How I Made It How the (banker) founder of MJ Bale took over menswear
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Oct 12, 2025 Matt Jensen, founder and CEO of MJ Bale, shares his fascinating journey from a Merino sheep farm to becoming a leading name in menswear. He discusses spotting a gap in the market during his banking days in London, which inspired his transition into fashion. Matt reflects on his early struggles with Herringbone, detailing critical lessons learned during its administration. He emphasizes MJ Bale's commitment to natural fibres and sustainability, revealing how partnerships with local growers and sports teams shape their innovative approach.
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Vertical Retail Gap In Australia
- Jensen spotted that the UK had many vertical brands with their own stores while Australia relied on department stores.
- He saw an opportunity to bring direct-to-retail menswear to Australia where it was underserviced.
Herringbone's Fast Rise And Lessons
- Matt launched Herringbone with a catalog/early website and grew to 10 stores and $20m in revenue.
- The company ran a local shirt factory producing about 500 shirts a week and taught him tailoring fundamentals.
Why Herringbone Failed In The GFC
- The GFC hit consumption and currency sharply, exposing Herringbone's leverage and lack of shareholder protections.
- Under-capitalisation and no shareholders agreement made recapitalisation impossible during the shock.