Garmology - A podcast about clothes, and stuff. artwork

Garmology - A podcast about clothes, and stuff.

221 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 9 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 8 ratings

Garmology is a podcast about our clothes, old and new, how they are made, and the impact they have, from a perspective of making, buying, wearing, collecting, evaluating and appreciating. With interesting guests, the aim is to provide a non-fashion view of the world of our clothes. Expect plenty of opinions!

Garmology is made by Nick Johannessen. There is no advertising or sponsorship, but you are welcome to support the podcast at buymeacoffee.com/garmology

Garmology theme music by Fabian Stordalen.

Fashion & Beauty Arts Society & Culture Documentary clothes environment ethics fashion garments heritage menswear sustainability sustainable fashion slow fashion
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

From Sketch to Stitch: Navigating Menswear Entrepreneurship with Simon McAleese (#144)

March 29, 2024 00:00 - 1 hour - 89.5 MB

In this episode, we journey to Sunderland for an insightful conversation with Simon McAleese. Join us as Simon shares his journey from creating illustrations to honing an eye for sartorial intricacies. We delve into how his passion for menswear sparked the dream of launching his own brand, and navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Simon candidly discusses the challenges of balancing sustainability with brand ambitions and the nitty-gritty details of production. Plus, we explore ...

From circular fashion to High Street hell: Navigating UK Manufacturing with Kate Hills (#143)

March 22, 2024 00:00 - 1 hour - 97.9 MB

Get ready to dive into the dynamic world of UK manufacturing as we jet back to the UK for a lively chat with Kate Hills. Kate takes us on a whirlwind journey through her fascinating career path, from pioneering circular fashion fresh out of college to designing quirky kids' clothing. We'll follow her adventures to Italy, where she crafted designs for Levi's while indulging in pizza, and then to the bustling halls of Burberry before navigating the twists and turns of the High Street fashion s...

Vintage Jeans and Coffee Dreams: A Conversation with Inger Kristin Haugsevje (#142)

March 15, 2024 00:00 - 1 hour - 68.1 MB

Join us on today's podcast journey to Oslo, a city close to home for me, where we sit down with Inger Kristin Haugsevje to explore the world of vintage denim. From discussing the evolving landscape of vintage supplies to the intersection of vintage fashion trends, we delve into the industry's nuances. Unpacking the environmental impact of extensively travelled vintage garments and the value proposition behind quality secondhand clothing, we uncover the complexities of sustainability in fashi...

Chap Hop Chronicles: In Conversation with Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer (#141)

March 08, 2024 00:00 - 1 hour - 76.5 MB

In this week's episode, we venture to Brighton to meet the luminary of a distinctive musical niche, Chap Hop. Jim Burke, known as Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer, has masterfully blended gentlemanly pursuits with banjolele-infused hip hop. As customary, we delve into his background, tracing his journey from a musically gifted youth to stumbling into the world of rap, and the startling realization that tweed may not be the most practical stage attire. Supported by his faithful supporters—the Biscui...

Crafting legends: A conversation with Yuki Matsuda of MEG Company (#140)

March 01, 2024 00:00 - 1 hour - 87.7 MB

Step into the world of heritage menswear with this week's guest, Yuki Matsuda, the mastermind behind MEG Company and renowned brands Monitaly, Yuketen, Epperson Mountaineering, and Chamola. From his roots in Osaka to his early passion for vintage apparel, Yuki shares his remarkable journey of being thrust into the heart of the industry as a teenager sent to the US to source stock. Tune in as we unravel the tale of persistence, innovation, and unwavering passion that has cemented Yuki Matsuda...

From riffs to threads to pods - With Jeremy Kirkland, Blamo! (#139)

February 23, 2024 00:00 - 1 hour - 88.1 MB

It's no secret that podcast enthusiasts often form a connection with their favourite hosts. Granting someone access to your lugholes for hours on end, it's quite natural that over time a lopsided friendship of sort occurs. After immersing myself in Jeremy Kirkland's "Blamo!" podcast for countless hours over the years, I extended an invitation for him to join me on Garmology. Our conversation delves into Jeremy's unpredictable career journey, spanning from being in a band to music promotion t...

