Menswear Style Podcast

Menswear Style

Welcome to the official Menswear Style Podcast, hosted by Peter Brooker. In this men's fashion, men's style, men’s grooming and men’s lifestyle focused podcast show we speak to some of the most influential designers, innovative brand founders and truly inspiring entrepreneurs from within the global fashion and apparel industry. Our aim is to bring you a detailed insight into founder start-up stories with a focus on sustainability, marketing, design, manufacturing, eCommerce, and operations.

  1. 11h ago

    Iggi Zain Leveritt, Founder of Workhouse England / Traditional Workwear

    In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast, we sit down with Iggi Zain Leveritt, founder and creative force behind Workhouse England, for a fascinating conversation about British menswear, craftsmanship, authenticity and the unconventional journey that led him to build one of the country’s most distinctive independent clothing brands. Born in Manchester in 1964 to Pakistani parents and adopted by an English family as a baby, Iggi grew up in rural Suffolk before heading to the London College of Fashion. His early career took him into the heart of London’s fashion scene, working alongside some of the industry’s most talented pattern cutters and designers, including time at French Connection and with independent British labels during the creative explosion of 1980s London. Iggi talks candidly about always wanting to create his own brand, trading at Camden Market, building a business from his father's garage, and later finding himself working from a garden shed after losing his studio. Eventually, he bought and painstakingly restored an old Victorian slaughterhouse in Suffolk, transforming it into the studio that is now at the heart of Workhouse England. We explore the influences behind the Workhouse England aesthetic, from historical British clothing and old photographs to Iggi's fascination with the way young people once wore formal clothes with an effortless, rebellious swagger. He explains why imperfections can be more interesting than perfection, and why creating garments with genuine provenance and character matters so much to him. The conversation also dives deep into British manufacturing, the importance of long-standing relationships with skilled makers, and Iggi's experiences selling to Japan, where an extraordinary attention to construction and quality has helped shape his own approach to clothing. Along the way, we discuss pattern cutting, specialist sewing machinery, the craft behind seemingly small details, the importance of learning from people around you, and the enduring friendships that have accompanied Iggi throughout his career.

    Iggi Zain Leveritt, Founder of Workhouse England / Traditional Workwear
  2. 6d ago

    Richard Marshall, Founder of Pall Mall Barbers / London Barber Shop

    In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast, we sit down with Richard Marshall MBE, Founder of Pall Mall Barbers, to explore an extraordinary journey from sweeping the floor of a barbershop at the age of 12 to building one of London’s most recognised barbering businesses. Richard talks openly about growing up dyslexic, being asked to leave school at 15 without qualifications, and discovering that his strengths lay not in conventional education, but in learning through experience, intuition and doing. His story is a fascinating insight into how perceived limitations can ultimately shape an entrepreneurial mindset built around problem-solving, resilience and finding a different way forward. We also hear how Richard acquired Pall Mall Barbers in 2005, initially unaware of its remarkable history. After discovering an old business card beneath the floorboards, he began researching the company and traced its roots back to 1896. What started as a run-down barbershop became the foundation for a brand now known for its heritage, craftsmanship and modern approach to men’s grooming. One of the most fascinating parts of Richard’s story is how a childhood fascination with the film Trading Places helped inspire his ambition to open a business in New York. Following the disruption caused by Brexit to his international distribution plans, a trade show brought Richard back to New York, where a chance walk through Rockefeller Center led him to spot an opportunity for a Pall Mall Barbers location. Today, that dream has become reality. We discuss the differences between British and American customers, why international businesses need to adapt to local markets, and how Pall Mall Barbers recreated the atmosphere of its London stores at Rockefeller Center while retaining its distinctive British identity. Richard also shares his approach to scaling a service business without losing its soul. Rather than controlling every detail, he believes in empowering people, mentoring them and giving them the freedom and environment to become the best version of themselves. It is an approach that has helped him grow the business while developing the people around him. Finally, Richard talks about his plans to give back through mentoring and the challenge of writing his first book — something particularly meaningful given his lifelong struggles with reading and writing. From barbering and entrepreneurship to international expansion, British heritage, dyslexia, leadership and the power of dreaming big, this is an honest and inspiring conversation with one of the leading figures in modern British barbering. Listen to the MenswearStyle Podcast with Richard Marshall MBE, Founder of Pall Mall Barbers.

