The Grand Tourist with Dan Rubinstein

Some companies can last for decades but a rare number last for centuries. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the legendary design brand Fritz Hansen, Dan speaks with two guests who know the legacy well: former head of design Christian Andresen, and Carla Sozzani, founder of Milan’s famed concept shop 10 Corso Como. On this episode, they explore what made the Fritz Hansen company so impactful, the influence of Arne Jacobsen, and why Carla believes you should never hire someone to design your home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Few magazines have been as influential in the past decade as The Gentlewoman. Led by former curator Penny Martin, each issue presents a smart and subtly stylish vision of life and creativity. On this episode, Dan speaks with the Editor-in-Chief about the magazine’s latest project, “Modern Manners: Instructions for Living Fabulously Well,” an indispensable book on how to navigate contemporary life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the artistic director for watches and jewelry for Louis Vuitton, Francesca Amfitheatrof creates objects of design that last for generations. On this episode, Dan speaks with the artist and entrepreneur about her fascinating career, the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way, her own brand called Thief and Heist, and her showstopping high jewelry pieces for Vuitton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many designers leave their mark, but Philippe Starck blazes a trail and constantly sets new standards for what design can accomplish in our lives. On this episode, Dan speaks with the famed French talent about his awkward teens, why he’ll never have dinner with a client, and why you’ll never see his home published in a magazine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For more than 100 years, the American Academy in Rome has been a place where the best and brightest rub elbows, exchange ideas, and grow their careers. On this episode, Dan speaks with the institution’s leader Mark Robbins and Rome Prize recipient and artist Sanford Biggers about the importance of collaboration, the decline of empires, and how this incredible institution began. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Throughout her inspiring career, interior designer India Mahdavi has created restaurants, shops, and homes bursting with a sophisticated palette of hues that has become her signature. On this episode, Dan speaks with this highly respected talent about her unique upbringing, how she designed the most Instagrammed restaurant of all time, and how the imaginary world she created as a child inspires her to this day.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The incredible experiences of Catherine Dior, sister to fashion designer Christian Dior, is one that has gone largely untold for decades. On this episode, Dan speaks with author Justine Picardie on her latest book, “Miss Dior: A Story of Courage and Couture” that dives into Catherine’s heroic legacy, her actions as part of the French Resistance, and how she survived the unimaginable.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The colorful, surprising, and delightful worlds that Jorge Pardo creates defy categorization. In this episode, Dan speaks with the boundary-crossing artist on his latest show, his first major monograph, how he translated his oeuvre into a French hotel, and how he really spent his “genius grant” from the MacArthur Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is it like to live and entertain at a major English estate? In this episode, Dan speaks with Lady Carnarvon of Highclere Castle. But to many of us, we know it as the location of Downton Abbey. Dan quizzes Lady Carnarvon on her new book that takes readers through all the ins and outs of maintaining the epic 1,000 acre property, from gardens and follies to animals and their very own gin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Season 2! In this episode, Dan meets an architect who has left an indelible mark on the worlds of art and design, Annabelle Selldorf. With a portfolio that includes everything from museums and galleries to townhouses and exhibition design, Selldorf is embarking on her latest triumph: her newly refreshed family furniture business called Vica. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.