The Material Review
Issue 157: Charvet, Hotel Sell Outs, Underwear Bros, Airplane Economics, Pen Extinction, Self-driving Tech and Spotlight On: The Good Liver.
Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.
The Cult of Charvet
“A collaboration with Chanel highlighted the Paris shirtmaker’s unique appeal. Six clients talk about their long relationships with the shop.” [NYT]
Checking In, Selling Out
“From the Cotswolds to Lake Como, even the most under-the-radar boutique hotels are being swept up in the Marriott-Hyatt-Hilton industrial complex” [Air Mail]
Health-Obsessed Bros Have a New Thing to Hate: Their Underwear
“Men are switching to underwear made from natural fibers after becoming concerned polyester pairs were harming their fertility, hormones and general health” [WSJ]
Want to understand the K-shaped economy? Go fly on an airplane
[CNN]
Pens have gone extinct
“A meditation on the slow, human work of writing” [The Spectator]
Seeing Like a Sedan
“Waymos and Cybercabs see the world through very different sensors. Which technology wins out will determine the future of self-driving vehicles.” [Asterisk]
A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.
August Special Voyager
Tellason Clampdown Turquoise Plaid Flannel Shirt
Snow Peak Down System Ofuton & Slim Mat
Outerknown Blanket Snap Popover
nanamica Silk Nep Cotton Twill Deck Pants
S.E.H Kelly Crewneck Jumper
The Good Liver
Tin Box - Brass
Usuhari Pilsner Glass
Bamboo Chopsticks with Knob
Bird Call - Cuckoo
Red Cypress Wine Cooler
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.
✈️ Topo Designs Global Pro Travel Series - Now Live
The Global Pro Series is a refined carry system built for people who move fluidly between work, travel, and the outdoors. With upgraded dual-ripstop fabrics, weatherproof zippers, and modular design, it’s structured for the office, durable for dirt roads, and built to move.
🎉 Engineered Garments x Howlin NYC Launch Event
Wednesday - Jan 28th. 6 PM to 9 PM. Nepenthes New York 307 W 38th St