David Bickerstaff is an artist and award-winning filmmaker who founded Atomictv in 1997. He was a member of the 2004 BAFTA judging panel for Interactive Art and is currently the Creative Director at Newangle Productions.
He has won various awards for his projects including an Insight Award for Excellence from the National Association of Film and Digital Media Artists in the US. David`s video and immersive works have been selected for festivals all over the world.
More recently David made the documentary ‘Making War Horse’ shown on More4. It features exclusive rehearsal and backstage footage of the stage production, interviews with the production team, the actors and puppeteers, and extracts from the award-winning show.
Gareth has had a passion for music for as long as he can remember, playing the piano and singing as a young child. He studied Drama at the University of East Anglia before attending The Royal Academy of Music where he passed with distinction in 2005.
Gareth is best known for his three hugely acclaimed BBC2 award winning series of ‘The Choir’. The programme has been awarded a BAFTA an RTS and a broadcast award. He has become an inspiration to those that come into contact with him and is still in touch with many of the singers from these projects.
Gareth’s favourite piece of music is the tenor aria ‘Geduld, Geduld’ taken from St. Matthew Passion by J.S. Bach.
Gareth also achieved a Christmas number one with the Military wives singing “Wherever You Are”.
Michael is a professional chauffeur who has being driving for businessman and entrepreneur Theo Paphitis for several years. He has always enjoyed driving and feels very fortunate to have a career doing something he is passionate about.
In the working week he drives a Maybach 62, 5.5 litre twin turbo V12. The 62 stands for 6.2 metres, which “is fun to manoeuvre round Greater London during rush hour”. The car is equipped with internet access so Theo can use it as an office while he travels around the UK.
Michael`s first car for driving Theo was a Mercedes C220 cdi and now he drives various cars including a Mercedes SL63 AMG which is the best car he’s ever driven. He also has a full HGV licence along with his fork lift instructor badges.
His proudest moment was raising funds for comic relief by pulling the Maybach for a mile along the Mercedes-Benz test track with two friends.
Charlie has been flying for over 30 years and has been flying Spitfires since 1990. He is an A1 Flying Instructor at the Central Flying School Cranwell.
The Spitfire pictured is a rare WW2 Mk.Vb Fighter built at Castle Bromwich in 1942. It served with 315 & 317 (Polish) Squadrons before sustaining damage on February 13th 1943. It was acquired by the Historic Aircraft Collection (HAC) in 1993 and restored to its original specification and flies in the colours of 317 Squadron. Spitfire BM597 can be found in Hangar 4 at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford.
The Spitfire has also starred in many films and TV productions including Battle of Britain, Time Team, Pearl Harbor, The Goodbye Plane and Foyles War.
Graeme is an elected member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors (ARBS). Following his graduation from Loughborough College of Art & Design in 1995 he immediately set up his own stone carving workshop in Leicestershire.
He undertakes a whole variety of commissions from major public art sculpture to memorials. His work is exhibited throughout the UK and he also shows at some of the country’s leading home and garden exhibitions.
If you would like to commission Graeme or would like to learn how to carve on one of his weekend courses please use the link below.
Mark has been interested in coach painting since he was 17 years old. A couple of years ago he took the plunge and gave up his day job to do his passion for a living.
The tractor pictured is a 1941 Fordson and has taken 6 months to restore. The other vehicle pictured is a 1932 Allan Taylor golf course truck converted from a Model A Ford.
Mark and his terrier Dave regularly appear at vintage rallies and country shows.
Tobias owns and runs Montpellier Clocks in Cheltenham. The company was established in 1958 and became a member of the British Antique Dealers’ Association in 1968.
He joined his grandfather, Burton Bass, in 1990 after graduating from the world renowned West Dean College. At the age of nineteen he was the youngest student at that time to be awarded a Distinction in the Conservation and Restoration of Antique Clocks. He feels privileged to have restored some of the world’s finest clocks and is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers.
