When you Walk with Wildsmith, you step into our unique story that began with English heritage, craftsmanship and traditional design back in 1847 but has been reinvented for the modern era with a contemporary twist. We look to express our history and where our journey will take us next by engaging with individuals who embody that same Wildsmith spirit.
This time out, Walk with Wildsmith caught up with motorbike enthusiast and musician Harry Bohay. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, he moved over the border to London 16 years ago to further his career as session musician. We found out more about his passion for wardrobe staples, his go-to boot choices, and his favourite Wildsmith style.
How did you discover Wildsmith?
I first heard about Wildsmith from the best dressed man I know, Galih Richardson. He was wearing a pair of Model 12 chukka boots and I thought they looked fantastic!
Tell us about your sense of style.
I used to spend an awful lot of time thinking about and buying clothes. For the last decade, however, I've settled into a daily uniform of simple hardwearing wardrobe staples. For me, it's about a certain silhouette, things have to fit just right.
Day to day, it's a pair of selvedge jeans, heavy boots, Saint James wool jumpers and simple canvas jackets…almost always in block colours. I believe Hardy Amies said it perfectly: 'A man should look as if he has bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care and then forgotten all about them.'
How did you get into motorbikes?
It was always going to happen. My father has been in the motor trade for 50 years, so I grew up around cars. I think when you're younger you want to express your own identity but also have some common ground with your parents, so if Dad was into cars, I was going to get into bikes. He still hates the fact I ride around on those 'bloody dangerous machines!'
Tell us about your career as session musician.
I trained as a bass player, but about six years ago I shifted my focus to a pedal steel guitar. You'll hear it predominantly in country music, but it's incredibly versatile. It's the best instrument in the world, and much like motorcycles, requires practise, maintenance and comes with a deeply opinionated community who never hesitate to help out one of their own.
How did you get into motorbikes?
It was always going to happen. My father has been in the motor trade for 50 years, so I grew up around cars. I think when you're younger you want to express your own identity but also have some common ground with your parents, so if Dad was into cars, I was going to get into bikes. He still hates the fact I ride around on those 'bloody dangerous machines!'
Tell us about your career as session musician.
I trained as a bass player, but about six years ago I shifted my focus to a pedal steel guitar. You'll hear it predominantly in country music, but it's incredibly versatile. It's the best instrument in the world, and much like motorcycles, requires practise, maintenance and comes with a deeply opinionated community who never hesitate to help out one of their own.
What do you wear to gigs?
Pedal steel guitarists tend to be quite snappy dressers because we're fixed to one position on the stage, usually grimacing with concentration, so your showmanship has to be defined by the outfit. I have a collection of lurid cowboy shirts that go in rotation, a cord trucker jacket maybe if it's a more sober affair. Our greatest style icon these days is Connor 'Catfish' Gallah...he always looks wonderful.
Is footwear an important part of your outfit choice? What are your go-to styles?
Definitely, it's one of the first things people notice about you. I tend to favour DMS British army boots for their durability, silhouette and affordability. I'm quite hard on boots generally, so I need something that can stand up to a beating! For dressing down, I like Feiyue gym shoes and if I'm going out, I love a loafer or a Chelsea boot.
Which style is your favourite Wildsmith model and why?
I really love the Model 70 Chelsea boot. They’ve got a great shape and look great dressed up or down!
Which style is your favourite Wildsmith model and why?
I really love the Model 70 Chelsea boot. They’ve got a great shape and look great dressed up or down!
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