In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, host Peter Brooker speaks to Kestin Hare, founder and creative director of KESTIN, the Edinburgh-based menswear brand redefining modern Scottish design through heritage, innovation and contemporary functionality.

Founded in 2014, KESTIN creates high-quality menswear inspired by Scotland, combining references to the country's history, culture and landscape with influences from vintage clothing, workwear, military garments, sportswear and outdoor apparel.

Kestin shares the story behind his journey into fashion, from studying fashion design and marketing in Newcastle to spending seven years working in London before returning to his hometown of Edinburgh. He explains how working with established designers and brands helped shape his approach to design, production and business, and why his experience with Nigel Cabourn had such a significant influence on his philosophy around heritage and British manufacturing.

The conversation explores what makes Scottish menswear distinctive and why Kestin believes being based in Edinburgh gives the brand an authentic story and perspective that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. He also discusses the balance between celebrating Scottish heritage and avoiding clichés, and how the brand translates memories, traditions, architecture, art and landscapes into modern clothing.

Kestin talks about his fascination with fabrics and the way technical materials can transform traditional menswear silhouettes. We discuss his approach to combining heritage garments with contemporary performance fabrics, including workwear jackets made from technical nylon and modern outdoor clothing inspired by vintage military and sporting pieces.

The episode also explores KESTIN's growing outdoor collection, including fleece, waterproof and down-filled garments, and why the brand sees an opportunity to combine its established menswear aesthetic with the technical demands of outdoor clothing.

Kestin explains how he develops garments from initial ideas into finished products, including the importance of pattern cutting, fabric selection, construction and understanding how materials behave. He also discusses the role of trial and error, experience and visualising how two-dimensional ideas become three-dimensional garments.

We also discuss KESTIN's international presence, including the brand's long-standing relationship with Japan and its work with Japanese retail partners. Kestin explains why the Japanese market has responded particularly well to the brand's combination of heritage, quality, technical fabrics and contemporary Scottish design.

Looking ahead, Kestin shares his ambitions for the brand, including expanding its product range, developing the outdoor category and continuing to build KESTIN as a modern Scottish menswear brand with an international audience.

A fascinating conversation about Scottish menswear, modern heritage clothing, workwear, military-inspired fashion, outdoor clothing, technical fabrics, British manufacturing, Japanese fashion culture and building an independent menswear brand.

Discover KESTIN at kestin.co and explore more menswear, fashion and style content at menswearstyle.co.uk.

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In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, host Peter Brooker speaks to Ben Miers, founder of XBO, an independent menswear brand developing high-performance outerwear that combines style, technical innovation and sustainability.

With a career spanning more than 20 years across tailoring, luxury fashion and performance sportswear, Ben has worked with brands and businesses including Timothy Everest, Yves Saint Laurent, Jaeger and Tommy Hilfiger. He brings that experience together at XBO to rethink what modern weatherproof clothing can be.

Ben explains why he set out to create outerwear that delivers exceptional protection from the elements without sacrificing style or relying entirely on traditional petrochemical-based materials. The conversation explores the difficult balance between performance, sustainability, durability, cost and aesthetics when developing technical clothing.

A major focus is XBO's innovative approach to materials and garment construction. Ben discusses the use of bio-based nylon made from castor beans, as well as advanced waterproof membranes, and explains why simply using a recycled or bio-based material does not automatically make a garment sustainable.

We also explore XBO's stitchless construction technology, which uses sonic welding and high-frequency welding to join fabrics and seal seams rather than relying on conventional stitching. Ben explains how the technology was developed to solve problems in outdoor equipment and why he believes it can help create stronger, more refined and more durable garments.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the realities of textile innovation and product development, including sourcing specialist yarns, minimum order quantities, testing fabrics and membranes, manufacturing challenges and the process of turning experimental materials into commercially viable clothing.

Ben also shares the story behind founding XBO and why sustainability became such an important part of his thinking after years working with high-performance sailing and outdoor businesses. He discusses how learning more about plastics, pollutants, fibres and manufacturing changed the way he viewed the fashion industry and ultimately pushed him to create a brand aligned with his own values.

We also discuss one of the biggest challenges facing sustainable fashion: creating products that people genuinely want to buy and use. Ben explains why good intentions alone are not enough, why performance and design still have to come first, and what he learned from previous projects that failed to combine sustainability with a compelling product.

