Simon Crompton needs no introduction. In classic style circles he’s a household name; the founder of renowned men’s style website, Permanent Style. Simon’s built his online following over a period of 11 years, to the point where the website is now his full time occupation; delivering authoritative advice on the work of independent brands and craftspeople, as well as in-depth style advice articles for menswear fans.

In this episode, he talks about his decision to go full-time and his role as a menswear reviewer. We also explore some of the problems facing mainstream men’s lifestyle magazines today, and the problematic balance between commercial content and editorial. Finally, Simon goes to town on influencer culture, and the over-saturation of Instagram content in menswear.

HandCut Radio is produced in collaboration with Birch, a London and New York based creative agency. Our theme music is by Joe Boyd.

Show Notes
Simon Crompton — Instagram | Website
[2:26] Why I Quit My Job, Permanent Style
[4:43] Henry Poole
[4:45] Huntsman
[4:46] Simon’s Most Recent Huntsman Tweed Jacket
[5:14] Marks & Spencers Tailoring
[6:05] Richard Anderson
[7:21] How To Spend It
[7:25] Robb Report
[8:20] Hackett Bespoke
[8:27] Paul Smith Bespoke
[8:31] Armani MTM
[8:40] John Galliano
[8:43] Anderson & Sheppard
[8:58] Michael Browne
[12:19] The Jackal Magazine
[12:35] Evening Standard Magazine
[17:40] Drake’s Herringbone Cotton Chino
[19:31] Best Lookbook 2019: Drake’s
[22:36] 1m Readers on Permanent Style
[23:54] Permanent Style Shop
[25:45] Trunk Shows on Permanent Style
[33:42] Lil Miquela, Fake Influencer
[34:06] Nano Influencers
[35:09] Ethan Newton
[35:10] Brycelands
[39:13] Tribes, Seth Godin
[42:08] Drake’s
[42:25] Private White
[42:38] Connolly
[42:56] Stòffa
[43:02]