From Commuting Burnout to Tweed Dreams: A rocky ride with Jonathan Kelly of Sussex Tweed (#138)

February 16, 2024 00:00 - 2 hours - 117 MB

Buckle up for a journey through the untamed landscapes of Sussex as we sit down with Jonathan Kelly, the cheeky chap behind Sussex Tweed. Best brew a large pot as this episode is a long one. Join us as we delve into Jonathan's transformation from a burnt-out commuter to a connoisseur of exquisite tweed caps. Discover the allure of weaving yarn and the irresistible pull of dreams intertwined with the rhythmic clatter of looms. Hold onto your seat for a thrilling road trip from the vibrant st...

Upcycled surplus stories - With Philipp Maertens, Taktonik (#137)

February 09, 2024 12:45 - 1 hour - 90.6 MB

This week on the podcast, we venture to Germany for an engaging conversation with Philipp Maertens from Taktonik. Taktonik specializes in crafting bags and other products from upcycled army surplus materials. Philipp shares how his fascination with creating was ignited by the discovery of shiny trousers fashioned from airmail bags. We delve into Philipp's unique approach of weaving narratives through the amalgamation of materials sourced from diverse origins, including his process of repurpo...

Worn - A People's History of Clothing - With Sofi Thanhauser, author (#104)

January 05, 2024 08:24 - 1 hour - 74.4 MB

🎙️ Embark on a riveting journey through the tapestry of time with Sofi Thanhauser, professor and author of "Worn - A People's History of Clothing," as we unravel the stories woven into the fibres of our attire. Delve into the historical implications on society and the technological evolution of clothing, unearthing unexpected insights that might reshape your perspective. Plus, discover the intriguing world of the "Dumptique" and the art of thrifted Norwegian sweaters in Budapest – because fa...

It's been emotional - With Christopher Laverty (#50)

December 29, 2023 11:50 - 1 hour - 75.5 MB

Tragically Chris died in a kayaking accident just weeks after recording this episode. Hence a bonus repost in memory of Christopher and to celebrate that his monumental work, the website "Clothes on film" is back online. Se link in episode notes for the updated address. 🎬✨ Dive into the fascinating world where clothing steals the spotlight on the silver screen! In a cinematic rendezvous, I sat down with Christopher Laverty, the brilliant mind behind "Fashion in Film" and the Clothes on Film...

The festive special with Shaun & Jon (#136)

December 24, 2023 00:00 - 2 hours - 152 MB

🎄✨ Join us for a festive wrap-up as Shaun, Jon, and I take a break to discuss everything from current male fashions and best buys to socks, engineer boots, and sourcing clothes from unconventional places. In this candid and lengthy conversation, we dive into weird avenues like affordability and seasonal colour analysis, sharing memorable experiences and more. It's like overhearing three guys having a conversation free of prying ears – you're invited to pry as we unravel the threads of style,...

The vintage lad - With Niklas Hoppe (#135)

November 24, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 80.9 MB

This week, join us on a captivating journey to Cologne, Germany, as we sit down with Niklas Hoppe, the embodiment of vintage flair known as Vintagebursche. From a 16-year-old metalhead to a sartorial connoisseur of 1920s fashion, Niklas unfolds his fascinating evolution. Delve into the realms of vintage recreation, role-playing, and Niklas's venture into writing a sewing book for crafting your own vintage garments. We explore the intriguing concept of "The Rules," dissecting their meaning a...

The Nettle Dress - With Allan Brown (#134)

November 17, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 105 MB

This week, we embark on a journey to Brighton to talk to Allan Brown about his profound connection with nettles. Allan's unwavering commitment to crafting a garment from inception unfolded against the backdrop of his local woodlands, where the unassuming nettle became a transformative medium. Delicately harvesting and methodically drying the plants, the meticulous process of extracting fibres and skillfully spinning them into thread, culminating in the weaving of cloth and the creation of a...

