menSwear by a Woman

In this special episode of Lost in Menswear series part of menSwear by a Woman Podcast, I'm stepping away from our usual conversations about menswear to explore, something much more important that we need to talk about is men's mental health. It's a subject I've wanted to talk about for some time, partly because I have a male friend who lives with depression. Through knowing him and understanding a little more about his experiences, I've gained a different perspective on how mental health can affect someone's everyday life and it really breaks my heart to see this amazing friend going through this. I've also received messages from listeners, who have shared their own experiences, with depression and mental health, some explaining how listening to the podcast brings a little joy into their day.

One thing that particularly surprised me was hearing, how some men find it difficult to walk into a menswear stores! because of their confidence and how they feel about their appearance.It made me think about the relationship between menswear, self-image and mental wellbeing, how something we might consider quite ordinary can and could be a real challenge for someone else.

As a woman presenting a menswear podcast, I'm not claiming to have all the answers or to know exactly what men experience. But I believe these conversations are important, and that we need more understanding, openness and less judgement.

Because there's so much more than menswear clothing that are worn.

Sometimes we really need to look beyond, the image and think about the person behind. Calling that friend and making time just a conversation over phone call to say

“ how are you" and telling them “I’m here for you” can make that one person realise there is someone there on the other side.

Beyond the Clothes. A conversation worth having . If you need to get help PLEASE do there’s nothing to be ashamed of 💚 their are lot places that give out help.

Lost in Menswear series by menSwear by a Woman Podcast.

In this episode, we sit down with David Telfer, whose career in menswear has seen him work with some well known brands, from heritage names to Sunspel and COS.

David shares his insights into how the menswear industry has evolved, what’s changed over the years, and where he sees it heading next. We also explore his journey towards launching his own brand "As Found", which is currently in its early stages and set to come to life next year. What makes this venture particularly interesting? It’s all centred around gardening wear, a fresh take on clothing designed for life outdoors. From working with, established brands to taking the leap into building, something of his own, David offers a fascinating perspective on the industry, the opportunities it presents, and what it takes to turn an idea into a brand.

A conversation about menswear, creativity, and growing something from the ground up.

Lost in Menswear is a series exploring the things that inspire us, or the things we sometimes forget about, when it comes to menswear. Each episode is around 10 minutes long, focusing on a different element of style. This episode is all about Autumn and the art of layering, one of my favourite seasons for menswear, it’s the perfect time to mix things up with the pieces you already have in your wardrobe. From textures and colours, to proportions, styling and layering it’s about finding new ways to wear what you already own rather than buying a whole new wardrobe.

Question: What’s your favourite season for menswear, and how do you approach layering in Autumn? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. It would be great to hear from you!

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 journey. His ability to envision possibilities that others could only dream of, and to see those ideas become reality, is a testament to the power of creativity and the courage to follow an unconventional path. This is more than a conversation about fashion. It is a story of vision, ambition, creativity, and the experiences that shape an extraordinary career. Join me for a fascinating conversation with Nigel Curtiss as we, uncover some of the most iconic, unexpected, and inspiring chapters of his life in the fashion industry.

A journey filled with, remarkable stories, creative discoveries, and insights from a designer whose path is truly one of a kind.

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 utility, outdoor influences, modern design and everyday wearability. It’s clothing where functionality isn't an afterthought , it’s part of the design from the very beginning.

But this episode isn't just about technical clothing, it's about the idea that the best menswear can be quietly functional. A garment doesn't need to be covered in pockets, straps or technical features to be considered. Sometimes, the most thoughtfully engineered piece is also the simplest looking.

Japanese designers have been exploring this relationship between function and aesthetics for years, encouraging us to look beyond the label and ask different questions:

Why is it cut like that? Why that fabric? Why is that pocket there? Why does it move the way it does? This episode is about appreciating the thought behind clothing and how Japanese engineering menswear has helped shape the way we think about functionality, construction and design. Because great menswear isn't just about looking good. It's about making something that works.

