Today’s guest saw something in the art world that many sensed—but few dared to challenge. Chelsea Nassib, founder of Tappan, is my guest today, and after graduating with a degree in painting, Chelsea stepped beyond the traditional gallery system to create Tappan—a platform designed to connect emerging artists with collectors around the world. What began as a bold experiment in accessibility became a movement, redefining who gets to buy art, who gets to sell it, and how we experience it. At its core, Tappan isn’t just a marketplace; it’s a living dialogue between artists, collectors, and the culture at large. Chelsea’s vision has shaped a new generation of collectors—and opened doors for artists whose voices might otherwise have gone unheard. In a world where the art market has often felt gated—by price, by pedigree, by opaque tradition—Chelsea set out to reimagine the way collectors and artists connect. As both an artist and a founder, Chelsea brings a rare dual perspective on collecting, creativity, and the evolving role of the gallery in our culture. So without further adieu, this is Chelsea Nassib, for Collectors Gene Radio.

Tappan - https://www.tappancollective.com

Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner

Collectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com

Chelsea Nassib - Founder, Tappan

Today’s guest has shaped some of the most unforgettable silhouettes to grace the red carpet—from Lupita Nyong’o to Meryl Streep. But behind the Hollywood glamour is a mind wired for history, preservation, and obsession.

Micaela Erlanger is not just a celebrity stylist—she’s a fashion historian and a true collector at heart. Her eye goes beyond surface beauty, attuned instead to rarity, provenance, and the quiet stories stitched into every seam.

In this episode, we talk about the pieces that whisper rather than shout. About the role of instinct, reverence, and authorship in both styling and collecting. And how, in Micaela’s world, every garment is more than clothing—it’s a document of time, intention, and identity.

Micaela Erlanger - https://micaelaerlanger.com/

Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner

Collectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com

Micaela Erlanger - Celebrity Fashion Stylist

Today on Collectors Gene Radio, I’m joined by Steven Rodel—the Creative Director at Guy Goodfellow, a studio shaped by the namesake's singular vision over 25 years.

Steven works closely with Guy and that legacy, helping bring to life interiors that thread eras together with grace, intuition, and a rare kind of spatial intelligence.

The studio’s work doesn’t shout. It unfolds. And draws you in slowly to rooms built on quiet conviction.

We explore the idea of design as a form of collecting. Steven speaks to the delicate choreography behind layering decades, balancing restraint with richness, and knowing when a single object should lead—and when it should take a step back. There’s a certain kind of magic in the studio’s work. It doesn’t rely on spectacle. Instead, it reveals itself slowly—through the tension of textures, the conversation between eras, and the placement of one well-loved object beside another.

In many ways, Steven’s role is less about decoration and more about composition—an ongoing act of collecting, editing, and storytelling.

So without further adieu, this is Steven Rodel, for Collectors Gene Radio.

Guy Goodfellow - https://www.guygoodfellow.com/

Steven's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stevenrodel/?hl=en

Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner

Collectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com

Steven Rodel - Creative Director, Guy Goodfellow

Today on Collectors Gene Radio, I welcome Vincent Brasesco, a true connoisseur whose passion for mechanical artistry has taken him from curious teenage collector to Vice President and Watch Specialist at Sotheby’s. Vincent’s journey has traversed the vibrant subcultures of Wall Street wristwear, the pioneering spirit of Analog Shift, the retail sophistication of Watches of Switzerland, and the digital influence of Watchonista—all culminating in his current role within the world of international auctions.

We explore not only the watches themselves, but the psychology of pursuit: the irresistible pull of the next bid, the truth behind phone bidding, and the nuanced dance between personal passion and professional responsibility.

We’ll also step inside the inner sanctum of RollieFest, the invitation-only gathering of the world’s most devoted vintage Rolex collectors, where trust, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence converge in a spectacle few are privileged to witness.

So please enjoy, this is Vincent Brasesco, for Collectors Gene Radio.

Vincent's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vbrasesco?igsh=dTBvYTN0cGN6anV4

Sotheby's Watches - https://www.sothebys.com/en/departments/watches

Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner

Collectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com

Vincent Brasesco - Vice President & Watch Specialist @ Sotheby's

Today’s guest is someone whose eye for design, reverence for history, and devotion to craft have quietly shaped a corner of automotive culture that feels both soulful and sharply considered. My guest today is Bryan Calvero, the founder of Period Correct, a brand that merges motorsport heritage with modern design sensibility—speaking as much to car collectors as it does to aesthetes.

Before launching Period Correct, Bryan cut his teeth running Case Study Group, distributing streetwear brands across the country. But it’s his passion for cars—real cars, rare cars, meaningful cars—and the stories behind them that’s defined his journey. His personal collection has ebbed and flowed, including everything from a 997 GT3 RS to a Renault R5 Turbo, a Bentley Continental R, Rolls Royce Phantom, you name it. From Jean Prouvé furniture to the archives of Vasek Polak, his collection spans categories with an effortless sense of cohesion.

In this episode, we talk about collecting with instinct, collaborating with integrity, and why Period Correct means a heck of a lot more than just being accurate.

