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The term is an overused one, but Lewis Leathers – Britain's oldest manufacturer of motorcycle clothing – is a true a fashion icon. I wrote the following piece in 2014 for Denimhunters.

It was a formative experience and ultimately led me to where I am today with New Utility. Want to find out all about leather and British youth culture? Read on...

One of my first private commissions was something a little different to the stuff I usually make.

A friend of the family, artist James Nunn is a huge cricket fan and had always wanted a cricket ball inspired wallet.

I spent a few diverting hours researching cricket ball stitching and was almost immediately sucked down a rabbit hole reading up on the lost art of handmade cricket balls. The industry died out in the UK many years ago. Almost all modern balls are made in Pakistan - though still hand sewn whilst the ball is held in a spherical vice to raise the seam.

I then set about looking at different wallet designs. You'd think a wallet is just a wallet, right? Well, there are a myriad of different design options.

I use this blog to chat about the things I like, not just the things I make. As you'll discover I have a bit of a thing for boots... if you want to make your feet happy read on.. The 1952 Pike Brothers Lowkinawa Boots have their origin in the jungles of South East Asia. US forces in WWII had problems with their issue footwear going rotten in the Pacific Island jungles. Several attempts were made to produce a boot capable of surviving the climate, but none were particularly successful. So, soon after the War it was decided to properly develop...

A while ago I was looking around for a chap to design the new logo for New Utility. 

The very talented artist, James Nunn, is a friend of the family and I've always loved his work. We got chatting and somehow ended up talking about saddle bags.

I really enjoy working on special commissions; it gives me the opportunity to work on something that I perhaps would not have considered making. Doing that always pushes you as a maker, encouraging you try new techniques or evolve a design.Is there something you've always fancied having but haven't seen in the high street? Be it a particular type of wallet or a bag, do get in touch.