In reflecting on the aesthetic and philosophy behind Arc & Iveagh, the essence of “rugged sophistication” emerges as a guiding principle. If you've been following along, you might recall our discussions in Part 2 of our blog, A Sartorial Journey From Concept to Reality, where we explored what this concept truly entails. Rugged sophistication is not simply about looking good; it’s about creating durable, luxurious clothing crafted from natural materials designed to be worn into the world, not away from it.

For me, travel has always been a mindset, an essential part of my identity. With over 40 countries under my belt, including those intentionally long layovers and spontaneous adventures, I've discovered that true culture is woven into the fabric of everyday experiences—through the architecture that tells stories, the meals that ignite the senses, the tailors who bring style to life, and the traditions that shape communities.

I recall a vivid memory from Marrakesh, standing in the grandeur of La Mamounia, reveling in the street-level details that lingered in my mind long after I left; the Japanese call this natsukashii if you recall from an earlier edition of The Chronicles.

Lessons from the Trenches: Discovering the Hidden Truths of Brand Building

Building a brand is often painted as an exhilarating journey filled with captivating moments and dreams come to life. But the reality is much messier. A few misfires early in our journey reminded me that starting Arc & Iveagh was never going to be a perfectly scripted adventure—more like an unpredictable dance, with plenty of missteps along the way.

Initially, I envisioned a tailoring business, inspired by the traditional craftsmanship I so deeply respect, but life—and the market—had other plans. My first designer was incredibly talented, bursting with creativity. Unfortunately, limited factory access meant we had to part ways—an experience that was equal parts heartbreaking and illuminating. Here I was, grappling with the bittersweet realization that not every connection would endure on this path.

As I moved forward, self-funding my passion led to a scaling down of our original vision for the collection. What was once envisioned as multi signature outerwear pieces coupled with some accessories, became four staples—but I embraced this change as an opportunity. It became clear that these four pieces would emerge as the strongest representation of what Arc & Iveagh stands for: timelessness, ruggedness, and sophistication.

Development timelines presented their own challenges. There were moments I felt like a juggler, trying to keep all the balls in the air (and still doing so, by the way)—I've just become more familiar with that requirement. The Chinese New Year brought frustrating delays; prototypes seemed to take an eternity, and the hard truth of real-world realities set in. Each setback was a chance to reevaluate and pivot, reminding me that resilience is born from facing obstacles head-on.

One thing I’ve come to cherish is the importance of assembling the right team. I’ve learned to recognize my strengths, particularly in vision, storytelling, and brand identity. But every leader knows you can’t do it all alone. Finding individuals whose skills complement your own can mean the difference between stagnation and growth. Surrounding myself with passionate collaborators who fill the knowledge gaps has been fundamental in steering this ship.

Yet, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also acknowledge my moments of doubt. There are still days when that nagging voice whispers, “Is any of this really going to work?” But then I remind myself that momentum comes from small wins—those little victories in figuring out the next step rather than illuminating the entire staircase. Each time a piece arrives from the factory, every interaction with our evolving community of supporters and fellow wayfarers, I accumulate a renewed sense of purpose.

Starting Arc & Iveagh is as much about embracing the journey as it is about crafting outerwear; it's about the stories woven into every stitch and the lessons learned all along the way. And while the path may be littered with challenges, each pitfall has taught me more than I ever anticipated, shaping my vision as I strive to create something meaningful in a world eager for genuine connection.

Weaving Dreams: The Art of Creation, Stitch by Stitch

We’re now entering what I’d call Phase Two of this launch collection—the transition from an editorial and lifestyle brand to a full-fledged menswear label. With several upcoming moments that matter on the horizon, the pace quickens.

Prototypes are arriving this month. The website is evolving from a blog to a hybrid experience—part story-driven, part e-commerce. And I’ve started collaborating with some truly interesting people—conversations that may turn into a podcast or something similar (honestly, still figuring that out).

We’re planning a series of photo and video shoots to support the Odyssey of the Isles collection. Budget is tight, but the story is everything—and I think we’ve got something special planned.

Perhaps what I’m most excited about is how we plan on sharing the stories for each piece in the collection. Infused with a touch of cinematic mystery, each jacket will convey its own narrative, collectively forming an anthology series in the broader Odyssey of the Isles. More on that in the months ahead, as we plan to unveil each episode this fall alongside the sequential drop of our jackets.

Lastly, this summer, I’ll be visiting the factories in China and Japan where our pieces are made, meeting the talented teams behind the garments and sharing that journey with you. I understand the initial apprehension that may arise when you hear "Made in China," but I can assure you that after thorough evaluation and a steadfast commitment to quality and craftsmanship, we aim to challenge this stigma. There are dedicated artisans who create our pieces, and we want to highlight and share their skill and artistry. Later this year, we’ll be traveling to scout the region that will inspire our Spring/Summer 2026 collection.

Join Us on the Journey: Help Us Embrace the Adventure

I won’t pretend this isn’t difficult. There are days I wonder if any of this will work. But I believe in what’s being built. And I believe there is space in the world for a brand that leads with curiosity, craftsmanship, and character.

Arc & Iveagh is still in its early days. But we’re laying the groundwork—slowly, methodically, and with heart.

If you’ve read this far, thank you. Truly. Whether you’re here for the storytelling, the garments, or just to follow something being built from the ground up—I’m glad you’re part of it.

There’s much more to come. And I can’t wait to share it with you.
As we always say —