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.
Walk with Wildsmith stepped out with artist and photographer John Lloyd who looks to nostalgia to inspire both his work and his style.
Tell us a bit about yourself and where you get your creativity from
I was born in Luton but grew up in Hertfordshire, spending most of my time between Hemel Hempstead and Berkhamsted. I didn't have to look far to find creativity. My mum and dad were both deeply interested in art and fashion. My dad's an amazing painter, though he never really pursued it seriously. Hopefully, now that he's retired, that might change.
When did fashion become important to you and what or who were your influences?
Fashion has always played a big part in my life. I wasn't exactly blessed with many natural attributes growing up, but what I did have control over were things like fashion and art, so I really invested my time into them. Naturally, that turned into a bit of an obsession.
That's not to say there weren't plenty of failures along the way! I went from Jordans to loafers, and as influences changed, I guess so did my style. I've always drawn more inspiration from the past than the present, people like Chet Baker, Bill Nighy, Jude Law's Talented Mr Ripley, or even Roger from 101 Dalmatians (trust me on that one!)
How would you describe your style today?
I think I take a lot of influence from the past, just with a bit of a modern twist. To be honest, I'm probably quite cliché in this current fashion moment… everyone's looking back now. Feels funny though, long gone are the days when people were making fun out of me for wearing loafers.
How would you describe your style today?
I think I take a lot of influence from the past, just with a bit of a modern twist. To be honest, I'm probably quite cliché in this current fashion moment… everyone's looking back now. Feels funny though, long gone are the days when people were making fun out of me for wearing loafers.
Where do you find your influences for your artwork and photography?
Honestly, I find a lot of my inspiration from current exhibitions or films. I often look at artists like Edouard Vuillard, David Hockney, and Henry Taylor, and films such as The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, La Haine, and more recently La Chimera. Visual imagery really influences my work. It's usually the starting point for everything I create.
Is nostalgia important to you in art and in fashion?
Absolutely. The majority of my visual work has drawn inspiration from archival footage from fashion editorials, films, or artworks. I used to spend hours immersing myself in these mediums. I guess this influence also shows in my approach to fashion, taking something from the past and reinterpreting it for the present, creating a sense of continuity while offering a fresh perspective.
How did you discover Wildsmith?
I met the Wildsmith team on a work trip to Pitti and after a couple of pints of Guiness, we became inseparable.
Is nostalgia important to you in art and in fashion?
Absolutely. The majority of my visual work has drawn inspiration from archival footage from fashion editorials, films, or artworks. I used to spend hours immersing myself in these mediums. I guess this influence also shows in my approach to fashion, taking something from the past and reinterpreting it for the present, creating a sense of continuity while offering a fresh perspective.
How did you discover Wildsmith?
I met the Wildsmith team on a work trip to Pitti and after a couple of pints of Guiness, we became inseparable.
What do you like about Wildsmith's shoes and boots?
I love the flexibility of their range. Each pair feels like it can be worn both casually and smart, which makes them incredibly versatile.
What do you love about Wildsmith's loafers?
They feel very throwback, rooted in the past but with a modern twist.
Any Wildsmith styles that have caught your eye?
The Model 70 and Model 88. To be honest, they're not usually styles I go for, but I think they could complement a lot of the looks I already have!
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