"In 1896, tennis champion Bill Tilden shocked the sports world by appearing at Wimbledon in what we now know as tennis whites - but these weren't originally meant for style. The all-white dress code was instituted because early tennis players found that sweat stains showed embarrassingly on coloured clothing. This practical solution would go on to …

In 1954, at Harvard's Hasty Pudding Club, an extraordinary battle was quietly raging. A group of students had begun wearing their tweed jackets folded at the seams to create a distinctive rumpled look - a deliberate act of rebellion against the starched formality of the day. The style caught on so quickly that the campus newspaper ran a scathing ed…

Discover the timeless elegance of British upper-class style with this definitive guide to mastering the Sloane Ranger aesthetic. We delve deep into the rich heritage and subtle sophistication that defines one of Britain's most enduring fashion traditions, showcasing how the Sloane Ranger style evolved from its origins in Chelsea's Sloane Square to …

In today's podcast, we discuss "Inside the Westminster Menswear Archive" by Andrew Groves and Danielle Sprecher, a catalogue showcasing a menswear collection. We examine designers and garments from various periods, exploring themes of masculinity, technology, and the evolution of menswear. Specific garments are detailed, highlighting their historic…

In today's podcast, we discuss How to Behave by Samuel R. Wells, an etiquette guide that aimed to cultivate true American gentility. While the text was written over a century ago, the content is more relevant than ever, especially in our modern days of misinformation and tik-tok-driven trends that are not always correct or healthy. We'll cover a wi…

Since the 1980s, American sneaker enthusiasts, popularly known as “sneakerheads” or “sneakerholics”, have created a distinctive identity, while sneaker manufacturers such as Nike, Adidas, and Reebok have become global fashion brands. In today's podcast, we tackle Yuniya Kawamura's Sneakers - Fashion, Gender, and Subculture, the first sociological s…

In today's podcast for stylish men, we discuss "Vintage Menswear - A Collection from the Vintage Showroom by Josh Sims, Douglas Gunn, and Roy Luckett," three experts in vintage menswear. Their work is an extensive collection of approximately 150 vintage menswear garments from The Vintage Showroom, a London-based company. We'll explore garments' his…

In today's podcast, we discuss Aki Choklat's Menswear Trends, a guide to understanding and predicting menswear trends. Choklat traces menswear evolution through societal shifts and technological advancements to detail the methodologies for trend forecasting, including sociological theories and intuitive approaches. He analyses various consumer segm…

In today's talk, we discuss "The Suit - Form, Function and Style by Christopher Breward" and unpick the story of the suit, the most familiar menswear garment, from its emergence in Western Europe at the end of the seventeenth century to current days. Suit-wearing individuals, such as the Savile Row gentleman and the Wall Street businessman, have lo…

In today's podcast, we discuss Kelvin Davis's "Notoriously Dapper" self-help guide for modern gentlemen. We cover topics ranging from personal style and body confidence to relationship advice and family matters informed by Davis's experiences as a black man navigating societal expectations. We emphasise the importance of kindness, self-love, and po…

In today's podcast by The VOU (London's leading agency for image consultants and fashion stylists for men), we discuss "The Gentleman's Handbook by Alfred Tong," aiming to redefine traditional notions of gentlemanly conduct for the 21st century. Alfred Tong is a journalist writing for The Times and the Telegraph, as well as The Face, Time Out, Harp…

In today's session of The VOU podcast for men, we explore men's grooming throughout history and across diverse cultures, culminating in celebrating modern men's styling choices. Drawing on Captain Fawcett's far-flung travels, culturally rich experiences, and extensive historical research, we'll offer fascinating insights from the world's most respe…

In today's podcast, we discuss "Dress Your Best Life - Harness the Power of Clothes To Transform Your Confidence" by Dawnn Karen to explore the intersection of fashion and psychology, specifically how clothing choices reflect and influence emotions and self-perception. We'll cover numerous case studies illustrating how clothing can be utilized for …

In today's podcast, we'll discuss the history, meaning, and practice of fashion styling. We'll trace its evolution from a behind-the-scenes role to a recognized profession and examine the historical development of image consultancy and styling as a distinct occupation. We'll look at the multifaceted relationship between styling, identity (class, ge…

In today's deep dive, we discuss "The Modern Gentleman - A Guide to Essential Manners, Savvy, and Vice by Phineas Mollod and Jason Tesauro", an excellent guide on etiquette and social skills for men. We cover a wide range of topics, from appropriate attire to social situations, parties, dates, family gatherings, digital etiquette, the art of refine…

In today's podcast we exploe "Men's Style - The Thinking Man's Guide to Dress" by Russell Smith, a complex interplay between men's fashion, social class, and personal expression. We examine historical and contemporary perspectives on menswear, tracing the evolution of conventions from the highly formal attire of aristocratic dandies to the more cas…

In today’s episode, we’ll be discussing Alan Flusser’s timeless classic, "Style and the Man - How and Where to Buy Fine Mens' Clothes." This essential guide to men’s fashion is packed with expert insights on how to master the art of dressing well, and we’re here to share its most valuable lessons with you. We’ll explore Flusser’s advice on building…

