Menswear Style Podcast

One of the world’s most famous fashion designers Giorgio Armani has died at the age of 91. Also a renowned businessman, the pioneering Italian designer was credited with reimagining men’s and women’s suits for a modern audience. He dressed some of the biggest stars in music and Hollywood and his company Armani expanded into beauty, fragrance, music, sport and luxury hotels. Menswear Style's host Peter Brooker and Coventry University fashion expert Rebecca Ryder-Caddy discuss what made Giorgio Armani’s designs so successful, his most famous outfits, how he changed the fashion industry, and his enduring legacy. Support the show

Myrqvist's journey began in 2016, starting small — like most things do — but with a clear vision: to craft high-quality footwear with a timeless design at a fair price. A product designed to stand the test of time and trends alike. How do they balance top-tier craftsmanship with a modest price point? At Myrqvist, they take pride in their dedication to quality. While all design work happens at their Stockholm headquarters, their shoes are expertly crafted by skilled artisans in Portugal, with whom they’ve built long-standing relationships. Rather than inflating prices with hefty margins, they focus on keeping costs aligned with the craftsmanship that goes into each pair. The result? Premium footwear — without the premium price tag. Scandinavian design, meticulous attention to detail, and the finest materials sourced from world-renowned tanneries are at the heart of Myrqvist. Thanks to this commitment, they were named Sweden’s fastest-growing footwear brand in 2020. While roots remain deeply Scandinavian, Myrqvist shoes are now worn across continents, making their mark far beyond Sweden. But growth hasn’t just been geographic. The first shoe model, the Äppelviken Oxford, laid the foundation for their collection. While they continue to offer classic formal shoes, their range has expanded to include sneakers, boots, sandals, and accessories — each embodying timeless design and a commitment to longevity. Together, they define Myrqvist: premium footwear without the premium price tag. Support the show

Belgravia stylist Adem Oygur’s journey began in a small town east of Istanbul, where he spent his childhood on his family’s hazelnut farm. Much of his time was spent planting, nurturing and harvesting hazel trees, although his true dream lay in hairstyling. At just 14, Adem made the bold decision to move to Istanbul, where he began his career as a barber. Over the next 15 years, Adem forged a remarkable career in London’s busy hairdressing world, working backstage at fashion shows to create runway-ready looks under pressure. His practical, wearable cuts earned him a stellar reputation, combining artistry with effortless functionality tailored to each client’s unique features and lifestyle. Today, Adem is permanently based in London, where his Belgravia salon has become a destination for discerning clients from Europe and beyond. His star-studded clientele includes tennis icon Roger Federer and royalty from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain. Known for his ability to instantly understand and transform a client’s hair, Adem pairs his sharp instincts with meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The salon itself is a serene haven, with towering plants lending it the feel of a “living salon.” Among its standout offerings is a men’s head spa, designed to rejuvenate the scalp while offering a luxurious and calming experience. Central to Adem’s philosophy is his organic product range, Adem London, which revolves around the extraordinary properties of hazelnut oil, harvested from his family’s 150-acre farm in Divaniturk. Cold-pressed from 2.5kg of hazelnuts per litre, the oil is processed in the UK to create salon-standard hair and skincare products that are as sustainable as they are effective. His future plans include planting over 10 million new trees within the next five years. In 2018, Adem’s exceptional talent was recognised on the global stage when he became a finalist at the International Hairdressing Awards, a prestigious celebration of creativity and skill. That same year, he won the L’Oréal Colour Trophy in the Afro hair category, cementing his place among the industry’s elite stylists. From his humble beginnings on a hazelnut farm to styling some of the world’s most prominent figures, Adem Oygur’s story is one of passion, creativity and staying true to his roots. His Belgravia salon is more than a space for expert hairdressing – it’s a celebration of natural beauty, thoughtful craftsmanship and sustainable innovation. Support the show

