Explore every episode of the podcast Menswear Style Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freddie Sheridan, Founder of YCODE / Male Skincare | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:28:25 | |
In this episode, Peter sits down with Freddie Sheridan, founder of YCODE — the British skincare brand redefining men’s grooming through cutting-edge marine biotechnology. Built specifically for male biology, YCODE isn’t just another men’s range wrapped in masculine packaging. After five years of research into the unique structure of men’s skin — thicker, oilier, collagen-dense and biologically distinct from women’s — Freddie developed a performance-driven, three-step system powered by microalgae. At the heart of YCODE’s From Sea to Cell technology is Chlorella Vulgaris, a sustainably cultivated microalgae sourced from Iceland and refined in Barcelona. Remarkably, this bioactive ingredient can “read” the skin in real time — adapting to factors like climate, stress, age and lifestyle to deliver precisely what the skin needs, when it needs it. We discuss:
Freddie also shares how skincare became a tool for self-belief in his own life, and why feeling “understood” is central to the brand’s mission. If you’re interested in high-performance skincare, biotechnology, sustainable innovation, or the evolving landscape of modern masculinity, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. | |||
| Giorgio Armani’s Impact on the Fashion Industry | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:21:42 | |
One of the world’s most famous fashion designers Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91. Also a renowned businessman, the pioneering Italian designer was credited with reimagining men’s and women’s suits for a modern audience. He dressed some of the biggest stars in music and Hollywood and his company Armani expanded into beauty, fragrance, music, sport and luxury hotels. Menswear Style's host Peter Brooker and Coventry University fashion expert Rebecca Ryder-Caddy discuss what made Giorgio Armani’s designs so successful, his most famous outfits, how he changed the fashion industry, and his enduring legacy. | |||
| Peter Jüriado, Creative Director at Stenströms / Premium Shirts | 12 Jun 2024 | 00:27:44 | |
Style, quality and comfort in every detail. This philosophy has made Stenströms one of Sweden's most well-known and respected brands. The classic Stenströms shirt carries 125 years of tradition, craftsmanship and quality. Jackets, knitwear, accessories and ties are now also included in their business concept. They can now look back on their 125 years as a design and fashion house. And even though they continue to grow, their attitude to quality always remains the same. | |||
| Jamie Lundy, CEO at 7L / Technical Performance Outerwear | 19 Jul 2021 | 00:38:56 | |
7L is a functional-first performance brand that manages to fuse fashion with function and performance with style. Their highly technical products harness a combination of innovative design, high-performance fabrics and technically advanced manufacturing creating luxury products that not only look great, but are built to last a lifetime. | |||
| Jacqueline Mozanowski, Co-Founder of OBLIVIOUS? / Fashion-Forward Clothes | 05 Jul 2021 | 00:19:36 | |
OBLIVIOUS? is a ready-to-wear clothing brand with a focus on the positive power of questions, made responsibly in Europe. They believe questions have the power to build closer relationships, make better decisions and learn more about ourselves and the world around us. Their aim is for clothes to spark conversations, help you self-express, as well as inspire you and others to ask more questions. The brand was set up by a mother and daughter duo, based in Germany and the UK, who share a seemingly never-ending sense of curiosity. Over the past few years the founders have learnt a lot about the impact of fashion on our planet, so they knew they had to do their best to ensure that garments are produced more responsibly. All OBLIVIOUS? garments come in limited quantities - with the first collection being made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Jacqueline Mozanowski, Co-Founder of OBLIVIOUS? about the founding story of the brand she started with her mother and operating from different countries, Germany and the UK, and during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Both had a keen interest in fashion and would often fantasize about starting their own brand together. After obtaining a marketing degree in London, Jacqueline had the drive to include a sustainability focus to the brand. Our host Peter Brooker and Jacqueline also talk about manufacturing and production challenges, what it's like working with family, the power of asking questions, and what's next from the brand. | |||
| From Tailors with Love: An Evolution of Menswear Through the Bond Films | 08 Jun 2021 | 00:24:14 | |
Matt Spaiser is a graphic designer located in New York. After years of research, he founded Bond Suits in 2010, creating the ultimate resource for James Bond style and the first catalogue of all of 007’s outfits. He is the co-author of From Tailors with Love: An Evolution of Menswear Through the Bond Films, which tells the story of the celluloid Bond’s clothing and the talents behind the wardrobes through the people who worked on the films, the fashions of the eras and the meaning the clothes have within the films. The book provides fresh insights through exclusive interviews with Bond-series costume designers Lindy Hemming, Jany Temime, Jodie Tillen and Emma Porteous, the late celebrity shirtmaker to the Bond series Frank Foster, Bond film director John Glen, menswear mogul Umberto Angeloni, keeper of the Bond brands David Mason, Bond collector and experiencer David Zaritsky and many others. | |||
| Jon Graham, CEO at Miller Harris / Bespoke Fragrance | 02 Jun 2021 | 00:30:28 | |
