Kestin Hare, Founder of KESTIN / High-Quality Menswear

In this episode of the Menswear Style Podcast, host Peter Brooker speaks to Kestin Hare, founder and creative director of KESTIN, the Edinburgh-based menswear brand redefining modern Scottish design through heritage, innovation and contemporary functionality. Founded in 2014, KESTIN creates high-quality menswear inspired by Scotland, combining references to the country's history, culture and landscape with influences from vintage clothing, workwear, military garments, sportswear and outdoor apparel. Kestin shares the story behind his journey into fashion, from studying fashion design and marketing in Newcastle to spending seven years working in London before returning to his hometown of Edinburgh. He explains how working with established designers and brands helped shape his approach to design, production and business, and why his experience with Nigel Cabourn had such a significant influence on his philosophy around heritage and British manufacturing. The conversation explores what makes Scottish menswear distinctive and why Kestin believes being based in Edinburgh gives the brand an authentic story and perspective that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. He also discusses the balance between celebrating Scottish heritage and avoiding clichés, and how the brand translates memories, traditions, architecture, art and landscapes into modern clothing. Kestin talks about his fascination with fabrics and the way technical materials can transform traditional menswear silho