
The Grand Tourist with Dan Rubinstein
Design journalist Dan Rubinstein introduces listeners to the leading tastemakers of the creative world, from master chefs to experimental architects. Join Dan on a virtual journey through the worlds of fashion, interior design, art, food, and travel—all the elements of a well-lived life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Dec 8, 2021 • 52min
Francesca Amfitheatrof: A Sparkling Life
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.

Dec 1, 2021 • 41min
Philippe Starck: Design’s Philosopher King
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.

Nov 24, 2021 • 42min
The American Academy in Rome: Lessons from the Eternal City
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.

Nov 17, 2021 • 42min
India Mahdavi: The Queen of Color
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.

Nov 10, 2021 • 37min
Justine Picardie: The Valiant Tale of Catherine Dior
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.

Nov 3, 2021 • 39min
Jorge Pardo: An Artist Without Bounds
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.

Oct 27, 2021 • 39min
The Countess of Carnarvon: Life at the Real Downton Abbey
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.

Oct 20, 2021 • 36min
Annabelle Selldorf: Where Art and Architecture Meet
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.

Sep 7, 2021 • 44min
TEFAF: Where the Past and Future Collide
What can the objects of the ancient world teach us about today’s art world? And vice versa? On this special episode sponsored by TEFAF, Dan meets with two leading dealers showing at the online edition of the legendary art fair: Sean Kelly, who works with the likes of Marina Abramovic and Kehinde Wiley, and antiquities expert Charis Tyndall of London’s Charles Ede Gallery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 18, 2021 • 31min
Paolo Roversi: A Master of Fashion Photography
With his first major museum exhibition in North America underway, the iconic fashion photographer Paolo Roversi is taking a well-deserved bow. Dan speaks with the legendary artist on how he takes his alluring images, the future of his craft, and what he really thinks of Instagram. But first, Dallas Contemporary executive director Peter Doroshenko explains the maestro’s secrets, and how fashion photography is gaining greater acceptance in the art world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.