Miller Harris is a couture British fragrance house, founded in 2000, with a spirit of bespoke fragrance creation at its heart. The brand is committed to using beautiful natural materials whilst pushing creative boundaries. The brand was founded by ground-breaking perfumer Lyn Harris who worked with world-renowned fragrance house Robertet in France in her early career, and was one of the first female master perfumers. The aesthetic of her perfumes was inspired by stories, memories and the very finest natural ingredients. When creating fragrances, they start with nature, framing precious botanicals in complex ways and finding richness in simplicity. They strive to use natural ingredients (which are all ethically and sustainably sourced), rather than synthetics, which they will only use where there is no raw alternative. Miller Harris breathes colour and life into the classic perfumer’s art, with couture fragrances that combine Parisian elegance with London’s eclectic street styles. They start with nature – with distinct greens and woods, with carefully sourced floral notes – but they frame these precious botanicals in complex and unconventional ways, harmonising them to create striking contemporary urban stories. | |||
| Matthew Oliver, Founder of Oliver Co. London / Premium Handcrafted Accessories | 27 May 2021 | 00:20:31 | |
Established in 2017, Oliver Co. is a sustainable, vegan travel goods brand based in London. The company was started by Matt Oliver, a product designer who having studied sustainable design and previously worked in high-end watch design, wanted to apply both of his skills to create a sustainable brand with the same level of detail and craftsmanship. Our aim is to try and disrupt an industry and change people’s perceptions of sustainable products. Through using innovative new sustainable fabrics and working with high-end manufacturers, we want to create minimalistic, highly functional products for today’s world. | |||
| Mats-Ola Ström, Co-Founder of Tailor Store / Quality Custom Clothing | 20 May 2021 | 00:22:48 | |
You’re one of a kind, so why shouldn't your clothes be? Forget everything you thought you knew about sizes and fit, Tailor Store do true made to measure. No shady business, just really good custom-tailored clothes. Their tailors take pride in every step of the craft which includes cutting, sewing, and stitching garments with the utmost precision and care. Feel as good as you look knowing that your garment is made with sustainability in mind by well-compensated workers. Discover the true potential in custom clothing with unlimited design options. All their fabrics and designs are carefully selected to give you superior quality dress shirts at the best possible price. | |||
| Enrico Casati, Co-Founder of Velasca / Handcrafted Italian Shoes | 17 May 2021 | 00:26:20 | |
Velasca transcend the ever-changing trends of fashion to deliver a timeless style that values tradition — like the time-honoured secrets passed down from a father to his son. Their shoes are made with passion and unique Italian expertise, ensuring your shoes will last a lifetime. This brand believes high quality craftsmanship should be accessible to all. And, by leveraging innovations with online shopping, they’re able to cut out the middle-man and connect artisans to customers. This is a story about a passion for Italian craftsmanship, and about dreamers who decide to jump in on a new adventure. It all started with the research stage. The co-founders quit their jobs and went looking for the very best footwear district in Italy. This search took them to the region of Marche: where the whole urban fabric is built on shoes, from generation to generation. While fashion changes every season, Velasca offer a timeless style that represents a refined, Italian elegance. They are inspired by classic lines, and pay meticulous attention to detail. Whilst we have your attention, be sure to sign up to our daily MenswearStyle newsletter here. We promise to only send you the good stuff. | |||
| David Cran, Vice President UK, Ireland & Iberia at SmileDirectClub / Clear Aligners | 13 May 2021 | 00:22:26 | |
SmileDirectClub is an oral care company that exists to help more people realise the life-changing potential of their smiles. They're the creators of the first teledentistry platform for teeth straightening, and now also offered directly via dentists’ and orthodontists’ offices. With their cutting-edge technology and vertically integrated model, they are revolutionising the oral care industry, from clear aligner therapy to affordable, premium oral care product line. | |||
| Pierre André Senizergues, CEO at Sole Technology / Action Sports Footwear and Apparel | 10 May 2021 | 00:33:04 | |
Pierre André Senizergues was born and raised in the suburbs of Paris, and back when he was 15 years old he fell in love with skateboarding. So much so that he wanted to pursue his dream of becoming a professional skateboarder and moved to the skateboarding mecca at the time, Los Angeles to follow his dreams. His path wasn't easy, as he got to LA, he found himself struggling to get recognition from the skate community and ended up being homeless for a while. He finally managed to get his foot in the skate scene and partake in freestyle competitions which he many won (nine European Cup Titles, five European Championships, two World Cup titles and one World Championship). Pierre then wanted to combine two things he loved, design and skateboarding, so he joined etnies, eventually buying the company. Later he added Emerica, éS and ThirtyTwo to the Sole Technology family. Pierre is still to this date heavily involved in the skate scene, in designing the shoes and giving back to the community. etnies has two amazing charity projects, one being 'Buy a shoe donate a shoe' which gives back to the homeless community and 'Buy a shoe plant a tree', which has planted 2 million trees to date. | |||
| Adam Brown, Founder of Orlebar Brown / Holiday Clothing | 05 May 2021 | 00:14:42 | |
Based in London, Orlebar Brown was founded by Adam Brown and launched in March 2007 as a tailored approach to men’s swim shorts. OB Classic swim shorts remain the original and best ‘short you can swim in’, offering something you can wear on the beach or by the pool, yet smart enough to wear to lunch or for a drink. In 2010, they progressed from beach to resort with a full range of holiday clothes that can also be incorporated into everyday wardrobes, including polos, chinos and shirts. In addition, they offer a Design Your Own service which enables you to create your own bespoke pair of photographic swim shorts using the #SnapShorts app in-store or online. Adam came up with the idea for Orlebar Brown “by accident” in 2005 when on holiday in Rajasthan for a friend’s 40th birthday. Sat around the pool, Adam noticed that while the women in the group looked great, the men did not – which became even more apparent when only the men had to change their clothes to have lunch in the bar. | |||