Barnfield Customs is a new brand not only capturing a passion for product, but with a drive to establish itself as a premium ‘maker’ within the UK market through founder Mark Warman. The brainchild of graphic designer and agency owner Mark, and based in Nottinghamshire, Barnfield Customs came to life in 2023 with a primary focus on designing and making premium overcoats and jackets to the highest standard. Garments that are timeless, abundant in finer detailing and in quality. Each Barnfield coat is made to order with Mark running one-on-one calls with each of his customers to confirm sizing and fit. Growing up in Bahrain, Mark returned to the UK to attend art school in Nottingham before finishing a degree in Design Technology at Nottingham Trent University. Starting his career as a graphic designer, he set up his own marketing agency in 2007. The founder has already enjoyed an element of success via the sale of his first jacket, the Lawrence, which sold out in 36 hours. The next step will be the introduction of a luxury heavyweight peacoat, the Hampden. Handmade to order and constructed from premium British made 100% wool melton and cut to a traditional slim fit, the coat will be priced at £1595 with order books opening in December this year. Challenger X ChallengerX is a bold new podcast that dives deep into the minds of leaders... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show

The story of Les Deux began in Copenhagen in 2011 when two seemingly opposite worlds collided. A law student from the suburbs crossed paths with a creative soul with international roots at a city bar. Their conversation sparked over a T-shirt: a plain white piece, adorned with military patches sewn by hand. Despite their contrasting backgrounds - preppy meets urban, entrepreneur meets creative - they shared a vision: to create a menswear brand inspired by their differences. That simple T-shirt became the starting point for a bold dream: to merge preppy and urban styles, foster inclusivity, and make a positive impact on people’s lives worldwide. Since that fateful meeting, Les Deux has grown from a modest apartment-run business into an international brand with a team of 100. Through it all, one principle has guided them: when people from different walks of life come together, incredible things happen. This belief shapes everything they do. Inspiration comes from people - diverse communities that embrace everyone and moments of connection where strangers lift each other up. From tight-knit basketball teams in Paris to everyday acts of kindness, they find creativity in the passion, resilience, and heart. Les Deux is a testament to the relationships they’ve built along the way. The collective energy of people working together has been essential to success and fuels their commitment to giving back. Community is at the core of who they are, and through a Legacy program, they strive to create opportunities for those who’ve been left behind. Support the show

BeardGang Members (BGM) formulate premium products that are class-leading and healthy for their customers. Their goal is to work with the body's natural chemistry to ensure your hair and skin maintain balanced and healthy. BGM products gently cleanse, condition and nourish hair and skin. They avoid sulfates, silicones and other artificial ingredients to maintain harmony with the natural chemistry of the human body. They do this to maintain natural oils and to keep your hair and skin as healthy as possible. Historically Hemp has been a taboo subject in the media, however with the legalization of Cannabis products in the US and recently the UK, sentiment has changed. Founder Adam White-Johnson has always been a strong advocate of Hemp due to the incredible healing properties the plant possesses. Now you can benefit from this magical oil which BGM have carefully blended with a selection of carrier and essential oils to provide maximum benefits for your hair and skin. OWNR OPS Podcast Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show

Sims Wear is a British menswear brand delivering elevated wardrobe essentials produced from the best wool and textiles in the British Isles. Dedicated to quality, and to creating timeless luxury that will stand the test of time, Sims Wear is built on three pillars; the best grade fibre, the best yarn spinner, and the best knitter. The materials used are also a trio of excellence; Supima Cotton, Nomadic Cashmere, and Merino Lambswool create a collection of style and comfort crafted to last. Pieces are made to outlive trends, and everything is done in the UK, from the fibre carding and spinning, through to knitting, weaving, cutting and sewing. The Sims Wear look is all about simple wardrobe builders, a classically British aesthetic with modern quiet elegance at its heart. Colour, cut and fabrication is key, where Margate Beach meets Marylebone via Scotland and the Yorkshire Dales. Founded by Rory Bennett and Billy Sims-Hilditch, the brand was born with a quest to find the perfect jumper. Billy chose a classic, super-soft navy blue cashmere crew-neck from a premium British retailer. It fit beautifully, felt great on, and went with everything. Sadly after only one year, the jumper had fallen apart at the seams. Having spent considerable amounts of time and money on the purchase, frustrated Billy set about researching what made a good jumper. This was when the Holy Trinity of knitwear, which is now intrinsic to Sims Wear, was identified, the best-in class fibre, yarn spinner and knitter. When these three are in place, something beautiful is created. The ever present chase for lower prices has meant that over the years, brands which were once associated with quality, sadly no longer live up to those standards. In a further move towards sustainability, there is a Repair and Recondition service for knitwear. This means that if any unfortunate accidents befall your jumper, you can send it back to the brand to be repaired. Whether it’s patches on the elbows, or simply a hole which can be darned, most issues if caught early enough can be fixed. In the process, jumpers will also be reconditioned by de-pilling it and washing it, making sure it’s returned in exceptional condition. OWNR OPS Podcast Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show

