Tabla de contenidos para March - April 2017 en GQ Australia

Hold the peach in your hand”, she said. “Now, feel the peach. Does it feel cold, warm, or neutral in your palm? Gently roll the peach in your fingers and feel the soft fur of its skin. Just like your skin. Now, close your eyes and place it to your mouth. Can you feel the fuzz tickle your lips? Now, take a bite. Just… one… bite… of the peach. Let the peach juice drip on to your mouth and lips. Hold the juicy piece of peach on your tongue. And savour it.” Sounds like a scene from ’80s erotic thriller 9½ Weeks, doesn’t it? In fact, it’s direct dialogue delivered to me (peach in hand) from my mindfulness coach at the Sydney Buddhist Centre. Many of you who’ve read my…

The Crow Indian boy Alaxchiiaahush saw his future in a dream. He was an old man, at a time after the passing of the buffalo. The once mighty Crow were no longer free to roam. In his words, their hearts had fallen to the ground and they couldn’t lift them again. In the dream, the boy is told to listen to the chickadee; the small bird was weak but wise. Here was his people’s future. Alaxchiiahush would grow up to become the great Chief Plenty Coups and lead the Crow to a new life, recovering dignity from devastation. Alaxchiiaahush was raised in the art of war. Training for battle began in childhood. Women would dance with the scalps of their husband’s victims. Facing an enemy, a Crow warrior would plant…

THE FILM Hollywood’s recently blasted A-listers Matt Damon, Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence off to Mars, and now it s Ryan Reynolds’s turn in Life . Together with Jake Gyllenhaal and Rebecca Ferguson ( Girl on the Train ), he’s part of a team of astronauts tasked with studying samples from the red planet, when one of them shows signs of, you guessed it, life. LIFE IS IN CINEMAS MARCH 23 THE BOOK Everyone loves a bit of David Hockney and now you can have a lot of him, thanks to this gigantic tome. No exaggeration. Following last year’s major exhibition of his work at Melbourne’s NGV, this “sumo-sized” collector’s item covers some six decades of the British artist’s paintings, drawings,…

MARVEL’S IRON FIST Danny Rand is the billionaire monk with super powers forced to choose between running the family business or performing hero duties. This 13-episode Marvel series stars Finn Jones and Jessica Henwick (Loras Tyrell and Nymeria Sand from Game of Thrones), as well as Rosario Dawson and Aussie David Wenham. MARVEL’S IRON FIST STREAMS ON NETFLIX FROM MARCH 17 THE YOUNG POPE It’s been a while since two-time Oscar nominee Jude Law was in anything decent. But now he’s back as the world’s first American pope, Lenny Belardo, in this drama charting the politics and unholy shenanigans in the Vatican. Directed by Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino, it also stars Diane Keaton as the nun who raised Belardo. THE YOUNG POPE AIRS ON SBS FROM APRIL 19 BULLIED Hosted…

CURTIS STONE Maude and Gwen, Los Angeles He may be flogging $10 dinners on the telly, but Stone can cook. Both establishments are a return to the fine-dining world where he cut his teeth. DAVID THOMPSON Nahm, Bangkok We know we mention him regularly but Thompson really is one of the best Thai chefs on the planet – eating his food at least once is imperative. TETSUYA WAKUDA Waku Ghin, Singapore The little master changed fine dining in Australia with Tetsuya’s and he’s taken things to the next level in Singapore – especially with average spend. BILL GRANGER He’s a cook – but he’s now as well known in London as he is in Australia thanks to openings across the capital (as well as the outposts he has in Hawaii,…

“It’s a great gin once you’ve licked it off the car seat,” says Sydneysider Stuart Gregor, co-founder of Four Pillars gin. We asked him to explain himself. “One of the gins had a higher amount of sugar and because it was summer people would buy a bottle and leave it in the back of the car. The season’s intense heat forced the corks to pop off.” It clearly was a lesson learned – later this year Australia’s premium gin will come complete with a screw cap so you can get every last drop in your glass – not on the backseat of an SUV. Launched in 2013, the label, now based in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, has gone from producing 450 bottles to 90,000 in a calendar year. Among various awards,…

VUITTON X SUPREME Never mind that Louis Vuitton’s front row had Kate Moss sat next to Becks, what made headlines was its collaboration with Supreme, the street and skate label so cool it even stocked a branded house brick last year (and sold out of them). Scarves and jackets were emblazoned with both the brands’ logos, and models carried pieces of classic Vuitton luggage, reinvented in signature ‘Supreme’ red. Needless to say, we want everything. FASHION FLASHBACK The ’70s gave the world M*A*S*H* , Daddy Cool and Jaws , and – despite the occasional sartorial misstep – it’s also long been a source of inspiration for fashion designers, too.This season, Prada and Fendi went back to the future, taking cues…

