"Hello everyone! I’m Lewis, a guy who loves vintage clothing, working with my hands, creating everything from products to visuals, jewellery, machines and everything in between.
Probably the coolest thing about me is that I’m born on the same day as the God of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Lemmy Kilmister, only 46 years later."
When did you first get into vintage?
"Clothing has always been an important part of my life, but it took hold of me fully when I got into skateboarding, art and music at an early age. It gave me the opportunity to wear and express myself in any ways I wanted as music and skateboarding held no boundaries. Wearing things like Carhartt, old flannel shirts, thrashed sweats and band tees were a staple for me, put that together with being taught how to repair clothes from an early age by my mum made me really appreciate repairing things rather than buying into fast fashion.
Getting really into vintage came later when I really got into the nitty gritty of fashion, understanding where shapes and styles came from, how certain things were made and the reasons behind certain stylistic choices. I grew to dislike fast fashion more and more and appreciate carefully crafted ‘modern’ items from heritage brands which are obviously inspired by many vintage items.
When I initially taught myself how to properly sew again, my love grew more as I developed an understanding for how things used to be made, and how they were made to such a higher standard with the intention of being kept and passed down from person to person. Learning the intricacies of clothing design, why they were made and the original manufacturing processes really helped my knowledge and love of vintage deepen and deepen!
The best part about vintage is that everything is totally unique, it’s hard to find two items exactly the same with the same story behind them and everyone within the industry or people who are into vintage really put unique spins on their styling which is worlds apart from every fast fashion brand that just does the same things on constant repeat with no individuality."
Was there a specific piece, brand or style that sparked your love for it?
"It’s got to be Carhartt as a brand, especially the Detroit Jacket and Double Knees, or the classic Levi’s 501 and their denim jackets. It was the staple in pretty much everyone's wardrobe I looked up to as a kid within skateboarding and music. Band tees were a huge thing too, especially classic HXC and metal tees.
To be honest, when I was a kid I didn’t realise the value some of them would have now and I'd have an even better collection if I’d kept them!"
How would you describe the current state of the vintage market?
"It’s an interesting sphere currently but definitely a good one! I think that so many people are going against fast fashion and looking into vintage and pre-owned markets, whether that’s “true” vintage or modern pre-owned heritage items.
There’s a lot of vintage shops up and down the country but it’s great to be part of a firm that loves sourcing and curating the finest selection of vintage, highlighting classic styles that are timeless.
I think that’s what really sets Salvage & Sawdust as a vintage store apart from the others."
When did you start working with Salvage & Sawdust?
"I started working at Salvage & Sawdust in September 2024 after many years working for Peggs & son, the independent Brighton menswear retailer, as the Head of Visuals & Content and before that a specialist denim retailer.
I fancied a change but still wanted to remain working with clothes and when the opportunity arose to work with Jack at S&S, it was the perfect way to push my love of vintage into the next realm! It’s been a wild ride since day one, learning, creating, developing and working within vintage but I’ve loved every minute of it so far!"
What has the journey been like? Challenges, growth, successes, the future…
"It’s been amazing since day one! Jack and I have worked together on lots of exciting things over the last few months and we have a tonne of ideas in the pipeline for the rest of 2025 and beyond!
I took a huge leap of faith leaving my old job and pursuing something that I loved alongside pushing my own brand! It was a big change from a stable 9-5 but I wanted to learn more about vintage and finally taking the dive on starting something of my own! I left my current job with nothing lined up but it all just fell into place and worked out perfectly in the end.
I’d say take a leap of faith, work in the sector you want and push it 100%!
Within retail though, any type of retail is tough. Physical retail with a brick and mortar store can be a challenge no matter what field of retail you're in but you just make it work because you love it so much. I think more and more people are leaning into vintage and second hand clothes which is great, especially with the state of the planet at the moment. Maybe one day vintage will overtake fast fashion and we won’t have to worry about where, and how our clothes are made, focusing on keeping classic items rather than adopting a throw away mentality or just buying something to simply wear it once.
Classic vintage is and will always be around and will always be the best!
I’ve just hit the ground running, thrown right into the deep end but it's all worked out a treat. What Jack has created at Salvage & Sawdust over the last five years is truly amazing and an fantastic cornerstone for vintage, and it’s an honour to be part of it."
If someone is looking to get into finding unique vintage pieces for their wardrobe, where should they start?
