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My guest this week is Simon Crompton of Permanent Style.Simon and I dug into some stuff we've discussed a ton over the years - do "the rules" of getting dressed matter? And if you're so obsessed with “the rules” of dressing, do you miss out on the joy of getting dressed? We discuss how technology and chatbots have woven into brands and e-commerce, and what's still worth obsessing over.Dig in!Follow Permanent Style on Instagram
READ A TRANSCRIPT OF THIS EPISODE.In this very special episode of The Poetry Exchange podcast, journalist, writer and editor Simon Crompton talks about the poem that has been a friend to him: 'The Thrush' by Edward Thomas.This episode is dedicated to a dear friend of Simon and of The Poetry Exchange - the extraordinary Martin Heaney - who sadly died at the end of 2023. Martin has been a touchstone of The Poetry Exchange from the outset, bringing his deep passion for poetry and his belief in the central importance of friendship to our lives to our work over the years. We are eternally grateful to Martin for being such a beautiful, inspirational and joyful friend.Simon Crompton is a journalist, writer, editor and communications consultant specialising in health and social affairs. He wrote for The Times for over 20 years, also working as the health editor of the newspaper's Body&Soul section. He has edited many publications in the fields of health and social work and contributes regularly to the international Cancer World magazine. Throughout his career he has provided consultancy to a wide range of voluntary and statutory organisations working for patient and public welfare. Having written three non-fiction books, he is now focusing on writing fiction.Martin Heaney's podcast is Chatty Guy Talks Cancer Care and Hope (you can hear Martin in conversation with Simon Crompton on one of the early episodes).You can listen to Martin talk about the poem that's been a friend to him - The Lake Isle of Innisfree by W. B. Yeats - in this episode of The Poetry Exchange.At the end of the episode, we share a recording of Martin reading 'Sometimes all it takes' by Gill McEvoy. We are very grateful to Gill for allowing us to share this beautiful poem. Gill McEvoy's Selected Poems is published by The Hedgehog Poetry Press in February 2024.Thank you to Simon for such a beautiful converastion, to Martin for all the inspiration, and to all of you for listening.*********The Thrushby Edward ThomasWhen Winter's ahead,What can you read in NovemberThat you read in AprilWhen Winter's dead? I hear the thrush, and I seeHim alone at the end of the laneNear the bare poplar's tip,Singing continuously. Is it more that you knowThan that, even as in April,So in November,Winter is gone that must go? Or is all your loreNot to call November November,And April April,And Winter Winter—no more? But I know the months all,And their sweet names, April,May and June and October,As you call and call I must rememberWhat died into AprilAnd consider what will be bornOf a fair November; And April I love for whatIt was born of, and NovemberFor what it will die in,What they are and what they are not, While you love what is kind,What you can sing inAnd love and forget inAll that's ahead and behind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Since 2007, Simon Crompton has been chronicling the world of menswear and teaching countless folks about how to dress and express themself on his website Permanent Style. He's written extensive articles and books about bespoke suit making, footwear, you name it. Simon understands the luxury and menswear world in a very distinct way. And now he's back…Simon and I discuss mental health, creating balance, the casual evolution of wardrobes, and how Permanent Style has become its own brand.Last but not least, we discuss how previously small menswear brands have grown and how that growth has affected their early clients.It's Blamo! Extra and Simon Crompton is BACK**Listen to the entire episode on Blamo! Extra
This week, Aleks sits down with Agyesh Madan and Nicholas Ragosta, the co-founders of New York based brand, Stòffa.Stòffa is known for creating refined made-to-measure outerwear, knitwear and trousers, offering clients the backbone of their casual wardrobe with superior attention to quality and fit. Moreover, Stoffa is a brand with a conscience, Madan and Ragosta have worked smart for the past nine years to develop a brand that produces its clothes ethically, sustainably, and to put what they call the ‘thoughtfulness’ back into menswear retail.This episode goes deep: we discuss the problems and pitfalls of consumer culture, explore why our society needs to challenge the idea that convenience is a luxury, and we unpick why Stòffa tries so hard to go against the grain.***This episode of HandCut Radio is sponsored by Floris. Visit www.handcutradio.com/floris and enter your details for a chance to be sent a sample of their new fragrance Vert Fougère.***Show Notes:Stòffa — Website | Instagram[04:42] Isaia[06:38] The Armoury[11:00] Leonardo Genova[28:11] Sunspel[38:14] Simon Crompton, HandCut Radio #001[40:26] The Business of Fashion[52:10] Stòffa ‘Indian Coffee House’ Campaign[52:19] Stòffa ‘Holding Court’ Campaign[56:27] Oatly[57:39] Impossible Foods[58:15] TeslaHandCut Radio is produced in collaboration with Birch, a London and New York based creative agency. Our theme music is by Joe Boyd.