| Will Verona, Founder of PURIFIED / Biodegradable Durable Sneakers | 16 May 2024 | 00:22:49 | |
On a factory trip to Sri Lanka, shoe designer Will Verona was confronted with a shocking sight: a 50-meter high mountain of plastic waste. 'Trash mountain' would later collapse, with tragic consequences. Reflecting on his industry’s role in the environmental crisis, Will knew that something had to change. Determined to be a part of the solution, he began to explore the use of novel natural materials in his designs. PURIFIED’s 100% natural shoes enable you to “Return to Earth” with every step, before they safely rejoin the natural cycle after years of wear. They go straight to the source - seeking the knowledge of farmers and craftsman who know our land best. Working together, they move away from the synthetic materials, toxic glues and industrial processes that characterise today’s shoe industry. | |||
| Mark Winter, Founder of SWAY London / Sustainable Streetwear | 08 Apr 2021 | 00:18:23 | |
SWAY London is a new brand born from the ashes of Lockdown with the aim of becoming an internationally recognised, luxury lifestyle streetwear clothing and accessories brand. A distinctive casual to smart causal collection that is alluring, embodying the feminine and masculine with elements of sport. Brainchild of founder Mark Winter who, together with his business partners Terence Burrows and Pino Grillo, have more than 50 years’ experience working with major brands and events. SWAY London offers a fresh, new, high-end look to streetwear, fusing quality and luxury to create stylish pieces. Each piece is designed by Mark with the aim to create a collection that is as close to being 100% sustainable as possible and offering a great quality feel through premium fabrics such as organic cotton. The brand’s debut collection, launching with SS21, encompasses a large range of stylish pieces. Embedded into the SWAY London brand is the Phoenix, a mythical creature that is born from its own ashes, creating a recognisable symbol and iconic looks, which also reflects on how the brand was created; through the ashes of the first national lockdown. In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Mark Winter, Founder of SWAY London about the story of the brand which was thought up and launched during lockdown. Mark decided to put his spare time towards a passion, and set out to build his own streetwear brand with a story behind it. Our host Peter Brooker and Mark also talk about the meaning behind the phoenix symbol, the challenges of building a business through both the pandemic and Brexit, and why they launched with a pre-order model. | |||
| Ben Farren, Founder of SPOKE / Properly Made Menswear | 18 Mar 2021 | 00:23:46 | |
SPOKE is a vertically integrated online menswear brand. They use an eCommerce model to give men exactly what they're looking for: properly made clothes that really fit, without the luxury markup. Their clothes are cut in more sizes, from the very best fabric and trim - then sold direct to the consumer, at a great price. SPOKE'S wishlist wasn't big. They just wanted clothes that fit, felt and looked great. They didn't need to stay obsessively on trend and didn't need an endless carousel of changing styles. Most of all, they didn't need to buy them in an over-decorated retail palace teeming with other people and annoying shop assistants. | |||
| Paul Clapham, Founder of Uskees / Long-Lasting Functional Clothing | 08 Mar 2021 | 00:24:48 | |
Throughout the years Uskees have been in the clothing business, they’ve noticed a change in the relationship with what we wear; a shift to a faster, quicker model built on ever changing trends and cutting of corners. Founder, Paul Clapham created the brand to provide an alternative to that shift. From sourcing through to design, they use high quality, organic materials - putting a passion for craft at the centre of everything they do. Traditional techniques are shown the respect they deserve, so that the lessons of the past can be used to create something for the future. The Uskees range centres around traditional workwear styling, brought up to date for the modern consumer. Classic work shirts, over shirts and jackets head up the core line of pieces, with a focus on utilitarian silhouettes and functional design. | |||
| Martin Parker, Co-Founder of Cut&Pin / Sustainable Menswear | 23 Feb 2021 | 00:25:10 | |
Cut&Pin Co-Founders, Martin Parker and Alan Baker, both share a vision to create a wardrobe collection of everyday pieces, designed and made with integrity at their core. Having both worked in fashion and witnessed first-hand the impact the industry can have on the planet, aligned with a burning desire to fill a gap in the menswear market, they both felt the time was right to launch a brand that married style with responsible sourcing, creating pieces that will stand the test of time. They believe in stepping away from the treadmill of fads and trends, creating products that are seasonless and offer the versatility of a modern wardrobe. Whether working from home, going to a meeting at the office, attending a lunch date, or just having a beer with your mates, Cut&Pin clothes are designed to work around you. | |||
| Caspar Mørch, Menswear Designer / Scandinavian Style | 15 Feb 2021 | 00:20:53 | |
Established in 2019 in Copenhagen, CASPAR MØRCH mixes Scandinavian style with modern avant-garde to create garments for everyday life. Finding inspiration in current society, politics, architecture, technology and biology, Caspar Mørch creates unique stories with each collection and all garments are made to be worn every day. This means they use materials that can survive rough handling and materials that age with grace. Whilst we have your attention, be sure to sign up to our daily MenswearStyle newsletter here. We promise to only send you the good stuff. | |||
| Freddy Furber, Founder of Percy Nobleman / Men's Grooming Products | 11 Feb 2021 | 00:21:45 | |
