The Material Review
Issue 074: Saving the World’s Most Endangered Wolf, Ancient Blue Dyes, VW Brings Back Knobs and Buttons, An Unlikely Retail Concept in Lower Manhattan and Spotlight On: Outdoor Cooking.
Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.
Inside the Fight to Save the World’s Most Endangered Wolf
“Once, the red wolf roamed every Southern state. Today, only seventeen remain in the wild on a swampy peninsula in Eastern North Carolina, a number on the rise thanks to the passionate team of biologists determined to help them thrive once more” [Garden & Gun]
A Modern Tale of an Old Blue Dye
“Denise Lambert has spent decades rediscovering woad — and coping with blue hands.” [NYT]
Why You’ll Want a ‘Listening Room,’ Designed to Help You Put Down Your Phone
“Music-focused rooms at home are helping more people detach from their devices.” [WSJ]
Volkswagen realizes touchscreens were a mistake, so it’s bringing back knobs and buttons
“It’s not a phone, it’s a car.” [Fast Company]
Can a French department store do it better?
“Printemps is bringing an unlikely retail concept to an art deco landmark in lower Manhattan” [FT]
A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.
Norda 005
Outerknown Blanket Snap Popover
Stanley K Boot Lightweight Work Sock
Todd Snyder Cropped Sea Soft Irish Linen Camp Collar Shirt
Mister Freedom “Wildcat” Zip Jacket
Outdoor Cooking
Made In Carbon Steel Grill Frying Pan
Gozney Arc XL
Field Company Leather Oven Mits
Weber Searwood Pellet Grill
Steele Canvas x Lamson Grill Set
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.
🛍️ BEAMS Los Angeles Pop-Up
Open Now through April 6. Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM | Sun 12PM-6PM. 620 Imperial St. Downtown LA.
🎉 Dirty Water x Throwing Fits @ Scarr’s Pizza
Thursday, March 20th, 6:30-9:30pm 35 Orchard St. NYC
🛍️ L.L. Bean Japan Collection Pop-Up
Friday, April 11 - Sunday, April 13. 96 North 5th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249
🛍️ Sid Mashburn: On The Road Spring 2025
Sid Mashburn’s traveling men’s shop has a slew of new dates for spring.
We are currently building a new house from the ground up and it includes a listening room. I feel fancy. Great selections as always, thanks for these posts.
Love seeing the article from G&G. I've been a subscriber for years.