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In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast, we sit down with Iggi Zain Leveritt, founder and creative force behind Workhouse England, for a fascinating conversation about British menswear, craftsmanship, authenticity and the unconventional journey that led him to build one of the country’s most distinctive independent clothing brands. Born in Manchester in 1964 to Pakistani parents and adopted by an English family as a baby, Iggi grew up in rural Suffolk before heading to the London College of Fashion. His early career took him into the heart of London’s fashion scene, working alongside some of the industry’s most talented pattern cutters and designers, including time at French Connection and with independent British labels during the creative explosion of 1980s London. Iggi talks candidly about always wanting to create his own brand, trading at Camden Market, building a business from his father's garage, and later finding himself working from a garden shed after losing his studio. Eventually, he bought and painstakingly restored an old Victorian slaughterhouse in Suffolk, transforming it into the studio that is now at the heart of Workhouse England. We explore the influences behind the Workhouse England aesthetic, from historical British clothing and old photographs to Iggi's fascination with the way young people once wore formal clothes with an effortless, rebellious swagger. He explains why imperfections can be more interesting than perfection, and why creating garments with genuine provenance and character matters so much to him. The conversation also dives deep into British manufacturing, the importance of long-standing relationships with skilled makers, and Iggi's experiences selling to Japan, where an extraordinary attention to construction and quality has helped shape his own approach to clothing. Along the way, we discuss pattern cutting, specialist sewing machinery, the craft behind seemingly small details, the importance of learning from people around you, and the enduring friendships that have accompanied Iggi throughout his career. www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast, we sit down with Richard Marshall MBE, Founder of Pall Mall Barbers, to explore an extraordinary journey from sweeping the floor of a barbershop at the age of 12 to building one of London’s most recognised barbering businesses. Richard talks openly about growing up dyslexic, being asked to leave school at 15 without qualifications, and discovering that his strengths lay not in conventional education, but in learning through experience, intuition and doing. His story is a fascinating insight into how perceived limitations can ultimately shape an entrepreneurial mindset built around problem-solving, resilience and finding a different way forward. We also hear how Richard acquired Pall Mall Barbers in 2005, initially unaware of its remarkable history. After discovering an old business card beneath the floorboards, he began researching the company and traced its roots back to 1896. What started as a run-down barbershop became the foundation for a brand now known for its heritage, craftsmanship and modern approach to men’s grooming. One of the most fascinating parts of Richard’s story is how a childhood fascination with the film Trading Places helped inspire his ambition to open a business in New York. Following the disruption caused by Brexit to his international distribution plans, a trade show brought Richard back to New York, where a chance walk through Rockefeller Center led him to spot an opportunity for a Pall Mall Barbers location. Today, that dream has become reality. We discuss the differences between British and American customers, why international businesses need to adapt to local markets, and how Pall Mall Barbers recreated the atmosphere of its London stores at Rockefeller Center while retaining its distinctive British identity. Richard also shares his approach to scaling a service business without losing its soul. Rather than controlling every detail, he believes in empowering people, mentoring them and giving them the freedom and environment to become the best version of themselves. It is an approach that has helped him grow the business while developing the people around him. Finally, Richard talks about his plans to give back through mentoring and the challenge of writing his first book — something particularly meaningful given his lifelong struggles with reading and writing. From barbering and entrepreneurship to international expansion, British heritage, dyslexia, leadership and the power of dreaming big, this is an honest and inspiring conversation with one of the leading figures in modern British barbering. Listen to the MenswearStyle Podcast with Richard Marshall MBE, Founder of Pall Mall Barbers. www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, we welcome back Nick Reed, founder of Neem London, for another conversation as the independent menswear brand continues to evolve. Founded around four and a half years ago, Neem London was created with a simple but ambitious idea: to combine contemporary menswear with a genuinely circular approach to production. The brand uses recycled and traceable materials, designs products with longevity and versatility in mind, and takes garments back to rework and recycle them. But sustainability isn't the only thing driving Neem forward. Nick explains why the brand's sweet spot is the often-overlooked 45–65-year-old customer — particularly men who may have allowed style to take a back seat while life, work and family took priority. That thinking inspired Neem's latest campaign, “The Uniform of Hot Dads”, a deliberately humorous and self-aware approach to getting older men interested in clothes and style again. We discuss why Nick believes fashion has largely forgotten this customer, the importance of using older models rather than defaulting to 25-year-olds, and how humour and relatability can make a menswear brand feel far more approachable. Nick also talks openly about the realities of running physical retail, including why Neem eventually left Piccadilly Arcade, the importance of negotiating the right rent, and why the right location can make such a difference to an independent brand. With more than 60% of Neem's business coming from online sales, he also explains the challenge of trying to recreate the personalised styling experience of a physical shop digitally. The conversation gets into Neem's approach to product design too. Versatility and trans-seasonal wearability are central to the range, with breathable natural fabrics, easy layering and garments designed to work across much of the year rather than being tied rigidly to traditional fashion seasons. Nick shares what could be coming next for the brand, including wool coats, rainwear, swimwear, shorts and heavier knitwear, as well as his thoughts on where the future of independent menswear retail lies. We also hear about Neem's styling sessions, the importance of making customers feel comfortable rather than intimidated, and why Nick believes some men don't need more clothes — they simply need someone to listen to them, understand what suits them and give them the confidence to dress better. An insightful and refreshingly honest conversation about sustainable menswear, the realities of independent retail, ageing and style, and why the “hot dad” might just be one of fashion's most overlooked customers. www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, we speak with Guray Kesman, founder of Kesman Male Grooming, the London barbering and grooming brand built around personalised consultations, expert advice and helping men feel more confident in their appearance. Guray’s journey into barbering began unexpectedly after moving from Turkey to London at the age of 15. After deciding that restaurant work wasn’t for him, he tried his hand at barbering and quickly discovered a natural talent for cutting hair. More importantly, he discovered that he loved working with people. That realisation became central to his approach. Rather than simply asking a client how short they want their hair and getting to work, Guray believes a good barber should understand the individual sitting in the chair — from their face shape and hair type to their lifestyle, maintenance routine and the problems they are trying to solve. For him, the consultation is just as important as the haircut itself. We discuss why barbering requires much more than technical skill, how to create a comfortable environment where clients feel listened to, and the importance of understanding the human psychology behind grooming. Guray also explains why a great haircut should be something a client can actually recreate and maintain at home, rather than a style that only works when it has been professionally finished. The conversation gets into practical grooming advice too, including choosing the right styling products, looking after dry or brittle hair, the differences between water-based and oil-based products, and why using the wrong products can sometimes make hair problems worse. Now with two London locations in Farringdon and Victoria, Kesman Male Grooming has been recognised by GQ as one of London’s best barbers for six consecutive years. Guray reveals the thinking behind the brand’s expansion, why maintaining culture, quality and consistency matters more than simply opening more shops, and his plans for international growth. He also shares details of some ambitious projects currently in development, including an AI-powered consultation tool designed to help clients understand their grooming needs before they even sit in the barber’s chair, as well as plans for a future Kesman product range. We also hear about the brand’s own magazine, its growing presence on Instagram and TikTok, and the long-term relationships Guray has built with clients over the course of his career. A fascinating conversation about barbering, men’s grooming, confidence, customer experience, entrepreneurship and why the best barbers do far more than simply cut hair. www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, we speak with Guy Blaskey, founder of Detrash, the independent British watch brand bringing sustainability, distinctive design and a sense of fun to an industry often dominated by heritage and convention. Guy’s journey into watches began after selling Pooch & Mutt, the successful pet food company he founded in 2008. Looking for a watch to mark the occasion, he noticed something missing. While industries from fashion and food to household products had seen the emergence of ethical challenger brands, the watch world appeared to have relatively few alternatives built around the same values. That observation became the starting point for Detrash. Guy explains how his background in advertising, branding and design helped shape a watch company that deliberately avoids creating cheaper versions of established luxury designs. Instead, Detrash produces limited-edition watches combining vintage influences, bold colours, reliable automatic movements and unconventional sustainable materials — including watch straps made using waste from Budweiser beer. We discuss why Guy believes the best products give their owners stories worth telling, how Detrash approaches sustainability without sacrificing