EP232: Merry Christmas! 🎄 Let’s Talk Gifts for Men ft menSwear by a Woman Podcast

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!

Today’s episode brings you Cléa and Matilda, the duo behind Classic NonChalancen and quite possibly the freshest breeze to ever sweep through classic menswear.They dismantle tradition with the precision of exlaw students (because they are), but deliver it with a charm that feels anything but legal. Their storytelling is crisp, clever, and unexpectedly addictive.And then there’s Cléawhose humour operates on a different classic wavelength entirely. Think timeless tailoring, but with punchlines. Matilda balances it all with her steady, insightful elegance, making their dynamic the perfect blend of smart and effortlessly stylish. Together, they pull back the curtain on the true inner workings of classic menswear, sharing the inspirations and revelations that shaped their world. It’s playful, intelligent, and absolutely worth listening to especially if you love when tradition gets a chic twist.

In todays episode, we sit down with Carolyn Massey, the pioneering British menswear designer whose thoughtful, detail driven work helped shape the early landscape of London Fashion Week Men's (formerly MAN). As one of the first designers to be featured in this new wave of menswear showcases, Carolyn brought a fresh, intelligent perspective to the industry at a pivotal moment. Carolyn opens up about her multifaceted career, from establishing her own label to working with and designing for major brands. She discusses how these experiences broadened her understanding of craft, production, and the realities of the fashion business. At the heart of our conversation is something deeply important to her: community. We explore how Carolyn worked to build a supportive, inclusive menswear network during a time when the scene was still emerging and why connection and shared vision have always been central to her practice. Join us for an insightful and inspiring discussion about creativity, industry transformation, and the power of community in shaping the future of menswear.

In this episode, we sit down with men’s style creator Henry J Wade to talk about the power of dressing well and how style can shape confidence. Henry opens up about how he first got into men’s fashion, what inspired him to start helping others, and why he decided to challenge himself to style men and show them how confidence begins with presentation. He shares his approach to helping men refine their wardrobes, elevate their presence, and express themselves through timeless, intentional fashion. A conversation about more than clothes  it’s about mindset, self respect, and owning your look.

In this episode, we uncover the inspiring journey of Taylor.A .Jones, an Australian made-to-measure brand grounded in the timeless art of tailoring. Before launching her label, Taylor built a successful career in real estate but she always felt the pull to return to what she truly loved: creating with her hands. Taught to sew and pattern cut by her grandmother, Taylor’s passion for craftsmanship began at a young age. Those early lessons instilled a deep respect for precision, patience, and the beauty of garments made to last. Returning to her roots, she honed her skills in tailoring and pattern cutting, starting with menswear mastering structure, fit, and form before evolving into bespoke womenswear that celebrates individuality, confidence, and modern femininity.Taylor now stands as a symbol of artistry and authenticity, blending traditional tailoring techniques with contemporary design. This episode explores her journey from real estate to the world of made-to-measure fashion, and how a lifelong love of sewing, pattern cutting, and craftsmanship continues to shape her vision of what it means to be truly tailored to perfection.

This Halloween, step inside The Final Fitting. Behind the boarded windows, the scissors are still snipping and the tailor always keeps the appointment !

After taking a much needed break to refocus and recharge, I’m back and in this episode, I’m sharing why stepping away was exactly what I needed. We’ll talk about the pressure of constant creation, the importance of listening to your mind, and how reconnecting with what truly inspires you can reignite your passion. I’ll take you through my week exploring some incredible experiences in London from discovering the soulful storytelling of Rahasya Fragrances to being blown away by the craftsmanship at the Beams Expedition Club exhibition. Each moment reminded me of why menswear means so much more than clothes it’s about history, culture, and emotion stitched into every garment. And we’ll also dive into a major moment for the industry: Grace Wales Bonner’s groundbreaking appointment as the first Black woman to become creative director at Hermès a move that marks a powerful shift in how we see creativity and representation in menswear. This episode is about slowing down, finding purpose, and celebrating the artistry that keeps us inspired.