Advent - Day Twenty Four

I have only recently fallen head over heels with the Visvim brand but the more I see the deeper my love gets...the Virgil boot and FBT Shaman in this brown kangaroo leather are the best yet. If I had any Christmas shopping to do either of these would be my footwear of choice...I would just have to go out and buy them first...Happy Christmas Eve to one and all.

Merry Christmas to...me

Merry Christmas to me. My gift to myself, a pair of Harris Tweed Clarks Desert Boots sitting pretty under the tree.

Over the last week or two I have been running around central London on the hunt for the perfect Christmas presents for my friends and family. As you all know, this can be a quite traumatic time at the best of times but when you add freezing temperatures to the mix you have a foul tasting cocktail. Whilst dashing to and from work and around the shops I have fallen prey to the ice and snow. In fact I have tripped on my sorry behind no less than four times in as many days, bruising my forearm, arse and ego in the process. Oh woe was me. By Sunday morning I was feeling more than a little sorry for myself and turned to a spot of personal retail therapy for comfort. However, rather than succumbing to rabid consumerist hysteria I made an astute, practical and measured purchase, a pair of Harris Tweed Clarks Desert Boots at half price no less!

I was surprised to find a mini-boot keyring packed in with my boots.

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Desert Boot, Clarks Originals created six unique, new designs (three for women and three for men). t is amazing to think that these stylish staples were first invented in a Burmese military outpost by a young Nathan Clark. The original boots inspiration is a crepe soled boot made from rough, suede in Cairo's fabled Old Bazaar and it was soon the off-duty English Army officers footwear of choice. There are a plethora of different desert boots out there made by all sorts of names but why deviate from the original? To mark the anniversary Clarks Originals created a look inspired by each of the six decades that the Desert Boot has spent as an essential fashion item. As soon as the anniversary boots were released back in September my head was turned by the Harris Tweed, 1950's pair...

The certified mark of Harris Tweed.

For such a burly and utilitarian fabric, Harris Tweed evokes an a great deal of romantically nostalgic feelings and ever since I watched the recent BBC4 series Tweed (discussed here), I have been hooked on this very special cloth. As mentioned previously, the colours are deceptively beautiful. A Harris Tweed yarn will routinely contain seven or eight different coloured wools, which are all blended together and then spun to create an amazingly rich texture of colour and I'm afraid these pictures fail to do the cloth justice.

Harris Tweed Clarks Desert Boots worn red socks from Uniqlo and wool trousers from COS.

This a tweed still woven by pedal-powered looms in the homes of Scottish sheep herders out in the outermost fringe of the British Isles. It has been this way since 1846. I now understand the history and the provenance of the cloth. There is something quite special about the Isle of Harris, Lewis and that northern chain of Hebridean islands. The materials and the colours are redolent of the sea, and the grass, the rugged life, the farming. I'm so pleased that a company like Clarks has realised the beauty of the cloth. I believe that the end result is a fitting tribute to both the cloth and the desert boot.

It seems that I'm not the only one taken with my new boots...Patch (the patchwork tweed dog from Muji) has found a new friend.

The evolving passion for shoes

The tools of a craftsman...photography by Euan Denholm

Now that the Christmas shopping has been completed, my thoughts have begun to wander away from my the present and I've started drawing up lists of things I need to do next year. Over the last twelve months I have developed a passion for shoes, an addiction even. It is just impossible to resist elegant, well fitted leather creations. After meeting shoeists like the chaps at Lodger and of course Mr. Hare I had a feeling that their passion would be contagious and it certainly was. I have documented my exploits in becoming a fine footwear consumer in recent months but now I'd like to take my own new found passion one step further...I need to learn more about the craftsmanship and observe each skilled process in the making of my favourite footwear.

Edward Green Falkirk 202 Last Burnt Pine / Edwardian Antique Made to Order shoes available from Leffot would complete my shoe collection.

