Podcast · Arts & Books

menSwear by a Woman

by menSwear by a Woman · English · Arts & Books

A podcast exploring menSwear from a woman's perspective. Join me as I speak to a huge range of people from within the industry. From brand owners to designers and entrepreneurs. I will also be sharing my own experiences within the menSwear universe as well as hearing about other people’s journeys. T

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 53 min
Latest: 13 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 9 minNew

EP272: The Journey Behind The Designer ft Nigel Curtiss

Nigel Curtiss is a designer whose name is well recognised within the menswear industry. I was incredibly fortunate to sit down with Nigel for a conversation that became one of the most memorable and inspiring I have ever had. From the very beginning, Nigel took me on a journey through the defining moments of his career, sharing stories of how it all began, his experiences working with Rei Kawakubo at Comme des Garçons, and the extraordinary path that shaped his life in fashion. What makes Nigel’s story so remarkable is the sheer imagination, vision, and creative instinct that have guided his…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

6 Oct 2026 · 11 min
EP271: Lost in Menswear - Japanese Engineered Menswear
What makes Japanese Engineered menswear so interesting? In the series of 10 minutes conversation of Lost in Menswear which is part of "menSwear by a Woman" podcast, I explore the idea of “Engineered menswear in Japan” clothing designed not simply to look good, but to work. From fabrics, construction to pockets, movement, fit and functionality, I look at the thought that goes into the garment and the small details that can completely change the way we experience what we wear. I take a closer look at the brand Norbit by Hiroshi Nozawa, a brand that perfectly captures this relationship between…
29 Sep 2026 · 28 min
EP270: The Man Behind The Suit ft Jama Elmi
Today’s guest is the wonderfully charismatic Jama Elmi, who brings his own unique style, energy and personality to the podcast. From the moment he walks in, Jama’s colourful suits demand attention, but more than that, they reflect the confidence, comfort and individuality he carries with him. He isn’t afraid to stand out, and that same openness comes through in the conversation. In this episode, we get to know the man behind the suits, hear his story, explore his experiences and discover what makes Jama unapologetically himself. A conversation full of personality, style, honesty and plenty…
22 Sep 2026 · 11 min
EP269: Lost In Menswear-Do Americans Understand British Style Better Than Us Brits?
Lately, I’ve been thinking about this question more and more especially after seeing J.Press’s Autumn/Winter collection and the way American menswear brands seem to look back at the history of British menswear for inspiration. There’s something fascinating about the way they reinterpret it: the fabrics, silhouettes, traditions, country clothing, tailoring and all those little details that once felt completely natural to British menswear. They seem to be digging through past, finding things we’ve forgotten, and putting their own spin on them. But also doing it well! And why does it sometimes…
15 Sep 2026 · 53 min
EP268: Menswear, The Ocean & Purpose ft Andrew Todd - Head Designer of Finisterre
Today’s episode takes us into the world of a brand that is making real waves in menswear and outdoor clothing. I’m joined by Andrew Todd as known as Todd, Head Designer at Finisterre, a brand born in Cornwall with the ocean at the heart of everything it does. We talk about Todd's journey into design, how his career developed, and what ultimately brought him to Finisterre. We explore how the environment, the ocean and the Cornish way of life have shaped the brand’s identity, and how those influences translate into the clothing they create. This is one of the most, heartfelt conversations I’ve…
8 Sep 2026 · 7 min
EP267: Announcement: Lost In Menswear
This might be the shortest episode I’ve ever done about menswear. Lately, I’ve been feeling a little lost when it comes to menswear. I’m not entirely sure why, but it seems to happen every summer. Sometimes you just reach a point where something you’ve spent so much time thinking about suddenly feels a little unfamiliar. But maybe feeling lost isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It gives you the chance to step back, look at things from different angles, question what you thought you knew, and perhaps discover something, new along the way. I know I’ll find my way back to menswear but for now, I’m…
1 Sep 2026 · 1 hr
EP266: Ivy, Jazz & Everything in Between Menswear ft. Tom Hoy
Today’s episode is with Tom Hoy, a name that will be familiar to anyone who has spent time exploring the world of Ivy and classic menswear. Tom has built a reputation for his knowledge, his eye for style, and his deep appreciation of the culture that surrounds Ivy. In this conversation, we found plenty of common ground from Miles Davis and jazz to Blue Note Records, Ivy, and the many characters, sounds and influences that helped shape one of the most iconic periods in menswear. Tom takes us back to his early days in menswear and talks about how his interest in Ivy developed over the years.…
18 Aug 2026 · 53 min
EP265: Climbing the Mountain of Menswear: Lewis Wilson ft. Cafe Mountain
