The Material Review
Issue 010: Seiko in Space, Retail Resurgence, Trail Runners On Our Radar, More Investment Pieces and Our Favorite Fly Fishing Gear.
IN THE LOOP
Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the entire internet.
A relaunch for the Seiko that secretly went into space
“The brand has unveiled a new version of the chronograph astronaut William Pogue slipped into his pocket for a 1973 mission” [FT]
The Remarkable Story Behind Gucci's Seminal Horsebit Loafer
“…explore the equestrian roots of one very famous slip-on.” [Esquire]
Above Par
“The ritzy residents of Palm Beach usually play golf at their exclusive—and expensive—country clubs. Now they’re teeing up at a municipal course open to the public” [Air Mail]
The Small, Black-Owned Label Taking on the Big Brands in the Style Olympics
“Actively Black, the company that will be dressing Team Nigeria, has gold-medal-worthy ambitions.” [NYT]
The Stores Defining a New Era of Multi-Brand Retail
“As department stores and online giants struggle, a new generation of independent boutiques are carving out their own path for success. Often that means eschewing easy online sales, investing in brick-and-mortar offerings and taking a chance on emerging labels.” [BoF]
Flying into a Rage
“Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Buzz Bissinger is furious at airlines, mad at airports, and apoplectic about his fellow passengers not being as angry as he is” [Air Mail]
ACTION ITEMS
A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.
Altra Timp 5
Finisterre Walker Hybrid Shorts
Brother Brother Zip Rugby Shirt
CDLP 3 x Boxer Brief
Peak Design Ultralight Packing Cube
INVESTMENT PROSPECTUS
Items from our wishlist that skew towards the aspirational.
Crockett & Jones Boston Loafer
J. Mueser Navy Hopsack Blazer
Buzz Rickson’s Chambray Shirt
MAN-TLE R0P4
Leica Cine 1 Projector
SPOTLIGHT ON
Fly Fishing
Snow Peak Toned Trout 2Way River Shirt
Emerger Canvas Fishing Bag
Yakoda Supply Slim Fly Tin
Valtcan Titanium Canteen
Tilly Ultralight Sun Hat
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.
🎟️ Long Beach Antique Market
Sunday, July 21st 6:30am - 2:00pm. 4901 E Conant Street, Long Beach, CA 90808
General Admission (6:30am-2:00pm): $ 10.00, Early Admission: (5:30am-6:30am): $15.00
🛒 Mohawk General Store Summer Sale
In-store & online for a limited time. 4017 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029
🎫 Meridian Brothers at Glen Falls House
Thursday, July 18th 6:00pm. 230 Winter Clove Road, Round Top, New York 12473
Buy tickets here
🚴♂️ Summer performance wool is undefeated. Pinebury has it dialed on and off the bike. 🎯
The flying article is great. This line: “ It requires passengers to follow instructions, which as anyone who has flown will attest, is hopeless.” So true. I’d love to hear Coggins take on the article in a podcast.