The level collective - With Mark Musgrave (#133)

November 10, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 76.1 MB

Get ready for an engaging chat with Mark Musgrave, the creative force behind the ethical micro-brand The Level Collective. They craft robust backpacks, purposeful clothing, and useful tools, blending old-world craftsmanship with a modern minimalist flair—all while championing environmental stewardship. Mark, a self-professed product design enthusiast, is an accidental entrepreneur juggling numbers while staying true to his design ethos. Collaborating with local artisans, he transforms visio...

The tale of Prickly Thistle - With Clare Campbell (#132)

November 03, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 107 MB

This week I'm heading back to Scotland for a chat with Clare Campbell of Prickly Thistle, a self-proclaimed rebel mill outside Inverness. From a background as a chartered accountant, Clare took a u-turn, or maybe a swerve, when she discovered a passion for the traditional tartan and from there decided to establish a mill, using ancient looms, with no clue at all about how to use them. We get into what it means to run an ethical and transparent business, getting off social media, going zero w...

The Happy Dresser - With Rebecca Smith (#131)

October 26, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 83.6 MB

This week, we're diving headfirst into the captivating world of clothing with Rebecca Smith, author of "The Happy Dresser"! Join us on a journey as we explore the profound significance of garments in our lives, unlock the cherished memories they hold, and unravel the compelling stories woven into our very fabrics. We talk about the impact of fashion on our well-being, peek inside the treasure troves of our wardrobes, and get into the pros and cons of crafting our very own couture. Is social ...

From Accy with love - With Iain Trickett (#130)

October 19, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 89.7 MB

This week we head back to Accrington in Lancashire for a follow-up chat with Iain Trickett. We get to hear how an interest in vintage army clothing led to bringing a retired chap in Mexico back to the loom, how a high street brands cancelled order gets a new lease of life in Iain's ultimate jacket, how knocking on a door holding a pair of socks can lead to interesting things, and how tweed really is the technical fabric of the future. Oh, and much more. You can find Trickett on the web at t...

Tailoring academically - With Brita Hirsch of The Tailoring Academy (#129)

September 28, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 99.1 MB

Today's episode takes us to Macclesfield, where Brita Hirsch is celebrating 5 years since starting The Tailoring Academy. From an inconspicuous start upstairs at the local haberdashery shop to its current incarnation with 40 students from a wide range of nationalities and ages, both in-house and online. As per usual, the route that led there isn't straightforward and Brita is happy to share the story. Get ready for a heady mix of historical, industrial, esthetical, the Great Northern Cloth, ...

The Guernsey ganzie - With Rachael Laine of Le Tricoteur (#128)

September 22, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 74.2 MB

Today we head to the small island of Guernsey to learn more about the legendary wool sweater often known as the "ganzie". Rachael Laine is the owner of Le Tricoteur, maker of guernseys on Guernsey and we gain insight into what exactly makes a ganzie, the historical nature of the garment, the stories of old, and how it fits into modern times. Oh, and how Rachael happened to buy her family company without realising her family had actually started it! And also, just what are the origins of the ...

Woman grows jeans - With Justine Aldersey-Williams, The Wild Dyery (#127)

September 14, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 75.8 MB

Season premiere! This episode is about the epic task set by Justine Aldersey-Williams of The Wild Dyery and Northern England Fibreshed to create a pair of jeans from seed entirely in the UK. You might think this sounds simple enough, grow some fibres, dye, weave and sew, right? That's what Justine thought when starting out. Listen in to hear the twisty tale of learning many new skills, finding plenty of help, a fair few unexpected problems and what might be the most costly jeans in the UK.  ...