In this episode, we sit down with Lewis Wilson, founder of Cafe Mountain to talk about his journey through menswear, the influences that shaped him, and how he discovered what he really wanted to create. Lewis reflects on the huge influence of menswear icon Nigel Cabourn, whose guidance and experience helped Lewis understand the direction he wanted to take within the industry. That journey eventually led him to create Cafe Mountain in 2021, an outdoor-inspired brand built around a sense of calm, simplicity and the feeling of being in the mountains.Since then, Lewis hasn’t looked back. Cafe…
11 Aug 2026 · 56 min
EP264: Behind the Industry: The Manufacturing Story ft Diana Kakkar & Joshua Rosario - Maes London
I’ve been wanting to bring guests from the manufacturing side of this industry onto the podcast for a long time, and I’m so excited that it’s finally happening. I’m hoping this is just the beginning with many more conversations like this to come. In today’s episode I’m joined by two incredible co-founders, Diana and Joshua, the founders of Maes London. Coming from different parts of the world and bringing together a team that truly understands manufacturing, structure, and the heart of this industry, they share a perspective that is so important because without manufacturing this industry…
4 Aug 2026 · 51 min
EP263: The Story Behind Every Stitch ft. Bhaavya Goenka Founder of Iro Iro
In today's episode, I'm joined by Bhaavya, the founder of Iro Iro, a brand that beautifully bridges traditional craftsmanship, with contemporary fashion. I first came across Iro Iro during London Craft Week, through the Friday Sari Project, where a group of South Asian designers collections, where they showcased how talented craftsmans work is still available in India that are huge part of individual brands in their own unique way. What immediately stood out to me was how Iro Iro reimagines heritage craftsmanship for the modern wardrobe. The collection draws inspiration from menswear and…
28 Jul 2026 · 45 min
EP262: Fashion Education: The Reality After Graduation ft Christoph Ritter
Today’s episode features Christoph Ritter, founder of Critter London, who shares his experience of studying fashion, leaving Central Saint Martins, and building his own path within luxury womenswear. Although this podcast has traditionally focused on menswear, this conversation explores a topic that affects the entire fashion industry: the reality of fashion education and what happens after graduation. Christoph and I discuss the financial pressures students face when studying fashion, the rising costs involved in completing a degree, and the reality of graduating with significant debt while…
22 Jul 2026 · 22 min
EP261: A 9:30pm Conversation: SS27 Menswear, Creativity & Change
Today’s episode is a little different from the one originally planned. Due to ongoing technical issues, I decided at 9:30pm to record a conversation exploring the SS27 menswear collections, from Pitti Uomo and Milan through to Paris. Paris was the highlight for me this season, with inspiring collections from Dries Van Norton, Issey Miyake, Maison Kitsuné, Soshiotsuki, and Taakk showcasing incredible craftsmanship, texture, colour, and creativity. Beyond the collections, this episode explores the wider questions around menswear today: how people find opportunities within the industry, the…
14 Jul 2026 · 48 min
EP260: They Knew Nothing About the Industry- So They Built Lafaani ft Drishti & Rashmick
What happens when two people with no background in the clothing industry decide to challenge the way it's done? In this episode, we sit down with Drishti and Rashmick, the co-founders of Lafaani, to explore the journey behind a brand built on curiosity, purpose, and the courage to begin without having all the answers. Coming from outside the industry, they didn't see their lack of experience as a limitation. Instead, they saw an opportunity to question the norm, learn from the ground up, and create something that reflected the values they believed in. For them, "why not?" has always been…
7 Jul 2026 · 56 min
EP259: Are We Already Living in the Future of Menswear? ft Nick Tidball, Co-Founder of Vollebak
In this episode, I sit down with Vollebak co-founder Nick Tidball for a fascinating conversation about what happens when you stop following the rules of fashion and start designing for the future. From the very beginning, Nick and his brother set out to build a brand unlike anything the menswear industry had ever seen. Instead of chasing seasonal trends, they asked bigger questions: What will humans wear in the future? How can clothing evolve alongside technology, exploration, and human performance? What if a jacket could do far more than simply protect you from the elements? We explore the…
30 Jun 2026 · 49 min
EP258: Inspired by the Journey: The Story Behind Far AField ft Chris Scholes & Mark Scholes
Inspired by a shared love of travel and timeless design, brothers Chris and Mark founded Far Afield with a vision of creating menswear that tells a story. In this episode, they share how exploring the world shaped the brand, influenced every collection, and helped turn a simple idea into a respected independent menswear label. We discuss entrepreneurship, creativity, and what it's really like building a business as brothers. Chris and Mark also reflect on the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, building strong relationships within your team, and creating a culture built…