Curtis is at the fore front of a new generation of jazz singers. With one of the most distinctive voices in music, Stigers pushes the boundaries of conventional jazz performers and is constantly increasing modern jazz standards.
His refusal to stand still, his consistent desire to grow and evolve musically has earned him admiration and recognition around the world.
We met up with Curtis and his band (Matthew Fries – piano, Keith Hall – drums and Cliff Schmitt – bass) on the UK leg of his tour at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre.
What a fantastic performance from the band and the shoes!
Nick qualified as a farrier in 1995 after a 5 year apprenticeship. He can be found in Brockhampton Gloucestershire.
On average a horse will need to be re shod every 6 weeks or so – luckily a pair of Herrings will last considerably longer!
Luther the horse and Nick are old friends, he also likes to be well shod! Nick’s Jack Russell Steve is his constant companion and thankfully he doesn’t chew shoes.
Colin qualified as a shoemaker in 1982 and then became a traditional cobbler. He now owns Grays Shoe Repairs in Cheltenham, a small family run business that can be found on the High Street.
Colin’s vast knowledge and experience of repairing shoes enabled him to win the ‘Punch Shoe Repairer of the Year’ for 3 consecutive years from 1999 – and he was then asked not to enter, to let someone else try and win!
He estimates that Grays would repair approximately 10,000 shoes a year!
Ben’s passion for falconry began at the age of 16 when he acquired his first bird, a kestrel, now he is one of the UK’s leading falconers.
In the early 1980s Ben began to make falconry equipment full time and has perfected new techniques and designs particularly in hood and glove making. These products are sold from his website and dispatched all over the world.
If you have ever wanted to learn how to become a falconer Ben also runs a range of courses.
The first thing I noticed when I got the Crispin shirt in my hands was the feel of the fabric, it was soft and a very nice weight. I’m particular about the fabric weight. Too thin and the shirt feels cheap and can be see-through; however, too thick, and the shirt will wear warm and also feel bulky when tucked in or under a blazer. This shirt however hits the weight perfectly; it feels solid and drapes really nicely over the shoulders and through the waist.
I looked at the stitching over the entire shirt. From the cuffs to the yoke, the stitching was straight, uniform, and never too close to the edge of the fabric. The collar stitching in particular was perfectly on point, pun intended, and, on this blue shirt, provided just a small amount of texture to the well-shaped and spread collar. The stitching and thread on the buttons is also nicely executed. It’s thick and sturdy ensuring the buttons won’t easily stretch out or start to fray.
Looking at the back of the shirt, the darts are also nicely sewn. They look to be blind stitched giving the back of a shirt a very seamless and clean look, an extra detail welcome on a quality dress shirt.
The fit of the shirt is very nice, it’s slim fitting without being overly tight and restricting. I’m 5’11” and 190lbs and the 16″ collar shirt fits perfectly with one exception.
There is a bit too much fabric on the sleeves making them looking frumpy; that’s a technical term right? I’m a 34.5″ sleeve length, when I stretch my arm down it seems like longer sleeve length gents won’t have this issue, but if you are a 16″ collar with 34/35 sleeve you’ll notice this additional fabric making the sleeves bulky. Other than the sleeves issue, the waist, shoulders, collar, and chest all fit absolutely spot on. For myself, I wouldn’t wear the shirt untucked as I feel the overall length of the shirt its best suited for tucking in, but if you’re 6’0″ or taller it would probably look properly proportioned.
The colour of the shirt is a nice soft blue. It will easily go with any blazer or tie of your choice. In my pictures you’ll see I’ve paired it with a nice dark forest green tie sporting the flying union flag…perfect for this Yankee!
In summary the shirt is a wonderful weight, has a lovely fit, especially for slightly longer armed gents, and the details, like stitching and buttons, all culminate to a quality shirt you’ll be happy to wear for years to come.
Available as single or double cuff here and the tie is available online also by following this link. The shoes worn are the Herring Edward II semi brogues.
