Menswear Style Podcast

It all began when clients would ask founder of W.Rubens and former stylist, Michael Shuttleworth, the same question: where can I get a good white T-shirt? Michael didn’t know. That’s when he realised something was missing. And so the idea for W.Rubens was born. Nothing new or revolutionary. Just the idea to create a collection of beautifully made white t-shirts, using the finest fabrics, and investing in British talent. Every Rubens t-shirt is a work of craftsmanship, released in limited collections. They source the best fabrics and work with suppliers who care about the welfare of their workers and the planet. Collections are produced to order from a small atelier in London where they employ local workers. Each garment is made with an individual sense of identity and exclusivity, resulting in the perfect white t-shirt — minimalist, timeless, and iconic.

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Heron’s Ghyll is a cosmopolitan tailoring brand with a pluriversal eye to the future. Within this vision, everything is fluid; cultures collide and recombine to produce new forms. Based in London, the brand approaches each collection with an openness to the world as well as a desire to seek out underserved narratives evinced through textile traditions. Taking the city’s rich heritage in tailoring as a starting point, luxurious natural fabrics are fused with the best of British craftsmanship to produce clothing and accessories characterized by their hybridity, superlative quality, and relaxed elegance. The brand’s mission is to present a compelling vision of masculine elegance that’s rooted in a unique, transcultural aesthetic. Heron’s Ghyll was founded in 2020 by Mark Francis. Born in Kuala Lumpur and educated in the U.S. and France, he cites romanticism, Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, and Léon Spilliaert as key influences.

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Experience the essence of KHV CONCEPT, where they meticulously craft exceptional high-end products in London and bring them to life through expert handcraftsmanship in Italy. Their distinctive style embraces minimalism, showcasing a palette of pastel, earthy, and neutral tones alongside classic, timeless shapes. What truly distinguishes this brand is their innovative design approach. They draw inspiration from formalwear and eveningwear, seamlessly fusing it with elements of modern sneaker culture. This harmonious blend of classic sophistication and contemporary flair results in footwear that not only exudes elegance but also provides an exceptional sensory experience. 

At KHV CONCEPT, you're not just acquiring shoes; you're elevating your style with the epitome of luxury and unwavering quality. Each pair represents an investment in a timeless wardrobe, a testament to their commitment to enduring style and craftsmanship. The brand leads the way in steering clear of the fast fashion phenomenon. In today's consumer-driven society, the pursuit of the latest trends often overshadows the pursuit of genuine excellence in our purchases. The fast fashion narrative has led us to believe that we can access everything at lower prices, resulting in an abundance of generic, low-quality items that frequently go unused. In pursuit of the perfect sneaker that blends todays culture but with elegance and sophistication, 

Dimitar Kehayov founded KHV Concept, a luxury footwear brand that would embody his vision of true craftsmanship and quality. The brand's name, KHV, is a reflection of his initials (of his surname) and the concept he wanted to bring to life. With KHV Concept, Dimitar aimed to create footwear that went beyond the ordinary, a fusion of design, craftsmanship, and luxury. His vision was well-defined: crafting smart sneakers with a novel silhouette, drawing inspiration from evening formalwear and footwear.

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Founded in 2015 by designer Kestin Hare with over two decades of industry experience, KESTIN is redefining modern Scottish design by blending innovation with tradition. Kestin the brand was created to redefine modern Scottish design by blending innovation with tradition. They weave in references from their heritage and homeland, combining integral details from other areas of inspiration including vintage, workwear, military, sports and outdoor. The brand's focus is on responsible manufacturing, sourcing the highest-quality fabrics and creating original products that are designed to last. They work with the best factories and mills in the world. Renowned for championing UK production, KESTIN strives to make locally wherever possible. Their flagship store in located in Stockbridge, and Design Studio and HQ is based in Leith, all Edinburgh. Kestin is stocked in over 90 of the best international stores. 

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Expio are a cutting-edge brand for men's fashion that prioritizes style, sustainability, and performance. Through their groundbreaking approach to development, they have been able to produce the lightest, warmest, most durable and waterproof styles ever seen in the industry. The brand achieve this without compromising on their commitment to avoiding petrochemical materials and using subpar production methods. Expio's mission is to address the harm caused by the clothing industry through conscious decision-making and reducing their social and environmental impacts. By creating top-tier performance clothing with a clear understanding of these issues, they strive to make a positive impact on the world.

Ben Mears is a seasoned expert in the apparel industry with over two decades of rich experience. Born in England and nurtured in the verdant lands of rural Gloucestershire, his journey into the world of fashion has been extensive and rewarding. His passion for design led him to Kingston University, where he graduated with a degree in Fashion Design. His career path has taken him across the globe from Paris to Milan, Amsterdam, and London, gaining invaluable on-the-ground experience in the fashion capitals of the world. This global exposure has not only honed his design skills but also broadened his perspective on different cultures and fashion movements. Ben’s specific focus is on sustainable design and performance development, a niche that is both close to his heart and crucial in the current global scenario.

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ØTHERS is a new multi-sensory digital wellness experience with a 360o fusion of scent, sound, technology, and science to biomechanically re-tune, bringing you back to centre.  In a place of candid, real-talk, and functional mindset management, ØTHERS helps retrain your behaviour, learn rituals to manage reactivity, and build emotional resilience through their app, curated wellbeing scents, and community driven platform.  Built from the insight and expertise of a radical group of olfactory experts, neuroscientists, breath-work revolutionaries, music producers, and philosophers; the brand curates deeply empathetic therapy in a hub for free thinking individuals, driven from the mainstream.   The Gallup Global Emotions Report 2022 shows that in 2021 a new record-high of 41% of adults experienced a high amount of stress the previous day, displacing 2020 as the most stressful year in recent history. This accompanied with stats to show 1 in 4 people in the UK experiencing a mental health problem, became the catapult for ØTHERS.  The brand has launched initially with two mood altering functional fragrances, using science-backed revolutionary olfactory technology to start the collection derived from forest phytoncides - the molecules released by trees found to reduce stress and anxiety during forest bathing sessions. ØTHERS bring you their sensory experience to positively influence state of mind. 

Founder Keelan Doyle, a music producer and sonic branding specialist along with his team of underground thinkers, creatives, and artists, are a group of experts in their field. They have come together to bring you a platform app first, with the sensory guidance of perfume to help you self-optimise. The dual combination of sound and scent allows an empowering sensory experience to help prime your mood, your body and re-align your mindset in readiness for your day. 

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Named after the beautiful Neem tree in India, famed for producing leaves with healing properties, Neem London is designed as an antidote to the modern ways of consumption – an antiseptic for fast fashion. The brand produces low emitting menswear, designed to achieve a cleaner way of living. Founded by Nick Reed, a menswear specialist with over 20 years’ experience, Neem London has a very distinct handwriting; always smart, but with understated quiet luxury underpinning each piece. Soft, comfortable and exceptionally easy-on-the-eye, its warm colour palette has almost restorative qualities; wear this to the office and you’re in for a good day, wear it off-duty and the results will be equally as favourable. Healing by name, healing by nature. Nick refers to it as Power Casual, something which is easily seen in the collections, built predominantly around shirting, it also includes, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets and long sleeve polos. The shirts come in an array of styles; Oxfords, pop-over shirts and short sleeves.

Following the success of the Piccadilly Arcade store in St James’s, which began as a pop-up but which is now permanent, the low emitting menswear brand is taking its successful Neem+ Ecological Emporium to a space in Spitalfields from 20th September. As with the existing store, the new one at 10 Market Square on the edge of the historic Spitalfields Market, will provide a space for other ecological brands. It will also house installations of circular furniture, and everything in the store is being upcycled – there will be nothing wasted or thrown away.  The Neem+ Ecological Emporium will be housed in the 1,500 square ft space for at least four months, with the view of going permanent.

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Rosy Temple is part of the 5th generation behind Magee 1866 which has over 150 years experience in designing, weaving and tailoring luxury fabrics and clothing in Co. Donegal, Ireland. Today Magee 1866's lifestyle collections include men/women/home interiors and accessories. This generation is about a sustainable future as they continue to focus on their heritage of long lasting quality and weaving natural fibres like wool and linen (biodegradable & renewable). 

The brand was established in 1866 by John Magee, as a small drapers shop in Donegal, Ireland, buying and selling handwoven tweeds. Magee are still designing and weaving luxury fabrics in Donegal – the ever-changing land and seascapes surrounding Donegal inspire colours and designs. In 2015 Magee acquired Robert Noble, a Scottish mill established in 1666. They use the finest of yarns – cashmere, lambswool, alpaca, silk and linen. These fabrics are used for men and women’s apparel and home furnishing. They still maintain a small hand-weaving business – fabrics are a far cry from the coarse tweeds of the 1800’s, today they are woven using luxury yarns, resulting in a beautifully soft handle.

Every Magee collection, whether fabric, garment or accessory is designed to reflect their distinctive heritage with a contemporary twist. Magee are unique in the fact that they incorporate many of these fabrics into seasonal men and women’s lifestyle collections. We have been specialising in tailored garments for over 100 years and in latter years they have developed a more casual offering. 

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In this podcast episode we interview Alvin Oommen, founder of OXFORDhill, a brand dedicated to manufacturing an innovative hair styling clay using nature's most potent ingredients, while ensuring maximum effectiveness. Their passion lies in the creation of all-natural skin care, hair care, and home care products, meticulously formulated with purposeful ingredients that not only deliver exceptional results but also combat the risks associated with free radicals. Unlike most personal care brands that expose us to a staggering number of 168 chemicals daily, OXFORDhill takes a different path. They have embarked on a mission to develop a brand that epitomizes cleanliness, naturalness, and minimalism, without compromising on performance. The foundation of the brand is the OXFORDhill Standard, which permeates every aspect of their formulation and production processes. Their inaugural product is a natural hair styling clay that embodies their principles. It offers a matte finish, a hold that can be reshaped, and incredibly thick hair without any unnecessary weight.

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For this podcast episode we focus on ANDREW & COLE, where we dive into the world of modern, sustainable swimwear. Join us as we interview Vincent Stadelhofer and explore the innovative swim shorts that are revolutionizing the way we experience comfort at the beach. The ANDREW & COLE mission is simple: to create a new comfortable world of swim shorts without mesh. They believe in showing respect and love for our beautiful Earth, which is why they use ocean plastic and PET materials to craft premium swim shorts. By choosing an ANDREW & COLE product, you're not just buying swimwear – you're joining a net-free world and embracing a comfortable lifestyle that cares about our future. Have you ever endured the discomfort and itchiness of wearing mesh swim shorts all day at the beach? We feel your pain. That's why we're here to introduce you to the ANDREW & COLE lined swim shorts, the ultimate solution to this age-old problem. Say goodbye to that annoying mesh and the awkwardness of wearing underwear beneath your swim shorts. The brand's unique lining system is seamlessly sewn over the entire inside of the swim shorts, providing unrivalled comfort, intimacy, and odour control. The fabric they use is soft, lightweight, and perforated, ensuring that moisture doesn't get trapped between the layers. As a result, your swim shorts will dry within minutes, keeping you feeling fresh throughout your beach adventures.

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Join us on this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast as we sit down with Junaid Ansari, Co-Founder of Burrows & Hare. Discover the captivating journey of this family multi-brand business, which first took root in Oxford in 2015. Junaid shares the essence of their brand, where every item is meticulously designed and crafted for the discerning gentleman of today. With a commitment to timeless style and superior craftsmanship, Burrows & Hare embraces a philosophy of "buy less but buy better quality goods." By opting for skilled artisans and sustainable materials, they champion a higher standard of product that honors both the wearer and the environment. We delve into various topics, including the early reception of their newly opened Marlow store, the joys and challenges of working with family, innovative strategies to attract customers, the power of social media, and exciting plans for a skincare and shaving line. Tune in to gain valuable insights from a brand that epitomizes the fusion of heritage and modernity.

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Tune in to the latest episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast as we sit down with Robin Vindevogel, Co-Founder of BTI, a cutting-edge London-based scale-up. BTI is on a mission to revolutionize and democratize the fashion industry by empowering retail entrepreneurs worldwide to realize their business dreams. Led by the expertise of Robin Vindevogel, a former private tailor at Gieves and Hawkes, and guided by the esteemed Dominique Vindevogel as the chairman, BTI offers an all-encompassing solution for aspiring fashion brands and established businesses looking to take their ventures to new heights. By providing access to the extensive supply chain, purchasing power, and creative advisory services of one of Europe's leading fashion families, BTI empowers entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive.

Join us as Peter Brooker engages in an insightful conversation with Robin Vindevogel, exploring his background in private tailoring and the birth of the idea behind a fashion tech platform. Discover how BTI's guidance process operates and the valuable collaborations they've forged with celebrities like Rio Ferdinand. Uncover the wonders of their white label showroom and the benefits of streamlining a brand launch, which ultimately translates to cost savings. Gain exclusive insights from an industry disruptor that is reshaping the fashion landscape. Don't miss this engaging episode filled with insider knowledge and inspiration.

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Join us for an enlightening episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast as we sit down with José Maria Reffoios, Co-Founder of JAK, the renowned minimalist and timeless sneaker brand. Since its establishment in 2014 by Isabel and José Maria in Lisbon, JAK has been driven by a compelling vision. They strive to create modern designs using high-quality materials that age gracefully, enhancing their appeal over time. With a focus on urban lifestyle and everyday use, JAK crafts sneakers and accessories that seamlessly blend style and function.

Discover the essence of JAK's production process, situated in the revered northern region of Portugal, renowned for its multi-generational family-owned factories. Embracing a strong ethical code, JAK sources materials locally and responsibly, ensuring reduced environmental impact and fair treatment for their collaborators. By hand-picking suppliers and regularly visiting their facilities, JAK upholds their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

José Maria takes us on a captivating journey, sharing insights into his background and the genesis of JAK as a direct-to-consumer unisex sneaker brand. Engage in a thought-provoking conversation between Peter Brooker and José as they delve into various aspects, including working with family-owned factories, the role of brick and mortar stores, the significance of sustainability, the allure of minimalistic design, the meticulous materials research process, leveraging social media, and exciting future plans.

Don't miss this episode where we explore the world of JAK, a brand that transcends fashion, seeking to create an authentic lifestyle experience. Learn from their expertise in blending flexibility and durability using full grain leather, the highest quality and most coveted part of the hide. Discover how JAK's dedication to simplicity and craftsmanship elevates their Made in Portugal shoes to the status of timeless treasures that age beautifully, much like the individuals who wear them.

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Join us on the captivating episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast as we dive into the world of Dashing Tweeds, the British brand that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity in the realm of woven textiles. Founded in 2006 by fashion photographer Guy Hills and woven textiles designer Kirsty McDougall, Dashing Tweeds was born out of Guy's vision to create high-quality tweed that could be worn in urban environments. Combining his passion for traditional sportswear with innovative designs and technical yarns, Guy and Kirsty established their weave design studio in East London, collaborating with the finest mills in the country to weave their luxurious designs.

The instant success of their cloths among Savile Row tailors propelled Dashing Tweeds to open its flagship store in Mayfair in 2014, followed by a relocation to Marylebone in 2018. With a focus on modernizing tweed by incorporating technical yarns alongside wools, Dashing Tweeds brings the essence of tweed to the city. By merging contemporary sportswear with the traditional, they introduce a novel concept in tailored wear, captivating a wider audience residing in urban settings.

Delve into the insightful interview between Peter Brooker and Guy Hills, the Founder of Dashing Tweeds, as they unravel his background in fashion photography and the brand's remarkable founding story. Explore the origins of tweed, the urban and fashion-oriented approach adopted by Dashing Tweeds, the diverse methods of manufacturing tweed, exciting collaborations with notable brands like Converse, the evolution of tailoring throughout the decades, the importance of educating men on style, and their fruitful partnerships with costume designers.

Don't miss this engaging episode where we explore the intersection of fabrics, tailoring, and innovative design with the visionary behind Dashing Tweeds. Gain a deeper understanding of their commitment to bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary fashion, while pushing the boundaries of what tweed can be.

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Welcome to a thought-provoking episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast, where we have the privilege of sitting down with Chris Kolbe, Co-Founder of HyperNatural, an extraordinary eco-luxury menswear brand. HyperNatural prides itself on offering one-of-a-kind apparel crafted from naturally-performing materials, entirely free from virgin polyester, plastics, chemical dyes, and harmful petrol chemicals. With a strong commitment to sustainability, the brand combines innovative elements such as Jade stone and crab shells with the world's finest cotton, Supima, to deliver garments that are not only exquisitely soft but also uniquely cool-to-the-touch and odor-free. Furthermore, HyperNatural relies on Creora Regen, the world's only 100% recycled spandex, to provide unmatched comfort and unrestricted movement.

HyperNatural's ultimate goal is to exclusively utilize naturally regenerative materials and dyes, and while they currently work with the available options to reduce their ecological impact, they acknowledge the need for further progress in the next 2-3 years to contribute to carbon reduction.

Join us as Peter Brooker engages in a captivating conversation with Chris Kolbe, delving into his extensive 30-year background in the industry and the inception of HyperNatural, a brand that epitomizes sustainability in its every fiber. Explore the concept of natural growth and the importance of being less wasteful in the fashion industry. Uncover the exciting fabric innovations that set HyperNatural apart, including their ingenious use of nature to create the ultimate polo shirt. Discover the hidden design features that make their garments exceptional, all while embracing the meaning behind the Magpie totem.

Don't miss this enlightening episode, where we explore the world of HyperNatural and its quest to redefine luxury menswear by seamlessly blending eco-consciousness with uncompromising style and quality.

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Welcome to another inspiring episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast, where we have the pleasure of interviewing Jose Miguel de Abreu, Co-Founder of LA PAZ, a remarkable sustainable heritage menswear brand. LA PAZ draws inspiration from the Atlantic, its people, and their rich traditions, and aims to establish direct partnerships with the finest local Portuguese manufacturers. By blending their expertise with a singular design philosophy, LA PAZ creates timeless and durable goods that stand the test of time.

The name "PAZ" carries a profound meaning, as it represents "PEACE" in Portuguese. This concept lies at the core of LA PAZ's ethos, influencing their approach to their crew, partners, customers, and the planet. While sustainability has become a global priority, LA PAZ believes it should extend beyond production and consumer habits, becoming an intrinsic part of our way of life. Consequently, the brand has dedicated significant effort to researching new organic and recycled materials, striving to incorporate them into their creations.

Join us as Peter Brooker engages in an enlightening conversation with Jose Miguel de Abreu, exploring his background and the fascinating founding story behind this esteemed men's fashion brand. Dive into the ethos that drives LA PAZ, their meticulous selection of clothing fabrics, the journey of funding a sustainable brand, the world of fashion shows, the wellsprings of inspiration, the intricacies of store design, the significance of Portuguese manufacturing, and the brand's global stockists.

Don't miss this captivating episode, where we unravel the story of LA PAZ, a brand that embraces sustainability as a way of life while delivering exquisite heritage menswear that resonates with the soul of the Atlantic and the spirit of its people.

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Welcome to another exciting episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast, where we have the pleasure of interviewing Gustaf Secher, the Founder of North-89, a dynamic Stockholm-based footwear brand. Established in 2016, North-89 emerged from Gustaf's lifelong passion for sneakers, which took root during his early years. While many sneakers today prioritize aesthetics over functionality, North-89 believes that functionality should be an inherent aspect of every pair. Their mission is to infuse a functional approach into the timeless and beloved cup sole sneaker by combining innovative materials with a touch of Scandinavian design aesthetics. In Scandinavia, where the brand originates, the presence of four distinct seasons inspired North-89 to create sneakers that can be worn stylishly and functionally throughout the year.

Join us as Peter Brooker engages in an insightful conversation with Gustaf Secher, exploring the fascinating founding story behind North-89, a brand that seamlessly merges fashion and function. Discover the challenges and triumphs of building a brand while juggling a day job, and delve into the world of Instagram as a powerful platform for brand promotion. Explore the art of newsletter design, the pursuit of material innovation, the nuances of sneaker care, the importance of captivating product photography, and the potential for growth in emerging markets.

Don't miss this engaging episode, where we uncover the journey of North-89 and its commitment to blending style and functionality in the realm of modern footwear. Gain unique insights into the brand's fusion of Scandinavian design aesthetics with innovative materials, as we explore the exciting intersection of fashion, function, and footwear craftsmanship.

 

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Welcome to another enlightening episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast. In this edition, we have the pleasure of interviewing Ed Bird, the Founder of Bird Eyewear, a remarkable sustainable and ethical eyewear brand. At Bird, their vision goes beyond creating exceptional eyewear; their goal is to make a positive impact on the world we inhabit. They have reframed what truly matters by placing people and the planet at the forefront of their mission.

Join us as Peter Brooker engages in an insightful conversation with Ed Bird, delving into his background and the captivating founding story behind Bird Eyewear, a brand he established alongside his brothers. Explore the fascinating journey of financing the launch and growth of the brand, as well as the profound effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the industry. Discover how Bird Eyewear harnesses the power of virtual reality, and gain a deeper understanding of their commitment to product innovation and responsible manufacturing.

