Last week we featured the handmade footwear company, Havelocks London. If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out the collection, I strongly advise you to do so if you are looking for a new quality shoe.
I had a chance to pick the brain of the Founder and Creative Director, Havelock, on starting the brand to his inspirations. Just to give you a little background, Havelocks is a high spirited gentleman that has a strong knack for style, shoe design/construction and living life to the fullest.
LP: How long have you been designing?
Havelock: This is a tough question – it’s hard to answer with out sounding like I’m blowing my own trumpet. So I thought who better to ask than my mother,
she laughed and then said “from as long as I can remember, why do you ask” – “no reason.” I guess it stems from not having a father and being brought up by my mother where times in all honesty were pretty tough. So being the man of the house at a young age gave me a sense of being and purpose at quite an early age. With responsibility came choice and allowed me to express myself through my actions, mistakes, whilst wanting to be proud of what I had achieved, made or worked on.
I studied art at school from a young age and my mother was an artist so it’s always been in my blood. I started with furniture at a young age taking mundane pieces that people were throwing out. I would respray / paint whatever, re-upholster and sell them. I was lucky in the sense that I had a very liberal upbringing working with antiques dealers and working markets that allowed me to express myself whilst working with artifacts that perhaps one wouldn’t associate with everyday life.
The furniture went from working with spotted upholstery fabric to suddenly changing the inside collar of an old overcoats, re-lining jackets or altering something.
LP: What would you say makes your shoes different from others?
Havelock: I guess a bit of fun. Just good quality, comfy shoes that allow people to own a whole collection without needing finance or a mortgage. Keeping the shoes fresh and allowing people to show off their personality, without being too outrageous or looking like a cockatiel. Havelocks London is not about standing on top of the Empire State Building beating your chest. So I think the answer is: Havelocks London Customers. It’s more about not being in every department store, or being so exclusive that they sell for four figure sums.
LP: Who are your favorite designers?
Havelock: Vivienne Westwood, Guccio Gucci, Paul Smith, Massimo Osti, Tom Ford, Antoni Gaudi, Ralph Lauren
LP: What do you use for inspirations when coming up with new ideas?
Havelock: Bit of Mary Jane? No, I enjoy going around the shops such as Harrods, Harvey Nicks, Selfridges, antique shops, antique auctions, walking my whippet (Albert) across the fields, Christies auction house, Sotheby’s, Jermyn Street and Kings Road. I like to remain as classic as possible.
I find not looking for it or trying to concentrate too much often helps, but yet viewing other beautiful things, or being around different fashion & cultures really helps.
LP: If you could pick one well known celebrity to be a brand ambassador for Havelocks, who would it be and why?
Havelock: Pass… I think I will have to say whoever owns & wears a pair of Havelocks is a “character” in their own right.
LP: Do you have any plans of opening a physical boutique?
Havelock: Yes, the idea is to really take advantage of the (sadly) climate – what with their being vacant shops and business rates changing. Pop up shops are a fantastic way of rocking up, getting open, having a 3-7 day party, pushing the brand and hopefully giving an enjoyable experience.
Find out more details or purchase your own Havelocks London shoe on their website. Also, check out Havelock’s Twitter (@mrhavelock) or simply emailing them at havelock@havelockslondon.co.uk .
Which is your favorite pair of Havelocks London shoes?
-Phaon Spurlock, The Southern Gentleman
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