The episode also covers the business side of launching a technical fashion brand, including cash flow, product development, manufacturing, marketing, sourcing partners, protecting intellectual property and the challenges of competing with much larger companies.

A fascinating conversation about performance outerwear, technical menswear, waterproof clothing, sustainable fashion, textile innovation, bio-based materials, British design, garment technology and building a fashion business around better-performing products.

Discover XBO at xbo-tailored.com and explore more menswear, fashion and style content at menswearstyle.co.uk.

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In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, host Peter Brooker speaks to Keelan Doyle, co-founder of ØTHERS, a pioneering wellness brand combining functional fragrance, sound, technology and mindfulness to create a more immersive approach to everyday wellbeing.

ØTHERS was created around a simple idea: what if familiar daily rituals, such as applying fragrance, could be used for more than simply smelling good? Drawing on neuroscience, music production and behavioural science, the brand combines functional scents with soundscapes, meditation, breathwork and philosophy to create multi-sensory experiences designed to encourage focus, relaxation and greater mindfulness.

Keelan shares the story behind ØTHERS and explains how his own fast-paced lifestyle, work in the city and background as a music producer led him to investigate the potential of scent as a tool for wellbeing.

The conversation explores the science and psychology of smell, including how scent interacts with the brain and why fragrance can create powerful emotional associations. Keelan explains the thinking behind ØTHERS' functional fragrances, including products designed to support calm and relaxation as well as focus and flow.

We also dive into the ØTHERS app, which combines specially created music and soundscapes with guided experiences around meditation, breathwork and emotional resilience. Content covers everything from sleep and morning routines to creative block, deep thought, stress, identity, meaning and imposter syndrome.

Keelan discusses why the brand takes a deeper approach to wellness rather than simply promising constant positivity. He explains the philosophy behind learning to recognise and process difficult emotions and how mindfulness, breathing and sensory cues can help build greater emotional resilience.

The episode also explores the idea of using scent and sound to create powerful behavioural associations. Keelan discusses Pavlovian conditioning and the concept of using repeated rituals to build connections between a particular fragrance, sound and a desired mental state.

We also talk about the creative process behind ØTHERS, including the team's work with musicians, producers, writers and thinkers from around the world. Keelan reveals collaborations involving artists such as Max Cooper and explains how music, philosophy, fragrance and technology come together within the brand.

Looking ahead, Keelan shares plans to expand the ØTHERS app with more content and make it available as a standalone wellness platform, opening up its meditation, sound, breathwork and philosophical content to a much wider audience.

A fascinating conversation about men’s grooming, functional fragrance, wellness, mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, sound therapy, neuroscience, behavioural science and the future of sensory technology.

Discover ØTHERS at others.co and explore more menswear, grooming, lifestyle and style content at menswearstyle.co.uk.

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In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, host Peter Brooker speaks to Nick Reed, founder of Neem London, an independent menswear brand created as an antidote to fast fashion and a new approach to low-carbon clothing.

Nick brings extensive experience from the fashion retail industry, having worked in buying, merchandising and brand direction before launching Neem London. He explains how that background shaped his approach to creating a menswear business focused on lower carbon emissions, versatile clothing, seasonless wardrobes and products designed for modern everyday life.

The conversation explores why Nick believes traditional fashion seasons encourage overproduction, discounting and unnecessary consumption. He explains Neem London's alternative approach, including pre-order and advanced-order models, repeating products only when there is genuine demand, and creating versatile garments that can be worn across multiple seasons and occasions.

Nick also discusses the different types of customers attracted to sustainable menswear, from highly informed advocates of climate-conscious fashion to people who are gradually making changes to the way they consume. We explore the challenge of educating consumers about the environmental impact of clothing and why sustainability can mean very different things to different people.

A major focus of the episode is the full lifecycle of a garment. Nick explains how Neem London looks at carbon emissions, water usage, farming, dyes, materials, manufacturing and end of life rather than focusing on a single sustainability metric. He also discusses the use of recycled materials and regenerative cotton, including traceability back to the farm.

Nick shares the story behind Neem London's physical retail presence in London's Piccadilly Arcade, which began as a pop-up and has now become a permanent store. He explains why he believes physical retail is particularly important for sustainable fashion, allowing brands to have deeper conversations with customers about how products are made and the environmental impact behind them.