Frustrated by the ordinary world and the endless ‘faceless’ products available on the high-street, Freddy Furber in early 2012, sought to reinvent the wheel of what it meant to be a well-groomed 21st-century modern gentleman. Percy Nobleman (Percy’s surname “Nobleman” is an example of nominative determinism) captures these feelings through the comic books series, The Adventures of Percy Nobleman, originally published in 2015 as the world’s first Instagram comic book series. Percy has developed an extensive line of premium men’s grooming products alongside writing a series of comic books to enhance the consumer experience when purchasing each product. The comics were distributed inside the product packaging. By 2014 the brand had a nationwide listing in Boots. Now in 2021, Percy Nobleman is available in 2,000 stores globally, with recent expansion into the US and a collaboration with Philips. Whilst we have your attention, be sure to sign up to our daily MenswearStyle newsletter here. We promise to only send you the good stuff. | |||
| Simon Whitaker, Founder of Master Debonair / Rugged Tailoring | 08 Feb 2021 | 00:27:07 | |
Master Debonair is about being effortlessly stylish. The brand offers a collection of clothing and accessories for the modern British gentleman. They're an award-winning family independent menswear retailer with classic values, great service, quality apparel and exceptional customers. Master Debonair originated in the North East of England and is for gentlemen who're looking for styles with a little twist, and something a little different from the High Street mass-produced apparel. Their aim is to provide a personal touch by speaking and listening to their valued customers. | |||
| Jan Juelicher, Co-Founder of Dalgado / Timeless Accessories | 04 Feb 2021 | 00:19:10 | |
Dalgado is a German design studio obsessed with sourcing the finest materials and crafting them into premium-quality accessories without the luxury markup. Integrating minimalist aesthetics, rigorous attention to detail, and sustainable local production, they create accessories of muted elegance designed to withstand the test of time. Premium quality belts and gloves are made to last and offered at honest prices. Ethically and environmentally-friendly handcrafted by revered German and Italian artisans, these products are designed to withstand the test of time. | |||
| Philip Start, Founder of Mr. Start / Modern Tailoring | 01 Feb 2021 | 00:32:59 | |
Situated in the heart of Shoreditch, Mr. Start is a labour of love for owners Philip Start (former founder of Woodhouse) and Brix Smith-Start. Originally a stand-alone boutique on Rivington Street, the brand has rapidly expanded since opening in 2002. It now comprises a separate menswear and womenswear store, an online boutique and most recently, a men’s tailoring emporium offering a selection of off the peg suiting, shirts and ties as well as a made to measure service. With highly personalised attention and a host of prestigious designer labels, Mr. Start is the ultimate shopping experience in East London. | |||
| Paul Thompson, Founder of Wilde & Harte / British Made Razors | 25 Jan 2021 | 00:21:31 | |
Over dinner at The Wolseley, in London's Piccadilly, two friends — a product designer and a men's shaving accessory purchaser — discuss the uninspired task of regular wet shaving and identify a lack of genuine quality razors and shaving brushes to make shaving once again, the exciting self-indulgent ritual it should be. The days of lathering up a badger hair shaving brush with a delicate, scented shaving cream, loading a double edge blade into a 3-piece safety razor and applauding hand-crafted shaving implements seem all but forgotten in the efficient-driven age of electric shavers and disposable multi-blade razors. There and then, a brand name was conceived. Derived from two favoured drinking establishments in London's bustling West End — The Oscar Wilde bar at the Café Royal, Mayfair and The White Harte in Drury Lane. Wilde & Harte draw on an extensive knowledge of British men’s style and of the timeless quality which identifies a unique luxury British brand. Their inspiration is derived from contemporary and classic design, coupled with a passion for creating exquisite men's grooming products of the highest quality. Each wet shaving razor and shaving brush is manufactured from stainless steel and hand finished at the home of the British steel industry in Sheffield before being despatched to their London HQ for distribution. Whilst we have your attention, be sure to sign up to our daily MenswearStyle newsletter here. We promise to only send you the good stuff. | |||
| Giuliano Dore, Co-Founder of Get Groomed / Mobile Barbers | 13 May 2024 | 00:22:49 | |
Get Groomed are not your average barbers, they're your personal professional hair artists that cater to you in your preferred time, place, and style. They aim to revolutionise your grooming experience. Imagine not having to deal with stressful commutes, long lineups, or disturbing the peace and quiet of your much-loved home or cherished space like your office. They're all about tailoring the experience to your wants and needs, fitting right into your routine without any hassle. Get Groomed is all set to connect you with professional, highly skilled, and thoroughly vetted mobile barbers in your area. Expect the finest grooming services at your convenience, right at your doorstep. Whether you're after a fresh haircut, a luxurious wet shave, an expert beard trim, or something else entirely, they've got you covered. | |||
| Claudio D'Amore, Founder of CODE41 / Design-led Watches | 21 Jan 2021 | 00:23:11 | |
CODE41 is not a brand in the traditional sense of the term; it’s more of a community project. The aim is to gather enthusiasts around a watchmaking project, to help it to become a reality. In the process, members become project Creators. The brand was founded by luxury timepiece designer Claudio D’Amore in 2016. Having designed watches for the biggest Swiss brands such as Tag Heuer and Montblanc for 10 years, he set his sights on a new venture that would create watches of the highest quality with the help of an engaged community who play an active role in the design process. The company is based in the heart of the Swiss watchmaking industry, its spiritual home. The project has been built with a policy of total transparency of origin, price and production – meaning that their community are safe in the knowledge that they are investing in an excellent watch at a fair price. | |||