The festive season finale - With Jon, Shaun & Nick (#126)

July 13, 2023 23:00 - 2 hours - 111 MB

Well, it's that time of the season again, when we call it a wrap, take a break and plot our movies. As usual, I'm joined by Shaun & Jon, well-known and popular voices from previous festive specials, and we have a friendly chat about what we're wearing, current males fashions, what we're into and out to, buying and selling, socks, pervy plastic jackets, collecting stuff, what makes shoes comfy, resoling, waxed jackets and whatnots. Like overhearing three guys having a conversation free of pry...

Check Your Thread podcast - Everyday Activism with Rachel AKA the Crap Activist

June 30, 2023 08:53 - 1 hour - 55.6 MB

Something a little different today! Not a fresh slice of garmology for your ears, but by way of a feed swap, I'm introducing you to the podcast Check Your Thread, a podcast about sustainable sewing. The idea of a feed swap is to introduce a compatible podcast to a swapped listenership, so to speak, to help reach fresh ears. Check Your Thread is a weekly podcast that looks at how to sew (and live) more sustainably. For those who are concerned about the climate crisis but love sewing their ow...

The natural scent - With Rasa Maria Gundersen, Naturales Oslo (#125)

June 22, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 80.4 MB

Today we follow our nose and head to Oslo, Norway to chat with Rasa Maria Gundersen of Naturales Oslo about the world of scents. We enjoy a chat about her background, influences and experience, how she constructs scents, the difference between natural scents and the more commonly used synthetics, what scents mean to us on a fundamental level, and even what would be my preferred scent. And no, it's not damp wool! You can find Naturales on the web here and on Instagram as @naturales_oslo. Ga...

Fibre to fabric - With Mario Sierra of Mourne Textiles (#124)

June 15, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 82.7 MB

Today we head off to rural Northern Ireland to talk to Mario Sierra, third-generation weaver at the family-owned Mourne Textiles. While Ireland has long been known for its linen, Mario is concerned that after some parts of the linen industry were closed down around 30 years ago, the skills and technology to process flax are on the verge of being lost forever. This has led him to seek out remaining machinery for processing linen fibres and people that have the know-how and skills to operate t...

Small business musings - With Niamh Carr and Gary Newbold (#123)

June 09, 2023 07:55 - 1 hour - 105 MB

Today I bring back Niamh Carr of NemCee and Gary Newbold of English Utopia for a catch-up on how they are getting on. The idea was to have an open and frank chat about aspects of the fashion business from the point of view of small brands, what makes a brand, what quality implies and how that impacts how you work, etc. Suffice it to say, rabbit holes were found and scurried into! You can find NeemCee on the web here and on Instagram as @_neemcee You can find English Utopia on Instagram as ...

The Cabourn way - With Nigel Cabourn, designer (#122)

May 18, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 92.1 MB

It's been a long time coming, but this week finally sees iconic British designer Nigel Cabourn guest Garmology for a wide-ranging and openhearted chat about why he really got into fashion design, his inspirations and heroes, the ups and downs of life and business, his love of travelling, meeting people and collecting vintage garments, the collection that never happened, and being taught fitness the traditional way. Oh, and comparing his designs to Mr Potato Head? Warning: Nigel does swear o...

Improving by mending - With Eva Kittelsen, mending acivist (#121)

May 11, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 86.8 MB

This week's guest is Eva Kittelsen, author and visible mending activist, sewing bee contestant, fashion and textile designer and entrepreneur. We talk about her starting out in the fashion industry, her experiences in fast fashion, how getting involved in ethical production changed things and how mending came to be so important, both as a way to repair clothes and as a way to reassemble life.  You can find Eva on the web at www.myvisiblemend.no, on Instagram as @myvisiblemend.no and @evakit...

Going archival - With Dr Kat Jungnickel, Politics of Patents (#120)

May 04, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 68 MB

This week's guest is Dr Kat Jungnickel, sociologist (from Goldsmiths, University of London), cyclist, tweed enthusiast and keen investigator of historical clothing patents. We talk about how the popularity of 'safety' bicycles in Britain in the 1890s became a catalyst for the women's rights movement and led to sartorial inventions and patents for new forms of (convertible) cycle wear that switched from street wear to cycle wear. Kat and her team of sewing social scientists reconstruct many o...

