There are rarely times I think, “I would like to be a 5’4 woman of small frame.” I began to rethink that thought upon being given a jacket to review by Strange Vacation. Although designed for a woman, by women, I was jealous of the eventual recipient of this piece of artisanal leather.
Strange Vacation is one of a select few leather brands whose designs cater to women that ride. They’ve launched their first collection and a piece from this series would be the ultimate gift for the woman in your life who rides. Buttery soft, strong and built to last these jackets aren’t just for show.
The company is owned and operated by two women. Jenny Czinder, who has a highly popular Instagram feed, @Hookersandpopcorn, which catalogues both her brave cycle-based stunts and some seriously sexy NSFW shots where her leathers may be the largest piece of clothing featured. Kelly Wehner is the other half of the company. She honed her love of design and fashion innovation while working as a designer for Nike.
The partners sought to fill a gap in the market—stylish yet protective riding gear for women. At its core, the collection relies on classic silhouettes with a modern twist. Forget cheap cow skin from unknown origins, Strange Vacation’s leather pieces are manufactured back on that other coast in Massachusetts by Vanson Leathers—a leader in the industry who’s been making motorcycle leathers and racing suits for over 40 years. The knit pieces in the collection are made right here in Portland by Columbia Knit, established in 1921.
The company lists four guiding focuses: Authenticity, Quality, Functionality and Aesthetics. They believe, “any woman who gets on a bike is a warrior, by testing her limits and freeing herself. Strange Vacation is here to protect her, make her look good and unleash her power.” Worthy goals that we should all seek to support, motorcycles or otherwise.
Photography by Chris Ryan