Aleks sits down with Paul Croughton, the editor-in-chief of Robb Report US, one of America’s most respected luxury lifestyle magazines. An experienced British journalist, Paul began his career in London, cutting his teeth on magazines like Heat and Arena, before he moved to The Times newspaper and finally across the pond to Robb Report.He and Aleks explore the challenges of editing a luxury magazine today, the changing role of digital media, and how Paul is contemporising the magazine for today’s affluent media consumer. Finally, we touch on Paul’s passion for menswear and the brands that are peeking his interest right now. This is a must-listen for anyone with an interest in the media landscape, digital content, and the challenges journalists face today.***This episode of HandCut Radio is sponsored by Floris. Visit www.handcutradio.com/floris and enter your details for a chance to be sent a sample of their new fragrance Vert Fougère.***Show Notes:Paul Croughton — Instagram | Website[02:15] The Times[03:10] The Beano[05:03] The Face Magazine[05:05] Arena Magazine[05:15] Heat Magazine[06:04] Jamiroquai Deeper Underground[07:16] EMAP Publishing[10:33] The Sunday Times[12:08] Bauer Media[15:09] Robert Smith, The Cure[18:30] Robb Report[19:04] Brave New World[21:05] Esquire Magazine[21:38] The Rake Magazine[22:51] The Jackal Magazine[23:47] PMC, Penske Media[34:45] Simon Crompton, HandCut Radio Episode #001[39:55] Mr Porter Journal[42:54] @MidtownUniform[45:02] J. Crew Liquor Store[48:28] Atelier Saman Amel, HandCut Radio Episode #013[49:42] Michael Hill of Drake’s HandCut Radio Episode #011[49:58] The Armoury[50:09] Edward Sexton[50:24] Stoffa[50:34] Valstar[50:56] Ring JacketHandCut Radio is produced in collaboration with Birch, a London and New York based creative agency. Our theme music is by Joe Boyd.
Benson & Clegg is one of those undiscovered gems in British menswear. Founded in 1937, today the company is a discreet Royal Warrant holding bespoke tailor on London’s Piccadilly Arcade.The house’s Head Cutter is a warm-hearted craftsman called Oliver Cross, with one heck of a story tell. His route into bespoke tailoring is nothing if not conventional. He talks to Aleks about the 10 years it took to realise his dream, why Benson & Clegg is special, and how the brand is moving forward to connect with today’s bespoke consumer. This one’s a heart-warmer of an episode – we hope you enjoy.---HandCut Radio is produced in collaboration with Birch, a London and New York based creative agency. Our theme music is by Joe Boyd.---Show NotesOliver Cross — InstagramBenson & Clegg — Website | Instagram[04:24] The Beatles on Savile Row[04:49] Dege & Skinner[05:14] The London Cut by James Sherwood[05:46] Chittleborough & Morgan[07:42] David Walliams[09:03] Inkberrow[09:31] 2019 Golden Shears Awards[10:49] Robinson Tailors, Alcester UK[12:54] Davide Taub, Gieves & Hawkes[12:55] Patrick Grant, Norton & Sons[13:01] Terry Haste, Kent & Haste[13:57] London College of Fashion (LCF)[15:28] Simon Crompton of Permanent Style, HandCut Radio #001[16:05] Laird Hatters[17:23] Richard Anderson[17:55] Meyer & Mortimer[18:41] Malcom Plews[25:20] Hawes & Curtis[30:42] Fabio Attanasio’s Benson & Clegg Jacket[45:22] Bob Dylan
In this episode, Aleks sits down to chat with two of British menswear’s most interesting personalities, Tony Madsen-Sylvester, and Scott Fraser Simpson.Tony is a writer, musician, and a content creator for modern British tailoring house, Timothy Everest. Scott is a DJ, vintage collector and the founder of Scott Fraser Collection, a brand that makes modern menswear inspired by mid-century and vintage clothing.Both are known for their eclectic personal style, and for their impressive understanding of different menswear traditions. We talk to them about their own journeys of discovery, how sub-cultures influence fashion, and how to get comfortable with your own sense of personal style.This was a hoot to record, so buckle up for a relaxed, free-flowing chat with lots of wisdom from Tony and Scott, recorded – of all places – in Aleks’s flat…---HandCut Radio is produced in collaboration with Birch, a London and New York based creative agency. Our theme music is by Joe Boyd.