personality, and why the brand became the first European watch company to join 1% for the Planet, committing 1% of its turnover to environmental causes. The conversation also explores the psychology of luxury and “mimetic desire” — whether we genuinely want certain expensive products or simply want them because other people do — alongside Guy’s views on Swiss versus Japanese watch movements and why an accessible, interesting watch can sometimes be more appealing than having the price of a house sitting on your wrist. And, following an off-mic conversation about a shared love of James Bond, things inevitably turn to cinema. Guy reveals his idea for creating watches inspired not by the heroes of famous films, but by the fictional organisations and villains within them — including the possibility of one day producing the ultimate Bond baddie watch. A lively conversation about entrepreneurship, sustainable materials, watch design, storytelling, luxury and why Detrash wants you to buy one of its watches because you genuinely want a Detrash — not because it looks like something considerably more expensive. www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, we speak with Freddie Sheridan, founder of YCODE, the British men’s skincare brand taking a science-led approach to creating high-performance products specifically for men. YCODE is built around a simple observation: men’s skin has some significant biological differences from women’s, yet many products marketed towards men have historically been adapted from formulas originally developed for women. Freddie explains why he believed there was an opportunity to start from scratch and build skincare specifically around the characteristics and needs of male skin. The story behind YCODE is also deeply rooted in Freddie’s background. His family has been involved in beauty and retail design since 1983 through Sheridan&Co, the agency founded by his parents that creates retail environments and experiences for major beauty brands. Freddie grew up surrounded by the industry before eventually using that experience to create his own skincare company. We discuss YCODE’s nearly six-year research and development process before its first product launched in October 2024, and the thinking behind its “C to Cell” approach, which harnesses marine biotechnology and microalgae-derived ingredients. Freddie explains why YCODE focuses so heavily on efficacy and fast results, arguing that men are more likely to stick with a skincare routine when they can actually see and feel the benefits. We get into the science behind the products, including how differences in the thickness, oil content, pH and collagen structure of men’s skin influenced the formulation process. There’s also a practical skincare lesson for anyone who has ever wondered what the difference is between a serum and a moisturiser, why smaller particles can help products penetrate deeper into the skin, and whether borrowing your partner’s skincare is really doing you any favours. Education is another major part of the YCODE philosophy. Freddie discusses why men have traditionally had less access to skincare knowledge and how the brand aims to provide information without overwhelming customers — from simple, accessible advice through to deeper explanations of ingredients, formulation and skin science. We also talk about the importance of design. With his background in retail environments, Freddie reveals why YCODE invested heavily in its visual identity and packaging, including a major brand refresh designed to better reflect the quality of the products inside. The conversation also touches on entrepreneurship, investment, the impact of COVID on the business, finding the balance between perfectionism and actually getting a product to market, and YCODE’s growing retail presence in both the UK and US. A fascinating conversation about men’s skincare, marine biotechnology, branding, product development and the challenge of creating products that not only look good on the bathroom shelf, but genuinely perform. www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, we sit down with Rebecca Ryder-Caddy, a fashion academic and menswear specialist from Coventry University, to reflect on the life, work and extraordinary legacy of Giorgio Armani following the designer’s death. With around 15 years of experience teaching fashion at Coventry University and a professional background in menswear design, Rebecca offers an expert perspective on the designer who transformed the way men could dress — making tailoring softer, more relaxed and significantly more accessible. We explore what made Armani so influential, from his signature unstructured silhouettes and understated Italian elegance to the way he softened traditional ideas of masculinity. Rebecca explains how Armani’s approach stood apart from the aggressive, highly stylised fashion of the 1980s, offering men a new way to be smart without appearing rigid or uncomfortable. His influence extended far beyond the runway. We discuss Armani’s hugely important relationship with cinema, including his work on Richard Gere’s wardrobe in American Gigolo and his costume design for more than 200 films. The conversation looks at how Armani understood the difference between designing clothes for real life and designing clothes that could communicate character, texture and status on screen. We also revisit some of Armani’s most iconic fashion moments, including Grace Jones’ striking Nightclubbing album cover and the designer’s ability to use exaggerated shoulders and tailoring to create an image of power, strength and androgyny. Rebecca explains why Armani’s legacy goes beyond individual garments. His decision