gold, and green combined is lovely.  This jacket reminds me of the holidays without looking costume - I think of home whenever I look at it.

Script Flower Trip Orchestra is a brand from Japan that creates beautiful souvenir jackets.  The colors they use are unique and their quality is unmatched.  Looking through their current offerings online, I am intensely overwhelmed by how many styles I want to get.  There is an attention to detail that makes each jacket worth every yen penny.  All of their souvenir jackets are reversible: one side featuring the standard double breast design front with contrast sleeves and the other side with embroidery encompassing the entire garment, often over seams and zippers.

This particular jacket may be a brand special.  The bird (I am not sure if it is a crane or phoenix) is actually the brand's logo - not to mention the brand name "SCRIPT" emblazoned on the back.  The other side features a beautiful dragon that wraps around the shoulders and onto the chest.  I like the symbolism of a phoenix and dragon in one piece - masculine and feminine.

- jerome

Souvenir Jacket/Skazan/Sukajan No. 1

Japanese Traditional Vintage souvenir jacket, J.Crew tee and chinos, Burberry Prorsum loafers, Ugo Cacciatori and Enrique Muthuan rings

Hello, everyone!  I am excited to share the first souvenir jacket in my collection.  After months of hunting them down here in New York, I had no luck finding ANYTHING.  It was in Seoul that I was finally able to acquire a few pieces.  This isn't the first one I bought but I definitely used it the most when I amassed my starter set.  They come in the most beautiful colors and fabrics, and they are delicate so scoring vintage ones in great condition is quite hard.  

For those who don't already know, souvenir jackets originated in Asian countries when occupying forces would visit local artisans to embroider traditional motifs onto their jackets as souvenirs while stationed abroad.  This originated in Japan in Yokosuka, and the jackets came to be known as "Yokosuka Jumpers," or Sukajyan for short.  In Korea, they are known as Skazan.  The jackets are normally reversible with one side being more intricately adorned.  Each design is embroidered directly into the silk, rayon, or polyester that is regularly used to build the garment.

Of course the first one I choose to show you is one sided and a XXXL, but it is the only non-reversible souvenir jacket I own so far.  I love how big this one is.  It is a great shape that reminds me of Juun. J, or even a boyfriend jacket.  The off-the-shoulder thing comes pretty natural because of the size, but it is also nice to shrug off when it gets hot but you don't want to put such a stain-magnet down at a bar or club.  And apparently I was really into the Mr. Peanut while shooting this so ignore my crossed legs.

As loud as these jackets can get, I am happy I was able to find one in more neutral hues.  The embroidery is so detailed.  When I saw the dragons on the sleeves and the back, I had to have it.  These bad boys can cost a pretty penny, but I was able to grab this one for around $60 USD after bartering with the shop people.  I love that you can bring down prices in Hongdae vintage shops.  That is a steal for this kind of jacket, in this condition, that is made in Japan.  More to come soon!

- jerome