The Material Review
Issue 081: Some Masters Reading, Ugly Websites Sell Better, Japanese Convenience Store Food, Revenge of the Niche Fashion Magazines and Spotlight On: Spa Day.
Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.
Inside the Cultish Dreamworld of Augusta National
“The home of the Masters Tournament is a prelapsarian golf paradise, combining good manners and Southern delights with exclusion and self-satisfaction.” [The New Yorker]
The Masters gnomes: From passing fad to valuable collectibles with staying power
Do Ugly Websites Sell Better? A Contrarian Look at Web Design and Conversion Rates
“The idea that ugly websites can sell better challenges traditional design principles, suggesting that authenticity and imperfection sometimes drive higher conversions.” [Web Designer Depot]
Want the coolest food in Japan? Head to the konbini
“The humble convenience store takes fast food to the next level” [FT]
The Revenge of the Niche Fashion Magazine
“Here are 10 of the freshest, most creative indie print magazines. Who’s driving the new interest? Is it sustainable?” [NYT]
A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.
Adsum Summer Jetty Jacket
L'ÉTIQUETTE MEN N°14
Pioneer Passport Wallet
Grand Seiko SLGC007 Tentagraph
Birkenstock Zürich
Thurston Power Wool Beanie
Spa Day
Dinosaur Hampton Grey Sauna Hat
Wonder Valley Seaweed Body Scrub
Sensi Regatta Slide Sandal
Hudson Sutler Newport Commuter Duffel
Kontex Moku Towel
Highly recommend L’etiquette