Bird Eyewear's dedication to social and environmental impact is truly commendable. As the first B Corp Certified eyewear brand in the UK, they have achieved the highest standards of sustainability and social responsibility, seamlessly balancing purpose with profit. Learn about their unique Share Your Sun partnership with SolarAid, where every pair of Birds contributes to distributing solar light to families in Zambia and Malawi, replacing the use of harmful fossil fuel burning lamps.

As we venture into 2023, be sure not to miss this captivating episode, where we unravel the story of Bird Eyewear. Gain insights into their vision of creating a better world through superior eyewear, their relentless pursuit of sustainable materials, including certified woods, bio-based acetate, renewable cork, and recycled aluminum. Explore their exciting plans for brand growth and expansion, as Bird Eyewear continues to make waves in the industry by driving positive change.

Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Bird Eyewear, a brand that beautifully combines style, sustainability, and a genuine commitment to making a difference in the world.

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Welcome back to another captivating episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast. In today's edition, we have the pleasure of interviewing William Green, Co-Founder of L'Estrange London, a brand on a remarkable mission to simplify the male wardrobe in a world dominated by hyper-convenience and overconsumption.

Join us as our host, Peter Brooker, engages in an enlightening conversation with William, exploring the vision and focus of L'Estrange London, as well as the significant progress they have made over the past three years. Discover their revolutionary modular clothing system, meticulously designed to offer comfortable, seasonless, and versatile pieces that can effortlessly transition between any setting. By embracing the ethos of "fewer things, fewer decisions," L'Estrange London aims to minimize both the environmental impact and the clutter in the male wardrobe, allowing individuals to prioritize what truly matters.

Designed in London and meticulously crafted in European factories, L'Estrange London has reimagined every stage of the clothing lifecycle, striving to conserve resources and enhance the longevity of their garments. Delve into their groundbreaking initiatives, such as Re_Work, a dedicated project focused on revitalizing clothing and bringing it back to life. Moreover, explore the innovative Re_Fresh, a unique enzyme-driven laundry tablet that has the remarkable ability to rejuvenate old clothing, making it look and feel new again.

This episode is an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the remarkable innovations spearheaded by L'Estrange London in extending the lifecycle of garments and promoting sustainability within the fashion industry. Discover the intricacies of selling pre-owned clothing, the science behind the transformative Re-Fresh, and the brand's commitment to driving positive change.

Join us as we delve into the visionary journey of L'Estrange London, a brand that embodies the essence of simplicity, sustainability, and mindful consumption. Be inspired by their dedication to redefining the male wardrobe and their relentless pursuit of a more conscious and impactful approach to fashion.

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Welcome to another captivating episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast. Today, we have an exciting interview with Justin Deighton, Co-Founder of Two Tribes Brewery, a brand that creates refreshing beers designed to bring people together and celebrate the love of the moment.

Join our host, Peter Brooker, as he delves into the fascinating founding story of Two Tribes Brewery with Justin, who embarked on this venture after a successful career in the music industry. Discover how the brewery, established in 2017, was born out of the collective experiences and influences of individuals who were at the epicenter of London's vibrant 90s club-culture movement. The values of fun, freedom, curiosity, and creative discovery that defined that era continue to form the foundation of Two Tribes' operations today.

Two Tribes Brewery prides itself on being a provocateur within the London brewing scene, constantly challenging the norms and pushing the boundaries of what is expected from a craft brewery. They foster collaboration and unity by bringing together a diverse range of creatives, including brewers, artists, musicians, filmmakers, chefs, and more, to embark on exciting collaborative projects.

In this episode, Justin shares valuable insights into the rise of independent beer brewing, offering a glimpse into the experiences and challenges of transitioning from the music industry to a new and dynamic field. Discover the intricacies of raising capital, fostering creativity, and cultivating meaningful partnerships. Justin also provides an intriguing perspective on the role of artificial intelligence in the brewing process and highlights the unique CAMPFIRE venue, which serves as a vibrant hub for Two Tribes Brewery.

Join us as we delve into the captivating world of Two Tribes Brewery, where the values of their founders' past converge with their present-day endeavors. Gain insights into their innovative approach to brewing, their commitment to collaboration, and the vibrant culture they have created within the London brewing scene. Prepare to be inspired by their relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries, fostering creativity, and creating memorable experiences through the art of brewing.

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Welcome to the MenswearStyle Podcast, where we bring you another captivating interview. In this episode, our host, Peter Brooker, sits down with Lutz Schwenke, the founder of TWOTHIRDS, a sustainable and eco-friendly clothing brand that has gained recognition for its commitment to protecting the planet and its oceans.

Lutz's journey towards founding TWOTHIRDS began during his teenage years when he spent a transformative year in Hawaii. It was there that he developed a deep love and appreciation for the ocean, which would later inform his vision of creating a brand that had zero impact on the planet and its precious marine ecosystems. Drawing from his experience working for the UN, Lutz's understanding of sustainability and his passion for the ocean converged to lay the foundation for TWOTHIRDS, which officially launched in 2010.

TWOTHIRDS has since grown into a community of like-minded individuals who share a common vision of preserving our planet. The brand is committed to creating clothing that is not only fashionable but also sustainable. They achieve this by utilizing fabrics that save water, transforming plastic waste into high-quality garments, and adopting paper packaging for their orders. Furthermore, TWOTHIRDS operates as a Climate Neutral brand, ensuring that their operations have minimal impact on the environment.

Lutz shares the story of TWOTHIRDS' evolution, beginning in the Basque country and reaching new heights when the brand relocated to Barcelona. It was there that they pioneered the concept of pre-ordering, allowing them to produce garments based on customer demand and avoid overproduction. Lutz also discusses the challenges of working within the fashion industry without prior experience, the design process behind their collections, and the inspiration that fuels their brand's ethos.

Throughout the conversation, Lutz emphasizes the importance of being a sustainable brand and their dedication to making positive change within the industry. He shares how setbacks have led them to adapt and find innovative solutions, driving them forward on their mission. Additionally, he provides insights into their growth plans for 2023, highlighting their focus on maintaining a personal touch, prioritizing craftsmanship, and continuing to create a ripple effect of positive change throughout the fashion industry.

Tune in to this inspiring episode as Lutz Schwenke discusses the founding story of TWOTHIRDS, a brand that blends style, sustainability, and a deep love for the ocean. Discover their unique approach to fashion, their commitment to minimizing environmental impact, and their unwavering dedication to creating a more sustainable future. Get ready to be inspired by their journey, their values, and their vision for the gentleman surfer and beyond.

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Emerton Scott is a British company driven by a love for quality and simplicity in design. They’re a socially aware brand which handcrafts unique necklaces inspired by stoicism to help tackle mental health. For every necklace purchased, a portion is contributed to a chosen charity in the mental health space to help support the 8 million yearly deaths attributed to mental health illnesses. In 2018 Emerton Scott founder, Scott Lancaster, asked his martial arts coach for book recommendations to strengthen his mindset. He was told to read The Obstacle Is the Way, by Ryan Holiday. After reading this first book on Stoicism, Scott began making his way through the rest of Holiday's books and then every other book he could get his hands on related to Stoic Philosophy.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Scott Lancaster, Founder of stoic inspired jewellery brand Emerton Scott about the success of the brand's Kickstarter launch which became the fastest funded crowdfunding campaign ever. Our host Peter Brooker and Scott talk about how to launch a successful Kickstarter project, the unique idea behind the jewellery brand, the importance of packaging, stoic philosophy, design inspiration, and manufacturing. 

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JAGO is a menswear brand creating versatile, functional and timelessly styled products to be worn everyday and beyond - worn For Life's Adventure. The brand embraces adventure in its broadest sense - far beyond outdoor adventure only - living for variety and spontaneity. They believe their versatile approach to style and function is particularly well suited to the flexible work-play lifestyle so many of us now live in this post-Covid world. In a world of too much complexity and too much consumption, and in an industry suffering from an over-specialism gear fad, never has there been a more appropriate time to have fewer, better, longer lasting, more sustainable products. 

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Alex Orr, Founder of JAGO about the founding story and purpose of his outdoor clothing brand. Our host Peter Brooker and Alex talk about upstart funding, working with Bear Grylls, relaunching the brand after the Covid-19 pandemic, the new Totum Cotton Gilet made with British Millerain fabric, and the 'A Life of Adventure' hardback book.

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Blake Mill is a premium men’s fashion designer, based in Manchester, which makes completely unique and high-quality men’s dress shirts. Founded in 2018 by Steve French, Ross French and Ken Price, with a passion to make high quality dress shirts for people who want to express their individuality through clothes. The brand aims to help their customers stand out from the crowd. That may be as simple as sporting an interesting collar and cuff lining on a beautifully made white shirt. Or it may be as bold and brash as a neon impression of real brain waves rendered on the entire body of the shirt.

The three founders collectively have over 50-years in Fintech, and they want to drive even more technology innovation into Blake Mill. From the design concepts and prototyping, to how shirts are made and authenticated - think QR codes that tell the customer exactly where the materials are from, how they were sourced and how the shirt was made. Customers will also be able to register their products on resale markets, allowing shirts to live a longer life.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Ken Price, Co-Founder of Blake Mill about the founding story and what differentiates the brand from other men's shirting brands in the market.  Our host Peter Brooker and Ken talk about the design process, the Seedrs crowdfunding campaign, harnessing customer feedback, sustainability efforts, and Art licensing.

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Thompson Tee  create sweat proof and premium undershirts that block 100% of underarm sweat and odour with patented Hydro-Shield sweatproof technology. Billy had axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating) and would practice ridiculous deodorant rituals to conceal his underarm sweat marks. In 2011, he approached friend Randy Choi, who had experience working in the apparel industry. Billy learned that he too, could relate to the struggles of excessive sweating. Randy, who suffered from cranial hyperhidrosis as a teen, underwent sweat gland removal surgery, only to end up with severe side effects which included all-over sweating, skin problems, slow metabolism and fatigue as a result. Bound by a shared passion to create a safe, affordable and convenient solution, they both developed a lightweight, breathable, comfortable and truly integrated underarm barrier that would completely absorb sweat, withstand the toughest stains, and help those living with axillary hyperhidrosis.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Billy Thompson, Founder of Thompson Tee about axillary hyperhidrosis and the founding story of his brand which has sold over million shirts in 10 years. Our host Peter Brooker and Billy talk about undershirt trends in the US vs UK, bootstrapping, production, Shark Tank, patented sweatproof technology, how to combat copycat businesses, and being featured on TV.

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Premium, stylish, sophisticated football apparel for on and off the pitch. Futsol draw inspiration from the simple pleasure of playing with the ball. They see beauty in the ball, in the places where games of football are enjoyed around the world and those moments of shared connection and joy.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Nicolas Willson, Founder of Futsol about his love for sport and how the journey with his new football inspired clothing brand began during the Covid-19 global pandemic.  Our host Peter Brooker and Nicolas talk about design and fabrics, market positioning, why they're not promoting the brand during the World Cup, retail partners, raising capital, and their latest collaboration collection with Printed Goods. 

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Founded in London in 2012 by Swedish brothers, Niklas & Mattis Oppermann, Carl Friedrik launched their leather goods business after seeing a gap in the market for competitively priced but high-quality accessories. Today the brand merges its Bauhaus and Scandinavian design inspirations, with smart functionality using traditional techniques and craftsmanship. The core of the brand’s business has been built on always putting their community first; through a personalised approach, product lifetime guarantee and designing what their customers want for their changing lifestyles. Carl Friedrik’s recently launched Creator’s Club (an exclusive innovative beta-style programme to test and try new products) is their newest extension of this ethos. Originally starting as a brand focusing on wholesale, the brothers quickly pivoted to a DTC business model and have seen huge success. In 10 years the brand has had an entirely organic growth from a £4,000 initial investment and is on track to double its revenue from last year by the end of 2022. The launch of Carl Friedrik’s luggage collection in 2019 has accelerated and expanded the brand’s business further, with revenue growth for their luggage at 261% in just 2 years.   

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Niklas Oppermann, Co-Founder of Carl Friedrik about the founding story of his leather and travel goods brand which he launched 10 years ago after successfully making a leather laptop sleeve as a present for his brother's birthday.  Our host Peter Brooker and Niklas talk about life in London, how they first funded the brand with a small budget,  wholesale vs direct-to-consumer sales channels, the inspiration behind the new The Rover Collection, how to join the Creators Club, and what it's like working alongside siblings.

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Frederique Constant was established in its current form in 1988. Aletta Bax and Peter Stas launched their first collection in 1992, comprising six models fitted with Swiss movements and assembled by a watchmaker in Geneva. Frederique Constant is involved in all the stages of watch production, from initial design to final assembly. Watches manufactured under its trademark are either designed by Frederique Constant or by independent designers contracted for a specific series of models. Strong emphasis is placed on watch design to keep abreast of trends and customer preferences.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Niels Eggerding, CEO at Frederique Constant about his background working within the watch industry and the history of the brand which aims to make high quality classical watches accessible. Our host Peter Brooker and Niels talk about brand DNA, product pricing strategies, the production process, the smart watch market, brand ambassadors, and social media.

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Alpina was founded in 1883 when Swiss watch making visionary and alpinist Gottlieb Hauser founded the “Alpina Swiss Watchmakers Corporation”, and in doing so united the leading Swiss independent watchmakers, who became known as the “Alpinists”. Initially, the Corporation was developed to optimise the manufacturing of movements and watches by forming a union of manufacturers and suppliers, but Alpina soon began producing in-house calibers. In the 1920s, Alpina was already being sold in 2,000 outlets worldwide, an exceptional figure for those days. It is no exaggeration to say that Alpina was one of the first leading manufacturers of Swiss watches. More than any other watchmaker, Alpina was responsible for the sports watch as it is known today. Gottlieb Hauser was convinced that Alpina would become supremely successful worldwide for the quality, durability, precision and design of his watches. He wanted to provide sportsmen, engineers and adventurers with the ideal watch. His vision became reality in 1938 with the Alpina "4"​. In that year, Hauser revolutionised the sports watch by imposing the four essential principles for any watch to be called a true "Sport Watch."​

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Oliver van Lanschot Hubrecht, Brand Director at Alpina about the rich history of the watch brand which launched with the aim to create sturdy timepieces to withstand the harsh environmental elements. Our host Peter Brooker and Oliver talk about designing watches for the aviation industry, what the role of Brand Director involves, using recycled materials, marketing brand stories, and what new timepieces are in the pipeline for future release. 

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The Mallinson family name dates back to the early 1900s with many of that time making a living in Yorkshire Mills as 'Cloth Dressers'. A career in textiles was reignited in 2019 by Ryan who created the brand shortly after the birth of his son Edward. Hailing from a working class estate in the suburbs of Leeds, a gap was soon found in the craft of re-waxing and repairing wax jackets.  Beginning with friends and then independent customers, Mallin & Son started servicing high end jackets from Barbour, Belstaff, Burberry and all in-between whilst flying the flag for sustainable fashion, all from a kitchen table. The business soon became an authority on wax jackets for customers and enthusiasts across the globe. Leading manufacturers soon came onboard, working direct with them on behalf of their customer. 

The brand's first clothing release was a small run of Great British heritage garments which took inspiration from 1960s boxing gyms, with the Union Jack taking prominence upon a hand printed patch that linked back to the brands history of repairs. In October 2021, the brand released the Coxley Made in England range, named after a local woodland and manufactured 30 miles over the Pennines in Manchester. Limited and numbered to 50 pieces of each design, the range was taken on by a number of exclusive retailers and sold out before the end of the year. 2022 saw the first seasonal release with Spring/Summer 2022 taking inspiration from the East Yorkshire coast and again was available in an exclusive number of retailers across the UK. 

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Ryan Mallinson, Founder of Mallin & Son about the founding story of his brand which he stumbled upon by chance. He enjoyed the process of re-waxing his own jacket and also realised lots of people would unnecessarily buy a new jacket once the wax had worn off. Our host Peter Brooker and Ryan talk about working directly with Belstaff, the importance of customer experience, sustainability, and repairing leather jackets.

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The LifeJacket Skin Protection story began with personal setback. The co-founders were three healthy young men, who thought they were indestructible. But then, several of their friends – all healthy and in their thirties, like them – were hit by cancer. One of them was Jono, the co-founder. Through this experience they learnt that skin cancer – one of the world’s most common cancers – is not only on the rise, but also that most people don’t think about the need for year-round skin protection. That’s especially true of men who are almost twice as likely as women to die of skin cancer. Emboldened, they created LifeJacket, with the single vision of stopping the increase in skin cancer. If only more people knew the facts, the same tragedies that struck their friends could be avoided. Taking better care isn’t just about preventing skin cancer though. They believe year-round protected skin is healthy skin and healthy skin makes you happier and more confident. That’s why they design products that give your skin what it needs – all year round – for long-term skin health.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Billy Boulos, Co-Founder of LifeJacket Skin Protection about the founding story of this male focussed skin protection brand which aims to educate people on the harmful effects of sun exposure. Our host Peter Brooker and Billy talk about skin cancer, exposure to UV rays, differences between sun protection and skin protection, why men are affected by skin cancer more than women, how the business was funded, product pricing, testing and regulation, branding and brand awareness.

Use discount code: MENSWEARSTYLE to get 10% off the entire store

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Meriggi is a men's resortwear brand inspired by the Mediterranean: its storied past, enduring style and unhurried pace. Their take on a day well spent includes salt in the air and a cocktail al fresco. We indulge in the occasional amenity but only ask for good company and a long summer day. We appreciate places where the jet-set feel at home and joie de vivre fills the mind. The brand makes resortwear with the Mediterranean in mind. Their garments are tailored to the local fit and make no concession when it comes to the details. The patterns and palette are reflective of landscapes and a cultural richness that truly are one-of-a-kind. And most importantly, they believe in clothing that doesn’t change by the season, but rather gets better with age.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Alberto Solana, Founder of Meriggi about his investment banking background and his newly launched resortwear brand. Our host Peter Brooker and Alberto talk about his love for menswear, finding a gap in the market, designing a short for all occasions, learning from mistakes, and dealing with overseas manufacturers.

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Luca Faloni is a vertically integrated menswear brand established online in 2014. They deliver superior craftsmanship and create a true 'Made in Italy' proposition available directly to clients worldwide. The brand promise is to source the finest materials from the most prestigious Italian producers and disregard seasonal collections in favour of product longevity. For each design, they partner with the most skilled Italian artisans, who have been honouring their craft for generations.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Luca Faloni, Founder of Luca Faloni about the background of this direct-to-consumer menswear brand. They're currently about to launch 3 new stores in Miami, Munich and Milan. Our host Peter Brooker and Luca talk about the benefits of launching a brand online, why now is the right time to open physical stores, Italian design, and the affects of cost increases on business.

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Gordon Bruce has been with Inverhouse Distillers for 34 years and joined anCnoc in 2006. Day to day - crafting the anCnoc range of whisky, welcoming visitors from around the world and, most recently hosting his podcast ‘Knock Tales’ from his desk at the distillery. A proud Keeper of the Quaich, he is passionate about craft in the truest sense of the word carrying on 125 years of traditional whisky making techniques at one of the most picturesque distilleries in Scotland. anCnoc is a highly respected whisky amongst enthusiasts and a welcoming dram for newcomers. They are known for producing a light, intriguing and thoroughly modern whisky using traditional hands-on methods. The signature whiskies, anCnoc 12 Year Old and Peatheart allow people to discover the lighter and darker notes of whisky within the one brand.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Gordon Bruce, Distillery Manager, anCnoc Whisky about his background and long whisky career. Peter Brooker and Gordon have a live tasting of anCnoc whiskies and discuss the different notes and flavour profiles. They also talk about the different occasions suitable for whisky drinking, how long a bottle will last once opened, and what is peated whisky.

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HOOHAA, is a new platform helping consumers seek out and enjoy niche fragrances; that may ordinarily be left undiscovered. The mainstream fragrance market is noisy and crowded but there is a huge amount of independent fragrance producers, who have previously found it near impossible to cut through with consumers. With beauty halls feeling like a distant memory and virtual beauty discovery at its peak in consumer interest, now is the time to champion, support and experiment with responsible, sustainable and unique fragrances, with monthly delivery service, HOOHAA.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Lorenzo Vasini, Founder of HOOHAA about his new fragrance subscription and discovery service company which eliminates the traditional department store fragrance hall. Peter Brooker and Lorenzo talk about transparency, helping small fragrance houses, out of touch advertising, why niche brands are growing, the fragrance wheel, the fragrance wardrobe, and how the subscription model works.

