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.
In our first Walk with Wildsmith edition, we catch up with tech expert, style connoisseur and Suited & Booted volunteer, Paul Ferguson.
How did you discover Wildsmith?
They caught my eye because someone else I follow on Instagram was wearing their shoes, so I gave them a follow. I am into men’s style and footwear is a big part of that. I’m particularly interested in heritage brands.
What does your sense of style come from?
A combination of seeing my dad’s workwear when I was younger but also being a child of the 70s and 80s when there were so many sub-cultures: mods, skinheads, punks, dreads, new romantics…and they all had their own unique sense of style. Then there were style icons on the telly, such as Steve McQueen and Sidney Poitier. Sidney was always in a suit and looked immaculate. These influences were all around me, plus the culture of wearing your Sunday best.
Are young people missing out on these iconic styles?
Athleisure and street style means it’s not quite the same. It’s much more casual, but I still like to iron stuff! I have got trainers, but I wear shoes more. It’s a less tribal, more a functional athletic style these days that coalesces with pre-loved and even tailored items that brings its own uniqueness.
How does you work style differ from your casual style?
Because I work in the tech sector, there is a lot of flexible, mobile and home working, so a lot of my colleagues will wear the company’s branded swag for work. I still have a reputation for being the ‘guy of style’ though, which I’m determined to maintain. If I see clients, I will be casually smart and will dress for their environment.
Away from work, I like to have a little fun. I buy 70s vintage stuff, for instance, I have a tan leather belted mac from St Michael plus their dagger collar knitwear and wide leg trousers. The Bakerboy and Fedoras I wear also get bigger. Think Don Cornelius!
What does your sense of style come from?
A combination of seeing my dad’s workwear when I was younger but also being a child of the 70s and 80s when there were so many sub-cultures: mods, skinheads, punks, dreads, new romantics…and they all had their own unique sense of style. Then there were style icons on the telly, such as Steve McQueen and Sidney Poitier. Sidney was always in a suit and looked immaculate. These influences were all around me, plus the culture of wearing your Sunday best.
Are young people missing out on these iconic styles?
Athleisure and street style means it’s not quite the same. It’s much more casual, but I still like to iron stuff! I have got trainers, but I wear shoes more. It’s a less tribal, more a functional athletic style these days that coalesces with pre-loved and even tailored items that brings its own uniqueness.
How does you work style differ from your casual style?
Because I work in the tech sector, there is a lot of flexible, mobile and home working, so a lot of my colleagues will wear the company’s branded swag for work. I still have a reputation for being the ‘guy of style’ though, which I’m determined to maintain. If I see clients, I will be casually smart and will dress for their environment.
Away from work, I like to have a little fun. I buy 70s vintage stuff, for instance, I have a tan leather belted mac from St Michael plus their dagger collar knitwear and wide leg trousers. The Bakerboy and Fedoras I wear also get bigger. Think Don Cornelius!
Tell us about Suited & Booted and how you got involved?
My partner Nikki came across them on Instagram when I was looking for a charity where I could donate the work clothes I no longer needed. I got in touch with them, got the clothes dry-cleaned and took them in myself. I had a chat with them and really liked what they were doing. I have been a Suited & Booted volunteer stylist for three-and-half years now.
They help vulnerable, unemployed and low-income men by providing them with smart outfit to wear to a job interview or career fair. The organisation I work for allows me time off to benefit the community and I use this time to see 4-5 guys in an afternoon, offering them advice on what to wear. Sometimes I teach them or remind them how to tie a tie too!
What do you like about the Model 53?
The horsebit is having a moment. You have got something there that is really sophisticated. A loafer is also very versatile, but the horsebit takes it up a level. If you look around London, you can see that bit of metal on top of the shoe brings the extra sophistication and can see guys looking great in them whether they are formal or casually dressed.
The Model 53 also comes with more than 175 years of history and its very own diamond punching, which makes them so distinctive. I see a lot of shoes when I volunteer, and when I picked up this shoe, the construction felt good but hey - I am sucker for a heritage brand.
What do you like about the Model 53?
The horsebit is having a moment. You have got something there that is really sophisticated. A loafer is also very versatile, but the horsebit takes it up a level. If you look around London, you can see that bit of metal on top of the shoe brings the extra sophistication and can see guys looking great in them whether they are formal or casually dressed.
The Model 53 also comes with more than 175 years of history and its very own diamond punching, which makes them so distinctive. I see a lot of shoes when I volunteer, and when I picked up this shoe, the construction felt good but hey - I am sucker for a heritage brand.
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