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 two expert guests as we dissect this richly illustrated cultural history, packed with pinstripes, power dressing, and the personalities who made the suit a symbol of everything from rebellion to refinement.
We explore how Sharp Suits repositions tailoring not just as tradition but as transformation — a dynamic force woven into politics, pop culture, and personal identity. From Savile Row craftsmanship and Italian sprezzatura to the cinematic swagger of Cary Grant and the glam-rock tailoring of David Bowie, we dive into the book’s most compelling themes and chapters. Expect spirited conversation on double-breasted drama, the magic of mohair, and why the striped suit is still the uniform of ambition.
Our guests unpack the suit’s surprising adaptability: how it became the uniform of conformity and counterculture, used by gangsters and gentlemen, bankers and rebels alike. We trace how tailoring crossed continents, adapting from the stately frock coats of English royalty to the expressive silhouettes of American jazz musicians and Hollywood antiheroes.
This episode isn’t just for the menswear obsessive. It’s for anyone curious about why a two-button jacket still holds power in the 21st century — and how something as seemingly simple as a suit tells a story of class, confidence, rebellion, and restraint. We’ll dig into behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the book, reflect on how tailoring shapes perception, and consider what the future holds for the world’s sharpest garment.
Whether you wear bespoke or off-the-rack, this is a masterclass in men’s style through one iconic piece: the suit. Tune in for a conversation as tailored as the subject matter, and walk away seeing your wardrobe through a sharper lens.
A Men's Styling Podcast Made with LOVE by The VOU's Expert Image Consultants.
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