What do you think about Japanese Engineered menswear?

Is functionality becoming more important to you, or do you prefer menswear that focuses purely on aesthetics?

Join the conversation and let me know your thoughts.

Lost in Menswear to be not just me talking about menswear, but starting conversation about it. And if there's something you think we've lost, forgotten, or simply don't talk about anymore do please get intouch but remember it's has to be part of menswear.

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 of colour.

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 feel like Americans are more interested in preserving and celebrating certain parts of British style than we are ourselves? That’s the starting point for Lost in Menswear.

Because that's what I'd like Lost in Menswear to be not just me talking about menswear, but starting conversation about it. And if there's something you think we've lost, forgotten, or simply don't talk about anymore do please get intouch but remember it's has to be part of menswear.

And for the first episode, I’m asking:

Do Americans understand British Style Better Than Us Brits?

Leave your comments below can't wait to hear what you have to say and have conversation with you!

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 had. Todd opens up about his approach to menswear, the journey that has brought him to where he is today, and what the future could hold for Finisterre and himself. There’s something beautifully connected, about the way Todd describes design, nature and the ocean almost like an ecosystem where everything has its place and works together. A conversation about menswear, creativity, purpose, the ocean and building something that feels truly connected to where it comes from. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.

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 embracing the feeling of being a little lost. A short, and my honest reflection on menswear in the summer and finding your way back to something you always admired and still do. Would love to hear comments and thoughts if you ever felt lost in menswear? you can leave your comment below.

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. We also discuss how that passion has evolved into what he does today, from his Substack and Instagram presence to his own podcast called Easy on The Ivy. This is a conversation about much more than clothes, it's about music, culture, taste, history and the people who continue to keep the spirit of Ivy alive.

A great conversation with, someone who clearly understands that style is about far more than what you wear.

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 Mountain has quietly started to make its own noise within menswear, growing organically while staying true to its identity. Lewis also opens up about the realities of running a brand, from the challenges and pressures to the excitement of seeing his ideas become a reality. And with the opening of Cafe Mountain’s first store in Newcastle, a major milestone for the brand, it feels like Lewis is only just beginning his climb. As Cafe Mountain continues to rise, Lewis seems to have found exactly where he belongs in menswear, and he knows how to climb the mountain.

Listen now to hear Lewis Wilson’s story, the influence of Nigel Cabourn, and the journey behind Cafe Mountain.

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 simply wouldn’t exist. Diana and Joshua talk about how they started their journey, what brought them together and how, their mindset from the very beginning was aligned. For them teamwork has been at the centre of everything. Creating a team where everyone works together, understands the same vision, and is moving in the same direction has played a huge part in building their business.

This episode is a conversation about manufacturing, teamwork, vision, and the people behind the scenes who help bring an entire industry to life. I’m so excited to finally have this conversation and I hope you enjoy getting to know Diana and Joshua and hearing their story as much as I did.

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 Bhaavya adapts those elements into womenswear a distinctive design approach where I recognised immediately and could see menswear. In our conversation, Bhaavya shares how her journey began and the vision that drives Iro Iro. She talks about challenging conventional fashion industry practices, by building a brand showing it's transparency, sustainability, and meaningful. Rather than simply working with artisans, Bhaavya sees them as an extension of the Iro Iro family, where every craftsperson, plays an essential role in the brand's growth and success. We also explore the importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship, the value of, knowing the story behind every garment, and how transparency throughout the design and production process helps create a deeper connection, between the product and the customer. If you're passionate about conscious fashion, artisan craftsmanship, and the future of sustainable design, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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 trying to establish a career in one of the most competitive industries in the world. The biggest question is not only about the cost of studying fashion it is what support graduates receive once they leave university. How does the education system help students transition into the industry? Are universities providing enough guidance, opportunities and connections to help graduates build sustainable careers? Or is the reality that once the university doors close, each graduate is left to navigate the industry alone to create their own opportunities, build their own networks and find their own place within fashion? This episode is a wider conversation about the future of fashion education, the relationship between institutions and graduates, and whether the current system is truly preparing the next generation of creatives.