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The URBAG story is defined by a passion for sustainability and innovative design, along with the determination to make a positive impact in the world. Founder Marie Callan has spent decades working in sustainability. From social enterprise and charity work to fostering discussions with industry leaders at the Financial Times, she’s found the plastic problem never goes away. While the issue of single-use plastic was attracting attention, no one seemed to be addressing plastic waste from fashion aftercare services.  It’s this passion, experience and conversations with industry experts that led Marie to do something positive. The result? An ethically-manufactured suit carrier bag that’s forward thinking, superbly made and lasts a lifetime.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Marie Callan, Founder of URBAG about her career and the founding story of her sustainable brand which has an aim to combat single use plastics used by dry cleaning companies. Peter Brooker and Marie talk about plastic waste, developing a prototype, supplier relations, startup funding, and changing industry habits.

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The  Stenströms story began in 1899 when the Swedish tailor August Stenström found himself overwhelmed with orders. His reputation as an outstanding shirt fashioner had spread in town. All the elegantly dressed men in Helsingborg wanted one of his masterpieces, and Stenström found it hard to keep up. To meet the needs of his sophisticated clients, he decided to build a shirt factory. Under Stenströms’ strict supervision, a larger number of quality shirts could now be produced. With time, his business flourished, and word spread far and wide. Still today Stenströms is internationally renowned for its pristine quality. Using only the best fabrics and trims, they craft classic and contemporary clothing. The perfect fit and feel based on 120 years of sustainable craftsmanship.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Peter Jüriado, Head of Design at Stenströms about his career working within the fashion industry and his roles at the company. Peter Brooker and Peter Jüriado talk about the long history of the brand, how new collections are launched, why linen shirts are trending, visiting Italian mills, how Covid-19 has affected trade, brick-and-mortar stores, and being inspired by cinema. 

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Fera is an independent British outdoor brand that combines a deep reverence for the wild with a desire to create outdoor clothing that is not only reliable and made to last but also have a timeless sense of style. They are here for the true outdoor lovers, for those who know a passion for the outdoors has never gone out of style. Joyful, enthusiastic people who love adventure and spending time in the wild. For people who are tired of the outdoors being filled with fluorescent yellow anoraks and highly technical trousers with twenty-seven pockets. Fera are recasting tradition, finding new inspiration as well as delving into the archives, seeking the timeless outdoor gear of the past, and reviving them with a contemporary edge.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Sidney Hiscox & Declan Morrison, Co-Founders of Fera about their new British outdoor clothing brand launched during the Covid-19 pandemic. They both met at school aged 4 and have a deep love for the wild. Peter Brooker and the co-founders talk about rugged adventure style, finding your wild, how they raised funding, the meaning behind the brand name, supporting British manufacturing, and where they gain design inspiration.

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Infusing rich trending styles with a unique perceptive on the world, with a design that aims to be timeless - incorporating minimalistic and simplistic, yet thought provoking, fashion statement led core styles, with sustainable production being at the heart of the brand. NO ONE TRUE ANYTHING have a phrase that dominates the Ethos of the brand, “F/FAST FASHION”. With a high-end, sustainable approach to streetwear, the brand has officially dropped its DEB—UT collection, leading with the PI-LOT capsule. The capsule showcases hoodies and t- shirts, with the purpose of fashioning a new outlook on how sustainable clothing should be perceived. The world of fast fashion has had its moment and ruined the industry for too long, while causing a climate catastrophe and exploiting people. Jake wants his brand to be seen as one that is pioneering and bringing sustainable fashion production into the world of high-end fashion.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Jake Posner, Founder of NO ONE TRUE ANYTHING about how after having a dream he decided to launch his own fashion brand and go door-to-door looking for manufacturers in Portugal. Peter Brooker and Jake talk about the brand philosophy, the metaverse, dyslexia, sustainability, design inspiration, being featured in British Vogue 'Bright, Young Things', and what new garments to expect from the brand in 2022.

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Humanery aims to build the definitive global destination for men that serves all their beauty, grooming and self-care needs in one convenient place. Their platform is an online marketplace, which helps consumers find and purchase men's beauty and self-care products that work for them. They partner with many high quality and prestigious men's beauty, men's skincare, grooming, haircare, fragrance and wellness brands from around the globe that sell their products on the Humanery website.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Sid Baveja, Founder of Humanery about his business which aims to help men reach better and curated grooming products. Although the new generation of men are interested in men's beauty products, many still lack knowledge and guidance. Peter Brooker and Sid talk about stigma and education, sourcing brands with provenance, commission business model, men's makeup, gender neutral products, and their bespoke recommendations service.

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With decades of experience and the freedom to find unique possibilities in fermentation, High Point Drinks have created layered and complex non-alcoholic drinks. Their premium fermented non-alcoholic aperitifs and digestifs are made the right way - with time, heart and soul by their expert team on the Cornish coast.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Eddie Lofthouse, Founder of High Point Drinks about his brewing background and what inspired the launch of this non-alcoholic beverage brand which is fermented and blended in Cornwall. Peter Brooker and Eddie talk about the changing drinking culture and habits, ingredients, health, non-alcohol trends, where the brand name comes from, how the drink blends and infusions are made, and signature serves.

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Play well. Two words exchanged between golfers on the first tee at courses the world over. Two words that encapsulate what Sounder stands for. Playing well cannot be quantified by numbers on a scorecard. It’s not determined by stats on driving distance or greens in regulation. Playing well is in the happiness that comes from being outdoors, doing something you love, with likeminded people. Sounder don't promise that their products will help you play like the pros. The word amateur derives from the Latin verb amare – to love. As amateurs, we all play for the love of the game. Our successes are not measured against par, in prize money or by endorsement contracts. They are achieved through simpler pleasures – the escape, the shared experience, the joy in waiting for the shots to come. Sounder is here to remind us why we all fell in love with the game.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Cathal McAteer, Founder of Sounder about how the stylish golf brand was born and the inspiration behind the idea. Peter Brooker and Cathal talk about the love for the game, garment functionality, golf style, how they're different from the competition, the design process, and manufacturing. 

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Co-founders Oliver and Rose have been chasing the sun together since they met in 2010. With family ties to the Bahamas, the couple have spent the last decade loving island life and creating their ultimate summer lifestyle brand. They both share a love of travelling and sunshine and elephants. The fact that elephants could be extinct in our lifetime motivated the British couple to dedicate their brand to helping through a combination of fashion and philanthropy - 'Trunks for Trunks'. Since day one, LOVE BRAND & Co. has donated a percentage of revenue to charities helping wild elephants and endangered species. The brand's loving ethos is symbolised by their logo of two elephants forming a heart. The brand's first line of men's and boys swimming trunks showcased at Selfridges in London in 2011. For over a decade since, they have continued to redefine men's beachwear with greater purpose. Fast-forward to today and the co-founders are married with 2 children and living the beach life they love in the Bahamas.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Oliver Tomalin, Co-Founder of Love Brand & Co. about the founding story of the 10 year old British beachwear brand which is inspired by island life. Peter Brooker and Oliver talk about why he was attracted to a summer brand, his mission to save wild elephants, the design process, sustainability, future store openings, seasonality, and forthcoming collaborations with Abercrombie & Kent and Globetrotter.

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anatome are a natural health+ wellness brand and community built on the principle that nutritional + emotional balance is the pathway to a fulfilled life. Founder Brendan Murdock is passionate about the apothecaries of old that dispensed herbal remedies, potions and lotions to support health and wellbeing. Working with botanicals and essential oils for many years and through his creative passions and interest in food, perfume, and skincare he had a deep desire to update and reinvent the apothecary for a new generation. The result is a place you can visit not only to shop for the finest products he and his team have developed, but also to speak to health practitioners and receive advice and the strategies you need to support your wellbeing.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Brendan Murdock, Founder of anatomē about his entrepreneurial background and his journey to launching an apothecary business. Peter Brooker and Brendan talk about modernising an industry, aromatherapy, customer profiling, wellness routines, sourcing and manufacturing.

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Co-founders Robin Carlo and Robin Todde have been friends since high school and creatively collaborating ever since. Lennertson is made up of the countless people who contribute to their vision. Be it their lastmaker in England, the craftspeople in Spain, or you who wears their shoes. Lennertson shoes are made by craftspeople who've perfected their trade over generations. All leathers used come from European tanneries, and shoes are constructed using the durable and traditional Goodyear welt method. This makes a pair of Lennertsons your trusted companions to take on the world's pavements for years to come. Rugged and Refined  is their mantra, and this dictates the choice of shape, proportion, patterns, and materials they use.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Robin Carlo, Co-Founder of Lennertson about his background and the story behind the shoe brand which makes refined footwear for the rugged individual. Peter Brooker and Robin talk about why he turned to the shoemaking industry, who the Lennertson customer is, how they funded the brand launch, the meaning behind the brand name, shoe manufacturing, shoe design, and what's next for Lennertson.

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PoBO (Positive by Ownership) are a sustainable, premium quality streetwear brand based in London. All materials are certified eco-friendly and PETA Vegan Approved, the supply chain is ethical and they also plant one mangrove tree per product purchased. They really put their heart into every detail. Dario's inspiration came from the artists of ground zero. They wanted to hit the reset button on modern art and he is amongst those who believe that now is the time to do the same with fashion.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Dario Peluso, Founder of PoBO about the founding story of his premium sustainable apparel brand. Our host Peter Brooker and Dario talk about his love of art and music, creative process, positive impact, copyright, design inspiration, GOTS certified cotton, embroidery, sustainability, buyer behaviour, and changing consumer mindset.

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Manny Tsakanika is a professional dancer and actor who has worked in the entertainment industry for many years and knows how important it is to look and feel good.  You will currently find him on stage in London in the show Magic Mike playing the lead role, Mike. Aremti has been named after Manny's sister, Raffy, who tragically lost her life. The brand's aim is to help men understand that self care is their right and that  looking after your skin is not just for women. Men deal with the same stresses, weather, allergies and irritations, so it is surprising just how many men have no skincare routine, or simply use the wrong products. Nature provides us with bountiful sources of natural oils that are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants for healthy looking skin. So it to nature that Aremti has turned to, seeking out fruits and other sources of oils to add to their products to nourish your skin and give it everything it needs. 

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Manny Tsakanika, Founder of Aremti about his career in the entertainment industry and the founding story of his premium men's skincare brand. Our host Peter Brooker and Manny talk about finding a gap in the market, vegan and natural ingredients, operating the business through the global pandemic, why they source and make everything from the UK, work/life balance, skin types, and inspirations behind the branding.

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Dr Tijion Esho is the multi award-winning entrepreneur behind the UK's first black Doctor-owned cosmeceutical brand, ESHO. and an industry leader in the world of aesthetic medicine. At just 38 years old, he has a cult following (celebrities included) at not only his clinics in London, Newcastle and Dubai, but on his digital platforms attracting a vast client base from over 50 countries worldwide. He develops innovative injectable techniques – inspiring his peers to further practise precision for more natural results – and fights for industry progression in bigger ways: lobbying for stricter UK legislation when it comes to safety protocols for cosmetic surgery in the ‘wild west’ world of fillers, launching an initiative to provide free corrective treatment to victims of botched cosmetic procedures, and speaking out about the impact of social media and filters on body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Dr Tijion Esho, Founder of ESHO. about his background, education, and the founding stories of his businesses. Our host Peter Brooker and Dr Tijion Esho talk about the effects of the Covid-19 global pandemic, designing clinics with a difference, using global influence to inspire creativity, using music to set mood, the recent skincare product line launch, differences between male and female skin, the benefits of cosmetic treatments, and tips on looking after our skin.

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Bee Inspired Clothing is a contemporary menswear brand based in Glasgow who pride themselves on unique and relevant design concepts and have a rapidly increasing product offering. Bee Inspired was created in summer 2013 by ex professional footballers Mark Corcoran and Steven Robb, targeting discerning fashion conscious customers looking for stylish clothing that is uniquely designed and manufactured to the highest quality. Worn by some of the highest profile actors, sportsmen and musicians in the UK, this has allowed the brand to expand and develop much faster than they could have imagined.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Steven Robb & Mark Corcoran, Co-Founders of Bee Inspired about their background being professional footballers and how observing the menswear styles in the dressing room gave them a unique insight into men's everyday wear. Our host Peter Brooker and the co-founders talk about bootstrapping the brand, creating relationships with manufacturers, mixing streetwear with sportswear, gym style trends, and the importance of repeat customers.

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Proverb co-founders, Kirstie, and Luke Sherriff met at Oxford University from where Luke signed a professional rugby contract playing for 11 years in the topflight of English rugby. Understandably he developed a dedication to elite health, diet, and wellbeing. His career was literally based on sweat and mud. In 2005 while playing at Harlequins RFC he was introduced to the concept of endocrine disruptors within beauty products related to a potential negative impact on performance by a new fitness & nutrition coach Phil Richards who went on to train Amir Khan and currently Eddie Hall, The World’s Strongest Man. With over 20 years of skin expertise, Kirstie was listed as the Number One Most Influential Person in the Natural Beauty Yearbook ‘Who’s Who’.  In 2019 they product crowdfunded their Proverb Refillable Deodorant. Customer reviews have included ‘This is the Tesla of Deodorants’ and ‘This isn’t a run of the mill deodorant; it is something much better.’

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Luke Sherriff, Co-Founder of Proverb about his professional rugby background and how he met co-founder Kirstie whilst at university. Together they teamed up to create a plant powered skincare brand. Our host Peter Brooker and Luke talk about sustainability, using natural ingredients, the process of launching a new beauty product, how lab testing works, what makes their deodorant unique, the dangers of using antiperspirant, and future plans to sell products from gyms and spas.

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Keith Gray is Founder and Creative Director of Lawsuit. He has worked with the likes of Tomato, KesselsKramer and Wieden + Kennedy, with brands that include Nike, Honda, Diesel, Jaguar Land Rover, Selfridges, Adidas, Puma and Vexed Generation. He has been personally requested by Kanye West to work on Yeezy, Willy Chavaria, Vice President of Design at Calvin Klein and Sir Alex Ferguson to work on Nike Manchester United kit launches.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Keith Gray, Founder of Lawsuit about his extensive fashion and graphic design background, working with some of the biggest and most exclusive brands around. Our host Peter Brooker and Keith talk about lecturing at Central Saint Martins, winning Creative Review's Creative Futures scheme, working with Kanye West, being the victim of an horrific attack, what inspired the  launch of the Lawsuit brand, the difference between social and fashion trends, and future physical store plans.

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Mickey Ellis launched HIT and RUN as the antithesis to what he saw as a creatively barren and the environmentally devastating fast-fashion industry.  Having launched his first of numerous independent clothing brands back in 2003 he understood the challenges. The business was created to enable and promote the voices of the creatives striving to make a positive impact and to make some good t-shirts. The brand's aim is to promote artistic expression and cultural awareness while ensuring a minimal environmental impact. Every collection on HIT and RUN is designed by someone who wants to make a difference and to inspire others with their message. They have sourced the best garment suppliers who have transparent supply chains, and ensure wages and working conditions are superior to local standards. The garments are then printed and despatched from London.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Mickey Ellis, Founder of HIT and RUN about his fashion entrepreneurship journey which led him to his latest brand idea combining art and clothing. Our host Peter Brooker and Mickey talk about fast-fashion, artist curation, sustainability, made to order manufacturing, screen printing vs digital printing, how London's creativity districts have moved on, and how prior brand Polari went viral among the LGBT community after a recent relaunch. 

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Design excellence is the cornerstone of Bolin Webb. They aim to conceive and develop razors and accessories that stand out in terms of appearance, handling and performance. Derrick Webb started with a simple idea: to create a razor that would be a pleasure to use. At the time, ten years ago, shaving tools were for the most part available on the high street in supermarkets and pharmacies, and they focused on cheap construction and differing levels of blade performance. Some more traditional and expensive “gentlemen” razors with wood and chrome handles were also available in specialty shops. No razor was available that was design-led, contemporary and appealing to the user for handling, appearance and performance. Derrick saw the opportunity to create a razor handle that was distinctive and eye-catching – something you would like to see on your bathroom shelf as well as use – not something to hide after your shave. The initial R1 razor was conceived as a razor to enjoy, and this ethos carries across all their range today. Over the past 10 years they've extended the Bolin Webb brand to all continents, looking to make products available to those with an eye for design.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Derrick Webb, Founder of Bolin Webb about the founding story of his men's shaving brand which he launched 10 years ago. With a background in manufacturing he had the skills to bring his new razor product idea to market. Our host Peter Brooker and Derrick talk about exporting to new markets, design and innovation, working with product designers, raising capital for growth, pitching to investors, how men's shaving has changed over the past decade, product pricing, and their recent Mr Slowboy collaboration.

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MARRKT is a consignment store selling pre-owned items, sourced from and sold on behalf of individuals. They specialise in well made men's clothing, footwear and accessories from authentic brands, particularly Japanese, American and European. Their focus is product that holds a genuine resale value, brands that are defined by quality rather than marketing budget. They are driven by the knowledge of how much great product is sat in peoples homes being unused, ready for use by another consumer. Shopping and selling with Marrkt promotes sustainability by reusing what's already been made. They sold over 10,000 items of pre-owned clothing in 2021 and they aim to double that in 2022.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Lewis Hull, Founder of MARRKT about his menswear background  and the founding story of the York-based men's consignment website which sells pre-owned and deadstock clothing. Our host Peter Brooker and Lewis talk about how the business launch was funded, pitching to investors, future growth plans, why they focus on true quality brands over designer labels, the preconceptions of buying second-hand clothing, valuing rare garments, and their first pop-up shop on Savile Row with Permanent Style.

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Jamal has experienced problematic skin such as embarrassing acne, hyperpigmentation, and excess oil. The skincare products he used were often formulated for teenagers, utilized harsh ingredients, or were off-shoots of larger, female-focused brands that didn’t target men’s common concerns. The inspiration behind Pierre Performance comes from his skin journey of wanting to find a solution, and his father who showed him the power of daring to care for your confidence and success. Pierre Performance is for men of all ages, sizes, backgrounds, and stages of life. Pierre Performance makes luxury skincare accessible for men with products that are all-natural formulations infused with vitamins, antioxidants, and botanical extracts which show visible results in clear skin and anti-aging. Formulated with every skin type in mind, including problem skin, these products focus on men's specific needs and untapped products for men such as chemical exfoliants and serums. The Miami-based brand is black-owned and encourages men to perform at their peak, embrace their individuality, and set high standards for their skincare.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Jamal Pierre, Founder of Pierre Performance about the founding store of his brand which he launched during the Covid-19 global pandemic. His men's skincare products are aimed at all men, especially those with problematic skin. Our host Peter Brooker and Jamal talk about his personal experiences with challenging skin issues, how dermatology ingredients have changed over the years, bootstrapping a business from personal savings, the differences between men's and women's skincare, the importance of sleep, sunscreen and hydration, and obtaining feedback on early prototypes. 

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Bravado is the leading global provider of consumer, lifestyle and branding services to recording artists and entertainment brands around the world. Part of Universal Music Group, the leader in music-based entertainment, Bravado represents artists in more than 40 countries and provides services including sales, licensing, branding, marketing and eCommerce. Their extensive global distribution network gives artists and brands the opportunity to create deeper connections with their fans through apparel, consumer packaged goods and unique experiences.

Open until January 2022, ‘Queen- The Greatest’ was recently opened in London to celebrate the band’s historic five decades of music. This pop-up store is designed to take you on a visual journey through one of the world’s most iconic bands' contributions to music, culture, and fashion. The shop features limited edition music releases, new product drops and exciting fashion collaborations, with each month of its three-month stint having a different theme: Music, Art & Design and Magic. The store takes visitors on a journey over 2 floors, from 70s thrift store (Freddie and Roger had a stall in Kensington Market), 80s iconic live performances and tours, 90s record store, 00s DVD homage through to 2010s tech concepts.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Keith Taperell, VP of Sales & Retail at Bravado about the new London Carnaby Street Queen pop-up store which celebrates the band's five decades. Our host Peter Brooker and Keith talk about the collaborative steps involved in opening a retail space with a band, what his daily work schedule looks like, the legacy of Carnaby, what Queen fans can expect when they visit, the possibility of taking the concept to other countries, the health of the music industry right now, and the latest exclusive Queen brand collaborations.

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Zofia founded Laird Hatters in 2009 and Alex joined the team shortly afterwards as principal milliner. They then opened the brand's first shop with ready-to-wear headwear in London that same year, and today they have four stores in London and one in Cambridge. They also make bespoke headwear projects for clients, as well as for TV shows and film. Laird hand make hats and caps of distinction for both men and women, and are passionate about sourcing the best British cloths, and supporting British textile manufacturing. A Laird hat evokes a rich English and Scottish heritage, with a modern nuance. The great craftsmanship, fabric finishes and rich colour palettes make their headwear stand out from the competition. They've recently launched workwear brand Laird Utility which was created to make comfortable, hard wearing clothes for bold individuals with style and character. Made in England and using the best of British cloths for urban and country living.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Alex and Zofia Torun-Shaw, Co-Founders of Laird Hatters and Laird Utility about the founding stories of both brands, one of which was built during lockdown. Our host Peter Brooker and the co-founders talk about how launching a clothing range was a natural progression, the growing workwear clothing trend, the importance of eCommerce, British manufacturing, providing hats for film and celebrities, and styling hats with clothing.