As an artisan, I am interested and inspired by the workmanship that goes into creating a quality product. I like to think of the design, the tools that are used, the sore fingers, the passion, etc., but quality products often come with a price tag.
I admit, my Scottish descent meant I was always looking out for a bargain. I bought cheap stuff that lasted five minutes. I just did not understand the implications of my choices.
I think we should pay twice as much for most things, including our shoes! If you paid £200 for a pair of shoes that would last you 10 years, then that equates to £20 a year. You would be hard pressed to find a pair of shoes for that amount these days…even cheap shoes.
When you the consider the cost to the environment of importing goods into this country and add in the social implications of the underpaid or slave labour used by cheap shoe manufacturers, then £20 a year looks like an even better deal. Sure, those 10 years will inevitably see you pay for new soles or repairs, but when you get them back, they will still fit you like a glove and will be very comfortable as the leather moulds to your individual foot shape.
Slow fashion must be the way forward. Rather than buying something cheap – that will most likely be uncomfortable or made from sweaty materials – we should invest in our craftsmen, our environment, our fellow human beings…and our feet!
Herring’s welted shoes come with a ‘Repair Service’ tag to identify which of their shoes can be sent back to the original manufacturer for repairs. If their owners look after them well, these shoes will last for years and years to come and will be a joy to wear.
First off, let me start this review by saying the Caravaggio is the most expensive casual shirt I’ve ever purchased, so as a Father of, soon to be three, this was an investment for me. Sure I’ve spent good money on my formal clothing for work, as well as many lovely shoes from Herring, but this was a different story, this is a casual shirt, not a formal button down for a suit or sharp sport coat, but one to be worn smartly with slacks, jeans, or khakis on a casual day at work or adventuring out with my family or friends.
So after clicking that purchase button on my computer I waited with some hesitation, with one big question in mind, “Is this shirt really worth it?” Well, spoiler, yes…yes it is! The very first thing I noticed about the shirt was the smell, which is quite odd, who purchases a shirt and the first thing you say is, “wow, this shirt smells like a lovely Spring morning.” It really does have a fantastic, fresh, clean, and beautiful smell to it. I immediately wanted all my shirts to smell like this.
Detailed cuff shot
The next thing I noticed is the fabric, it’s a perfect weight, not too heavy as to be worn only in the depths of winter, and not too light as that summer linen shirt I love to wear sipping cool cocktails on the beach. It’s a shirt that can be worn year round, wear it by itself, or layer it under a cardigan. The stitching is all very straight, refined and unobtrusive in light wearing areas, and robust in harder wearing areas like the cuffs. Oh, and those cuffs, they are a beautiful heavier weight with lovely cut corners adding a very sharp touch to the shirt.
A detailed shot of the collar and buttons
The buttons, they are beautiful mother of pearl with a lovely shimmer that adds a bit of life to this dark navy blue polo. I really like the five buttons across the top that create a sharp contrast and provide a visual center cue for the shirt that your lady, or gentlemen friend won’t take their eyes away from.
Lastly, the fit. I’m 5’10” 190lbs and went with the large and it fits perfect. Fitted around my chest and waist without being overly snug. The sleeves are a great length and provide for easy range of motion without fear of the cuffs riding up my arms.
David Driegert sporting his Caravaggio Polo
This shirt has met and exceeded my expectations and its certainly worth the price, a statement even my wife agrees with, and if she agrees, I know I’m right. Quality and style are exemplified with this shirt and I’d gladly have another in a different color…just waiting on you Naked Clothing!
To view the full range on our website please follow this link.
At any wedding the groom will spend hours on their feet talking to distant relatives and dancing the night away. For comfort purposes and to make sure you look good on the dancefloor, getting the right pair of dress shoes is vital.
With so many different styles and materials to choose from, it can be difficult to know where you should start when looking at the shoes you’ll say ‘I do’ in.
This guide will cover the various factors that will go into forming your decision, the preparation you have to complete before and after you’ve chosen your perfect wedding shoe, we will also break down how appropriate certain styles will be for certain weddings.
