The Material Review
Issue 078: America's Most Hated Car, Sidd Finch, Rolex Vs Smart Watch, The Waldorf Astoria, Uniqlo and Spotlight On: Coffee Table Books.
Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.
My Day Inside America’s Most Hated Car
“The Cybertruck is a 7,000-pound Rorschach test.” [The Atlantic]
The Curious Case Of Sidd Finch
“He's a pitcher, part yogi and part recluse. Impressively liberated from our opulent life-style, Sidd's deciding about yoga—and his future in baseball” [Sports Illustrated]
Is It Time to Trade My Rolex for a Smart Watch?
“When it comes to watches, they can tell you more than just the time, our critic says. Find out what yours is saying — whether it’s smart or analog.” [NYT]
The Fall—and Rise?—of the Waldorf Astoria
“Once host to U.S. presidents, the hotel may finally be reopening after eight troubled years” [Air Mail]
Uniqlo: Lost in Translation
“The Japanese fast retailer does almost everything right, with updated classics from top fashion talent at insane prices. But their online experience is still clumsy and dense, hamstrung by a digital divide between East and West. With hundreds of new stores opening in North America, will an e-commerce reboot be part of the expansion?” [Puck]
A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.
Gloverall Greenwell Anorak Jacket Royal Blue
Chatham Blanket: Blue Stripe Throw
Ettinger Capra Large Travel Pill Case
J. Press Cable Knit Crewneck Sweater
Kehai Clock
Coffee Table Books
Still Chasing Rainbows
75 Years of Atlantic Records
Georgia O'Keeffe and Her Houses
Houseplants
Fabric - the book
Nantucket - A Camera Impression
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 if you’re interested in buying an item in an upcoming issue. Price: $200 for four ads. Maximum 280 characters per ad.
🛒 Tony Shirtmakers in NYC
Saturday, April 5th: 12-7PM + Sunday, April 6th: 12-6PM. Ephemeral Showroom & Shop. 616 E. 9th St. NY, NY 10009.
We are bringing the entire showroom and dropping some new styles - including whipcord chore coats and moleskin shirt jackets. Sneak peeks on these styles to come.
🛒 Seconds Market SF
Saturday, April 5th. 10:00am – 3:00pm. 2266 California St (The Pink Building)
$2 per person
📖 David Coggins Book Signing @ Tom Beckbe
Thursday, April 3rd. 5:00-7:00PM. Tom Beckbe Birmingham Store. 2423 Canterbury Road. Birmingham, AL 35223
I fell for the Sidd Finch story hook, line & sinker when I read it in SI as a credulous junior high student
I’ll be selling at the Seconds Market in San Francisco. I’ll have made in USA suits, sport coats, chinos, and more. Hope to see some of you there!