---Show NotesTony Madsen-Sylvester — InstagramScott Fraser Simpson — Instagram | Website[9:00] Sprezzatura[9:12] #pittiuomo[11.36] Ethan Newton[11:40] Simon Crompton[11:45] Milad Abedi[14:50] Grenson[20:21] Batfink[20:56] Scott’s Vespa[22:22] Scott’s Royal Enfield[23:32] Scott Fraser Collection[29:22] Levis Vintage[29:28] JOSEPH[29:38] Drake’s[30:17] Armani[32:47] Stone Island[33:39] Camoshita, United Arrows[35:27] #britishtrad[35:51] Timothy Everest[35:55] Timothy Everest for The Crown (TV Series)[37:13] Rocketman, Elton John Biopic[37:17] Tommy Nutter[38:41] Pitti Uomo[39:22] Gianni Agnelli[42:16] Goodfellas (Film, 1990)[42:26] John Smedley[42:54] Rat Pack[44:48] L’Etiquette Magazine, Paris[45:20] Free & Easy Magazine, Japan
Simon Crompton needs no introduction. In classic style circles he’s a household name; the founder of renowned men’s style website, Permanent Style. Simon’s built his online following over a period of 11 years, to the point where the website is now his full time occupation; delivering authoritative advice on the work of independent brands and craftspeople, as well as in-depth style advice articles for menswear fans.In this episode, he talks about his decision to go full-time and his role as a menswear reviewer. We also explore some of the problems facing mainstream men’s lifestyle magazines today, and the problematic balance between commercial content and editorial. Finally, Simon goes to town on influencer culture, and the over-saturation of Instagram content in menswear.HandCut Radio is produced in collaboration with Birch, a London and New York based creative agency. Our theme music is by Joe Boyd.Show NotesSimon Crompton — Instagram | Website[2:26] Why I Quit My Job, Permanent Style[4:43] Henry Poole[4:45] Huntsman[4:46] Simon’s Most Recent Huntsman Tweed Jacket[5:14] Marks & Spencers Tailoring [6:05] Richard Anderson[7:21] How To Spend It[7:25] Robb Report[8:20] Hackett Bespoke[8:27] Paul Smith Bespoke[8:31] Armani MTM[8:40] John Galliano[8:43] Anderson & Sheppard[8:58] Michael Browne[12:19] The Jackal Magazine[12:35] Evening Standard Magazine[17:40] Drake’s Herringbone Cotton Chino[19:31] Best Lookbook 2019: Drake’s[22:36] 1m Readers on Permanent Style[23:54] Permanent Style Shop[25:45] Trunk Shows on Permanent Style[33:42] Lil Miquela, Fake Influencer[34:06] Nano Influencers[35:09] Ethan Newton[35:10] Brycelands[39:13] Tribes, Seth Godin[42:08] Drake’s[42:25] Private White[42:38] Connolly[42:56] Stòffa[43:02] Samanamel
We're responding to "Dressing Up in a Dressed-Down World", a symposium organized by Simon Crompton, the creator of Permanent Style. His panel of fashion authorities discuss the eponymous topic: how they, as "formal" people react to an increasingly casual world. Spoilers: we don't agree with many of their statements! Video for Context: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq9PhonF6Go Permanent Style Blog Post: https://www.permanentstyle.com/2018/10/the-new-york-symposium-speakers-and-audience.html PTO Article referencing Jay Fielden: https://putthison.com/how-two-men-are-reshaping-mens-style-media/ Follow us: @styleanddirection | @ethanmwong | @spencerdso Blog: https://streetxsprezza.wordpress.com/category/show-notes/
My guest this week is Simon Crompton.What do you get when a detail-oriented journalist creates a menswear site where trousers are reviewed like the latest tech gadget and suit construction is documented with the reverence normally reserved for Italian Renaissance sculpture? The answer is the acclaimed menswear blog Permanent Style, and its founder Simon Crompton is my guest this week.Simon and I discussed the values of bespoke clothing, “rules” of classic menswear, and the psyche of the male peacock.Follow Simon on InstagramPermanent Style