After stumbling across the above pair of Edward Green made to order shoes one of the adventures sitting near the summit of my to do list is exploring the heart of English shoe country, Northampton. Edward Green is just one of the traditional yet still thriving men’s shoemaker based in this historic shoe producing town. Northampton is only an hour from Euston on the train and I think it will prove to be a really fascinating trip which I will surely make early next year. My exploration of English shoe country will begin with Edward Green and these images taken by Euan Denholm which document the Northampton workshop make me want to make the trip as soon as possible in the new year.

A craftsman at work...photography by Euan Denholm

In 1890 Edward Green began to make hand crafted shoes for gentlemen in a small factory in Northampton. Founded on the skill of his craftsman and his belief in excellence, he soon gained a reputation for making 'the finest shoes in England for the discerning few.' Today the high standards remain. Almost one hundred and twenty years later and they still hand make all of their shoes in their own workshop in Northampton. Every pair is hand cut to ensure they use the very best grain of leather. Some styles are even hand sewn with a pig's bristle. Each pair takes several weeks to make and many skilled craftsman are involved. Based on Jermyn Street, Edward Green has become discreetly famous for producing probably the finest Goodyear welted shoes. Instantly recognisable - an English look with definite international appeal. Stay tuned and expect a follow up post in January after I've visited the workshop myself...

Inspired... Erïk Bjerkesjö AW13

Back in January my imagination was ignited by the discovery of Erïk Bjerkesjö. It was impossible not to fall for the charms of his debut, an assortment of exquisite handmade treasures, quintessentially beautiful with an added dash of unmistakable traditional mastery. Showcased as part of the inaugural Polimoda Future Lab at Pitti Uomo 81, the design talent sparkled in the splendour of Villa Favard. Considered yet exciting, classic yet modern, the remarkably accomplished collection told the personal and professional story that began in Sweden and grew up amidst the great craft traditions of Italy and Tuscany. Next month, having been awarded Who is On Next? Pitti Uomo, the designer returns to Florence as the New Performer to tell the next chapter in his blossoming tale.

"The starting point for me is always the search for fabric and materials," explains Bjerkesjö as he travels across a snow covered Swedish country side by train. "I always feel inspired when I visit the shoemakers in Tuscany. From the leather that they use and the materials they have lying around, the machines to the way they dress." His enthusiasm is infectious. As the snow continued to fall outside, the designer daydreamed about his inspiration and offered a teasing narration of what to expect in a few weeks time...

When I grew up in Sweden I always looked for real and authentic things, from music scenes to art and architecture to food. I get the same feeling living and working in Tuscany, the attitude towards making something real, based on tradition. This season I wanted to create something that is really close to my heart. It is a warm collection that takes clear inspiration from Gotland, the island that I grew up in outside Stockholm. It is also the same island Ingmar Bergman lived on. I opted to name the collection 'L'île' which means the island. 

"This season the garments are made to complete the hand made shoes. Starting from this season I have been working with tailors that also work with Ann Demeulemeester and Valentino, which is just the perfect combination because my aesthetics are far from both but they understand both sides, for me, that is going in another direction. It is basically the same thing with my shoemakers, they are making more classic men's shoes, and I am working with them, putting my own aesthetics in to the construction. But most important, they know about quality and structure, which for me is what I always want to work with. But also, I am making all knitwear and some leather and stone parts made in Gotland, because that island as Tuscany has it's own tradition and special materials they are experts in and craftsmanship and way of work that they are unique within.

The collection is what I picture Marcel Duchamp would have worn if he were alive today. Something with both structure and warmth. Last season (AW12) was my first real collection and I made it over two years whilst I launched my footwear, and it was inspired by the shoemakers, what they wear and how they look. It was washed with shoe-polish, ink and waxed, and the collection can be worn when you are making shoes. This collection is more about the craftsmen of the Island. It's not just rooted in the shoemakers but looks to writers and painters, and explores how Ingmar Bergman lived and look on the island. It is kind of what I have been wanting to present for years. To be the New Performer at Pitti Immagine Uomo 83 is a great honour and to present the collection at Villa Favard just makes perfect sense..." 

Snapshots of Erïk Bjerkesjö's inspirations, evolution from last season and a peek at AW13 taking shape.

