Riddle me this… Nigel Siwani
Riddle gets up close and personal with the founder and Creative Director of Mount Street Shoe Company
If you knew then what you know now… would you still do it?
Yes absolutely, I learnt many things the hard way and perseverance overcame all obstacles. I enter every venture and negotiation with the mindset to make a wining deal for all parties - my business is all about relationships and earning trust and mutual respect.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal, instead, pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.
What’s the weirdest rumour you’ve ever heard about yourself?
I never pay attention to rumours about myself or about anyone else. I am too busy dealing with facts and working on my business to worry about someone else’s.
What was your biggest break?
I did not realise it at the time but deciding to create my own shoe brand and product range was the biggest break that I never knew I needed at a stage in my life when everything was uncertain. It totally liberated my creative side and with the courage and support given to me by my family I am here now doing what I love.
Do you consider yourself lucky?
Yes in parts, I am lucky to have such incredible parents and to know what unconditional love is. In business I make my own luck and doing the right thing all time when it matters the most. Luck sometimes is a double edged sword, it always comes at price and most often there is a personal price to pay.
What’s most important in your life?
My family and close friends and the results of my actions in business and my personal life. Integrity is everything to me, it is expected of me and I demand it in return.
What brands do you admire?
I admire the longevity of Hermès and Louis Vuitton, both have moved with the times and have created their own timeless appeal. I also love the perfection of Porsche, the sheer excellence of Rolls Royce , the power of BMW and the outrageousness of Lamborghini. But I save the best to last, for me it has to be Rolex.
Do you have a guilty pleasure – if so what is it?
Scotts on Mount Street, where else do I need to go…
Describe your personal sense of style.
A mix of the conventional with a shot of the unpredictable in just the right measure. For example wearing a formal sports coat with unique khakis by Udeshi, it’s very Hamptons, Palm Beach style but that suits me when the occasion is there. I find the real art of tailoring fascinating from Neapolitan to the Savile Row British cut, I have examples of everything and wear my watch cuff shirts with almost everything formal.
I like to be coordinated, quite often it is the smallest of details that get the most attention, like in summer I choose certain NATO straps to wear my steel Daytona on, it could be camouflage one day to match my khaki suede loafers or I will make a pair of shoes that matches the colour of one of my favorite blue pinstripe suits. 
As a launch gift from Mount Street Shoe Company, 20 per cent off all orders purchased in store at UDESHI on Friday 30th September and Saturday 1st October. Open from 11am to 6pm on Friday 30th and from 12noon to 5pm on Saturday 1st October. 8 Davies Street, Mayfair, W1K 3DW.