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

Today’s guest is Antonio Sersale, the owner and custodian of one of the world’s most beloved and sought-after hotels—Le Sirenuse in Positano. Since his family transformed it from a private holiday home into a legendary destination, Antonio has carried on their legacy, curating not just a hotel but an experience, a feeling, and a sense of place unlike any other.

Le Sirenuse is more than a luxury retreat—it’s a living collection. From its carefully chosen art and design collaborations to the meticulous attention to detail in every corner, Antonio has elevated the idea of hospitality into an art form. His passion for collecting extends beyond objects—it’s about moments, traditions, and the invisible thread that connects past and present.

We explore how Antonio selects artists for the Artists at Le Sirenuse program, the role of contemporary art in a historically rich setting, and the personal philosophy that guides both his hotel and his own growing collection. We also discuss the delicate balance of preserving history while embracing change, the small yet significant details that make a lasting impression, and the unexpected ways collecting and hospitality intersect.

Next time we do this, it will for sure be at Le Sirenuse, negroni in hand. But for now, please enjoy, this is Antonio Sersale, for Collectors Gene Radio.

Le Sirenuse - https://sirenuse.it/en/

Le Sirenuse Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lesirenuse/?hl=en

Antonio Sersale's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/antoniosersale/?hl=en

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

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

Antonio Sersale - Owner, Le Sirenuse

My guest today is Erik Torstensson, the visionary co-founder of Frame one of the most influential fashion brands of our time. A true powerhouse in fashion, branding, and creative direction, Erik has redefined modern style, building a brand that embodies effortless sophistication and timeless design. But beyond Frame, Erik is a collector at heart—a lover of art, design, and objects that tell a story.

From childhood curiosities growing up in Sweden to carefully curated pieces of furniture, ceramics, and art, Erik’s collections reflect a deeply personal sensibility rooted in heritage, durability, and sentiment. Whether it’s a Pol Chambost ceramic, a Svenskt Tenn object, or even the custom furniture he designed for Frames stores, everything he surrounds himself with carries meaning. His passion for collecting extends beyond objects—it’s about storytelling, curation, and creating environments that stand the test of time.

We’ll talk about his fascination with auctions, his admiration for Swedish design, and how his personal collecting instincts influence his work. And of course, we’ll discuss one of my favorite Frame collaborations to date—the Ritz Paris collection—and how it captures the essence of timelessness and collectibility.

How does someone like Erik, who has spent his life refining his eye and building one of the world's biggest fashion brands, decide what belongs in his atmosphere? Well, that’s what I wanted to find out. So without further adieu, this is Erik Torstensson, for Collectors Gene Radio.

Frame - https://frame-store.com

Erik's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eriktorstensson

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

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

Erik Torstensson - Co-Founder, FRAME

Today’s guest is founder of Anoma Watch, Matteo Violet-Vianello. Anoma isn’t just a watch brand; it’s a daring artistic statement that pushes the boundaries of what a watch can be. With its inaugural creation, the A1, Matteo has seamlessly merged influences as diverse as Charlotte Perriand’s freeform tables, Brancusi’s modernist sculptures, and the natural elegance of primitive tools & river stones. Anoma offers a rare intersection of profound design and accessibility—a gateway for collectors to engage with bold creativity typically reserved for galleries and museums.

But Matteo’s journey to Anoma doesn’t come without tenure. From disassembling vintage watches as a child to handling some of the rarest pieces during his time at Sotheby’s and A Collected Man, he has spent the better part of his life, not only immersed in the craft and culture of watches, but in the most coveted art, design, and architecture. Its these influences that converge in Anoma’s ethos, where the idea always comes first, and reality is bent to bring it to life.

We get a sneak peak into what lies ahead for the brand, the thoughtfulness behind Matteo’s designs, and the evolving role of watches as both art objects and collectibles. So without further adieu, this is Matteo, founder of Anoma Watch, for Collectors Gene Radio.

Anoma Watch - https://anomawatches.com/

Anoma Watch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anomawatch

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

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

Matteo Violet-Vianello - Founder, Anoma Watch

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".

collectorsgene

Shows