BAGS From the luggage in the Cerruti 1881 show, to the oversized messenger bags tucked under the arms of Dries Van Noten models, the totes of Salvatore Ferragamo and hand-held duffel bags at AMI, the message from the runway was that big bags are back. HATS Beanies, caps, trilbies, bucket hats and even crowns all put in a good showing this season. But by far GQ’s favourite headwear trend was the overdue resurgence of the beret, as seen perched on model heads at Gosha Rubchinskiy, Prada and even LV. BELTS It’s been a while since the humble belt had time in the fashion spotlight. But forget flashy buckles – this season’s focus is on extra-long, which seemed to be popping up everywhere from Lanvin and Louis…

COS TURNS 10 A decade since its first store in London, the Swedish label is celebrating its birthday with a new 10-piece capsule collection. The range reflects the minimalist approach the brand is known for, with clean lines and technical details. Covering men’s, women’s and children’s clothes, the collection is in stores now. COSSTORES.COM YSL IS BACK Remember when Saint Laurent dropped ‘Yves’ in 2012? While the name remains unchanged, creative director Anthony Vaccarello is reintroducing the iconic 1961 ‘YSL’ logo in its new spring 2017 glasses collection. Eagle-eyed readers may have seen the range in Vaccarello’s fashion film for the house, released last year and starring rapper Travis Scott. YSL.COM GOING GRAY New York label Michael Bastian was founded in 2006, and has built a…

VITAMAN ‘FACE MUD’ MASQUE, $35 (100ML) Sydney born and bred and manufactured with Australian conditions in mind, the mud draws out the pollutants that causes blackheads while reducing oiliness. vitaman.com.au GROWN ALCHEMIST POLISHING FACIAL EXFOLIANT, $54.95 (75ML) There was once a time when those with sensitive skin didn’t go near exfoliators. Grown Alchemist changed that with ingredients such as polylactic acid from corn starch that calms inflammation while dissolving dead skin cells. grownalchemist.com PATRICKS ‘M3’ HAIR PRODUCT, $60 (85G) The masterstroke here is not just four products in varying degrees of hold and sheen. Nor is it the custom scents of each. It’s a recovery compound that fights hair loss and UV damage while stimulating growth. Little wonder that Liberty London and Neiman Marcus…

Typically, what’s unveiled at SIHH belongs to the loftier tier of mechanical watchmaking, from mind-bending movements to new composite materials. It’s less watches for real people, more watches for the one per cent. But not this year. Faced with slumping sales (according to Bloomberg, the industry was forced to buy back $1.7bn worth of unsold stock in 2016), manufacturers are playing it safe with line extensions of entry-level pieces and opting for steel over more expensive materials. Last year, Girard-Perregaux reintroduced the ‘Laureato’ in a limited-edition run to celebrate its 225th birthday. Debuting in 1975, the original arrived in the decade of the steel sports watch, among other favourites such as Audemars Piguet’s ‘Royal Oak’ and Patek Philippe’s ‘Nautilus’. This year, the ‘Laureato’ becomes a permanent collection – a blue-dial…

‘BENTLEY SUPERSPORTS B55’ Who it suits: Men comfortable in the driver’s seat – Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup types. Best talking point: It’s limited to 500 pieces. Secret weapon: The Bentley Continental Supersports it was inspired by is just as impressive. Price: $10,660 ‘NAVITIMER 46mm’ Who it suits: Men with their heads in the clouds. John Travolta and Captain Richard de Crespigny. Best talking point: The size. It’s OK to boast. Secret weapon: Its heritage. This year marks 65 years of the classic ‘Navitimer’. Price: $10,680 ‘AVENGER II SEAWOLF’ Who it suits: Men not scared of diving down to 3000m underwater. Legendary cave-diver Ron Allum, Matthew Mitcham and Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic . Best talking point: The Cobra Yellow dial will kickstart any conversation. Secret weapon: The…

The Australian actor Devon Terrell – not to be confused with Devvon Terrell the American musician – came from obscurity to star as Barack Obama in recent Netflix outing, Barry . Not bad going for a 24 year-old starting his career – the piece was not only his first feature role but his first acting credit. The Perth native, who only graduated from NIDA in 2013, was meticulous in his study of Obama in the two months he had to prepare for the part – from consuming the former POTUS’s 1995 memoir, Dreams From My Father , to learning to play basketball left-handed and sitting through hours of footage in order to nail the American politician’s distinct tone and cadence of speech. We gave Terrell a simpler, but no less…