There are many factors that will influence the style of shoe you opt for but a good place to start for the majority of grooms having a traditional wedding will be the classic black oxford.
Herring Belgravia
Jason Simmonds, MD of Herring Shoes advises a ‘safety first’ approach for most grooms. “They may not have have a strong idea of what they want, they just don’t want to get it wrong,” he says. “We would advise keeping it traditional and classic and with that you can’t go wrong.”
Jason describes the black or brown Oxford as a “perennial favourite” with a narrow shape that looks best when paired with a formal outfit. “If you’ve got a traditional suit with full-length leg then you’d want a sleek Oxford to mirror the sleekness of the suit,” he says. Dark colours are still the most popular choice but there can be the option of trying a two-tone combination in a brogue style for something a little different.
Herring Henry II
Herring’s Farnham two-tone brogue in chestnut and navy are a good example of how tradition can be combined with a little more jazz. Jason says they will go well with a navy suit and have a “traditional look with a little more interest rather than just being a simple shoe”.
Herring Farnham
Some grooms may well be inclined to move away from the most formal outfits and this is when there may be more scope for experimentation. “If you’re aiming for a turned-up, chino-style look then going for a boot could be a good idea. This can be quite trendy but is pretty out there,” says Jason.
Herring Keswick
A lot goes into deciding on a wedding shoe. A groom’s personal preference will certainly play a big role but first and foremost you will have to speak to your partner and find out what sort of style they’d like to see you in. After all, who knows your style better than the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with?
Coordinating with groomsmen will be the next factor for the groom to bear in mind. Sometimes it’ll be as simple as the groomsmen going for the same pair as the groom while there is also the option to “go for a contrast that is still complimentary” says Jason. If the groomsmen do wear something different to the groom, the chosen shoe cannot be more attention-grabbing than the groom’s. “If the groom’s wearing a very traditional style then groomsmen must also have a very traditional style. But if he’s jazzing it up with a black and white two-tone for example, then they might also go for something that has a little more jazz about it.”
Traditional designer styles and colours will be the best option for winter weddings but if you’re getting married in the warmer months then something a little lighter in weight and colour can work well. Jason suggests Herring’s Henley two-tone brogues, a lighter shoe made of leather and canvas that would be “absolutely perfect for summer weddings”.
Herring Henley
Similarly, Jason says a relaxed loafer like the Matisse can work equally well for a relaxed summer occasion (pictured below).
Against all the other things you’ll have to prepare for the wedding, sorting your shoes out may not seem like a high priority but it should be. When you feel confident in your footwear, everything else will seem that much easier.
A prudent approach will be to treat your purchase as a dress shoe investment for the future, not just for the day. Jason describes Herring’s £225 – £275 price point as the “sweet spot” where quality, variety and value for money meet – these are the shoes that will last for years after your wedding is long finished.
To allow for deliveries and returns as you search for the best size and style, try and get your shoes sorted as early as possible once you’ve set a date. Jason explains: “Preparation is key, especially if you want to get your groomsmen tied in.”
It may sound obvious but giving yourself time to wear in the shoes is just about the most important piece of preparation you can do. In a cheap, poorly made pair of shoes, a day of walking, standing and dancing will inevitably end in a blister or two. “A quality shoe will not feel comfortable from the first moment you slip it on,” says Jason. “The quality components that make it last will mean they are fairly rigid so your foot has to break it in and the sole has to mould to your foot.”
Herring Shoes – who offer free UK deliveries and returns – have been in operation since 1966, designing their own shoes that are mostly manufactured by well-respected British factories. Each pair of shoes they produce is a heritage piece. “Getting married is a stressful time and you want to make it as easy as possible,” says Jason. “It’s worth spending that extra bit of money for a quality pair of British shoes as they will be part of a treasured memory for years to come.”
I wore a lot of sneakers when I was younger. Jordans, AND1, Adidas, Puma, LA Gear, Spring Court and so on.