| Tom Wharton, Founder of Barrington Ayre / Handcrafted Clothing | 18 Jan 2021 | 00:28:19 | |
Barrington Ayre make luxury bespoke and made to order clothing from their Cirencester showroom located in the historic Market Place. Operating a full visiting tailoring service across The Cotswolds, The South West and London as well as the UK by appointment, their clothing is worn by the likes of Michael Vaughan, Robbie Savage, Jos Buttler, Greg James, and David 'Bumble' Lloyd to name a few. They pride themselves on making the finest clothing and have a real niche for tweed wedding suits. They have their own range of Made in Cirencester clothing, made by in house Savile Row tailor, Sian, studied tailoring at the London School of Fashion and then went on to work in Savile Row for Dege and Skinner for 3 years before returning to The Cotswolds. | |||
| Sophie Lloyd & Ephraim Austin, Co-Founders of Ziggy Lloyd / Alpaca Coats | 11 Jan 2021 | 00:28:11 | |
Ziggy Lloyd was created for the well-travelled man who buys a last-minute flight across the world, for the music-lover who meticulously puts together the perfect playlist for every party, for the gourmet who appreciates fine dining as much as late night street food, and most of all, for the daring individual who isn’t afraid to let his personality shine through a carefully curated wardrobe. Ziggy Lloyd's limited-edition collection of men's coats are classic and timeless, with a contemporary twist. The magic of the coats and jackets is in the feel, look and textures. Each garment is crafted from high quality, sustainable materials, and every detail tells a story; from the luscious alpaca fleece once worn by the Incan nobility that is hand spun and woven into the softest wool fabric by local communities in Peru, to the handmade buttons that come from the tagua nut indigenous to Ecuador, to the original, hand drawn designs printed on silky soft lining. Made in limited batches in an atelier just outside of Lisbon by an experienced team of tailors, their coat designs reflect how life should be lived: with purpose and personality. | |||
| Geoff Stocker, Menswear Designer / Luxury Accessories | 31 Dec 2020 | 00:28:23 | |
Geoff Stocker has emerged as one of the most creative and inspiring British luxury accessory designers this century. With a background in fine art, he was an early adopter of digital media, beginning in 1996 using Photoshop as a primary medium to produce limited edition prints of his abstract compositions, several of which were exhibited at the prestigious Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. His original designs, full of vibrant patterns so intricately derived, have won plaudits from respected media and industry figures and likened to ‘modern works of art’. These print creations have been applied to iconic pieces using lustrous satin and twill silks. His dressing gown collection, the ultimate statement in contemporary luxury lifestyle launched in 2017. The result is a matchless contemporary collection celebrating a truly British eclectic handwriting. Even the names evoke a journey steeped in cultural and historical references: Neo Victorian, Saxon, Rajah and Sultan. | |||
| Sebastian Adams & Alexander Adams, Co-Founders of Varsity Headwear / Premium Caps | 17 Dec 2020 | 00:24:55 | |
Varsity Headwear was founded by two brothers from Norway, Alex and Seb, with the goal of creating the perfect cap. From the beginning they have focused on perfecting the fit, feel and fabrics of their caps. Relentless in the pursuit of their mission, they have developed beautifully made, quality caps to withstand the test of time. The co-founders share a love for classic baseball caps but could never find one with the quality and shape they desired. In 2013, Oslo became home to the brand's first shop, selling mostly to friends and family who served as test pilot customers. They work closely with their suppliers and partners to bring you the most premium and cutting edge fabrics sourced from some of the world’s most luxurious and sustainable mills. In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Sebastian Adams and Alexander Adams, Co-Founders of Varsity Headwear about their careers and the founding story of their brand. They found a gap in the market after being unable to purchase a baseball cap that didn't feature brand logos and sports team badges. Our host Peter Brooker also talks to the brothers about their love for baseball caps, how they source high quality fabrics, how the global pandemic impacted the business, and the Vicuña cap which is so exclusive it doesn't have a price tag. | |||
| Mychael Owen, Founder of Always Wear Red / Limited Edition Hand Knits | 14 Dec 2020 | 00:27:05 | |
Always Wear Red hand knitted jumpers and scarves was founded by a founder with 20 years’ experience as an international award-winning furniture and brand designer. Mychael Owen added to his design-and-make credentials by spending 4 years working with the UK’s best clothing makers, using the world’s best materials. He explored many clothing categories before finally focussing on hand knits which are classic, seasonless British designs that last a lifetime. Labels are woven from commissioned artwork by Finnish artist Erica Akerlund, and each piece is hand numbered and signed in the order it is made. | |||
| Sean Holman, Co-Founder of The Other Saint / Advanced Skincare | 10 Dec 2020 | 00:24:49 | |
