Table of contents for April - May 2024 in Da Man

Turning 17 is usually seen as significant transition that can profoundly influence the trajectory of a person’s life. Reaching this milestone age usually comes with a need for introspection and self-discovery, as one starts to question their beliefs and values, while exploring who they are and who they want to be. In DAMAN’s case, however, our identity and vision has been clear from the outset. Since day one, we have known who we are and what we stand for. And to be here today, as the leading men’s magazine in Indonesia feels extremely rewarding. Our journey has been defined by an unrelenting dedication to our vision, and our continued success is testament to the passion of the people behind the title. And, of course, all of this would have been…

RIMOWA recently presented its Never Still campaign. As the name suggests, the campaign focuses on how the German maison is always in constant motion as it continuously creates travel companions for dynamic personalities. Recently appointed as the brand’s global ambassador, Mando-pop musician Jay Chou stars in the campaign, showcasing his charismatic flair alongside his RIMOWA Original Cabin in Titanium. The story follows Chou navigating the streets of London, drawing from his global journey as an artist to offer a fresh outlook on the transformative power of travel and reflecting the brand’s core values.…

THE MAJORITY of fashion houses and global brands responded to the recent understated luxury trend with a toned down attitude. Yet, before this turning point began, Dunhill had stood firm as the embodiment of quiet luxury with its modern and sophisticated collections. This essence of beauty is captured in the recent Dunhill spring 2024 campaign titled “Classicism Now.” As the name suggests, the campaign brings a fresh perspective on menswear, seamlessly blending traditional style with contemporary flair. Portraying the collection’s elegant narrative was a stunning assemble of models, namely Kit Butler, Henry Kitcher, Pratik Shetty and Kim Woo-sang, all donning the recent spring pieces with minimalist styling by renowned stylist Tom Guinness. The campaign images were captured by London-based fashion photographer Paul Wetherell.…

Going on the Defense In the world of men’s grooming, amidst the ever-increasing popularity of toners, serums and aftershaves, there’s a potent but silent gamechanger that often remains overlooked: the skin barrier cream. This unassuming product plays a vital role in protecting skin and fortifying the skin against the daily onslaught of environmental aggressors. Imagine your skin’s natural barrier as the first line of defense, a wall that wards off the assaults you’ll face each day, whether it’s the nicks and burns from shaving or the effects of city pollution. This is where skin barrier creams come in: they act as reinforcements that nourish and repair this defense mechanism. But it’s more than just surface level care we should be aiming for. By locking in moisture and keeping irritants at…

While strength more often than not takes center stage in any narrative surrounding fitness, Pilates offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be fit. Created by Joseph Pilates, this revolutionary method has been developed and practiced since the 1920s when Joseph and his wife opened their Body Conditioning Gym in New York City. The principles underpinning Pilates are breath, concentration, centering, control, precision and flow. Perhaps most importantly, Pilates isn’t just about sculpting abs or toning muscles; it’s about tapping into your body’s full potential and discovering a newfound sense of power and control. We’re talking about low-impact moves that will leave you feeling stronger, more flexible and balanced. Plus, you’ll master proper breathing techniques and move with improved smoothness. This time around, however, we’ll focus on a…

IN A TIME where portability and power collide, small yet powerful laptops—think 13- or 14-inch models—sit at the sweet spot of mobile computing and have now become more relevant than ever. With featherweight designs and formidable processing capabilities, the top entries in this category have vonstantly redefined what users can expect from a laptop of this size. And recently, one particular laptop stole the spotlight with the perfect combination of sleek aesthetics and robust performance: the latest 14-inch MacBook Pro from Apple with the all-new M3 chips. In a nutshell, the MacBook Pro with M3 Max delivers performance and capabilities that push the limits of computing. Powered by a monster GPU and a powerful CPU, along with support for up to 128GB of unified memory, the MacBook Pro with M3…

