

menSwear by a Woman
menSwear by a Woman
A podcast exploring menSwear from a woman's perspective. Join me as I speak to a huge range of people from within the industry. From brand owners to designers and entrepreneurs. I will also be sharing my own experiences within the menSwear universe as well as hearing about other people’s journeys. The highs and lows and everything in between. Exploring diversity, equality, creativity and struggles. Ultimately questioning whether women are changing and challenging menswear or is it still a male dominated universe. Is there a seat for women at the table? Let’s find out...Sarmilla
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 7, 2025 • 48min
EP221: AI, Digital Innovation, and the Evolution of Menswear ft Matthew Drinkwater
In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Drinkwater, a leading expert at the intersection of fashion and technology, to explore how artificial intelligence and digital innovation are reshaping the fashion world- menswear. From virtual design studios to predictive trend forecasting, the digital world is becoming more intelligent and more influentialthan ever before. But how does this revolution play out in a specific sector like menswear? Matthew breaks down the unique ways AI is being integrated into the menswear industry, from personalization and fit technology to digital tailoring and consumer engagement. Whether you're a designer, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about where fashion is headed, this conversation offers insight into how technology is not just supporting but transforming creative expression in menswear and beyond. This Episode is not to be missed!

Sep 30, 2025 • 14min
EP220: Ai In Menswear A New Era or the End of Craft?
Today’s episode is one I’ve been really excited to dig into. We’re talking about artificial intelligence in menswear how it’s changing everything from personal styling and virtual fittings to how brands design and market their collections. But with all this innovation, I’m asking the big question: What happens to craftsmanship? Can AI and tradition coexist, or are we watching the slow fade of the human touch in fashion? Join me as we explore real world examples, reflect on what’s at stake, and imagine what the future of menswear might actually look like.Next week we are back with a guest who will be talking about Ai and menswear.

Sep 23, 2025 • 51min
EP219: Kamakura Classic - The Jazz of Japanese Style ft. Kousuke Suda
For my very first podcast episode recorded in Japan I’m honoured to be joined by Kousuke Suda, one of the co-founders of the iconic menswear brand Kamakura Shirts, also known as Kamakura Classic. From their roots in Kamakura to a global reputation for craftsmanship, the brand has become a symbol of timeless Japanese style, blending precision tailoring with deep influences from Jazz culture and Ivy League fashion.We explore how Kamakura Shirts captures the spirit of 1960s Americana while staying grounded in Japanese tradition and how music, culture, and classic menswear come together in every detail of their design. Kousuke shares the story behind the brand, what Ivy Style means in a modern context, and why Jazz continues to inspire their aesthetic. As I start this episode journey from Japan, it’s the perfect conversation to set the tone personal, stylish, and rooted in culture. If you’re into Japanese menswear, heritage brands, Jazz-inspired style, or just curious about the intersection of tradition and modernity, this episode is for you.

Sep 16, 2025 • 41min
EP218: How Brotherwolf Found It's Voice ft Padraig Whelehan
What does it take to build a brand that’s more than just a label one that becomes a lifestyle, a culture, and a community?In this episode, we sit down with Padraig Whelehan, founder of Brotherwolf, an iconic Australian brand known for its bold identity, raw authenticity, and unfiltered approach to craftsmanship and culture. From the spark of an idea to the creation of a brand that now resonates deeply with people across the country, Padraig shares his journey the challenges, the evolution, and the moments that defined Brotherwolf. We dive into the early days, the inspiration behind the name, what it means to lead with purpose, and how staying grounded in values helped Brotherwolf carve out its own lane in a crowded market.Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, a fan of hard working brands, or just love hearing the real stories behind real people doing big things this one’s for you.

Sep 9, 2025 • 14min
EP217: Giorgio Armani: The Man Who Softened The Suit
In this episode, we dive into the quiet revolution led about Giorgio Armani the designer who reshaped menswear by softening the suit, redefining masculinity, and showing that elegance doesn't have to shout . From his roots in Italy to his global influence on tailoring and timeless style we unpack why Armani's legacy still matters in today's fashion landscape. My tribute episode to Mr Giorgio Armani.