The figure may have been bandied around since the turn of the millennium, but it still rings true: 85 per cent of Australians live within 50km of the coast. Another figure that consolidates the notion we’re a nation of water lovers: since 2000, 64 per cent of Australia’s Olympic medals have come from water-based sports. While the well-documented tales of Olympic legends such as Ian Thorpe have long been evidence of that, in recent years the more extreme watersports have been making a sizeable splash – achieving a steep incline in audiences and investment from the likes of GoPro and Red Bull. Starting with Mark Mathews (from his hospital bed after the big-wave surfer had yet another near-death wipeout), we speak to five maniacs of the sea about overcoming fear,…

NAIVETY HELPS “I started Haydenshapes when I was in high school and leased my first factory aged 22. I had no money and couldn’t even build a board from start to finish. But throwing myself into the deep end meant I had to figure it out or I’d sink – being naïve meant I wasn’t daunted by the risk of failing.” MUM’S THE WORD “‘Surfboards are a hobby Hayden, not a business.’ Critics can be your biggest motivators – even if it comes from a good place.” AUSSIE INNOVATION “Last year I interviewed Noel Gordon, fellow Aussie and co-founder of Google Maps, for my book New Wave Vision and we talked about how Australians are great innovators. He thought it was bred into our blood, being…

A A LANGE & SOHNE alange-soehne.com ALEXANDER MCQUEEN alexandermcqueen. com AQUILA aquila.com.au ARMANI 02 8233 5888 AUDEMARS PIGUET audemarspiguet.com B BAUME & MERCIER baume-et  -mercier.com BEN SHERMAN bensherman.com.au BIRKENSTOCK birkenstock.com.au BLUNDSTONE blundstone.com.au BOTTEGA VENETA FRAGRANCE myer.com.au ; shop. davidjones.com.au BOTTEGA VENETA 02 9239 0188 BOSS 03 9474 6304 BURBERRY 02 8296 8588 C CALIBRE calibre.com.au CARTIER 1800 130 000 CERRUTI 1881 cerruti.com CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN 02 8355 5282 COACH coachaustralia.com COUNTRY ROAD countryroad.com.au D DIESEL au.diesel.com DIOR HOMME 02 9229 4600 DRIES VAN NOTEN driesvannoten.com DUNHILL dunhill.com/au E EDOX 03 9572 9820…

TIM ASHTON PHOTOGRAPHED THE DEVON TERRELL FASHION SHOOT; PAGE 126 How did Terrell hold up in front of the camera? He was amazing. I was worried this guy wouldn’t be able to move. Despite little-to-no sleep after coming straight off a flight from New York, he was as energetic and fun as any subject I’ve ever photographed. Do you have a go-to conversation starter to get people in the groove? Not really. I just try to get to know someone and make them feel important. It’s always just questions about them and what they are interested in. Terrell was in relaxed dress wear. What’s your idea of dress-down style? Suit pants, linen T-shirt, sneakers. Can’t really beat that, especially on hot summer days. The best and worst things about…

Thirty years after it was first launched by none other than Barry Humphries and the late Peter Cook, the Melbourne Comedy Festival is back. Spanning nearly four weeks, this year’s event sees 550 shows from local and international performers spread across 100 venues. To celebrate the upcoming line-up, we asked a few key acts to give us their best joke. THE MELBOURNE COMEDY FESTIVAL RUNS FROM MARCH 29 – APRIL 23; COMEDYFESTIVAL.COM.AU Style in bloom SS17 saw Japanese underground vanitas artist Toru Kamei join the long list of collaborators to work with Kris Van Assche for Dior Homme. The collection has heavy tones of punk and goth, which Kamei bought his own dark romance to with skulls and bouquets sewn as patches, badges, printed on jeans and printed…

The Dog’s Last Walk, by Howard Jacobson More genius from the author of Man Booker Prize-winning novel, The Finkler Question . This collection of journalism is the follow-up to Jacobson’s 2011 volume, Whatever It Is I Don’t Like It , and is the latest in the British author’s impressive output of novels, essays and even TV series. It promises Jacobson at his hilarious, witty best – with non-fiction pieces ranging from the provocative to the heartbreaking. $32.99; BLOOMSBURY.COM UNIVERSAL HARVESTER, BY JOHN DARNIELLE Until his 2014 debut, Wolf In White Van, became a New York Times bestseller, Darnielle was better known as the man behind indie band Mountain Goats. Now he’s back with his second novel, a horror-infused thriller set in ’90s…

For many, surfing isn’t a hobby, but a way of life. And the way surfers live has become something of a personal obsession for interior designer Nina Freudenberger. Born in Munich and raised in New York, she developed a fascination with surf culture after relocating to Venice, California, though her new coffee table book, Surf Shacks , takes her far further than the beaches of Los Angeles. Along with photographer Brittany Ambridge, Freudenberger travelled to the homes of 20 surf enthusiasts around the world, from sophisticated seaside spaces in Mexico to New York, Australia, Malibu and beyond, to find out not only how the owners decorated their abodes, but what inspired them to make the choices they have. Even if you’ve never picked up a board in your life, Freudenberger…

