Herbie Mensah is one of those people that every stylist, fashionista and vintage enthusiast has in their secret address book of contacts. A stall owner selling and up-cycling vintage clothing at Portobello Market since 1993, Herbie is wonderfully approachable and incredibly knowledgeable. So much so that many a fashion scout will regularly turn up to browse and purchase his customised pieces; often to inspire their own labels and projects. One of his proudest achievements is having his shop recognised by the international crowd when it was featured in the Louis Vuitton City Guide for London. Despite his renown amongst the fashion world, Herbie is surprisingly humble and chilled about it all. 

Herbie started his career in the 1980s as a model for Vivienne Westwood, allowing him to travel and develop a love for fashion and art. It was during a trip to Tokyo in the mid-nineties that Herbie first had the idea to paint-splat an army jacket. Herbie went on to develop this creative idea, into customising one-off vintage pieces, hand bleaching denim, cord and velvet, as well as a selection of men's and women's vintage clothing. All of which are available at his stall at Portobello Market, which can be found underneath the arches on Portobello Green on Fridays and Saturdays.

Herbie will also be doing the Clerkenwell Vintage Fair this Sunday, so go check out his fabulous pieces – the velvet pant suits are especially tremendous.