Sean Holman recently swapped London’s skyscrapers for a bit more sky and relocated his family to the South Coast of England in search of more space and a new perspective. Here he started to take things slower and began to notice the little things: the sound of seagulls instead of sirens, ponies loitering in the road instead of pedestrians, and a few new wrinkles here and there. Some of this was caused by the stress of a second baby on the way, but it was also a wakeup call that he couldn’t take his skin for granted. However, skincare had been rattling around at the back of his mind for a while. A couple of months before this he was at the top of a mountain on a ski holiday with a doctor friend having a conversation about how sun damage is the main cause of skin ageing, and that the simplest thing guys can do to stave this off is to use a moisturiser with SPF every day. After being underwhelmed at what was on offer, he took things into his own hands and co-founded The Other Saint, a sustainable skincare line for men that’s more than simply ‘good enough’, providing the kind of quality and choice that guys deserve, with a sustainable approach to both products and packaging. In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Sean Holman, Co-Founder of The Other Saint about his background and the founding story of his men's skincare brand which features sun protection and sustainable packaging. It has been a 6-month project which started at the beginning of the Coronavirus lockdown after relocating to the New Forest from London. Our host Peter Brooker and Sean also chat about the anti-ageing benefits of using a daily SPF, using compostable pots instead of plastic, the strategy behind product pricing, and why they're direct-to-consumer focused. | |||
| Ryan Palmer, Co-Founder of London Sock Company / Sophisticated socks | 07 Dec 2020 | 00:25:06 | |
London Sock Company believe that pulling on a great pair of socks in the morning has the power to transform not just your style, but your state of mind. The brand was created in 2013 to help modern gents embrace their personality and be inspired to be the best version of themselves. Great socks aren’t just a finishing flourish on an outfit, they are the first steps to effortless style. By using only the most advanced knitting methods and the finest materials they are able to make socks that not only fit, feel and look better, but they last longer as well. In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Ryan Palmer, Co-Founder of London Sock Company about how the idea for the brand was thought up. The idea came when the Co-Founders were brainstorming subscription-based products after seeing the rapid adoption of this category in the US. Our host Peter Brooker and Ryan also chat about the launch of their new boot sock, how David Gandy become an early investor, and that time when Daniel Craig wore their socks. | |||
| Jonathan Peters, Founder of Amberjack / Dress Shoes Reinvented | 03 Dec 2020 | 00:30:46 | |
The world of work is changing rapidly, yet dress shoes have barely changed since the 1800s. Through material innovation and a unique vertical supply chain, Amberjack is creating a new type of men's dress shoe. After years working with big companies like Cole Haan, Allen Edmonds, and Adidas, the founder Jonathan Peters got frustrated by how bleak the landscape of dress shoes had become. Work is changing, technology is advancing, yet dress shoes are stuck in the past. The brand wanted to create something new by avoiding the complicated supply chains full of shortcuts and compromises, and partnered with one of the best tanneries in the world. They've created entirely new materials for soles that are extra comfortable, and put leather and science fiction into the hands of craftsmen in Portugal. They also use 100% plastic-free packaging and promise their shoes will last a lot longer than the fast-fashion, disposable dress shoes they share a price-point with. | |||
| James Eden, Founder of Private White V.C. / Handmade Menswear | 30 Nov 2020 | 00:35:28 | |
Private White V.C. is an iconic British menswear brand, committed to producing garments of the highest quality, all manufactured in its very own factory nestled in the heart of Manchester. Private Jack White was a true English gentleman and World War One military hero. Awarded the Victoria Cross in 1917, he returned to Manchester as an apprentice at the factory which now carries his name, eventually becoming its owner. The business, now owned and managed by Private Jack White’s great grandchildren, proudly utilises the finest British materials and craftsmanship, sourcing fabrics from local mills and employing traditional manual production techniques. The collection is designed by former head of Dunhill menswear, Nick Ashley and is directly inspired by Private Jack White’s wardrobe. With meticulous attention to detail, emphasis on high quality local materials and a classic aesthetic, Private White V.C. is a brand for the modern gentleman who demands integrity, style and durability from his clothing. | |||
| Manel Garcia Prats, Co-Founder of OHNE PROJECT / Barefoot Sneakers | 03 May 2024 | 00:28:33 | |
The Project 080 sneaker is designed to look like a regular sneaker but with all the benefits of a barefoot shoe. Thick looking sole and dynamic design. Having a foot shaped shoe might be the most important quality of a barefoot sneaker because it keeps your toes in a natural position. OHNE PROJECT has a new designed sole that looks like a usual sole but gives all the benefits of a barefoot shoe. With less than 5 mm thickness it is ultra flexible and allows for a natural foot movement and sensory feedback to your brain. The idea to create barefoot shoes came about when the co-founders simply couldn't find any beautiful sneakers that matched their style. Manel studied footwear design and Hanna studied textile engineering. | |||
| James Read, Tanning Expert / Self-Tanning | 26 Nov 2020 | 00:33:17 | |
James Read has loved self tan from a young age. He would spend time dreaming up new innovations and thinking of interesting ways to avoid tanning faux pas. He has been in the beauty business for over 19 years and there aren’t many roles he hasn't played; from working with celebrity clients to becoming a worldwide Tanning Ambassador and launching the first ever stand-alone Tanning Studio. James quickly became a recognised influencer in tanning trends worldwide, as well a regular judge for several prestigious beauty awards. However, despite it all, it was always his dream to pour his passion, ideas and industry secrets into his very own brand. James Read Tan was built on a completely unique concept; combining the benefits of luxury skincare with a natural golden tan to suit all skin tones. The mission has always been to change the world’s perception of tanning. His products are effortless to apply and are all about making your skin not only look amazing but feel amazing too.
