What is your ideal office?
I spent nearly a year as a teenager in the dole office signing on, so anything beyond that is a bonus.
What shoe best represents your youth, and why?
It would have to be an adidas trainer. I had quite a few pairs as a youth so it’s tough to choose... Probably something from the first ZX running series.
What has been an unexpected source of inspiration for you?
Germany.
When’s the last time you were truly afraid?
About four years ago, in the thick of my divorce after ten years of marriage. Wouldn’t fancy doing that again.
What is your most prized possession?
As I get older it’s got to be my health. In my early twenties you could have probably thrown me head first down three flights of stairs after downing a bottle of vodka straight and I’d be up bright and breezy the next day. Nowadays it’s like if I stub my toe I need ten sessions of physiotherapy and trauma counseling.
Can you tell us about the last dream you had?
It was a good one—I spent most of it laughing at a joke, repeatedly. Wish I could remember what that joke was.
What is your favorite building in London?
Don’t have one, but the Natural History Museum is a beauty and holds good memories for me.
What track would you ask to be played at your funeral?
Either “F.E.A.R.” by Ian Brown or “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers. In fact, they could play both. It’s my funeral so I’ll have it how I like.
Where do you go to clear your head?
Darwen Moors, Lancashire.
Who is the person you’ve been proudest to see wear one of your designs?
Probably my son, but I am always proud and pleased when I see people that are into it and get what we are doing with Spezial. I went to see New Order in London last night and Bernard Sumner was on stage in the Wilsy SPZL from this season’s collection, which made me very happy as I am a fan of their music. I also buzz when I see random people at the football or in the audience at a gig in it. I like the fact that people actually engage with the products and wear Spezial out and about—unlike hype products, most buy to wear rather than to stare. Steve Jones often wears it, he is a Sex Pistol and a true punk rocker so it doesn’t get much better than that. No Sex Pistols, no Joy Division...no Joy Division, no Factory Records...no Factory Records, no Hacienda, and without those things my life might have taken a different course. Thanks Steve.
What is your weapon of choice?
Either the ‘block user’ option or a bat.
What is a favorite fabric or material of yours at the moment?
Ventile is always good.
Do you believe in ghosts?
Doesn’t everybody?
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
You either trust it will be OK or you don’t, and if you don’t and start acting on that fear then your life will become more and more difficult to manage. The other good one was that the fashion industry is 5% people with talent and 95% people that want to go to parties.
Trefoil, or three stripes?
Both...although if I had to choose one it would be the trefoil. Best brand mark ever for me.