to retain control of the company he founded in 1975 allowed him to build an extraordinary fashion empire spanning multiple labels, hospitality, restaurants, publishing, exhibitions and other creative ventures — all under the Armani umbrella. The conversation also examines how Armani influenced the wider fashion industry, from the rise of relaxed tailoring to the growing idea that a designer could become a creative force across multiple industries and cultural spaces. And with Armani having remained personally involved in the company right up until his death, we discuss what happens next. Who will take control of the business? Can the house retain its identity without its founder? And could the Armani brand eventually face the same challenge as other designer-led houses when the person at its centre is no longer there? Finally, we look at how Armani may be remembered decades from now — not only for his clothes, but for his charitable work, his support for humanitarian causes and his belief that great fashion could be lived in, reused and appreciated over generations. A thoughtful conversation about one of the defining designers of modern menswear, and why Giorgio Armani’s influence is likely to remain visible long after his final collection. www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, we catch up with Sebastian Öhrn, founder of Swedish footwear brand Myrqvist, returning to the show several years after our first conversation. Founded in 2016, Myrqvist was built around a straightforward idea: create high-quality footwear in timeless designs, using some of the finest materials available, while keeping prices accessible. What began as a Scandinavian take on classic Goodyear welted footwear has since developed into a much broader collection incorporating sneakers and what Sebastian describes as “semi-casual” shoes — styles that retain the appearance of smarter footwear while offering greater comfort and versatility. Sebastian explains how COVID dramatically changed the company's trajectory. With the global dress-shoe market falling by 84% in 2020, Myrqvist had to rethink its offering almost overnight. The challenge was to adapt to changing lifestyles without losing the clean, understated Scandinavian aesthetic that had defined the brand from the beginning. We discuss what Scandinavian design means when applied to footwear, from clean lines and neutral colours to a balance between British and Italian influences. Sebastian also explains why Myrqvist has embraced monochrome sneakers, particularly designs where the sole matches the upper, creating a much more versatile option that can work with tailoring, chinos and casual clothing alike. The conversation also covers Myrqvist’s expansion into physical retail. After opening its first store outside Sweden on Jermyn Street in London in 2024, Sebastian explains why the city had been on the brand's radar for years, how the London store is performing and the importance of being surrounded by established menswear brands. We also look ahead to Myrqvist’s next chapter, including the opening of a new store in Oslo and a significant investment in proprietary components and materials. Sebastian explains why creating their own moulds and soles gives the brand much greater control over the shape, proportions and overall design of its shoes. Alongside the product development, we explore the thinking behind Myrqvist’s retail environments and how the company is working to create a consistent brand experience across its stores, website, packaging and social media. A fascinating conversation about Scandinavian footwear, the realities of adapting a traditional shoe brand to changing lifestyles, international expansion, product design and the challenge of building a recognisable identity while continuing to evolve. www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, we speak with Mark Warman, founder of Barnfield Customs, the independent British outerwear brand creating limited-edition modern classics inspired by military uniform, heritage workwear and café racer culture. Mark’s journey into clothing is anything but conventional. With a background in digital marketing and a decade spent running his own agency in Bahrain, he eventually found himself drawn away from the screen and towards making things with his hands. During the COVID period, he restored a £300 motorcycle from the ground up — an experience that rekindled his interest in craft, physical making and the idea of creating something tangible that could last. That philosophy became the foundation for Barnfield Customs. Rather than producing disposable seasonal fashion, Mark set out to create garments that could become generational pieces — jackets with the quality, character and durability to be passed from father to son. His first design, the Lawrence Jacket, took inspiration from his great-grandfather’s World War I uniform, T. E. Lawrence and Mark’s own interest in motorcycles and heritage clothing. We delve into the extraordinary development process behind the jacket, from sourcing certified organic cotton gabardine and British wool to finding specialist manufacturers and overcoming the supply-chain problems that followed COVID, the Suez Canal disruption and the war in Ukraine. Originally intending to produce 300 jackets, Mark ultimately produced just 50 after his fabric supplier announced that it was closing down. What initially felt like a disaster became an unexpected advantage, allowing him to personally oversee the production and finishing of every jacket while giving the first Barnfield Customs release an even greater sense of exclusivity. One of the most distinctive elements of the Lawrence Jacket is its