STEAMPUNK WONDERLAND At The Iron Fairies Bali (Jl. Petitenget No.19x, Kuta, Bali; +62899-9999-123; theironfairies.com), metalworking aesthetics meets masterful cookery to create a dining experience like no other. Conceived by Australian miner-turned-businessman Ashley Sutton, this venue is an extension of the successful Iron Fairies brand in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. Stepping into the restaurant feels like visiting a magical blacksmith, with twin timber spiral staircases and giant metal gears adorning the space. Here, diners can enjoy various Italian dishes such as Pizza Margherita and Deep Fried Bolognese Lasagna. Of course, these offerings are complemented with an array of cocktails, wines and non-alcoholic beverages. The Best of Two Worlds SITUATED inside the recently-unveiled LV The Place Bangkok boutique, the utterly-fashionable and ritzy Gaggan at Louis Vuitton (LV The Place Bangkok Level…

Alex Sharp’s story unfolds like a captivating mixtape of tradition and modern flair. He started his acting journey in the hallowed halls of a drama school, where the stage becomes his playground. While life had him dabbling in various other gigs for some time, acting remains his true passion. Now, the English actor has become a household name in Hollywood with projects spanning both the small and big screens. DAMAN: Your upbringing was quite unique, being raised traveling throughout Europe and the Southwest of the United States in a caravan. How did this nomadic lifestyle influence your perspective on life and shape your identity? Alex Sharp: There were of course pros and cons to this lifestyle in my most formative years. The main con being that I was quite lonely…

Zak Steiner’s journey from competitive tennis to modeling and then acting is a tale of resilience and serendipity. Following a career-altering elbow injury at 16, Zak pivoted to modeling, catching the attention of industry heavyweights like Bruce Weber and landing his first gig as the face of a Bottega Veneta fragrance. Embracing the uncertainty of his future, Zak ventured into acting, where he discovered a newfound passion that led him to roles in acclaimed film projects. Now, as he sets his sights on filmmaking, Zak’s story reflects the power of perseverance and the endless possibilities that come with following one’s dreams. DAMAN: What inspired your transition from modeling to pursuing roles in film and television? Zak Steiner: I was pretty young when I started in the modeling world as well…

From the very beginning, the house of Berluti has cultivated a unique style that combines audacity, fantasy and classicism. Founded in 1895, the French leather maker has since kept creativity alive within the family, with every generation of the maison’s caretakers nurturing exceptional savoir-faire in leatherworks and, most famously, in creating shiny patinas that evolve over time on its works. When Berluti started exploring fine leather goods in 2005, it marked a significant expansion beyond shoemaking, for which it was best known for. This was a natural evolution for the brand, building upon its heritage of unparalleled artistry and dedication to quality. An exceptional case in point of this would be the Toujours tote. Created by Olga Berluti in 2013, the Toujours tote stands out as the quintessential example of…

Asia’s leading travel magazine, DestinAsian, successfully hosted its inaugural “DestinAsian Travel Fair” at Plaza Indonesia at the end of February. The three-day fair focused mainly on premium and high-end travel experiences, featuring special promotions from a curated selection of exhibitors. Attendees had the opportunity to explore amazing deals from various hotels in Jakarta, Bali, Bintan and Labuan Bajo, as well as attractive rates for overseas tours and airline tickets. Additionally, daily talk shows were held, featuring prominent panelists such as Artotel Group CEO Erastus Radjimin, blogger and author Trinity, award-winning photographer Martin Westlake and restaurateur and culinary author Kevindra Prianto Soemantri.…

Ain’t Suit & Tie In the encyclopedia of men’s styling, a tie is typically seen as nothing more than as an accessory to a suit. However, the formula spells differently this season as ties have expanded their range to complement less formal attire. Consider wearing it as an accessory for a bomber jacket or layer it under a polo sweater the way Givenchy does it. For a more game-changing method, see how Paul Smith incorporate a tie into a pajama-style ensemble. I See You For spring 2024, renowned fashion houses like Dries Van Noten, Hermès and Dolce & Gabbana have shown clear favor for transparent fabrics. While some designers have transformed these materials into matching tops and pants, others have crafted outerwear that are sure to become standouts during the…

