Collectors Gene Radio - Episode Summary
Title: Phil Toledano - The Conceptual & Creative Mind Behind Mr. Enthusiast
Host: Cameron Ross Steiner
Release Date: December 4, 2024
Introduction
Collectors Gene Radio, hosted by Cameron Ross Steiner, delves into the intricate world of collecting, exploring whether enthusiasts are born with an innate "Collector's Gene." In this episode, Steiner welcomes Phil Toledano, also known as Mr. Enthusiast—a multifaceted artist, photographer, and passionate collector renowned for his unique collections of watches and cars.
Key Highlights:
- Phil Toledano's Background: Raised between London and Casablanca, Phil's global upbringing and his father's influence as an artist shaped his creative and collecting endeavors.
- Transition from Advertising to Collecting: Phil shifted his focus from a career in advertising to pursue his collecting passions more earnestly, viewing it as an extension of his artistic expression.
- Toledano Enchant: Phil's own watch brand has gained significant acclaim, cementing his status as both a curator and creator within the collecting community.
Early Life and Influences
Curiosity and Early Interests:
Phil reflects on his childhood, describing himself as "super curious about everything," often diving into various interests before moving on to the next fascination. This trait, which he humorously attributes to potential ADD, laid the groundwork for his eclectic collecting habits.
Notable Quote:
"The greatest shame is to live a life where you're not poking around in the corners. Like, why wouldn't you want to just look at that stuff?" [00:00]
Father's Influence:
Phil credits his father, an artist, for instilling a deep sense of creativity and curiosity. Observing his father's diverse artistic mediums and his encouragement to explore ideas profoundly impacted Phil's approach to both art and collecting.
Emotional Connection:
The conversation touches on Phil's emotional journey, particularly after the passing of his father. Phil authored a journal titled "Days with My Father," which he considers one of his most meaningful works.
Notable Quote:
"One of the things you don't think about...is all the things you want them to see about your life, the things you want to share with them." [05:08]
The Ferrari Dino: A Symbolic Purchase
The Purchase:
The day after his father's death, Phil made a profound and symbolic purchase—a Ferrari Dino. Initially priced at $90,000, this acquisition marked the beginning of his serious foray into car collecting.
Sentiment and Tribute:
Phil explains that buying the Dino was an act of honoring his father's legacy, embracing the lesson that life is fleeting and should be lived fully.
Notable Quote:
"It was so weird to be doing that the day after my dad died. But in a way, it made perfect sense." [06:52]
Experiencing the Dino:
Phil cherished driving the Dino around New York City, describing it as an exhilarating experience akin to being "Elvis," where people would admire the car amidst the city's typical traffic.
Notable Quote:
"It was like being Elvis, man. Because people in New York are just so grateful to see any car that's not like a beaten to shit taxi." [08:43]
Collecting Philosophy: Contrarian Approach
Pathological Contrarian:
Phil discusses his natural inclination to collect unconventional and less mainstream items. His former advertising boss labeled him a "pathological contrarian," a trait Phil embraces by seeking out unique pieces that defy conventional trends.
Debadging the Dino:
Highlighting his contrarian nature, Phil debadged his Ferrari Dino to focus on its design rather than its prestigious brand, emphasizing the car's aesthetics over its badge.
Notable Quote:
"When I bought it, it was festival in Ferrari badges. I took them all off to make it the thing it was. And I loved it because I'd go to, you know, cars and coffee things, and people didn't really know what it was or was like." [11:11]
Economic Insight:
Phil notes that resisting mainstream trends often results in more affordable acquisitions. For example, he acquired vintage watches like 1970s Pateks when they were undervalued, anticipating their future appreciation.
Evolution of Collections and Creativity
Dynamic Collections:
Phil emphasizes the importance of constantly evolving his collections. His curiosity drives him to explore new areas, leading to the acquisition and occasional selling of items as new interests emerge.