lining: a hand-drawn map of Great Britain containing 118 individual illustrations created by artist Thomas Moore of Last Maps. Because the artwork is positioned differently on every garment, no two jackets are exactly alike. The conversation also explores Mark’s belief that there is something deeply satisfying about creating physical objects — a reaction to a career where weeks of digital work can disappear from view almost immediately. We discuss craftsmanship, legacy, the value of learning new skills and why making something tangible can provide a very different sense of achievement. Mark also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the next chapter of Barnfield Customs, including the development of a new peacoat inspired by military and workwear design. The garment combines traditional references with more refined construction, including articulated sleeves, shoulder pads and a substantial Melton wool build designed to provide warmth without turning the coat into “armour”. We also discuss the realities of building a small clothing brand, from knowing what to outsource and what to learn yourself, to the importance of communicating the development process online. Mark documents the entire journey through Instagram, giving customers an unusually transparent look at how each garment evolves from initial idea to finished product. A fascinating conversation about heritage menswear, craftsmanship, digital marketing, motorcycles, sustainability, entrepreneurship and the increasingly rare art of making something built to last. www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, we speak with Mathias Jensen, Creative Director at Les Deux, the Danish menswear brand that has built its identity around the meeting point between Scandinavian minimalism, nostalgic streetwear and classic preppy style. Founded in Copenhagen in 2011, Les Deux was born from the unlikely friendship of two founders from dramatically different backgrounds — one from a privileged Danish upbringing and the other a refugee from Congo with French roots. That contrast became the foundation for the brand itself: “Les Deux” meaning “the two”, representing duality, different perspectives and the idea that very different people can share the same ambition. Mathias, who joined the company in 2012, has been closely involved in its evolution ever since. He explains how that original idea of duality continues to influence everything from the clothes and imagery to the way Les Deux thinks about community, creativity and storytelling. We take a deep dive into the brand’s visual identity and the huge amount of work that goes into creating its campaigns and digital presence. With photography, video, graphic design, e-commerce and visual merchandising largely handled in-house, Mathias reveals how Les Deux builds immersive worlds around its collections rather than simply displaying products. That approach is particularly evident in the brand’s latest “The Neighborhood” collection, inspired by New York City. Mathias explains why New York has become a second home for the team and how the city provided the setting for a collection built around a fictional persona inspired by Robin Williams — imagining him as a sophisticated Wall Street banker moving between the office, Madison Square Garden and the streets of Manhattan. We discuss how Les Deux approaches design through contrast and juxtaposition, combining tailoring with denim, workwear, sportswear and preppy staples. Mathias also explains why the brand believes menswear is often less about individual garments and more about how those pieces are combined and styled together. The conversation explores the delicate balance between staying current and remaining timeless. Rather than chasing every trend, Les Deux looks at cultural shifts, trend forecasting and other brands before selectively incorporating new influences while maintaining the familiar aesthetic its customers already recognise. Community is another major part of the Les Deux story. Mathias explains how the brand's early success depended on friends and supporters helping out when the company was still a tiny team with almost no resources — and why that experience created a lasting commitment to giving back and supporting others through partnerships, projects and financial assistance. We also look at Les Deux’s international ambitions, from its established presence across Scandinavia and Europe to the rapidly growing US market and the brand’s plans to push further into the UK. A fascinating conversation about Scandinavian menswear, creative direction, storytelling, community, New York, the art of combining classic and contemporary influences, and how Les Deux has managed to keep evolving without losing sight of what made the brand distinctive in the first place. www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, we speak with Adam White-Johnson, founder and CEO of Beard Gang Members, the men’s grooming brand built around helping men grow, maintain and properly care for their beards. Adam’s journey began with a problem of his own. While trying to grow his beard, he struggled to find products that felt relevant to him and, more importantly, products that actually delivered results. After becoming increasingly frustrated with the quality and positioning of products available on the high street, he decided to create his own. That personal experience became the foundation for Beard Gang Members. We discuss why Adam believes the beard-care industry is still in its infancy, despite the growing popularity of beards, and why so many men give up during the early stages because they experience dryness, irritation and itching. Adam explains that the