Every time that I've spoken to Erïk Bjerkesjö, his enthusiasm, interest and love for the individuals that combine to realise his handmade shoes and their complimentary wardrobe, is contagious and his longing to learn, develop and evolve in inspiring. Ever keen to develop these relationships, I end our conversation by asking how has they've developed since we last spoke.

"A great deal. I have made my things by myself, by hand, together with them and they have also made different parts that I was not allowed to work with. Today I have taken a step closer with them, and I am working more naturally and I feel more secure with the whole process. But they still keep me inspired, their way of life and knowledge, the way they dress while working and the attitude toward fashion today and yesterday, it's healthy for me. It sometimes feels like you're at your grandparents home and they are recommending me reading a special book, and when I do it, I feel my knowledge grow and I find a new direction." 

Bjerkesjö's hunger to develop, hone and further traditions appears insatiable. I cannot wait to watch as this hungry talent continues to craft his modern classics.

Advent - Day Seventeen

Whilst in Paris, I had lunch inside Printemp where I tucked in Steak Tartare underneath a 1923 circa Art Nouveau cupola. The beauty was somewhat ruined by Susie nudging me under the table and gesturing me to look at the chap sitting at the table next to me. I had a quick glance over him and nothing was unusual about his appearance and I certainly didn't know him...then I looked down at his feet and saw him wearing a pair of Ugg boots. We have already written about our dislike for these glorified slippers but rather than continue down that line, I have stumbled across a stylish alternative whilst shopping on Farfetch...

These suede sherling boots come courtesy of the hi-top and all round shoe designer champion himself Pierre Hardy. If you like cosy footwear there really is no excuse to forget about style...

Advent - Day Twelve

Not many designers would be comfortable designing clothes for the Clash and U2 to Gieves & Hawkes but Joe Casely-Hayford isn't just any designer. Casely-Hayford has always started from a traditional standpoint before subverting it in that English way. With the collaboration with John Lewis going from strength to strength and plans currently afoot with Barney's, Isetan and Comme des Garçons in Japan we will no doubt hearing a lot more from this design legend in 2011.  I cannot wait. But first...what would he like to unwrap on Christmas morning... 

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W S FOSTER & SON BROGUES

"I rarely clothes shop, on the occasions I do I tend to prefer something classic which transcends fashion.

Shoes have long been a weakness; I have over the years amassed an embarrassing number of English shoes. My passion remains strong, for Christmas I would be pleased to receive a pair of these rather tasty brogues. They are by W S Foster and Son on Jermyn Street London W.1 and work well in either a formal or casual context."

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Advent - Day Eleven

Over the last five seasons Casely-Hayford have created a signature style of relaxed masculine sartorial proportions, fused with an injection of London's heady cocktail of youth culture. They have fast become one of our favourite labels. As a weekend treat we decided to reveal what the father and son design duo wanted to find wrapped up underneath their Christmas tree this year. First up, Charlie Casely-Hayford dreams up an authentic pair of black mining boots to add to his ever growing collection of 10 hole and 2 hole styles... 

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AUTHENTIC BLACK MINING BOOTS

"I'd love to find a pair of authentic black mining boots under my tree this Christmas. I wear a pair of boots and a suit almost everyday, so I've acquired quite a few different 10 hole and 12 hole styles over the years.

These American 12 hole mining boots would be the pinnacle of my collection and make my other boots look like girl's plimsolls. They have a Vibram outsole steel toe, a stainless steel bottom plate, a Goodyear patented flex-welt construction, a steel shank and a waterproof GORE-TEX Bootie... It doesn't say, but they're probably bulletproof as well."

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On the eighth day of Christmas

We can't quite work out whether today's pick for Christmas is ridiculous or sublime but it is certainly very special. As mentioned before boots can be something of a sartorial testosterone shot to any outfit but we all know they can be right buggers to get on and remove. Therefore, this Hinged Rosewood Brass Bootjack available from Liberty could certainly come in handy during the New Year chill. It's also pretty damn beautiful.

It comes from the famous London gunmaker Purdey, a company whose name is synonymous with the very finest sporting shotguns, rifles and now bootjacks. All we need now is someone to show us how it works...