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The Renauld brand has a rich history rooted in the second half of the 20th Century. In the early 60s, Charles Rolley, owner of the highly successful Sea & Ski suntan company, was looking to expand his product line into complimentary merchandise such as sunglasses and bathing suits. After fruitful negotiations with the Botany menswear brand, Renauld’s first branded collection was launched in spring 1961. What followed over the next two decades was a series of wonderful and innovative designs that resonated with the culture and spirit of the time. Over 100 patented new ideas and over 350 original styles were generated and manufactured, many the result of creative collaborations with international fashion houses and designers. Today Renauld and Classic Team Lotus have partnered with the Jim Clark Trust to produce a limited-edition sunglasses design – to be known as the Jim Clark Sixty-One. Throughout the Sixties, Jim was an enthusiastic fan of Renauld and recently several new images have surfaced of him wearing the brand at various Grand Prix.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Gareth Llewelyn, CEO at Renauld about how he turned his sunglasses collecting hobby into a career. He purchased the rights to the Renauld brand and restarted the company with the aim to target the luxury end of the sunglasses market. Our host Peter Brooker and Gareth talk about manufacturing challenges, trademarks and patents, how to use celebrity heritage in marketing, the new 2022 Elvis film, a possible Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition, and the story behind the new Jim Clark Sixty-One sunglasses. 

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PERLIE is a Dutch men's footwear brand that provides dress shoes with the comfort of a sneaker. With ultimate comfort and classic design, these dress shoes can be worn comfortably all day long, for years to come. The brand has incorporated ten key features of a sneaker into their footwear, while retaining the build quality that characterises traditional dress shoes. This includes a sneaker insole and footbed, a newly created patented sole, all around comfort cushioning, and a new soft and more flexible leather for the inside. The result is a dress shoe that fits perfectly and requires no break-in period.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Sep Breukers, Founder of PERLIE about where the idea for his brand came from, his law background, and the obstacles he had to overcome to launch the brand. Our host Peter Brooker and Sep talk about manufacturing challenges, what differentiates a PERLIE shoe to others, the patent process, sustainability, and the steps of designing and creating an eCommerce website.

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Hemingsworth was born from one man’s travels. With a decade of experience, and non-stop travel, Founder Matt Jones decided to focus on what really spoke to his heart; designing a timeless collection of uncompromised garments for the modern globetrotter, engineered to see you effortlessly grace from boardroom to boardwalk. Versatile and beautifully made garments that would function in both formal and casual occasions, and most importantly, the journey in between. A collection that would eliminate the need for wardrobe changes, with technical fabrics to overcome changing climes – all while looking effortlessly stylish. Travelling across the globe to curate nothing less than the world’s best materials and trims, he sought to create a new benchmark for tailor-made travel. Hemingsworth combines traditional tailoring with cutting edge material and fabric design, made possible by producing every single garment in England. Today the brand is redefining versatile tailoring for the modern globetrotter.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Matt Jones, Founder of Hemingsworth about where the idea for a clothing brand suitable for global travel originated. The brand started with tailored swimwear before introducing clothing staples such as knitwear, trousers, and jackets to its collection. Our host Peter Brooker and Matt talk about the story and inspirations behind the Origins AW21 collection, why comfort and feeling good is so important, the real definition of Made in England, the design process steps, and how a brand should react when a celebrity wears its garments. 

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Meet elliott, the footwear brand with a climate agenda reinventing the footwear industry. They're taking sustainability to the next level with upcycled, vegan, and 100% cruelty-free products with a climate-positive impact. Founded in Copenhagen, elliott footwear is a brand with a minimalistic approach to style and impact on the planet. The brand was born out of a desperate need to act and a heart for environmental change. Following extensive research and implementation, elliott launched the world's first climate positive sneaker collection in September 2018 and has since become a member of the UNFCCC climate change initiative. Inspired by Danish design, global art, elegant architecture and contemporary culture, they combine ready-to-wear everyday footwear with climate action and a continued journey towards a sustainable profile.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Sam Carew, Co-Founder of elliott footwear about his background and how the world's first climate positive footwear brand was launched. Our host Peter Brooker and Sam talk about the carbon cost of making shoes, climate anxiety, sustainability and minimalist design, crowdfunding success, manufacturing, the importance of footwear in men's style, and what the future holds for the brand.

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Having worked in the menswear and tailoring industry for a combined 40 years, co-founders Cormac and Anthony knew things had to change. They wanted to re-establish what a modern menswear brand should be. A brand with a purpose, focused on the things that matter: quality, fairness and the environmental impact of what goes into our garments. The clothing industry accounts for over 10% of global carbon emissions. In addition to this, brands have altered consumer attitudes through fast fashion, prioritising profit margins over ethical production. We have lost transparency of where our garments are made and the conditions our workers have to endure. Alder & Green is about slowing down, about investing in one or two key wardrobe pieces and knowing where your garment has come from and how it has been produced. Whether it be your special wedding shirt or your go-to professional shirt for the new hybrid working week, they want you to feel like a true Alder Man - one who looks sharp and feels sharp.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Cormac Folan, Co-Founder of Alder & Green about his industry background and how he launched his sustainable shirting brand in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our host Peter Brooker and Cormac talk about responsible manufacturing, raising capital, the importance of search engine optimization, BIOFUSION organic cotton, the importance of size profiling, brand loyalty, and their new London pop-store.

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John Bright started the good neighbour believing there was a gap in the market between mass produced fast-fashion and premium menswear brands. He questioned where the middle ground was, offering clothes that were made to last, but didn’t cost the Earth. The menswear business provides updated wardrobe staples with great fabrics, that are ethically and sustainably sourced, and conscious of trends and quality, their products are designed to be worn across all seasons. Starting life in 2018 as ‘centre front menswear’ the brand appeared online and in pop-up shops around London.  This is  where John discovered that many neighbourhoods had more of a buzz than traditional high streets, which is where he got the idea for ‘the good neighbour’ where he often collaborates with local artists and helps small landlords fill empty spaces, even if it’s just for a few weeks.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview John Bright, Founder of the good neighbour about his fashion industry background and how he started his own menswear brand which began online before focussing on pop-up retail. Our host Peter Brooker and John talk about why being direct-to-consumer brings the customer a fairer price, manufacturing home and abroad, the benefits of short-term retail space on both branding and eCommerce sales, neighbourhoods vs high street shopping, and making clothes from deadstock material.

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Ascot X Charlie is an adventure which started in 2018 by a band of friends: unrepentant travellers, seeking out the finer things in life. They had experienced first-hand the difficulty in finding products that resonated with them and their values: products that struck the balance between elegant design, quality and durability - without compromising on their origin, raw materials or respect for the environment. And as someone wise once remarked, if you want something done well, do it yourself. And so the brand was born out of the quest for beauty and harmony, driven by an unflinching sense of optimism and positivity. They travelled tirelessly through Italy and Portugal in search of the best ateliers, and after long months of work and dozens of prototypes, their first capsule collection was launched. Given its remarkable success, the founders decided to expand the range of sneakers whilst holding on to that optimism - and the brand now continues to offer elegant, durable and versatile products that showcase the best of European craftsmanship.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Sebastien Laroze and Dhiraj Bathija, Co-Founders of Ascot X Charlie about their backgrounds and how they came together to build a brand together in 2018. Our host Peter Brooker and the Co-Founders talk about filling a gap in the market, tapping into creativity, why quality and durability is important for sustainability in footwear, self-funding a startup, working with ateliers, what makes the brand different to others in the market, and sneaker care hacks.

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There’s no doubt that there’s a major movement happening in men’s skincare. Men are becoming more aware of their skin health and what they can do to keep their skin looking younger, happier, and healthier. Understanding what products to use and why can be confusing enough but combining that with a multitude of new brands emerging just for men, it’s difficult to know where to start. Chris Gregory, ex-Commonwealth & England athlete, nutritionist, and founder of ENDURE, set out to provide the answer and formulate the ultimate, everyday skincare routine, with a scientific approach. To 'Endure' means ‘to last’, and the brand wanted to create a lasting satisfactory routine for lasting results that men could rely on, for enjoyment, their skin health, and desired results. A very real and personal experience travelling and competing all over the world as an international athlete inspired the creation. Chris’ level of exposure to changing warm and cold weather environments throughout his competitive career without consistent protection and recovery, showed on his skin.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Chris Gregory, Founder of ENDURE about his background as a professional beach volleyball athlete and how his skincare brand was born.  Our host Peter Brooker and Chris talk about how both the sun and cold weather can damage our skin, the new era plant-derived ingredients, natural formulas, white labelling, nutrition, skincare assessments, and the brand's launch Kickstarter campaign perks.

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Riz are “Tailors of Sunshine”, a London swimwear brand with a simple mission to spread a little sunshine whilst having a positive impact on our planet. Riz realise that the world is as vulnerable as it is beautiful. With more people living in cities, living on their phones and constantly busy, there is a growing need to slow down and reconnect with nature. Their shorts are designed for a more thoughtful life, created to connect you to the beach and beyond. They only make shorts, believing in a ‘less but better’ philosophy, an approach perfect for conscious consumers who value both long lasting style and the environment. Both the clothing industry and our oceans are full of waste, which is why not only are Riz shorts beautiful and long lasting but since the birth of the brand in 2009, every pair of shorts have been made from recycled materials. At the end of their life, the shorts can also be returned and “Rizcycled”.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Riz Smith, Co-Founder of Riz about the founding story of the London brand which simply makes men's shorts for the beach that are tailored, elegant and flamboyant.  Our host Peter Brooker and Riz talk about finding a gap in the market, crowdfunding benefits, sustainability, recycled fabrics, timeless design, brand loyalty, and James Bond's swim shorts. 

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David Gandy Wellwear is a world first concept bringing apparel and wellbeing together in a lifestyle brand that fuses fashion, function and feeling. Inspired by the supermodel’s 20 years of industry experience and based on the scientific benefits of wearing soft, comfortable clothing, the 20-piece debut collection offers a definitive range of essentials that puts the emotional wellbeing of its customer at its very heart. To achieve this the brand takes a multi-sensory approach to design, evoking a sense of wellbeing through exceptional comfort, style, fit and quality. With studies showing that simply touching smooth fabrics can create a sense of psychological wellbeing and reduce negative emotions, Wellwear’s use of tactile fabrics is key. The best natural fibres, including Pima cotton, lyocell and modal, have been chosen to guarantee ultimate softness . Fabric constructions have been selected for their natural functionality, such as body temperature regulation and moisture wicking, to create an additional layer of comfort. The brand also pushes the boundaries on affordable fabric innovation by applying technical treatments to garments to physically enhance the wearer’s wellbeing. These include anti-odour and anti-bacterial properties which reduce the need to wash clothes after every wear, increasing longevity of the garment and in turn having a positive wider environmental impact, and the use of Aloe Vera plant extract which has wound healing, anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview David Gandy, Founder of David Gandy Wellwear about the founding story of his new clothing brand concept which was put together during the Covid-19 global pandemic. Our host Peter Brooker and David talk about the obstacles and limitations of building a brand without meeting suppliers and team members in person, what Wellwear stands for, the science of comfort, why anti-bacterial fabric is sustainable, fast fashion, funding, and charity sponsors. 

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Neem is lifestyle brand named after years of seeing the beautiful Neem tree in India, on countless buying and sourcing trips by founder Nick Reed who has worked in Menswear for over 20 years. The Neem is a natural herb that has healing properties and is used as a natural antiseptic. It also has anti-bacterial and viral properties and has been heralded as “An ancient cure for a modern world”. The founder has created Neem as an ‘antiseptic’ for fast fashion; to produce men's clothing that has been made with care, a result of a transparent supply chain with the safeguarding of our environment as the focus. Neem products last longer and when they are worn out, can be returned and re-cycled. Neem clothes are always smart, yet dishevelled and they're sustainable with an authority on style – they call it Power Casual.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Nick Reed, Founder of Neem London about his new post-pandemic work uniform that is elegant, comfortable and versatile. The brand is focused on sustainability and uses textile waste to recycle back into clothing. Our host Peter Brooker and Nick talk about sustainability, financing the brand, reducing carbon footprint, and being inspired by the style of Douglas Jardine and Richie Tenenbaum.

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Paul Farago is a second generation luxury footwear professional with expertise in international branding, sourcing, manufacturing, distribution, and logistics. In 2016, he founded Ace Marks, a direct to consumer luxury men’s footwear brand with a mission to make luxury footwear accessible. Ace Marks was the most funded footwear project in crowdfunding history until 2019 having raised over $2.5M on Kickstarter. Prior to this he spent over 15 years at Kinderland, Inc. in multiple roles, including COO, where he oversaw sourcing, licensing & distribution operations for their portfolio of brands which have included D&G Jrs., Donald Pliner Jrs, Robert Cavalli, Giorgio Armani, and Venettini among various other luxury labels.

Ace Marks wasn't created on a whim, it is the product of a lifetime of experience in the luxury footwear business and realising that it’s broken - men shouldn't have to spend obscene amounts for a handcrafted world-class shoe. In late 2012 Paul realised that men had three choices when it came to dress shoes. Buy cheap, poorly made shoes, spend a little more to get a pair with a slight cosmetic upgrade, or spend an uncomfortable amount on a pair from the luxury super powers. If you like to look good, these aren’t good choices. Harnessing modern technology, the brand knew that they could get rid of middlemen and their markups to directly deliver a world-class, handcrafted shoe rivaling those of the top luxury brands, all at an attainable price.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Paul Farago, Founder of Ace Marks about how this DTC luxury shoe brand was founded after a very successful Kickstarter campaign. With a family history of luxury Italian shoemaking the brand aims to offer high quality shoes at attainable prices.  Our host Peter Brooker and Paul talk about the brand's recently created leather shoe and sneaker that folds flat in your luggage, how to launch a successful crowdfunding campaign, working with influencers, buffalo leather, the importance of developing relationships, how to keep your sneakers clean, and how they've been affect by Covid-19.

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The Cambridge Satchel Co. was born from a passion for excellence. When Julie and her mum Freda started the company at their kitchen table in Cambridge, they had one goal – to make enough money to provide Julie’s children with an excellent education and a brighter future. Their pursuit of excellence underpins everything they do, as they remain committed to making exceptionally good quality bags that last a lifetime. Bags that can carry a lifetime of learning – of curiosity, creativity and adventure. It’s why they thrive in Cambridge, a city rich in history and culture, but nevertheless ever looking forward, shaping change and driving progress. A beautiful blend of old and new, that’s Cambridge, and it’s in their DNA. In all the brand's bags you’ll find a taste of tradition, brought back to life with style, finesse and fun. Behind every design lies a story waiting to be told. Behind every bag, a story waiting to be written.  In 2008 Julie Deane CBE started the company from her kitchen table with just  £600 and now the brand is a handmade-in-Britain worldwide phenomenon employing more than 140 people and selling to over 120 countries.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Julie Deane, Founder of The Cambridge Satchel Co. about the founding story of the Made in Britain handcrafted leather bags brand. It was at New York Fashion Week when they got a first big break when bloggers were seen at the fashion shows with florescent satchels and The New York Times covered the brand in a story. Our host Peter Brooker and Julie talk about doing things differently to gain brand awareness, when your manufacturer copies your product, taking manufacturing in-house, being the focus of a Google advert, sustainability, and the joys of punting.

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MANTL represents a range of skincare products for the Face and Scalp that are inspired by bald folks, but work for everyone. The brand aims to support men with information, products, and a supportive community of co-conspirators, creating the space for you to move forward—free from the baggage and stereotypes of the past, empowering you to live your fullest life. The Bald Journey is the process that many men go through as they experience hair loss. It’s not always a linear process, but the common phases that happen as an individual moves through this experience include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Peter Ricci, Co-Founder at MANTL about how the brand which makes skincare for balding men was launched. Peter started losing his hair in his mid twenties and later, with the support of his wife, decided to shave it all off. He then realised that women have a huge selection of skincare lines available to them whereas men didn't, especially for the scalp. Our host Peter Brooker and Peter Ricci talk about their personal experiences of going bald, how MANTL product differs from others, the importance of SPF, how funding was raised, and the psychology of shaving your head for the first time.

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Souster & Hicks is a family business established in 1978 by husband and wife team, Geoff and Laura Souster. Based in a stunning Georgian building located in the beautiful village of Woburn, Bedfordshire; Souster & Hicks has since gone on to inspire a new generation with their sons Scott and Wes and their daughter in law; Natalie completing the family team. Geoff Souster has a career spanning 50 years, hand cutting more than 30,000 bespoke suits. He was elected as the youngest ever National President of the Federation of Merchant Tailors in 1988, and also works as a consultant helping to set up and improve the patterns created for made to measure manufacturers, such as Wensum. Laura Souster has also been working in the tailoring industry for 50 years, and is a highly skilled tailoress. Laura successfully runs her ever-growing ladies tailoring business together with her daughter-in-law, Natalie Souster, who most recently joined the family business. With a highly experienced lineup, they have developed a strong reputation in the art of bespoke cutting and tailoring.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Geoff Souster, Owner of Souster & Hicks about his long history of working within the world of bespoke tailoring, a journey which began when he dropped out of school at the age of 15. From there he started an apprenticeship at a local tailors and went on to attend the London College of Fashion to learn the basics of the trade. Our host Peter Brooker and Geoff talk about famous clients, changing tailoring trends, education, the art of customer service, learning from mistakes, and how men should adopt smart casual.

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Pierre-Yves Monnerville is the Founder of Monnerville. When he was growing up in Paris he was often warned that walking around town wearing sportswear was ‘risky' for young black men. The risk was being stopped by the police and asked for an ID. This is why today he enjoys designing smart, ethical, sportswear clothes that he wished he could have worn back then. We're now at a time when it's okay to work in comfortable, sportswear inspired clothes, especially when we don't need to go to the office as often. The unfathomable change we've all been experiencing led Pierre to launch Monnerville and design a range of timeless basics made up of premium ethical athleisure style menswear. He believes we all need to consume less and make clothes that people will love wearing time and time again. Smart and comfortable enough to work from home in, yet stylish enough for a night out at your favourite bar. 

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Pierre-Yves Monnerville, Founder at Monnerville about what inspired him to launch his ethical athleisure brand in 2020 during Covid-19 after a 17 year career working as Cabin Crew. Using organic cotton the garments are sustainable and made in West London in small batches. Our host Peter Brooker and Pierre talk about the design process, accessing funding, sustainability, and the global pandemic.

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Les Deux was born from a chance meeting between two very different people, with contrasting personalities, who found themselves united in recognising opportunities. Two distinct souls on divergent paths with shared ambitions. Often, in the meeting of opposites, something profound happens. A spark ignites. It is then you can excel and stand out from the crowd – you can dare to carve your own path. Les Deux design clothes that make people challenge their habits and confront the status quo. The brand wants to leave a legacy that has lasting meaning. Ensuring sustainability and compassion are at the heart of what they create, their designs and communication – and how they give back.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Andreas Christian von der Heide, Co-Founder of Les Deux about the founding story of his brand which was developed whilst he was still in law school with just £1000 investment. They began by stitching patches onto white t-shirts and the aim was to show how strong a brand could become from two founders of completely different cultures.  Our host Peter Brooker and Andreas also talk about how roles and responsibilities are shared between the founders, where inspiration is drawn from, pricing strategies, and the brand's Rewear program.

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The Resort Co was founded in 2018 with the mission to craft the perfect vacation wardrobe with a focus on high quality, slow production and usage of the best and most sustainable materials. The artisan principles and high-quality mindset permeates the brand. Inspired by Scandinavian aesthetics and the notion of a never-ending Summer, the idea is to design sustainable resort wear that last season after season. They handpick the best materials and producers in Europe and all products are handcrafted by skilled artisans working in small family owned factories dotted around Italy, Spain and Portugal. Focusing on quality ahead of mass-production, they make timeless high quality products and select recycled materials when they can.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Joakim Blom, Co-Founder of The Resort Co about the founding story of the brand which focusses on fashion for holidays.  After leaving the world of consultancy, the  co-founders self funded the brand and started out manufacturing handmade  leather flip flops  before moving on to polo shirts, swim shorts, espadrilles and sunglasses. Our host Peter Brooker and Joakim also talk about timeless fashion,  the design process, the importance of comfort, and using sustainable materials.

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AREA CODE was founded in 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. The brand was born with the aim to facilitate opportunity for people living in developing communities around the globe through selling good quality apparel. The brand strives to build a community; one whereby consumers are connected to people in need. They believe knowledge and education is the key for sustainable growth. For that reason, their mission starts with helping the school GOROM 3, Bambilor, Senegal. This month they're also teaming up with England under 21 and Brighton & Albion star Tariq Lamptey and IK Sirius centre back Joseph Colley. Together with Area-Code they are funding the Area-Code Juvenile Tournament in Takrodi, Ghana, on the 10th - 12th August. Scouts will be coming over from Europe to watch and the aim is to create opportunities for local talent, to spot, grow and nurture future football stars. 