problem often isn't the beard itself, but the neglected skin underneath it. The conversation explores the formulation process behind the brand, including Adam’s use of hemp seed oil as a key ingredient and his extensive trial-and-error approach to creating products capable of tackling thick, coarse and dry facial hair. Starting with a single beard oil and comb, Beard Gang Members has since expanded into a broader grooming system including multiple beard oils, beard wash and shampoos, balms and other essentials. Adam explains how the products are designed to work together and why maintaining a regular grooming routine can make the difference between successfully growing a beard and eventually reaching for the razor. We also talk about the challenges of building a business around hemp-derived ingredients, including the misconceptions surrounding hemp and the practical difficulties Adam encountered with social media advertising, payment processing and other aspects of running an e-commerce brand. Adam shares the story behind Beard Gang Members’ distinctive branding too. From designing the packaging himself to creating the logo from a photograph of his own profile, he explains how keeping the visual identity simple, clean and recognisable became an important part of the brand. As the face of Beard Gang Members, Adam has also deliberately made himself the brand’s primary ambassador. He discusses why being front and centre has allowed him to create content himself, build trust with customers and grow an audience organically without relying entirely on expensive influencers or celebrity endorsements. The episode also looks at the cultural side of beard grooming — why beards have become increasingly mainstream, how social media has influenced perceptions of facial hair, and why Adam believes men need to start thinking about beard care as an everyday grooming routine rather than something they only consider when problems appear. Finally, Adam reveals his latest innovation: a compact, portable beard mist designed to take beard grooming beyond the bathroom and into everyday life. Small enough to carry in a pocket, the product is part of his wider mission to make beard maintenance as normal and convenient for men as other forms of personal grooming. A lively conversation about entrepreneurship, men’s grooming, beard culture, product development, hemp-based ingredients and the growing movement encouraging men to take better care of themselves. www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, we speak with Billy Sims-Hilditch and Rory Bennett, co-founders of Sims Wear, the British menswear brand built around a simple idea: make clothing properly, make it last, and move away from the endless cycle of seasonal fast fashion. Sims Wear began three years ago after Billy, frustrated by a £200 cashmere jumper that fell apart within a year, started investigating what actually makes a genuinely good piece of knitwear. His research led him to three essential ingredients: excellent raw fibres, a first-rate yarn spinner and a skilled manufacturer capable of bringing the two together. That initial search for a better jumper became the foundation for Sims Wear. Billy explains how he set out to create high-quality clothing without the traditional luxury-brand mark-up, focusing instead on craftsmanship, materials and longevity. The brand’s ambition is to create pieces that can be worn for years rather than replaced every season — garments designed to become part of a wardrobe rather than simply part of a trend cycle. Rory joined the business after spending almost three years working as a stockbroker, bringing a complementary set of skills around finance, operations and strategy. Having met Billy at university and already being close friends, the pair explain why their contrasting strengths have made such a natural partnership and how their relationship helps them navigate the challenges of running a young fashion business. A major focus of the conversation is Sims Wear’s commitment to British manufacturing. Billy takes us behind the scenes of the production process, from yarn spun by Todd & Duncan in Kinross to knitwear produced in Scotland and shirts made by a long-established manufacturer. We explore why sourcing and manufacturing in Britain remains so important to the brand, despite the additional cost and complexity. The discussion gets particularly detailed when it comes to knitwear. Billy explains why Sims Wear uses seamless knitting technology to create garments with fewer opportunities for weak points and manufacturing failures, after his original jumper’s construction problems helped inspire the company in the first place. We also explore the challenges of producing high-quality shirting in Britain, from developing the right patterns and fits through repeated sampling and wash testing to finding the right manufacturing partner without pushing the final retail price beyond what customers will pay. With Sims Wear’s first physical store now open on Quebec Street in Marylebone, the founders explain why they chose the area, how a supportive landlord helped make the move possible and why the short-term retail commitment allows them to gather real-world data before making bigger expansion decisions. The conversation also touches on the realities of running an independent clothing brand, the importance of finding the right balance between product quality and price, and why the founders believe customers should be able to feel the difference when they put a genuinely well-made garment on. We also hear about the thinking behind Sims Wear’s understated aesthetic and its wider mission to simplify the modern wardrobe by moving away from