Toledano Enchant:
Launching his own watch brand, Toledano Enchant, was a natural extension of his passion. Phil describes the meticulous process of designing watches that resonate with his personal interests, aiming to create pieces that he and his audience find captivating.
Notable Quote:
"When you make art, you're making it for yourself... it's the same experience making this watch." [15:17]
Market Influence:
Phil's timing in launching his watch brand coincided with a surge in interest in vintage and integrated bracelet watches, aligning his creations with the market's evolving tastes and leading to widespread recognition.
Art, Photography, and Collecting
Artistic Expression:
Phil integrates his artistic sensibilities into his collecting, viewing each item as a piece of art. His collections, ranging from vintage watches to historical car models, reflect his appreciation for design and history.
Unique Collections:
He shares anecdotes about collecting diverse items, such as a 16th-century chevron (horse armor) and vintage spacesuits, illustrating his broad definition of art and beauty.
Notable Quote:
"There's so much beauty in the world. There are so many extraordinary things to discover." [23:05]
Subjective Appreciation:
Phil discusses the subjective nature of art and collecting, acknowledging that personal tastes evolve over time. He highlights how repeated exposure can shift perceptions, leading to newfound appreciation for previously overlooked items.
Cultural Influence and Global Appreciation
Cultural Appreciation:
Living in culturally rich areas like Chinatown in Manhattan has influenced Phil's perspective, providing a diverse backdrop for his creative and collecting endeavors. He values traveling to immerse himself in different cultures, fueling his curiosity and creativity.
Global Reception:
Interestingly, Phil notes that his art is more appreciated in Europe than in the United States, pondering the reasons behind this geographic disparity.
Notable Quote:
"I'm more appreciated in Europe than I'm in the States for my art." [32:44]
Collector's Gene Rundown
Questions and Insights:
The episode concludes with a segment where Phil answers questions about his collecting journey:
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The One That Got Away:
- Phil mentions turning down a Ferrari 275 with a long wheelbase priced at $650,000 and a red Porsche 959 offered at $300,000, both of which have since skyrocketed in value.
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What's Next in Collecting:
- Phil remains open to new discoveries, especially in the watch segment, indicating a continuous search for unique timepieces.
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The Unobtainable:
- His dream acquisition is the Ferrari 250LM, admired for its quirky design and exceptional craftsmanship.
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Page One Rewrite:
- If money were no object, Phil would invest in art, particularly 16th-century paintings and works by artists like Jeff Koons.
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Role Models:
- Phil respects collectors with immense imagination, citing Ben Affleck's Watch Brothers in London and dealers like Ronnie Mahvadi for their innovative contributions to the market.
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The Hunt vs. Ownership:
- For Phil, both the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of ownership are equally enjoyable aspects of collecting.
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Born with the Collector's Gene:
- Phil affirms his innate passion for collecting, attributing it to his relentless curiosity.
Notable Quote:
"Collecting is curiosity. And so I've always been curious. So, yes, I love it." [37:06]
Conclusion
The episode encapsulates Phil Toledano's journey as a collector and artist, highlighting his unique approach to acquiring and appreciating objects of beauty. His story underscores the importance of curiosity, emotional connection, and a contrarian mindset in the world of collecting. Phil's blend of artistic creativity and passionate collecting offers invaluable insights for enthusiasts seeking to understand the depths of their own "Collector's Gene."
Final Thoughts:
- Phil's evolving collections and innovative ventures, such as Toledano Enchant, continue to inspire and influence the collecting community.
- His emphasis on exploring the unconventional serves as a reminder of the endless possibilities that lie in embracing one's unique passions.
Closing Quote:
"There's so much extraordinary stuff just around, like, that's just been forgotten about." [23:05]
Thank you for reading this summary of Phil Toledano's episode on Collectors Gene Radio. For more in-depth discussions and inspiring stories, tune into Collectors Gene Radio with Cameron Ross Steiner.