Advent - Day Eight

We have long admired the snapshots of style that Tommy Ton captures for his own site Jak & Jil and those for GQ. Tommy's images are at times breathtaking and frequently more inspiring than the happenings of any catwalk. His roving eye scans and focuses on the details that are often overlooked but are in fact so very important. Tommy can zoom in on a contrasting cuff, tailoring quirk, novel print combination and sartorial scenes from one hundred paces. He undoudtedly has the eye. With this in mind we just had to ask him to reveal the one item he hopes to unwrap this year and he plumped for a beautiful pair of Northampton crafted boots...

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TRICKER"S MALTON BROGUE BOOTS

Tricker's Malton Brogue boots with a Commando sole

"For Christmas, I'd love to receive a pair of Tricker's Malton Brogue boots with a Commando sole. It's funny how long I've wanted a pair but yet I haven't had any time while visiting London to go to the Tricker's shop. My time is always occupied by fashion week and rather than ordering a pair online, I'd like to properly get fitted and fully experience the Tricker's experience. Ideally, I'd love to customize a pair but I also really love the Vibram wedge sole on the pairs they collaborate with Present London. Brogue boots are a classic staple in my wardrobe and to receive a pair would be the ultimate Christmas gift."

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Inside the modern gentry

Inside the Modern Gentry

During a moment of madness I decided to venture in to Central London to do a spot of Christmas shopping. I have to confess that rather than buying gifts for loved ones and friends, I had myself in mind but I have been a good boy all year so I deserve the odd treat, right? The scenes on Oxford and Regent Street were as I feared. Busy and chaotic. I escaped the manic scenes and found myself on the sanctuary that is Savile Row. After perusing the well stocked racks at bstore I navigated myself past the mind boggling queue outside of Abercrombie and Fitch and was drawn to the Alma Showroom. I needed to restore my faith in consumerism. I needed to explore the Modern Gentry. So armed with my camera I ventured inside...

E. Tautz bow ties and handkerchiefs.

I introduced the pop up store on Thursday but I've not had a chance to marvel at the space until this weekend. I missed out on the launch party last week after being struck down with wisdom tooth pain (one day in the New Year, I'll be getting them removed...gulp) and I had no intention of missing out on examing the luxury goods in person. Jewellery designer Hannah Martin, sporting and military tailors E. Tautz and shoe maker Lodger have come together in the wonderful setting of the Alma Showroom on Vigo Street. This pop up store offers Christmas shopping opportunities that I'd only ever dreamed about before now.

A trunk of E. Tautz goodies.

After walking off the busy street and on to the leather flooring (yes, leather flooring!) of the Alma Showroom I felt at home. I'd certainly love to have these designs at my fingertips each morning and who wouldn't want an Electric Angel light installation by Yorgo Lykouria in their hallway!? I only expected to stay long enough to take a few interior shots but in the end I spent over an hour in this snug, welcoming store.

Alpaca mittens.

As mentioned last week, representatives from each brand were on hand to explain the detailed processes involved in creating each of these unique products. I certainly borrowed their ears and learnt so much, including information about the sheep used for E. Tautz's alpaca wool and Hannah Martin's design inspiration.

The Shetland knits are of course handknitted and the felt badges are sewn on by hand.

Ever since I first learned about the resurrection of E. Tautz I have been a strong supporter of Patrick Grant's vision for the historic sporting and military tailors. I need only the smallest excuse to marvel over the quality of the designs and the luxury of the cloths and wools used. E. Tautz is a label which champions the notion of dressing properly and of men taking pride in what they wear.

E. Tautz knitwear by the fire.

After speaking to Patrick back in March I was taken by his belief that provenance is key. On the relaunch of the label for AW09 he had built up a strong network of local supplies. Aside from the sweaters which were knitted in Shetland, everything else could be picked up by bicycle. The British facet of the brand is certainly not a gimmick because Patrick and his team are striving for the best. It is refreshing to hear that brands do not need to scour the earth for the best, sometimes it can be found or even nurtured on ones doorstep.

