The Material Review
Issue 045: JanSport's Legacy, The Broken Promise of USB-C, Quincy Jones, Laundry Symbols and A Spotlight On imogene + willie.
Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.
Murray McCory, 80, Dies; JanSport Founder Created the School Backpack
“He brought lightweight packs to millions of students and transformed the way they carried their textbooks to school.” [NYT]
The Broken Promise of USB-C
“We’ll never get a universal cable.” [The Atlantic]
Why do people queue up outside luxury stores?
For brands, controlling footfall improves security, creates an air of exclusivity and weeds out casual shoppers [FT]
Quincy Jones Had Something for Everyone
“The music superproducer knew that if you have to find your way to a kind of telepathy with an artist, operating as one mind, you can’t speed past the human element.” [The New Yorker]
What Those Laundry Symbols on Your Clothes Really Mean
“No, those aren’t hieroglyphics.” [Gear Patrol]
A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.
Mariner Jacket Light Indigo
Brady Bags Ariel Trout
Front General Store 3-Pack Heavyweight T-shirts
New Balance x END 475
The Anthology Moleskin Civilman Trousers
imogene + willie
Oliver Military Trouser in Jaspe Twill
The Sawtooth Pearl Snap
Henry Telluride
the wakefield hoodie
“Friend of Mine” Graphic Tee
boot sock in umber
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.
🏨 Hiring! Head Men’s Buyer for Luxury Hotel Group
Recruiting a head men’s buyer for collection of incredible properties including: Four Seasons Maui, Hualalai, Vail and Naples Beach Club, among others. Setting a new standard for curation and collaborations in hotel retail.
Send all resumes to Jillian.McAndrews@fourseasons.com
🛒 Good Form Vintage at Wythe NYC
Friday, Nov. 8 - Sunday, Nov 10. 11AM - 7PM. 59 Orchard St. New York, NY 10002
🥂 Standard & Strange 12th Anniversary Party
Friday, Nov. 8, 6PM-9PM. 755 Hearst Ave. Berkeley, CA 94710