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Scott Golbourne, Co-Founder of AREA CODE about the mission-based sports chic brand which donates a percentage of its profits to those in need.  The ex-footballer always had a keen interested in fashion and had a plan to enter the clothing market once his football career had ended. The brand has now been operating since 2018 and links its profits to purpose with philanthropic collaborations. Our host Peter Brooker and Scott also talk about the mission and ethos of the brand, media training, charitable projects, and social missions. 

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Our favourite clothes are more than the things we throw on every morning. Our treasured pieces have stories attached to them, and memories that were made in them. They can elevate our mood, and make us feel the very best version of ourselves. Kair want them to live on and on. Founder Sally Hughes has spent her career working in fashion, and as the industry tackles its sustainability crisis, she was frustrated that no one was talking about the most impactful thing we could do to help: Buy Less, Wear More. It's really that simple. But it's hard, when the fear of damage and fading often means our favourite clothes are left to linger at the bottom of the laundry basket. And that fear is hardly surprising when the laundry aisles are full of identical, chemical-stuffed detergents that blitz the life out of garments. Our wardrobes deserve better. Kair have reimagined laundry the way it should be. Their products have been formulated to expertly clean the clothes you love, so you can wear them as much as you want, and for as many years as you want to. They’ve elevated the experience with bespoke, premium scents that stay - so you’ll feel great and smell great too.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Sally Hughes, Founder of Kair about the founding story of her luxury laundry brand which she started after learning about fabric care to help her clothes last longer and to be kinder to the environment. With her new clothing wash products, she wants to encourage people to buy less and get more wear out of their wardrobes. Our host Peter Brooker and Sally also talk about laundry fear,  fabric care,  seeking investors, developing fragrance, stand out sustainable brands, and packaging design.

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British jewellery brand Tateossian was founded by Robert Tateossian 30 years ago, with the aspiration of offering men and women a distinctive way to express their personality and style through unique, re-defined meticulously crafted jewellery. Offering both menswear and womenswear collections that includes the brand’s best-selling pieces: personalised leather bracelets, signature mechanical cufflinks and semi-precious stone necklaces amongst others. Tateossian’s incorporation of unique materials and consistently presenting distinctive designs, allow the brand to retain its position as the global leader in men’s accessories, notably with bracelets and cufflinks.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Robert Tateossian, Founder of Tateossian about how he left a career in banking to launch a jewellery business which first sold unique contemporary men's cufflinks. He travelled around the world and visited retailers where his skeleton watch mechanics designs became an instant hit. Our host Peter Brooker and Robert also talk about how trademarking works, why men are now wearing more jewellery, changing trends, and how the brand has navigated through the Covid-19 pandemic. 

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Ivo Zuazo decided to quit his corporate job and relocate to Geneva to start his newly married life and continue his entrepreneurial journey. Rather than find a job in men's fashion he decided to use savings to build a brand that he truly believes in and celebrates where he is from. Slow ethical luxury men’s knitwear brand, Theodore Herald, aims to dress a new era of masculinity. With traditional and toxic ideals of masculinity rapidly being disbanded and disrupted, a new and more positive, evolved representation of what it means to be male is finally taking hold. Designed to create a menswear movement that represents and dresses for a softer, more open, positive sense of masculinity, Theodore Herald champions Soft Power as a force for good in the world and gives a new generation of ‘Gentle Men’ the opportunity to dress with comfort and consideration, and to buy less and better.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Ivo Zuazo, Founder of Theodore Herald about the founding story of his luxury clothing brand. A self confessed fashion and watches enthusiast, Ivo left a successful career to launch his brand after struggling to find adequate stylish Peruvian clothing with sustainable credentials for social events he was attending. Using his personal savings he worked alongside an Italian fashion designer for the first knitwear collection. Our host Peter Brooker and Ivo also talk about modern masculinity,  what to expect from the winter collection, and what it is like starting out in a new industry.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Jamie Lundy, CEO at 7L about the founding story of the brand which began in 2015 using Swiss technical fabrics and inspired by the US military's seven layer system concept. The brand was well received across the UK and in 2016 Jamie joined the company leaving behind a career in engineering. Jamie was recovering from depression and decided to take up photography as a hobby which is what first led him to 7L . He invested heavily in the brand and relocated the company back to Manchester and made use of local manufacturing. Our host Peter Brooker and Jamie also talk about British manufacturing, vintage military, product testing, and garment tech.

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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.


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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.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Jon Graham, CEO at Miller Harris about his background working for British brands such as Floris, Molton Brown, and Whittard of Chelsea. 12 months ago, he started his latest role at the modern heritage brand, Miller Harris London Perfumer, which has two stores in central London.  Our host Peter Brooker and Jon also talk about the emotional connection of fragrance, how the brand has adapted through Covid-19, how picking a scent is a personal choice, how to choose fragrances for occasions, and how their latest release aims to capture optimism in a bottle.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Matthew Oliver, Founder of Oliver Co. London about the story of how his DTC brand was started in 2017 after a career in watch design. With a focus on sustainability the business brings great product design to the vegan travel goods sector. Our host Peter Brooker and Matthew also talk about the benefits of apple leather, the process of getting the business off the ground,  and developments in the sustainable industry.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Mats-Ola Ström, Co-Founder of Tailor Store about the story of when two friends decided to start their own bespoke clothing eCommerce business from Sri Lanka and Sweden in 2003. Our host Peter Brooker and Mats-Ola also talk about the difficulties of operating a company from different countries, using machine learning to accurately take body measurements, the process of making a bespoke garment, fabric trends, and how the pandemic has impacted the demand of formalwear.

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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. 

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Enrico Casati, Co-Founder of Velasca about the founding story of his men's direct-to-consumer shoe brand. The initial plan was to operate exclusively online but he quickly realised physical stores were the best way to showcase the quality of their product to customers. Our host Peter Brooker and Enrico also talk about engaging with community, brand philosophy, social media advertising, Italian shoemaking, life after Covid-19, and their new London store on Chiltern Street in Marylebone.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview David Cran, Vice President UK, Ireland & Iberia at SmileDirectClub about the story and mission of the company which has an aim to give people a more affordable option for premium oral care to straighten teeth and improve confidence. Customers can start their journey entirely online or visit a physical store. Everyone is assigned a dental professional and given a 3D impression of how their new smile will look in 4-6 months. Our host Peter Brooker and David also talk about how clear aligners work, the brand's smile guarantee,  and working with influencers.

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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.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Adam Brown, Founder of Orlebar Brown about the founding story of the brand and how he launched the label with just one product, men's swim shorts.  Our host Peter Brooker and Adam also talk about dressing James Bond in Skyfall and how they were given access to explore the Eon Productions film archives when designing their popular 007 casual clothing collections.

Adam Brown will be sharing his best advice on utilising data insights to understand customers and minimise business costs at Vodafone’s #ThoseWhoDare virtual conference on Thursday 20th May 2021. As part of its ambition to support SMEs, the week-long event will feature keynotes from over 30 dynamic and game-changing entrepreneurs. Register your attendance here.

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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.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Ben Farren, Founder of SPOKE about the founding story and ethos behind his menswear brand. With a focus on shape and fitting, the brand offers over 400 sizing variations within their trousers category.  Our host Peter Brooker and Ben also talk about financing and raising capital, the benefits of product marketing through social media, selling through the direct mail channel, and the problems with standard garment sizing.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Paul Clapham, Founder of Uskees about his background in fashion retail and eCommerce, and how his 'built to last' workwear brand was born. He was attracted to the simplicity and aesthetic of work garments which go against the disposable clothing attitudes the 'fast fashion' industry has brought to the masses in recent years. Our host Peter Brooker and Paul also talk about repairing clothes, inspiration and history behind their designs, the meaning behind the brand name, and what it has been like growing a business through the Covid-19 pandemic.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Martin Parker, Co-Founder of Cut&Pin about each of the Co-Founders' skills and backgrounds, and the founding story of their sustainable menswear brand. They had frustrations with the impact the clothing industry was having on the environment, and so they set out to create a fashion collection with this in mind. Our host Peter Brooker and Martin also talk about how to raise capital to launch a business, the difference between deadstock, recycled and organic materials, the challenges of operating through Covid-19, the importance of garment sizing, and being inspired by David Hockney.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview menswear designer Caspar Mørch about the founding story of his brand which launched with a first collection in early 2020.  Many of the garments are made to order to reduce waste and to keep costs down, and also allows customers to add small customisations. Our host Peter Brooker and Caspar also talk about fashion school, internships, sustainability, seasonless fashion, inspiration for SS21 and building a brand during Covid-19.

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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. 

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Freddy Furber, Founder of Percy Nobleman about his career in eCommerce and the founding story of his grooming brand which was focussed on beard care products for men. He bootstrapped the company and focussed on guerrilla marketing techniques to raise awareness of his products which are today stocked in Boots. Our host Peter Brooker and Freddy also talk about standing out in a saturated market, branding through an original comic book strip, influencer campaigns, the impact of Brexit on trade, and their new bespoke fragrance line.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Simon Whitaker, Founder of Master Debonair about his background working in sales & marketing, and the founding story of his menswear brand which stocks branded sartorial clothing and accessories.  Simon had always dreamed of opening his own bricks & mortar space and took his business plan to the bank when the time was right. Our host Peter Brooker and Simon also talk about the power of social media, being dubbed as the Peaky Blinders brand, why their DIY approach to photography has been well-received, and whether tailoring will boom after lockdown.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Jan Juelicher, Co-Founder of Dalgado about the founding story of the DTC brand he started with his brother in 2017 without any prior experience working within the fashion industry. They started with woven belts which proved to be very popular, and then moved onto other categories such as trainers, socks, gloves, and belts. Our host Peter Brooker and Jan also talk about sourcing the best suppliers, minimalist design philosophy, transparent pricing, and sustainability.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Philip Start, Founder of Mr. Start about his background and early career within the fashion industry. With a love for brick-and-mortar retail he decided to open his own clothing store which sold unknown and interesting brands of the time. In 2002 he opened his own label shop near his home in Shoreditch which quickly became two premises when he opened a women's shop across the road. Our host Peter Brooker and Philip also talk about shopkeeping during the 60s, London tribes, evolving into eCommerce, being self-taught in tailoring, and pivoting the business to come out of Lockdown stronger.

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Illuminati Vodka is a seven times distilled Rye Premium Vodka, which then undergoes a unique filtration and purification process. For most major brands this would be enough, but brand founder James Warwick strives to create the best product on the market. With this in mind, the final step is to age the Vodka in vats, a centuries old technique which refines the taste, providing one of the smoothest and refreshing Vodkas available.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview James Warwick, Founder of Illuminati Vodka about how the brand was launched whilst he was living in Poland. Made from Polish rye, the brand aims to be a high quality and smooth tasking vodka soon to be served in bars and nightclubs when lockdowns are lifted. Our host Peter Brooker and James also talk about relocating production to the UK, Polish vodka culture, how Covid-19 has affected trade, the meaning behind the brand name, and why bottle design is so important in the drinks industry. 

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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. 

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Paul Thompson, Founder of Wilde & Harte about his background in web design and the story of how his shaving brand was launched. The idea was to create uniquely designed stainless steel razors that were more modern and contemporary compared to the plastic offering commonplace on the supermarket shelves.  Our host Peter Brooker and Paul also talk about the meaning behind product names, why he champions British manufacturing, the difference between badger hair and synthetic shaving brushes, and turning a hobby into career.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Claudio D'Amore, Founder of CODE41 about his watch design background and how he first launched his brand via Kickstarter.  The Swiss watchmaker offers complete costing transparency and invites their community to participate in the design process. Our host Peter Brooker and Claudio also talk about offering a fair price by cutting out middlemen, the collaborative design process, the power of storytelling, and the magic of viewable movements.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Tom Wharton, Founder of Barrington Ayre about the founding story of his men's tailoring brand which is currently in its 11th year of operation. Popular with the wedding market and known for their tweed formalwear, they have an in-house Savile Row tailor working from their workroom above their Cirencester showroom. Our host Peter Brooker and Tom also talk about adapting and staying positive through Covid-19, their global celebrity and sporting clientele, moving into womenswear, and their love for cricket.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Ziggy Lloyd Co-Founders, Sophie Lloyd and Ephraim Austin, about how the husband-and-wife duo met and where the idea and inspiration for their brand came from. Focussed on Alpaca wool, they set out to start a fashion brand focused on men's jackets and coats made in Portugal. Our host Peter Brooker and Sophie/Ephraim also talk about early supply chain problems, the benefits of Alpaca fiber, working with artists, pricing strategies, sustainability, and how Brexit and Covid-19 has impacted their business.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Geoff Stocker about his artistic background in digital design and the founding story of his eponymous silk accessories brand. All his pocket square, dressing gown, silk scarf and tie designs are his own and are digitally printed and finished by UK factories under his supervision. Our host Peter Brooker and Geoff also talk about how a trip to Japan inspired him to create a dressing gown collection, the inspiration behind the brand's print designs, the benefits of digital printing, and the joys of a challenging collaboration.

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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.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Mychael Owen, Founder of Always Wear Red about his background in furniture design and brand consultancy. He gave all this up for a new challenge within the clothing industry, working alongside some of the best British makers around. He quickly fell in love with hand knits, which is the key focus of his knitwear brand which champions downtime. Our host Peter Brooker and Mychael also chat about the meaning behind the colour red, the limited edition business model, slow fashion, and how the global pandemic has affected the business.

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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.

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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.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Jonathan Peters, Founder of Amberjack about his career to date, and the unique concept of this new brand operating within the dress shoe category.  The idea came after the realisation of feeling unconnected with his shoes whilst working within the corporate world. He felt he could bring the same excitement many guys feel with clothing brands to the footwear world.  Our host Peter Brooker and Jonathan also chat about early prototypes, how to make shoes built for comfort, how the brand is adopting sustainability, and how to get a 10,000+ waitlist for a debut shoe.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview James Eden, Founder of Private White V.C. about the founding story of his made in Britain menswear brand he named after his great-grandfather, Private Jack White. The business is also the last remaining clothing factory in Manchester's Cottonopolis, once the centre of the cotton industry. Our host Peter Brooker and James also chat about what an average working day looks like, creating PPE for the NHS, brands that aren't transparent on where their garments are manufactured, and showing customers a behind the scenes view on social media.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Tanning Expert, James Read, about his vast experience working with celebrities and how he came to launch his eponymous brand. The brand was the first tan product ever launched by a tanning expert, first to introduce the category of self tan and skincare, and first to offer a translucent sleep mask. Our host Peter Brooker and James also chat about tanning misconceptions, how the Covid-19 lockdown has affected business, how having a glow can lift your mood, what products guys should use, the importance of continuous innovation, and when celebrities are customers. 

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Monokel Berlin Co-Founder Alexander Davaroukas about his working background and the founding story of the brick and mortar focused men's tailoring brand.  After a personal frustration of not being able to successfully guide Berlin-based tailors towards the type of look he wanted, he decided to combat this by starting a made to measure business with his friends. Our host Peter Brooker and Alexander also chat about educating men on clothing, how the consultation process works, and making garments suitable for all occasions. 

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Nordgreen Co-Founder Vasilij Brandt about his career, background and the founding story of his watch brand which launched in 2017. The Scandinavian watchmaker has Danish design and sustainability as its two main foundations. With the brand name itself, 'Nord' represents their Nordic heritage, and 'Green' represents sustainability. Our host Peter Brooker and Vasilij also chat about leaving a secure job to start a new brand without funding, why true sustainability goes beyond the product, winning a Red Dot Design Award, and why the brand chose to work with designer Jakob Wagner.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Hylo Athletics Co-Founder Michael Doughty about his background and the founding story of the DTC sustainable sportwear brand. Michael started Hylo because, as a professional footballer, he'd seen first-hand how little attention climate change receives in the sporting world. But, having seen the incredibly positive influence sport can have on the wider world in general, he knew there was huge possibility for change. Our host Peter Brooker and Michael also chat about the technicalities of manufacturing shoes, being centred around sustainability, why corn fibre is so comfortable, and the challenges of launching a brand during a global pandemic.

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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. 

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Heist Co-Founder Kristian Lorenzon about how the brand was first thought up with his wife. They were both at Coachella Festival when they realised many guys were using their girlfriends' hairdryers. Using their savings, they decided to start up a company aimed at men. The Heist hairdryer, along with a masculine design, has a longer cord and delivers 80 mph of power enabling the user to dry hair at a lower heat to protect hair follicles. Our host Peter Brooker and Kristian also talk about gaining market research from barbers, how men use hair dryers differently, using strategic partnerships for growth, how they're working with social media influencers, and future global expansion plans. 

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Bravado Managing Director David Boyne about his 25 year experience working within the fashion industry. His recent big project was with The Rolling Stones for the new RS No. 9 Carnaby store located on London's historic Carnaby Street. Our host Peter Brooker and David also chat about how Covid-19 affected the store launch, the huge press coverage received, how the 'tongue logo' became so iconic, and the inspiration behind the store displays, art, music and experiences.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Wax London Co-Founder Tom Holmes about how the brand was launched five years ago. The initial idea was to bring outerwear manufacturing back to the UK, and now they boast a full range of essential menswear garments with a new and first store near Carnaby Street in London. Our host Peter Brooker and Tom Holmes also chat about expanding into unisex sizing, how the design and manufacturing process works, using end of roll fabrics, and what inspires their collections each season.

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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.

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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.   

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview A Day's March co-founder Stefan Pagréus about the backgrounds of each of the business founders and the  story of launching their menswear brand. They started the company because they couldn't find classic quality menswear at a fair price. Our host Peter Brooker and Stefan also chat about the process of designing and manufacturing garments, launching a womenswear range, sustainability motivations, the DTC business model, and the staple menswear pieces every man should have in his personal collection.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Basic Rights Managing Director Jack Gove about the direct-to-consumer menswear brand, brainchild of Freddie Cowan of The Vaccines. The aim of their clothes is to provide a wardrobe that acts like a uniform, so men don't need to think about or decide on what to wear each day.  Our host Peter Brooker and Jack also chat about letting quality clothing speak for themselves, using surplus fabrics for sustainability, the effects of Covid-19 on trade, and why brands shouldn't discount.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Made by Everyone (MbE) Co-Founder Timothy Everest about his early tailoring career, first working for Tommy Nutter before going on to create the new bespoke movement alongside Richard James and Ozwald Boateng, with the aim to make British tailoring cool and appeal to a wider audience. Our host Peter Brooker and Timothy also chat about making clothing for Elton John and The Beatles, and his recent project; MbE studio located within Grey Flannel on London's Chiltern Street.

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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.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview LEFRIK Co-Founder Curra Rotondo about her background in the fashion industry, the story of how the backpack and travel accessories brand first started and how it's currently trading during Covid-19. Our host Peter Brooker and Curra also chat about how they came up with the brand name, recycled plastic bottles, having a social and environmental impact, and giving back to the planet.

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The Shirt Society, founded by Matt Bird, brings you the highest quality men's wardrobe essentials, delivered only when you need them. With a subscription service model, they aim to deliver the best shirts, polos and tees every month. Customers can easily skip or cancel at any time. Plus, for a limited time - your first shirt's on them.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview The Shirt Society Founder Matt Bird about the brand tagline of 'life without the shopping', and targeting customers who like to look good but hate shopping. It was 2 years ago when Matt spoke to the loyal customers of his previous menswear venture which brought him to the idea for this new concept. He then reached out to his LinkedIn contacts to promote it and to capture early sign ups which helped to fund the first stock purchase. Our host Peter Brooker and Matt also chat about angel investors, how a clothing subscription model works, the process of designing the garments, and what a typical day is like for a startup founder.

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The Raging Bull story began back in 2003 when England rugby player and World Cup winner Phil Vickery came up with the idea of a clothing brand whilst sitting around his kitchen table with friends. Nicknamed the Raging Bull by Sir Clive Woodward after his rampaging style of play, he had the perfect brand name for his new sportswear company. The embryonic company started off supplying team kit to rugby clubs and the quality and service meant its reputation grew fast. Meantime Phil concentrated on his stellar rugby career which led to him captaining his country at the 2007 World Cup and a British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa. It was during 2007 that Phil decided to branch out into leisurewear as a sensible step in growing the brand. He appointed Shannon Mercer as MD who bought a wealth of experience from the retail world. The leisurewear collection started with a core of rugby inspired tops and T-shirts which all reflected the heritage of the sport whilst retaining an easy to wear wide appeal. 

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Raging Bull Founder Phil Vickery about when he first found rugby at a young age, his sporting achievements, and how his lifestyle clothing brand Raging Bull was born. Phil thrives on being the underdog and finds motivation when people tell him it cannot be done. Our host Peter Brooker and Phil also chat about what it's like starting a business in the fashion world, the importance of growing at your own pace, celebrating men of all shapes and sizes, and how standalone stores, retail partners and eCommerce sales all play their part in the recipe for success.

