Muhammad Ali

When I work on the Anzu men's range, I am always inspired by traditional male icons. One of these is Muhammad Ali, who was the inspiration behind our 'Boxing' card. Whilst researching, I came across some great quotes of his:

"If you even dream of beating me you'd better wake up and apologise".

"It's the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen".

"The man who has no imagination has no wings".

"Frazier is so ugly that he should donate his face to the US Bureau of Wild Life".

"It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself".

"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer".

"I'm so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my hotel and was in bed before the room was dark."

Amazing photo from Life magazine, of Muhammad Ali

John Lobb part 2

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.

Inspiration no. 5, Jermyn Street

Whenever I need inspiration for my Men's cards I head to Jermyn street. The Anzu gigolo card above was especially inspired by the classic style of the shops that can be found on Jermyn street

Jermyn street is one of those places that just seems unchanged by time. The shops are staunchly traditional and English and primarily aimed at the Gentleman's market and I always find inspiration for ideas for my men's cards.

This statue of Beau Brummel, the quintessential English dandy and embodiment of elegant sartorialism stands in pride of place. Brummel famously shopped on Jermyn Street in the Regency period, although he would not have bought his boot polish here. He preferred to polish his black riding boots with champagne!

Whilst Savile row (which I also love) remains the place to go for the best suits, Jermyn Street is the street for fine shirts as well as selling gentleman's accessories be it shoe horns, shaving brushes or cigars.

It also has Paxton and Whitfield, which has great cheeses as well as pickled walnuts!