A Cut Above
Conversations around craft featuring Baby Panna, Joel Ryan and Joseph Furness.
We're excited to present A Cut Above, a bold new campaign that brings together rising stars from music, menswear, and modern tailoring to celebrate the intersection of craft, creativity, and contemporary style. It's a collaboration that highlights three dynamic voices - Esquire editor and menswear writer Joseph Furness, genre-defying musician Baby Panna, and tailor Joel Ryan - each of whom is reshaping their respective fields. Through intimate conversations and a stunning photoshoot featuring our latest collection, A Cut Above explores how these innovators blend tradition with modernity, forging new paths while staying true to their craft.
Baby Panna
Baby Panna is pushing the boundaries of music with his unique blend of jazz and rap, creating a sound that’s all his own. He finds inspiration in other artists breaking the mould in some way - whilst navigating an established industry, Panna's grounded in his music being a true reflection of his personality and life experiences. His modern take on a genre that leans into improvisation represents his hunger to keep innovating and evolving.
Who are you listening to on repeat right now?
Men I Trust, JMSN and Billie Eilish.
Pick your outfits the night before or go with how you’re feeling in the morning?
Morning for sure - it’s a new day and a different me to express.
What colour do you gravitate to?
Baby blue.
Who is your biggest style inspiration?
I like Luka Sabbat and Tyler The Creator for their individuality.
What motivates you to get out of bed every morning?
Life is short. We're very lucky to be born and live in a country filled with as many opportunities as this. My family sacrificed a lot to get me here, so I feel I'd be disrespecting their efforts and all my relatives still living in poverty if I didn’t do my best to find my calling and pursue it with all I have.
SHOP PANNA'S LOOKS
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Joel Ryan
Joel Ryan is a modern tailor who’s rewriting the rules of traditional tailoring. With a passion for bold silhouettes and modern craftsmanship, he seamlessly blends classic techniques with contemporary design, making him one of the most exciting talents in British menswear today.
Favourite thing a client has asked for?
‘Hey I have these old Levi’s, please make them cool.’
If you could only work with one fabric, what would you choose?
At this stage in my career, denim.
Classic, modern or a mix of the two?
Mix of the two!
What rules do you believe in breaking when it comes to fashion?
That you have to make something that everyone likes - there is a special power in niche.
Whose style inspires you right now?
I wouldn’t say I have style inspirations, but there are a few gentlemen’s style I admire I’ll include them below:
- One of my clients who runs a jewellery showroom in Hatton Garden (WatchboxUK), his athleisure fits are dope!
- Nudie Nigel and Deandre Brown (both content creators)
- Moments from O’Dell Beckham Jr, Brent Faiyaz & Gunna
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SHOP JOEL'S LOOK
Joseph Furness
Joseph Furness is a leading voice in men’s fashion, shaping the future of contemporary style through his work at Esquire. With an eye for both classic sophistication and bold, modern trends, he’s redefining British menswear and offering a fresh perspective on what it means to dress with both style and substance.
Most memorable thing you’ve learned in your craft?
To believe in my own voice. I tend to receive the most compliments and positive feedback on my work when I inject my personality into a piece.
Which piece of clothing do you always come back to?
Hats! Caps in the warmer months and beanies towards winter. Other styles on occasion. They bring me so much comfort, perhaps because my hair is anything but consistent. I was actually super envious that Panna got to rock one during the shoot!
A surprising skill or obsession you have?
I’m a pretty good cook! Though, I seldom find time to whip up something special. Some of my favourite things to make originate from the Deep South. Soul food, really. I’m talking dishes like creole stew, cornbread, collard greens and sweet potato pie.
One prediction for style in 2025?
Lots of ties and lots of cardigans. Just add a shirt and you’ve halfway to an ensemble. Need some inspo? Give 500 Days of Summer a watch.
What are you reading right now?
How Do You Live? By Genzaburo Yoshino. It’s a Japanese classic from 1937. I’ve found my way to it via Studio Ghibli - it was the favourite childhood book of the anime studio’s founder, Hayao Miyazaki. He revisited it when working on his film The Boy and The Heron which was released last year.