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Raketa was created in 1961 in honour of the first cosmonaut in the world, Yuri Gagarin. With its moving parts all produced in the Factory, and with a design marked by the DNA of three centuries of Russian history, the Russian brand Raketa has acquired a strong reputation amongst worldwide collectors. The main sources of inspiration for the brand comes from heroic personalities and sensational achievements e.g. the Baikonur model has special features needed for space travel and was designed in collaboration with famous Russian cosmonaut Sergey Krikalev. The Factory has also collaborated with the great Russian aircraft constructors Sukhoi and Tupolev to develop watches for pilots. Some models have achieved iconic status and are prized by collectors around the world, such as the Polar model with a 24-hour movement specially designed in 1969 for Soviet arctic explorers. Raketa is one of the few brands in the world whose mechanical parts are all products within its own factory, including the spring (the beating heart) which is one of the most difficult parts to make. Each watch has no less than 242 separate components and manufacturing of one watch involves the work of 103 specialists, and 8201 separate manual operations.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Raketa Watch Factory Managing Director David Henderson-Stewart about how he came to be involved within the horology  industry with no prior interest or knowledge of watches. David was attracted to the rich history of the Raketa brand and he had noticed his friend buying Soviet watches. He adopted the brand at a time when nobody was interested in it, describing Raketa as a "diamond sitting on the floor". Our host Peter Brooker and David also chat about the time and resources required to modernise a factory, the difficulty of making mechanical movements, making watches for cosmonauts, having a unique and "unconventional" brand identity, the emotional side of watchmaking, and the Russian tradition of gifting watches.

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Hockerty was created by three young entrepreneurs at their early 20s as they realised it was difficult to find affordable tailor-made clothing. Like most other startups, they started from their own bedroom with money borrowed from friends and family. As the company grew, more young and passionate professionals joined the team and helped them grow the company. Their vision was to spread comfortable, elegant and perfectly fitted clothing throughout the world. Ten years later, this dream has come true with more than 250,000 customers to date. Their team of more than 60 people are based in Zürich (Switzerland) with offices in Barcelona and Shanghai.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Hockerty Co-Founder Alberto Gil about the beginnings of his online business. The three partners were previously working within tech companies when they discovered and experienced made to measure tailoring in Shanghai, which first gave them the idea for Hockerty. Our host Peter Brooker and Alberto also discuss the obstacles of working with overseas tailors, targeting niche customers, digital innovation, body measurement technologies, overcoming competition, and how Covid-19 stopped people from buying suits and hindered production.

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Inis Meáin, established in 1976, is a luxury design and manufacturing company. Inis Meáin is one of the Aran Islands situated off the west coast of Ireland. Renowned for its unique history of knitting, it is a tradition that has been refined by the advance of time and technology and then reinterpreted for each collection in the finest of yarns. Bright and subtle colours, inspired by land, rock and sea, reflect the seasons. This is the island where all the clothes that bear the Inis Meáin name and symbol of the upturned currach boat are made and exported all over the world.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Inis Meáin Founder Tarlach de Blácam about how the business was first set up with the aim to provide jobs for the younger residents so they wouldn't need to leave the island for work. Today they have 50 different knitwear styles that are sold globally within stores such as Todd Snyder, Bergdorf Goodman, Beams and Anderson & Sheppard. Our host Peter Brooker and Tarlach also discuss the heritage and how Aran sweaters are world renowned, hand knitting, life on the wild Atlantic island, and growing an online business.

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TUSTING is a family-run British heritage company with roots deep in the English leather and shoe trade, and the fifth generation of the family is now at the helm. With over 130 years of experience tanning, grading and trading the world’s finest leathers, they reinvest this deep and expert knowledge of leather with the skills of talented craftsmen and women to make wonderful, heirloom-quality leather goods which combine truly original character with unmistakable quality. Edinburgh graduate of physiology and pharmacology, Gillian Tusting is at the helm for all things brand and customer-related, using her wealth of management consultancy experience to oversee customer experience and ensure that TUSTING never waver from the qualities and values that their customers love so much. University of Cambridge graduate, Alistair Tusting first spent time working in product design for a global power tool and hardware manufacturer, but longing for a little more glamour, he turned down a place on an MBA to join the TUSTING family business in 1990.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview TUSTING Director Alistair Tusting and Head of Brand Gillian Tusting about the rich leather making heritage of their family business. Today, the brand's leather goods are made in England and shipped all around the world to customers in Japan, America, and China. Our host Peter Brooker asks them about the various technical processes involved in making a leather bag, why full grain leather is durable and gets better with age, sourcing leather from the best tanneries, and how the in-house repair service helps customers save their beloved bags when accidents happen.

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Joshua Roberts, Co-Founder of Cannaray is passionate about mental and physical health. He’s endlessly interested in how we can improve upon our own hardware and software through the practices of meditation, diet, exercise, compassion and smiles. In his current role as the Chief Business Officer and co-founder at Cannaray he’s able to put this passion to work creating next generation CBD products for health and wellbeing. Cannaray believe in bringing you only the best that CBD has to offer, the highest quality plant extract, the most premium blends and products that fit into your daily routine with ease. In a sea of CBD confusion, their mission is to demystify what it does, how it works and where you'll find The Gold Standard formula. They strive to make CBD easy to use, enjoyable and accessible, allowing you to feel more balanced – both mentally and physically – no matter the time of day.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Cannaray Co-Founder Joshua Roberts about his background working in finance in New York and spending a year surfing in Costa Rica before moving to the UK to start Cannaray with five founders. Joshua had a strong insight into the maturing CBD market in America and wanted to bring this to the young UK market by raising awareness and educating people on the health benefits. Our host Peter Brooker and Joshua also talk about running a business via video conferencing, the myths and facts about CBD, and how Cannaray is the next generation CBD brand.

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Benny Hancock is a global industry pro make-up artist who has spent over a decade painting the faces of celebrities, supermodels, and VIPs. Benny is a leading authority on high performance makeup and having spent years working closely with men’s skin, he appreciates how men’s skin differs to women’s and the look men want to achieve. His work has been praised by fashion and grooming insiders and featured in some of the world’s leading style publications. Founded on the belief that make-up for men should enhance rather than conceal, Benny has developed high-tech, wearable formulations using superior ingredients to achieve the most natural finish. The result? Lightweight yet hard-wearing products with invisible yet enhancing coverage; it’s the ultimate no makeup makeup look for men.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Makeup Artist Benny Hancock about his new cosmetic line aimed at men. It was over a decade ago when he trained as a makeup artist at Pinewood Studios, and today along with his new product line he has a Virtual Mirror tool which uses AI so men can test and try products for the best colour-match using the camera on your Smartphone or computer. Our host Peter Brooker and Benny also talk about how men's makeup is becoming more popular, how makeup has been used on actors in films for decades, the process of bringing the brand from concept to market, and how the rise of Zoom meetings is stimulating demand.

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SANVT is not conventional. Their mission is to develop a collection of high-quality clothing essentials. When designing products, they remove everything that doesn’t add value and invest in what does. They offer true luxury essentials, priced below standard retail pricing. They don’t charge high mark-ups because they simply don’t have to. Unlike most high-end brands, SANVT are committed to offering the very best quality at the very best prices. They have cut out the middlemen, kept their distribution model lean, and by selling online from their warehouse in Germany, they’re able to keep markup at 2-3X rather than the 6-8X industry standard. Each step of their process aims to disrupt the status quo of the fashion industry, bringing you the best of the best, without the inflated pricing. SANVT do not follow fashion fads and they don’t create new designs each season. Instead they offer a permanent, all-year timeless collection. This means that they can dedicate more time to rethinking every detail of their essential garments. Products will not only last through wear and tear but survive the changing tides of fashion trends. SANVT has a vision to minimise the environmental impact of their manufacturing processes, and they offset all production related emissions by actively supporting local forest protection programmes.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Benjamin Heyd, Co-Founder of SANVT about how he and his brother started the brand in 2018 with the simple idea of making the perfect t-shirt. After working for large global fashion/footwear companies that were inefficient and profit margin focused, Benjamin had the urge to start his own clothing brand that would be sustainable and inspired by contemporary design. Our host Peter Brooker and Benjamin also chat about the meaning of the brand name, the challenges of finding production partners, why they're focused on being a lean company, and giving customers their perfect sizing through a dedicated web size finder tool.

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A fragrance range that weaves a narrative from mislaid memories, childhood dreams and long-forgotten hope; STORIES Parfums is a pilgrimage for the senses. Creative Director & Founder of the perfume house, Tonya Kidd-Beggs, curated each blend personally as a testament to the power of fragrance in her own life. Grasse, on the French Riviera, has a long-established fragrance history dating back to the 17th century. It was here that Tonya developed her first two perfumes, STORIES Nº. 01 and STORIES Nº. 02, using only the finest raw materials sourced from all over the world. Tonya employed time-honoured, traditional methods to formulate the perfumes while trusting her intuition to bring balance to the collection. STORIES Parfums is a luxury fragrance house showcasing unique ingredients from around the world. Through the art of perfumery, Tonya pays tribute to the stories that have shaped her life, allowing the wearer to connect with their own story, past, present and future. To awaken the senses: The notes and undertones in the fragrances are delicately balanced and complex. Each scent reflects a part of the brand’s story while encouraging the wearer to connect with their own nostalgia. The products are designed to inspire the redolence of memories. To be gender-inclusive and unique, the bespoke blend of aromas in each fragrance defies gender barriers. 

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Tonya Kidd-Beggs, Founder of STORIES Parfums about how the business developed from a hobby into a brand, and her journey of learning the art of perfumery. Tonya worked with a fragrance house in southern France to get first-hand experience in making fragrances and to try and recreate a smell she once discovered whilst going through counselling for a personal trauma aged 12. Our host Peter Brooker and Tonya also chat about favourite fragrance notes and blending, how scents can help you recall memories, working with intuition rather than following trends, creating fragrances from stories, and the significance of the sense of smell.

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Jason West started his first online business aged 15, and he’s since gone on to pursue and engage in a list of projects, some of which have succeeded, and others which have failed. Taking the lessons learned from these early ventures - along with a finance degree - he's now turned his focus to an eCommerce business aimed at the limited edition and luxury trainer industry. LUSSO was founded in 2018 and the business aspires to become a success story in the secondary sale market for limited edition sneakers. The brand ethos is to provide the customer with the best experience of buying and selling apparel. LUSSO have experienced and talented team members which sell and buy a wide range of shoes and clothing, including luxury and exclusive brands.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Jason West, Founder of LUSSO Footwear about where his drive for entrepreneurship comes from, the priceless experiences gained from helping to digitally transform a business, and the process of starting his own company with help from digital marketing agency Visualsoft. Our host Peter Brooker and Jason also chat about the benefits of using Klarna for his customers, the importance of having the correct brand size guides, how to combat fraudulent orders, why profit margin matters, the meaning behind the brand name, and aspirations for the future.

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Based in Bath, Somerset, FRAHM was created by two best friends - Jason Tripp and Nick Hussey. They make a maximum of 100 high-end men's jackets of each style once a year, selling on pre-order due to their scarcity. They feel jackets from the big brands don't do what they're supposed to. If they're technical, they look awful; but if they're stylish, they don't work properly or last long enough. FRAHM is a men's brand that's a bit more thoughtful and kinder. The brand is officially 'In Aid Of' Mind, the mental health charity, where they give £10 from every jacket sold, and work with them to promote men's mental health. Their multi-purpose jackets are built to work in both urban and rural environments. Detailed and easy to care for, they're also designed to be tough, for real-world use. The founders built the brand to straddle the space between out-there fashion brands and unsexy technical gear, made by skilled craftspeople. FRAHM only sell small batches of one jacket style at a time, and once that batch has gone, it's gone.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Nick Hussey, Founder of FRAHM about the lessons he learnt from running his first fashion brand, the benefits of being self-taught in design, taking inspiration from Savile Row tailors, and how being different in business is a great marketing tool. Our host Peter Brooker and Nick also chat about giving back through charity, creating exclusivity through a limited-edition pre-order release model, and how being previously suicidal has now driven him to create inspirational and motivational content on his website to help others.

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Snide (Snide London) is aimed at customers who care about how they look, enjoy spending money on superior brands, and yet are keen to let the world know they don't take themselves too seriously. They are sophisticated but have a sense of humour and a sense of irony. The brand is a parody of fake items from the Far East. Snide is the slang for a fake in London and they are also sometimes called Jekyls​ (Jekyls and Hydes = Snides). Their tag line is 'Never Knowingly Right' and the designs all feature a small, and often very subtle mistake. These mistakes, although often not nearly as subtle, often appear in fake goods as their manufacturers are not au fait with the English language or Western culture. Their shirts and polo shirts feature a small logo that, at first glance, resembles Ralph Lauren's Polo design, but on closer inspection it's actually an old-fashioned golfer, hitting a rugby ball, with a hockey stick.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview David Almond, Founder of Snide London about the backstory of how the brand concept was born. It was a fake luxury watch showing the date of the 41st of January which first got them thinking about how they could use subtle mistakes in their graphics as the ethos for their new brand. Our host Peter Brooker and David also talk about the importance of an original brand story, using high quality materials and fabrics, the fake news zeitgeist, conducting market research at clothing exhibitions, the effects of Covid-19 on trade, and adopting social media for branding.

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The Devout is a new clothing experience for the UK whereby they present a unique monthly subscription service offering designer brands and vintage pieces. They’re the fashion rental revolution, reducing the volume of clothes going to landfill, providing the latest brands and current-season pieces without the impact, and helping you save money on your clothes. Customers can rent 5 pieces of their choice for just £79 a month. With premium brands available for both men and women, they deliver your box for free in sustainable packaging right to your doorstep. After you’re done The Devout will pick them up and wash them so you can then pick out your next 5 items, and if there’s a garment you particularly like, you can opt to buy it.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Steve Bryant, Founder of The Devout, and talk about what inspired him to set up a fashion rental company. He had noticed a gap in the market for everyday fashion rental after seeing the flourishing US subscription industry, and noticed it was only occasion wear being catered for here in the UK. With a successful background in marketing and eCommerce Steve set out to build the brand and rental technology a year ago. Our host Peter Brooker and Steve also chat about how brands are selected for the website, laundry and repairs, changing buyer behaviours, adapting wardrobes for a new post-lockdown lifestyle, and being more conscious about sustainability.

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&SONS clothing, founded by Phil James, is the brainchild of a group of like-minded craftspeople who make their living from taking and shaping superb visual imagery. That close attention to detail and style has now been applied to clothing. The brand is proud to support innovation while valuing the skills of artisans where hard-won expertise is passed on from one generation to the next. That’s why they take such care over the design and manufacture of their clothing, using only the finest natural materials combined with the greatest craftsmanship. These are garments built to stand the test of time. The &SONS project is the creation of a range of unique workwear clothing designed by and for craftspeople, artisan makers and creative pioneers in their chosen fields of endeavour.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview James Cowdale, Head of Brand at &SONS, and talk about how he came to be involved with launching a fashion label with award-winning photographer Philip James. Neither had worked with clothing before, but both had worked within the creative industries helping to launch other peoples’ brands. When James was asked to assist with the branding he quickly became obsessed with the brand and wanted to be more involved, which is where their partnership began. Our host Peter Brooker and James also chat about how the brand name was chosen, launching on Kickstarter, the target demographic, manufacturing in Britain, leveraging social media for growing brand identity, and their forthcoming workwear heritage range.

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WAES Footwear are the world's only plastic-free shoe company. A collaboration of shoe designers, ocean advocates, surfers, scientists, and manufacturers committed to producing beautiful stylish footwear which leaves no trace. The WAES logo is derived from the alchemy symbol for earth and the name itself is an acronym of the classical elements of Water, Air, Earth and Sun which defines their manufacturing philosophy of combining science and natural materials. There are more than 24 billion pairs of shoes made each year from plastic compounds which go straight to landfill. This brand has a passion for the natural world and want to stop fuelling a system stuck on full-throttle and seemingly intent on burying us all under a mountain of plastic. Their vision is for a world of zero-waste shoes, one which promotes tree planting and works in partnership with the natural carbon cycle. Their ambition is to change the way shoes are manufactured and to prove it is economically viable to produce beautiful, durable, and ultimately biodegradable footwear.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Edward Temperley, Co-Founder of WAES Footwear, and talk about his love for surfing and what first inspired him to start a 100% biodegradable natural shoe brand in 2019. It was seeing the ocean plastic problem first-hand which motivated him to investigate making plastic-free footwear. Our host Peter Brooker and Edward also chat about launching on Kickstarter, industry greenwashing, the problem with microplastics, new sneaker designs in the process, and the best materials to use for manufacturing sustainable and vegan trainers.

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Alexandra Wood started her tailoring business in 2007 as a hobby and has since designed and made clothing for hundreds of high-profile men who want to make a positive impact to the way they look and feel. Her career started in Savile Row, as one of the first, female owned tailoring businesses. She then went on to re-open the longest standing tailors (400 years) in Bishop's Stortford, with a new, modernised version of men’s tailoring. The brand has recently expanded from made to measure tailoring to successful, ready to wear collections. Alex continues to break the mould when it comes to delivering exceptional quality and service in menswear. The brand has helped land politician Chuka Umunna on GQ’s Best-Dressed top 50 twice, and GQ Columnist Tony Parsons named them ‘Tailor of the 21st Century’. Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A wore an Alexandra Wood two-piece while cutting the ribbon on the vaunted Christian Dior retrospective, and so did director Rupert Goold, while showcasing his new film Judy at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Alexandra Wood about how she first got started in men's tailoring and the story of how she set up her business. It was whilst on maternity leave that Alex began as a visiting tailor, meeting clients in their offices or at home. She now serves her clients at the brand's Savile Row showroom and Bishop's Stortford store, whilst also managing the marketing and eCommerce for the brand. Our host Peter Brooker and Alex also chat about education and training, the differences between design and cutting, elevating a man's style, why you shouldn't follow trends, and opening a 1000 sq ft shop to showcase new Alexandra Wood ready to wear collections.

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Photo: Amanda Forman

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Hims offers a modern approach to health and wellness. Their mission is to eliminate stigmas and make it easier for people to access care and treatment for the conditions that impact their daily lives. That starts with creating an open and honest culture of care that is accessible for everyone, no matter who you are or where you live. Since launching in November 2017, they’ve become one of the fastest growing direct-to-consumer brands in history. Taking care of yourself doesn’t need to involve a doctor’s waiting room. You can access their products online from the comfort of your room and all Hims products are up to 80% less than what’s currently offered over the counter or through your local pharmacy. Only 1 in 10 guys feel comfortable talking about their looks and health with their doctor, but thanks to Hims, men now have easier access to the care they need.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Hims General Manager, Henry Allan, and discuss how the brand from San Francisco has grown so rapidly in the wellness space since it was founded in 2017. After running his own successful direct-to-consumer brand, Henry approached the founder Andrew Dudum to suggest bringing Hims over to the UK with the aim to replicate the successes seen across the pond. Our host Peter Brooker and Henry also chat about the differences between the two markets, regulatory challenges, pharmacy partnerships, providing discreet packaging, and the importance of a simple eCommerce platform for consultations and learning. Peter also shares his own hair loss story and how it affected his confidence whilst he was in a band.

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Humans Are Vain (HAV) is a contemporary eco-sustainable slow fashion footwear, accessories and apparel brand that believes in sustainability now not tomorrow. All their products are designed and engineered in Sweden, putting sustainable materials at the forefront of the design process and bringing together all the latest advances in sustainable and recycled materials into one place. All production is carried out in ethical factories in Portugal and they use recycled materials throughout, with a key focus on using materials made from plastic trash salvaged from the ocean in collaboration with The SEAQUAL Initiative, as well as making sure that all products are 100% vegan. They also operate a circular economy, so any unwanted items returned are recycled into new HAV products.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Humans Are Vain Co-Founder Chris Margetts and discuss his new life in Sweden, a country which takes sustainability and recycling seriously. Our host Peter Brooker and Chris also chat about the motivations for starting a vegan brand, inspirations for the sneaker design aesthetics, what it takes to become Peta Vegan Approved, and the journey of the business to date. 

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In 2013 Jason and Karen Kirk launched an eyewear line for individuals. A line that is boldly expressive and proudly inclusive, with shapes that break boundaries. Kirk & Kirk frames are authentic, inspirational, and confident, just like the people who wear them. Jason Kirk grew up in optics, his grandfather Sidney and his great uncle Percy founded Kirk Brothers in 1919 when they converted an old sewing machine into a lens cutter. Karen Kirk studied design in London and was working for Saatchi and Saatchi when she turned to optics.

Motivated by a strong family legacy and a desire to bring something new to the eyewear market, Jason and Karen Kirk started Kirk & Kirk as a line to innovate and inspire. The line was immediately a success and their frames are now sold in 30 countries worldwide. They believe every collection they create should bring something new to the market. Their Kaleidoscope collection offers an array of colours and dimensions that cannot be imitated, and the Centena collection is the only 10mm thick acrylic eyewear frame construction in the world.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Co-Founder Jason Kirk about his family's rich history within the optics industry. Jason took an interest in eyewear once he came across an old box of glasses which his grandfather had once made. He then teamed up with Karen who had graphic design skills which complimented his optics knowledge to bring something new and exciting to the industry. Our host Peter Brooker and Jason also discuss innovative eyewear materials, why glasses are an extension of fashion, buying frames and lenses online, and why Robert Downey, Jr. is such a fan of the brand.