A likeable cut of the jib - With Guy Hill, Dashing Tweeds (#119)

April 27, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 98.5 MB

This week's guest is Guy Hills, bon vivant and founder of Dashing Tweeds, makers of innovative tweed and dashing outfits thereof. We get into the joy of tailoring, menswear history, why tweed is a top technical fabric, old money fashion, tweed runs, why tailored tweed is the hard drug of garments and more. Oh, and what a true garmsman does when your wife demands you cover your cycling tweed with a reflective vest. You can find Dashing Tweeds on the web here and on Instagram as @dashingtweed...

Get ahead with a hat - With Allon Zloof, Tom Smarte (#118)

April 13, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 77.9 MB

This week's guest is Allon Zloof, a fourth-generation hatmaker with the family-owned Tom Smarte. We talk about different styles, a bit of history, where hats are at today, changes in the hatmaking industry, how to select a hat to suit you, sizing, materials and maybe more importantly how to find the confidence to don a hat!  You can find Tom Smarte on the web here and on Instagram as @tomsmarte. Garmology is made by Nick Johannessen. There is no advertising or sponsorship, but you are welc...

Off the main street - With Kelly Dawson and Scott Ogden, Dawson Denim (#117)

April 06, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 81 MB

Today we are off to the British seaside to meet Kelly Dawson and Scott Ogden of Dawson Denim, a small maker of quality jeans. We talk about how Kelly became increasingly disenchanted with her career in the garment industry, about Japanese denim, how offering free repairs brought media mentions, meeting through the vintage music scene and how their shared interest in nostalgia has informed their designs. Oh, Scott's erratic style transformations and his years living in 1966! You can find Daw...

Design for repairability - With Rosanna Watson, Snowdonia Gear Repair (#116)

March 30, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 85.7 MB

In this episode, Rosanna Watson of Snowdonia Gear Repair drops in to talk about the boom in outdoor gear, designing for repairability, greenwashing in the outdoor industry, the problem with "sustainable" proofing, the balance between technical performance and durability, Goretex and synthetic fabric, why some like visible repairs and others don't and why you should start mending your clothes today. Oh, and a pro tip for one of the big things to look for when shopping for a new jacket.  You ...

Wonderfully warm legs - With Diane and James Welstead of Olaf McTarn (#115)

March 24, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 104 MB

My guests today are Diane and James Welstead, veterans of the garment industry and entrepreneurs of well-based leg comfort, the Olaf McTarn. We talk about how the garment business has changed over the past decades, offshoring production, how textiles have changed, the joy of actually crafting things, the relevance of stories in marketing and even take a moment to consider the case for synthetic fabrics. PS: This is probably the most ASMR episode so far! You can find Olaf McTarn on the web a...

Made by hand for feet - With Ruth Emily Davey of RED (#114)

March 17, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 81.5 MB

We're off to Wales this week to talk to Ruth Emily Davey about her life making shoes. We talk about how she quite unintentionally started as a shoemaker's apprentice, grew to love the craft, her mentor and friend Alan James Raddon, why we can't all wear the same type of shoes and what a community means for the craft. And what it's like to discover your unique and special invention is suddenly pirated and sold in a plastic version. You can find Ruth Emily Davey on the web at  ruthemilydavey....

The Anniversary AMA Episode - With Nick as the guest (#113)

March 13, 2023 11:46 - 2 hours - 120 MB

The week is an Ask Me Anything episode celebrating 10 years since the Well Dressed Dad blog started. The guest is your usual host, Nick Johannessen. With a wide range of reader-supplied questions, it's a rare opportunity for your regular host to get more than a few words in edge-wise and talk at length about tweed, sustainability, taking photos in the street, personal style, why the natural fabrics are the best, a fantasy custom garment, a definition of luxury, buying online and more. This w...