    Richard Marshall, Founder of Pall Mall Barbers / London Barber Shop
  3. Jun 5

    Nick Reed, Founder of Neem London / Recycled Men's Clothing

    In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, Peter Brooker sits down with Nick Reed, founder of sustainable menswear brand Neem London, to discuss the launch of the brand's Spring/Summer 2026 collection and the thinking behind its latest campaign, The Uniform of Hot Dads. As Neem opens its permanent flagship store on London's Lamb's Conduit Street, Nick explains why the brand is focusing on an often-overlooked menswear audience: men aged 40 to 60. Drawing on research from more than 400 men, the campaign explores how today's midlife consumer is redefining style, prioritising comfort, versatility and confidence over fleeting trends. We discuss the evolution of "dad style," why so many men feel underserved by the fashion industry, and how Neem is creating clothing that reflects real life rather than runway aspirations. Nick also shares insights into the SS26 collection, featuring recycled cotton overshirts, relaxed tailoring, non-iron shirts, organic cotton trousers and other low-impact essentials designed to move effortlessly between work, family life, travel and downtime. The conversation also covers sustainability, responsible manufacturing, the growing appeal of independent brands, and Neem's Wear-Well Take Back programme, which helps keep unwanted clothing out of landfill. Whether you're interested in menswear, sustainable fashion, entrepreneurship or how men's style evolves with age, this episode offers a thoughtful look at a changing landscape and the opportunities emerging within it.

    Nick Reed, Founder of Neem London / Recycled Men's Clothing
  4. Mar 9

    Freddie Sheridan, Founder of YCODE / Male Skincare

    In this episode, Peter sits down with Freddie Sheridan, founder of YCODE — the British skincare brand redefining men’s grooming through cutting-edge marine biotechnology. Built specifically for male biology, YCODE isn’t just another men’s range wrapped in masculine packaging. After five years of research into the unique structure of men’s skin — thicker, oilier, collagen-dense and biologically distinct from women’s — Freddie developed a performance-driven, three-step system powered by microalgae. At the heart of YCODE’s From Sea to Cell technology is Chlorella Vulgaris, a sustainably cultivated microalgae sourced from Iceland and refined in Barcelona. Remarkably, this bioactive ingredient can “read” the skin in real time — adapting to factors like climate, stress, age and lifestyle to deliver precisely what the skin needs, when it needs it. We discuss: The science behind microalgae’s adaptive intelligenceHow YCODE’s award-winning Advanced Eye Serum, Hydrating Serum and Mattifying Moisturiser work together in a one-minute routineThe link between skincare, confidence and performanceFreddie’s journey from designing luxury retail spaces for global beauty giants to launching a science-backed brand from scratchFreddie also shares how skincare became a tool for self-belief in his own life, and why feeling “understood” is central to the brand’s mission. If you’re interested in high-performance skincare, biotechnology, sustainable innovation, or the evolving landscape of modern masculinity, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

    Freddie Sheridan, Founder of YCODE / Male Skincare
  5. 03/04/2025

    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.

    Sebastian Öhrn, Founder of Myrqvist / Premium Footwear

Ratings & Reviews

3.9
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to the official Menswear Style Podcast, hosted by Peter Brooker. In this men's fashion, men's style, men’s grooming and men’s lifestyle focused podcast show we speak to some of the most influential designers, innovative brand founders and truly inspiring entrepreneurs from within the global fashion and apparel industry. Our aim is to bring you a detailed insight into founder start-up stories with a focus on sustainability, marketing, design, manufacturing, eCommerce, and operations.

You Might Also Like