In this episode of The Materialist, host Marc Bridge, founder and CEO of At Present, interviews Alexandra Mack, the visionary founder of Holiday on Madison.
Alexandra shares her journey from co-founding the jewelry brand Rebecca de Ravenel to creating a unique holiday retail experience that emphasizes discovery and curation of rare, artisan-crafted pieces.
They discuss the challenges and joys of finding and spotlighting unique items, the dynamics of their respective brands, and the importance of intentional shopping.
Alexandra provides insights into her curatorial process, her inspirations, and the special allure of Holiday on Madison. The conversation also explores the consumer behavior in high-end retail environments and the significance of storytelling in elevating the shopping experience.
Brands Highlighted by Alexandra Mack:
Emanuele Pantanella
A third-generation woodworking family from Rome, Emanuele Pantanella specializes in creating thoughtful, small-scale collections of handcrafted wooden objects. Alexandra highlights their unique wooden eggs, each symbolizing the beginning of life, as standout pieces in Holiday on Madison. These beautifully crafted items are designed for display on mantels or tables, blending artistry with storytelling.Marfala (Maria and Rafa Echeverri)
This creative duo operates a branding and design agency that has earned a reputation for creating immersive, multisensory experiences. From event activations to wedding design, their work incorporates elements like scent, texture, and atmosphere to bring concepts to life. Marfala handled the branding for Holiday on Madison (and Alexandra’s wedding!), blending thoughtful storytelling with elegant visuals.Esencial Hogar
Originally focused on textiles, Esencial Hogar has expanded into exquisite tabletop collections. Alexandra notes their standout silver-plated items, including tumblers, ice buckets, and carafes. These luxurious yet functional pieces make for ideal holiday gifts and exemplify the intersection of form and function in sophisticated design.
00:00 Introduction to The Materialist Podcast
00:33 Meet Alexandra Mack: Entrepreneurial Journey
03:18 The Birth of Holiday on Madison
04:35 Curating Unique Artisanal Pieces
05:34 The Jewelry Brand: Rebecca DiRavenel
07:43 Challenges and Successes in Jewelry Business
14:36 The Inspiration Behind Holiday on Madison
16:43 The Vision and Future of Holiday on Madison
29:26 Shopping Trends and Holiday Sales
31:23 The Concept of Seasonal Stores
33:06 The Importance of Unique Items
33:49 Customer Experience and Storytelling
35:39 The Upper East Side Shopping Scene
37:39 Personal Style and Inspirations
40:27 Featured Designers and Artisans
44:59 The Future of Retail and Designer Brands
50:07 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
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