Indice dei contenuti per August - September 2016 in Da Man

While I was riding on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express during my last trip from Prague to Venice, I was immediately taken in by the constant rattle and vibration of the carriages, as well as the the old-world glamor that the luxury train had kept in place. It had been ages since the last time I hopped on an intercontinental train, and this one went right to the top of my fondest traveling memories, for sure. But in between lunches and dinners, I wrapped my head around finalizing the plans that my team and I had discussed together. Changes in the magazine, as in the world of high fashion today, are taking shape, and DA MAN is expanding its claim in the realm of men’s fashion and lifestyle. We now have the…

3MOST RECOMMENDED 1 Newsflash: No pair of eyebrows are exact twins. They may look alike, but some people still do a bit of extra homework by tweezing out extra strands. These classic slant tweezers from Tweezerman is a boon for getting the job done in no time. 2 One of the biggest crazes in men’s grooming today is brow gel, and Tom Ford currently leads the pack. While you can only get it online, what it does is nourish the eyebrows to look bushy but matte. Not a must-have, but a definite time-saver for anyone with OCD over their eyebrows. 3 The key to healthy and thick eyebrows is exfoliation. You need to get rid of dead skin cells under the strands to allow new follicles to grow. Rubbing the…

A Match Made in Switzerland When news broke out that Parisian fine shoemaker Berluti collaborated with Swiss avantgarde watchmaker Hublot to create a timekeeping masterpiece, the world could only wait with bated breath. And, without doubt, the Classic Fusion Berluti watch exceeded expectations. Employing Berluti’s signature Venezia leather for the dial and leather strap, the Scritto version in 18K King Gold exudes a gentlemanly and regal charm. Etchings on the strap add extra depth to the watch’s personalized touch, as each of the 250 pieces available boasts unique markings. The automatic 45mm watch also comes in an all-black edition in ceramic casing which bears a striking slit on the patinatreated leather strap, and is limited to 500 units. Such a monumental piece truly deserves a respectable place in watchmaking history.…

TRAINING DAY Stars bill paxton, Justin Cornwell, Drew Van acker, Katrina Law “Training Day,” if you remember, was the 2001 movie that gave Denzel Washington his second Academy Award. This year, a TV series adaptation will continue the story with another “rookie cop partnered with a crooked senior officer” scenario. Bill Paxton will play the latter—like Denzel Washington in the movie—while the newbie character will be played by newcomer Justin Cornwell who once appeared in “Empire.” Being a TV show, however, means that the new “Training Day” will cover a lot more ground over a longer period of time. So, it will be quite intriguing to see how the series will adapt its source material’s intensity for the small screen. MACGYVER Stars Lucas Till, George Eads “MacGyver” is the undisputed…

To the layman, it is easy to say that the world of fine spirits moves pretty much like luxury sports cars. Everything draws from tradition, requires detailed precision, goes through thorough inspections and deserves much appreciation. The pursuit of perfection underlies the principles of craftsmanship, which immediately set one apart from the rest. A particularly fine case of this would be The Macallan, a brand that has been around for almost two centuries, since 1824. Its high-quality Scotch whisky has consistently earned top rankings, both in discerning reviews and, particularly, during auctions, where rare bottles from the brand have reputedly fetched recordbreaking bids. Above all, the variants of whiskies released by The Macallan follow age-old traditions and well-guarded recipes that no other has ever come close to. There is, you…

Mentioning “going vegan” is an easy way to start a debate. One undeniable tidbit of scientific fact related to the issue, however, is that cutting back on animal protein (especially processed meat products) can lead to a bounty of health benefits. And many people have found that going all the way and adapting a 100-percent vegan lifestyle can be a rewarding choice. Embracing the benefits of a vegan diet does not necessarily mean committing to wholesale changes. You can, for example, simply cut back on meat and dairy; you can designate, say, two or three days a week as “vegan days”; or you can take up the 21-Day Vegan Challenge and see for yourself if switching to veganism (or at least going vegetarian) is for you. Now, as the name…

1 HYPERCHROME CERAMOS Worth more than Rp.23 million Swiss watchmaking house Rado has long been a pioneer in the use of new ceramics for watch cases. Favoring minimalistic designs for both the dial and the case, the brand consistently launches tasteful collections that straddle the line between elegance and sporty looks. The sportiest of these watches is the Rado HyperChrome line. It is also where the brand most often incorporates its latest technical innovations for case materials, just like this smartlooking HyperChrome Ceramos. While ceramic is the basic building block of this creation, Rado took the formula up a notch by combining the properties of a binder metal and titanium nitride into the mix for the bezel. The result is a hardened ceramic composite and also a sleeker rose gold…