23 Jun 2026 · 55 min
EP257: Editor-in-Chief, of French Icon Magazine ft. James Sleaford
In this episode, I sit down with James Sleaford, Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Director of the French edition of Icon Magazine, for an insightful conversation about the ever evolving world of men's fashion media. James shares his journey into publishing, how he built his career within the magazine industry, and the realities of leading one of menswear's most respected titles. We discuss how men's magazines have changed over the years, from traditional print publications to multi platform brands operating in an increasingly digital first landscape. We also explore how fashion magazines…
16 Jun 2026 · 16 min
EP256: A Tribute To Nigel Cabourn : How I Met Nigel Cabourn
This episode is a personal tribute to Nigel Cabourn, one of the true legends of British menswear. I was fortunate enough to meet Nigel at a vintage fair 2023, and it remains one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Like so many others, I had admired his work, his passion for vintage clothing, and the influence he had on menswear for decades. Meeting him only deepened that admiration. What struck me most was how approachable and genuine he was. There were no gatekeepers, no PR teams, no production schedules to navigate just a conversation between two people who shared a genuine love…
9 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
EP255: The Reality Behind Having A Menswear Brand ft. Alan Taylor founder of Bad Arm Baseball
In today's episode, I'm joined by Alan Taylor, founder of Bad Arm Baseball, for an honest conversation about building a menswear brand from the ground up. We discuss how menswear has evolved over the years, the changing landscape of fashion, and why fashion education may need to adapt to better prepare the next generation. Alan shares his journey into the industry, including the challenges of entering a world he knew little about and learning through experience along the way. We also explore the reality of starting your own brand. While entrepreneurship can seem exciting from the outside, we…
2 Jun 2026 · 53 min
EP254: More Than Menswear: A Father Daughter Legacy ft. Katie Fyfe
In this episode, we sit down with Katie Fyfe, co-founder of Dad & Dolly, to share the deeply personal story behind the menswear brand she created alongside her father, John. When John began showing early signs of dementia, Katie found herself searching for a way to spend meaningful time with him while preserving the memories, stories, and family traditions that had shaped their relationship. Drawing on John's lifelong appreciation for classic menswear, the pair embarked on a journey that would become Dad & Dolly a brand built on heritage, craftsmanship, and the enduring bond between a father…
26 May 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
EP253: The Pressure Behind Menswear ft. George .W .Alvin
This week, we sit down with menswear designer George W Alvin for an honest conversation about fashion, identity, creativity, and mental health within the industry. Having previously worked with Reiss and alongside leading menswear designers, George reflects on his journey through the fashion world from the pressures of established brands to finding the courage to start again on his own terms. We discuss why research and understanding your vision are essential when building a brand, and how experience, setbacks, and self-belief all shape the creative process. George opens up about discovering…
19 May 2026 · 49 min
EP252 : Menswear Mindfulness, Identity, and Personal Style ft. Colin Behr Wardrobe Theory Project
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Colin Behr, founder of Wardrobe Theory Project, for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state of menswear and what it really means to build a project with identity in today’s fashion landscape. We discuss how menswear has evolved over the last decade, the growing influence of social media and creators, and why so many brands and campaigns can begin to feel visually and culturally repetitive. Colin shares his perspective on craftsmanship, design philosophy, and the balance between creating timeless pieces while still operating within a fast moving…
12 May 2026 · 53 min
EP251: The Modern Menswear Conversation: The Armoury ft. Mark Cho
In this episode, we sit down with Mark Cho, co-founder of The Armoury, to talk about his journey into the world of menswear and the experiences that shaped his perspective on style, craftsmanship, and culture. Mark shares how his early interest in clothing evolved into a deeper appreciation for tailoring and classic menswear, as well as how his relationship with Drake's first began. We also explore the origins of The Armoury from its founding philosophy to its role in helping redefine modern menswear for a new generation. Along the way, the conversation touches on why menswear matters beyond…
5 May 2026 · 1 hr
EP250: From Albam to Peace: On Beginning Again ft. James Shaw
