Menswear Style Podcast

Menswear Style

Welcome to the official Menswear Style Podcast, hosted by Peter Brooker. In this men's fashion, men's style, men’s grooming and men’s lifestyle focused podcast we speak to some of the most influential designers, innovative brand founders and truly inspiring entrepreneurs from within the fashion and apparel industry. Our aim is to bring you a detailed insight into founder start-up stories with a focus on sustainability, marketing, design, manufacturing, eCommerce, and operations.

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Episodes

Ed Bartlett, Founder of Kostüme / Cycling Apparel
10-04-2024
Ed Bartlett, Founder of Kostüme / Cycling Apparel
Kostüme makes the best cycling apparel money can buy, developed and tested on some of the most challenging cycling events in the world. The brand makes technically innovative cycling apparel focused on all-day performance, comfort and utility. Developed in the UK for the unique demands of Audax and multi-day long distance cycling, Kostüme products are equally at home riding events like GBDURO or Paris Brest Paris as your local café loop, where the exclusive artist designs will stand out from the crowd. Every Kostüme product is crafted from premium recycled materials and released in limited editions of 350, with each batch known as an Edit. Combined with a pre-order model, this innovative approach to cycling apparel production drastically cuts waste, and is just one example of their commitment to put environmental impact at the heart of every decision.Kostüme was founded to challenge the status quo, developing stylish, durable and highly functional products to help you express yourself both on and off the bike, however you choose to ride. Every piece of Kostüme cycling apparel is manufactured in partnership with two of the leading independent European family-run factories, who combine decades of bleeding edge experience with a fastidious approach to sustainability and obsessive attention to detail. It's the brand's aim to be as rigorous and transparent as possible about the impact of their actions, and they're working hard to close the loop on truly circular production. Make More with Matt HeslinExplore strategies to thrive financially, build legacy, and enhance life experiences.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
Edzard van der Wyck, Co-Founder of Sheep Inc. / Natural Merino Wool Clothing
28-03-2024
Edzard van der Wyck, Co-Founder of Sheep Inc. / Natural Merino Wool Clothing
Sheep Inc. is a pioneering clothing brand that uses proprietary technology and supply chain innovation to deliver next generation knitwear essentials with a naturally carbon-negative footprint. Achieved by working with cutting-edge regenerative farms and supply chain partners that run on 100% solar power. Custom built supply chain technology gives real-time insight into production processes and NFC technology is integrated into each supremely soft garment. A tap of the phone shows each garment’s unique digital fingerprint. Giving detailed information about the environmental impact and background about the farms and manufacturers. It even connects you with a sheep from the same farm the garment’s wool is from. Sheep Inc. aims to fundamentally change how we view and purchase clothing. Delivering best-in-class products with a unique customer experience and unparalleled sustainable credentials.Co-Founders Michael and Edzard are both experienced founders and saw first hand the impact of fashion on the environment. So their journey didn’t begin from a single moment but a series of realisations that the fashion industry's footprint was too heavy a burden for our planet to bear. It was the understanding that they could shift the approach and thinking. To do more, be more. Influenced by both the majestic simplicity of nature and the complex web of our global ecosystem, they were inspired to create a brand that mirrors the balance between the two.Make More with Matt HeslinExplore strategies to thrive financially, build legacy, and enhance life experiences.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
Ian Fielding-Calcutt, Founder of Fielding & Nicholson / Custom Made Suits
08-02-2024
Ian Fielding-Calcutt, Founder of Fielding & Nicholson / Custom Made Suits
Fielding & Nicholson is an independent tailors which has been providing a highly personal, exceptional service, creating pieces from some of the finest fabrics in the world for eighteen years. With origins in the North West of England, the brand now has showrooms on Sackville St, close to Savile Row, and in Manhattan, Zurich & Manchester.Founded by award-winning tailor and menswear specialist Ian Fielding-Calcutt in 2006 it is a go-to  for those with impeccable sartorial taste all over the UK and the world – the team regular travel for personal appointments to clients from the Scottish Highlands, to the City of London, Europe and the United States. The tight knit and long established team share decades of tailoring history between them. It is also one of the few tailoring brands offering a 5-year guarantee. The brand also has its own in-house cutter who has over 40 years’ experience in the business working with the likes of Paul Smith, Anderson & Shepard, Welsh & Jeffries and personally for members of the British Royal Family.Consultations can be booked to create formal business suits, country & shooting pieces, smart casual, wedding & formal suits and bespoke shirts in over 1,000 different fabrics. Primarily these cloths are handpicked from three main partners; Dormeuil, Loro Piana and Scabal, but also the likes of Dugdale Brothers, Huddersfield Fine Worsteds, Abraham Moon, Reda and many more. In the last few years Fielding & Nicholson