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 value of fashion education versus experience, and whether different career paths and backgrounds are truly embraced. I would love to hear your thoughts: Is education important in menswear, or does experience hold greater value? Does the industry create space for people at different stages of their careers, or are some voices being left behind?

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 more powerful than "why?" Rather than being discouraged by the challenges ahead, they chose to embrace them, believing that meaningful change comes from those willing to take the first step. Their story is one of saying, Let's go for it, and discovering what's possible through persistence, learning, and a shared vision. At the heart of Lafaani is a deep respect for craftsmanship. Drishti and Rashmick speak about working alongside incredibly talented artisans, not simply as manufacturers, but as creative partners whose knowledge and skills shape every piece they create. Every garment is treated as a journey from the first idea and the sourcing of materials to the careful process of making and the final finished piece. Nothing is rushed; every decision is intentional. Our conversation explores what it means to rethink clothing not just as something we wear, but as something that carries purpose, process, and people within it. We discuss building a business driven by values instead of convention, trusting your instincts even when you're stepping into unfamiliar territory, and why creating something meaningful often begins with the willingness to take a chance. This episode is a reminder that you don't have to come from an industry to make an impact in it. Sometimes, the people who ask different questions are the ones who create new possibilities. Drishti and Rashmick's story is one of optimism, resilience, and proving that if you're willing to learn, stay true to your purpose, and take the leap, you can build something that inspires change one thoughtful piece at a time.

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 mindset behind building one of the world's most forward thinking brands, the importance of thinking differently, and why creating something truly original often means ignoring what everyone else is doing. One of the standout moments of our conversation is Vollebak's Sonic Jacket. It's one of the most remarkable developments I've ever seen in menswear a piece that pushes the boundaries of what clothing can be and challenges everything we think a jacket should be. It's unlike anything I've come across and perfectly captures Vollebak's philosophy of designing products that feel decades ahead of their time. This episode is about much more than clothing. It's about curiosity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and having the courage to build something that no one else has even thought to imagine. Whether you're interested in business, design, technology, or the future of human performance, this conversation will leave you questioning where fashion is heading and whether Vollebak has already arrived there.

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 on trust, collaboration, and shared values something they believe has been key to Far Afield's success. This conversation goes beyond fashion. It's about following your passion, embracing inspiration from around the world, and understanding that great businesses are built not only on great ideas, but on great people. Whether you're passionate about fashion, travel, entrepreneurship, or building a brand with purpose, this episode offers an inspiring look behind the scenes of Far Afield and the journey that continues to shape its future.

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 discover and champion emerging menswear designers and brands, and the important role editors play in shaping conversations around style, culture, and creativity. As the pace of digital media continues to accelerate, James offers his perspective on the future of print and whether physical magazines still hold value in today's market. The conversation also delves into the rise of artificial intelligence and its growing impact on publishing, editorial workflows, content creation, and the wider magazine industry. From craftsmanship and storytelling to technology and innovation, this episode offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of modern fashion journalism. Whether you're interested in menswear, media, publishing, or the future of creative industries, this is an episode packed with valuable insights from one of the industry's leading voices.

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 for menswear and vintage clothing. Nigel made everything feel effortless, welcoming, and real. In an industry that can sometimes feel distant or exclusive, Nigel embodied something different. He was generous with his time, open with his knowledge, and carried himself with humility that matched his status as one of the greats.

This episode is my way of saying thank you. Thank you for the inspiration, the kindness, and the memories. The brief time I spent with Nigel left a lasting impression, and those memories will stay with me for the rest of my life. A designer, a storyteller, a pioneer, and above all, a gentleman. Nigel Cabourn's legacy will continue to live on through his work and through the countless people he inspired along the way. Rest in peace, Nigel, and thank you .