Sep 2, 2025 • 34min
EP216: The Art of Elegance - A Conversation ft Luke Adams of Valet Magazine
In today’s episode, we sit down with Luke Adams, the founder of Valet Magazine, one of the most beautifully curated publications at the intersection of classic menswear and literature. At first glance, these two worlds might seem unrelated. But look a little closer, and you'll begin to notice the quiet parallels: the precision, the romance, the enduring beauty of form, and expression.Luke shares the story behind Valet, what draws him to the language of tailoring, and how literature informs the way we understand style. For him, a perfectly cut jacket and a well turned phrase aren’t so different both are carefully constructed, timeless, and deeply human.Together, we explore why classic menswear continues to captivate, how words can mirror fabric, and what it means to move through the world with elegance and intention.If you appreciate slow style, thoughtful conversation, and the subtle poetry in how we dress and express ourselves, this episode is not to be missed.

Aug 26, 2025 • 34min
EP215: Riding Bold ft Paul Myers & the Creative Spark Behind Cooler King Electric Bikes
In this episode, we dive deep with entrepreneur and innovator Paul Myers, the founder of Cooler King Electric Bikes a brand that's redefining what electric bikes can be. Paul has been involved in many businesses throughout his career, exploring industries from tech to entertainment, but it was the creation of Cooler King that truly sparked something different in him.We talk about how the idea was born not from a boardroom or business plan, but from a love of design, freedom, and the thrill of building something completely outside the norm. Paul shares the story of developing the first prototypes, the challenges of sourcing parts that matched his bold, retro futuristic vision, and the obsession with creating a product that was as much about lifestyle and expression as it was about transportation.This isn’t just a story about building a business it’s a look at what happens when creativity meets engineering, and when a founder dares to do things differently. From the streets of London to the global stage, Cooler King has become more than a brand it's a movement.If you’ve ever thought business had to follow a formula, this episode might just change your mind.

Aug 19, 2025 • 49min
EP214: A New Chapter in Bespoke ft. Jas Mohmood & Gabe Donoghue The Bohemian Bespoke
Today’s episode features Gabe Donoghue and Jas Mohmood, the co-founders of The Bohemian Bespoke, a label that blends traditional tailoring methods with a fresh, modern point of view. In this conversation, Gabe and Jas share how they’ve built a creative partnership rooted in craftsmanship, individuality, and a desire to make bespoke tailoring feel more personal and expressive.We explore how they transformed their shared passion into a label that reimagines what bespoke tailoring can be. While rooted in time honoured techniques, their work breaks away from convention blending classic construction with bold, contemporary expression. They talk about the early challenges of launching The Bohemian Bespoke, the creative risks that defined their style, and their mission to make tailoring more artistic, culturally relevant, and reflective of identity.This episode offers a unique look into the evolution of bespoke through a modern lens where the rules are respected but never followed blindly.

Aug 5, 2025 • 49min
EP213: Style & Legacy ft. Nico Lazaro of The Bengal Stripe
In today’s episode, we sit down with Nico Lazaro stylist, brand consultant, and the writer behind The Bengal Stripe, a thoughtful newsletter that explores menswear, culture, and identity. Nico shares the story of how his love for clothing started, rooted deeply in the influence of his grandfather, whose style and presence left a lasting impression. But the conversation doesn’t stop at personal history. We also unpack Nico’s professional journey how he approaches working with brands, what draws him to certain aesthetics, and the key things to think about when building or growing a brand today. Whether you're a designer, entrepreneur, creative, or just someone who appreciates good style, there’s something in this episode for you.It’s a rich and layered conversation that weaves together heritage, storytelling, brand strategy, and what it means to build something authentic in today’s landscape.

Jul 29, 2025 • 45min
EP212: Richard Gelding and the Man Behind the Revival ft. Mike Darcy Hughes
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Darcy Hughes, the new owner of the legendary menswear brand Richard Gelding. Mike shares his personal journey into the world of tailoring, design, and business and what it means to take the reins of a brand with decades of history. We talk about the challenges of leading a legacy label, the mentors who helped shape his path, and why he's still falling in love with menswear every day. Mike speaks openly about learning on the job, staying grounded, and his commitment to both preserving tradition and pushing Richard Gelding into a new era. Whether you're in fashion, entrepreneurship, or just love a good story of reinvention, this conversation offers a thoughtful look behind the seams of a classic brand reborn.