Collectors Gene Radio

• Melissa Morris - Founder & Creative Director, Metier

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

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

  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/marcihirshleiferCameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteinerCollectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com

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• Antonio Sersale - Owner, Le Sirenuse

  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=enAntonio Sersale's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/antoniosersale/?hl=enCameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteinerCollectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com

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• Erik Torstensson - Co-Founder, FRAME

  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.comErik's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eriktorstenssonCameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteinerCollectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com

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  37:53
• Matteo Violet-Vianello - Founder, Anoma Watch

  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/anomawatchCameron Steiner - https://www.instagram.com/cameronrosssteinerCollectors Gene - https://www.collectorsgene.com

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