For those who don't know you - who are you and what do you do?
I’m Tom Griffin and I make podcasts for people. I do a bit of modelling and probably most pertinently, I do a video podcast about nice gear called ‘My Own Garms’.
So, My Own Garms - what made you want to create a space where fashion and conversation could sit side by side?
It’s nice isn’t it, talking to people about things that they’re into. It could be a bit surface level talking about clothes, but people reveal all kinds of interesting stuff about themselves when you get going. Especially if you dig into the past a bit. I just like making stuff and putting it out and having people react to it and then making some more.
You clearly love style, but the pod isn't just about clothes - it's about people. What makes someone's style interesting to you?
Yeah, I would like to think that. I think I like seeing and hearing about people who are very different to me. I like that feeling when one person is a total noob (usually me) and the other person can just give them a totally new perspective on clothing. Or on anything really.
If My Own Garms was a person walking down the street, what would they be wearing?
Probably something they’d made or designed themselves. Or at least altered the hem on it. The My Own Garms name is from a lyric about the power of wearing clothes that you’ve made. I like that idea.
You bring on a real mix of guests. What makes someone right for the podcast?
Honestly I quite like it if they're not "into" clothes. Like they're a bit accidental with it. If they do something cool outside of clothes but the clothes are a part of what they do, that's the holy grail. I'm well into that.
What's one piece in your wardrobe that has an interesting story behind it?
I’ve got this boring navy linen shirt that I’ve had hanging out in the back yard since august so it’s seen plenty sun and now plenty rain. I’ve been documenting its slow demise at the hands of the elements for the past three months. It’s looking a bit more interesting now. The fabric is a lot fluffier on the shoulders and there’s a couple of bird sh*t stains that will hopefully look artful once I’ve put it through a hot wash. Anyway, judging by the number of story replies, very few people are bothered but I think it’s fairly interesting. I might bury it for a bit…
You're clearly influenced by style, music, culture - where do you feel most inspired these days?
I’ve just been to America (and I want stop going on about it – soz) We went to New York for 5 days during fashion week which was sick, but also up to my mate’s wedding in Coastal Maine and stayed on a little island. Ate a load of expensive crab rolls and nice oysters. Anyway, there’s something in the air up there (probably salt) that must age clothes reeeeeally nicely. Like, everyone’s shit was just at 50% colour saturation and beautifully patinaed. I found that pretty inspiring in terms of clothes.
When you walk into a store like Yards, what are you drawn to first - the brands that you know or the ones you've never heard of?
I do like it when a new brand comes in and the people in the shop are buzzing to tell you about it. That passion really rubs off on me. When you buy a piece on the day and start passing on the brand story to anyone who's even remotely bothered. I do like that oral tradition around clothes.
If you had to build a full fit from Yards right now - head to toe - what's making the cut?
I’d probably go full cosplay cowboy and deck myself out like Kev Costner in Yellowstone. RRL FKW. I was a bit reluctant to dip into the western trend as it seems to have tracked quite closely with some questionable political shifts, but if it’s on the company credit card then I’ll dive in. I’d deffo be copping that bandana neck tie with the turquoise gems. And maybe that suede tote bag. Well nice.
Yards has always felt like a space where good gear and good conversation meet - is that something you try to create with My Own Garms too?
I reckon, yeah. It's like clothes are the jump off point for a good chat. I'm always a bit reluctant to say good conversations because I'm involved in 'em and that just makes me wanna die. But if someone else thinks that then yeah, I'm pretty happy.
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