As you know if you read my blog regularly, I love the traditional outfitters of Savile row, Jermyn Street etc. Often these old-school shops have inspired my men's cards too - above is our new "Preppy" card.
So when I was offered a behind the scenes tour of John Lobb I jumped at it (see my earlier post on the 16th February)
John Lobb has created bespoke shoes for many famous people from Emperors to filmstars and they even have a cupboard with the lasts (the carved wooden replica of the customer's foot) of especially famous people. Unfortunately though, the rule is that for a last to be in this cupboard it has to be of a dead customer (the identity of current clients is fiercely protected). Somehow Calvin Klein still managed to work his way into the cupboard though.
The lasts of Frank Sinatra, Jackie O and below Princess Diana
Before the last is made, an outline is done of the customer's feet. Nick shows me the book with the outlines of the famous feet of everyone from Bismarck to Somerset Maugham.
The outline of Amy Johnson's foot, the famous aviatrix and first woman to fly solo from Britain to Australia.
And finally a work in progress. This boot is in the middle of being made for the famous Hollywood actor that ordered it.
3 comments:
How fabulous to be able to see behind the scenes. I too am a great fan of the old tailors of Savile Row and Jermyn Street, let's just hope they are still there in 10 years time :(
how did you get this tour? there's also an interesting story with princess diana and john lobb, apparently she commissioned a new pair of shoes made just before her accident, and the shoes should still be at the store, never to be collected...
big fan of savile row, pity their craft are no longer valued anywhere close to the point that they should.
Interesting story! I have a friend at John Lobb, but I'm sure if you rang the store and asked they would show you round.
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