Collectors Gene Radio: Episode Summary Featuring Mary Randolph Carter
Release Date: April 23, 2025
Host: Cameron Ross Steiner
Guest: Mary Randolph Carter (Carter) - Author & Creative Director, Ralph Lauren
Podcast Title: Collectors Gene Radio
Introduction
In this enlightening episode of Collectors Gene Radio, host Cameron Ross Steiner welcomes back the esteemed Mary Randolph Carter, affectionately known as Carter. A seasoned creative director at Ralph Lauren and author of ten books centered around the art of collecting, Carter delves deep into her philosophies, experiences, and the emotional tapestry woven through her collections.
Journey into Collecting
The Magical Dollhouse Discovery
Carter's passion for collecting was ignited by a serendipitous encounter during her tenure at Bonnie Bell. While on a business trip to Cleveland, she stumbled upon an antique shop where she found her cherished dollhouse—a relic from her childhood lost in a fire.
Mary Randolph Carter [00:00]: “If you have a place for it in your heart, you'll find a place for it in your home. That's kind of the way I've always been.”
This poignant moment not only rekindled her love for collecting but also underscored the profound connection between personal history and treasured objects.
Cameron's Reflection
Cameron [05:27]: “Every collector has experienced this, and, you know, something catches your eye and you say, I just have to have this.”
Transition to Ralph Lauren
After a fruitful career in magazine editing, including ten years at Self Magazine, Carter received an unexpected invitation to join Ralph Lauren. Initially hesitant, she met with Ralph Lauren himself, leading to a harmonious collaboration spanning nearly four decades.
Mary Randolph Carter [10:01]: “He is incredibly curious, still is. And just wanted to know. It was you know, it was all about me.”
This collaboration not only enriched her professional journey but also deepened her personal connection to the world of fashion and design.
Authorship and Storytelling
Carter's literary contributions revolve around the beauty of imperfection and the meaningfulness of surrounding oneself with beloved objects. Her latest book, "Live with the Things You Love and You'll Live Happily Ever After," encapsulates these themes, celebrating how personal treasures shape our homes, memories, and identities.
Collaborative Efforts with Her Son
Carter highlights the special collaboration with her son, who handles the photography for her books. This partnership has elevated her storytelling, allowing her to focus on capturing the essence of each collector's unique narrative.
Mary Randolph Carter [13:24]: “It's been amazing. And I have another son, you know.”
Philosophy on Collecting
Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder
Carter emphasizes that the value of objects lies not in their monetary worth but in the joy and memories they evoke. Her transformation from appreciating high-value American folk art to finding beauty in everyday "junk" exemplifies her inclusive approach to collecting.
Mary Randolph Carter [15:13]: “I have to make up a story about who is this person and why did they paint this picture.”
Emotional Connections to Objects
Objects serve as vessels of memory and emotion. For instance, Carter treasures a George Washington coin bank gifted by her father, symbolizing familial bonds and cherished moments.
Mary Randolph Carter [25:21]: “So when I look at him, of course, I think of my father.”
Integrating Collections into Home and Life
Carter offers insightful advice on harmoniously blending collections into living spaces without succumbing to clutter. She advocates for displaying beloved items openly, ensuring they contribute to the home's ambiance rather than detract from it.
Practical Tips
- Open Shelving: Utilizes open shelves to showcase favorite items like polka dot tea sets, allowing them to be admired daily.
- Repurposing Objects: Incorporates items in unconventional ways, such as using a vintage pickup truck as a centerpiece in the kitchen island, adorned with flowers and candles.
Mary Randolph Carter [37:04]: “I just love the idea of mixing things. You can have a very modern chair, but throw a beautiful old textile blanket over it.”
Emotional Weight and Letting Go
While Carter champions surrounding oneself with meaningful objects, she acknowledges the importance of balance. Over-accumulation can dilute the emotional significance of individual items. She shares personal anecdotes about the challenges of decluttering while preserving cherished memories.
Mary Randolph Carter [45:42]: “I do have a little discount, you know…”
Intersection with Ralph Lauren
Carter's role at Ralph Lauren seamlessly intertwines with her collecting ethos. She admires Ralph's instinct for blending old and new, embodying a love for items that age gracefully. This synergy influences her approach to both her professional projects and personal collections.
Mary Randolph Carter [48:13]: “It definitely does overlap in some ways… there's definitely been overlap.”
Collector's Gene Rundown
1. What's the one that got away?
Carter reminisces about a velvet painting of Elvis she regretted not purchasing, highlighting the bittersweet nature of missed opportunities in collecting.
Mary Randolph Carter [56:15]: “I think I told you that the one that got away was that velvet painting of Elvis.”
2. What's on deck?
With two young grandchildren, Carter is keen on collecting beautiful old children's books to enrich their libraries, fostering a love for storytelling and history.
Mary Randolph Carter [56:27]: “I'm definitely a fan of Stevenson.”
3. The unobtainable:
While admiring Alexander Calder's Circus, Carter acknowledges the impossibility of owning such an intricate piece, instead cherishing a hand-crafted replica made with her son.
Mary Randolph Carter [57:20]: “...my son Carter, when he was around seven, we kind of created a replica of it.”
4. Page one rewrite:
Given her extensive collection, Carter finds it challenging to think of additional items to collect, humorously suggesting an extra barn for storage.
5. The goat:
Carter looks up to iconic figures like Georgia O'Keeffe for their unique aesthetic and profound connection to objects and nature.
6. The hunt or the ownership:
She revels in both aspects, though the thrill of the hunt holds a special place in her heart.
7. Do you feel that you're born with the collector's gene?
Absolutely. Carter embraces her innate passion for collecting, fully embodying the essence of having the "Collector's Gene."
Final Thoughts and Giveaway Announcement
As the episode concludes, Cameron expresses gratitude towards Carter and announces a special giveaway of her books to listeners, with the possibility of signed copies for enhanced engagement. Carter wholeheartedly agrees, showcasing her dedication to fostering a community of passionate collectors.
Cameron [59:06]: “That's amazing, Carter. Thank you so much for coming on Collector's Dream Radio.”
Key Takeaways
- Personal Connection: Collecting transcends monetary value, serving as a medium for preserving memories and expressing individuality.
- Storytelling: Every object has a narrative, and sharing these stories enriches both the collector and the observer.
- Integration into Life: Harmoniously blending collections into living spaces enhances the home’s aesthetic and emotional resonance.
- Generosity and Letting Go: The joy of giving cherished items to others is as fulfilling as possessing them, fostering connections and new beginnings.
- Balance: While collecting brings immense joy, maintaining balance ensures that each item retains its special significance without contributing to clutter.
Notable Quotes
- Mary Randolph Carter [00:00]: “If you have a place for it in your heart, you'll find a place for it in your home.”
- Mary Randolph Carter [15:13]: “I have to make up a story about who is this person and why did they paint this picture.”
- Mary Randolph Carter [25:21]: “So when I look at him, of course, I think of my father.”
- Mary Randolph Carter [37:04]: “I just love the idea of mixing things. You can have a very modern chair, but throw a beautiful old textile blanket over it.”
- Cameron [05:27]: “Every collector has experienced this, and, you know, something catches your eye and you say, I just have to have this.”
This episode offers a profound exploration of the emotional and philosophical dimensions of collecting, guided by Carter's rich experiences and heartfelt insights. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their passions, cherish their stories, and find joy in the objects that adorn their lives.