The Material Review
Issue 048: The Belgian Shoe Boom, How Sleep Became a Business, Tariffs, Inside Nike HQ and a Spotlight On: Made in the UK.
Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.
The Belgian Shoes Boom
“A new generation of shoemakers—and customers—is bringing fresh meaning to an old status symbol” [Air Mail]
How Good Sleep Became a Business
“Sleep is a universal human need, but there’s no universal solution to struggling with it.” [The Atlantic]
Our Driverless Cars Are More Human Than Ever
Inside Nike, Oregon USA
The Fashion World Fears High Tariffs
“President-elect Donald J. Trump has threatened a tax of at least 60 percent on goods from China — a move with the potential to decimate small American brands.” [NYT]
How Designer Billy Reid Brings the Menswear World to Alabama
“With his recent Shindig Revival and a new business acquisition, the beloved Southern designer continues to make his mark on fashion—just in time for your fall wardrobe refresh.” [Robb Report]
A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.
Carter Young Arch Denim Jacket
Madewell Insulated Workwear Jacket
Freeman Weathervane Flannel
R.M. Williams Farrier Washbag
Made in UK
Carrier Company Yorkshire Wool Striped Jacket
Bennett Winch S.C. Holdall
Sunspel Textured Waffle Hat
Farlows Moleskin Trousers
S.E.H Kelly Oxford Shirt
Curious to hear thoughts generally on how potential tariffs can encourage these clothiers to move operations back stateside. We all reminisce “vintage” RL, Filson, and LL Bean products that were made in USA — can we ever go back to this?