A long, long time ago in a city far away........................1993 and Nottingham to be precise, one of the good fellows here at Number Six spent the Summer packing boxes in the Paul Smith warehouse. Whilst there, he became familiar with the head of all of Mr Smiths production, a gentleman that goes by the name of David Keyte.
In a nutshell, David was in charge of all of the production for all of the global business that Paul Smith was doing around about that time. Back then, even by todays standards, that was a huge amount of business as well as responsibility and along the way, he quite obviously met and worked with some very interesting and experienced folk in factories all across the world.
Well, being a savvy kind of guy, he must have been thinking a few years down the line when he would launch to great acclaim, his own personal project,
Universal Works which would be produced by highly skilled people in small Brirish factories that he had forged life long relationships with. It is no small feat to be able to turn out great quality garments like this and at real value for money prices. We take our hats off to David and Universal Works for doing things this way.........just the way we like things to be done.
Whilst we are on the subject of all things made the traditional way, a little trickle of
Sanders And Sanders has just been delivered into
Number Six HQ. This Northampton based, family owned companies shoes have been flying off our shelves already and with their signature "red brick sole" these are a refreshing alternative to the usual leather/commando/vibram sole that the majority of Great British footwear manufacturers are currently using. However, keep your eyes peeled as
Sanders have been a big inspiration to shoes for next season and you will definitely be seeing this little detail all over the place. For us, we like to have the original version and as they have been doing it since 1873, we think they deserve to be on all of our feet for many many years more.
A bit more
Ralph Lauren Polo and
Barbour through the doors and on these pages since we last spoke. It feels like Christmas opening these boxes (second mention of Christmas this year) and our little faces simply light up as we unwrap what feels like presents from Santa. Difference is, we have to share these presents out with all of our good customers. As our Mum's always told us, it is polite to share.
Last of all, the final mark down on all of last seasons
sale collections. You have a couple more weeks to bag yourself a right good bargain before we hide this gear away for good. We are up to 70% off full price so if you have been waiting for the proper brutal reductions, this is your time.
Right, a very good friend is getting married in Majorcca this weekend so we are off to catch a flight. Might even neck a Sangria or two. We will make sure we have one for you all.
Have a great weekend and until next week
Au revoir
www.numbersixlondon.com