Approaching Ivy - With Laura Arnold (Reapersower), digital content creator (#112)

March 10, 2023 11:46 - 1 hour - 90.5 MB

This week I'm visited by Laura Arnold, aka Reapersower, a digital content creator and menswear enthusiast from New York. We talk about how Laura has immersed herself in classic American menswear, taken on the Ivy, dressing for ourself instead of for social media, the difference between hoarding and cultivating a collection, what is actually vintage now and daring to be different. You can find Laura on Instagram as @reapersower and blog at reapersower.com Garmology is researched, booked, ho...

Carrying on - With Alec Farmer of Trakke (#111)

March 03, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 72.7 MB

Alec Farmer of Glasgow-based backpack company Trakke guests Garmology today to talk about how he got started as a luggage designer, living in a self-made microhouse in a Scottish winter, how the early bags were artefacts of found materials, being socially and environmentally responsible, the importance of evolving the product, while at the same time repairing and recycling what has already been made. And just what do you do when a customer wants you to make a bag out of a kevlar sail? You c...

The natural way - With Malú Colorín of Talu (#110)

February 24, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 73.2 MB

Today I welcome Malú Colorín of Talu to Garmology. Malú is a natural dyer living in Ireland, though originally from Mexico. We have a grand natter about how she came to be working with textiles, the process of natural dyes, her passion for regenerative growing and starting the Irish chapter of Fibreshed. We also go down the deep rabbit hole of indigo and what "natural indigo" really is. You can find Talu on Instagram at @talu.earth, the Talu website, and additional links here. Fibreshed Ir...

The Rebels Wardrobe - With Bryan "Denimstrummer" Szabo (#109)

February 17, 2023 00:00 - 2 hours - 116 MB

This week I sit down with Bryan Szabo, author of "The Rebel's Wardrobe" and instigator of the Indigo Invitational. We talk about who the rebels were, the items of clothing they became known for and why these garments became so important. We also give a crash course in denim fades, why this is meaning full and how there is now a year long international competition to determine who has the best wear on their jeans.   You can find Bryan on Instagram as @denimstrummer, also  @indigoinvitational...

The Rebels Wardrobe - With Bryan "Denimstrummer" Szabo

February 17, 2023 00:00 - 2 hours - 116 MB

This week I sit down with Bryan Szabo, author of "The Rebel's Wardrobe" and instigator of the Indigo Invitational. We talk about who the rebels were, the items of clothing they became known for and why these garments became so important. We also give a crash course in denim fades, why this is meaning full and how there is now a year long international competition to determine who has the best wear on their jeans.   You can find Bryan on Instagram as @denimstrummer, also  @indigoinvitational...

Status, culture and garms - With W David Marx, Author (#108)

February 10, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 104 MB

🎙️ Dive into Tokyo's style revolution with author W. David Marx this week on our podcast! Uncover the fascinating tales behind "Ametora" and "Status and Culture." From the denim invasion in Japan to the ascent of Ivy fashion, we explore the intricacies of Japanese subcultures, dissect the dynamics of status, and ponder the clash between old money and new money aesthetics. Tune in for a riveting conversation that unveils the secrets of who bestows status and the challenges of boosting your ow...

Status, culture and garms - With W David Marx, Author

February 10, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 104 MB

This week author W David Marx visits us from Tokyo to talk about his books "Ametora" and "Status and Culture". We enjoy a good conversation around topics mentioned in the books, such as the introduction of jeans in Japan, the rise of Ivy fashion and US vintage, Japanese subcultures and what they meant, how status works, old money vs new money aesthetics, who bestows status, and why it's difficult to increase your own status. You can find W David Marx online on the web at www.neomarxisme.com...