We also explore the changing role of the modern retail space. Neem London's store is designed around experience and community, with events, talks, tastings, music and conversations alongside the clothing. Nick explains why encouraging people to spend time in a shop, even when they don't buy anything, can be an important part of building a modern fashion brand.

The conversation also covers entrepreneurship, pop-up retail, finding landlords and negotiating retail space, community building, referral marketing and how early adopters can help an independent fashion brand grow through word of mouth.

Nick discusses some of the well-known figures who have supported the brand and explains why he believes the ideal Neem customer is someone actively trying to reduce their environmental impact, while still wanting stylish, high-quality menswear.

A fascinating conversation about sustainable menswear, low-carbon fashion, ethical clothing, seasonless wardrobes, circular fashion, responsible retail, British fashion and building a community around a more considered approach to consumption.

Discover Neem London at neemlondon.com and visit the store at 7 Piccadilly Arcade, London. Explore more menswear, fashion and style content at menswearstyle.co.uk.

www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, host Peter Brooker speaks to Rosy Temple, CEO of Magee 1866, one of Ireland’s best-known heritage textile and menswear companies with a history stretching back more than 150 years.

Founded in Donegal in 1866 as a small draper selling handwoven tweed, Magee 1866 has evolved into a multi-generational family business encompassing its own weaving mill, menswear and womenswear collections, retail stores and a global wholesale business.

Rosy shares the story of how Magee 1866 has survived and evolved across five generations, from its origins in traditional Donegal handweaving through to modern clothing, homewares and accessories. She explains how the company has stayed true to its roots while adapting to changing consumer habits, fashion trends and the demands of a global marketplace.

A major focus of the conversation is Donegal Tweed and what makes it distinctive. Rosy explains how colourful flecks, or “neps”, are incorporated into the yarn during the spinning process to create the characteristic texture and vibrant appearance associated with authentic Donegal Tweed. She also discusses the differences between Donegal Tweed and other famous heritage fabrics such as Harris Tweed.

We explore the craftsmanship behind Magee’s weaving mill, including the process of turning raw yarn into finished cloth and the combination of modern power weaving with traditional skills. Rosy also discusses the importance of geographical protection for Donegal Tweed and the collective work taking place to ensure the fabric remains genuinely connected to its region of origin.

The conversation also looks at how Magee 1866 uses its own textiles across modern menswear, including tailored suits, made-to-measure clothing, jackets, knitwear and casual pieces. Rosy explains how the brand has adapted to the decline of traditional office dressing by introducing softer, more relaxed tailoring alongside its heritage three-piece and two-piece suits.

Rosy also talks about the business's international supply chain, including manufacturing within Europe and overseas, working with specialist British and Italian mills, and balancing authenticity, quality, cost and production requirements.

We also hear about Rosy’s own journey into the family business after working at Christie’s in London, and how stepping away from Donegal gave her a different perspective on the scale and value of the family company before eventually returning home.

The episode explores what it takes to preserve a heritage fashion business for more than a century and a half, from maintaining quality and craftsmanship to embracing innovation, changing customer behaviour and surviving major economic and political disruptions.

Rosy discusses the impact of Brexit on importing and exporting materials and finished products, as well as Magee 1866’s approach to collaborations, wholesale, retail and connecting traditional Irish textiles with contemporary consumers.

The conversation also covers the growing importance of storytelling in heritage fashion, the role of independent menswear retailers, and how seeing Magee clothing and Donegal Tweed used in different environments can help bring the brand's history and craftsmanship to life.

A fascinating conversation about Donegal Tweed, Irish menswear, heritage fashion, textile manufacturing, traditional weaving, luxury tailoring, sustainable materials, family business and preserving craftsmanship for future generations.

Discover Magee 1866 at magee1866.com and explore more menswear, fashion and style content at menswearstyle.co.uk.

www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, host Peter Brooker speaks to Alvin Oommen, founder and CEO of OXFORDhill, the independent men’s grooming brand creating premium, minimally formulated hair care products using carefully selected natural ingredients.

Alvin shares his unconventional journey from accounting and tax consulting for high-net-worth clients into cosmetics manufacturing and, ultimately, launching his own men’s grooming brand. After developing products for other beauty and personal care companies, Alvin began experimenting with his own hair styling formula and eventually created OXFORDhill's signature hair clay.

