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…

Today, we discuss "Colors in Fashion," a collection of essays by various international scholars edited by Jonathan Faiers and Mary Westerman Bulgarella. We explore the complex meanings and cultural significance of color in fashion in four thematic sections: 1. Colour and Solidarity 2. Colour and Power 3. Colour and Innovation 4. Colour and Desire W…

Today, we discuss "Shoes, Hats and Fashion Accessories: A Pictorial Archive 1850-1940," a book by Carol Belanger Grafton. The book contains over 2,000 illustrations of shoes, hats, and accessories from the 19th century up to the 1940s collected from various sources such as the Dover Pictorial Archive Series, which features various historical design…

In this podcast, we tackle one of our favourites, "Dressing the Man - Mastering the Art of Permanent Fashion" by Alan Flusser, and his super accurate guide to modern men's fashion. We'll cover how to develop your fashion style and a timeless wardrobe that perfectly suits your physique and personality. We'll also explore various facets of modern men…

In this session, we discuss "Dress for Success" by John T. Molloy, exploring the social and professional power of clothing. We'll show you how clothing is a powerful signifier of social class and status and how understanding these visual codes is instrumental in achieving success in your personal and professional life. We'll also give you detailed …

In this podcast, we'll discuss "Effortless Outfits by Robert Van Tongeren", an actionable guide to simplify men's fashion. We'll start by providing advice on how to put together stylish outfits according to the most basic matching rules of styling, according to colours and patterns. We'll then discuss how to match accessories like shoes, socks, bel…

In this podcast, we discuss "Dressing Up: Menswear in the Age of Social Media" by Joshua Bluteau and men's fashion through the lens of high-end bespoke tailoring and social media. That is, how Instagram influences men's identity expression through fashion, the essence of authenticity and the impact of social media on concepts of masculinity. Get re…

In this podcast, we share the secrets of Paul Burrell, the former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales, from his book "In the Royal Manner." Drawing on experiences working for the Royal Family, Burrell's advice on high society etiquette is top-notch. We'll cover manners at seasonal events, such as Christmas, Easter and summer weddings, and offer deta…

Today, we discuss "The Ultimate Fashion Guide: What to Wear and How to Wear it with Style" by Michelle Colson, a comprehensive guide to fashion. We start with a historical overview of fashion trends from ancient Rome to the present day, exploring the influence of designers, buyers, and the fashion media on the industry. We'll also look at practical…

In this podcast, we discuss unique fashion insights from "The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Clothing through American History 1900 to the Present" by Amy T. Peterson, Valerie Hewitt, Heather Vaughan Lee, Ann T. Kellogg, José Blanco F., Scott Leff, Lynn Payne, and the influence of fashion on American society during the first half of the 20th century. We…

Today, we discuss "Men in Style: The Golden Age of Fashion From Esquire", written by Woody Hochswender and edited by Kim Johnson Gross, a book that chronicles men's fashion trends in the United States, drawing on illustrations and editorial content from the magazine Esquire during the 1930s, 1940s, and the immediate post-war era. We explore the evo…

In this discussion, we'll tackle "The Fundamentals of Style: How to be a well-dressed man" by James Gallichio, a personal stylist who aims to help men build a versatile wardrobe that complements their personality and lifestyle. In our chat, we'll cover some of the main style mistakes that men make, such as wearing ill-fitting clothes or garments th…

A discussion around "Color for Men" by Carole Jackson and Kalia Lulow, a book teaching men how to dress and flatter their looks according to their unique colouring and body shape. Our chat outlines the "Color Me Beautiful" system, categorising men into four seasons based on their skin, hair, and eye colour. We also discuss how the author suggests t…

In this session we discuss "The Ultimate Guide to Mens Style" by Marshall Alexander Elliott. We'll cover a wide range of topics, including the basics of building a wardrobe, how to choose and wear suits and shirts, the finer points of formalwear, the art of dressing for smart casual and casual occasions, practical advice on fitting clothes properly…