Disciplined, Dedicated and a Rationalist. Evren Ozka has long had a strategic eye for business, starting his professional career in textiles and manufacturing. At age 18, he ran his division at his family's textile companies for seven years before beginning Mallet London in partnership with Tommy Mallet. They realized a gap in the market - quality-designed shoes at an achievable price point, and the brand evolved from there. Evren is now Founder and Business Director of Mallet London and spends his time between London and Dubai. Mallet London has played a central role in blurring the lines between sportswear and luxury. Since its launch in 2015, there have been many significant milestones for Evren, all relative to the size and age of the journey. Standout moments for him include the brand's first wholesale order, which was from an independent luxury store, followed by getting stocked in Selfridges and Harrods, then Saks Fifth Avenue in New York and their most recent collaboration with Transport for London (TfL). Evren Ozka finds no better feeling than seeing people out and about wearing Mallet London. Since expanding to the Middle East, he has noticed an appetite for European brands in the region, especially those in the premium and luxury markets. With the ever-growing fashion scene where consumers take pride in their style, he believes that Mallet London’s unique designs will resonate with the people of the Middle East. OWNR OPS Podcast Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show

With over two decades of combined experience in the world of watches, Danielle and Jonathan (a husband and wife team) share a deep passion for curating, creating, and connecting collectors and enthusiasts with timepieces from renowned watchmakers. Helicon is a new dial name, launched this year by two industry veterans with more than twenty years experience in the business of selling and sourcing watches - at all price levels and from a multitude of makers - to and for collectors and enthusiasts around the world. Having been closely involved in conceptualising and developing many models, the Helicon team has built an extensive network of designers, historians, manufacturers and suppliers from the key watch centres of Switzerland, Germany, France and Japan. The help and advice of many of these long-standing friends and colleagues was called upon to ensure Helicon watches are ‘right’ from the very start – and they are confident that their quality and guaranteed rarity will ensure they appeal to collectors. Above all, however, Helicon want every owner to not only want to wear their watch every day, but feel confident in doing so without worry – ensuring a Helicon is a friend for life. OWNR OPS Podcast Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show

Miguel was a professional soccer player but sadly suffered an injury which led to him starting a new career. Drawing inspiration from soccer, he embarked on a new journey. BYMS is a brand that stands out in the world of sports fashion, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and the celebration of the sporting spirit. With each creation, BYMS reaffirms its place as an authentic and influential voice in fashion and football. The newly launched "12th Player" jersey is a powerful symbol of unity and passion inspired by the underdog spirit of small soccer teams. Full of meaning, and designed to capture the imagination of passionate fans, this jersey is a tribute to the indomitable passion that drives the hearts of supporters and players alike. Designed with a style that echoes past glories and looks boldly to the future, the number 12 is more than just a number. This piece signifies the awakening of a story, the beginning of a journey, and an invitation for everyone who lives with passion to wear their faith and support, not just in the stands, but in every difficult moment of life. Support the show

Style, quality and comfort in every detail. This philosophy has made Stenströms one of Sweden's most well-known and respected brands. The classic Stenströms shirt carries 125 years of tradition, craftsmanship and quality. Jackets, knitwear, accessories and ties are now also included in their business concept. They can now look back on their 125 years as a design and fashion house. And even though they continue to grow, their attitude to quality always remains the same. OWNR OPS Podcast Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show

On a factory trip to Sri Lanka, shoe designer Will Verona was confronted with a shocking sight: a 50-meter high mountain of plastic waste. 'Trash mountain' would later collapse, with tragic consequences. Reflecting on his industry’s role in the environmental crisis, Will knew that something had to change. Determined to be a part of the solution, he began to explore the use of novel natural materials in his designs. PURIFIED is a London-based shoe brand creating 100% plastic-free footwear, solely from natural materials. 25 billion shoes are produced each year. Almost all are unrecyclable, destined to spend generations in landfill. The shoe industry’s reliance on synthetic materials and toxic glues doesn’t only lead to waste and environmental degradation - it compromises shoe quality and comfort. PURIFIED’s 100% natural shoes enable you to “Return to Earth” with every step, before they safely rejoin the natural cycle after years of wear. They go straight to the source - seeking the knowledge of farmers and craftsman who know our land best. Working together, they move away from the synthetic materials, toxic glues and industrial processes that characterise today’s shoe industry. Support the show