Viral videos generally feature the fat, foolish or feline. It’s rare that they inspire an eye-prickling mix of emotions that cross sympathy, joy and national pride. But this is the deeply moving and beautifully constructed story of Deng Adut – whose journey from Sudanese child soldier to refugee then passionate lawyer became an acutely powerful, and viral, brand statement for the University of Western Sydney (UWS). The video details Adut’s remarkable, heart-wrenching and oft-wretched journey – ripped from his family aged just six, he was marched 33 days to Ethiopia, watching as children around him were cut down by lions or bandits’ bullets before being armed and trained to kill. Still primary-school age, he watched as a sniper murdered a close friend, helped capture innocent local villagers in an act…

It’s hard to make your name in New York’s bar scene, let alone on the world stage, but Melbourne’s Sam Ross makes it look like a breeze. In fact, Attaboy is No.5 on the World’s Best Bars list 2016, and co-owner Ross even invented the killer Penicillin Cocktail. This speakeasy may not be down a laneway or behind a secret door, but it hides in plain sight, with no signage apart from an AB and a plaque for tailoring and alterations – simply ring the bell and pull up a pew at the bar. It’s a drinking man’s establishment and there’s no menu – just speak of the flavours and sprits you like and they’ll do the rest. 134 Eldridge Street, Lower East Side…

De Bortoli ‘Woodfired Heathcote Shiraz 2015’ “Wine makes all things possible.” Oh, how we agree, George RR Martin, and while that’s not meant a life of riding literary dragons and snowy sorcerers to incredible fame and fortune, there’s a certain truth in the need for wine to open minds and enable expansion beyond the mundane. Then again, there’s also the want for a decent nightly drop to heighten what’s being plated. Sure, your mates keep banging on – a little too often truth be told – about their newfound vegetarianism and desire for the environment to be rid of cows and their funky output of methane, but shiraz and meat is an alluring match akin to that time Kate Moss stripped for The White Stripes. This is a full-bodied flavour…

This is the moment. The ‘fashion is for chicks’ boat has fucking set sail, and men are now emancipated. Dudes can finally have conversations about what they want to wear, what brands are hot and what was the coolest shit on the runway. Men’s fashion is booming, and knowledge of what’s going on in the fashion world is at your fingertips so there’s no excuse to be behind the times. And whether you wear an oversized camel coat from a high-street store or a European designer, it doesn’t matter. Money shouldn’t discriminate. But knowing why you’re wearing it is what sets you apart – and you have the legends at GQ to give you a heads-up on all the runway vibes. I’m not saying go out and buy everything they…

NAVY Putting a spring in your step (if going to work doesn’t) comes courtesy of Paul Smith, who provides this elevated version of sporting classic – the white high-top. Blurring the line between office and outdoors, these pearly whites are the solution to the ever-puzzling concept of ‘smart casual’. Kick off into the cooler months by pairing with wardrobe essentials such as a navy blazer or a long-sleeve breton. TERRACOTTA Functional yet refined enough to wear anywhere, the polo shirt has come a long way since its first court appearance on tennis pro and pioneer Mr René Lacoste. Slimmer silhouettes, stripes or a tech zipper make for a versatile take on the classic, which looks as good under a suit as it does part of your weekend wear. TAUPE In…

‘REDEMPTION’ BODY SCRUB, $39 (180 ML) Finely milled pumice removes dead skin cells as pine needle and fir oils work their fragrant magic. ‘LUCENT ’ FACIAL CONCENTRATE, $120 (60ML) Boosts vitamins for those with dry complexions and hydrates for those with an oilier bent. And all with a near-perfect matte finish. ‘VIOLET LEAF’ HAIR BALM, $35 (60ML) An excellent alternative to sticky hairstyling products. Great on dry or coarse hair. ‘MARRAKECH INTENSE’ EDT, $85 (50ML) Straight from the souk with a fistful of clove, jasmine and rose. They could charge triple for this. ‘MOROCCAN NEROLI’ SHAVING DUET, $85 (60ML) All your shaving needs sorted with a serum to prepare the skin and post-shave lotion to calm it post-blade. aesop.com…

Unless you’re a Swiss matchmaker (and, if you are, willkommen), continued reports of declining prestige watch sales won’t affect you the way that you think. Stock market speculators can obsess over sinking sales in Asia and the economic impact of Alec Baldwin’s Saturday Night Live sketches, but mere mortals interested in keeping wrists adorned in a gentlemanly fashion can relax. I repeat – exhale. After scrutinising the releases at January’s Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Geneve (SIHH), the winner in all of this doom and gloom continues to be the customer in search of a contemporary classic. Rather than rallying against digital competitors or focusing on bangs and whistles beneath diamond-studded cases, manufacturers are delivering cooler designs with modern materials and subtle tweaks to classic formats. A little Gucci…