GUCCI’s iconic Horsebit 1953 loafer takes center stage in a new campaign envisioned by Creative Director Sabato De Sarno. Featuring acclaimed actor Kingsley Ben-Adir, the campaign captures the timeless elegance of the loafers against a minimalist backdrop in Milan. Originally introduced in 1953, the loafer symbolizes equestrian sophistication and continues to inspire modern interpretations of everyday style. Ben-Adir’s charismatic presence breathes new life into the classic design, showcasing its evolution from leisurely grace to sensual sophistication. Shot by Heji Shin, the campaign portrays Ben-Adir lounging in relaxed yet refined poses, emphasizing the loafer’s status as a seductive symbol of casual elegance. With Ben-Adir following in the footsteps of previous muse Paul Mescal, Gucci’s choice reflects a desire to appeal to younger consumers while honoring the brand’s esteemed heritage.…

OSCAR ISAAC seamlessly blends fiction with reality as he brings his “Scenes from a Marriage” character to life. While playing the character of Jonathan Levy in the TV series, was seen sporting some of Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear of God pieces. And now, the Guatemalan-American actor has been officially appointed as the face of the brand’s Collection 8. Lensed by Luis Alberto Rodriguez, Isaac appeared remarkable in a series of black-and white portraits. He alternately wore the line’s tailored wool coat, fine-knit sweaters and many more.…

VALENTINO presents a magnetizing campaign for spring 2024 featuring one last performance by BTS’ Suga just before he enlists for military service. Named “The Narratives,” the campaign offers a glimpse into the day of the singer against the backdrop of the city of Seoul while unapologetically tailing him throughout, including during a fan signing on the street. Directed by Valentino’s own creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli, and lensed by Theo Wenner, Suga effortlessly demonstrated how his typical daily life resonates with Valentino’s unexpected approach for the season. The campaign showcases the maison’s innovative twist on formal wear, made fresh with an astonishing color palette, bold floral motifs and study of proportion, all juxtaposed with its iconic, timeless code.…

RAY-BAN forces with Lenny Kravitz to unveil the latest addition to its lineup: the Ray-Ban Reverse collection. Introduced in 2023, this collection introduces a cutting-edge inverted lens design. Building on this innovation, new colorways have been introduced, resulting in two special SKUs alongside a special limited edition model. “As a lifelong fan of Ray-Ban, their timeless style has always resonated with me,” Kravitz mentioned. “The Ray-Ban Reverse collaboration is a dream come true, allowing me to merge my love for music and fashion with such an iconic brand. It’s about breaking boundaries, embracing individuality, and seeing the world from a new perspective through those innovative lenses.”…

LOUIS VUITTON VOYAGER FLYING TOURBILLON “POINÇON DE GENÈVE” PLIQUE-À-JOUR Going by just the name, it’s easy to surmise that the Voyager Flying Tourbillon “Poinçon de Genève” Plique-à-jour from Louis Vuitton is a special timepiece. For one, the maison brings plique-à-jour enamel—a highly precise technique pioneered by Byzantine artisans in the 4th and 5th centuries CE—into the 21st century, essentially to turn the watch’s dial into a modern stained-glass window. On top of that, the watch also reveals a mesmerizing flying tourbillon movement developed at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. The movement also bears the prestigious Poinçon de Genève seal as a hallmark of quality. Another highlight is the central dial which showcases a sumptuous gradient of three shades of blues, going from ultramarine to azure and blue gray, within…

“I Know NIGO” by NIGO compiles project archives and highlights collaborations with artists like Pharrell and A$AP Rocky, showcasing limited-edition goods and original character art. With a maximalist design philosophy, the book features all-over graphics and patterns, offering a visual narrative of NIGO’s iconic style. In Charles Duhigg’s “Supercommunicators,” readers explore the dynamics of effective communication, using anecdotes from diverse settings, from jury rooms to medical consultations. Through storytelling and research, he offers practical tips to enhance communication skills and connect effectively with others. “The Showman” by Simon Shuster offers an intimate account of the Russian invasion of Ukraine from President Zelensky’s perspective. Based on four years of reporting and extensive interviews, the book chronicles Zelensky’s evolution from actor to symbol of resilience while providing essential insight into leadership and human…