In the world of watchmaking, the shape of cases is the least likely to evolve, even over the span of decades. Cartier, however, is certainly a master on the matter, as it has invented numerous iconic creations spanning various categories: square, elongated, round, etc. Last year saw the French brand with Swiss watchmaking know-how push the boundary with the introduction of the aweinspiring Clé de Cartier. The silhouette of the case strikes a balance between round and elongated; it’s evocative of oval lines but doesn’t exactly fit into this category. The name of the timepiece—“clé” means “key” in French—refers to the new crown model, shaped after an old winding key. You can pull it back to adjust the time, or just swivel it for fun. Then there’s the exquisite blue…

A ROUNDUP OF ALL THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS SEASON TO LOOK AND BE YOUR BEST The biggest “sports party” in the world is happening now, and a few major fashion houses are joining in the celebrations. One of the key items in this Olympics-inspired trend is the humble tracksuit. Valentino and Rag & Bone use leather as their main material, giving the sportswear essential a modern look without sacrificing comfort. Gucci sticks to the basics by showcasing a simple tracksuit that carries its brandnew identity in the form of beeshaped embroidery. Naturally, fast fashion retailers like Zara and Topman have launched their own interpretations of this trend.…

Brief in Counter Tod’s arrives with a new soft leather bag in a variety of colors and materials. This stylish briefcase is roomy enough for a laptop, tablet and several documents. It also sports unique decorative elements evocative of the brand’s signature Gommino shoes. The iconic rubber pebble outsole can now be seen covering the bag’s base and side-ends, which is also useful to protect the leather from brushing against rough surfaces. Also vying for attention is the uncanny bag flap that can be folded over or in between the handles, as well as in a few other possible ways. Take it to work or for a weekend getaway; there’s simply no one way to rock this case. Mix and not Match This year marks a decade of Lucas Ossendrijver’s…

Virtual Insanity Virtual reality is fast becoming part of our everyday reality, as consumer-grade VR hardware (and software) becomes more and more common. At the forefront of this virtual reality revolution is Samsung’s Gear VR. On the one hand, you do need a compatible Samsung smartphone to use this headset. On the other hand, the Gear VR is easy to set up and sits comfortably perched on your head. More importantly, there’s a wealth of VR content that you can access with the Gear VR. Sure, this doesn’t include high-end games (not yet, at least), but that’s what specialized VR hardware is for. When you’re looking at your everyday dips into the pool of virtual reality, the Gear VR should definitely be your first pick. 3 MORE RECOMMENDATIONS 1 For…

Nature,s Embrace “Kirana” is an archaic Indonesian word that can mean either light or beauty. In the hands of Rattan of Indonesia (rattanofindonesia.com), a newly established brand aiming to bring Indonesian rattan into the global premium furniture market, this expression takes the form of a lounge chair set modeled after the crown of a flower in bloom. The frames are made entirely out of natural rattan, while the joints are bound with genuine leather for that extra edge of exclusivity and longevity. Furthermore, you can obtain a Kirana chair with or without weaving inside the frame; the former exudes a really traditional feel, while the latter appears perfectly outlines the charm of this natural fiber. Bag of Reads Books, piled on a desk or in neat rows on a shelf,…

3 HOT MORE READS 1 If you’re in Los Angeles this August, head down to LACMA to catch the “Reigning Men” exhibition that revisits menswear trends in the last three centuries. Chockfull with inspirational sartorial ideas, the presentation is further encapsulated in a nifty graphic tome titled “Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear, 1715 – 2015” (Prestel). 2 One of the timeless essentials of men’s fashion is the suit. Leading cultural historian Christopher Breward took a dive into the history of fashion and penned down the evolution of men’s suits throughout the last century in “The Suit: Form, Function and Style” (Reaktion Books). A sumptuous read for menswear enthusiasts of all ages. 3 Who doesn’t know Nike? But who does know its brand founder? Phil Knight finally opened up about his…

Eat, Play and Love St. Regis Bali Resort (Lot S6, BTDC, Nusa Dua, Bali; +62 361 8478 111; stregisbali.com) really knows how to spoil its guests. For its eighth anniversary this year, this five-star destination introduces the brand new St. Regis Suite Gourmet Pass package. It comprises a two-night-stay offer at the St. Regis Suite with, for starters, a complimentary return airport transfer and the iconic 24-hour St. Regis Butler service. The main delight, however, is the unlimited complimentary access to the resort’s buffets: a lavish daily breakfast at restaurant Boneka, inclusive of Wagyu beef and lobster; afternoon tea at King Cole Bar; and a sumptuous buffet dinner at Boneka replete with foie gras, oysters and the legendary Valrhona chocolate fountain. Seasons of Splendor The brand new Four Seasons Hotel…

