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