Hannah Martin sparkles

Out of the three Hannah Martin is the brand I am least familiar with. Of course I have heard so much about this hugely successful CSM graduate but this store visit provided my first opportunity to inspect her designs in person. I was blown away. Her luxurious and decadent collections are described as ‘jewellery for men, that girlfriends will steal’ and if I had a piece in my possession I'd certainly have to sleep with one eye open from fear of Susie removing it from my tight grasp.

Hannah Martin's jewels including Vincent’s Empty Sovereign Ring

In an interview with Elliott earlier this year the fine jewellery designer mentioned her belief that "the craft of Hatton Garden and the traditions it still has, sit perfectly alongside those of say, Savile Row, and the art of tailoring." This space confirms her belief and in the process has redefined my understanding of luxury men's jewellery.

My favourite piece. A bracelet by Hannah Martin

Like E. Tautz, Lodger is a brand that we have vocally supported for some time. Nathan Brown and his team at Lodger have an irrational passion for beautiful shoes and this has been infectious in recent months. In fact, I have seen my shoe collection grow and my bank balance fall all because of this footwear brand. The mix of continuous design, in combination with cutting edge technology and traditional craftsmanship makes it a truly unique shoe company.

Lodger...reminded that I'll soon have a pair of Kudu boots on my feet.

The display of shoes provided further flirtatious galnces and I only just managed to control the temptations because I was reminded of the impending delivery of my Kudu boots. My feet only have a couple of weeks to wait until they find themselves protected from the winter elements by that reformed strong hide.

More temptation from Lodger

Upon first reading about this one off collaboration I was somewhat surprised by the trio of names. However, after seeing their designs side by side it is clear that these are brands united. United by a dedication to luxury in men's attire. Each have core values of exclusivity, attention to detail, and timelessness. Each one is a brand which deserves to be celebrated. To further nail home this point I point you in the direction of Showstudio. Here you will find an exclusive video project which best demonstrates their individual aesthetics and collective role in catering for a Modern Gentry. I will finish off with some good news. In my previous post, I expressed my wish that the store would be around for longer (it was due to close on the 5th December)...well it seems my prayers have been answered. It will be open for an additional week (so until the 12th December).

A selection of Lodger shoes sit by the side of historic E. Tautz in front of a busy street scene.

Advent - Day Four

The moment we decided to open up this festive feature to our favourite menswear personalities we knew we had to ask Carolyn Massey. Regular readers will know how much we have supported this London designer over the years and our love for her and her designs only grows with each season. Here, she reveals what she would like to unwrap on Christmas morning while mentioning the importance of buying your favourite item twice...

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CHURCH'S MONKSTRAP BROGUE

Chruch's Liverpool W.

"I've just treated myself to a black pair, but if we are being extravagant (and as a wise man once said, if you find something really perfect, always buy two of 'em) I'd also like a pair in brown too, especially for summer."

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On the subject of Massey...we have well and truly entered sample sale season and if you are based in London there are bargains to be had. This weekend Massey is taking part in the Wilkes Street Designer Christmas Sale along with Darkroom, David David and many others...Tis the season to get high on sales...

Catering for the Modern Gentry

What started out as started as a conversation between Patrick Grant and Hannah Martin about bringing together different facets of handmade British gentleman’s kit has resulted in a fabulous pop up store. Whilst waving the flag for Great British luxury, jewellery designer Hannah Martin, ready to wear tailor E. Tautz and shoe maker Lodger have come together for a one-off collaboration called The Modern Gentry. The idea is to gather, exclusively under one roof, three brands which encapsulate the true definition of luxury. The result is my idea of retail heaven. This pop up store offers a Christmas shopping experience far removed from the manic scenes on nearby Oxford Street.

Inside the Modern Gentry Lodger shoes sit under E. Tautz tailoring with Hannah Martin's jewellery complimented by a beautiful light sculpture courtesy of Yorgo Lykouria.