In Part 2 of our conversation with James Shaw founder of Albam and now building Peace we go deeper into what it really feels like to run a brand that’s so closely tied to your identity. James speaks candidly about the emotional weight behind menswear, from the pride of creating something meaningful to the pressure of sustaining it over time. We unpack what it means to step back into the industry for a second chapter, and the mindset shift required to build again this time with experience, perspective, and a clearer sense of purpose. We also explore the realities of navigating a changing…
28 Apr 2026 · 53 min
EP249: Craft, Process, and Purpose ft. William Kroll - Tender Co
In this episode, we sit down with William Kroll, founder of Tender Co., to explore how a truly independent brand is built and why it matters. William walks us through the early days of Tender Co., from its unconventional beginnings to the hands-on process that defines the brand today. Rooted in experimentation and craftsmanship, Tender Co. was never about fitting into the traditional fashion system, but about creating something slower, more considered, and deeply personal. Beyond the origin story, we dive into what the brand stands for. For William, Tender Co. reflects the real reasons for…
21 Apr 2026 · 54 min
EP248: Style, Culture, Music & Art at Reel Art Press ft. Tony Nourmand
In this episode, we sit down with Tony Nourmand, founder and editor-in-chief of Reel Art Press, and a leading figure in visual culture publishing. With a background in vintage movie posters, Nourmand has spent decades shaping how we experience film, music, photography, and fashion through books. He discusses the vision behind Reel Art Press and the stories behind standout titles such as Black Ivy, a powerful exploration of Black style and its influence on fashion and identity, alongside works like 100 Movie Posters that celebrate the artistry of cinema. Throughout the conversation, Tony…
14 Apr 2026 · 27 min
EP247: Inside Ivy Boys ft Aaron Chang on Style & Illustration
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Aaron Chang a celebrated illustrator and the founder of Ivy Boys, a platform that has carved out a distinctive voice in the world of menswear. Known for his sharp eye and signature artistic style, Aaron has built a loyal following by capturing the essence of classic and contemporary men’s fashion through illustration. We explore Aaron’s journey into the industry, the story behind Ivy Boys, and how his work has gone on to collaborate with heritage icons like J.Press and Ralph Lauren bringing to life some of the most enduring Ivy League inspired looks…
7 Apr 2026 · 3 min
Update from Us
Hello everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful Easter. Just a quick update to let you know that we’ll be back next week with a new episode. It’s a special one, and we’re still working out exactly how we’re going to bring it to you! Our guest is very well known in the menswear world, and this will be a real first for menSwear by a Woman Podcast. Fingers crossed, everything goes smoothly on the day 🤞🏽 We can’t wait to be back to our regular episodes next week. See you then!
31 Mar 2026 · 49 min
EP246: Every Fragrance Tells a Story: Rahasya ft. Sai Pogaru Co-Founder
What happens when three friends Sachit, Utkarsh and Sai with no background in the perfume industry decide to create a fragrances brand about memories? In this episode, we dive into the story of Rahasya a brand born not from expertise, but from curiosity, creativity, and a shared belief that passion can outshine convention. We explore how the founders took a leap into an unfamiliar world, navigating challenges, learning the art and science of scent, and building something truly their own. From experimenting with notes and identity to carving a space in a competitive market, Rahasya’s journey…
24 Mar 2026 · 49 min
EP245: The Story of Sid Mashburn ft. Sid & Ann Mashburn
In today’s episode, we sit down with Sid and Ann Mashburn, the husband and wife founders behind the beloved brand Sid Mashburn. Before launching their own company, both Sid and Ann had already built successful careers, but they made the bold decision to step away and take a chance on creating something of their own. That leap of faith became Sid Mashburn a brand now widely recognized in the world of menswear for its timeless style, strong sense of ethics, and thoughtful approach to design and retail. Ann saw something distinct in Sid’s style and vision she recognized exactly what the brand…
17 Mar 2026 · 59 min
EP244: Mountain Style: How Mountaineering Clothing Became Iconic ft Henry Iddon &Max Leonard
In this episode, we’re joined by writers Max Leonard and Henry Iddon, co-authors of Mountain Style - British Outdoor Clothing 1953-2000 , a book that explores the rich history and cultural impact of clothing designed for life in the mountains. Both Max and Henry share a deep enthusiasm for outdoor clothing and the stories behind the gear that climbers and mountaineers rely on. What began as a curiosity about why certain jackets, fabrics, and designs became iconic grew into a deeper exploration of how mountain clothing evolved through innovation, necessity, and the creativity of the people…

About menSwear by a Woman

menSwear by a Woman is a English arts & books podcast from menSwear by a Woman. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: menSwear by a Woman
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 53 min
Latest episode: 13 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1555902805
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