A major focus of the conversation is bentonite clay, a naturally occurring mineral clay that forms the foundation of OXFORDhill's styling product. Alvin explains why he chose bentonite, how it can create the appearance of thicker, fuller hair, and why the brand focuses on a minimalist formulation rather than filling its products with unnecessary ingredients.

Alvin also reveals how customer feedback shaped the evolution of the product. Starting with just a small number of early customers, OXFORDhill went through more than 90 formula iterations based on real-world feedback before reaching its current formulation. We discuss how a niche audience of hair clay users helped turn an experimental product into a growing grooming brand.

The episode explores what makes a premium grooming product feel genuinely premium, from formulation and ingredients to glass jars, packaging, typography, finishes and the overall customer experience. Alvin explains why he believes branding and presentation need to be treated as seriously as the product itself from day one.

We also discuss the challenges of scaling a small-batch grooming business without sacrificing quality. Alvin explains why OXFORDhill deliberately resists excessively large production runs and prioritises long-term supplier relationships, quality control and consistency instead.

The conversation also covers product development, contract manufacturing, supply chains, customer testing, fulfilment and the importance of listening directly to consumers. Alvin shares some of the mistakes he made in the early days and explains why fast delivery, responsive customer service and direct communication can turn customers into genuine brand advocates.

One of the most useful parts of the episode is Alvin's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to launch a physical product. He discusses using pre-orders to reduce financial risk, testing a product with people outside your immediate circle, building a compelling landing page, creating demand before committing to large production runs and why finding just ten paying customers can provide valuable proof of concept.

We also hear how OXFORDhill emerged from a difficult period in Alvin's previous cosmetics manufacturing business and why that experience influenced the way he built his new company.

Looking ahead, Alvin reveals plans to expand OXFORDhill beyond hair care into skincare, deodorant, fragrance and other personal care products while maintaining the same focus on quality, minimal formulation and customer experience.

A fascinating conversation about men’s grooming, hair styling products, natural hair care, bentonite clay, premium beauty, product development, customer experience, entrepreneurship and building an independent personal care brand from the ground up.

Discover OXFORDhill at oxfordhill.co and explore more menswear, grooming, fashion and lifestyle content at menswearstyle.co.uk.

www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, host Peter Brooker speaks to Vincent Stadelhofer, co-founder of ANDREW & COLE, the independent swimwear brand creating premium men’s swim shorts with a focus on comfort, sustainability and timeless design.

Founded as a family-run business, ANDREW & COLE was created to rethink the traditional swim short. Rather than using the conventional mesh lining found in most swimwear, the brand developed its own integrated inner lining designed to provide the support and protection of traditional swim trunks while offering greater comfort and freedom of movement.

Vincent explains how the idea came about after years of frustration with uncomfortable swim short linings and why he and his family decided to develop a completely different approach. He shares the process of researching materials, working with designers and refining the construction to create a more comfortable alternative to traditional men's swimwear.

Sustainability is another central part of the ANDREW & COLE philosophy. Vincent discusses the brand's move towards recycled and innovative fabrics and explains how its swim shorts and rash guards are now made using recycled materials, including recycled plastic bottles and plastic waste recovered from the ocean.

The conversation explores what it takes to build a sustainable fashion brand from the ground up, including sourcing recycled fabrics, finding specialist suppliers, attending international textile trade shows and balancing environmental ambitions with product quality and commercial realities.

Vincent also shares some practical advice for emerging fashion entrepreneurs, including where to look for sustainable fabrics and why trade shows such as Première Vision in Paris can be invaluable for discovering new materials, manufacturers and suppliers.

The episode also reveals the hands-on nature of building ANDREW & COLE. Vincent discusses being responsible for product development and production while other members of the family oversee marketing and social media, and explains how he taught himself to build the company's website.

We also discuss the realities of funding an independent fashion business. Vincent explains how the family provided the initial investment, how the business has been able to reinvest in new collections, and why crowdfunding and outside investment have not yet been necessary.

Looking ahead, Vincent reveals plans to expand the brand beyond its established summer swimwear offering, including the development of a new winter collection and further footwear and apparel categories, while continuing to grow through eCommerce, specialist retailers and international fashion trade shows.

