The Suit - Form, Function and Style by Christopher Breward

The Suit - Form, Function and Style by Christopher Breward

Author: The VOU Official January 7, 2025 Duration: 48:22

In today's talk, we discuss "The Suit - Form, Function and Style by Christopher Breward" and unpick the story of the suit, the most familiar menswear garment, from its emergence in Western Europe at the end of the seventeenth century to current days. Suit-wearing individuals, such as the Savile Row gentleman and the Wall Street businessman, have long embodied ideas of tradition, masculinity, power, and respectability. Still, the suit has also been used to disrupt concepts of gender and conformity. Adopted and subverted by women, artists, musicians, and social revolutionaries through the decades- from dandies and Sapeurs to the Zoot Suit and Le Smoking - the suit is also a device for challenging the status quo. We'll examine the suit's construction, connection to masculinity, and role in various social and political contexts. We'll also talk about different cultural perspectives on the suit, including those of England, Italy, Japan, and the Congo, and its representation in art, literature, and film, highlighting its enduring power as a symbol of modernity.

A Men's Styling Podcast Made with LOVE by The VOU's Expert Image Consultants.


There's a quiet confidence that comes from knowing how to dress well, a language spoken through fabric, fit, and subtle detail. Men's Style & Fashion Podcast-The VOU, from The VOU Official, explores that language in depth, moving beyond fleeting trends to focus on enduring principles. This isn't just about what to wear; it's about understanding why certain styles persist and how they can work for you. We dig into the foundations of classic menswear, often touching on the philosophy behind what's come to be known as old money fashion-that emphasis on quality, understatement, and longevity over loud logos. Each episode feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend, breaking down everything from building a versatile wardrobe and mastering fit to selecting materials that age gracefully. You'll hear practical advice that blends the artistic side of fashion with straightforward education, making style feel accessible rather than intimidating. Whether you're reassessing your daily wardrobe or curious about the history behind a specific garment, this podcast offers a thoughtful perspective. Tune in for a grounded take on looking your best, where the goal is to cultivate a personal style that feels both authentic and expertly considered.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 80

Men's Style & Fashion Podcast - The VOU
Podcast Episodes
The Ivy League by Daniel Cappello [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:13
In this episode of The VOU Podcast for Men, we dive into The Ivy League by Daniel Cappello — a richly layered book that’s part institutional history, part cultural anthropology, and part style manual for the quietly powe…
Gentleman: The Elegant Man's Companion by Bernhard Roetzel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:06
In this essential episode of The VOU Podcast for Men, we crack open Gentleman: A Timeless Guide to Fashion — Bernhard Roetzel’s enduring masterclass on classic menswear. First published in 1999 and still regarded as the…
Sharp Suits: A Celebration of Men's Tailoring by Eric Musgrave [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:41
In this sharp-edged episode of The VOU Podcast for Men, we turn our lens to Sharp Suits by Eric Musgrave — the definitive chronicle of the suit’s evolution from aristocratic uniform to modern menswear icon. Join us and t…
Take Ivy by Teruyoshi Hayashida [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:04
In this episode of The VOU Podcast for Men, we open the cult classic Take Ivy - the iconic 1965 Japanese photobook that captured the Ivy League campuses of America and redefined men’s style across the globe. Join us as w…
The Men's Fashion Book by Phaidon Editors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:05
In this in-depth episode of The VOU Podcast for men, we dive into The Men’s Fashion Book, the game-changing compendium chronicling 200 years of menswear. Join us as we unpack this ambitious A–Z volume, from Savile Row ta…
Icons of Men’s Style by Josh Sims [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:19
In today’s podcast, we explore Icons of Men’s Style by Josh Sims—a visual and cultural odyssey through the most enduring garments in the male wardrobe. More than a coffee-table book, Sims’s work traces the military, indu…
100 Years of Menswear by Cally Blackman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:30
In today’s podcast, we delve into Cally Blackman’s 100 Years of Menswear - a sweeping exploration of men’s fashion from 1900 to the early 2000s, revealing how the male wardrobe became one of the most potent instruments o…