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VYN is the first repairable sneaker in the world. The brand was founded by Catherine Meuter and Stefan Mathys in 2019. Their goal is to encourage the customer to re-evaluate expenditure and move away from a disposable mind-set, to one where they take care of sneakers, enjoying them for longer. Together they have designed over 40 collections for various brands in Italy, UK, and Norway. VYN came to life over a discussion about the sneaker industry being one of the most polluting in the fashion industry. Production costs are increasing, and the consumer is being asked to pay more, accept lower quality and less longevity. VYN is the footwear industry’s answer to creating a sneaker that is made to last a lifetime.

With the combined expertise of over 15 years in the footwear industry as designers and developers of world leading footwear brands, Stefan and Catherine wanted to answer a burning question: ‘how do you create a sneaker that is made to last?’ They listened to friends, relatives and experts and based on those insights they started to explore solutions to add longevity to shoes. Besides choosing the right components, materials and adapting the construction, their focus became a repair-solution for the sole unit. VYN sneakers are made to be worn, cared for, and can be repaired by the owner. 

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Co-Founder Stefan Mathys to find out about his fashion background and how the repairable sneaker brand idea was born. Fed up with the season approach the footwear industry traditionally follows, Stefan wanted to create a timeless sustainable sneaker with replaceable pieces. Our host Peter Brooker and Stefan also discuss design challenges, product development, research trips and manufacturing. 

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Genevieve Sweeney is a premium British knitwear label that truly emphases the high level of skills and quality of knitwear manufacturing in the British Isles. The brand fuses contemporary design with innovative technical processes and embraces heritage skills found in the Scottish Borders. Made exclusively in the UK, Genevieve is writing a new chapter for the knitwear industry, marrying contemporary design with exceptional hand finishes. Indebted to the time-honoured techniques of artisan makers, the brand has reimagined the possibilities of knitwear. While working in knitwear design and development for luxury brands across the globe, Genevieve gained a unique insight into the dialogue between designer and maker. Inspired by the relationships she built with local British mills and suppliers; the Genevieve Sweeney brand was born.

Colour blocking, clean lines and unusual yarn blends define the Genevieve Sweeney aesthetic, while geometric hand intarsia jumpers have become a brand signature. This handcrafted technique threads a unique narrative through each individual piece. Complex jacquards and metallic accents sit amongst muted tones and natural fibres for timeless unisex pieces that defy seasonal trends. With a naturally innovative approach to knitwear design, she creates custom yarn blends, sources British spun natural fibres as well as selecting eco and sustainable blends from Italy. Each piece is finished by hand with uncompromising attention to detail, transforming everyday knitwear into a premium investment piece. Genevieve Sweeney is committed to sustainability and with the fashion industry now placing great importance on provenance, the brand embraces ethical practices.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview knitwear designer, Genevieve Sweeney, and discuss how she came to set up her own brand after working for high end brands across the world. It was whilst on a mission to help small handcrafted knitwear manufacturers in Scotland when her brand was naturally born. She was quickly stocked by The Shop at Bluebird and Fortnum & Mason, and then set up her website with the help of her graphic designer friends. Our host Peter Brooker and Genevieve also chat about the brand's unique geometric knitwear designs, sock subscription club, Alpacas, sustainable focus, and how she has coped with a newborn baby during the Coronavirus pandemic.

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Bunker Mentality a golf brand for golfers with a love of the great game and who share a different mentality. They are inclusive rather than exclusive, pushing open the envelope whilst not compromising golf etiquette, but full on with their own style, creating a new wave of golf culture. Unlike traditional golf attire, Bunker Mentality’s clothing has a strong modern and fashion-forward spirit that can be worn from 'first tee to last orders'. Born in the UK, this family run independent company was founded by Tamasine and Robert, who gave up their corporate careers to follow a passion for creating something that mattered to them. They believe attention to detail in their products is critical in achieving their mission of 'creating new traditions' and 'future classics' in golf. The brand is known for its dynamic colour, graphic energy, attention to detail and an irreverent sense of humour.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Bunker Mentality Co-Founder, Robert Hart, and discuss his varied clothing industry management background and how he came to start Bunker Mentality after picking up a niche golf magazine in Belfast Airport. Our host Peter Brooker and Robert also chat about the brand's modern designs which take inspiration from the general menswear industry rather than golf apparel. The brand aims to put style first and believes polo shirts can be worn all weekend, and not just whilst playing golf. They also touch upon favourite stylish golfers, favourite golf courses, and favourite golf films. Finally, Robert talks about the new Bunker Mentality golf club and Club Bunker App.

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JustWears is on a mission to reinvent men's basics using premium, sustainably sourced fabrics and ergonomic designs. Since running the most backed apparel campaign on Kickstarter in the UK, they’ve sold 40,000 pairs to 10,000 customers in 73 countries and have been featured on BBC Dragon's Den. Made from soft cellulosic fibre, MicroModal Air, all underwear is manufactured using a natural, high-performance fabric that is sustainably-sourced from Austria and feels 5x softer than cotton. It all started when Alexander met Yang Liu in a Bangkok hostel, and they lived on opposite sides of the world. After years of long distance, they decided to meet in the middle and make the UK their new home.

While working in finance, Alex regularly complained about his underwear not fitting properly. When he couldn’t find a solution in the market, he decided to do something about it. Together they travelled around the globe, testing thousands of fabrics and prototypes. What began as an idea quickly took off on Kickstarter, and within the first 30 days of their crowdfunding launch, they had thousands of people pre-ordering their underwear. JustWears quickly climbed the charts to become the most backed apparel project ever in the UK. They were then invited to pitch on BBC Dragons’ Den where Touker Suleyman said “you two together will make it”.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview JustWears Co-Founder, Alexander Walsh, about the back story of this men's basics brand and how he believes many men's underwear brands are out of touch with the modern consumer. Our host Peter Brooker and Alexander discuss how JustWears aims to solve functional problems by using premium fabrics and ergonomic designs. They also chat about how to launch a successful Kickstarter campaign, the perfect sustainable fabric for underwear, the importance of consumer research, and how brand loyalty can be disrupted.

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With a history of working in the textiles industry and other manufacturing industries, Simon Cotton is proud to be currently heading up the most exciting company in the UK textile industry. Johnstons of Elgin partner with most of the world's top luxury fashion brands as well as produce under their own label. The company is a truly vertical producer taking raw fibre through to finished product, allowing them to achieve the very highest quality for the most discerning customers across the world.

Johnstons of Elgin has over two hundred years of tradition and experience in textile manufacturing. Since 1797 the company has produced the finest woven products from the finest of fibres. The original mill, on the banks of the river Lossie in the historic town of Elgin, remains the headquarters of their renowned brand. From luxurious cashmere scarves and throws, to historic Estate tweed, the experience and craftsmanship rooted in their history has been passed down the generations. Visitors to the mill see experienced craftsmen producing luxury pieces using traditional methods. Their knitwear mill in Hawick, in the Borders, sits in the heart of the Scottish knitting industry. An important part of the local community for over thirty years, the long history of knitwear production in that part of Scotland, ensures their knitted garments are made with the utmost skill and expertise. A unique family business with tradition and heritage at its core, Johnstons of Elgin promises to continue pushing the boundaries of textile and knitwear manufacturing, while always remaining true to its history.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Johnstons of Elgin CEO, Simon Cotton, about the company's manufacturing as a private label to luxury brands as well as their own brand. Best known as a manufacturer, they've been establishing their own brand name with brick and mortar store openings and a focus on digital over recent years. Our host Peter Brooker and Simon discuss how cashmere is produced, the day-to-day of a Chief Executive, the benefits of holding a royal warrant and how the current global Coronavirus pandemic has affected their retail and manufacturing operations.

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In 2013 Kasper Brandi Petersen quit his corporate job at the world’s largest shipping line. He went from wearing a suit and tie to sitting on cardboard boxes in an old apartment. 3 years later he had raised €3m from investors and scaled to 50 people. Today he fights fast fashion by using technology to make a new generation of life-proof minimal menswear consisting of premium cotton shirts that repel stains, odour, and wrinkles. The brand first launched on Kickstarter in 2017 and by 2020 it had customers across 98 countries.

Lotte Vink and Kasper Petersen are the Co-Founders of LABFRESH. In contrary to most fashion houses, they want you to buy less and wear their products longer. They apply exclusive FreshCore technology to premium cotton fabrics. After their brand became the most backed European apparel project in crowdfunding history, they quit their jobs, found an office in Amsterdam, and started building a business from scratch. Over the past 2 years they've built a supply chain, a website and a brand which has seen press coverage across TV, radio and leading magazines. They were finalists in the start-up competition Get in the Ring and the Accenture Innovation Awards, and they won €1000 from Awesome Amsterdam, which they used to make anti-bacterial socks for the homeless. 

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview LABFRESH Co-Founder, Kasper Brandi Petersen, about his background in fashion and how he launched this brand on Kickstarter. Our host Peter Brooker and Kasper talk about how the brand went viral due to its key feature of repelling stains, where websites such as LADbible would show their videos with red wine, beer and milk being thrown onto the shirts. The discussion goes into detail about the fabric technology and manufacturing processes to create repellent clothing. They also chat about their successful Dragon's Den appearances, the effects of Covid-19 on business and how this year he took the whole team to Bali for a month.

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In a world of hyper-convenience and overconsumption L’Estrange London wants to strip away complexity from your everyday, allowing you to do more with less. Their modern clothing system comprises comfortable, timeless, versatile pieces that can be worn in multiple scenarios. They make clothes to look effortlessly smart for life - whether it be a coffee, a meeting, or drinks - never overdressed, never underdressed. This menswear brand believes the future of retail exists in creating more than just a regular store experience. With 'The L'Estrange Apartment' they collaborated with several different brands that reflect their aesthetic and ethos to create a home-from-home experience - a more relaxed space to explore their world and clothes.

The world is over producing, and the output of the textile industry has doubled in the last 15 years to 100 billion units per year. Most of this will end up in landfill and it’s being accelerated by our disposable mindsets and rapidly decreasing times garments are worn. We need to move to a place where we buy less and buy better. Season after season, traditional fashion says we should discard and buy more. Isn’t it time for change? L’Estrange London spend three times longer designing and testing their products, to create truly versatile and timeless clothes that do more. They design your clothes to last, and they want you to care delicately for them.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview L’Estrange London Co-Founder, William Green, about where the brand name originates from and the story of how the brand was born, which began with a simple smart and stylish men's hoodie. After reaching out and sending samples to fashion stores around the world - and attending clothing trade shows - they were quickly picked up and stocked by the likes of Colette, Saks Fifth Avenue, Isetan and The Shop at Bluebird. With a product design approach to menswear, they don't follow the seasonal approach the majority of the industry abides by. This direct-to-consumer brand is on a mission to simplify the male wardrobe with comfortable and effortless clothing which can be worn for most scenarios. Peter and William also discuss sustainability and how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected trading for L'Estrange London.
 
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Atterley is a fashion destination that celebrates and redefines the boutique experience with one seamlessly stylish online platform. Working in partnership with an inspiring global community of independent fashion retailers, they bring you bespoke access to a covetable mix of premium, emerging, and undiscovered labels expertly curated by some of the world’s most talented fashion buyers. Customers can shop a mix of new and established brands from around the world, from your device to your doorstep with worldwide express delivery as standard. One of the independent retailers partnered with Atterley is Roulette Clothing, owned by David Cullen. This menswear store is where style-savvy shoppers on the Island of Jersey go for their fashion fix. David is also the founder of Atterley stocked brand, Unseen Footwear, which is a relatively new sneaker brand designed for the modern-day gentleman.

A reaction to the brand driven logo obsession of today’s fashion landscape, Unseen footwear is designed for those that recognise that real style is understated, not bold and brash. That’s why each product is visually unbranded, keeping the focus on details such as the subtle tonal embossment on the tongue, and a flash of 3M reflective material at the heel. Inspired by Italian style and quality craftsmanship - but with a British sensibility - each shoe is designed in London but handcrafted in Italy from the finest Italian fabrics and sole suppliers, using artisanal production techniques.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Unseen Footwear and Roulette Clothing Founder, David Cullen, about the background story of his menswear store and new footwear brand. Our host Peter Brooker speaks to David about why Unseen Footwear is manufactured in Italy and its focus on sustainability. They also discuss how working with Atterley has brought in extra exposure and revenue during the Coronavirus pandemic; a time when it's difficult to operate as normal for many boutique stores and brand owners due to the lockdown restrictions.
 
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Proud Yorkshireman, Kevin Ellis, spent much of his childhood playing rugby in his local field with his elder brothers. After first giving Rugby League a go he then switched codes to rugby union, enjoying several seasons with Headingley in Leeds, before signing professional. Kevin’s passion for sport, combined with a love of design and fashion, are the driving force behind rugby heritage brand Ellis Rugby. The appeal of the Ellis Rugby brand lies in the striking designs, stylish colour choices and the exceptional quality of the fabrics. The loyalty of customers and the businesses commitment to retaining the heritage and traditions have enabled the brand to grow rapidly. Ellis Rugby are committed to producing quality garments which are inspired by similar like-minded individuals from the rich history of the game of rugby. The brand also creates bespoke fashion collections for professional sports clubs such as Bath Rugby, Saracens, Harlequins, Worcester Warriors, Gloucester, Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints, London Irish, Hull KR, Castleford Tigers and Huddersfield Giants. Ellis Rugby were also commissioned to design fully licensed ranges for Great Britain Rugby League and the RL Hall of Fame, celebrating the legendary former players of the game.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Ellis Rugby Founder, Kevin Ellis, about how he combined two passions, rugby and design, to create a rugby inspired fashion label. Our host Peter Brooker asks Kevin where the inspiration for the vintage designs comes from and what goes into researching the stories of historic sporting heroes. With a background in design and marketing he highlights how he tackled knowledge gaps when first building the business. We also find out about the new Storyteller smart phone feature for the recent Rugby League Hall of Fame collection, where a fully washable microchip is inserted into the woven label, enabling customers to learn more about the heritage of their unique rugby jersey via video when a mobile phone is placed over it.

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Myrqvist wants to make Goodyear Welted shoes accessible to everyone. The brand was born after a successful Kickstarter Campaign which reached its goal after just 24 hours, before closing as the most successful Swedish Kickstarter Campaign in the fashion category 30 days later. The brand designs and produces high quality shoes in the Direct-to-Consumer market, aiming to keep prices affordable without compromising on quality. With Scandinavian minimalism at heart, Myrqvist shoes are designed in the Swedish capital and are manufactured by experienced craftsmen in Portugal. They sell their shoes via a flagship store in Stockholm on their eCommerce website. Instead of an inflated mark-up that comes with traditional retail-based brands, they offer top of the line quality at less than half the price. Goodyear Welted shoemaking is a labour-intensive shoe construction which stops water from leaking through and enables the possibility to replace the outsole when required. Their finest cuts of full-grain leather are sourced from Hermès owned Tanneries du Puy in France and will age beautifully over time.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Myrqvist Founder, Sebastian Öhrn, about his background and the story of how he started and grew his men’s footwear brand. Our host Peter Brooker speaks to Sebastian about the meaning behind the brand name, operating the business during the Coronavirus pandemic, and how to launch a successful Kickstarter campaign. They also discuss effective use of social media and how the shoes are a Scandinavian twist on a classic British design, incorporating rubber soles for extra grip on icy surfaces and a less chunky silhouette.

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ASKET is an independent online-only menswear brand founded in 2015 with the mission to slow down the fashion industry and change the way we manufacture, market, and consume clothing. Based on honest production, transparent pricing, and revolutionary sizing, they're perfecting a single, permanent collection of timeless essentials and restoring the meaningfulness of the garments men use the most.

ASKET believes the world doesn’t need another fashion brand. Garments, products of delicate labour and precious resources, have lost their value. We buy more and use them less than ever - packing our wardrobes, filling landfills and fueling incinerators. Their promise is to restore the value of garments by creating meaningful essentials: A permanent collection of zero-compromise pieces, their stories uncovered and told. ASKET doesn’t design for seasons, they create for forever. When something isn’t perfect, they improve it. When something is broken, they mend it. Their definition of progress is reduced clothing ownership built on pieces that will stand the test of time, both in craftsmanship and design. The brand envisions a world free of fast consumption, a world with less clutter and less waste.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we speak to ASKET Co-Founder, August Bard Bringéus, about the history and philosophy of his menswear brand. Our host Peter Brooker asks August about why this DTC online only business wants men to buy less clothing. They discuss August's background and how he met his business partner, Jakob Nilsson Dworsky, at business school in Sweden. They both had a passion and desire to create something from scratch that was meaningful and different. This brought them to sustainability and ethics in the clothing industry. Their solution to solve the fast fashion waste problem was to build a business model that would slow consumption and increase value within the supply chain. ASKET has a single permanent collection of classic menswear pieces, fully traceable, from farm to finish line.

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Oliver Spencer the brand is the vision of Oliver Spencer the man. Self-taught tailor and shopkeeper, his eye is the starting point of everything they do. Frustrated by the limitations of art school and impatient to strike out alone, Oliver abandoned studenthood in favour of a stall at Portobello Market. Working that market stall ingrained his enduring love of garment and cloth — shop and shopkeeping. Having spent the previous decade creating and expanding formalwear brand Favourbrook, he wanted to create something new: a range of clothing with all the quality and craft of premium tailoring, but with a relaxed modern style. The philosophy? Quality needn't mean formality; casual needn't mean careless.

That philosophy found plenty of adherents, and from a single shop on London's Lambs Conduit Street, Oliver Spencer has gone on to open several more shops, and an international online business — as well as being stocked in many of the world's leading department stores, from Harvey Nichols to Liberty of London to Mr Porter. Alongside his distinctive design style, he is uncompromising in the standards he sets for production and provenance. That means the company seeks out the finest fabrics and yarns from artisan British and Italian mills, making every garment in only the best European factories and workshops.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we speak to Menswear Designer Oliver Spencer whilst he is working from home in self-isolation on the Isle of Wight. Our host Peter Brooker asks him about his background and how he first came to start his eponymous menswear brand. Championing British cloth such as linen from Northern Ireland, Oliver discusses the best places to manufacture men's garments, with a focus of reducing overall footprint. They also discuss the current climate of operating during the Coronavirus pandemic and the struggle that shop owners are currently facing. As a bonus, we're then joined by the head of sustainability, Bleue Wickham-Burnham, who educates us about sustainability and what Oliver Spencer is doing to become a more sustainable menswear brand.

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Percy Stride is not another corporation or money-making machine, it's a family. A notable Northampton Brand, their handmade shoes are brought into life in a family run factory made up of a designer, photographer, copywriter, and friends. The brand is striving to become the best handmade English shoe brand around. After a 3-year footwear design degree at De Montfort University, Founder Danielle Wathes decided to put all the skills she had learnt to good use by starting her own footwear company, Percy Stride. There were only two main criteria she wanted to incorporate: English manufacturing and unique design aesthetic. Taking an active role in the business Danielle attended every show and met every client she could to help grow the brand to what it is today.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we sit down and speak to Danielle Wathes, Founder of Percy Stride. Our host Peter Brooker speaks to Danielle about her graduate footwear design course at De Montfort University before starting her brand. She also worked with Virgin StartUp which offers business mentoring and help to entrepreneurs with the aim of accelerating their businesses. They also discuss Northamptonshire shoemaking, running a business during covid-19, the importance of social media and working with influencers.

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The Sole Supplier was founded in 2013 with the aim to provide accurate trainer news and release information for the UK and European market. Their community of partners (brands and enthusiasts) provide them with new and exclusive content daily alongside a dedicated in-house team of sneaker experts. Curation and selection are key processes for The Sole Supplier. Each item on site is handpicked with insight into legacy, fashion trends, audience, and heritage considerations. Through working with over 50 different retailers online, they provide up to date release information on the most coveted footwear from across the continent. The release dates section to their website has become a pivotal destination for the sneaker and streetwear community, especially those looking to stay up to date with trends.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we sit down and speak to George Sullivan, Founder of Sole Supplier. Our host Peter Brooker speaks to George about the history of the website and how they grew their community. They touch upon the effects of the Coronavirus on the overall sneaker market, with a shift from retail to online. George talks about what first ignited his love for trainers and how that developed into opening his own eCommerce business. He quickly realised that his knowledge of when the latest trainers would drop would benefit other enthusiasts and collectors, and he combined this with high quality content.

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When Co-Founders Will and Adrian became increasingly aware that losing their hair was a possibility it led them to look into treatment options. They didn’t feel ready for a short buzz cut but were left confused and frustrated at what else to do. Over a pint, they realised – with Adrian’s background in clinical research and Will’s in all things business – that they had the right experience to start a company that would help other men understand the facts and solutions about hair loss. Reliable and honest information just isn’t easy to find, and after booking days off for expensive appointments with unrelatable clinicians, the two Sons co-founders knew there must be a better way.

Sons offers consultations and treatment plans that are reassuringly safe. They’re a registered pharmacy and accredited by the Medicines & Healthcare Product Regulatory Agency. It is very common for men to start losing hair at some point, and the majority of men will lose their hair at some stage in their lives. However, many men don’t realise that there are effective treatments available to put a stop to this before it’s too late. Sons brings men’s health and well-being into the 21st Century - less stigma, clearer information, more convenience, and better results.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we sit down and speak to William Kennedy, Co-Founder of Sons. Our host Peter Brooker speaks to Will about how the men's health brand was first thought up, who will benefit from their tailored treatment plans, product and free consultations, and how they're different from other hair loss companies.

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Whilst studying at University in 2012, Co-Founders Lucy Ross and Jamie Bartlett found the university’s optical clinic which became an integral source of inspiration for the development for their first spectacle frames. Thanks to the kind support of technical officer Gavin Hill and head lecturer Glyn Walsh, they were gently introduced to the technical and practical aspects of optical frames. Fortunately for them, the on-site optical clinic became a hunting-ground for the mechanical workings of spectacles. During many “pestering sessions” the optical staff and lecturers were kind enough to demonstrate the handling and dispensing of glasses frames. It was a curious endeavour which provided a first-hand understanding of both the design and optical elements of eyewear.

Having studied Product Design together, they both had experience in 3D modelling, prototyping and manufacturing processes. After graduating, they swiftly built a small workshop at the bottom of Lucy’s garden where they continued to practice and hone their skills. Since then they’ve invested in numerous machines, tools and components which has allowed them to design and make their own spectacles and sunglasses frames on-site. Banton Framework frames aren't just any old import that came from somewhere else, they come straight from their own hands in Glasgow.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we sit down and speak to Jamie Bartlett, Co-Founder of Banton Frameworks. Our host Peter Brooker speaks to Jamie about the brand's beginnings during university. The co-founders would break into the university during the summer so they could keep making frames to sell. This then helped them make enough money to buy their own first machine which would enable them to set up their own workshop. They also discuss UK manufacturing, bespoke frames, polarized lenses, popular shapes and biodegradable acetate. The discussion also touches upon leveraging social media for sales and working with influencers.

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Universal Works was inspired by David Keyte’s formative years growing up in a provincial midlands town in the seventies, part of a working class family that loved to dress well; seeing his Dad and Uncles in their work-wear and also when dressing for the weekend. Next, working as a sign-writers apprentice, whilst experiencing the development of eighties sporting and music subcultures. And finally, a thirty-year span in the fashion industry. From Paul Smith to Maharishi he gained an education from and worked alongside some of the best in the industry.

With David’s life work reading like a description of the company’s DNA, Universal Works is about the mixing of ideas; understanding heritage and context underpinned by contemporary needs and aesthetics. They champion skilled, small-scale production and produce garments in the right place, both in the UK and overseas, working only with factories they trust, admire and are proud to be associated with.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast, we sit down and speak to David Keyte, Co-Founder of Universal Works. Our host Peter Brooker finds out about the origins of the brand and when the idea was first thought up. We learn about Keyte's background, passions and inspirations for the brand which leans towards blue collar workwear with military and contemporary British tailored styling. With many years of working for other people David looked to start his own menswear brand, designing clothing he would personally want to wear. He also gives insights into growing a fashion brand and the difficult hurdles that arise along the way.

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Walker Slater opened its first store in Edinburgh offering unstructured suits, in Tweed and linen together with their rugged style of knitwear. The brand utilises local fabrics and yarns into menswear items that are soft but also have a seriousness to them that renders it suitable for formal use whilst avoiding the stiff construction of the past. Walker Slater pioneered the unstructured suit whilst at the same time following a very traditional formal range of worsted suiting. Today they have an impressive list of ongoing brand partnerships which includes the Ryder Cup and the Scottish National Team.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast, we sit down and speak to Paul Walker, the Co-Founder of suit and tailoring specialists Walker Slater. Paul talks about his background, inspirations and how the idea for his business was born from a discussion in a pub in 1989. He highlights his love for Scotland, how the brand first started using Tweed fabrics and when they first opened a bricks and mortar store and eCommerce website. We also get an insight into their latest London store opening in Holborn.

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Budd has been located in London's Piccadilly Arcade since the company’s inception in 1910 and forms part of the elegant thoroughfare of shops that leads into the famous Jermyn Street. Like all of Mayfair’s traditional arcade boutiques, the shop is tiny, but its size belies the wealth of goodies that can be found inside. Budd is a veritable Pandora’s box! Budd's prime offering is shirts. They make all of their shirts by hand at their workshop here in England. They are also one of the few remaining West End shirtmakers to still have its own cutting room on the premises. This is located above the shop and has presided over the Arcade for over 60 years. As well as shirts, Budd carries an extensive range of dresswear, nightwear, a fantastic selection of ties and bow ties, braces, socks, and many more accessories.

In this MenswearStyle podcast episode Peter speaks to both Darren Tiernan, Senior Cutter and James Macauslan, Cutter & Brand Creative Consultant at Budd London. They jump into the rich history of the brand and dissect the handmade shirt, discussing the different shirtmaking stages, from first being measured, to the complete final product. This laidback chat which took place within the brand's cutting room is full of interesting tailoring facts, insights and tips that are not to be missed.

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SEVENFRIDAY is a global lifestyle brand that creates industrial inspired watches, eyewear, apparel and accessories for individuals around the world who live everyday like it’s Friday. Pushing and challenging the norms within the industry according to their own beliefs, dreams and experiences, SEVENFRIDAY is a Life attitude. ‘Show me don’t Tell Me’ is their brand tagline: emotional instead of rational, action instead of words, creativity instead of unquestioned standards. Headquartered in Switzerland, SEVENFRIDAY has a global network of best-in-class partners in 90 countries, more than 700 points of sale and a multi-cultural, multi-national team of experts in design, operations, logistics and administration.

In this MenswearStyle podcast episode Peter speaks to Daniel Niederer, the Founder and CEO of SEVENFRIDAY. They discuss where it all started for Dan and where the idea came from. He explains that SEVENFRIDAY isn't just a watch or eyewear brand, but a brand more about life attitude. He also touches upon why he wants the business to be disruptive and innovative within the industry, with unique and striking watch designs that stand out from the norm to gain identity and recognition. He also gives insights into how he took advantage of the growth of social media such as Instagram for branding.

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Style, comfort and quality in every detail. It is the philosophy that has made Stenströms to be one of Sweden's best-known brands. The classic Stenströms shirt carries 120 years of tradition, professionalism and quality. Today, the business concept also includes women's blouses, knitwear, accessories, boxers and ties.

In this episode Peter speaks to both Marie Ramberg, Head of Marketing and Peter Juriado, Head of Design at Stenströms about the brand's classic and contemporary collections, as well as the brand's rich heritage which includes first making shirts for ship captains in Helsingborg in 1883.

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There are few things that grab hold of us like art. It awakens our imagination and creativity; it feeds our ability to innovate and change. Art make us ignore differences, reach out and connect across barriers and engage honestly in ways only deeply social experiences can do. Limitato believe that great art should drive cultural change and lead collaborative expressions. Their partnerships challenge the way art is to be appreciated by mixing worlds of fashion, hospitality and current affairs. Limitato has come together with some of the world’s most illustrious artists and photographers; from their collections they use selected pieces and convert them into ’Limitato Wearable Art’. The love, and the attention to detail that goes into every piece of their limited-edition garments reflects the exceptional calibre of the original work. In 2015 Limitato partnered with Terry O’Neill, laying the foundation for future projects inspired by their passion for art and photography as well as their desire to share it in new ways. Mr O’Neill has been at the frontline of creative fame for over 50 years and Limitato’s exclusive designs feature his profiles of an array of film and rock n roll legends such as Raquel Welch and the late David Bowie.

For this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast Peter Brooker speaks to the two founders of Swedish fashion label Limitato, Gustav Peterson and Emrik Olausson. They discuss how the two became friends in childhood, their early passion for fashion and when they first thought up the idea of working with photographers and artists to print renowned photographs and art onto luxury t-shirts.

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Ormonde Jayne is a London-based perfume house founded by Linda Pilkington in 2000 which began as a line of scented candles. The house now makes fine perfumes as well as bath and body products for men and women.

For this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast Peter Brooker speaks to the Creator and Founder of Fragrance House Ormonde Jayne, Linda Pilkington. They speak about Linda's upbringing and early passion for craftsmanship, launching and growing Ormonde Jayne, her luxury boutique at 28 Old Bond Street and strong international presence across 200 retailers. They also speak about entrepreneurship and what it takes to launch a business.

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BEAST is claimed to be the first Male beauty brand where guys can find an edit of over 80 premium brands spanning categories like Body, Hair, Shave, Face and Fragrance in a dedicated beauty hall space. We speak to Samuel Cheney, the Operations Director of Men's beauty store BEAST. This new brand has a mission to change the way men buy beauty. What started with a small store in London's Seven Dials has rapidly expanded to include concessions within House of Fraser and Flannels stores across the UK. Our host Peter Brooker gets an expert insight into how men are both learning and adopting beauty more than ever before, whilst discussing what the reasons behind this trend might be.

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Vivobarefoot is a minimalist running shoe company. Their technology is aimed at offering the optimum biomechanics and posture commonly associated with walking barefoot and barefoot running and advocated within the barefoot movement and barefoot running community. It has been described as "as close to going barefoot in the city as you can get." Vivobarefoot was set up by Galahad and Asher Clark, two cousins from the famous Clarks dynasty, and offers barefoot shoes for people looking to reconnect with the ground below them. Menswear Style's Peter Brooker interviews Asher about the story of where it all started for the brand, and gains insights into how regular footwear can be very bad for our posture and joints. Vivobarefoot combat this with a thin, wide and flexible minimalist shoes which are widely popular among the barefoot/natural running communities.

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DP-US Designer Outlet offers Globally sourced discounted Men's and Women's designer wear. An outlet store with 10 plus years in the retail sector. For this episode of the MenswearStyle podcast we sit down with Robert Freese, the Founder of DP-US Designer Outlet, a discounted designer shop located in the heart of East London. Robert discusses how he set up the business idea and how he is able to keep so many luxury labels all happy under one roof (Stone Island, Moncler, Prada, Gucci, Burberry, Vivienne Westwood, and Valentino, to more contemporary designer brands such as Canada Goose, Phillip Plein, C.P. Company and Kenzo). Peter and Robert also talk about the fashion industry as a whole and discuss what it takes to launch an ecommerce business today.

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William Wood was the name the founder’s late grandfather. He served in the British Fire Service for 25 years winning commendations for his acts of bravery. Today the watchmaker’s vision is to be a leading sustainable watch brand that upcycles rescue service materials for a new life, whilst giving back to relevant charities. We sit down with Jonny Garrett, the CEO and Founder of William Wood Watches ahead of the launch of their new Automatic Valiant Collection available this December. They have created a watch with upcycling elements never before seen on a watch e.g. the straps are made from cast off Angus Duraline British fire hose rubber which has provided over 10 years of service to the UK Fire & Rescue community (you can still smell the smokiness in the rubber!) They have also melted down an original 1920s British brass firefighter’s helmet and set it inside the watch crown. The melting is all done in the heart of London’s prestigious jewellery district of Hatton Garden.

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Last month MenswearStyle attended the Maschio Forum in Florence during the Pitti Uomo Fashion Fair. Here we met Professor Marco Crisci from Polimoda who moderated a round table discussion titled 'ecommerce or die' where industry experts shared their valuable insights. Here we take that discussion further with in depth findings about the high street and online retailers.

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Is The Dalmore the most Luxurious Whisky Ever? This week we speak to Stephen Martin, Global Malt Whisky Specialist for Whyte and Mackay. He gives me the lowdown on how The Dalmore whisky has become synonymous with luxury, how its incepted the lifestyle industry and the magic behind trailblazing Master Distiller Richard Paterson. We also do a quick round up with Bec Loades, Editor-at-Large for Menswear Style and get her take on the best dressed male of the year, and how the markets for ASOS have slumped in the run up to Christmas.

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This week we're talking to the Co-Founder of Undandy, Rafic Daud, about how he began an online e-commerce platform that enables you to design and create your own shoes. Host Peter Brooker also talks to Bec Loades, Editor-at-Large for MenswearStyle about her trip to a recent Adidas x TFL event in an abandoned underground station at Charring Cross. There's all the latest from the Environmental Audit Committee and what effect losing the trust of the Asian market have on Dolce & Gabanna.

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This week we're talking to CEO & Founder of King & Tuckfield, an eco-friendly denim label that is looking to take its brand to the next level via CrowdCube. Stacey Wood talks about the logistics of a crowdfunding campaign and how she wooed Richard Biedul into a collaboration that has emphatically sold out just weeks into its release. We also speak to Bec Loades Editor-at-large for MenswearStyle and she speaks about her recent chat with King Arthur and Outlander star Craig McGinlay, the effects of Black Friday and more.

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This week we sit down and speak to Lulu O'Connor, CEO and Founder of Clothes Doctor. Lulu talks about how imperative it is to bring more sustainability to our wardrobes. You can join Lulu and her journey by checking out the Clothes Doctor Crowdcube page as they're currently raising investment to bring the company to the next level. We also speak to Bec Loades, Editor-at-large for MenswearStyle about the latest news-worthy happenings within the fashion world.

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Rolf Studer, CEO of Oris Watches jumps on the podcast to highlight what the Swiss Watch manufacturers are currently doing for Movember. We also chat about Baselworld and the current state of the mechanical watch industry. Bec Loades, Editor at Large for Menswear Style jumps on to discuss what other brands are doing for Movember.

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This week we are joined by Luca Faloni of the eponymously titled, Luca Faloni, a timeless Italian direct to consumer menswear brand known for their linen and cashmere menswear. We talk about what the vital components are for setting up a clothing brand with both eCommerce and retail presence based in London with free worldwide shipping. We’ll also be talking to Bec Loades, Editor-at-Large for MenswearStyle.She’s going to be running through all the big news stories of the week; that Versace x Michael Kors takeover, the Chester Barrie refurbishment and the release of Jamie Oliver's new trainers.

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This episode we talk to Bespoke Tailor of 13 Savile Row, Richard Anderson. Richard talks about the current tailoring trends and how he graduated from being one of the youngest cutters to launching his own brand in 2001. We also talk about his new book 'Making the Cut' and his upcoming American trunk show. We then catch up with Editor-at-large Bec Loades and chat about the GQ MOTY Awards and the 30th Year Anniversary of high street retailer River Island.

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For this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we sit down with Simon Maloney, Creative Director at New & Lingwood. Simon talks to us about the inspiration behind the notorious peacock gowns as seen on screen worn by Hugh Laurie in The Night Manager. He discusses what it’s like working alongside Karl Lagerfeld and he touches upon his near miss with the Mission Impossible Franchise. Bec Loades, our Editor-at-large for Menswear Style also gives us the low down from Copenhagen Fashion Week and why men's shorty shorts are back in the limelight.

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In this episode we talk to influencer Carlos Costa about how he managed to forge over 200k followers on Instagram. We also ask him about his attitude towards social media, discuss his wedding suit and how he balances family life. We also talk to Bec Loades, Editor-at-Large for Menswear Style about the latest UK fashion news.

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This episode we're going to be talking to the founding partner of ANM PR Agency, Dominic McCarthy, about the state of British retail. Dominic has overseen the recent ready-to-buy catwalk at St James for London Fashion Week. His marketing company specialises in Menswear/Luxury/Fashion and is the marketing head for many stores on Jermyn Street and Savile Row such as New & Lingwood, Richard Anderson, Chester Barrie to name a few. We'll also be doing a special round up of who wore what on the runways and the notable collections with our Editor-at-large, Bec Loades.

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In this episode we talk to Jim Chapman on how he amassed over 2 million followers on Instagram and where it all began via YouTube. He discusses how he has matured and grown out of the funny vlog stunts from the early days, the recent film he has written which he hopes will hit the big screen and how he wants to protect his future children from the social influence industry. We finish with a news round up with Editor-at-large Bec Loades, discussing the latest from the Met Ball, the Oliver Spencer 10 year anniversary and the latest hike in Amazon subscription costs.

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This week we talk to self-made vlogger, blogger and influencer; Ali Gordon. He went form working as an electrician to become one of the biggest players in the male influencer field and in this interview he unveils the journey on how he amassed a social media following of over 330k on Instagram. We also talk about the process on how to build a following and what goes on behind-the-scenes at the Ali Gordon empire. We finish with a round-up of topical news with Editor-at-large, Bec Loades. They discuss the British brands that are championing sustainable fashion, who owned the red carpet at the Olivier Awards and the brand called BRIIT that has come out of nowhere.

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The LA-based model and influencer, Levi Stocke, sits down with Peter Brooker to discuss how his journey from pursuing a dream in the music business evolved to eventually become an Instagram Influencer with over 600k followers. He got his first break in modelling with Levi's Jeans and he’s since gone on to collaborate with brands such as Apothecary 87 for his signature Clay Pomade and MADE Eyewear to create his signature sunglasses. This tattooed Harley-riding whisky-drinking chap generously shares his background, recent projects, personal branding, style preferences, love for London, fitness regime and more. Peter is then joined by Bec Loades to discuss recent news relating to British brands such as Noose & Monkey, Burberry, Henry Poole and Carnaby Street.

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GRAPHITE is a platform for creatives and trailblazers aiming to elevate their work....

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In this episode we speak to some of the heavy hitters within the blogging world and ask them how they monetise their blogs. What are some of the best practices and what advice would they give to people just starting out. We speak to David Evans from Grey Fox Blog, Greg Dillon from Great Drams, and Antonio Centeno from Real Men Real Style.

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GRAPHITE is a platform for creatives and trailblazers aiming to elevate their work....

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This week we focus on style icon Steve McQueen. The legendary actor and humanitarian who left an indelible impression on every actor, racer, movie fan and subsequently, every person in the fashion industry. But what was it about him that meant his style and his films could live on so long after his death? We talk to his son Chad McQueen and author of Icons of Men's Style, Josh Sims about what it was that made him the King of Cool.

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GRAPHITE is a platform for creatives and trailblazers aiming to elevate their work....

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This week we manage to get an exclusive interview with Walter Smith, the 82 year old Tailor from Craft Tailoring in Liverpool who shares memories of being one of the first people to ever cut a suit for the fab four. We also get an exclusive chat with Paul McCartney's biographer Paul Du Noyer who talks about his book 'Conversations with Paul McCartney' and the fashion trends the band was setting at the height of their fame.

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GRAPHITE is a platform for creatives and trailblazers aiming to elevate their work....

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This week we discuss everything about Sneakers. We talk at length to Kish Kash, one of the UK's largest accumulators of men's sneakers with over 2000 in his armoury. Also joining us to talk about current and future trainer trends is Nik Speller from Three Letters Agency, and we talk to celebrity stylist Natalie Robinson from Style Icon who lends a female perspective and professional opinion on how sneakers have proliferated themselves into the mainstream.

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GRAPHITE is a platform for creatives and trailblazers aiming to elevate their work....

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This week we speak to some of the masters within the world of Mixology. We speak to Andy Shannon who curated the menu at this year's Bafta Awards in conjunction with Grey Goose vodka. Walter Pintus, Head Barman from The Connaught is also on the show, and joining us from Milan to teach us about Aperitif is our Grooming Editor Rakelle Maurici.

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GRAPHITE is a platform for creatives and trailblazers aiming to elevate their work....

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This week we talk to some of the world's finest Milliners. Featuring Galih Richardson of Laird & Co Hatters, Paul Stafford of The Season Hats and Alec the Hatmaker who makes hats in the fashion capital of Milan. We also have our own Grooming Editor Rakelle Maurici who lends us a female perspective on what hats to wear.

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GRAPHITE is a platform for creatives and trailblazers aiming to elevate their work....

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This week we have a peek across the North Sea horizon to see which Scandinavian Brands will be hitting our shores next. We speak to the Co-Founder of A Day's March, Marcus Gardo, the Founder of Claes Goran, Claes Bondelid, and finally the UK Brand Manager for Norwegian Rain, Chris Chasseaud.

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GRAPHITE is a platform for creatives and trailblazers aiming to elevate their work....

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This week we speak to some of the biggest names within the menswear retail industry. In particular we look at the Independents that are battling the current tough economic climate. We speak to Tony Rodgers, Founder and owner of Triads. Ian over at Pritchard's lends his expertise on high street survival from a store with over 170 years of retail heritage, and finally Sam Foulkes at Yards Store gives us an inside track on what it takes to open a flagship store.

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GRAPHITE is a platform for creatives and trailblazers aiming to elevate their work....

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A powerhouse of an episode for you this week. We delve deep into the rich heritage of one of Savile Row's oldest Tailors; Henry Poole. Simon Cundey tells us all about how their family introduced the Tuxedo to America. We also invite Gresham Blake and Joshua Kane back onto the show to chat about how they have modernised the Dinner Jacket and how it has evolved over time.

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