menSwear by a Woman

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 .

In today's episode, I'm joined by Alan Taylor, founder of Bad Arm Baseball, for an honest conversation about building a menswear brand from the ground up. We discuss how menswear has evolved over the years, the changing landscape of fashion, and why fashion education may need to adapt to better prepare the next generation. Alan shares his journey into the industry, including the challenges of entering a world he knew little about and learning through experience along the way. We also explore the reality of starting your own brand. While entrepreneurship can seem exciting from the outside, we talk openly about the financial pressures, uncertainty, and fears that come with taking that leap. From worrying about finding a job to creating your own opportunities, Alan reflects on the resilience and mindset needed to navigate the ups and downs of building a business. It's a conversation about creativity, risk taking, personal growth, and what it truly takes to turn an idea into a brand. Whether you're interested in fashion, entrepreneurship, or pursuing your own path, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.

In this episode, we sit down with Katie Fyfe, co-founder of Dad & Dolly, to share the deeply personal story behind the menswear brand she created alongside her father, John. When John began showing early signs of dementia, Katie found herself searching for a way to spend meaningful time with him while preserving the memories, stories, and family traditions that had shaped their relationship. Drawing on John's lifelong appreciation for classic menswear, the pair embarked on a journey that would become Dad & Dolly a brand built on heritage, craftsmanship, and the enduring bond between a father and daughter. Katie reflects on how the business grew from a deeply personal experience into a brand with a purpose. She shares the emotional realities of navigating a parent's changing health, the joy of creating something together, and the importance of holding on to the small details that make our loved ones unique from treasured memories to the familiar phrases and sayings that become part of a family's story. We also explore the world of menswear, entrepreneurship, and what it means to build a brand with authenticity at its heart. Katie discusses the lessons she learned along the way, the challenges of turning an idea into a business, and how Dad & Dolly has become a celebration of both timeless style and meaningful connection. This is a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about family, resilience, legacy, and the power of creating something beautiful in the face of life's unexpected challenges.

This week, we sit down with menswear designer George W Alvin for an honest conversation about fashion, identity, creativity, and mental health within the industry. Having previously worked with Reiss and alongside leading menswear designers, George reflects on his journey through the fashion world  from the pressures of established brands to finding the courage to start again on his own terms. We discuss why research and understanding your vision are essential when building a brand, and how experience, setbacks, and self-belief all shape the creative process. George opens up about discovering contentment through creating independently and what it means to redefine success beyond industry expectations. The conversation also explores the darker realities of toxic work environments in fashion  how exhaustion, loss of confidence, pressure, and unhealthy cultures can lead to depression, burnout, and long-term mental health struggles. Together, we ask an important question: how can the industry evolve to protect creativity without breaking the people behind it?   A raw, thoughtful, and deeply honest episode about resilience, reinvention, and changing the culture of fashion from within.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Colin Behr, founder of Wardrobe Theory Project, for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state of menswear and what it really means to build a project with identity in today’s fashion landscape. We discuss how menswear has evolved over the last decade, the growing influence of social media and creators, and why so many brands and campaigns can begin to feel visually and culturally repetitive. Colin shares his perspective on craftsmanship, design philosophy, and the balance between creating timeless pieces while still operating within a fast moving industry shaped by trends, image, and online culture.
Throughout the conversation, we explore the relationship between personal style and branding, the importance of authenticity in modern menswear, and how independent projects can carve out a genuine point of view in an increasingly crowded market. Colin also reflects on the development of Wardrobe Theory Project, creating products with intention, and why quality, storytelling, and consistency matter more than ever.
This episode is a thoughtful discussion on style, creativity, mindfulness, hint of psychology and the changing identity of menswear today.