The Material Review

Issue 001: Welcome to the Game.

Taylor Stacey

and

Michael Williams

Jun 05, 2024

IN THE LOOP

Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the entire internet.

The Wildly Popular Men’s Shirt to Avoid Now: ‘It’s the Generic Go-To’ for Finance Guys

“Shirts with splayed ‘spread collars’ are everywhere now, but they can be unflattering, not to mention cheesy. A guide to the best alternatives.” [WSJ]

They Built a $100 Million Watch Empire. Then the Market Tanked.

“The website Hodinkee reinvented watch culture, giving luxury timepieces the same air as a pair of rare Nikes. Now it faces a market downturn and accusations of mismanagement.” [WSJ]

The End Of Merch

“Graphic tees, dad hats, tote bags and coffee mugs ruled the fashion universe for the better part of a decade. But suddenly, once-highly coveted merch doesn’t hit like it used to. From Yeezus to the Eras Tour, what’s behind the rise and fall of wearing your interests on your sleeve?” [GQ]

‘Thank you for my life’: Bill Walton’s colleagues share their favorite memories

“Last week, Walton died at 71 after a battle with cancer. I spent late Monday contacting people in broadcasting who worked with Walton to share their favorite stories about him. Here are some of their memories of Walton’s World.” [The Athletic] [Photo: Dead & Co. honor Walton at The Sphere]

Sweater-Eating Moths Are an Unbeatable Enemy

“They will eat much more than just your clothes.” [The Atlantic]

STAKEHOLDERS

A weekly Q&A with friends of the program centered around buying intelligence.

Davide Baroncini is the founder of the cult brand Ghiaia Cashmere. He’s the coolest guy we know. We have questions, he has answers.

What’s a memorable recent purchase you’ve made?

A 1985 Defender I imported from Italy. It took me 10 months to fix and about a year to register. I desired one for so long and I’m the happiest kid to see one in my driveway.

What is the first thing you pack for a trip?

Always a Ghiaia sweater! I usually bring it around with my handbag.

ID your carry-on bag?

A mid-size Filson bag that I have a story about in the next answer. Unapologetically, Rimowa on wheels. I also recently purchased a 20L technical Cressi bag, a diving gear brand my father used to dive with, that I can’t wait to use.

What brands (if any) have your unequivocal trust?

Ralph (Lauren) and Filson never betray expectations.

When I was very young (and very stupid), I rode from Milano to Amsterdam on a Triumph Bonneville motorcycle. I was one of those kids that wanted to be McQueen so badly. It took me almost 3 days. It was a terrible idea.

The second day on the road it rained uninterrupted and all I was carrying was my Filson bag across my chest. I arrived in Amsterdam around 2AM at night. It was October so I was freezing and all wet, like shower wet. The only thing that was dry were the clothes I had packed in my Filson bag for the next day. I was shocked. The bag was immersed in water but everything inside was completely dry. This was almost 15 years ago and that’s still my favorite bag.

What is something you’ve had your eye on?

I’m really craving an old Tudor Tiger Panda Dial with an oyster bracelet. I would really like a Daytona 6263 but I will need to wait a bit for that.

Without being creepy, can you share a screenshot of your IG “For You Page”?