seasonality and towards timeless pieces that remain relevant year after year. A thoughtful conversation about British manufacturing, quality knitwear, entrepreneurship, friendship, independent retail and the belief that buying fewer, better clothes can be better for both the customer and the planet. www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, we speak with Evren Özkan, co-founder of Mallet London, the progressive British footwear and lifestyle brand that has carved out a distinctive position between premium streetwear and accessible luxury. Founded around a decade ago, Mallet London was built around a simple idea: create well-designed, high-quality footwear with a strong urban identity, while offering consumers an alternative to the increasingly expensive world of luxury sneakers. Evren’s route into the business began with the family manufacturing company, where he spent the first years of his career learning the industry from the ground up. After leaving school at 16, he joined his father’s business and initially spent long days unloading lorries before moving into the offices and eventually relocating to Turkey, where much of the manufacturing operation was based. That experience proved invaluable. Working directly with factories, materials and garment construction gave Evren a practical understanding of how products are made, while a subsequent role in international sales saw him take the company from having virtually no overseas business to generating around £20 million in international sales. We explore how those experiences ultimately provided the foundation for Mallet London. Evren explains how he transferred his manufacturing and commercial knowledge into footwear, finding factories willing to work with a new brand and producing an initial collection of just 40–50 pairs. The brand launched at a particularly interesting moment for footwear, as the premium sneaker market was beginning to take shape. Evren explains how Mallet positioned itself between high-end luxury brands and sportswear giants such as Nike and adidas, offering a more accessible price point without compromising on design or quality. We also discuss the importance of understanding different international markets. Evren shares lessons from his time working across Europe, the US and Asia, and why colours, prints and silhouettes that perform well in one country can behave very differently in another. The conversation looks closely at Mallet’s design language too. Many of the brand’s styles take their names from areas of North and East London, reflecting the founders’ roots, while the collection continues to evolve through a combination of urban influences, premium materials and increasingly sophisticated silhouettes. Collaboration has become another major part of the Mallet story. Evren discusses partnerships with brands including Transport for London, Reebok and Smiley, explaining how the company assesses potential collaborations and why each partnership needs to make sense for both audiences rather than simply generating attention. We also hear about Mallet’s expansion beyond sneakers. With a growing clothing range and a newly launched formal footwear collection featuring Chelsea boots, penny loafers and monk shoes, the brand is beginning to position itself as an accessible-luxury lifestyle label rather than purely a sneaker company. Evren explains the thinking behind that move and why he believes there is room for more innovation in formal footwear, particularly at a price point between traditional luxury and the mass market. The conversation also touches on Mallet’s international growth, Evren’s life between London and Dubai, and why the Middle East has become such an important market for the brand, with a growing presence across Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. And, naturally, the interview takes an unexpected turn into James Bond territory, with the pair discussing whether Mallet’s distinctive new formal shoe hardware could one day become the perfect home for some suitably Bond-inspired technology. A fascinating conversation about entrepreneurship, manufacturing, international expansion, footwear design, collaboration and the evolution of Mallet London from a small collection of sneakers into a rapidly growing global brand. www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, we speak with Jonathan Bordell, co-founder of The Helicon Watch Company, the independent British watch brand combining decades of industry experience with limited production, accessible pricing and a distinctly personal approach to watchmaking. Helicon is unusual in being a husband-and-wife operation. Jonathan and his wife Danielle each bring around 20 years of experience in the watch industry, with Jonathan specialising in sales and marketing and Danielle coming from a design background that began with creating movie posters. After years spent consulting for other watch companies, the pair decided to take everything they had learned about design, manufacturing, components and the international watch market and create something of their own. The result is Helicon: a proudly independent microbrand built around producing one project at a time in strictly limited numbers. Rather than releasing the same watch repeatedly in different colours, Jonathan explains why Helicon prefers to complete a collection and move on to something entirely new. We discuss the philosophy behind the watches and why Jonathan sees them as something closer to clothing than simply an instrument for telling the time. Like a favourite jacket, shirt or pair of jeans, a watch becomes part of how someone expresses themselves — something that should look good, feel