The Material Review

The Material Review

The Material Review

Issue 216: Microsnobberies, Fake Watches, Vintage Tees, Los Puesteros, Japanese Department Stores, Ultralight Backpacking Brands, Giant Touch Screens, Spotlight On: Earth\Studies and Links.

Michael Williams and Taylor Stacey
Aug 22, 2026
∙ Paid

Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.

Old-fashioned snobbery is out. Microsnobberies are in.

“Now you’re judged on your children’s lunch boxes and whether your olive oil has a story.” [WaPo]

We Bought a 500 Counterfeit Luxury Watch. Nobody Could Spot the Difference

We Bought a $500 Counterfeit Luxury Watch. Nobody Could Spot the Difference

“The replica watch industry is in its “super clone” era. Following tips from murky internet forums, we bought three budget fakes that were good enough to pass as real—but ultimately disposable.” [Wired]

Your Favorite Old T-Shirt Might Now Be Worth a Fortune

“Vintage graphic tees have become increasingly valuable for their ability to convey personality and authenticity—the rattier, the better” [WSJ]

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