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| Alexander Davaroukas, Co-Founder of Monokel Berlin / Made-to-Measure Clothing | 23 Nov 2020 | 00:31:04 | |
Monokel Berlin is the made to measure tailor for the new generation of suits, shirts, coats and chino trousers. The three co-founders are convinced that every man should have access to high quality and perfectly fitted clothing. The brand aims to provide apparel which feels like a second skin. Their garments won't cost you a fortune but will certainly emphasise your personality. Today you will find their stores in Berlin, Munich and Riga. Whilst we have your attention, be sure to sign up to our daily MenswearStyle newsletter here. We promise to only send you the good stuff. | |||
| Vasilij Brandt, Co-Founder of Nordgreen / Sustainable Watches | 19 Nov 2020 | 00:32:32 | |
Nordgreen is a watch company which blends Scandinavian minimalism with the fine craftsmanship of leading Danish designer Jakob Wagner. Based in Copenhagen, the brand has created more than a mere watch. Each of their timepieces has a unique story, inspired by local design thought, sustainability and warm generosity. The company is founded by Pascar Sivam and Vasilij Brandt, two ex-consultants and e-commerce professionals with extensive experience in growth strategies, cross-border eCommerce, and supply chain & operations. | |||
| Michael Doughty, Co-Founder of Hylo Athletics / Running Shoes | 16 Nov 2020 | 00:21:43 | |
As a group of pro and amateur athletes, the Co-Founders of Hylo Athletics believe the future of sport needs radical change. It is their goal to reinvent sports shoes and push for new standards in an industry that has been slow to do anything about its environmental footprint. Today, textile production contributes more to global warming than aviation. Sport has always had an immense power to unite us around the world, regardless of backgrounds or beliefs. They hope to harness that power to bring the world's attention to the biggest issue of our lifetime. To help achieve this, they’re building a team of Hylo athletes such as Patrick Bamford and George Davey that represent the future of sport – people as passionate about their planet as they are about their performance. | |||
| Kristian Lorenzon, Co-Founder of Heist / Men's Hair Dryer | 12 Nov 2020 | 00:26:39 | |
Heist is a men's brand that challenges grooming conventions with tailored hair and grooming products for today's man. The idea came from the simple question of 'why were there no hair dryers for men?' Co-Founder Kristian Lorenzon decided it was time to put an end to sheepishly sharing. With no suitable answer on the market, they decided to develop their own. Established in London, they've set out to equip men with hair tools, products and tricks created just for them. They firmly believe that a quality hair dryer is the basis of a great hairstyle. The brand's hair dryer has been designed to give guys the power, control and confidence they need to achieve any hair style. | |||
| David Boyne, Managing Director at Bravado / Music Merch | 09 Nov 2020 | 00:36:17 | |
Bravado are Universal Music Group’s merchandise and brand management company, and have joint curated RS No. 9 Carnaby with The Rolling Stones which recently opened in London. Bravado lives at the crossroads of music and fashion. They understand the power of smart merchandising, and they know how to create products that spark organic, emotional connections between fans and artists. Their world class capabilities have made them the leading provider of consumer, lifestyle and brand management services around the world. With teams in 40 countries, they create a tailored approach for every project — from creating new spaces in the market to bringing an artist’s creative vision to life. Bravado is about building brands and legacies that live on, beyond the music. | |||
| Tom Holmes, Co-Founder of Wax London / Contemporary Menswear | 05 Nov 2020 | 00:21:29 | |
Wax London was founded with a dedication to create premium menswear with sustainability at it’s core. They aim to bring the manufacturing of British outerwear back to the UK, and the majority of their outerwear pieces are made right where they started in London. They believe that positive change comes from setting the right example which is why they strive for best practice across all production and operations. From sourcing the most sustainably produced fabrics, using natural dyeing techniques, manufacturing closer to home and donating profits to charity, Wax London's quest to reduce environmental impact and to help those in need remains close to their hearts. | |||
| Helen Farr-Leander, Founder of Watson & Wolfe / Eco-Conscious Accessories | 02 Nov 2020 | 00:25:51 | |
The Watson & Wolfe story started in 2016 when their intention was to use genuine leather. The business boasts a wealth of experience within the luxury leather industry, so this was a very natural path for them to take. It was during the research and development phase in 2017 that they uncovered the facts and saw the reality of the leather industry. The demand for leather continues to grow and as a result we continue to cause damage to people, rivers and ecosystems. This was a turning point for founder Helen Farr-Leander who decided to change direction completely. The brand now believes they have an opportunity to produce a product range that is not only safer for people, but more environmentally-friendly for our planet, and which challenges the leather and luxury goods industries as we know them. Their collections are made in a small boutique factory that has a long history of producing the highest quality accessories for luxury brands all over the world. Using the same traditional crafting techniques, they produce a superior product which is cruelty-free and sustainable. By using superior quality materials from eco-conscious suppliers, and fine craftsmanship, they hope to encourage more men to shop sustainably. In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Watson & Wolfe Founder Helen Farr-Leander about her background working within the leather goods industry. After taking a break to start a family she soon had the desire to start her own company using non-leather materials, which won a PETA award in 2019. Our host Peter Brooker and Helen also chat about how toxic chemical waste is damaging the health of people, the ethics of breading animals for material use, new innovative environmentally-friendly materials such as cactus leather, and working with small independent stores. | |||
