MotivMFG is headed by Samuel Wei, founder of Radiance Blue and the pioneer of the heritage market in China; and Daniel Gu, a third-generation tailor and designer. Together, they combine old-world tailoring (from various antique European manuals) with workwear production techniques. Constant research into garment production techniques around the world informs their design, with the goal of creating “recreations” rather than “reproductions”.
A modified mid-century cycling jacket, the Rapide Jacket lands somewhere between a chore coat and a type-3. With two slanted seams down the front that shape that garment, the chest pockets are roomy, and hide two slant hand pockets beneath them (incorporated into the chest seams). The back features a half-belt for additional shaping through the waist.
The fabric is a heavyweight (700g) ultra high quality moleskin fabric from Brisbane Moss in the UK. Brisbane Moss produces some of the very best, if not the best corduroy and moleskin in the world, with this batch being no exception. Remarkably soft and wind resistant, the tightly woven moleskin breaks in quickly, taking the shape of the wearer's body with little effort.
After finishing, the fabric was given a garment overdye, which will gradually fade over time, leading to a unique and highly varied patina with immense tonal depth. The long pile fabric also features a remarkable wooly texture that is best viewed up close.
Fits true to size. Wash cold and hang dry, or dry clean.