Sex and exercise have always been sort of a two-way street. Being generally fit means you’ll have more stamina to perform in bed; on the flip side, sexual activity can be quite the calorie burner. Lately, there has been renewed interest and attention in the latter; that is, the health and fitness benefits of sex. For one, the science behind the health benefits of sexual activity is pretty well known. There are more than enough studies and statistics to support this notion. One popular example is how having sex three times a week can burn as many calories as running 30 miles (that’s around 48 kilometers for those of us using the metric system). At the same time, sex can trigger the release of endorphins and prostaglandins, the same hormones…

Listening to Ammar Zoni recount his life’s story feels like going through the plot of an old-school martial arts movie. There’s the troubled youth in need of real life experience, the wise elder who happens to be a martial arts master and enlightenment hiding beneath age-old traditions waiting to be uncovered. “When I was in high school, I was quite the troublemaker” the silat athlete-turned-actor begins. “Eventually, my father had me move to Padang. There, I lived my grandparents.” As fate would have it, Zoni’s grandfather is a respected datuk, or elder, and a longtime practitioner of West Sumatera’s traditional martial art. “So, I was taught by my grandfather,” Zoni continues, “and my interest for silat really grew.” Two years of training then led him to win second place during…

Back in 2010, American actor Luke Grimes appeared in a drama film titled “Shit Year.” So, maybe 2010 wasn’t exactly a good year for the Ohio-born actor, but the 2010s has so far proven to be quite a great decade, full of eminent roles in highprofile films. From 2012 till last year, it’s been a succession of knock-out titles starting with “Taken 2,” “True Blood,” “American Sniper” to “Fifty Shades of Grey.” This September, Grimes saddles up—literally, that is—in the long-awaited “The Magnificent Seven,” before reappearing in the “Fifty Shades” sequels starting next year. If anything, his recent filmography speaks volumes of his talent and, perhaps more importantly, his impressive acting range. When a performer does equally well as sexy TV vampire and battle-hardened Navy SEAL, typecasting ceases to be…

Last April, Braun Büffel held a private preview of its fall/winter 2016 collection, held in conjunction with the opening of the brand’s flagship store in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Its ever-revolving collection inspiration constantly highlights one destination after another, and, this time around, it’s the Scandinavian countries that take the spotlight. THE NORTHERN LIGHTS As one of the leading global luxury brands from Germany, Braun Büffel is best known for leather goods with straightforward functionality and uncompromising workmanship. But for the past few seasons, the brand successfully infused more fashionable elements to the designs of the collections, particularly by introducing more colors and shapes to its popular product lines. This is definitely a great move for the storied label. If anything, this presents Braun Büffel, which was founded by Johann…

Guns and Roses Cowboy chic is in again, with fashion houses channeling the frontier spirit in a plethora of plaid, denim jackets, fluid fringe and Aztec motifs. Vivid imageries like 19th-century guns and horseshoes also make a strong appearance on the prints. Some designers went full cowboy with a series of suede jackets, scarves, boots and wide-brimmed hats. On the other end, exotic embroidery, even ones depicting roses, and a mixed palette of earthy shades make up a less provocative, yet spot-on presentation for this trend. Strut Your Strap If you feel that a single belt is not enough for your sense of style, then maybe it’s time to go for some supplemental straps. And this season, we have some very distinctive pieces inspired by straitjackets. You can go for…

PARTY IN IBIZA FASHIONABLE AND FUN ARE TWO BYWORDS THAT BEST capture the shoes of Antton&Co. And the spirit of partying in Ibiza has been a great source of inspiration for the brand’s collections. The island’s sun, wind, sand and ocean are among the many elements incorporated into the designs. Add to that the colorful brand’s striped logo, and these affordable kicks could definitely imbue a sense of casual style to your everyday look. Another fine idea is to pair them with an easygoing street-style ensemble, such as with T-shirt and jeans; you’d certainly nail both the colors and the attitude of Ibiza’s festive mood. CALL IT A DANE THE SCANDINAVIANS ARE KNOWN NOT ONLY for their minimalistic architectural designs but also for their savvy high-street styles. One of the…

Cedar and sandalwood have always been the top two ingredients forming the base notes of woodyscented fragrances. They smell forest fresh, but thankfully fall shy from being florally feminine. S.T. Dupont tops those with dashes of pepper and lavender in the Paris Saint-Germain Eau des Princes Intense edition to induce a somewhat aquatic tone on the front. Mankind Ultimate by Kenneth Cole oozes a softer woody sensation, where whiffs of sandalwood and cashmere are masked under fresh fruity zests. A winner for the woody and musky combo is Mont Blanc Legend Spirit, the quintessential crisp fragrance for dandy dressers. But thanks to perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, Mr. Burberry from the eponymous British label hits its own home run for having arguably the savviest woody flanker of the season.…