| Paul Adrian, Founder of MOJO Hair / Men's Grooming Products | 29 Oct 2020 | 00:39:13 | |
Mojo Skin & Haircare is a made in Britain premium hair styling and grooming range for men which combines pro-salon product performance with a luxury fragrance. The brand offers premium products at an affordable price, and are sold in over 3,000 stores across the world including the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The Mojo range consists of four hero hair styling products: Styling Cream, Defining Paste, Fibre Shaper, and Moulding Clay. In addition to this, there is a Shampoo, Conditioner and Beard Oil. Andrew Gerrie, co-founder of LUSH was an early investor in the company, and Mojo won the 2016 Great British Design Award and featured in the government’s UK Trade & Industry global programme. In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Mojo Skin & Haircare Founder Paul Adrian about the history of his men's grooming brand which he started after spotting a gap in the market for a fragranced premium professional salon product. He wanted to create a brand that encapsulated everything he loved such as music, motorcycles, guitars, cigars and retro style, which is reflected in the black and gold packaging. Our host Peter Brooker and Paul also chat about how to create a great challenger brand, the importance of branding for marketing, how to present samples to retailers, and financing large production orders. | |||
| Stefan Pagréus, Co-Founder of A Day's March / Swedish Clothing Label | 26 Oct 2020 | 00:22:13 | |
A Day’s March is a clothing label offering quality shirts and wardrobe staples at a friendly price. The company was founded by Marcus Gårdö, Pelle Lundquist and Stefan Pagréus. Together they have a mixed background from different disciplines including retail, branding, graphic design and interior design. Their vision is to update the essential wardrobe and create a store they wished existed. A Day’s March is a direct-to-customer brand, and by cutting out the middlemen the label can offer high quality products at a friendly price. | |||
| Ed Bartlett, Founder of Kostüme / Cycling Apparel | 10 Apr 2024 | 00:33:38 | |
Kostüme makes the best cycling apparel money can buy, developed and tested on some of the most challenging cycling events in the world. The brand makes technically innovative cycling apparel focused on all-day performance, comfort and utility. Developed in the UK for the unique demands of Audax and multi-day long distance cycling, Kostüme products are equally at home riding events like GBDURO or Paris Brest Paris as your local café loop, where the exclusive artist designs will stand out from the crowd. Every Kostüme product is crafted from premium recycled materials and released in limited editions of 350, with each batch known as an Edit. Combined with a pre-order model, this innovative approach to cycling apparel production drastically cuts waste, and is just one example of their commitment to put environmental impact at the heart of every decision. | |||
| Jack Gove, Managing Director at Basic Rights / Uniform for Creators | 21 Oct 2020 | 00:38:15 | |
Basic Rights was founded in NYC and launched in Electric Lady Studios in 2016 by The Vaccines guitarist Freddie Cowan, which then relocated to East London in 2018. They believe in style over fashion. They focus on fabric, fit and finish and are committed to working with the best: from tailors with decades of experience to renowned mills and factories with ethical transparency and sustainable practices always at the forefront. The Basic Rights goal is to create elevated essentials, designed as off-duty uniforms for modern creatives. | |||
| Timothy Everest, Co-Founder of MbE / Bespoke Menswear | 19 Oct 2020 | 00:28:53 | |
Made by Everyone… for you. A collective of passionate artisans created by renowned tailor, Timothy Everest and advertising creative, Danny Kellard. MbE brings together the best craftsman, materials and designers to create garments that showcase British style in both bespoke garments and ready to wear ranges. Their aim is to create high quality British made goods that complement the modern gentlemen's wardrobe that can be worn for any occasion. MbE also curates and champions products from other like-minded menswear brands that have British quality and materials at their core. Their ready to wear ranges draws particular inspiration from classic military and workwear styles, but with luxury hand crafted twists, whilst Tim brings his own incredible heritage and eponymous style to the bespoke and made to measure offering. Whilst we have your attention, be sure to sign up to our daily MenswearStyle newsletter here. We promise to only send you the good stuff. | |||
| Curra Rotondo, Co-Founder of LEFRIK / Sustainable Backpacks | 15 Oct 2020 | 00:23:56 | |
Established in 2012, LEFRIK started designing urban bags, backpacks and travel essentials using the highest quality eco-friendly fabrics made out of recycled plastic PET bottles. the brand was born to solve travel and city commuting problems by providing the most fashionable and functional bags for the modern digital nomad. They offer conscious consumers access to innovative products that while still being cool and savvy, are made avoiding the use of more natural resources. LEFRIK contributes to the environment by reducing the use of virgin polyester and rather extending the life of discarded plastic bottles, while saving energy in the production process. The brand is also proudly approved as vegan by the animal welfare organisation PETA. | |||