menSwear by a Woman

Today’s episode is about doing less but doing it better. We’re diving into Arvello, an Australian brand founded by Sam Darvill and Armando Zurzolo, built on intention, craftsmanship, and a rejection of fast fashion culture. Let’s get into it. Arvello didn’t happen overnight. Sam and Armando spent over a year planning, questioning, and refining what they actually wanted to put into the world. And when the brand officially came to life in 2025, it was the result of that patience. During that planning process, they realised something important the fashion industry doesn’t need more clothing. It needs more meaning. They saw how fast fashion had normalised overproduction, short lifespans, and disposable design. Clothes made quickly, worn briefly, and forgotten just as fast. Arvello was created as a response to that cycle. Instead of chasing trends, Sam and Armando focused on restraint. On timeless pieces. On garments designed to be worn slowly, valued deeply, and kept not replaced.
For them, Arvello isn’t just about what you wear. It’s about why you wear it. And that philosophy sits at the core of everything the brand represents.

In today's episode, I sit down with Matt Braun, founder of Purple Mountain Observatory, to unpack the origins of the brand and the personal journey behind it. Matt reflects on how his early influences, curiosity, and commitment to function first design shaped the foundation of Purple Mountain Observatory and how outdoor activewear has steadily evolved into a defining pillar of modern menswear. We explore the shift in how men wear today, where performance, durability, and versatility are reserved for the outdoors but integrated into everyday life. Matt shares how focus, discipline, and a long term mindset have guided him through the challenges of building a brand, allowing him to stay grounded while pushing creative and operational boundaries.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Dylan Patel, the creative force behind the Vintage Archive Moncler project. After completing his Master’s in Science at Imperial College London, Dylan pursued a growing passion for exploring vintage outdoor wear particularly pieces rich in history, craftsmanship, and storytelling.What began as a personal challenge soon evolved into an extraordinary journey. Each archive piece Dylan discovered carried its own narrative, inspiring him to travel through the legacy and evolution of technical outerwear. His deep knowledge, dedication, and carefully curated collection caught the attention of the CEO of Moncler, who was immediately impressed by Dylan’s vision and archive.That pivotal moment led to a rare opportunity Dylan was invited to create Moncler Vintage Archive, turning his passion into an officially recognized brand project. This episode explores Dylan’s path from academic success to creative innovation, and how curiosity, storytelling, and persistence can transform a dream into reality.

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back at the conversations that shaped menswear by a Woman Podcast this year. From honest discussions about menswear, self worth, healing, and accountability, to moments of laughter, reflection, and real life lessons this episode is a full circle recap of it all. In this wrap up, we revisit the most impactful episodes, highlight key takeaways, and reflect on how the stories, perspectives, and shared experiences helped spark growth for both our guests and listeners. Whether you’ve been rocking with us since episode one or just joined the menswear community, this episode ties everything together and sets the tone for what’s next. Thank you for listening, supporting, and growing with us. Here’s to the lessons of 2025 and the even bigger conversations ahead.

In this special Christmas episode, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and thank you for your support throughout the year. 🎄
I also talk about one of the biggest festive challenges  buying gifts for men. Men are often hard to shop for, so I’m asking you a simple but important question: what gift would you genuinely love to receive that people rarely think to buy for you?
🎁 Leave your answer in the comments I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas!