The Material Review
Issue 023: Hitting The Road in L.L. Bean's Bootmobile, Alain Delon: Godfather of the Trench, German Army Trainers and a Q&A with Miles Fisher.
Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.
A Shoe That Goes 65 M.P.H.
“Hitting the road for a trip from Maine to Massachusetts in a giant boot on wheels.” [NYT]
Are Bookstores Just a Waste of Space?
“In the online era, brick-and-mortar book retailers have been forced to redefine themselves.” [New Yorker]
Alain Delon, Godfather of the Belted Trench
“As a titan of French cinema, he dressed the part, even when playing a killer.” [NYT]
Why Everyone Wants This Super-Quiet Sneaker in 2024
“German Army Trainers, a unisex, decades-old style, have roared back into fashion. A primer on the classic, versatile design—and where to find it.” [WSJ]
Off the Grid, Extremely Online
“In corners of the internet — and in wooded, undeveloped parts of the country — young men are documenting their efforts to to live off the land.” [NYT]
A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.
Noah Striped Donegal Shaker Sweater
Maximum Henry Albert + MH Slim Belt
Corridor Ripple Shirt
Patagonia Black Hole MLC Cube
PennBilt Authentic Chino
A weekly Q&A with friends of the program centered around buying intelligence.
Miles Fisher is an entreprenuer, social media sensation and a man of admirable taste. We spoke with him about Austrian sport coats, the best lunch experience, working out while traveling and his (robust) media diet.
What’s a memorable recent purchase you’ve made?
Let's see - you know, I often wear sports coats. Almost always, it's the traditional cut of a blazer. But I've always liked the rustic look of the Austrian trachten janker. It's a functional design that goes back to the late middle ages but can look smart and contemporary with jeans and a button down. Being in LA, however, I always thought the traditional Loden wool they're made from was a no-go for our warm weather.
I was in Bavaria, Germany earlier this summer and spotted a few made by Poldi, a posh label started founded by Prince Bayern of Munich. I picked up two, one in a silk blend and the other in linen which I get a lot of use out of. (See Photo)
What's your all time favorite lunch experience?
When I was in college, my buddies and I would have lunch everyday at one long table. You'd simply sit down in the order you walked into the room, talking to the person on your right, left and across the table about everything and nothing at the same time. These were my favorite lunches.
There are a few clubs around the world who maintain this tradition - The Beefsteak in London, Circulo de Armas in Buenos Aires, Norske Selskab in Oslo, The Brook in NYC, Prestwick in Scotland, Circolo della Caccia in Rome, The Alibi Club in DC. I find the conversation always lively and tradition charming. You never know who you'll run into and where the topics will take you.
How do you work out when traveling?
Diet and long walks. They say 'abs are made in the kitchen' so when I travel, I try to eat fairly healthy - no sugar, lean foods - and hope to slim down a few lbs away from the grazing I normally do at home with two young kids always snacking around the house. No matter what city I'm in, I'll throw on a pair of APL sneakers and try to walk 8 miles or so daily around a city listening to podcasts.
ID your carry-on bag?
Never check your luggage - the downsides are so much greater than the upsides! My go to combo is a Rimowa Essential on wheels and a Yeti Crossroads backpack that securely slips onto the handle of the Rimowa for each passage. That combo fits as carry-on and has traversed the globe with me.
What is something you’ve had your eye on?
Nick Templeman was the head last maker for John Lobb in London for many years before setting out on his own to create bespoke shoes. An exceptional artist and lovely man, I'm keen to have him make me a pair of suede loafers. He just moved from the UK to Vancouver, making his prices and the requisite multiple fittings a bit more reasonable.
What are you reading / what do you subscribe to?
I read the news in print - it keeps my mind calm to only spend 20 minutes each morning reading over most of what matters in the world instead of being bombarded throughout the day with push notifications. Wall Street Journal on weekdays and the Financial Times on Saturday.
I find the best value in media comes from Podcasts. Long form, nuanced interviews and conversations light up my brain. I consume every episode of these shows.
The Prof G Pod & Markets with Scott Galloway
1 thought and 1 question:
1. The Margiela German army trainers are really the way to go here. Normally the original/authentic version is best, but the MMM ones have a better shape than any of the originals or other reproductions.
2. Michael, do you have a recommended Rimowa carryon? I’d like to get my wife one and I’m too lazy to chase down a pre-LVMH one on eBay or wherever.
Question: “Never check your luggage,” or is the link incorrect, “ESSENTIAL Check-In M”? It's a great interview; I'm just curious. More power to you, but I can’t imagine United letting that fly. Thank you!