Interoffice Memo
INTEROFFICE MEMO
To: Joe Parkhurst, publisher From: Virginia DeMoss Subject: Proposed Bates LeatherMates article.
Here are the proofs on the Bates piece. Maybe the shots seem a little peculiar, but we were having such a good time setting up for the photo session and wearing the clothes, that Brian just started snapping pictures before anybody lapsed into any of those typical ho-hum model poses. But you’ve got to admit the concept is unique and avant-garde, just like the leathers.
Number 1 shows Dottie trying to find a clever way to display the warm, fleece-like Zip ’n Out liner ($10) that’s available for any of the Bates jackets. Subtle solution, huh? But the white Bush pants ($95) look fantastic. So do the green ones and the matching Westerner shirt ($110) with zippered wrists, side slits and slash pockets.
While on the subject of looking good, how about those Classic jackets ($110) in photo 2?
They’ve got deep contoured front and zippered breast pockets, action backs and concealed wind flaps. Randy’s wearing his with matching saddle-colored Bush pants and the smart new Bates sweater ($19.50). Addison’s is yellow. The flared pants fit even the tallest riders. They can be cut off to the desired length and simply left that way, since they won’t ravel or fray, or they can be sewed or glued. We preserved upward and downward mobility by simply taping ours temporarily.
As the third photo shows, it isn't easy to get five people ready for a picture all at the same time. Anita's still slipping a buckskin Classic over belted, six-pocket Bush pants, while Addison gets ready to show off the brass buckled and snapped white Safari jacket ($135) with navy pants that complement the red and navy cuff stripes. Meanwhile, Dottie adds a final touch to the white Westerner ensemble with snap-flap breast pockets and epaulets. Randy, in a saddle Windbuster jacket ($110) that gives the popular Eisenhower styling a whole new look, takes a peek into Anita's LeatherMates CarryAll (which, at $20, comes in all the jacket colors). And Howard shows what can happen when you measure for clothing with your ego instead of a tape measure. >
Talk about dedication, how many people work right through lunch.. .and even settle for roach coach fare? Randy dispenses the coffee in a red Bates Two ’n One Suit ($195). It’s just as versatile as the name implies, since it can be worn this way—as a one-piece coverall—or unzipped at the waist and the jacket worn alone. The top has two breast pockets and a mandarin collar with velcro closure; pants offer two zippered slash pockets in front, two snapclosure ones in back. Handy zippered side openings allow easy access to pockets of pants worn underneath. Anita, who has just dispensed with two liverwurst sandwiches, a package of Twinkies, and a bottle of Yoo Hoo chocolate beverage, still fits nicely into a green All-Pro ($110) and Bush pants combination. Howard’s dressed for dining in a SportKing coat of many colors ($110). Besides the navy shown., it’s offered in saddle or green wi|f] the same stripe scheme. The sleeves zip snugly against those nasty air currents, and there’s a concealed wind flap and inside breast pocket. As an added feature, which Howard discovered entirely by accident, the SportKing is completely mustardresistant; it wipes right off.
We were just about to take one of those typical fashion-piece pix (5), in which the models snarl and pout and look as though they were posed by a sadistic Yogi, when fate stepped in with a minor accident to add a little color deserving of the far-out colors in the Bates All-Pro jackets ($110). They’ve never looked sportier. Neither has that photographer’s assistant. The All-Pros are available in the navy, green and red worn here, with yellow padded racing stripes, and have mandarin collars, action backs and four zippered slash pockets.
I guess the time just sort of got away from us (6). Well, at least the guy’s doing his job. In spite of his threats, we just had to show that Howard’s saddle Safari jacket and Bush pants looked a lot better when we fixed him up with the right size. And Anita finally got the buckskin Classic outfit all together. Note the zippered wrists and double contrast stitching. Those soft, ultra-warm Touring gloves are made by Bates too (unlined, $11.95; lined, $14.95).
As you’re aware, Joe, Bates is the company that custom-makes leathers for most of the top racers. Well, now they’re into making protective clothing for street riders, but with the good looks and flair usually missing from “clothing with a purpose.”
Readers with style will want the full catalog of new Bates LeatherMates de rigueur riding gear that is available by simply writing or phoning: Bates Industries, Inc.,
660 W. 16th St., Box 2668CM, Long Beach, CA 90801, (213) 435-6551.
Well, what do you think, Joe? Will this concept work, or should we go with something else? Please get back to me on this as soon as possible.