In today's podcast we take a look at the humorous and highly stylised "Fuck Yeah Menswear - Bespoke Knowledge for the Crispy Gentleman" by Kevin Burrows and Lawrence Schlossman. The text blends a satirical staff roster with irreverent commentary on menswear styles (Sprezzatura, Heritage, Preppy, Bohemian, Sloane Ranger, Ametora, Goth Ninja, etc.), …

In today's podcast we discuss "50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know," a guidebook by Bryan Curtis and John Bridges offering etiquette advice for young gentlemen. We'll cover a wide range of topics, from basic politeness (saying "please," "thank you," and "excuse me") to more nuanced social skills (accepting gifts, handling apologies, and int…

In today's podcast we tackle "Menswear Revolution - The Transformation of Contemporary Men's Fashion," tracing the evolution of menswear throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries. We'll see how evolving designs reflect and shape shifting ideas about masculinity, key periods and influential designers, themes of embodied and disembodied masculinit…

In today’s episode, we dive into Tim Gunn's "Fashion Bible", a captivating exploration of Western fashion, particularly American style. Together, we trace the fascinating evolution of wardrobe staples like jeans, dresses, T-shirts, and underwear, uncovering their origins, cultural significance, and enduring impact. You’ll also hear practical tips o…

In today's podcast we discuss "A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style" by Tim Gunn and Kate Moloney - a guide to developing your personal style over blindly following fleeting fashion trends. Gunn's anecdotes, fashion critiques, and style advice tailored to different body types will help you understand concepts like "quality, taste, and style," and buil…

In today's podcast we discuss "The Gentleman’s Guide to Cool - Clothing, Grooming & Etiquette," by Paul Giles, covering men's fashion, wardrobe essentials, accessorising, and occasion-appropriate attire. We emphasise on how to develop your personal style, body shape and fit, seasonal colours, and age-appropriateness. Giles's personal experiences as…

In today's take we discuss "Men and Style - Essays, Interviews and Considerations" by David Coggins an excellent book going beyond the standard “what to wear” advice. Equal parts style guide and intriguing conversation about the masculine identity within the world of fashion, we explore the history of men’s style and learns from some of the most no…

In today's podcast we discuss Dorothea Johnson and Liv Tyler's "Modern Manners" comprehensive guide to contemporary etiquette, focusing heavily on professional settings. We discuss the do's and don'ts of social and professional situations, meetings and greetings, business, travel, and even dining etiquette. A central theme is the importance of good…

In today's podcast, we discuss Carson Kressley's "Off the Cuff" witty and practical guide to men's fashion. A standout member of the Fab Five on the hit television series 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,' Carson Kressley is also a fashion expert for Us magazine and an independent image consultant and fashion stylist. Drawing on his experiences in t…

In today's podcast we discuss James Wagenwood's complete manual to style and a guide to men's self-improvement. We'll cover self-care (physical and mental health, exercise, grooming), social skills (etiquette, communication), mental well-being (stress management, therapy), relationships (dating, marriage, divorce), and lifestyle choices (fashion, t…

Former contributor at Andy Warhol’s Interview, creative director of advertising at Barneys New York, columnist at Details magazine with "The Style Guy," which later migrated to its permanent home at GQ magazine where O’Brien shares knowledge on styling matters ranging from how to put together a wardrobe for a trip to Bermuda, or when it is appropri…

In today's men's styling podcast, we discuss Paul Keers's "A Gentleman's Wardrobe." We explore the history and significance of classic menswear, the origins and evolution of clothing and accessories, etiquette guidelines, and interesting anecdotes about menswear development and cultural relevance. A Men's Styling Podcast Made with LOVE by The VOU's…

In today's podcast, we discuss "Multicultural Manners - Essential Rules of Etiquette for the 21st Century" by Norine Dresser, an award-winning guide to etiquette. We identify critical cross-cultural hot spots and suggest methods that foster respect for diversity, the dos and don’ts of successful business and social interaction, detailed tips on avo…

In today's deep dive, we discuss "Dressed to Kill - British Naval Uniform, Masculinity and Contemporary Fashions 1748-1857 by Amy Miller. We'll look at the relationship between British Naval uniforms and the expression of masculine ideals within British society, the significance of uniforms in defining status and rank, the impact of military victor…

Today, we discuss "The Style Bible - The 11 Rules for Building a Complete and Timeless Wardrobe" by James Bassil, a guide to men's fashion, grooming and hygiene. We tackle 11 styling rules or fundamentals every man must know and use to improve his dress sense and lifestyle. You'll learn how to build a versatile wardrobe, coordinate different colour…

In today's podcast, we discuss "Everyday Fashion - Interpreting British Clothing Since 1600" by Bethan Bide, Jade Halbert, and Liz Tregenza to shed light on the role of clothing in shaping social, cultural, and political identities in Britain. We explore "everyday fashion" by presenting case studies of garments, wearers, and relevant social context…

