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Style Strategies
What Does a Collector Actually Buy?
Some people collect watches. Others collect art, furniture or obscure objet that only make sense once you hear the story behind them. Cameron Ross Steiner is interested in all of it. A true curator, he founded Collectors Gene as a place to explore collecting as a kind of living art—connecting craftsmanship, culture and the stories embedded in the things we choose to keep. For years, that curiosity also fueled his podcast, which wrapped last year after 100 episodes of thoughtful conversations with some of the most discerning collectors, experts and tastemakers in the game.
“I’ve collected things my whole life,” Steiner tells me. “From Hot Wheels as a kid to rare objects, watches and now art … my taste is ever-changing. I am discovering new avenues, designers and makers every day!” These days, that instinct for discovery is increasingly focused on turning Collectors Gene into a destination in its own right. “Currently, I am working on really expanding the retail presence of the shop while also growing the social channels,” he says. The goal is to become the go-to destination for all things collectibles and gifts. Which made us curious: When someone spends this much time thinking about what’s worth collecting, what does he actually buy for himself?
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What’s the best thing you’ve bought under $20 recently? I found an incredibly rare vintage bracelet by S.T. Dupont. What was the item that was the hardest to pull the trigger on? I really try to buy with my heart, eye and instinct. However, a couple vintage Cartier watches I bought took some considerable time and extended thought.
Three favorite brands, currently?
Do you shop more online or in person? I usually do my best shopping online. What city has the best shopping? For me? Paris. The best flea markets, the best galleries, and such a breadth of taste. I am mainly buying objet and smalls because they are easy to travel back with.
What’s a purchase you regret ... and what did it teach you? I've bought a lot of furniture that I thought I loved. It taught me to take my time and that the best rooms aren't all completed at once. Is there anything you refuse to spend money on? Overly expensive shoes. What’s something you buy multiples of (either by design or by default)? Pants. Especially with a toddler, if a good pair of pants gets ruined, I need a backup. Pants are one of the hardest things for me to find, so when I score a pair that I like, I try to grab a couple. Something you own that just gets better the longer you have it? Vintage barware, my watch collection and vintage auction catalogs. Give us a shopping tip or hack that readers can use. Never hesitate to negotiate, buy what you love, ask questions and go to flea markets. |
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Drops to
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Wax London's Whiting overshirt returns for Autumn ’26 in five fresh wool-blend check colorways. More than a shirt but not quite a jacket, it’s the brand’s shirting approach (oversized check in a texture-forward fabric, considered construction and comfortable fit) that make it such a reliable layer through the colder months. It anchors the first drop of a two-part seasonal collection tied to a London-themed campaign. Learn more » |
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The sales and discounts our team is currently watching. |
This cropped-fit jacket is the ideal between-season layer, crafted from water-repellent technical fabric designed to keep you dry.
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This sculptural lamp is made from metal, top to bottom. The sharp lines give it an architectural quality while the brass finish provides a warm glow.
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A rollneck sweater with the all the good '90s vibes but a more modern silhouette. It comes in two shades, but we like the dark spruce green.
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Want more? See all 34 sales » |
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The best stories from around the web. |
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It may actually be physically impossible to not be charmed by Snoopy.” |
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At J. Mueser in New York City, I discovered that the right tailored clothing can change your whole perspective. |
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You first have to understand how much the Open has grown in the last decade. In 2015, 691,280 people attended America’s Grand Slam tournament. By 2025, that number exploded to 1.14 million.” |
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