good and develop a personal connection with its owner. Jonathan takes us into the technical side of Helicon too, from sapphire crystals and scratch-resistant ceramic bezel inserts to 316L marine-grade stainless steel cases, 200-metre water resistance and custom brass movement holders designed to provide additional protection from magnetism and shock. Exclusivity is another important part of the proposition. Helicon produces just 50 examples of each colour, giving customers the opportunity to own something genuinely unusual without entering the price territory traditionally associated with highly limited watches. We also explore the advantages that come from Jonathan and Danielle's extensive industry experience. With a global network of specialist manufacturers and craftspeople built over two decades, Helicon can draw on expertise normally associated with much larger watch companies. That includes working with individual specialists such as Amy, the craftsperson responsible for hand-painting Helicon's dials, whose background includes restoring vintage Rolex dials. The conversation gets into the realities of running a microbrand as well, including managing specialist suppliers, planning collections years in advance and remaining nimble enough to incorporate new materials, technologies and manufacturing techniques as they become available. We also discuss the changing culture surrounding watch collecting. Jonathan explains why the community has become younger, more diverse and increasingly open to independent brands, while women in particular are challenging traditional assumptions about watch sizing and how different styles should be worn. Naturally, James Bond makes an appearance too, as we explore the enduring relationship between watches and cinema, the appeal of a well-worn watch with a story behind it, and why collectors increasingly want different watches for different moods and occasions rather than remaining loyal to a single marque. Finally, Jonathan discusses the growing strength of the British watchmaking community, Helicon’s plans for international events in the US and Asia, and why meeting collectors face-to-face remains one of the most important parts of building an independent watch company. A fascinating conversation about watches, craftsmanship, design, collecting and the appeal of discovering a small independent brand with a story worth telling. www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, we speak with Miguel Soares, founder of Portuguese menswear brand BYMS, whose journey into fashion began after an injury brought his dream of becoming a professional footballer to an unexpected end. Miguel signed his first professional football contract with Vitória Sport Clube at just 18, but a serious knee injury followed by two surgeries in less than six months forced him to reconsider his future. During what became a particularly difficult period, he turned to another lifelong passion: fashion. Fashion was already part of Miguel’s world. His grandfather runs a small textile company in Guimarães, Portugal, and Miguel had grown up around fabrics, production and the people working within the business from a young age. The collision of those two worlds — football and fashion — ultimately led to the creation of BYMS. Miguel talks openly about the mental challenge of losing a career he had worked towards since childhood, and how building a clothing brand gave him a renewed sense of purpose during a difficult period. We explore how BYMS began, from Miguel sitting down with his mother and developing a business plan to taking responsibility for almost every aspect of the company himself. Without formal training in fashion design or business, he learned by doing — designing the collections, contacting manufacturers, managing shipping and developing the brand from the ground up. The result is a contemporary menswear label focused primarily on casual-smart clothing, combining minimalist and elegant designs with more relaxed pieces. The collection can move from hoodies and casualwear to double-breasted blazers, reflecting Miguel’s belief that a modern wardrobe does not have to fit into a single category. We also discuss one of the biggest lessons Miguel learned as a young brand founder: stock can quickly become a problem. He explains why he regrets ordering too heavily in the early days and why emerging brands should resist the temptation to assume that selling online is easy. Instead, Miguel believes that honesty, transparency and a genuine relationship with customers are crucial to building a sustainable business. That philosophy became particularly powerful through TikTok, where Miguel began documenting his personal journey, showing behind-the-scenes footage from manufacturers and sharing the realities of building BYMS. What started as a slightly uncomfortable experience for a self-confessed introvert developed into one of the brand’s most important marketing channels. Rather than simply advertising finished garments, Miguel invited customers into the process. Followers began commenting on designs, colours, production and marketing, effectively becoming part of the brand’s development and helping create a small but highly engaged community around BYMS. We also discuss the influence of football on Miguel’s creative identity, including his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and how the sport continues to inform the personality and inspiration behind the brand. A personal and honest conversation about resilience, football, fashion, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, social media and the importance of finding purpose when life takes an unexpected turn. www.menswearstyle.co.uk