A fascinating conversation about men’s swimwear, sustainable fashion, recycled materials, eco-friendly beachwear, product development, family business, eCommerce and building an independent clothing brand from scratch.

Discover ANDREW & COLE at andrewandcole.com and explore more menswear, fashion and style content at menswearstyle.co.uk.

www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, host Peter Brooker speaks to Junaid Ansari, co-founder and managing director of Burrows & Hare, the independent men's lifestyle, fashion and grooming retailer based in Oxford and Marlow.

Founded in Oxford in 2015, Burrows & Hare has built its reputation around timeless menswear, well-made products and a carefully selected collection of independent and like-minded brands. Alongside its multi-brand offering, the company has developed its own label, giving customers a distinctive alternative within the store.

Junaid explains how Burrows & Hare grew from its first small Oxford shop into a successful bricks-and-mortar business with a second store in Marlow, and why physical retail remains at the heart of the company's approach despite the continued growth of eCommerce.

The conversation explores what makes a great independent menswear store, from selecting brands and products to creating an environment where customers feel welcome, discovering something new and receiving genuinely personal service. Junaid explains how the business chooses brands based on quality, craftsmanship, fabrication and individuality rather than simply following seasonal trends.

We also discuss the changing role of the modern high-street shop and why Burrows & Hare sees its stores as more than places to buy clothes. Junaid shares examples of in-store events and collaborations involving local coffee roasters, barbers and shoe-shiners, helping create a wider lifestyle experience around menswear, grooming and personal style.

The episode also covers the realities of running an independent retail business, including the importance of work ethic, doing everything from product sourcing and merchandising to serving customers and taking out the bins, and why being hands-on is still essential for a small family-run company.

Junaid discusses the importance of learning directly from customers and how the team uses feedback from people in store to improve the product range and shape future buying decisions. He also explains how the family business has been passed down to the second generation and why long-term relationships and experienced staff are a major part of Burrows & Hare's success.

We also explore the company's growing focus on men's grooming, shaving and skincare, and why these categories complement its established menswear and lifestyle offering.

The conversation moves online as well, with Junaid discussing eCommerce, social media, photography, content creation and how the business is working to recreate some of the personality and experience of its physical stores across Facebook, Instagram and other digital channels.

Looking ahead, Junaid shares plans for organic growth, further development of the grooming and shaving ranges and continued investment in the stores and customer experience without losing the independent character that made Burrows & Hare successful.

A fascinating conversation about men's fashion, menswear retail, grooming, shaving, independent shops, British lifestyle brands, eCommerce, customer experience and building a successful family-run retail business.

Discover Burrows & Hare at burrowsandhare.co.uk and visit the stores in Oxford and Marlow. Explore more menswear, fashion, grooming and lifestyle content at menswearstyle.co.uk.

www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, host Peter Brooker speaks to Robin Vindevogel, CEO and co-founder of Butcher Tailors International (BTI), a fashion technology and manufacturing platform helping entrepreneurs, tailors, celebrities and emerging fashion brands build and grow their own clothing businesses.

BTI was born from the heritage of Belgian tailoring house Butcher Tailors, established in 1956, and combines decades of tailoring experience with modern production, technology and business support. Robin explains how his family's tailoring business evolved from traditional retail and bespoke tailoring into an international made-to-measure operation serving high-profile clients around the world.

The conversation explores how BTI helps ambitious entrepreneurs overcome some of the biggest barriers to entering the fashion industry. Rather than having to source fabrics, find manufacturers, build a showroom, develop products, manage production, create marketing infrastructure and organise technology independently, clients can access a more complete, integrated solution through BTI.

Robin explains the process of launching a new tailoring or clothing business with BTI, from visiting the showroom and selecting fabrics through to product development, pricing, margins, order management and production. The platform includes access to thousands of fabrics and a wide range of categories spanning suits, jackets, trousers, waistcoats, shirts, outerwear, casualwear and more.

A major focus of the episode is made-to-measure tailoring and the role technology can play in modernising traditional clothing businesses. Robin explains how BTI's order management platform connects the customer-facing side of a tailoring business with its production operation, allowing garments to be designed, ordered and tracked through the supply chain.

We also discuss BTI's bespoke approach to supporting each client. Robin explains how the team provides different levels of creative, technical and commercial support depending on what an entrepreneur or established tailoring business needs. That might mean help with production, merchandising, pricing, business planning, marketing or positioning.

