Barker Black: An Interview with Derrick Miller

Barker Black is an American shoe brand you need to know about. Created in the Barker factory in Northampton, the birth place of British shoes, specializing in Goodyear Welted sole construction. They really do bring a quirky edge back into elegant footwear.

Inspired by the ancient regiment of British Guardsman, the 17th Lancers, whose original logo was a skull and crossbones. “Death and Glory”, was the  foundation of the regiment. The crowned skull and crossbones are represented in studs on the sole of each shoe. I really love their alternative take on footwear, classic with a little modern refinement and rock attitude. British heritage is the foundation for the American brand, and with rather avant-garde styles, I must say they have quickly taken the post as my favorite shoe brand.  Barker Black  owner and creative director, Derrick Miller took some time to have a quick chat with Sage…Enjoy

How did you get into the fashion industry?

I studied to become a fashion photographer, worked in magazines and felt limited, unable to say what I wanted through that medium so I wrote a letter to Ralph Lauren…The man, not the company. He responded and asked me to come in. I wore a handsome suit I had  found at the Salvation Army for $19.99 and he loved it…He hired me and that’s how I  got involved in fashion design.

Please let us know a little about your personal style, and what tips you would give to the aspiring sartorial gentleman?

Self expression is the most important thing, it’s not about how much you spend but how you put it together.

I’m interested to know where you got the inspiration to start a shoe business?

I grew up going to London, I spent time in John Lobb on St.James Place when I was a kid and it left a huge impression on me…I also always loved buying shoes (or watching my dad buy shoes at Cleverley)….I was always bummed out that the style were so limited and traditional, I guess that is what planted the seed.

Where are your shoes made?

Northampton, England, A village called Earls Barton

What 5 tips would you give to someone wanting to start a fashion
business?

1. Stay focused on the vision you have. Everyone tried to get me to bend what you think it should be, if you bend it becomes “their” company vision, not yours.
2. Believe in the fact that you know your customer, everyone told me in my first year, “you have to have a standard black cap toe, it is what you are going to sell”…still don’t have one and I am doing fine.
3. Patience…The temptation is there to do everything all at once, but there is no way to grow that fast and do each thing properly…Take your time!

Derick Miller – Barker Black