The Material Review

Issue 090: British Manufacturers, Airplane Food, Smartwater, Archaic Subway Systems, Demystifying Vintage Watches, Playoff Basketball, Spotlight On: Transnomadica and Malloch's x John Smedley.

Michael Williams

and

Taylor Stacey

May 14, 2025

Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.

‘We’re not just a nice marketing story’: British manufacturers speak up

“After surviving Brexit, Covid and countless other reckonings, UK-based fashion and textiles manufacturers have learnt a lot about what it takes to stay afloat in the modern era of production.” [Vogue Business]

In Defense of Airplane Food

“While you swallow bleached pasta, consider how close you are to death.” [Spike Art Magazine]

Why Are Thru-Hikers So Obsessed With Smartwater?

“Plenty of reusable, lightweight water bottle options exist, yet many hardcore hikers prefer to pack this plastic bottle available at any gas station” [Field Mag]

An Inside Look at the Subway’s Archaic Signal System

[NYT]

Demystifying: Vintage Watches

“Four of the best minds in the industry share their insights for building a vintage watch collection the smart way” [The WM Brown Weekly]

Why Basketball Is Different in the Playoffs

“As the stakes rise, the physicality of the game increases, too—and that may give the less favored teams a better shot at upsets.” [The New Yorker]

A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.

Transnomadica

Malloch's x John Smedley

Cromford Sea Island Cotton Polo Shirt

Classifieds

Welcome to our weekly “Classifieds” section of the newsletter. The idea is to find an easy way to promote things happening in our ecosystem. Think of this space to promote your eBay shop, event, newsletter, app, book, tool or your personal brand (if you must). Drop us a line at if you’re interested in buying an item in an upcoming issue. Price: $200 for four ads. Maximum 280 character per ad.

🛒 William Ellery Junebug Outdoor Gear Event @ Blue in Green

Thursday, May 15. 6-8pm Blue in Green SoHo. 8 Greene St New York, NY 10013

Junebug is a collection of insect inspired inventions for sharing space with some of the most interesting creatures on the planet.

Come have a drink and we’ll show you all the details.

🎉 Issues Magazine Vancouver Pop-Up Opening Party

Friday, May 16. 7-10PM. Alterior / A Living Taste. 1705 Venable St. Vancouver, BC V5L 2H3

The pop-up will be open everyday from 11-7PM from May 17-25, too.

🎉 Mercer Street Block Party

Friday, May 16. 2 Mercer Street, New York City, New York 10013

The Mercer Street Block Party returns to NYCxDesign in 2025, hosted by New York and Ireland-based furniture brand Orior. The party celebrates design and brings together brands, showrooms and galleries to present curated design collections, site‑specific installations and new product launches, extending along Mercer Street and its surrounding areas.

Participating brands include Amelie du Chalard, BDDW, Blue Green Works, Calico Wallpaper, Henrybuilt, Kasthall, Nordic Knots, Roll & Hill and Stellar Works.

🎉 The Black Tux Atlanta Showroom Opening Event

Saturday, May 17. 6-9PM. Inman Park, 240 N. Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307.

Come celebrate our new showroom opening in Atlanta w/ Commune.

🎉 Cueva x Barena Collaboration Release Party

Saturday, May 17. 7-11PM. Cueva Brooklyn. 49 Franklin St. Brooklyn, NY

Barena and Cueva teamed up to create a 9-piece capsule collection for Spring/Summer—three sets made up of an overshirt, shirt, and trouser. All done in lightweight fabrics for a warm-weather take on the modern suit.

🎉 Day Party with Blackbird Spyplane, Archie and Understory

Sunday, May 18. 2-6pm in Temescal Alley. Oakland, CA

Drinks. Music. Clothing, Books and More. The full Archie SS25 collection will be on site, plus a selection of vintage books, as part of Archie & Understory’s Mount Analog pop up.