The Fashion Geek Podcast

Sunflowerman is a renowned fashion artist specializing in watercolor illustrations of men's fashion and watches. With a dynamic and vibrant style that has captivated audiences on Instagram and beyond, Sunflowerman has worked with acclaimed brands like Brew Watches and has participated in high-profile events such as the Project trade show. His journey from dropping out of art school to becoming a leading figure in the fashion illustration world underscores his resilience and commitment to his craft, making him the perfect guest to discuss the intersection of art and fashion.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- The significance of the first brush stroke in an artist's work and how it sets the tone for the entire piece.
- The journey of self-discovery that comes from pursuing art outside traditional academic paths.
- The importance of confidence in fashion and how dressing with intention can transform the way the world perceives you.

Ethan Wong is a sartorial enthusiast and style influencer based in Southern California, known for his deep knowledge of vintage menswear and his transformative approach to contemporary fashion. Having evolved his own style journey from vintage tailoring to modern, four-season-appropriate ensembles, Ethan has become a respected voice in the vintage community, consistently sourcing standout pieces from thrift stores, flea markets, and vintage sellers. His dedication to fashion has also made him a regular presenter at various fashion events, including the renowned biannual Dapper Day.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How to source unique vintage clothing from thrift stores, flea markets, and online platforms
- The importance of defining your personal style to make appropriate and intentional fashion purchases
- The role of good tailoring in transforming vintage pieces into contemporary, well-fitted outfits

In this heartfelt solo episode, Reginald Ferguson, a seasoned fashion consultant based in New York City, pays tribute to the late Virgil Abloh. Reg has been helping men elevate their style for years and brings a wealth of knowledge about menswear, entrepreneurship, and fashion's influential figures. His insights into Virgil's life and legacy make him the perfect person to guide us through this tribute.
In this episode, you'll learn,
- The groundbreaking impact Virgil Abloh made in the world of fashion within a short span of time
- How Virgil's origins and collaborations, particularly with Kanye West, helped shape his illustrious career
- The legacy Virgil left behind and how he inspired countless individuals, especially people of color, through his work and mentorship

Berkeley is an academic and cultural commentator who has dedicated himself to examining popular culture, American culture, and the intricate world of clothing. Known as Berkeley Breathes on Instagram, he uses his platform to share insightful critiques and engaging content about prep and Ivy style. His background in academia and his passion for critical thinking make him an exceptional voice in the fashion community.
In this episode, you'll learn,
- The significance of egalitarian fashion and the hidden gatekeeping within the preppy community.
- How institutions like Rolling Blazers can improve their approach to diversity and genuine representation.
- The role of fashion as a storytelling tool that can reflect and impact societal norms and individual experiences.

Austin Roberson is a menswear expert with over ten years of experience in the industry, currently overseeing the custom program at a notable menswear store in Arlington, Texas. He's made a name for himself in the field by providing clients with high-quality, curated ensembles and emphasizing customer satisfaction. Austin's passion for classic menswear, coupled with his modern approach to business, makes him the ideal person to discuss how Gen Z can lead a renaissance in refined dressing.
Louis Geramita is an alterations tailor and made-to-measure salesman who has transitioned from a career in construction to fashion, now launching his own brand, Primo Tailoring. With a background working for a 171-year-old clothier, Louis brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on the impact of clothing on individuals. His dedication to creating memories through tailored garments highlights his commitment to preserving the craft of menswear.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How creating an open layout in a menswear store enhances customer trust and preserves the tradition of tailoring.
- The significance of personal connections in tailoring, as illustrated by Austin’s emotional experience fitting family members.
- Strategic approaches to modernize classic menswear businesses, including the use of social media and virtual shopping experiences.

Dalyn Montgomery is an artist and writer with a keen eye on the storytelling power of clothing and its influence on the environment. As the author behind the Brohammas blog, Dalyn delves into a myriad of fascinating topics, capturing the nuances of fashion, race, and representation. His experiences and insights make him an exceptional guest to shed light on the sartorial world from a unique perspective.
In this episode, you'll learn,
- The contrasting experiences Dalyn faced at J. Press in different cities and what it reveals about customer service in high-end retail.
- How preppy fashion evolved from exclusive white spaces and how black culture has redefined and contributed to its style.
- The profound impact of well-fitted clothing on personal confidence and professional success, illustrated through Dalyn's anecdotes and fashion journey.

David Paletz is the chief operations officer for Elevate Custom Clothing in Los Angeles. With over 15 years of experience at the company and past roles at Nordstrom and BCBG, David has established himself as a leader in the bespoke clothing industry. His expertise in customer service, fashion, and streamlining operations makes him the perfect person to reveal the secrets behind Elevate's success and the fashion scene in L.A.
In this episode, you'll learn,
- How Elevate Custom Clothing's fast and personalized service sets them apart in the highly competitive bespoke clothing market.
- The importance of detailed measurements and profile pictures for creating perfectly tailored suits, and why this process is crucial for achieving a bespoke fit.
- Insights into how Elevate maintains a substantial fabric inventory and why having a diverse stock of over $1,000,000 worth of fabrics is beneficial for both the company and its clients.

Ross Bennett is a bespoke tailor with over 10,000 hours of experience in the business, making him a seasoned professional in the fashion industry. From designing eco-friendly women's wear to curating custom-made suits for elite clients, Ross has built a reputation for his commitment to quality, personalization, and building meaningful relationships. His expertise extends beyond creating garments to enhancing his clients' lives through confidence-boosting tailored attire.
In this episode, you'll learn,
- How Ross transitioned from women's wear to men's suiting by understanding and responding to market demand.
- The importance of finding a tailor or brand that aligns with your energy and authenticity, regardless of the amount spent on clothing.
- The significance of quality fabrics and custom linings in creating personalized, high-end bespoke suits.

Romain Vesaphong is a skilled watchmaker who transitioned from a successful career in banking to become an expert in repairing high-end timepieces. He has extensive experience working with prestigious brands like Rolex, Cartier, and IWC, and currently serves as the sole watchmaker at Michaud watch and jewelry store. Romain's background in both technical craftsmanship and customer relations makes him a compelling and credible guest for discussing the intricacies of watchmaking.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- The easiest and hardest types of Rolex watches to repair and why.
- Essential maintenance tips to prolong the lifespan of your watches.
- The journey and challenges Romain faced in transitioning from banking to watchmaking.

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.