The Material Review
Issue 086: Essential Kentucky Derby Reading, Why It's Called a Duffel Bag, Japanese Packaging, MTA Map Redesign, A Landline That Keeps Ringing, Not Carrying a Camera and Spotlight On: Waxed Canvas.
Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.
The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved
[Scanlan’s Monthly via Sensitive Skin]
Why Is It Called a “Duffel Bag”?
“The practical tote packs in a lot of history.” [Mental Floss]
Boxes Almost as Valuable as What They Contain
“A look at Japan’s love of packaging, from impeccably crafted cardboard to lacquered works of art.” [NYT Mag]
Spaghetti Underground
“The MTA’s new redesign of the New York City subway map is the latest of many attempts to capture the sprawling network on paper.” [NY Review of Books]
The Alabama Landline That Keeps Ringing
“Auburn University’s help desk is still answering the public’s calls 70 years on” [Oxford American]
On Not Carrying a Camera
“Cultivating memories instead of snapshots.” [The Hedgehog Review]
A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.
Orslow Summer Fatigues - Ecru Herringbone
the Seneca: First Edition
You Can’t Win by Jack Black
Craighill Rope Split Ring
Tender Co. Short Sleeve Flipped Collar Shirt
Waxed Canvas
Assembly New York Waxed/Leather Baseball Cap
Uskees #7001 north west wax jacket - british yellow
Artikel København Drywax Chinos
Wm. J. Mills & Co. Executive Shelter Island Duffel
NOrange Side Bag Jacket
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.
🎉 Cueva x CMMN SWDN
Friday, May 2nd. 7PM-10PM. 49 Franklin St. Brooklyn, NY.
Our 4 piece collaboration releases Friday, May 2nd. Come celebrate with Saif Bakir, co-founder and creative director of CMMN SWDN at our Brooklyn location.
🎉 Hatchet Supply x Brooks
Friday, May 2nd, 6-9pm. 77 Atlantic Ave. Brookyn, NY
Come celebrate the return of the Brooks Cascadia 1 with us at Hatchet Supply. We'll have gifts for the first 50 attendees!
🛒 A.PRESSE Trunk Show at UNION LA
May 16-18, 2025. 11AM-8PM. 110 S La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036
Appointment Only
📚 Sam George Book Launch @ Pilgrim Surf + Supply
Thursday, May 8. 6:30PM. 33 Grand St. Brooklyn, NY
Join us for an unforgettable night with legendary surfer and storyteller Sam George! We’re celebrating the launch of “Child of Storms: A Surfing Memoir In Progress”. Come hear Sam share stories from a lifetime chasing waves around the world — from Waikiki to Malibu and beyond. Books will be available for purchase and signing.