THE SYMPATHIZER Stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Lie, Robert Downey Jr., Sandra Oh “The Sympathizer” is an espionage thriller based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen and offers a nuanced exploration of the Vietnam War as well as the complexities of immigrant identity. The story follows a North Vietnamese spy called Captain (Hoa Xuande), who is stationed in South Vietnam. After the fall of Saigon, he flees to America. However, his life only becomes more complicated. He becomes a mole for North Vietnam, has an affair and eventually agrees to be a consultant for an American movie about the war in Vietnam. FALLOUT Stars Ella Purnell, Walton Goggins, Aaron Clifton Moten, Moises Arias, Johnny Pemberton The “Fallout” video game franchise has inspired a new series…

Maxwell Jenkins has such a dynamic presence in Hollywood, having worked in various projects around the globe and with some of the biggest names in the industry—all since a very young age. His music, acting, circus performances, cheering and academics have all combined to create the man he is today. On top of that, Jenkins has also built an impressive reserve of resilience, connections and a strong work ethic. It goes without saying that this versatile and determined individual us ready to tackle any challenge that comes his way. One of these is the upcoming post-apocalyptic movie “Arcadian,” where he shares the screen with a very real Nicolas Cage as well hordes of fortunately-not-real bloodthirsty creatures… DAMAN: Growing up in the Midnight Circus, you were exposed to a unique blend…

Earlier this year, the LVMH Watch Week event returned to present the latest creations from the group’s watchmaking brands. One particular highlight of the week’s lineup came from TAG Heuer, which has unveiled a new and exciting Carrera Chronograph. The iconic Carrera collection initially debuted in 1963 and was born without a date complication. However, within just three years, a date function was introduced at the 12 o’clock position in what was essentially the first iteration of the DATO design. This evolution, however, didn’t halt there. In a pivotal move in 1968, the date window shifted to the nine o’clock position, solidifying the emergence of the aforementioned DATO layout. This transformation marked a significant moment in TAG Heuer’s history, symbolizing its dedication to precision and style that continues to define…

COLOMBIAN model Sergio Perdomo has been making waves as the face of various major fashion brands, from Dsquared2 to Hugo Boss and—most recently—Emporio Armani. For the latter, Perdomo dazzled in the brand’s spring/summer 2024 underwear campaign. Interestingly, in showcasing the Italian brand’s boxer briefs, he also wore a temporary tattoo. The campaign was shot by Giampaolo Sgura, who renowned for his work for many esteemed publications and fashion brands.…

HAVING MADE a name for itself as an expert in technical and high quality outerwear, Stone Island has unveiled a new story for spring/summer 2024. The brand reflects on its introspective journey by engaging in a fun conversation with its global community members from different creative fields. One esteemed personality appearing for this campaign is English actor Jason Statham. In this rare moment, Statham stepped into the set wearing the brand’s parkas and took a couple of shots under the direction of Ferdinando Verderi. British photographer David Sims played an important role in orchestrating the set and photographing the various talents involved, which include producer and musician Dave, choreographer Wayne McGregor, tennis player Henry Searle and architect Heidulf Gerngross.…

THIS SEASON, American model and actor Matthew Noszka stars in Dolce & Gabbana’s eyewear campaign photographed by Mert Alas. With art direction by Kevin & Charles and styling by Emmanuelle Alt, the campaign showcases the brand’s commitment to contemporary sophistication and iconic design. Also featuring pop superstar Miley Cyrus, the campaign highlights eyewear that combine style and functionality. From the modern DNA Sunglasses to the reinvented pilot style in the Mirror Logo Sunglasses, each piece stands out with unique design elements. Matthew Noszka perfectly embodies the confident and sophisticated Dolce & Gabbana man, showcasing how eyewear pieces can become essential accessories in making a bold fashion statement.…

