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An exploration of material culture with At Present Founder Marc Bridge.
Marc is a Materialist. He loves things -- the things artists make, the things we sell, the things we make part of our our lives.
But he was conflicted.
Why do things matter? Why do creative people dedicate their lives to crafting them? What does it mean to obsess about what we buy, wear, and put in our homes. Are we destroying our planet, our children, and ourselves through this obsession?
The Materialist Podcast is an exploration of this and so much more. Join us for conversations with the world's best jewelry designers, stylists, influencers, admirers, environmentalists, academics, and a bunch of just interesting people. atpresent.substack.com
Total 5 episodes
1
The Materialist : Jalil Johnson
What happens when bold choices meet impeccable taste? In this episode of The Materialist, I chat with Jalil Johnson, At Present’s Stylist in Residence and a true style trailblazer. From the creation of our Bold Collection to his love for jewelry history and a little “bad taste,” Jalil shares his unique approach to self-expression and storytelling through design. Join us for a fun, inspiring conversation about fashion, risk-taking, and the joy of objects that matter.A few of Jalil’s Favorite Things:Jalil Johnson : At Present BOLD Ring (The Jalil-tastic gold one)EliorRenato Cipullo”Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and and the Styling of Black Disaporic Identity” by Monica L. MillerParis is BurningHanni RazorJalil’s Gift Guide, Part IBernard JamesNew York Public Library 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
45:5022/11/2024
The Materialist : Pamela Love
On a beautiful October afternoon, Marc paid a visit to Pamela Love’s Santa Monica, CA home to chat design, filmmaking, company building, and the joy of 2 year olds. Amidst Halloween decorations (including Frankenstein’s monster in the front yard as seen above), balloons, and lollipops, Pamela shared how her mother’s begging led to her first job in jewelry, what it’s like to see random people wearing your pieces on the subway, and how gratified she is to be having fun again at work.Above: Pamela’s talismanic eye. She made this for herself as a reminder to keep her eyes open and attuned to what really matters.The eye alongside the woven pinky ring from her mother.The woven bracelet (available on layaway!).Among the many great makers Pamela referenced:FoundRaeMarla AaronHemmerleAna KhouriFernando GeorgeJARDavid WebbSusan BelperronFrancesco Clemente Studio Sam KlemickLucie Rie 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
51:3730/10/2024
The Materialist Meets Jacqui Getz
Fashion is fleeting, style is forever.Jacqui Getz retired after 35 years as a teacher and principal in the New York City Public Schools only to launch a new career as an Instagram influencer (@thedetailsofstyle), personal stylist, and passionate advocate for aging stylishly.We discuss sustainable fashion, why style matters, how what you wear should change as you get older, and why the most joy as an educator comes from confronting the confusion of the middle school years.In the episode she mentions loving sustainable fashion brands:Naomi NomiChristine AlcalayMinimalist NYC 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
36:4316/10/2024
The Materialist Meets Leya Kaufman
At Present Founder + CEO Marc Bridge (“The Materialist”) talked with style editor, jewelry aficionado, and content guru Leya Kaufman about her personal journey, the most meaningful things in her life, and the future of style media. This conversation was recorded during New York Fashion Week on 47th Street in the Diamond District, NYC.During each episode of The Materialist, our guests share some of their favorite designers, artists, and pieces. Herewith, please find some of the most interesting references from our episode with Leya Kaufman.Leya Kaufman (@kaufmom) with Marc Bridge (@marcbridge).Stuart Weitzman 5050 Soho BootsGiorgio Armani (Leya circa a few years ago in all black…with a twist)Dannijo JewelryJimmy Choo shoes with built in anklets (definitely worthy of a few more wears)Leya’s ring with her husband’s grandmother’s diamondWhite Chanel bag from Leya’s momVictorian era lockChristina Caruso Italian Links (worn as a bracelet)Danielle Gerber RingArielle Ratner Snake Serpent RingRuth NYHotels Above ParThe Exchange Project3 People You Should Know* Encirkled - Kate Freeman* Sharon Brand* Natalie Jacobson 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
45:2503/10/2024
The Materialist meets Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato
Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato are the Founders of Lizzie Fortunato, one of our favorite fashion jewelry brands. These twin-sisters began creating unique jewelry in their dorm room at Duke University and the brand began officially in 2008 when Kathryn, then working as a banker at Goldman Sachs, gave sister Lizzie her $10,000 annual bonus check to launch the business.Over the last 16 years, they’ve grown from a small office on the Lower East Side into a national jewelry brand whose seasonal launches are anticipated by jewelry lovers everywhere. 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
54:5517/09/2024