The Materialist : A Podcast from At Present

“You may not have heard of Ali Pew, but you are probably — indirectly — wearing something she told you to,”— Harriet Walker, the fashion editor of The Times of LondonAli Pew, stylist, creative director, and creator of the influential newsletter Uniform, joins The Materialist to unpack the power of intentionality in personal style and curating life's meaningful objects. Ali shares her career journey from Conde Nast Traveler and W Magazine to Goop, offering insightful perspectives on how editorial fashion translates into real-world dressing. Our conversation spans the California wellness scene ($18 smoothies!), the art of finding timeless wardrobe essentials, and the evolving landscape of digital media and fashion.Ali thoughtfully explores her philosophy around building a lasting wardrobe, emphasizing quality, versatility, and emotional resonance. She highlights her favorite fashion houses and designers—including Phoebe Philo, Proenza Schouler, JW Anderson, Prada, Maria McManus, High Sport, and Peter Mulier at Alaïa. Ali also discusses how jewelry uniquely captures sentimental value, noting standout brands such as Cartier, Sherman Field, Tabayer, Kloto, and the thoughtful curation at At Present.Tune in for Ali's reflections on navigating the ever-changing fashion landscape, why certain pieces feel truly indispensable, and how the objects we choose to surround ourselves with shape our personal narratives and sense of identity.Ali Pew with At Present Stylist-in-Residence Jalil Johnson and Booth MooreHotel Bel-Air, March 27, 2025 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atpresent.substack.com

In the latest episode of The Materialist, I sit down with the brilliant Sally Morrison, a leading voice in the diamond world who spent decades shaping De Beers' iconic story. Together, we unpack how natural diamonds are evolving amidst the rise of lab-grown alternatives, changing generational attitudes toward commitment, and the shifting ways we define luxury.Episode Highlights:* How the diamond dream is adapting for younger consumers who value the authenticity of their journey rather than traditional notions of “forever.”* Why “quiet luxury” is replacing flashy status symbols, and what this means for the future of natural diamonds.* The creative potential and distinct emotional appeal of lab-grown diamonds.We also spotlight emerging jewelry designers Sally admires, each bringing something uniquely powerful to the jewelry world:* Lorraine West: Bridging fine and fashion jewelry with authenticity and bold creativity.* KhirY (Jameel Mohammed): Supported by Tiffany & Co., redefining modern elegance with cultural resonance.* Castro Smith: Reviving the ancient art of engraving with intricate storytelling and craftsmanship.Why Listen:This is a conversation about why we choose the objects we love and how the meanings we assign to them are shifting faster than ever. It's essential listening for anyone interested in the nuanced future of luxury, diamonds, and personal style. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atpresent.substack.com

In this conversation, Ben Gilbert, co-host of Acquired and former venture capitalist, dives into the world of luxury branding and the deeper meanings we attach to our possessions. He distinguishes between luxury and premium items, exploring why people splurge on high-end handbags. The discussion includes the 'Rolex Effect,' illustrating how brands like Rolex shape entire categories. Ben also tackles the impact of lab-grown diamonds on desirability and emphasizes storytelling as essential for brand longevity and consumer trust.

Marc Bridge with Fern Mallis, The Hotel Chelsea, February 10, 2025In this special New York Fashion Week episode of The Materialist, Marc sits down with the legendary Fern Mallis, the architect of New York Fashion Week and a lifelong champion of independent designers. We discuss the origins of Fashion Week, the evolving landscape of American fashion, and the challenges facing young designers today. Fern also shares her passion for jewelry—how it tells a story, carries emotional weight, and serves as both personal expression and historical artifact. She highlights the work of designers past and present, from icons like Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Tommy Hilfiger to rising talents like Tanner Fletcher, Collina Strada, and Anna Pierce. She also praises Alexis Bittar’s bold jewelry vision and reflects on her deep connection to Solange Azagury-Partridge’s designs, as well as the breathtaking craftsmanship of Indian jeweler Sabyasachi. With her signature wit and wisdom, Fern offers a masterclass in style, business, and the art of collecting. Whether you’re a fashion devotee, a jewelry lover, or just curious about the mechanics of cultural influence, this conversation is a must-listen. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atpresent.substack.com