The London based trio have set up camp at the Alma Showroom (just a cufflink's throw away from Savile Row) for talks and appointments until the 5th December. Representatives from each brand will be on hand to explain the detailed processes involved in creating each of these unique products. Under the cloak of Dazed Digital I caught up with Hannah Martin, Patrick Grant of E. Tautz and Lodger's very own Nathan Brown to find out more about the project. The Modern Gentry explores the definition of the modern luxury and I asked each of them what British Luxury meant to them. For Patrick, luxury is about 'scarcity... the things that many men want but very few can have." For Nathan Brown it means "beautiful design, thoughtful craftsmanship, impeccable service." Similarly for Hannah Martin it is "about integrity, timelessness and craftsmanship." The interesting thing here is that in all of the responses not one of these ideas touch on the concept of 'modern' because the values of true luxury are timeless. It should be about creating something that will last, both in terms of quality and style. When we discussed the perceived decline of luxury back in March it was clear that many luxury brands had lost sight of these virtues. It should provide pieces which can be handed down to the next generation. We are surrounded by fast fashion and impossibly cheap products. For these three brands, British luxury is the antithesis of this. In short, the Modern Gentry is a wonderful one-off project borne from a shared commitment to the creation of gentleman's requisites... I just wish that it was around for longer.

Standing on the cracks

OK I might be standing on the cracks of the pavement outside the Palais Royal in Paris (which I was always informed as a child would give me bad luck) but I just don't care because I am now the proud owner of some quite beautiful Lanvin boots. What is luck when you have a pair of beautifully handmade boots from Italy that make you look like a long lost third member of Daft Punk?

It was quite an adventure getting to Paris in the first place as the most efficient route of the Eurostar was far too expensive at £230...I was only going there for a quick wander around and to pick up something at the sale! So, we took the coach from Victoria which was full of French people complaining about the cost of the UK (seriously the two guys in front of us chatted for the duration of the seven hour journey about the expensive nature of all of the cities in the UK, even Manchester, sorry EJ!). We didn't have a ferry crossing on the way there, that adventure was saved for the return leg of the journey...anyway, I will save these tales when I next see EJ in person, let's get back to the...

The 'aren't they beautiful?' close up

So as you can see I managed to pick up a pair of Lanvin boots in Paris during the recent sample sale over the weekend (I have connections, I can say no more). I am told that the menswear on offer as a whole was not that great as it included a number of suits even my Dad wouldn't wear and a collection of shirts that were far too big for my frame...However, fortunately for me the sale did have the perfect solution to my current footwear conundrum. I have been on the look out for a pair of boots for sometime now and the sale provided the solution. I was not able to try on the boots myself because I was not at actually at the sale myself. At the time I was inside Colette buying christmas gifts whilst receiving picture messages of various Lanvin sale items (oh the life I lead at the weekends certainly beats the Monday to Friday monotony of work!) but the picture of these boots stirred my consumerist loins and I just had to have them. The price? Well I am told that these were originally priced at 2000 euros but this being a sample sale and all I managed to acquire them for 150 euros!

Outside the Palais Royal

The Bunney, the Hare and the shoe horn

Have you heard the story about the bunney, the hare and the shoe horn? When I heard that two of my favourite designers were joining forces to create a limited edition object, I could not contain my excitement. Jewellery designer Bunney and master shoemaker Mr Hare decided to create a shoe horn like no other. When I hear the term 'shoe horn' my mind is filled with images of cheap plastic forms  that lie uninvitingly on the cash desks of any cobblers. Thankfully the fruits of this collaboration could not be any further from these images. With this shoe horn, there are a number of different components that require some kind of specialist trade so Hare and Bunney spent a great deal of time sourcing the finest workshops and craftsmen across the country to help create their shared vision. The result is a thing of real beauty. A shoehorn is something that you may only need to buy once, so the talented pair decided to make it feel as special as possible. The aptly named Exquisite Shoe Horn is carved from real, naturally shed, Scottish Ox horn, by a company founded in 1749. To provide ample thumb traction, mirror finished, solid 925 sterling silver coins bearing the Bunney and Mr. Hare marks have been inlaid at the handle by another company known to supply the royal households. Here we talk to Andrew Bunney to hear how the collaboration evolved and to find out more about the craftsmanship behind the object...

