The Fashion Geek Podcast

Reg talks with Marcel, a native and resident of Richmond, Virginia about launching a menswear brand in a non-fashion capital. This episode is not about seersucker.

King Sean Royal is a multi-talented creative involved in graphic design, clothing design, shoe manufacturing, and music production. With his own groundbreaking sneaker brand, King Sean has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of custom sneaker culture and collaborating with high-profile figures and brands, making him the perfect person to discuss the evolving landscape of sneaker culture and the art of sneaker design.
In this episode, you'll learn,
- How King Sean transitioned from being a sneaker fan to launching his own successful brand
- The impact of collaboration and influencer marketing in building a sneaker brand
- King Sean's strategies for maintaining creative independence and avoiding legal pitfalls in custom sneaker design

Daniele Antoniella and Kate Tortland, the guests of this episode, are the creative forces behind Antoniella Apparel. With their extensive experience in fashion design and a unique approach to creating pocket squares, their credibility is marked by their dedication to quality craftsmanship, artistic inspiration, and innovative design. Daniele, with a background in fashion design, and Kate, a talented sketch artist, have combined their skills to create a brand that stands out in the fashion industry for its originality and meticulous attention to detail. They've collaborated with notable industry names like The Rake and have plans to draw inspiration directly from Italy's rich sartorial heritage, making them ideal guides for understanding the art of pocket square design.
In this episode, you'll learn,
- The intricate process behind designing a high-quality pocket square, from hand sketches to digital rendering.
- How Antoniella Apparel's pocket squares encapsulate the essence of unique Italian locations beyond popular tourist spots.
- The challenges and triumphs of running a small, passion-driven fashion brand, especially during unprecedented times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nick Reynolds is the innovative shoe customizer and former youth pastor behind Shoebaker ATL. Known for his bold Night Fang sneakers and his creative use of custom designs, Nick has managed to build a thriving business from his garage to a potential retail space. His journey from a youth pastor to a renowned shoe designer who collaborates with major influencers demonstrates his capability and drive, making him an exemplary figure in the world of custom sneakers.
In this episode, you'll learn,
- How Nick used the concept of a "baker's dozen" to prevent burnout while maintaining exclusivity in his designs
- The methods Nick employed to build trust and credibility with his customer base through personalized engagement and social media interaction
- Tips on navigating challenges in the sneaker customization industry, from legal issues to production hurdles, and how Nick turned these challenges into opportunities for further growth.

Kevin Wohlman is the founder and CEO of Southern Scholar, a menswear accessories brand reengineering dress socks for maximum comfort and durability. Dissatisfied with the sock options on the market, Kevin's expertise in fabric blends and customer-centric design has earned him a reputation for producing stylish and robust socks that stay up and resist wear and tear, making him the ideal guest to discuss elevating your sock game.
In this episode, you'll learn,
- The unique fabric blend that makes Southern Scholar socks soft, durable, and elastic
- How Southern Scholar successfully scaled its marketing efforts during the pandemic
- Practical tips for coordinating clothing patterns and colors for a cohesive business casual look

Tim Liu is an online fitness and nutrition coach who has been transforming lives since 2012. With a successful transition to online training, Tim's expertise lies in creating personalized, engaging, and effective fitness programs that cater to a global clientele. His balanced approach to exercise and diet, coupled with his extensive experience, makes him the ideal guest to guide us through maintaining fitness and a stylish wardrobe simultaneously.
In this episode, you'll learn,
- How to balance your fitness goals with a well-fitted wardrobe in the men's wear field
- The significance of incorporating non-exercise activity (NEAT) and maintaining a high metabolism
- Effective techniques for staying motivated and accountable while working out at home

Trevor Jones is a writer for Ivy Style and a seller of classic menswear with an insightful perspective on fashion. With his extensive knowledge of traditional menswear and his dedicated Instagram page showcasing unique clothing items, Trevor has built a reputation for celebrating and expanding style influences, making him the perfect guest to discuss James Baldwin's impact as a fashion hero and the broader cultural influences on style.
In this episode, you'll learn,
- How James Baldwin's upbringing and the Harlem Renaissance shaped his distinctive style
- The significance of personal experiences and cultural backgrounds in defining individual style
- The ways in which traditional Ivy style clothing is given a personal twist, inspired by icons like Steve McQueen and Miles Davis

Justin Trewitt is a skilled woodworker and artisan behind the brand Dapper Woodworks. With a deep-rooted passion for menswear and woodworking, Justin has carved out a niche for creating exquisite storage solutions and accessories for men. His credibility is showcased by his successful development of a cult following on Instagram, his intricate craftsmanship with wood and resin, and his ability to double his business revenue during the challenging COVID period. As a family man juggling Dapper Woodworks alongside a day job, Justin embodies dedication and artistry, making him the perfect person to discuss the art of men's accessory storage and business succession planning.
In this episode, you'll learn,
- The intricate process Justin uses to create his unique wood and resin lapel pins
- How developing a cult following on Instagram can benefit your business
- The ins and outs of succession planning for a small business

Oscar Torres is a master tailor and the founder of Los Torres Tailors, known for his exceptional skill in creating bespoke suits. Starting his tailoring journey at the age of 14 under the mentorship of a seasoned tailor named Cleveland, Oscar has honed his craft to perfection. Now, with offices in New York, Madison Avenue, and Philadelphia, and collaborations across stores in East Brunswick, Montclair, and Connecticut, Oscar has established himself as a trusted name in the world of custom clothing.
In this episode, you'll learn,
- The philosophy behind "always be fly" and how it transcends fashion to incorporate mindset and behavior.
- The detailed process of creating a bespoke suit, from initial consultations and fabric selection to final adjustments.
- How Oscar Torres turned personal challenges into opportunities, revamping his business during the COVID-19 pandemic and securing key collaborations for future growth.

John Wojcik is an esteemed professional working for the UN in Southeast Asia with a deep-rooted passion for classic menswear. Alongside his partner Christopher Siakkas, who works in the financial sector in London, they have co-founded Silk Exchange, a platform dedicated to the sustainable resale of high-end classic menswear. Their combined expertise and fervor for sartorial excellence make them the perfect duo to delve into the nuances of classic menswear and its impact on sustainability and personal style.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How classic menswear can serve as a sustainable alternative to fast fashion
- The emotional and environmental benefits of investing in quality menswear
- Practical tips on finding high-quality menswear items at reduced prices

Irene Zimmerman is the creative force behind "Irene's Closet BK," a cherished vintage shop nestled in Brooklyn, New York. With her expert eye for unique, high-quality men's vintage clothing, Irene has cultivated a loyal following among fashion enthusiasts. Her dedication to reducing, reusing, and recycling through vintage fashion makes her an authority on sustainable style, and she brings this passion to her highly curated offerings.
In this episode, you'll learn,
- How to curate a mix of loud, eccentric, and basic vintage clothing
- The significance of hyperlocal sourcing and the value of natural fibers
- Strategic tips for starting and running an outdoor pop-up vintage shop

Pedro Mendez is an aficionado of timepieces with a distinct passion for Swatch watches. He brings a wealth of personal anecdotes and insights into the world of quartz watches, all while maintaining a discerning eye for their cultural and environmental impact. Having grown up in New York City, Pedro's experiences with iconic brands and evolving fashion trends lend him a credible and invaluable perspective on the interplay between nostalgia and innovation in horology.
In this episode, you'll learn,
- The emotional and cultural significance of Swatch watches and their impact in the 80s and 90s.
- The advantages and pitfalls of quartz movement compared to mechanical watches.
- How environmental and ethical concerns shape modern consumer choices in fashion and timepieces.