Greubel Forsey In 2011, Greubel Forsey’s ‘Double Tourbillon 30° Technique’ was deemed the most precise mechanical time-telling device ever created. Yet, even by the brand’s own bar-setting standards, this year’s ‘Grande Sonnerie’ represents a new level of watchmaking, chiming as it does at the hours, quarter-hours and minutes of the day. What makes it more spectacular is the inclusion of a tourbillon in a case measuring 43.5mm by 16.13mm. TITANIUM ‘GRANDE SONNERIE’, $1,810,000. Vacheron Constantin In 2015, Vacheron Constantin presented the most complex watch ever made. The ‘Reference 57260’ boasted 57 complications. It was also 131.7mm long and 50.55mm thick, meaning it hardly constituted a piece of wearable tech. More practical is the one-off custom-made ‘Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication 3600’. It clocks up 23 complications thanks to a calibre of…

Australia’s mega-economies have their justly enshrined reputations – Sydney and Melbourne are the economic powerhouses of the east coast, while WA’s once-booming mining industry made Perth the epicentre of high-vis and the country’s most expensive coffee. What then, of Adelaide? An largely overlooked state capital that’s generally viewed as a mix of declining manufacturing jobs, wine tourism , churches and historical defence contracts. Well, right now, there’s more to it than the stream of cricket fanatics flocking to the annual Test. The City of Churches, and its inhabitants who have a strange way of pronouncing ‘castle’, are making firm inroads to become Australia’s most exciting, viable and attractive tech hub. The newfound industry may be in its infancy, though given progressive government initiatives and incentives, it’s growing. And fast. Startup…

THE CLUB Like Soho House for business types, Sydney’s CUB is built for networking, and brings together astute leaders and entrepreneurs from various fields. It’s all set in a luxurious building in Potts Point that combines a lounge with working spaces and a garden terrace. A Melbourne outpost is planned, so, too, expansion to LA and New York. MONTHLY MEMBERSHIPS FROM $800; CUB.CLUB THE PERK AirPortr lets you check in luggage from any London location before heading to the airport. You get a one-hour slot, between 24 to seven hours prior to travel, when a driver will collect bags and check passports and boarding passes. The next time travellers see their suitcases will be at the destination. Only available on BA flights from the capital –for…

2017 HOLDEN COLORADO The traditional Australian ute is at a crossroads – jacked-up, American-style pickups the new normal. They’re driving impressive sales and all marques are feeling the surge, not just Toyota and Ford, in part due to the growing popularity within the family market. With the want to ride high continuing unabated, we step up, and in, to Holden’s updated and rugged new load-lugger, a truck – that’s what they want it to be called – that delivers more than an ability to tow, uphill, with a dog in the tray. INTERIOR Think sliding into a decent, elevated family sedan. Indeed, Holden has likened the interior to that of the old Commodore. Gone though are ridiculous bits such as the split glove box, and in its place is a…

In a 30-minute rowing session, you’ll complete 1000-odd strokes, with every stroke feeling like a squat. That’s a lot of squats. Known by some as a pastime for jocks with stripy blazers and zero sporting prowess, others may recall The Great Gatsby’s closing line – “So we beat on, boats against the current” – when considering rowing. Either way, the success achieved by Sydney’s first boutique rowing studio, Crew, is proof that it’s an alluring way to shape your body. As well as burning twice as many calories as most other forms of exercise, being low-impact means less wear and tear on joints – broadening rowing’s appeal to varied ages and fitness levels. It also allows those fitter types to back up a tough session quicker than, say, running, where…

THE BIKE Beauty and the Beast springs to mind when looking at the S-Works ‘Venge ViAS Di2’. Dubbed the world’s fastest bike, this update to the 2011 original was designed using wind tunnels and 3D prints to maximise aerodynamics. The outcome is an innovative bike we can’t wait to obliterate our Strava PBs on. $13,500; SPECIALIZED.COM THE BOOK Twenty years on from arguably the most seminal moment in golfing history, who could have predicted the accolades (and the rough) that would lie ahead for Eldrick Tont “Tiger” Woods? Aged 21, he won his first of four Masters green jackets by a record 12 shots. In this autobiography, Woods opens up about his relationship with his father, Earl, and reveals many unknown stories – none of them…