So without further adieu, my friend Bryan Calvero, founder of Period Correct, for Collectors Gene Radio.

Bryan Calvero - https://www.instagram.com/bperiodcorrect/?hl=en
Period Correct - https://periodcorrect.com/
Period Correct's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/periodcorrect/?hl=en

Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner
Collectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com

Bryan Calvero - Founder, Period Correct

Today I’m joined by the inimitable Nina Takesh—a creative force whose work spans luxury baby boutiques, house flipping, bespoke interiors, digital media, and now, her own beautifully crafted furniture collection. With a global upbringing rooted in Iranian heritage and Parisian refinement, Nina’s aesthetic is shaped by architecture, elegance, and the art of intentional living.

She’s someone who doesn’t just design spaces—she curates them. Whether she’s sourcing antiques from estate sales, designing nurseries for celebrity clients, or collecting rare china with a deep sense of ritual and permanence, Nina’s approach is deeply personal and always thoughtful.

In today’s conversation, we explore the many chapters of her collecting life—from the ceremonious charm of porcelain to the quiet rebellion of craftsmanship in a world of mass production. We talk about how early exposure to iconic design shaped her instincts, what it means to turn a collector’s eye into a creator’s hand, and how her collections ultimately reflect what she values most in life and in design.

Nina Takesh - https://www.ninatakesh.com/

Nina's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ninatakesh?igsh=ejU1enJpdmVtc2h2

Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner

Collectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com

Nina Takesh - Designer & China Collector

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

Mary Randolph Carter (Carter) - Author & Creative Director, Ralph Lauren

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

Barry Bordelon & Jordan Slocum - The Brownstone Boys

Today, I have the immense pleasure of sitting down with Melissa Morris, founder and creative director of Metier – a brand that has  elevated the art of travel through exquisitely crafted bags and accessories, each designed with a philosophy rooted in longevity, functionality, and timeless elegance.

Since launching Métier in 2017, Melissa has built a collection of essentials that don’t just serve a purpose—they tell a story. Each piece is meticulously conceived to stand the test of time, crafted in collaboration with generational artisans in Italy and tested for decades of wear. But beyond the bags themselves, Melissa is a collector in her own right—of inspiration, materials, and experiences. Her background in sculpture informs her approach to design, her travels shape the color palettes of her collections, and her deep admiration for vintage Porsche is woven into her aesthetic sensibilities.

Métier is not about trends or seasonal drops; it’s about refinement, precision, and the art of building upon something meaningful rather than constantly replacing it. In many ways, Melissa approaches design the way a collector approaches their most prized possessions—with intention, ingenuity, and an unwavering respect for materials and craftsmanship that engage all senses.

We delve into the importance of designing pieces for an exacting collection, how she persisted to perfect the snap of a closure to mirror the sound of a car door shutting, and how travel is one of the only things that truly makes you rich.

So with great honor, this is Melissa Morris, founder of Metier, for Collectors Gene Radio.

Metier - https://metier.com/

Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner

Collectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com

Melissa Morris - Founder & Creative Director, Metier

When it comes to collecting, few people do it with the same passion, precision, and pure joy as Marci Hirshleifer. As a key force behind the legendary luxury retailer Hirshleifers, she’s not just curating for the store—she’s curating for herself. From an ever-expanding rainbow of Chanel flap bags to vintage and modern Hermès Kellys & Birkin’s that have been worn in just right, her collection is both deeply personal and endlessly aspirational.

But Marci isn’t just about amassing things—she’s about using them. In a world where collectors often keep pieces locked away, she believes that luxury is meant to be lived in. Bags inside of bags, jewelry stacked to perfection, charms that make every piece feel like hers—Marci’s effortless maximalism has become its own form of influence, inspiring collectors around the world to embrace their own styles boldly.

Of course, collecting is in her DNA. Hirshleifers has been setting the standard in luxury retail for over a century, and while her mother and aunts didn’t always see themselves taking over the family business, for Marci, the pull was undeniable. A big reason for that? Her aunt Lori Hirshleifer—who has been a guest on this very show—was more than just family. She was a mentor, a style icon, and a major influence on the way Marci collects. The two share a love for the hunt, an appreciation for both the new and the storied, and a philosophy that true luxury is about confidence and self-expression.

Now, as the head of personal shopping and a driving force behind the women’s buying team, Marci is in a unique position—balancing her own collector’s eye with the ever-evolving tastes of the clients she styles. Today, we’re diving into the mindset of a true collector—what makes a piece worthy of her collection, the thrill of the hunt, and why some of the most valuable things are the ones that get used and abused the most. Let’s get into it. This is Marci Hirshleifer, for Collectors Gene Radio.

Hirshleifers - https://hirshleifers.com/
Marci's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marcihirshleifer
Cameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteiner
Collectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com

Marci Hirshleifer - Global Personal Shopping Director/Women's Buyer, Hirshleifers

Collectors Gene Radio is a deep dive into the nuances of collecting. Hear from collectors and experts from all over the world speak on their passions and hobbies, and ultimately find out whether or not they feel they were born with the "Collectors Gene".

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