Marc Bridge and Christina Caruso, The Carlyle Hotel, January 16, 2025What does it take to make a career in jewelry—one that spans Sex and the City, Banana Republic, QVC, and a successful independent brand? Designer Christina Caruso joins The Materialist to share her fascinating journey from Parsons to corporate fashion and back to forging her own path.We talk about:✨ A chance encounter with Patricia Field that landed her designs on Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City✨ The highs and lows of the corporate fashion machine—and what it taught her about scaling a business✨ Getting knocked off by Zara (and learning to take it as a compliment)✨ The power of bold jewelry—why statement pieces matter and how they become heirlooms✨ Rebuilding a brand during COVID, with a focus on craftsmanship, sustainability, and New York City productionChristina’s energy is infectious, her storytelling is vivid, and her pieces are designed to make an impact. Plus, we talk about men in jewelry, vintage inspiration, and why sometimes the best ideas come from a lampshade at The Carlyle.💎 Shop Christina Caruso This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atpresent.substack.com

In this chat, Heather Hurst, a stylist, writer, and content creator known for her eye for vintage style, reflects on her unique path from public health to collecting. She shares her fascination with objects and materialism, highlighting emotional connections to a lost turquoise ring and her charm collection as talismans. Heather discusses the evolving nature of her personal style and how modern platforms shape career opportunities. She also imagines a museum showcasing the emotions behind her cherished objects, blending sentiment with creativity.

This week on The Materialist, Superstar publicist and New York IT Girl Gabrielle Katz takes center stage in a lively discussion with At Present Founder Marc Bridge about her journey in fashion PR, the evolving industry, and the joy of being a thoughtful materialist. As the founder of Accent Projects, Gabrielle has collaborated with some of fashion’s most iconic brands, including Oscar de la Renta, St. John, and Edie Parker.Gabby rocking the At Present : Jalil Johnson BOLD BraceletIn this episode, Gabrielle reflects on her early love of fashion, inspired by family legacies and her obsession with red sparkly shoes as a child. She shares her thoughts on the thrill of research-driven shopping and the meaning behind brands like Totême, Celine, and The Row.Highlights from the conversation include:* The Row and Totême: Why thoughtful shopping—filled with research and patience—is more rewarding than fast fashion trends.* Behind-the-scenes moments at Oscar de la Renta: From early mornings in the office to understanding house codes, Gabrielle details the lessons that shaped her career.* A bold collaboration: How St. John and Edie Parker created a tweed cannabis clutch that merged classic luxury with modern fun.* Emerging brands to watch: Gabrielle’s picks include London jewelry designer Lucy Delius, Milanese staple Slowear, and DTC favorite Aligne.The conversation also dives into the challenges and opportunities of modern PR, the rise of influencer culture, and why thoughtful materialism is about appreciating the meaning behind what we wear and share.This episode is a must-listen for fashion enthusiasts, brand-builders, and anyone curious about how legacy brands adapt to modern trends. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atpresent.substack.com

In this episode of The Materialist, host Marc Bridge, founder and CEO of At Present, interviews Alexandra Mack, the visionary founder of Holiday on Madison. Alexandra shares her journey from co-founding the jewelry brand Rebecca de Ravenel to creating a unique holiday retail experience that emphasizes discovery and curation of rare, artisan-crafted pieces. They discuss the challenges and joys of finding and spotlighting unique items, the dynamics of their respective brands, and the importance of intentional shopping. Alexandra provides insights into her curatorial process, her inspirations, and the special allure of Holiday on Madison. The conversation also explores the consumer behavior in high-end retail environments and the significance of storytelling in elevating the shopping experience.Brands Highlighted by Alexandra Mack:* Emanuele PantanellaA third-generation woodworking family from Rome, Emanuele Pantanella specializes in creating thoughtful, small-scale collections of handcrafted wooden objects. Alexandra highlights their unique wooden eggs, each symbolizing the beginning of life, as standout pieces in Holiday on Madison. These beautifully crafted items are designed for display on mantels or tables, blending artistry with storytelling.* Marfala (Maria and Rafa Echeverri)This creative duo operates a branding and design agency that has earned a reputation for creating immersive, multisensory experiences. From event activations to wedding design, their work incorporates elements like scent, texture, and atmosphere to bring concepts to life. Marfala handled the branding for Holiday on Madison (and Alexandra’s wedding!), blending thoughtful storytelling with elegant visuals.* Esencial HogarOriginally focused on textiles, Esencial Hogar has expanded into exquisite tabletop collections. Alexandra notes their standout silver-plated items, including tumblers, ice buckets, and carafes. These luxurious yet functional pieces make for ideal holiday gifts and exemplify the intersection of form and function in sophisticated design.00:00 Introduction to The Materialist Podcast00:33 Meet Alexandra Mack: Entrepreneurial Journey03:18 The Birth of Holiday on Madison04:35 Curating Unique Artisanal Pieces05:34 The Jewelry Brand: Rebecca DiRavenel07:43 Challenges and Successes in Jewelry Business14:36 The Inspiration Behind Holiday on Madison16:43 The Vision and Future of Holiday on Madison29:26 Shopping Trends and Holiday Sales31:23 The Concept of Seasonal Stores33:06 The Importance of Unique Items33:49 Customer Experience and Storytelling35:39 The Upper East Side Shopping Scene37:39 Personal Style and Inspirations40:27 Featured Designers and Artisans44:59 The Future of Retail and Designer Brands50:07 Final Thoughts and Recommendations This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atpresent.substack.com