TASTE OF ITALY Italy is famous for its flavours – savoury bolognese sauce, sweet gelato, sharp parmigiano-reggiano cheese, and the crisp taste of Peroni. This refreshing lager, originally brewed using the glacial mountain waters of Pavia in northern Italy, has a distinctive pale colour and hoppy aroma. As indicated by the signature blue ribbon around its neck, Peroni embodies the highest level of Italian quality and style known to many as la dolce vita. peroniitaly.com FIRED UP The story of the family-owned De Bortoli Wine company, which began with a couple fleeing war-torn Italy to arrive in Australia in the 1920s, is one of passion. Today the company grows grapes in vineyards across New South Wales and Victoria to create standout wines, such as the Woodfired Heathcote Shiraz from the…

You can’t fake the vast sky, hazy horizons and unique accent of the bush. That was the lure for this bunch of GQ city kids who made for Longreach, Queensland, to create the cover story with Jai Courtney. For those involved, spending a few days here meant an opportunity to engage with a landscape that while familiar, we often overlook in favour of another Euro jaunt. Like school camp – except with legal booze – the GQ bus (OK, flight) arrived to a reception as warm as the heat. This is a town of resilience and reinvention – the parched land has meant ongoing economic hardships, though from that has also sprung success in positioning the place as a beacon to tourists wanting to experience outback Australia. This is a…

@gqaustralia that beard doe. THE KHANSULTANT, VIA INSTAGRAM Amazing! JAMIE DORNAN, ONLINE VIA INSTAGRAM I need this magazine with Jamie Dornan! LONI FERGUSON, VIA INSTAGRAM Thank you so much for having Jamie on the cover of this magazine! VASHTI HERBERT, VIA INSTAGRAM I’m serious. I fell in love with every corner. LETICIA GOLDBERG, VIA INSTAGRAM Our Portuguese might be a bit out here, but we appreciate the sentiment. Excellent way to start 2016 with that cover. EDITH CULLEN GREY, VIA INSTAGRAM Cullen Grey, hey? We sense a stalker in the making. Write to win For the chance to win a The Critical Slide Society surf pack, worth about $600, tell us what you think of the issue. Email editorial@gq.com.au  or for more information, head to GQ.com.au/win.thecriticalslidesociety.com…

BRUNO MARS KNOWN FOR : ‘UPTOWN FUNK’, ‘24K MAGIC’ ALSO WROTE: ‘FUCK YOU’ BY CEE LO GREEN; ‘LIFT OFF’ BY JAY-Z AND KANYE WEST SIA KNOWN FOR: ‘CHANDELIER’, ‘ELASTIC HEART’ ALSO WROTE: ‘PRETTY HURTS’ BY BEYONCE; ‘DIAMONDS’ BY RIHANNA CALVIN HARRIS KNOWN FOR: ‘MY WAY’, ALSO WROTE: ‘IN MY ARMS’ BY KYLIE MINOGUE ED SHEERAN KNOWN FOR: ‘SHAPE OF YOU’, ‘PHOTOGRAPH’ ALSO WROTE: ‘LOVE YOURSELF’ BY JUSTIN BIEBER, ‘LITTLE THINGS’ BY ONE DIRECTION LADY GAGA KNOWN FOR: ‘POKER FACE’, ‘THAT MEAT DRESS’ ALSO WROTE: ‘QUICKSAND’ BY BRITNEY SPEARS, ‘FEVER’ BY ADAM LAMBERT…

Today is Natasha Oakley’s first day off in six weeks. Sort of. She’s still been working but she’s at least managed to squeeze in some beach time. Though with a diary fully booked until August, it’s as close as she’s likely to come to a holiday. “It’s been crazy,” she says, “and it’s going to be an intense six months ahead. And the six after that, too.” But maybe you don’t need time off when your job is to look like you’re permanently on vacation. As her 1.8 million Instagram followers will attest, the 25-year-old Australian’s days are an exotic slideshow of resorts, parties, ocean views and cocktails. But make no mistake – this is all hard work. “It’s been an amazing adventure,” she laughs. “I just make sure I…

Hard to believe April marks one year since Prince’s death. The man may be gone too soon, aged 57, but his impact will last forever. Now, this funky little guide celebrates his rollercoaster life, one letter at a time. Filled with trivia, Prince A to Z (‘D’ is for ‘Discography; ‘G’ for ‘Guitars’) covers his life from influences to controversies, all alongside Alice Oehr’s bold and kooky illustrations. It’s the second A-Z from Steve Wide, a music writer who has also DJ’d for Primal Scream, Happy Mondays and The Stone Roses. Rest assured, Prince may be gone but he’s not forgotten. PRINCE A TO Z, $29.99; SMITHSTREET  BOOKS.COM PRINCE’S EP ‘SCANDALOUS SEX SUITE’ WAS MADE WHILE THE SINGER WAS DATING KIM BASINGER AND IS SAID TO…