Long before his works fetched six-digit prices (in U.S. dollars) at auction houses like Christie’s, Agus Suwage worked as a graphic designer. That didn’t last long, however, as his heart had always been in art—pure art. “More and more, whenever I didn’t like a client, I would simply leave them,” the maestro explains. “At that point I was already working on my own art—as a hobby. I often did exhibitions in my own office. I got invited to a couple of events to exhibit my work. I got hooked and my confidence grew. I left graphic design and switched to pure art.” Of his many popular works, Suwage’s selfportraits are perhaps the most popular, as he focused on this medium for the better part of his early years as an…

Looking at him today, it’s easy to forget that Zac Efron was once known almost exclusively as the star of Disney’s “High School Musical.” His transformation from teen heartthrob into mature Hollywood icon is particularly visible as he shapes up for his role in the upcoming “Baywatch” movie. Put simply, he’s now a clean-eating hunk with muscles on his muscles who can (almost) rival his co-star in the remake, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Still, despite the fact that he’ll be known for quite a long time for a role that requires him to be shirtless most of the time, Efron also plays the fashion game like a seasoned pro. On the red carpet, Efron tends to favor an oldschool Americana look based on the gray suit. He is often seen…

DEUS EX: MANKIND DIVIDED By Square Enix Platform PC, PS4, Xbox One Release August 2016 Building on the premise of a “mechanical apartheid” established in previous games, “Deus Ex: Mankind Divided” returns for another round of stories driven by a long list of conspiracy theories. As befitting of a “Deus Ex” title, gamers can shoot, sneak or even talk their way through another exciting cyberpunk adventure. ATTACK ON TITAN By Koei Tecmo Platform PC, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, X One Release August 2016 Popular anime/manga series “Attack on Titan” (“Shingeki no Kyojin”) is known for its gripping story, horror and also for its awesome action scenes where characters would swing all over the place like Spider-Man using their “3D Maneuvering Gear” in order to slay the eponymous Titans. Naturally, this…

Posh Nosh The grand architecture of Sofia at The Gunawarman (Jl. Gunawarman no. 3, 5, 7, Jakarta; +62 21 2277 0007; syahestablishments.com) couldn’t help but evoke the air of an old but grand hotel, revitalized to bring about a scandalous to-see-and-beseen scene in the heart of the metropolis. It is urban and stylish at its best, replete with a splendid lobby, well-polished bar and decadent dining quarters. Dressing up, then, seems more than appropriate when dropping by. When it comes to gastronomy, though, the menu is extensive, with recommendations leaning toward Western dishes, especially steaks. And the who’s who scooping up the delish apple crumble or sipping whiskey at the bar could surely work up the appetite as well. Surf and Slouch Canggu is finally giving Seminyak a run for…

With the 2016 Summer Olympics starting in Rio de Janeiro this August, the festive city is getting even more attention than ever. While one of the charms of Rio has always been in its endearingly rowdy qualities, there is more to Rio than jolly carnivals and exotic favelas. Instead, try the more tranquil path of classic luxury and modern leisure along these captivating spots. 1/A WALK IN THE PARK Established in 1808 by the order of John VI, the Prince Regent of Portugal, Jardim Botanico is a 137-hectare botanical garden boasting more than 8,000 plant species. A serene getaway from Rio’s hustle and bustle, this park invites visitor to take a walk along the iconic rows of towering palm trees—some of which have been planted from the day the park…

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE LATEST TRENDS AND SPECIAL REPORTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD AS THE NEW SEASON UNFOLDS, WELCOME NEW WATCHES AND ACCESSORIES FROM THESE FINE BRANDS IN THE FOLLOWING PAGES There are so many watch brands in the world that put all their efforts to create the most appealing designs. But the hard truth is: Innovation eventually wins. This reality has constantly favored Omega, the forward-thinking Swiss watchmaking house that never rests on its laurels. This year sees not only intense focus toward the Master Chronometer calibers, which boast the world’s most powerful anti-magnetic watch movement, but also dedicated craftsmanship to achieving the most incredible ceramic dive watch. Welcome to the Planet Ocean Deep Black. Major Innovations The name “Deep Black” encapsulates so many elements. First up, the…

1 All Ritz and Glitz Chopard’s first store in Indonesia finally held its grand opening last June 2 at The Residence OnFive, Grand Hyatt Jakarta. The special guest of honor that evening was none other than Caroline Scheufele, the brand’s co-president, who flew in straight from the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. Sparkling diamonds and elegant L.U.C watches for men spruced up the flower-strewn stage. Add to that bubbly champagne, a sumptuous buffet and gorgeous VIPs, the glamorous affair was nothing but ritz and glitz. 2 A New Man in Town The country’s menswear industry swells up with yet another addition to its extensive roster. Hailing from Italy, Antony Morato feted the opening of its flagship store at Plaza Indonesia on June 1. Hosted by Dimas Beck, the event had celebrity…