Origin Story

Mike Tessier was in a world of hurt after a particularly horrible war slash breakup.  After some convalescing,  he wanted to do something that felt like taking back a piece of his self that he had lost,  reclaiming his strength as it were. He’d wanted a studded leather jacket for a while and he decided now was the time to acquire one.  At first he reached out to a studded leather jacket maker in Toronto but after not receiving a reply and with a slight tinge of disenchantment, he set out instead to create his own.

Christening it “The Vindicator” he loaded his leather battle jacket with spikes from top to bottom and slapped a woven Celtic Frost emblem on the back. He wasn’t aware back then of the journey he was about to embark on but for the moment his newly begotten conception did the trick! He left his abode for some Montreal nightlife for the first time in a few moons feeling reinvigorated and ready to rip.

Step by Step Process

Each unique Up The Antichrist jacket is a work of art, blending craftsmanship and creativity. The process begins with a custom image, selected or created by the designer, which is then meticulously painted by classically trained artist Robert Pietrantonio. Using Golden Brand slow-drying acrylics, Robert combines classical and hyperrealist techniques to paint directly onto leather, prepared through a specialized process to ensure optimal adhesion.

The designer carefully drafts the jacket, detailing layouts, sketches, and specifications for custom accessories like spikes, studs, and labels. Spikes are powder-coated for durability and vibrancy, while laser-engraved labels add a distinct touch. The leather is chosen for its strength, supporting the weight of the metal accessories, and cut into pattern pieces. Each section—arms, front, back, and collar—is studded and accessorized while flat, ensuring precision before the jacket is fully assembled.

Customization extends to the hardware, where spikes and studs are treated with various techniques for unique finishes. Metal plaques are hand-cut and finished to complement the design, and different methods are used for men's and women's jackets to seamlessly integrate Robert's artwork into the leather.

The jacket is finished with a silk lining, sewn partly by hand, featuring a hidden zipper for easy access. Final touches include custom-painted buttons and antique accessories for a one-of-a-kind look, making each jacket a truly unique and artistic expression.

The “Cool” Pitch

Hi Star-Spider,

This is Radiobaby! I shift gears with some of the maddest and baddest rocket ship riders from here to Clazmorphagopolis. I wanted to home in on your beacon today regarding this thing me and my twilight sky-pirates call Up The Antichrist. We happen to love what you do in ways you don’t know and so we wanna propose a conjoining of souls. If your peepers like what they peep and the following apparitions pique that need for something unique then we double-dog dare you to hit that jolly red button for a chance to dance, vastly enhancing that handsome feeling in your pants. One fixed glance into the vast expanse might just moon-land a masterfully crafted jacket in your hands!

We want a righteous celebrity to rip, tear (not literally) and wear one of our superlative skins, rockin' and shockin' the block, knockin’ out even the most rock-solid, cock-sure, fast-talkin' mockers and we want you ‘cuz we know you’re tried, tested and true, Baby-Blue! Much love to you and ALL the star-smashers makin’ the juiciest dreams come through!!

Love & Thunder,

Black Magic Mike and co.