We’ve all cringed at the Aussie twang over the shoulder when meandering the streets of Venice, squeezing into Tokyo’s underground or bending an arm in a London boozer. It’s broader than The Rock’s shoulders and rougher than Popeye’s table manners, but, mate, when it comes to food abroad, Aussies are adding their special accent and punters are eagerly queuing up for it. While there’s a firm international focus on Australia – Heston Blumenthal and Rene Redzepi have opened here and the World’s Best 50 Restaurants will hold its annual awards in Melbourne this April – there’s also a well of incredible local expat chefs spreading their influence, and accent, overseas. “I suppose you can feel slightly isolated in Australia,” offers James Henry, whose career has seen him wow France with…

Forget the Nordic persuasion or the focus on provenance. The next foodie push harks back, playfully and laced with irony, to the Australian suburban stuff of the ’70s and ’80s. That’s right – prawn cocktail’s no longer a dirty little combo and Jatz and dip? Let’s rip. “We’re finally moving past the cultural cringe factors that have dominated our culinary landscape,” argues Jake Smyth, co-owner of Sydney’s The Unicorn Hotel, where they serve Jatz with French onion dip, prawn cocktail and even the suburban staple – mixed grill. “Chefs are allowing themselves to create a new paradigm – not being focused on 1930s France, Denmark 2008 or Manhattan in the 1970s. This is about Australia 2017.” Pulling the plug on pompous dishes gets the nod of approval from Corey Costelloe,…

The purists – namely those ’60s longboarders who still claim ownership – may wail about what Byron’s become, yet little dents the enjoyment of a cheeky weekend at this stretch of northern NSW sand. Especially given the fresh approach of Elements – a newish $100m resort removed from the faux-hippies and wealthy UK van types railing against their plummy upbringing by collecting dreadlocks and not wearing shoes for a month. Belting out to Elements after an easy east coast flight into Ballina, you could be forgiven for questioning where you’re heading, particularly on turning into light-industrial surrounds. Still, it’s this location, a nudge north of downtown Jonson Street, that lets Elements shine as Byron’s only true beachside resort – an exclusive property gently sat on the sands of Belongil Beach.…

NORMCORE Never heard of it? You’ll still recognise the trend. A fashion mainstay for a couple of years, think tucked-in T-shirts, Birkenstocks and the rise of ‘dad’ jeans. The undisputed leader of the trend is Georgian designer Demna Gvasalia, creative director of Balenciaga, and his own label, Vetements, though this season it was also seen on Ermenegildo Zegna and French label AMI. ACTIVEWEAR Those who’ve jumped on board the activewear trend will be pleased to know it’s not going anywhere fast. This season, Fendi led the charge, with retro ’80s and ‘90s-inspired sportswear – right down to the tracksuit tops and oversized, chunky, headbands. Russian designer Gosha Rubchinskiy also provided plenty of options with his new Adidas collaboration. LIGHT JACKETS Bulky, oversized coats are never in short supply on the…

In 1923, 15-year-old Reginald Murray Williams packed a swag and headed for the bush. His family had moved to Adelaide with the hope of getting Williams a proper education, but he was born in rural South Australia, and the outback still held a special place in his heart. A decade later, it would inspire the label that still bears his name. Launched in 1932, RM Williams began selling leather goods and riding boots. In the eight decades since, the brand’s added local and international retail boutiques and product lines – all while cementing a defining place in Australian culture. Today, recently-installed head of design, Jeremy Hershan, is looking to take it into the future. “The big attraction for me was to help reshape one of Australia’s most iconic labels,” he…

TAKE THE PLUNGE Keeping cool is a tricky business, so, Peronis aside, breathability is a top priority. Opt for natural fibres - a good rule being to steer clear of anything difficult to pronounce. Unlike a formal race day, which calls for a necktie, at Portsea you can bust a move and a button so you’re never sweating up a storm. FROM TOP Linen-blend shirt, $34.99, by H&M; cotton ‘Oxford Slub’ shirt, $99.95, by Country Road. IN FULL BLOOM Botanical prints are everywhere at Portsea Polo. Our advice: wear with muted chinos and refined accessories. And black and white always downplays a loud print. FROM LEFT Silk/cotton shirt, $350, by Commas at Pam Pam; viscose/cotton Hawaiian shirt, $950, by Saint Laurent; cotton/linen shirt, $29.99, by H&M; cotton shorts, $230, by…