"I think all good vintage wardrobes have to start with the basics, a classic pair of jeans (I’d say selvedge ideally), and few classic t-shirts (single stitch if you want to maintain the vintage look), a pair of boots (Iron Rangers / Pecos / Classic Loggers or some Cowboy boots), a soft thick faded after-hood or double V sweat and then a jacket. Depending on the season it would have to be one or all of the following; Denim Jacket (Type 1 or 2 / cinch back for extra points), a classic leather (sort and boxy / steerhide for that extra durability or teacore to get some killer fades), then it’s got the be a N-1 Deck Jacket or a vintage Lee Stormrider!
If you don’t want to splash out on highly sought after vintage a pair of USA made 501’s can be picked up pretty cheap on eBay or at our store! Same with boots, sweats and tees, you don't have to go all out and get a super rare 1940’s item but you can pick up some great looking later vintage that has the same feel for a fraction of the price!
Vintage is an amazing thing to get into but you don’t have to replace every item in your wardrobe! I think mixing vintage with newer items and finding your own style is super key and really accessible when getting into vintage.
If you have the opportunity to get to Brighton and come and see us in store, we’d be able to show you all our stock to find that perfect item that matches what you need.
I spend most of my spare time digging through eBay, Vinted, charity shops and other stores to pick up stuff for myself! Once you find what you're into, you’ll be able to find bits and pieces everywhere. I go looking 3 times a week at least and stock is always being uploaded on sites and changing in store.
Always remember, the early bird gets the worm!"
What is one piece you passed up on that you wish you’d bought?
"It’s hard to say as I’m always buying and selling to keep my wardrobe constantly rotating but it’s got to be some jewellery that I’ll probably never find again, an early Fred Harvey era huge Thunderbird brooch that I actually think I sold to Jack at S&S before we really got to know each other! I knew it sold pretty much straight away too!"
What keeps you inspired each day?
"Everything keeps me inspired.
I was always taught that every person you meet will teach you something you don’t know and I always adhere to that. I’m constantly learning, watching, receiving and understanding new information but being surrounded by people and stuff that I love is the key to always being inspired."
When did you start working with leather?
"I started in Jan 2025, I got a leather working kit for Christmas after wanting to branch out from sewing which I’ve been doing on and off for 10+ years. I think moving to work with vintage really helped push that, being constantly inspired by brands like RRL and other vintage western influence plus Japanese jewellery brands like Goro’s and Larry Smith and vintage Navajo art and jewellery. It’s great to have access to all of those things at Salvage & Sawdust!
I’ve combined all my loves from those specific fields to produce western/heritage styles with vintage Navajo conchos / vintage belt buckles and hardware, with stamping and tooling that has taken influence from traditional Native American crafts.
I thought it would go hand in hand with vintage and it’s totally blown up which is something I did not expect! I’ve made a small range of goods, but I’ve been inundated with commissions for wallets and belts! It’s great to think that people love what I make and also that they will have something I’ve made for a very long time."
What are your personal & business goals for 2025?
"To keep pushing, learning and creating in every aspect of the word. I’m working towards producing a collection of wallets and belts over the next few months, new styles I’ve designed alongside offering up new spaces from commissions.
There’s lots of exciting stuff happening in 2025 with Jack at Salvage & Sawdust. We’ve got big plans to push the business in all aspects and are working on some exciting special pieces and collections to push S&S as an entire brand. It’s very exciting!"
If you had to pick your top 3 pieces from Slackjaw what would they be and why?
"Well I love classic worn in items, so first of all it’s got to be the Origins Sweat & Origins T-Shirt. They’re soft, heavyweight and come in a killer worn wash which ticks all the boxes.
Also I’ve got to include the Breakout Longsleeve, a classic style with a nod to original biker tees with the ivory/black striped sleeves. You also can’t go wrong with a long sleeve tee, thrown under another chopped tee or simply on its own!
Finally any sweet graphic tee is always a winner for me. The Good Vibrations tee is the one though. Classic hard hitting graphic, bikes / flames / vintage printing style, what isn’t there to love about it!
I’ve got to say a huge thank you to everyone at Slackjaw that’s hooked me up, Jack at Salvage & Sawdust, all the guys I’ve met along the way, everyone that has either bought or commissioned something from me and finally, my fiance Charley for all the support and for always being the best photographer and director!"
Special thanks to Lewis for taking the time to chat to us!
Shop Lewis' looks below:
