Menswear Style Podcast

Giorgio Armani’s Impact on the Fashion Industry

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

Sebastian Öhrn, Founder of Myrqvist / Premium Footwear

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

Mark Warman, Founder of Barnfield Customs / Handmade Jackets

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 XChallengerX is a bold new podcast that dives deep into the minds of leaders...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Mathias Jensen, Creative Director at Les Deux / Scandinavian Premium Menswear

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

Adam White-Johnson, Founder of BeardGang Members / Hemp Beard Care

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. Who should we interview next? Text us here!Support the show