While the peacocks at January’s Pitti Uomo fashion event in Milan were wearing their hair long and coiffed, the runways saw two new looks emerge. At the Cottweiler x Reebok event, beyond the directional and monochromatic clothing, it was all about the crop, that is, The French Crop. Think Drake with less fade, GQ fave Nick Jonas and Eleven, that creepy girl from Stranger Things. Meanwhile, at Lucio Vanotti, models rocked an updated take on Christian Bale’s slicked back American Psycho effort, with more than a touch of inspiration from Jared Leto’s new Gucci campaign. Stylist Chad Wijayatilake, from Sydney’s District salon, tells us how to take these looks from runway to everyday. THE NEW SLICK Best For: “Men with smoother and straighter hair. That said, if your hair has…

THINSPIRATION The ultra-thins Watchmaking is a battle of superlatives, each brand looking to deliver the smallest, largest, loudest or lightest pieces of horological beauty. 2017 was all about getting lean. Piaget, having launched the ‘Calibre 9P’ in 1957 – the world’s first ‘ultra-thin’ hand-wound watch – still maintains its position as the master of super-thin movements. Now, 15 years after presenting the ‘Calibre 600P’ (then the thinnest tourbillon) and three years after the ‘Altiplano 900P’ (the thinnest hand-wound mechanical timepiece ever), it unveils a new ‘Altiplano 60’ collection. First to join the series are two white-gold watches; a 38mm hand-wound and a 43mm self-winding alternative. Twelve months ago, Cartier set Instagram alight with its all-new, cushion-shaped ‘Drive de Cartier’ and this year, it’s borrowed a Piaget base-calibre to repackage the…

The world’s greatest motivational tool may have been developed by Jerry Seinfeld. Back in his days as a stand-up, he would take a giant calendar – a whole year on one page – and hang it on a wall. After each day of writing, Seinfeld would take a red marker and, in a presumably satisfying double swoop, put a big red X though the day. After a few days, Seinfeld’s since explained, he’d have a chain – a chain that he enjoyed seeing. “And your only job is to not break the chain,” he said. Thanks to Adelaide developer Quentin Zarvaas, the wall calendar system’s been modernised – his app, Streaks, is a powerful tool that tracks daily habits, like steps taken, to align with bigger goals. “As someone who…

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WARM UP 2 min row – steady (stroke rate (SR): 26) 2 min stretch HIGH-INTENSITY – 3 ROUNDS One round = 30 secs squats, with 10 secs rest. Then repeat with push-ups, lunges and alpine climbers. Finish with a row. Repeat for rounds 2 and 3, with longer distance rows. 1) Row 100m (aim for under 20 secs) 2) Row 200m (aim for under 40 secs) 3) Row 300m (aim for under 60 secs) ACTIVE RECOVERY 45 secs forearm plank – 10 secs off – 45 secs straight-arm plank PYRAMID SET – 3 ROUNDS 1) 10 x thrusters – row 300m 2) 10 x thrusters + 10 x bicep curls – row 200m 3) 10 x thrusters + 10 x bicep curls + 10 x burpees – row 100m ACTIVE…

Renowned for its Australian natural protein powders and organic superfoods, Bare Blends has a healthy breakfast for everyone. This passion fruit and greens smoothie suits the active lifestyle of a GQ reader, as detailed by our checklist. INGREDIENTS 250ml coconut water 1tsp coconut oil 1tsp chia seeds 1 passion fruit 1 cheek of frozen mango 1 serve Bare Greens 1 serve Bare Blends Organic Vanilla Bean Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) METHOD Add ingredients, blend together and serve. CHECKLIST COCONUT WATER = HYDRATION Provides salts and other essential trace minerals, critical for hydration. COCONUT OIL = ENERGY Contains medium-chain fatty acids our body can metabolise quickly. CHIA SEEDS = FIBRE Slows digestion and keeps you satiated until lunch. PASSION FRUIT = IMMUNITY Vitamin C strengthens immunity with the bonus of being…

Full name. ELSA LAFUENTE MEDIANU. Describe your personality in three words? STUBBORN, POSITIVE, PASSIONATE. The one New Year’s resolution you’ve let slide. TO BE ON TIME. [fill in the blanks] The latest BERNARD FANNING album is AMAZING because IT HAS A SOULFUL AND RUSTIC ROCK ’N’ ROLL VIBE! Nickname. LA PATAKY - TYPICAL SPANISH. Biggest fear in life? BEFORE HAVING KIDS – NOTHING! NOW, THEIR SAFETY. Three things you love about living in Australia. THE SENSE OF HUMOUR, BEST DADS IN THE WORLD, THEIR WILDNESS. Two things the Spanish do better than Aussies. SOCCER AND SIESTA. Have you scored a TAG Heuer from Chris yet? A TAG HEUER ‘AQUARACER’ – IT IS BEAUTIFUL. I think Australian men are... BIGGER, STRONGER, BLONDER. Your favourite bit of tech at the moment. I’M…