has expanded the offer to include jackets, jeans, t-shirts, chinos, sweaters and hoodies. There is also a range of ties, cufflinks and leather goods.The brand is committed to long term relationships, and even longer term quality, believing that good tailoring is something that stands the test of time. You will never find a Fielding & Nicholson suit hidden and forgotten at the back of someone's wardrobe, no matter how many years it has existed for. For this reason the suits come with a five year guarantee to cover wear and tear, and fluctuations with clients weight, a dedicated suit-for-life.Ian Fielding-Calcutt grew up in a small town in Leicestershire called Ashby De-La Zouch. He had a keen interest in fashion from a very early age, often wearing waistcoats and 3-piece suits to college and when socialising. He studied International Politics and History at Keele University but wasn’t sure he wanted to do for a living and sampled a number of careers from PR to retail. In 2002 Ian was lucky enough to get a role with Tom James, a premium tailoring company, and gained early success winning a number of awards and becoming a Senior Tailoring Consultant in a very short space of time. His passion always lay more in the luxury sphere so he then decided to embark on his own adventure building a brand. In 2006, with the help of his friend Adam Nicholson, he created Fielding & Nicholson. Make More with Matt HeslinExplore strategies to thrive financially, build legacy, and enhance life experiences.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
Chris Beastall & Eli Ankutse, Co-Founders of Pelota / Sporting Clothiers
18-01-2024
Chris Beastall & Eli Ankutse, Co-Founders of Pelota / Sporting Clothiers
The principal Pelota theme is menswear designed for after sport. The menswear brand is designed from the ground up to bridge the gap between sport and leisure. You might call it ath-leisure, but it’s a step beyond – it’s for wearing #AprésSport – imagine a fierce battle on the squash court, a post-match shower, the next step is comfort-wear but with style. Naturally this type of brand category lends itself to many other situations, be it working from home, or a social occasion where comfort and style need to combine. Moving on from today’s man’s situational style conundrums, we are impressed with Pelota’s build quality - unforgivably, in our opinion, a key element to the successful brand puzzle all too often forgotten by upstart brands. Pelota garments are constructed from organic cotton, recycled materials and vegan friendly sources, and the brand’s fit is athletic yet forgiving. Meaning whatever shape you’re in, you’ll look and feel great. It’s difficult to not appreciate Pelota. A brand we can all relate to – after all, who doesn’t want style and comfort. Gone are the days of style at the expense of comfort. No more ill-fitting denim jackets, just because they look good. No, Pelota’s premise is well-made basics but with subtle branding – an expectant nod to the wearer’s eye for fine detail. Make More with Matt HeslinExplore strategies to thrive financially, build legacy, and enhance life experiences.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
Dimitar Kehayov, Founder of KHV CONCEPT / Handmade High-End Footwear
22-11-2023
Dimitar Kehayov, Founder of KHV CONCEPT / Handmade High-End Footwear
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.Make More with Matt HeslinExplore strategies to thrive financially, build legacy, and enhance life experiences.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
Ben Mears, Founder of Expio / Lightweight Waterproof Outerwear
02-11-2023
Ben Mears, Founder of Expio / Lightweight Waterproof Outerwear
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.Make More with Matt HeslinExplore strategies to thrive financially, build legacy, and enhance life experiences.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
Keelan Doyle, Founder of ØTHERS / Multi-Sensory Wellness
01-11-2023
Keelan Doyle, Founder of ØTHERS / Multi-Sensory Wellness
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. Make More with Matt HeslinExplore strategies to thrive financially, build legacy, and enhance life experiences.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
Nick Reed, Founder of Neem London / Climate Conscious Clothing
04-09-2023
Nick Reed, Founder of Neem London / Climate Conscious Clothing
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.Make More with Matt HeslinExplore strategies to thrive financially, build legacy, and enhance life experiences.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
Rosy Temple, CEO at Magee 1866 / Donegal Tweed Clothing
11-08-2023
Rosy Temple, CEO at Magee 1866 / Donegal Tweed Clothing
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.
Vincent Stadelhofer, Co-Founder of ANDREW & COLE / Sustainable Swimwear Brand
28-06-2023
Vincent Stadelhofer, Co-Founder of ANDREW & COLE / Sustainable Swimwear Brand
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.
Robin Vindevogel, Co-Founder of BTI / Fashion Business Guidance
24-04-2023
Robin Vindevogel, Co-Founder of BTI / Fashion Business Guidance
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.Make More with Matt HeslinExplore strategies to thrive financially, build legacy, and enhance life experiences.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
José Maria Reffoios, Co-Founder of JAK / Minimalistic Timeless Sneakers
31-03-2023
José Maria Reffoios, Co-Founder of JAK / Minimalistic Timeless Sneakers
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.Make More with Matt HeslinExplore strategies to thrive financially, build legacy, and enhance life experiences.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify