Men's Style & Fashion Podcast - The VOU

Available Episodes

5 of 65

The VOU's Preppy Style Manual - Mastering American Old Money Elegance by Laurenti Arnault and Ru Amiri
"In 1896, tennis champion Bill Tilden shocked the sports world by appearing at Wimbledon in what we now know as tennis whites - but these weren't originally meant for style. The all-white dress code was instituted because early tennis players found that sweat stains showed embarrassingly on coloured clothing. This practical solution would go on to become one of Preppy style's most enduring and iconic factors, influencing everything from polo shirts to summer trousers."In today's podcast, we discuss "The VOU's Preppy Style Manual." Written by Laurenti Arnault, PhD in Luxury Fashion with over twenty years of front-row fashion experience, and Ru Amiri, PhD in Sustainable Fashion and collaborator with haute-couture houses, this book provides an unparalleled perspective on cultivating authentic old-money style with Preppy sophistication. You'll see how innovations born from necessity shaped America's most refined fashion tradition, discover why Brooks Brothers began making their shirts with button-down collars in 1896 - they were copying polo players who buttoned down their collars to keep them from flapping in their faces during matches, and how the now-iconic penny loafer got its name: prep school students in the 1930s would insert a penny into the shoe's distinctive front slot to pay for emergency phone calls. Even more fascinating, the ubiquitous crew neck sweater, now a preppy staple, was initially created for football players in the early 1900s to prevent their shoulder pads from chafing their necks. And the famous "Sack Suit" - the undarted, natural-shouldered jacket that became a hallmark of preppy style - was created by Brooks Brothers in 1901 as a rebellion against the overly structured European silhouettes of the time. Featuring rare archival photography documenting how Preppy style evolved from practical campus wear to a global fashion phenomenon, "The VOU's Preppy Style Handbook" isn't just another fashion book for men - it is your gateway to understanding a heritage style where every detail, from the 3 2/8-inch roll of a Shetland sweater to the exact width of a watch strap, carries a fascinating story of American ingenuity and tradition.A Men's Styling Podcast Made with LOVE by The VOU's Expert Image Consultants.
--------
19:54
The Ivy League Style - The Ultimate Guide to American Old Money Fashion
In 1954, at Harvard's Hasty Pudding Club, an extraordinary battle was quietly raging. A group of students had begun wearing their tweed jackets folded at the seams to create a distinctive rumpled look - a deliberate act of rebellion against the starched formality of the day. The style caught on so quickly that the campus newspaper ran a scathing editorial condemning this "willful destruction of fine clothing." Yet within months, J. Press was advertising jackets with "natural wrinkles" as their latest innovation. This small act of student defiance had inadvertently created one of Ivy style's most cherished characteristics: the soft, lived-in look that defines American casual elegance. In today's podcast, we reveal how America's most prestigious fashion tradition was shaped not by rules and formality but by youthful rebellion and athletic necessity. We uncover how each iconic piece evolved - from the way Princeton's football team accidentally created the first layered look by wearing their sweaters under leather practice jackets, to how Yale's baseball squad started the tradition of wearing khakis off the field because they were the only pants sturdy enough to withstand constant sliding. Beyond the usual focus on clothing, we explore the fascinating social dynamics that made Ivy League style a cultural phenomenon. Discover how Black jazz musicians in the 1950s adopted and revolutionized preppy style, creating bold new combinations that influenced fashion for decades. Learn how the Cold War transformed the humble Shetland sweater into a symbol of American soft power abroad.A Men's Styling Podcast Made with LOVE by The VOU's Expert Image Consultants.
--------
14:20
Sloane Ranger Style - A Gentleman's Guide to British Old Money Elegance
Discover the timeless elegance of British upper-class style with this definitive guide to mastering the Sloane Ranger aesthetic. We delve deep into the rich heritage and subtle sophistication that defines one of Britain's most enduring fashion traditions, showcasing how the Sloane Ranger style evolved from its origins in Chelsea's Sloane Square to become a global symbol of refined taste. We'll provide detailed insights into essential wardrobe pieces, from the perfect tweed blazer to the iconic Barbour jacket, complete with expert guidance on selecting the finest examples from heritage British brands.Moreover, our comprehensive approach to style building includes:Deep dive into the three key influences: Equestrian, Country Manor, and Military heritage.Seasonal styling guides with practical outfit combinations for every occasion.Expert advice on selecting and styling classic pieces for your body type.Insider tips on investing in quality British heritage brands.A thorough examination of fabric choices, from traditional tweeds to fine cashmere.Whether attending a garden party in the countryside or a formal dinner in the city, we'll provide the knowledge needed to curate and wear a sophisticated wardrobe that communicates quiet confidence and timeless elegance.An indispensable journey for any gentleman seeking to master the understated refinement of British old money style, today's podcast is your passport to mastering one of British culture's most sophisticated and enduring fashion traditions.A Men's Styling Podcast Made with LOVE by The VOU's Expert Image Consultants.
--------
19:47
Inside the Westminster Menswear Archive by Andrew Groves and Danielle Sprecher
In today's podcast, we discuss "Inside the Westminster Menswear Archive" by Andrew Groves and Danielle Sprecher, a catalogue showcasing a menswear collection. We examine designers and garments from various periods, exploring themes of masculinity, technology, and the evolution of menswear. Specific garments are detailed, highlighting their historical context, design features, and material innovation. With exclusive access to over 120 key garments from the Westminster Menswear Archive, spanning the last 275 years, each piece is brilliantly photographed in close-up detail and annotated with curator commentary to inspire new generations of designers. Highlights include garments from: Alexander McQueen, Dior Men, Burberry, Jean Paul Gaultier, Junya Watanabe, Paul Smith, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Fred Perry, Comme des Garçons, Belstaff, Bernhard Willhelm, A-COLD-WALL, Ahluwalia, Aitor Throup Studio, Casely-Hayford, C.P. Company, Carol Christian Poell, Craig Green, Helmut Lang, Hussein Chalayan, Martine Rose, Meadham Kirchhoff, Nigel Cabourn, Stone Island, Umbro, Undercover, Vexed Generation, and Vollebak.A Men's Styling Podcast Made with LOVE by The VOU's Expert Image Consultants.
--------
47:24
How to Behave by Samuel R. Wells
In today's podcast, we discuss How to Behave by Samuel R. Wells, an etiquette guide that aimed to cultivate true American gentility. While the text was written over a century ago, the content is more relevant than ever, especially in our modern days of misinformation and tik-tok-driven trends that are not always correct or healthy. We'll cover a wide range of topics, from correct personal hygiene (cleanliness of body and breath) and healthy eating habits (avoiding overeating and hot foods) to proper dress (fitness and appropriateness over fashion) and social interactions (respecting the rights and sensibilities of others), while constantly drawing parallels to the modern times, and you'll see why.A Men's Styling Podcast Made with LOVE by The VOU's Expert Image Consultants.
--------
25:36