The Material Review
Issue 156: Harry’s in Brooklyn, Bathroom Doors, An Unusual Bookstore, Too Much Music, Ice Fishing Derby, American Manufacturing, Moneywall, American Tourists and Spotlight on: Merino Wool.
Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.
Let me tell you about my favourite menswear store
“Independently owned, with knowledgeable staff and thoughtfully chosen clothes at fair prices: welcome to Harry’s in Brooklyn” [FT]
Hotels Are Getting Rid of Proper Bathroom Doors and Guests Are Revolting
“Lodgers looking for peace and quiet are struggling in the era of sliding barn doors, frosted glass panes and sometimes no separation at all.” [WSJ]
One of Alabama’s Most Unusual Bookstores Is Also One of the Best
“The Alabama Booksmith runs on first editions and the verve of its unforgettable proprietor” [Garden & Gun]
Too Much Music: A Failed Experiment In Dedicated Listening
[NPR]
Think You’re Tough? Spend an Afternoon at Minnesota’s Coldest Ice Fishing Derby.
“Outdoor recreation in Minnesota isn’t for the faint of heart. We spent a day at an ice fishing competition in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, where Mother Nature calls the shots, the fabric of community is thicker than denim, and tenacity is everything.” [Outside]
An Un-MAGA Proposal to Bring Back American Manufacturing
“Follow the path of Italy, France and Japan.” [Bloomberg]
‘Moneywall’ could be baseball’s next frontier
“The Kansas City Royals just revealed a whole new type of analytics for teams to exploit. Why isn’t this more common?” [Club Sportico]
Are You Enjoying Our Linguine?
“How American tourists took over everything.” [The Dial]
A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.
Modello Cinque U5S-BL
Wythe Heavyweight Pinpoint Canvas Barn Jacket - Night Sky
Auter HERRINGBONE BELTED TOPCOAT - Espresso
LEJ Come-Up-To-The-Studio Shirt
Makr + Pilgrim Zip Luxe Wallet
Madewell Fatigue Pants in Indigo Herringbone
Merino Wool
Pinebury The Merino Wool Lodge Vest
Anonymousism Super 130s Merino Crew Sweat
Outlier Daydream Wool Littlebigs
Sunspel Ultra‑Fine Merino Roll Neck
Drake’s Grey Donegal Ribbed Merino Knit Cap
Yes! Lets go Royals!
Absolutely love this curation approach. The Alabama Booksmith piece captured how a great proprietor doesnt just sell books, but creates an entire experince around discovery. I've been trying to articulate why certain indie shops feel magnetic, and it's exactly this kind of intentional stewardship over not just product but atmosphere.