
66. Matt Hranek, Founder of WM Brown, on Taste, Ralph Lauren, Negronis, and the Good Life
From Permission To Shine by Andrew Namanny
April 7, 2026 · 1h 2m
About this episode
Matt Hranek discusses taste, fashion, and the essence of a good life.
Matt Hranek is one of those guys who makes you want to live better immediately. Matt is the founder and editor of William Brown magazine, author of A Man & His Watch, A Man & His Car, Negroni, and Martini, and the world’s most interested guy. Not interesting. Interested. In this episode, we talk about taste, why AI still can’t fake it, the problem with modern fashion, how Ralph Lauren mannequins mess with our heads, why great style should feel lived-in, and what actually makes a good life. Matt also shares stories from his early photography days, building WM Brown, hosting his legendary Florence Negroni party, and why dressing well still matters. This one made me want to buy a ticket, put on a jacket, and pay closer attention. Thanks for listening! -Andrew
People in this episode
Host: Andrew Namanny
Guest: Matt Hranek
Topics covered
- taste
- fashion
- style
- lifestyle
- photography
- Negronis
Keywords
- taste
- fashion
- Ralph Lauren
- Negronis
- style
- photography
- WM Brown
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: WM Brown
Books & works: A Man & His Watch, A Man & His Car, Negroni, Martini
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