Get Groomed are not your average barbers, they're your personal professional hair artists that cater to you in your preferred time, place, and style. They aim to revolutionise your grooming experience. Imagine not having to deal with stressful commutes, long lineups, or disturbing the peace and quiet of your much-loved home or cherished space like your office. They're all about tailoring the experience to your wants and needs, fitting right into your routine without any hassle. Get Groomed is all set to connect you with professional, highly skilled, and thoroughly vetted mobile barbers in your area. Expect the finest grooming services at your convenience, right at your doorstep. Whether you're after a fresh haircut, a luxurious wet shave, an expert beard trim, or something else entirely, they've got you covered. Support the show

The Project 080 sneaker is designed to look like a regular sneaker but with all the benefits of a barefoot shoe. Thick looking sole and dynamic design. Having a foot shaped shoe might be the most important quality of a barefoot sneaker because it keeps your toes in a natural position. OHNE PROJECT has a new designed sole that looks like a usual sole but gives all the benefits of a barefoot shoe. With less than 5 mm thickness it is ultra flexible and allows for a natural foot movement and sensory feedback to your brain. The idea to create barefoot shoes came about when the co-founders simply couldn't find any beautiful sneakers that matched their style. Manel studied footwear design and Hanna studied textile engineering. Each foot is made up of 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. All of which work together to provide support, balance and mobility. Regular footwear can limit all of our feet potential and be the reason for common feet, back and joint problems. They can deform our feet resulting in conditions such as bunions, hammer toes, and fasciitis plantar. Barefoot shoes are also "zero drop" which means that the height from heel to toe is the same, this helps our body to stay in balance and have a correct posture. OWNR OPS Podcast Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show

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. OWNR OPS Podcast Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show

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. OWNR OPS Podcast Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show

Billy Tannery was founded in 2016 by Jack Millington. A farmer’s son who spent his early career in marketing, he had no previous experience in the leather industry. After discovering that thousands of goatskins were going to waste each year in the UK, he joined forces with childhood friend Rory Harker to launch Billy Tannery. Tapping into local leather knowledge, Billy Tannery built a pioneering micro-tannery on a farm in the Midlands and the sustainable, bark-tanned leather now completes the circle. The first leather brand of its kind in the UK, with a vertically integrated supply chain from hide to final product, Billy Tannery is able to offer something extremely rare - genuinely traceable leather goods. The growing range of leather goods is designed and made in England for those who care about shopping locally and responsibly, without compromising on quality. Billy Tannery’s range of products includes bags, wallets, aprons and small leather goods. The company offers a lifetime repair guarantee on all of its products in an effort to ensure many generations of use, one of the main factors in making a product sustainable. OWNR OPS Podcast Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show

Inspired by South America's rich heritage of unrivalled horsemanship and traditional leather work, pampeano evolved from the polo fields of central Argentina. pampeano remains one of the few brands with quality and craftsmanship at its heart. Continuing the cherished techniques of the South American artisans, pampeano uses only premium-grade, butter-soft, vegetable tanned leather and the finest, luxury natural textiles and threads available. Their craft is incorporated into pampeano's iconic pampa diamonds; shapes inspired by the peaks and silhouettes of the Andes Mountains and the extraordinary landscapes that surround them. pampeano have taken this unique traditional styling and made it available to the world, with over 300 loyal stockists worldwide, all without compromising the quality they are renown for. OWNR OPS Podcast Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show

The world of Plowden & Fallow is the home to one of Britain’s newer contemporary fragrance houses, located on the Plowden Estate in Shropshire, England. They produce artisan luxury fragrances and shaving products and accessories for those that demand not only the very best of quality, but also for those that yearn perhaps, for the less conventional. Plowden & Fallow is inspired by great British traditions, folklore and eccentricity. They take a great deal of inspiration and knowledge from the past and apply it in the modern day to create quintessentially British fragranced products, to exacting standards, which, whilst giving a nod to tradition, contain a refreshing modern twist. Plowden & Fallow is a proud British brand and all of their product ranges are produced here in the UK, by artisan craftsmen and women, who combine knowledge with passion and the expertise in their individual crafts, most often, passed down through generations to the current day. The brand's fragrances and other ranges are produced in small batches, and all are constructed by hand. OWNR OPS Podcast Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show

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. OWNR OPS Podcast Starting a business by offering a service to your local community is one of the... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show