All Mix Blog

An informative tour of the Grenson factory courtesy of Tenue de Nimes . We enjoyed from 8mins onwards and especially valued the contribution made by the gentleman in the blue jumper. *Thanks to Menno van Meurs for alerting us to the video's existence.

Earlier this week Manufacture & Industry had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Jim Pickles, director of D.S DUNDEE at the inaugural Stitch menswear trade show at Old Billingsgate Market. Pickles founded the traditional heritage label in the mid 90s in Scotland with Ollie Pilcher , a fashion photographer. After doing their own thing for a few years they relaunched the label in late 2007 and are now based in Dalston, London. We were immediately drawn to the brand's 'Made in the UK' labels so asked them a few questions: M&I: Where are you selling your wares? JP: We've our own store on Spitalfields market, opposite the Ten Bells pub. It's been a pop-up situation but we're hoping to make it more permanent. We've been there since mid-December and it's gone brilliantly, we've virtually sold out. M&I: Why Spitalfields for the store? JP: A, it's a mile down the road from the studio and B, it's on the edge of the city so we get a good mix of th...

WHAT IS INVOLVED? Initially our experienced staff take a number of measurements – this allows for a last to the shape of your foot to be made. During the initial appointment with the lastmaker, you choose the style, leather and sole that you would like. Twelve to fifteen weeks later, you attend your first fitting, at this stage your shoes are half finished. This allows for any adjustments that may or may not be needed. If an adjustment is required this usually takes seven to eight weeks and you return for a further fitting. If after the fitting you feel comfortable with the shoes they will then be finished. This takes a further five to six weeks. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? A pair of bespoke shoes costs from £850, which includes the making of the last. SOME QUESTIONS THAT WE ARE SOMETIMES ASKED: Why does it take so long? Tricker's bespoke shoes are made to exacting standards mainly by hand, it takes over a hundred and twenty different operations, and any new shoe needs to be rested...

The people behind Journal de Nimes were fortunate enough to visit the Grenson factory in Rushden, Northamptonshire, yesterday. We look forward to seeing a full report of the visit in their publication due out next year.

Walking through Northampton town centre shortly after 9am on a Wednesday morning it seemed bereft of life. The high street had three pound/99p shops within close proximity of each other and a gentleman's club offering 'topless football.' After navigating the unfriendly road network I eventually arrived at the address that was scrawled in my diary: 56-60 St. Michael's Road. Across the road is an old, disused shoe factory - it is in a sorry state. The home of Tricker's however, audibly buzzes with life as you cross the street. Stepping into the modest reception area I thought I would be asked to head to another premises in order to get to the factory store. Instead, the friendly receptionist led me across the factory floor to the shop, situated at the rear of the building. As we walked, my mind tried to absorb everything around me - neatly stacked yellow lasts, a young cobbler applying colour to a leather sole, the noise of different processes, a radio playing The Smi...