Episode transcript

Note: This transcript has been edited for clarity and readability while staying true to the spirit of the conversation.

Amanda: This is Not Just A…, a podcast where we get to know the person behind the job title. I’m your host, Amanda, and today I’m chatting with Daniel Narvaez, a suit designer. We talk about how he pivoted from finance to fashion, the importance of observation, and how passions drive you — but more importantly, who he really is behind the job title.

Let’s get into it.

Amanda: Daniel Narvaez, welcome to the podcast.

Daniel: Hi, thanks for having me.

Amanda: Thank you for coming on. I was saying to you off-camera — you’re a celebrity tailor, you’ve built this incredible business — and this morning I was rushing out the door thinking, I really should have put more thought into what I’m wearing.

Daniel: We subliminally matched. There’s a bit of a celestial vibe going on.

Amanda: I’ll take that. You’re looking very slick.

Daniel: Thank you, that’s very kind.

Amanda: I’m excited to talk about Mister Mister and how you built the business, but before we get into that, what were you doing before this? What was driving you?

Daniel: I’ve thought about this a lot recently. I was a bit of a snot-nosed kid chasing money, if I’m being honest. I was working in finance as a business analyst in the online space.

I was really focused on how quickly I could become the next big thing. Climbing the corporate ladder, making money — that was the mindset.

Amanda: Do you think that background helped you when you started your business?

Daniel: Not in the way people think. No one in their right mind tells you to leave finance and start a small business — if they do, they’re lying.

But what it did teach me was systems, rational thinking, how to operate within teams, how to understand structures. That kind of thinking definitely carried over.

Amanda: What do you think was the biggest thing you took from that time?

Daniel: Being personable. In corporate, you’re constantly dealing with different departments — finance, insurance, operations — and everyone speaks a different language.

You learn to adapt how you communicate depending on who you’re speaking to. That became really important later.

Amanda: So how did Mister Mister actually come about?

Daniel: My background is in industrial design — product design — not fashion. I never really made it into that industry.

After corporate, I moved into contemporary jewellery and worked in a gallery for a while. That was me trying to get back into something creative, something physical, something you could actually see and touch.

That’s where I met my business partner. We decided to join forces, and within about six months I went from corporate into starting Mister Mister.

Amanda: That’s such a big jump. Was it scary?

Daniel: Yeah. One day I just decided to quit. I treated it like buying a coffee — very casually — which is kind of insane when I think about it now.

I called my brother, who was in America at the time. He said, “What are you going to do?”
I said, “I’m going to leave my job.”

He goes, “What do you know about making suits?”
And I said, “I like wearing them.”

That was it. I hadn’t measured anyone before. I’d sold a couple of suits, took a space in the Strand Arcade, quit my job… and that was the start.

Amanda: What did training look like for you? Because that’s a very hands-on skill.

Daniel: Observation. That’s the most important thing.

You can read as many books as you want, but if you’re not actually doing it, it doesn’t mean anything.

I spent a lot of time with a tailor named Michael Pascalis and his uncle Peter. I’d just sit there and watch. Ask questions. Learn how alterations worked. Learn the craft.

Tailoring isn’t fashion — it’s a traditional craft. There are rules. There’s structure. There’s a way things are done.

I’d work my day job, then spend evenings with him just observing. And then eventually there was a moment where my business partner didn’t show up to a fitting and I had to do it myself.

Amanda: And now, do you still make the suits?

Daniel: No. Early on, we built a system.

I’m a designer by trade, not a craftsperson. So we work with specialist makers globally — Hong Kong, Singapore, Turkey, Spain.

We let craftspeople do what they’re best at, and we focus on the system, the design, and the client experience.

We also tried to develop a contemporary Australian style — something between English and Italian tailoring, but adapted for our climate and lifestyle.

Amanda: Now I want to get to know you outside of work. Who are you when nobody’s watching?

Daniel: I’m a massive dork.

Pretty relaxed, pretty chill. If I’m not having a martini, I’m watching documentaries. I just find people fascinating.

Amanda: What’s one documentary everyone should watch?

Daniel: The Last Dance. The Michael Jordan one.

It’s not just about sport. It’s about drive, identity, and how someone becomes a global phenomenon. He changed sport, celebrity, marketing — everything.

Amanda: Are you a big sports fan?

Daniel: Yeah, football. I’m a diehard Real Madrid fan. I also love Newcastle United, which people give me grief for because they’re always struggling.

I’ve never seen them live, but it’s definitely on the list.

Amanda: Can you share a story from your work that perfectly captures how being fully yourself, not just the professional version, has made you successful?

Daniel: I think we’re all striving for success. I learned to turn up, no matter what.

One thing I was taught: If you said you’re going to be there, be there.

The one thing that I’ve done for the last 14 years is: turn up every day.

Amanda: What are you deeply passionate about that might surprise people?

Daniel: 80s cartoons. Car racing. Football. Those are the three things I love the most.

I love storytelling. Everything back then followed the same structure — problem, challenge, resolution. The hero’s journey has always been fascinating to me.

I think we’ve lost some of that. People don’t really sit with stories anymore.

Amanda: If you could be known for something completely different, what would it be?

Daniel: I always wanted to be an illustrator.

In another life, I would’ve gone to art school, won awards, had a studio, painted — maybe worked for Disney. Or told them no, I’m busy, sorry.

Amanda: What’s a lesson you’ve learned outside of work that’s made you better at your job?

Daniel: I didn’t listen enough when I was younger.

I grew up around incredible conversations — people sitting around, talking for hours — and I thought I had something to say. Most of the time, I didn’t.

Over time, I realised listening is everything.

My store became more than a retail space, it became a place where people came to talk for hours. Clients would call and say, “Can you close the store? I just need someone to talk to.”

That changed how I saw my role completely.

Amanda: What would people be most surprised to learn about what’s involved in your job day-to-day?

Daniel: That I don’t make the suits.

90% of my job is conversation. Listening, understanding people, learning what matters to them.

Amanda: That’s what builds the relationship.

Daniel: Exactly. It’s not a transaction — it’s an experience.

You’re not just buying a suit. You’re preparing for something important in your life. That deserves more than just a transaction.

Amanda: Final question, what’s your hidden talent?

Daniel: I don’t think I have one.

But I love photography. I’ve shot most of my own content, which is harder than it sounds when you’re also in front of the camera.

Outside of that, I just design. That’s what I do.

Amanda: Thank you so much for joining us. It’s been such a great conversation.

Daniel: Thanks for having me.

Amanda: If anyone needs a suit — Mister Mister.

Daniel: Or even just a chat.

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