For
  sassy,
  classy
  women
  motorcyclists

PRODUCT: Customized Fox Creek Leather Deerskin Gauntlet Gloves
ARTIST:     Nanci Rogers, Ace High Leathers

REVIEWER: Petra Lattmann, VTwin Mama
REVIEW DATE: January 31, 2007

Click pictures for full view

REVIEW CONCLUSION:
Black leather doesn't have to be boring!

REVIEW SPECIFICS:
It all started when a friend found that the gloves she ordered were too long in the finger length, but voila!, they fit me beautifully! My only pair of gauntlets that I had owned in 26 years of riding were cowhide and I was a bit concerned that the "immediate" softness of deerskin wouldn't stay extended over the bottom of my jacket sleeves quite right, but a few test rides proved me wrong!

A gentle gathering of elastic at the wrists kept the softer deerskin shape properly in place and the extension over the jacket sleeves provided what I expected in wind/cold protection. These gloves can be ordered in a lined version, but for me, I prefer to add a thin silk layer under if I need a bit more "sheltering," but then, I have heated grips and like being able to layer to mix/match for temperatures!

I'll simply add that if you have any concerns about ordering gloves online, Fox Creek Leather encourages a prospective customer to provide a hand trace (with fingers spread) and the style of interest, and they'll match that for a first time, right time fit! 

The gloves were then sent to Montague, California, home of Ace High Leathers. Nanci had offered to customized something for me, and as I currently subscribe to the more is less theory of bling, opted to have the gloves done.

Because my motorcycle is mandarin orange (sort of towards golden orange) and black, she is nicknamed Bumblebee . . . hence the design choice for the gloves. I emailed Nanci a graphic bumblebee outline I found online that was in line with what I had in mind. I felt the orange would stand out nicely on black gloves and although I first thought of white wings, Nanci suggested the silver as more visible and exciting. I agreed! From there, I let Nanci follow her artistic and creative mind in creating the final details in use of leather, stitching, and bling stones.

Upon completion of the first glove, I received an email with an attached picture and gave the go ahead. I was especially pleased about the suggestion that the two bumblebees not be exactly identical in size, detail, and orientation . . . soooo much more interesting as far as I was concerned!

Although we did talk it out, the orange leather choice was a bit more "orangey" than I had thought it would be, but when I brought them out to the bike, felt that that had been a better choice than veering towards a more traditional yellow for the bumblebee body. I'm jazzed! Something truly unique that will be commented on every time I wear them!

I'll add that Nanci offered to send me color leather swatches in advance, but I trusted her instincts . . . for your project, remember that this is an option if you really have a specific shade/tone in mind.

Here are some other examples of Nanci's most recent work . . . customers are raving!

Of course you can see these are chaps examples, but I wanted to add that if your chaps aren't quite fitting right, the shop can handle alterations as well!

NEW: Take your favorite pair of jeans and turn the fronts into a leather chap concept!

It was a lot of fun letting my imagination run wild, so if you're thinking of custom work, definitely hop onto the Ace High Leathers website and start pondering the buzz you'll generate by creating something all your own!

4/30/07: I just thought I’d let you know that I finished one of the orders I got from you….God Bless you child! LOL It’s from a gal in Pittsburgh, PA . . . her passion is the Beatles. It was a lot of fun doing this one!

9/27/07: Here are some pictures of what I’m venturing into, which is taking the bling a step further with customizing the bike. The VStar is mine (a work in progress) and the Harley is my friend Elaine’s. Under the console on the VStar is my business card holder. Enjoy!

2/11/08: Another picture of some stellar work!