In this special live-recorded episode of The Materialist, Marc Bridge sits down with three extraordinary guests at Parcelle in NYC to delve into the artistry and meaning behind jewelry. Adam Shulman and Heidi Nahser Fink, the creative minds behind James Banks Design, share their journey of crafting pieces that tell deeply personal stories and "sing" when they’re ready to connect with the world. Editor and curator Will Kahn (@willsnotebook) offers his insights into the evolving world of independent jewelry and the enduring allure of pieces that transcend trends.Together, the group explores why jewelry matters, how it connects generations, and the balance between timeless craftsmanship and modern innovation. The conversation is peppered with personal anecdotes, including Adam's family-inspired storytelling, Heidi's dedication to perfecting each piece by hand, and Will’s curatorial eye for what’s fresh and meaningful. They also highlight three names to watch: Bernard James, whose modern yet personal designs bring diamonds to life; Loren Nicole, an artisan creating archeological-inspired 22-karat treasures; and Judy Geib, whose inventive, bench-crafted pieces embody true artistry.Don’t miss this inspiring episode, which also celebrates the debut of the Vault Collection from James Banks Design—a stunning evolution of their signature work. Whether you’re a jewelry lover, a design enthusiast, or simply curious about the stories behind the things we cherish, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the heart of material culture. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atpresent.substack.com

In the latest episode of The Materialist, Marc Bridge sits down with Mirta de Gisbert, a jewelry consultant and gemologist whose life and work are deeply intertwined with the stories behind every piece she encounters.From her multicultural upbringing in Spain and South Africa to her deeply personal connection to family heirlooms, Mirta shares how jewelry transcends adornment to become a medium of memory, empowerment, and legacy.Highlights from the episode include:* The story behind Mirta’s most treasured piece—a Himba bracelet made of PVC. (Below in white)* How her father’s work as a metal trader sparked her lifelong fascination with gemstones and minerals. See the “rock collection” from her childhood below.* Why she designed the “Kupula” ring and what it means to wear her own creations.* Her philosophy on helping clients find jewelry that resonates deeply and personally.* The rising interest in vintage and antique jewelry among younger collectors.Whether you’re a jewelry enthusiast or simply curious about the stories that objects can tell, this episode offers a deeply human and inspiring perspective on the art of adornment.Mirta highlighted three very cool things more people should know about. They were:* Alessandro Florio* Who: Sicilian tattoo artist turned painter.* Why: His art features captivating colors and emotional depth that resonate deeply with Mirta.* What to Explore: His vibrant and evocative paintings.* Casa Chiqui* Who: A boutique in Cartagena, Colombia, showcasing treasures from around the globe.* Why: Mirta loves their curated collection of unique pieces, including her own pair of red pom earrings that she says make her feel instantly confident.* What to Explore: Their eclectic mix of jewelry, decor, and accessories.* The Nod* Who: An online magazine focused on contemporary stories through an Indian lens.* Why: Mirta admires their thoughtful storytelling and insights on culture, fashion, and design.* What to Explore: Their blend of modern narratives and cultural depth. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atpresent.substack.com