James Wakefield and Robin McGowan | Checkout #120

James Wakefield co-founded InStitchu with high school friend Robin McGowan in 2012. Having worked as an Associate Advisor at Macquarie Bank for four years, James was acutely aware of a gap in the corporate tailoring market: he and his colleagues struggled to build a wardrobe of quality suits ready for daily wear at affordable prices. There was, he found, always a compromise on quality, fit or range, particularly for younger generations with less disposable income. The rest is tailoring history: James left the finance industry and established InStitchu as the leading player in made-to-measure tailoring, focusing on quality, affordability and fit. Combining his business acumen with an entrepreneurial flair and excellent sales skills he has helped propel InStitchu to the forefront of Australia’s competitive tailoring industry. In his spare time, James enjoys surfing, golf and staying up-to-date on the fast-evolving global start-up scene.

Robin McGowan co-founded Australia’s leading custom tailored menswear provider, InStitchu, in 2012, alongside high school mate James Wakefield. Robin spent much of his youth growing up in Italy and Europe, helping spark an interest and knowledge in menswear, drawing from a playground in the world’s most iconic fashion capitals. In later years Robin developed his background in eCommerce, helping him recognise the opportunity in the Australian market for high quality made-to-measure, tailored suits at a reasonable price. Robin used this experience and opportunity to transition to the start-up world in launching InStitchu with James. To this day Robin lends in eCommerce and fashion knowledge to lead the growing InStitchu team in an ever-changing digital landscape, helping connect skilled manufacturers in Asia with consumers around the world.