The Exquisite Shoe Horn.

SS: For me, a Bunney x Mr Hare collaboration makes perfect sense but how did it come about?

Andrew Bunney: It came out of a mutual respect and admiration. We realised that we both share a love of the Antiques Roadshow, and the idea that you can have something that will last many years and be beautiful for generations to come. We knew each other beforehand and when we talked about making something together it was clear that we should try and make something as beautiful as we could, that had elements that we both cared about. Of course, there is an affinity with our names too!

SS: What attracted you to creating a shoe horn in particular?

Andrew Bunney: It's the the natural balance between jewellery and shoes, and a perfect accessory for us to introduce. A shoehorn is something that you may only need to buy once, so we could really make this feel as special as possible.

A closer look at the black stone. 
On top of the horn is a silver cap (produced in Birmingham) that holds the gemstone which is then hallmarked.

SS: How would you describe it in your own words?

Andrew Bunney: I think it's very stylish, a touch sexy. It's quite beautiful as an object.

SS: Craft and local manufacture are obviously very important to you. Collaboration with local craftsmen and heritage is an integral facet of your brand identity. How did you identify the individuals to help realise your design?

Andrew Bunney: It's exciting to find the best producers where I can, but I don't really see it so much as collaboration - it's the traditional way of making things to use workshops that specialise in a certain craft. With this trade in particular, there are companies remaining that have been working in much the same way for many years, so naturally that comes with a lot of heritage. In finding these individuals or places, it is about research, but just as important is to find like-minded people that take an interest in what you are doing and what you want to achieve.

These silver coins start life being worked by hand to create the dies used for stamping out the logos - one with the BUNNEY logo, the other with Mr. Hare's

SS: I know that you enjoy visiting the different workshops around the country to learn what can be made and the possibilities that there are. Could you talk us through a few of the workshops used? And the processes involved in creating the shoe horn?

Andrew Bunney: I do find it fascinating, and you can learn so much from seeing just what people can do. With this shoehorn, there are a number of different components which require some kind of specialist trade, so even co-ordintaing something small scale like this, takes patience as things come from all around the country at different speeds.

The journey begins with the horn in Lancashire, which is naturally shed, picked and then carved to a specific shape. Craftspeople have been carrying out the practice in the same place for centuries. To make the silver coins I use a very-esteemed workshop in Birmingham that produces for all kinds of families and businesses around the world. They start life being worked by hand to create the dies used for stamping out the logos - one with the BUNNEY logo, the other with Mr. Hare's.

On top of the horn is a silver cap, again produced in Birmingham, that holds the gemstone which is then hallmarked. And then when everything is together, it is all assembled in London. The workshop in London is much in demand for trophies for international and domestic sporting events. And finally is the box, to house the shoehorn, which is bespoke and handmade in Walsall.

There is a story behind each individual part which is important to me, but ultimately the process is simply to produce something as well as possible.

SS: During our talk at Liberty, Mr Hare revealed that the horn was only the beginning. How do you see the collaboration developing?

Andrew Bunney: The natural way is to make beautiful accessories for men, and to make them as special as possible. Whilst we share a love of antiques, I don't want to make something old or something that has been made before, we have to move forward and make something relevant for now.

A thing of beauty from any angle. Here is a front view showing a red stone.

SS: What items can we look forward to in the near and far future?

Andrew Bunney: It's a little early to say now, but we are working on some ideas at the moment, again combining elements that we both know, thinking about what can be used daily or on occasion. We aim to create something new each season, but it's important to work steadily to ensure that it is as good as we can make it.

SS: Finally, where can we buy the design?

Andrew Bunney: It will be for sale in Dover Street Market in London, Colette in Paris, Surrender in Singapore and online at Oki-Ni and direct from Mr. Hare.

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Is this not the most exquisite shoe horn you have ever seen? This has to be the perfect gift for any discerning shoe man. The Exquisite Shoehorn will only be available as an edition of fifty, twelve of Garnet and thirty eight of Black Spinel. Santa, if you're reading this...