For this Walk with Wildsmith, we hit the road with influencer, retro-truck enthusiast and decorator Mark Large. Few people wear clothes with the depth of understanding that comes from a lifetime immersed in British subcultures. For Mark, style has never been about following trends: it's about appreciating the heritage, craftsmanship and stories behind the garments and footwear he wears. From the Mod revival of the late 1970s to Americana, vintage workwear and classic loafers, Mark's approach to dressing has been shaped by decades of curiosity and collecting. We caught up with Mark to talk about style influences, timeless classics, colour, craftsmanship and the one shoe everyone should own.
What first sparked your interest in style, and what has influenced the way you dress?
The first trend I noticed and connected with was the late 1970s Mod revival. As a young lad, I'd see older guys wearing fantastic pieces - desert boots, loafers, Harrington jackets - and I'd aspire to own them myself. Being at school and having very little money made that difficult, but the fascination was there from the beginning.
Since then, British street culture has had a huge influence on my style, whether that's Mod, Skinhead, Suedehead or Casual culture. The attention to detail within these scenes encouraged me to learn more about the original makers behind the iconic pieces. That journey eventually led me into other areas such as Americana and vintage clothing, which continue to inspire me today.
Were there any particular figures or brands that shaped your style journey?
Paul Weller was a major influence for me for a long time. During the Mod revival years, if I read that he'd bought clothing from a particular shop, I'd save up and make the trip to London to buy something from the same place.
That led me to The Duffer of St George. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, I'd make a couple of pilgrimages each year to D'Arblay Street to pick up some quality pieces. Through Duffer I discovered some fantastic Japanese brands, but also Ralph Lauren, which remains another major influence on my wardrobe. I've always loved Americana: denim, western wear, military clothing and everything in between. The styles of bygone eras still excite me today.
Were there any particular figures or brands that shaped your style journey?
Paul Weller was a major influence for me for a long time. During the Mod revival years, if I read that he'd bought clothing from a particular shop, I'd save up and make the trip to London to buy something from the same place.
That led me to The Duffer of St George. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, I'd make a couple of pilgrimages each year to D'Arblay Street to pick up some quality pieces. Through Duffer I discovered some fantastic Japanese brands, but also Ralph Lauren, which remains another major influence on my wardrobe. I've always loved Americana: denim, western wear, military clothing and everything in between. The styles of bygone eras still excite me today.
Are there any styles from the past that remain relevant today?
Absolutely. The classics from the past are every bit as relevant today as when they were first created, whether that's a leather jacket, a well-cut suit or even a classic car. Well-designed and well-made things last forever. That's why these pieces continue to endure.
As trends are rediscovered by younger generations, classic styles are continually reimagined and gradually influence the wider market once again. Great design never really disappears, it simply returns in a new form.
What would you like to see more of in the way people dress today?
Personally, I'm a fan of colour. I've always enjoyed bold combinations, perhaps because of my Casual days and all those colourful tracksuits, golf sweaters and jumbo cords. There was colour everywhere.
I love seeing people out and about wearing something bold, it always makes me smile. What depresses me is seeing a sea of navy and black, which seems all too common nowadays. That said, bold colours aren't for everyone. The most important thing is feeling comfortable in what you're wearing. However you choose to dress, it should make you feel confident and happy.
What would you like to see more of in the way people dress today?
Personally, I'm a fan of colour. I've always enjoyed bold combinations, perhaps because of my Casual days and all those colourful tracksuits, golf sweaters and jumbo cords. There was colour everywhere.
I love seeing people out and about wearing something bold, it always makes me smile. What depresses me is seeing a sea of navy and black, which seems all too common nowadays. That said, bold colours aren't for everyone. The most important thing is feeling comfortable in what you're wearing. However you choose to dress, it should make you feel confident and happy.
Tell us about your profession. Do you get the opportunity to express yourself through your work?
I'm a decorator by trade. I was fortunate enough to secure an indentured apprenticeship when I left school, and it's given me the opportunity to work in many beautiful places over the years. There are occasions where I can express my creativity through my work, particularly when producing traditional faux finishes such as marbling or graining. Those projects allow me to combine craftsmanship with artistic expression, which is always rewarding.
Finally, what's the one style of shoe everyone should own?
Everyone should own a pair of loafers. I fell in love with them when I was nine or ten years old, and the affair is still going strong today. In fact, I love them so much that I have a tattoo of a loafer on the palm of my left hand.
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