EP238: Threads of Time: Heritage, Uniforms, and Responsible Design ft Ritwik Khanna

In this episode, we speak with Ritwik Khanna, founder of Rkiev City, about his approach to design, heritage, and restoration. Ritwik takes us through the remarkable journey of redesigning the uniform of Mayo College, one of India’s most prestigious institutions often referred to as the Eton of India. With a history spanning over 100 years, the project demanded deep respect for legacy while adapting to contemporary needs. Beyond uniforms, Ritwik shares his belief in restoring and reworking garments, emphasizing longevity, craftsmanship, and preserving stories through clothing. A conversation about tradition, responsibility, and designing with purpose.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jack and Lewis, the founders of Brighton based vintage clothing store Salvage and Sawdust a name that’s been creating serious buzz in the vintage scene. We talk about how they both got started in the world of vintage fashion, what first sparked their passion for the craft, and how that passion has grown into a thriving business. We dive into the role technology plays in the ever-growing vintage industry, and how it’s shaping the way they buy, sell, search for, and connect with clothing. Jack and Lewis are buzzing about the future not just of their brand, but of vintage as a movement. Beyond buying and selling, they also specialise in restoring garments that have been fully worn but are far from finished. Their ability to breathe new life into clothing that might otherwise end up in landfill is a true talent, rooted in care, skill, and respect for the garment’s story. They also share the journey from running a small store to opening a huge new three floor space, set to open this week, and reflect on how far they’ve come along the way. Jack and Lewis’ enthusiasm for their world and their commitment to changing habits around overconsumption and waste is genuinely inspiring. A must listen for anyone interested in vintage fashion, sustainability, independent retail, and building something meaningful.

Today’s episode is about doing less but doing it better. We’re diving into Arvello, an Australian brand founded by Sam Darvill and Armando Zurzolo, built on intention, craftsmanship, and a rejection of fast fashion culture. Let’s get into it. Arvello didn’t happen overnight. Sam and Armando spent over a year planning, questioning, and refining what they actually wanted to put into the world. And when the brand officially came to life in 2025, it was the result of that patience. During that planning process, they realised something important the fashion industry doesn’t need more clothing. It needs more meaning. They saw how fast fashion had normalised overproduction, short lifespans, and disposable design. Clothes made quickly, worn briefly, and forgotten just as fast. Arvello was created as a response to that cycle. Instead of chasing trends, Sam and Armando focused on restraint. On timeless pieces. On garments designed to be worn slowly, valued deeply, and kept not replaced.For them, Arvello isn’t just about what you wear. It’s about why you wear it. And that philosophy sits at the core of everything the brand represents.

In today's episode, I sit down with Matt Braun, founder of Purple Mountain Observatory, to unpack the origins of the brand and the personal journey behind it. Matt reflects on how his early influences, curiosity, and commitment to function first design shaped the foundation of Purple Mountain Observatory and how outdoor activewear has steadily evolved into a defining pillar of modern menswear. We explore the shift in how men wear today, where performance, durability, and versatility are reserved for the outdoors but integrated into everyday life. Matt shares how focus, discipline, and a long term mindset have guided him through the challenges of building a brand, allowing him to stay grounded while pushing creative and operational boundaries.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Dylan Patel, the creative force behind the Vintage Archive Moncler project. After completing his Master’s in Science at Imperial College London, Dylan pursued a growing passion for exploring vintage outdoor wear particularly pieces rich in history, craftsmanship, and storytelling.What began as a personal challenge soon evolved into an extraordinary journey. Each archive piece Dylan discovered carried its own narrative, inspiring him to travel through the legacy and evolution of technical outerwear. His deep knowledge, dedication, and carefully curated collection caught the attention of the CEO of Moncler, who was immediately impressed by Dylan’s vision and archive.That pivotal moment led to a rare opportunity Dylan was invited to create Moncler Vintage Archive, turning his passion into an officially recognized brand project. This episode explores Dylan’s path from academic success to creative innovation, and how curiosity, storytelling, and persistence can transform a dream into reality.

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back at the conversations that shaped menswear by a Woman Podcast this year. From honest discussions about menswear, self worth, healing, and accountability, to moments of laughter, reflection, and real life lessons this episode is a full circle recap of it all. In this wrap up, we revisit the most impactful episodes, highlight key takeaways, and reflect on how the stories, perspectives, and shared experiences helped spark growth for both our guests and listeners. Whether you’ve been rocking with us since episode one or just joined the menswear community, this episode ties everything together and sets the tone for what’s next. Thank you for listening, supporting, and growing with us. Here’s to the lessons of 2025 and the even bigger conversations ahead.

In this special Christmas episode, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and thank you for your support throughout the year. 🎄 I also talk about one of the biggest festive challenges  buying gifts for men. Men are often hard to shop for, so I’m asking you a simple but important question: what gift would you genuinely love to receive that people rarely think to buy for you?🎁 Leave your answer in the comments I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas!

In this episode, I sit down with James Shaw, co-founder of Albam Menswear, for one of the most heartfelt conversations of the year. We dig deep into what it’s really like to run a brand not just the visible successes, but the unseen struggles that come with building something from the ground up.James shares candidly about the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of owning a business the long hours, the pressure, the doubts, and the sacrifices that rarely make it into public view. We talk about the ups and downs, the triumphs and frustrations, and what it really takes to stay motivated and passionate even when the journey feels overwhelming. This episode is a rare, honest look at entrepreneurship from someone who has lived it. James opens up about the moments that tested him, the lessons he’s learned, and why, despite it all, he continues to chase his vision.Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative, or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes of a growing brand, this conversation offers raw honesty, inspiration, and insights that you won’t hear anywhere else.

Join us for an in depth conversation with Youssef Zogheib, the visionary designer behind The Gravesend, his menswear collection that fuses modern design with a captivating historical narrative. Youssef reveals the fascinating story that inspired the collection, taking us behind the scenes of its creation and the ideas that shaped its unique identity. We also dive into the highs and lows of building a career in fashion, the challenge of staying true to a creative vision, and the ways technology is transforming menswear today. Tune in for an inside look at the struggles, triumphs, and bold innovations that make Youssef a name to watch in menswear.

In this episode, I sit down with Shigeru Kaneko, Chief Buyer at BEAMS Japan, and Mizuki Maeda, who works in Promotion and Advertising and translates our conversation. Shigeru shares his journey from discovering BEAMS to becoming Chief Buyer, and how his passion for vintage outdoor down jackets led him to become a collector and the author of the Outdoor Expedition Book a celebration of rare and iconic down jackets. We also explore the origins of the Expedition Club Exhibition, a BEAMS project that brings together adventure, nostalgia, and design. Shigeru and Mizuki reveal how the exhibition was conceived, the stories behind the curated pieces, and how blends vintage inspiration with modern menswear and cultural storytelling. This episode is a rare look behind the scenes at BEAMS Japan, from buying and how Shigeru collecting these rare pieces has made himself a storytelling, and the creative vision that makes the menswear outdoor world unique. Bravo Shigeru!