In today's podcast, we discuss "The Bluffer's Guide to Etiquette by William Hanson," a humorous guide designed to help you navigate the complexities of British social etiquette. We'll offer advice on proper greetings, dining etiquette, wedding protocols, and royal gatherings, as well as the unspoken rules of British high society, the importance of …

In today's Men's Style podcast by The VOU, we discuss "True Style - The History and Principles of Classic Menswear" by G. Bruce Boyer. We'll explore the evolution of men's clothing, the subtle styling rules, specific clothing and the trends that have shaped men's styles over time, such as boots, bow ties, ascots, denim, and the tuxedo. Dressing wel…

In today's podcast we are looking at "How to Be a Gentleman" by John Bridges who aims to equip men with a practical takes on modern etiquette, emphasizing the importance of consideration for others. We'll cover several aspect of a gentleman's life, from social interactions and dining to professional conduct and travel and give you detailed advice o…

In today's men's podcast, we discuss Ametora - How Japan Saved American Style by W. David Marx, highlighting the captivating and complex relationship between Japanese youth culture and American fashion. We reveal how Japanese fascination with American style developed through distinct waves - starting with the adoption of Ivy League fashion in the 1…

In this session, we'll cover "The Official Preppy Handbook" by Lisa Birnbach, Jonathan Roberts, Carol Mcd Wallace, and Mason Wiley, a humorous guide to the manners, customs, practices and fashion style of "preppies." We'll explore the preppy lifestyle, dress etiquette, social behaviour, preppy schools, holidays, sporting activities, rituals and tra…

In this podcast, we discuss "The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Costume and Fashion 1550-1920" by Jack Cassin-Scott. We'll take you on a visual journey through fashion history, different styles of dress and fashion accessories prevalent between the 16th and 18th centuries, providing a detailed glossary of terms alongside numerous illustrations that d…

In this podcast, we discuss "True Prep: It's a Whole New Old World," a humorous guide to the modern preppy lifestyle by Lisa Birnbach and Chip Kidd. We'll explore the world of preppies through witty anecdotes and satirical observations; defining characteristics of preppy culture, from fashion and education to leisure activities and social etiquette…

In today's podcast, we discuss "Men’s Style: Quick Guide to Improve Your Style and Dress Like a Real Man by William Wyatt" a guide for men on improving their personal style and dressing more professionally. We'll see why the author argues that "a man's style reflects his inner world and that how he presents himself impacts how others perceive him."…

In today's session, we discuss "Gentleman: A Timeless Fashion" by Bernhard Roetzel, a men's styling guide emphasizing a dress code rooted in English tradition, widely accepted as the most classic style worldwide. We cover a wide range of topics related to a gentleman's wardrobe, including grooming, shirts, suits, shoes, accessories, and even items …

In this podcast, we discuss "Fashion and Feeling - The Affective Politics of Dress by Roberto Filippello and Ilya Parkins" an excellent selection of chapters exploring fashion and feeling. We'll be focusing on how clothing can be more than mere material objects and can be seen as embodying and communicating emotions, ideas, and historical context. …

In this podcast, we dissect Bernhard Roetzel's "Gentleman Lookbook" and the impact of different styles on men’s fashion, including influences from the American Ivy League and Bavarian-Austrian influences. We guide you step by step through formal wear, outlining the history and significance of different garments, such as the tailcoat, morning coat, …

In this podcast, we discuss Peter Post’s "Essential Manners for Men - What to Do, When to Do It, and Why," a guide to modern etiquette specifically aimed at men and the importance of etiquette in real-world contexts. We discuss men's manners, from daily domestic interactions to dating, casual interactions, and more formal events like weddings and b…

In this podcast, we dive into "Men's Style Manual" by Daniel Peres, the editor-in-chief of Details magazine and his takes on how men can dress well by understanding different fashion styles, choosing the right garments, how to style and match, and achieve a perfect fit. A Men's Styling Podcast Made with LOVE by The VOU's Expert Image Consultants.…

Today, we discuss the life and work of Christian Dior, the renowned French fashion designer, and his impact on the world of haute couture. We start by highlighting the unique and influential nature of Dior's fashion legacy, a name synonymous with luxury and elegance. We'll delve into Dior's personal journey, tracing his initial resistance to a care…

In this podcast, we discuss "The Complete Color Harmony: Pantone Edition by Leatrice Eiseman," Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. We start with a foreword by Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, who emphasizes the crucial role colour plays in communication and evoking emotion. After that, we delve into the…

In this podcast, we discuss "Clothes and the Man: The Principles of Fine Men's Dress" by Alan J Flusser and the secrets of fine men's dress, focusing on suits and their various components, including silhouette, fabrics, details, and fit. We explore the history and evolution of each garment, highlighting the finer points and offering practical advic…

In this podcast, we discuss "Men's Style Mastery," a guide for busy professionals who want to improve their confidence and personal style. We cover everything from goal setting and wardrobe building to understanding how clothes should fit and avoiding common mistakes. We share the author's experiences and those of his students to illustrate key pri…