The Grand Tourist with Dan Rubinstein

London- and New York–based designer Martin Brudnizki has added a wonderful dose of whimsy, color, pattern, and sophistication to some of the best hotels, private clubs, restaurants, and private homes around the world. On this episode, Dan speaks with the Swedish expat on his breakthrough projects like The Ivy, whether or not the naturalized British citizen is a true monarchist, his fears of international beige, and his one bit of advice to any young designer.

For years, one space in New York’s SoHo neighborhood was considered hallowed ground for lovers of design: Moss. It mixed high and low, introduced radical new talents to the industry, was beloved by the media, and changed the conversation and level of expectations forever. On this episode, Dan speaks with its founder, Murray Moss, on how it all happened, his first career in fashion, living with Parkinson’s, and the one thing he loves in his collection that’s absolutely worthless.

With the natural world as his muse, acclaimed painter Walton Ford brings wild tales to life in resplendent color and drama. Celebrating an expansive show of his studies at New York’s legendary Morgan Library & Museum, the artist speaks with Dan about his humble beginnings in the art world, getting discovered by the late Paul Kasmin, his frequent comparisons to John James Audubon, how he conceives his highly imaginative works, and why the legend of King Kong isn’t the story you think it is.

One of the most influential editors of her generation, Linda Wells transformed how we view the world of beauty and wellness. After decades at Allure magazine as its founding editor, she went on to launch a new label at Revlon, and she is now the editor of Air Mail Look, a beauty spin-off from the popular newsletter start-up from Graydon Carter. On this episode, Dan speaks with the enterprising journalist on her days as an assistant at Vogue, how she faced criticism and mansplaining when launching Allure, her thoughts about Ozempic, and much more.

Artist and filmmaker Alex Prager is one of the most exciting photographers of her generation. She creates dramatic and nostalgic works that embody the best of film and cinematic culture and that speak to universal themes of love, loss, fear, and transcendence. On this episode, Dan speaks with the self-taught dynamo (represented by Lehmann Maupin) about how she got started, her upcoming first feature film, and her heartfelt advice to anyone who’s ever thought about picking up a camera. 

Few interior designers have reached the heights of Kelly Wearstler. In the past 20 years, she’s gone from an L.A. upstart to a major force in the world of design. On this episode, Dan speaks with design’s leading lady on how she got started, her rapidly expanding experiments with AI, how she manages her growing empire, and much more.

The late legendary French couple Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne worked separately but exhibited under the family name: Les Lalanne. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of their first show together, New York’s Kasmin gallery has staged an incredible show with rare, often fantastical pieces. On this special episode, Dan speaks with guest curator Paul B. Franklin about the legacy of this dynamic duo.

Milan Design Week is the most exciting time of year in design. On this special episode sponsored by Kartell, Dan reports from the Salone del Mobile fair to catch up with a quintet of industry powerhouses: Lorenza Luti, Philippe Starck, Piero Lissoni, Patricia Urquiola, and Roberto Palomba. Up for discussion is everything from the first designs made using artificial intelligence, the impact of sustainable materials on design, and the perfect place in the dynamic metropolis to find some peace and quiet.