Robin also shares how BTI can support emerging ready-to-wear brands through made-to-order and smaller-scale production models, helping businesses reduce inventory risk by producing garments in response to customer demand rather than committing to large quantities of stock.

The episode also takes us behind the scenes of BTI's relationship with high-profile clients. Robin tells the story of how he helped build a clothing range with former England and Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand, including made-to-measure shirts and a limited-edition ready-to-wear collection that sold out rapidly.

We also discuss what it is like to build a fashion business as an entrepreneur, the value of working with experienced specialists, and why founders should focus on the areas they are genuinely good at while surrounding themselves with experts in the areas where they need support.

Robin shares his own journey into tailoring, including learning from his father, working with major retailers such as Harrods and Selfridges, and developing the technical and commercial experience that eventually led to BTI.

The conversation offers valuable insight for anyone considering starting a tailoring business, menswear label, made-to-measure company or independent clothing brand, including practical lessons around manufacturing, production, margins, sourcing, branding, customer acquisition and building a sustainable business model.

A fascinating conversation about made-to-measure tailoring, fashion technology, clothing manufacturing, entrepreneurship, private label, fashion start-ups, bespoke menswear and building an apparel business from the ground up.

Discover Butcher Tailors International at bti.com and explore more menswear, fashion and style content at menswearstyle.co.uk.

www.menswearstyle.co.uk

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, host Peter Brooker speaks to José Maria Reffóios, co-founder of JAK, the independent Portuguese footwear brand creating minimalist sneakers and accessories for modern urban life.

Founded in Lisbon in 2014, JAK was created around a simple philosophy: combine modern design with high-quality materials, careful construction and products that age beautifully over time. The brand has developed a reputation for understated, versatile sneakers designed to work across everyday, smart-casual and contemporary wardrobes.

José shares the story behind JAK and explains how the brand grew from an earlier footwear business into a focused direct-to-consumer sneaker company. He and co-founder Isabel eventually decided to move away from the traditional fashion model of seasonal wholesale collections and trade shows and concentrate on building a smaller, more distinctive brand directly with customers.

The conversation explores why Portugal has become such an important centre for high-quality footwear manufacturing and how being based in Lisbon gives JAK a major advantage when working with local factories. José discusses regularly visiting production partners, developing samples, refining fit and construction, sourcing materials and overseeing quality directly on the factory floor.

A major focus is JAK's approach to minimalist sneaker design. José explains why apparently simple shoes can actually be among the most difficult to manufacture, particularly when large uninterrupted panels, clean lines and minimal visible stitching are required. He also reveals some of the construction details hidden beneath the understated aesthetic, including leather midsoles, internal shanks, cork layers, removable insoles and calf-leather linings.

We also discuss sustainable footwear and the complexities behind developing lower-impact materials. José explains JAK's experiments with alternative materials, including a material made partly from recycled apple waste, and why genuinely sustainable footwear is more complicated than simply replacing leather with something marketed as “vegan.”

The conversation explores how plant-based and bio-based materials are developed, the role of backing fabrics and binding agents, the challenges of achieving consistent colour and texture, and why natural or recycled materials can produce subtle differences from one pair to another.

José also talks about how JAK develops new products, from initial sketches and ideas through to repeated sampling, technical testing and factory production. He explains why the company takes a deliberately cautious approach to new materials and refuses to rush products simply to follow sustainability trends.

We also discuss the realities of building an independent footwear brand, including eCommerce, Shopify, marketing, social media, photography, PR, customer retention and the challenge of maintaining a consistent visual identity online.

José shares the importance of learning as you go, explaining how neither founder came from a traditional shoemaking background and how the business has developed through experimentation, research, customer feedback and working closely with experienced manufacturing partners.

The episode also looks at JAK's international ambitions. Despite being based in Portugal, the UK is the brand's largest market, followed by the United States and other major European markets. José reveals plans to expand JAK's retail presence and discusses the possibility of opening a physical store in the UK.

A fascinating conversation about Portuguese sneakers, minimalist footwear, sustainable shoes, footwear manufacturing, product development, direct-to-consumer fashion, eCommerce and building an independent footwear brand.

Discover JAK at jakshoes.com and explore more menswear, footwear and style content at menswearstyle.co.uk.

www.menswearstyle.co.uk