Whilst studying at University in 2012, Co-Founders Lucy Ross and Jamie Bartlett found the university’s optical clinic which became an integral source of inspiration for the development for their first spectacle frames. Thanks to the kind support of technical officer Gavin Hill and head lecturer Glyn Walsh, they were gently introduced to the technical and practical aspects of optical frames. Fortunately for them, the on-site optical clinic became a hunting-ground for the mechanical workings of spectacles. During many “pestering sessions” the optical staff and lecturers were kind enough to demonstrate the handling and dispensing of glasses frames. It was a curious endeavour which provided a first-hand understanding of both the design and optical elements of eyewear.

Having studied Product Design together, they both had experience in 3D modelling, prototyping and manufacturing processes. After graduating, they swiftly built a small workshop at the bottom of Lucy’s garden where they continued to practice and hone their skills. Since then they’ve invested in numerous machines, tools and components which has allowed them to design and make their own spectacles and sunglasses frames on-site. Banton Framework frames aren't just any old import that came from somewhere else, they come straight from their own hands in Glasgow. 

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we sit down and speak to Jamie Bartlett, Co-Founder of Banton Frameworks. Our host Peter Brooker speaks to Jamie about the brand's beginnings during university. The co-founders would break into the university during the summer so they could keep making frames to sell. This then helped them make enough money to buy their own first machine which would enable them to set up their own workshop. They also discuss UK manufacturing, bespoke frames, polarized lenses, popular shapes and biodegradable acetate. The discussion also touches upon leveraging social media for sales and working with influencers.

https://www.bantonframeworks.co.uk/
https://www.menswearstyle.co.uk/

51 - Jamie Bartlett, Co-Founder of Banton Frameworks

When Co-Founders Will and Adrian became increasingly aware that losing their hair was a possibility it led them to look into treatment options. They didn’t feel ready for a short buzz cut but were left confused and frustrated at what else to do. Over a pint, they realised – with Adrian’s background in clinical research and Will’s in all things business – that they had the right experience to start a company that would help other men understand the facts and solutions about hair loss. Reliable and honest information just isn’t easy to find, and after booking days off for expensive appointments with unrelatable clinicians, the two Sons co-founders knew there must be a better way.

Sons offers consultations and treatment plans that are reassuringly safe. They’re a registered pharmacy and accredited by the Medicines & Healthcare Product Regulatory Agency. It is very common for men to start losing hair at some point, and the majority of men will lose their hair at some stage in their lives. However, many men don’t realise that there are effective treatments available to put a stop to this before it’s too late. Sons brings men’s health and well-being into the 21st Century - less stigma, clearer information, more convenience, and better results. 

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we sit down and speak to William Kennedy, Co-Founder of Sons. Our host Peter Brooker speaks to Will about how the men's health brand was first thought up, who will benefit from their tailored treatment plans, product and free consultations, and how they're different from other hair loss companies.

https://sons.co.uk/
https://www.menswearstyle.co.uk/

52 - William Kennedy, Co-Founder of Sons

The Sole Supplier was founded in 2013 with the aim to provide accurate trainer news and release information for the UK and European market. Their community of partners (brands and enthusiasts) provide them with new and exclusive content daily alongside a dedicated in-house team of sneaker experts. Curation and selection are key processes for The Sole Supplier. Each item on site is handpicked with insight into legacy, fashion trends, audience, and heritage considerations. Through working with over 50 different retailers online, they provide up to date release information on the most coveted footwear from across the continent. The release dates section to their website has become a pivotal destination for the sneaker and streetwear community, especially those looking to stay up to date with trends.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we sit down and speak to George Sullivan, Founder of Sole Supplier. Our host Peter Brooker speaks to George about the history of the website and how they grew their community. They touch upon the effects of the Coronavirus on the overall sneaker market, with a shift from retail to online. George talks about what first ignited his love for trainers and how that developed into opening his own eCommerce business. He quickly realised that his knowledge of when the latest trainers would drop would benefit other enthusiasts and collectors, and he combined this with high quality content.

https://thesolesupplier.co.uk/
https://www.menswearstyle.co.uk/

53 - George Sullivan, Founder of The Sole Supplier

Percy Stride is not another corporation or money-making machine, it's a family. A notable Northampton Brand, their handmade shoes are brought into life in a family run factory made up of a designer, photographer, copywriter, and friends. The brand is striving to become the best handmade English shoe brand around. After a 3-year footwear design degree at De Montfort University, Founder Danielle Wathes decided to put all the skills she had learnt to good use by starting her own footwear company, Percy Stride. There were only two main criteria she wanted to incorporate: English manufacturing and unique design aesthetic. Taking an active role in the business Danielle attended every show and met every client she could to help grow the brand to what it is today.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we sit down and speak to Danielle Wathes, Founder of Percy Stride. Our host Peter Brooker speaks to Danielle about her graduate footwear design course at De Montfort University before starting her brand. She also worked with Virgin StartUp which offers business mentoring and help to entrepreneurs with the aim of accelerating their businesses. They also discuss Northamptonshire shoemaking, running a business during covid-19, the importance of social media and working with influencers.

https://www.percystride.com/
https://www.menswearstyle.co.uk/

54 – Danielle Wathes, Founder of Percy Stride

Oliver Spencer the brand is the vision of Oliver Spencer the man. Self-taught tailor and shopkeeper, his eye is the starting point of everything they do. Frustrated by the limitations of art school and impatient to strike out alone, Oliver abandoned studenthood in favour of a stall at Portobello Market. Working that market stall ingrained his enduring love of garment and cloth — shop and shopkeeping. Having spent the previous decade creating and expanding formalwear brand Favourbrook, he wanted to create something new: a range of clothing with all the quality and craft of premium tailoring, but with a relaxed modern style. The philosophy? Quality needn't mean formality; casual needn't mean careless.

That philosophy found plenty of adherents, and from a single shop on London's Lambs Conduit Street, Oliver Spencer has gone on to open several more shops, and an international online business — as well as being stocked in many of the world's leading department stores, from Harvey Nichols to Liberty of London to Mr Porter. Alongside his distinctive design style, he is uncompromising in the standards he sets for production and provenance. That means the company seeks out the finest fabrics and yarns from artisan British and Italian mills, making every garment in only the best European factories and workshops. 

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we speak to Menswear Designer Oliver Spencer whilst he is working from home in self-isolation on the Isle of Wight. Our host Peter Brooker asks him about his background and how he first came to start his eponymous menswear brand. Championing British cloth such as linen from Northern Ireland, Oliver discusses the best places to manufacture men's garments, with a focus of reducing overall footprint. They also discuss the current climate of operating during the Coronavirus pandemic and the struggle that shop owners are currently facing. As a bonus, we're joined by the head of sustainability, Bleue Wickham-Burnham, who educates us about sustainability and what Oliver Spencer is doing to become a more sustainable menswear brand.

https://oliverspencer.co.uk/
https://www.menswearstyle.co.uk/

55 – Menswear Designer Oliver Spencer

Welcome to the official MenswearStyle Podcast hosted by our Lifestyle Editor, Peter Brooker. We're a London-based independent daily online men’s fashion, men's beauty and lifestyle magazine. In this men's style focused podcast show we speak to some of the most innovative brands and truly inspiring people from within the fashion industry to get their unique brand stories. Be sure to come back each week to get your fix of clothing insights, style inspiration and business motivation.

Menswear Style