Mary Randolph Carter (Carter) - Author & Creative Director, Ralph Lauren
Explicit content warning
04/23/25 • 60 min
Today, I’m thrilled to sit down once again with the legendary Mary Randolph Carter—better known simply as Carter. She’s a long time Creative Director at Ralph Lauren, an author of ten on all things collecting books, and a lifelong champion of the beauty in imperfection.
In our last conversation, we explored her passion for what she lovingly calls “junk”—objects with history, personality, and a story to tell. This time, we dive even deeper, discussing her newest book, Live With The Things You Love and You’ll Live Happily Ever After, which celebrates the art of surrounding yourself with meaningful objects and the way they shape our homes, our memories, and even our identities.
We talk about her philosophy on collecting, the emotional weight we attach to objects, and the unexpected ways people incorporate their collections into their lives. We also touch on her work at Ralph Lauren and how her world of fashion, design, and collecting intersect.
She’s a storyteller at heart and it will certainly not be the last time you hear from her. So without further adieu, this is Mary Randolph Carter, aka Carter, for Collectors Gene Radio.
Carter's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carterjunk/?hl=en
Live With The Things You Love - https://www.amazon.com/Live-Things-You-Love-Happily/dp/084784398X
Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner
Collectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com
Today, I’m thrilled to sit down once again with the legendary Mary Randolph Carter—better known simply as Carter. She’s a long time Creative Director at Ralph Lauren, an author of ten on all things collecting books, and a lifelong champion of the beauty in imperfection.
In our last conversation, we explored her passion for what she lovingly calls “junk”—objects with history, personality, and a story to tell. This time, we dive even deeper, discussing her newest book, Live With The Things You Love and You’ll Live Happily Ever After, which celebrates the art of surrounding yourself with meaningful objects and the way they shape our homes, our memories, and even our identities.
We talk about her philosophy on collecting, the emotional weight we attach to objects, and the unexpected ways people incorporate their collections into their lives. We also touch on her work at Ralph Lauren and how her world of fashion, design, and collecting intersect.
She’s a storyteller at heart and it will certainly not be the last time you hear from her. So without further adieu, this is Mary Randolph Carter, aka Carter, for Collectors Gene Radio.
Carter's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carterjunk/?hl=en
Live With The Things You Love - https://www.amazon.com/Live-Things-You-Love-Happily/dp/084784398X
Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner
Collectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com
Previous Episode
Barry Bordelon & Jordan Slocum - The Brownstone Boys
Today I’m joined by the dynamic duo behind The Brownstone Boys—Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum. Known for their thoughtful restorations and their deep respect for architectural heritage, Barry and Jordan have built a design practice rooted in restoration, storytelling, and heart.
What began with the renovation of their own Brooklyn brownstone sparked a passion for salvaging and preserving historic elements—everything from forgotten chandeliers to painted-over hardware. Since then, they've become celebrated voices in the world of preservation and design, known for breathing new life into old spaces while honoring the soul of what came before.
Along the way, they’ve built an impressive roster of clients that includes names like Kerry Washington, Athena Calderone, and Peloton’s Anna Greenberg, and they’ve cultivated a devoted community through their blog, Instagram, and their book, For the Love of Renovating.
We explore their emotional connection to the pieces they collect, the thrill of discovery, and the belief that sometimes the most meaningful design begins with what’s already there—hidden behind the walls, in the attic, and beneath the floorboards.
So please enjoy, this is Barry & Jordan, The Brownstone Boys, for Collectors Gene Radio.
The Brownstone Boys - https://thebrownstoneboys.com/
Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner
Collectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com
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