I even used to collect them in the early 90’s, but I’ve never thought they would look nice with a suit or a blazer as a “matter of principle”.
As a matter of fact I do think sneakers are great for… sports. Even so I can wear them with Chinos sometimes, or Corduroys, with white pants during summer – casual styles.
Pembury and Strike
The point is that everybody has been wearing them (and almost only them) for the last 25 years (same thing for denim) and you guys know how much I hate it when everybody looks the same and buys the same, especially when it’s expensive and made in Asia by factories with bad reputations for child workers. They are also now the symbol of the new tribe from the Silicon valley… and we all know they are the perfect epitome of…good taste.
I love nice shoes. Real shoes. They last. They become nicer when they age. We look nicer wearing them.
However I have met a few Gentlemen who wear tennis or basketball style shoes with a jacket or suit, light ones, mostly when it’s hot, and it worked perfectly for them. Their models were nice, very neutral or well mixed with their outfits and it was great. Yes, again, you are going to say it is very “Italian”. Well, yes OK, but if it works, why not?!
Strike
Nowadays we can find splendid pairs of sneakers, with great leathers and patinas for instance. Moreover, it’s a fact that we all agree with – they are comfortable! So choose a bespoke looking pair, don’t follow the crowd, and only wear them with a casual look and maybe you can kill two birds with one stone Gentlemen!
It’s been a long wait and now my Wildsmith Niven have arrived. I am so excited.
Whilst on holidays in May last year I had the privilege of visiting Herring Shoes in Devon, and got a glimpse of some of the new Wildsmith range. I was very impressed by what was on offer and started to save my pennies, even though I did invest in two pairs of boots at the time.
Herring have just relaunched the Wildsmith brand with some fabulous shoes. The brand was founded by John Wildsmith more than 170 years ago and represents the pinnacle of shoe making. Apparently the brand has quite an auspicious heritage with actors, royalty and various famous world dignitaries being part of the Wildsmith clientele. Browsing the range and names of the shoes will give you a hint of who some of the famous clients of the past have been.
So, back to the Niven wholecut. It comes in black, chestnut and mocha calf. I decided to go with the mocha. The colour is rich and stunning. Whilst black is always beautiful and a must in every man’s wardrobe, the chestnut is also a standout as the colour grabs you and goes well with a more relaxed setting. The mocha on the other hand is a little bit more daring and can be dressed up and be very formal or can fit the bill for a more relaxed and casual look.
The Niven is simply exquisite and clearly takes its cues from its namesake. It has the elegance and simplicity that only a wholecut can offer but with a twist. The last is sleek and modern but maintains classical lines that will make it a gorgeous addition to any ensemble for many years to come.
Now to the twist. The shoe exudes the sophistication that can only be achieved with a wholecut shoe, but that medallion punching on the toe! It is unique and so definitive. It is simply stunning.
As you would expect with a shoe of this class, it is beautifully made with the best leathers and handmade craftsmanship. As with most beautiful things, the beauty is in the detail. If you turn the shoes upside down you will see what I mean. It doesn’t get better than channel stitched welted soles. Like the Wildsmith of old, the new Wildsmith range continues to represent the pinnacle of shoe craftsmanship. And more specifically, a wholecut shoe is made with one piece of leather which means that the leather needs to be perfect and it requires the most highly skilled craftsman to make them.
I do love my Niven wholecut, it is however only one of many wonderful options. Credit to the team at Herring, the Wildsmith range is quite comprehensive and I am certain one, two or even more pairs would be suitable for the most definitive and stylish men.
Now, that the Niven is out of the box, what to wear them with? Yes, I have it! Of course, my flannel grey three piece Prince of Wales check would go fabulously. And I do have several fedora options too but what colour? Clearly, the Niven in mocha is so versatile. So many possibilities. And with all those celebrities and royalty of the past … it looks like I am in good company.
