Last year I interviewed Tony Gaziano for this video, created by Essence Lifestyle (the questions were deliberately removed to create a single narration).

It was interesting talking to Tony in more detail about his early days – beginning on the design side, and then moving into construction because he felt he could “elaborate more on the design through knowledge of the product rather than just drawing pictures”. 

Then onto Edward Green, learning how to make shoes; meeting Dean, as an outworker working for him; and the first bespoke offering, funded by deposits from those wonderful Japanese. 

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COLIN

Wonderful….edges me further towards my initial G&G purchase!!!

John

Hi Simon,
This is a wonderfully made video! Thanks for posting it! Yes, G&G’s shoes are the kinds one hopes to buy – and in my case – at least a pair for outstanding events. For years now, I’ve been perusing their RtW collection, and still wonder which one to grab in the event of a windfall!
John

Stephen

Nice work Simon. Some suggestions for next time (not to criticise but to support – no need to post if you don’t wish to) would be to include some shots of the workshop at work. It would underline the emphasis on handmade/bespoke whilst taking it out of the ‘shop’ environment. It’s always great to show something being made. I would also give more attention to the lighting of what’s known in the trade as the ‘Hero’ shot, the shoes, it was a bit flat… suggest some small fresnel lamps or a decent reflector. Given that it is a partnership the other half would also be welcome in making an appearance (looks like he couldn’t be bothered which of course is not the case but when telling stories by picture actions suggest more than words). The presence of customers, or alternatively an on camera interviewer, would also be good – it all looks a bit quiet. It also takes the viewer on a ‘purchase journey’ and gives the opportunity of giving some description to the products. I was also intrigued by what was behind the shoe box wall, a tour of the store can also include the unseen, a bit like looking behind the curtain in Oz. Also don’t be shy of making the credit roll longer, say 5 secs. it’s always good to see who made what (I had to rewind to see). To finish off the inclusion of some light incidental music would add some fun and atmosphere and avoid the danger of a stilted or stuffy auditory environment.

Mac

Stephen knows plenty about making films. The only thing I would disagree with is that you need to show everything. I mean, why why not just be done with and show the loo and the cleaning cupboard!?

I think one should always retain a little mystery. If everything’s in the film, there’s little need to visit the store. We don’t need to know everything.

Ken Yearwood

To put you out of your misery Stephen, there is a computer, a card machine and lots of pieces of papers with orders on them behind the shoe box wall…

Alex

Lovely video, their shoes are gorgeous. Difficult for me to justify at the moment at the price to two pairs from Crockett & Jones or Church’s, but I know I’ll cave eventually! Is the beautiful jacket and waistcoast on the dummy Chittleborough & Morgan?

Question on a separate subject; might you have any recommendations for a lightweight showerproof layer for spring/summer when the weather is being unpredictable (maybe capable of being thrown in a bag)? My mind has been focused on this problem as I’ll be going to support friends in the marathon on Sunday and don’t want to lug around a raincoat or waxed cotton jacket which might only see sporadic use!

Alex

Hi Simon – I was primarily thinking about a casual, short jacket; something to hopefully provide a slightly more stylish alternative to the ubiquitous North Face jackets favoured by the masses!

Alex

Thanks Simon, looks like some excellent options there!

Colonel Hughe Jarrdonne

Very interesting clip. The Savile row shop is exquisite, perfect for a browse after a fitting at Henry Poole.

Stephen

You made me laugh Mac. Agree with your sentiments, though the suggestions are options (not all to be used at once!). Simon has done a good job and injecting life and interest is always a challenge (even for large budget projects – just look at some of the dreary, generic movies coming out of Hollywood today). Now for your film about trouser darts and their secrets…

Mac

Ha! I think Nick Inkster could make a far more entertaining film than I! I quite like the G&G film above. It’s very tricky to get these films right isn’t it? They’re usually so cheesy or else slightly embarrassing. I also liked the recent one on here for the French tailors (sorry, forgotten their name. Insufficient sleep).

Maybe it’s just me, but (like with a beautiful woman) I don’t think it’s good to know everything at once! More intriguing. So many companies leave so little to be discovered. I mean, if you live in the U.S. or Japan, you can see the G&G showroom online, browse their collections, hear an interview with Tony and then buy a pair without leaving your house. That’s feels like big business.

I’d rather go to Cleverley. More intimate.