The annual festive special! - With Shaun, Jon and Nick (#107)

December 24, 2022 14:00 - 2 hours - 112 MB

By popular demand, the festive special episode is back! Described variously as "like listening to three guys talk about clothes in a pub" and "clearly the most insightful and deep analytical discussion of the day", the reputation precedes this in-demand recording. This year the boys cover choice and controversial topics, such as bootcut jeans, institution core, buying vintage from Malaysia, shonky shoes for sale and how no one pays attention to our cute little outfits. Featuring Shaun Brown...

The dream of Loom-Land - With Daniel Harris of London Cloth Co

December 16, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MB

This week sees a return visit from Daniel Harris of the London Cloth co. Daniel is renowned throughout the world of weaving as a keen collector and restorer of old looms. In addition to being a staunch supporter of keeping the old ways alive, he also trains new weavers and travels far and wide helping to get old looms to run right. The reason for the return, other than to have a good natter about life as a loomsman (I totally made up this word), is that Daniels's dream of creating "Loom-Land...

Fashion circularity - With Dr Lynn Wilson, Centre of Circular Design

October 13, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 106 MB

We're staying in Scotland for this weeks episode, with Dr Lynn Wilson, currently of the Centre of  Circular Design. Lynn has had an incredibly long and varied career in the clothing industry, including working in vocational art and textile training in a high-security prison, helping communities in Africa build a textile business, public policy and Zero Waste Scotland. There is mention of moths, and we may also agree to disagree on how great an idea the leasing of jeans actually is. You can ...

Bleak with a sprinkle of joy - With Sofi Thanhauser, author of "Worn"

October 06, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 74.4 MB

This week my guest is Sofi Thanhauser, professor and author of the book "Worn - A people's history of clothing". We get into the history of the various fibres, the implications on society and the development of clothing technology through the ages. The evolution of our clothing has been a very mixed joy, depending on your position, so expect som insight you might not be aware of. Oh, and we hear about the Dumptique and thrifting Norwegian sweaters in Budapest? You can find Sofi's website an...

So, two students started making spectacles - With Jamie Bartlett, Banton Frameworks

September 29, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 75.1 MB

Today's guest is Jamie Bartlett of Banton Frameworks, a small, independent maker of optical frames outside Glasgow in Scotland. Jamie tells the fascinating story of their bumpy start, making frames from random materials in a car, how they've since built the business frame by frame, collaborating with similarly minded brands and how rewarding it is to have loyal fans of their work. We also get a crash course in German hinges, varieties of acetate and why eyewear is an important part of our pe...

Still buying shoes in a world on fire - With Alec Leach, former editor of Highsnobiety

September 22, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 64.2 MB

This week's guest on the pod is Alec Leach, former editor of the product hype website Highsnobiety and author of the book "The world is on fire and we@re still buying shoes". We talk about how he got started in Highsnobiety and what the work there involved, how streetwear brands have changed the way brands market their goods and how tough it is to change the way we consume clothes. Oh, and how a luggage brand brashly proclaimed their handbag could save the planet. You can buy Alec@s book on...

Still buying shoes in a world on fire - With Alec Leach, former editor of Highsnobiety (#102)

September 22, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 64.2 MB

This week's guest on the pod is Alec Leach, former editor of the product hype website Highsnobiety and author of the book "The world is on fire and we@re still buying shoes". We talk about how he got started in Highsnobiety and what the work there involved, how streetwear brands have changed the way brands market their goods and how tough it is to change the way we consume clothes. Oh, and how a luggage brand brashly proclaimed their handbag could save the planet. You can buy Alec@s book on...

A slower focus - With Dr Aoife Long, journalist

September 15, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 77.2 MB

For the first episode of season 5, and the milestone 100th episode, my guest is Aoife Long, a slow fashion writer from Ireland. Aoife is dedicated to seeking out the stories and craftspeople of her country, putting the spotlight on mainly small, independent makers with a conscious approach to their surroundings and what they produce. We get into the situation for Irish wool and how the old breeds are seeing a renaissance, the reality of Irish linen, how gold is not great, the need to share a...

Twitter Mentions

@symeonbrown 2 Episodes