One more thing, as with all things how you look after them is directly related to how long they last and how good they look over time. I make a habit of ensuring that all my shoes are stored with shoe trees, which I believe is a must. In this instance, I couldn’t go past pairing the Niven with the Wildsmith shoe trees. It is an essential investment for such a beautiful shoe and they look pretty good too.
And, by the way, if you are ever travelling in Devon or just near the vicinity, do yourself a favour and visit the guys at Herring Shoes. They are most gracious and would be happy to show you around their showroom. But, if you have a weakness for fine things and great shoes, you will need to be very strong willed not to spend some money. As for me, I am not so strong willed but do have a great shoes collection, thanks to Herring.
So gents, Mr Niven and I are stepping out and signing off … cheers
Everytime I go to Florence for Pitti, I always have something in mind.
Travel light!
So I can only take a few pairs of shoes. They are the heaviest things in a suitcase and it can be a big deal when you take a flight now. The fair goes on for four days but I ‘only’ took three pairs.
A pair of brown tasseled loafers, versatile and comfortable. I wore them the first day and the last day.
With these three pairs I was ‘safe’. I even had options for my evening meetings and my dinners.
Pitti is a fair dedicated to elegance but also to business, the biggest one dedicated to menswear in the world.
So again, you must be able to find the right balance between chic and practical. That is exactly what I’ve been trying to explain to you Gentlemen for almost 2 years…
A great pair of shoes will make you look great and feel great. There is a mystical effect when you tie the laces of a fine shoe and the handmade shape cups your foot in supple leather. Just putting them on makes you feel special and alerts you to the importance of what is about to happen, whether it is your wedding day, a business meeting or that all important first date. As with all items we choose to wear, your shoes say a lot of things about you that are often subconscious but are interpreted by those around us. A classic black toe-cap oxford at a funeral shows a deep respect for the deceased and the family – yet it is superficially just a plain black shoe. Similarly a subtle two-tone shoe at a party may hint at a flamboyant nature, hidden beneath a conventional front.
What is interesting is that many people choose their shoes with little thought even though they are in many ways the key to every outfit. It is often said that if you look at a man’s shoes you will be able to judge a lot about him. Next time you are at your office, walking around town or doing the shopping, take a look around at people’s footwear. You will see some very well dressed men with scruffy shoes – what judgements are you making when you see that mix? At the other end you may see a very casually dressed man in old worn shoes, that are nonetheless well polished and looked after. Now take a look down and see your own shoes – what would you think if you were seeing them on someone else?
As a very general rule a well looked after pair of shoes indicates a thoughtful, meticulous and maybe old-school approach to life, regardless of the age or apparent wealth of the person’s clothing. Badly maintained shoes on the other hand do not speak well of the owner. Remember you only get one chance to make a first impression.
Great shoes are a really great investment in yourself.
Last time I told you how much I love braces/suspenders.
But that doesn’t mean that I don’t like belts. I do wear them… sometimes.
There are two important things to think about when choosing a belt.
Firstly they must go with your shoes. A blue suede belt with blue suede shoes for example, or brown leather with your brown monks.
Secondly if you are wearing a tie, this tie should just touch your belt and not hide it.
Also a bonus tip; try and avoid low rise pants or you are going to look like you are “cut in two” with short legs and a huge trunk!
A last trick for you gentlewomen and gentlemen. If you want your belts not to be too deformed (because when you wear them often, they are), just think about wearing them the other way. Right for left handed, left for right handed and you will even out the distortion.
A great pair of shoes will make you look great and feel great. There is a mystical effect when you tie the laces of a fine shoe and the handmade shape cups your foot in supple leather. Just putting them on makes you feel special and alerts you to the importance of what is about to happen, whether it is your wedding day, a business meeting or that all important first date. As with all items we choose to wear, your shoes say a lot of things about you that are often subconscious but are interpreted by those around us. A classic black toe-cap oxford at a funeral shows a deep respect for the deceased and the family – yet it is superficially just a plain black shoe. Similarly a subtle two-tone shoe at a party may hint at a flamboyant nature, hidden beneath a conventional front.