THE FENDI Factory plays a central role in informing Fendi’s spring/summer 2024 collection. The place holds a special meaning to the storied house as it symbolizes its commitment to craftsmanship and innovative design. In homage to the creative space, Fendi presents a campaign echoing the venue’s industrial atmosphere. Joining the set were a host of Fendi ambassadors, including American actor and singer Jeremy Pope, Italian actor Massimiliano Caiazzo and Chinese actor Kuanghan Hsu, captured by photographer Bruno Staub. Under the creative direction of Italian artist Nico Vascellari, the three posed a fashionable act in Fendi’s recent pieces designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi.…

For many, sauna sessions are an integral part of their wellness routine. After vigorous exercise, spending some time in the sauna can help relax your mind and body. Additionally, the amenity allows for socializing with fellow gym or spa visitors. But did you know that the roots of this practice stretch all the way back to the New Stone Age? The BBC traces the concept of the sauna back to 10,000 years ago, when the Nordics dug a sauna pit into the ground. However, the modern sauna as we know it today originated specifically in Finland. According to Nordic Sauna Sanctuary, these modern saunas—also known as Finnish saunas—emerged in the 12th century and have since played a pivotal role in Finnish culture. Sitting in a boiling room might sound like…

➔ With a super-slim 1cm profile and a super-light 1kg chassis, the ASUS premium Zenbook S 13 OLED is arguably the world’s slimmest 13.3-inch OLED laptop. As ASUS’s most eco-friendly Zenbook to date, this new laptop also takes the brand’s signature ultraportable design and on-the-go performance to a new level with the AI-ready Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and a long-lasting battery. ➔ The newest Dell XPS 13 is arguably the thinnest and lightest XPS model to date from the brand. With three new display options—including FHD+, QHD+ touch and 3K+ OLED touch—it caters to versatile visual experiencse suitable for everyday productivity and high-resolution content creation. In addition, it also brings new AI-enabled features, leveraging the power of Intel Core Ultra processors with built-in AI acceleration. ➔ The HP Spectre…

AN OPULENT VINTAGE THE HAGA TALLBOY CABINET from Dio Living combines traditional elegance with a touch of masculinity. Drawing inspiration from the sturdy mahogany structures of the traditional Woloan house of the Minahasa people from South Sulawesi, this cabinet stands as a statement piece that commands attention while providing plenty of function. Its combination of colors mimics the tones of coconut timber used in the construction of Woloan houses while the burnt gold brass accent adds elements of solidity to the cabinet. Crafted using the finest materials sourced from all across Indonesia and meticulously assembled by skilled local artisans, the Haga Tallboy Cabinet makes for a distinguished addition to any interior. Lounging on a Log VINOTI LIVING has collaborated with renowned American designer Joe Human to bring the vibrant spirit of…

PANGERAN LANTANG It’s always great to reconnect with old friends, and this time, DA MAN touched base with young actor Pangeran Lantang. We initially met him in 2022 when he graced the pages of our June/July issue of that year. During our first conversation, Pangeran shared insights about his role in the 2021 web series “Antares,” his journey as a YouTuber and his passion for soccer. Two years later, fate brought us back together, this time for a photoshoot with Jerome Kurnia. During a short break between shots, we sat down with the 23-year-old actor to catch up and learn about how far he’s moved on since our last conversation, and especially about his latest film project, “Pasar Setan.” DAMAN: Let’s talk about your upcoming horror movie, “Pasar Setan,” which…

Transitioning from the stage to small and big screens presents unique challenges for actors. Each medium requires a distinct set of skills and techniques. However, that’s not the case for British actor Dan Stevens. He tackled this transition gracefully and skillfully, proving himself as adept on stage as on-screen. From his breakout role as the endearing Matthew Crawley on the widely acclaimed television series “Downtown Abbey” to his portrayal as an enigmatic soldier in the thriller “The Guest,” Stevens has showcased himself in a diverse range of roles. In his upcoming appearance in “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” Stevens further proves his ability to inhabit characters with depth, complexity and authenticity. DAMAN: Hi Dan, great to have you with us. As a versatile actor known for roles in both…

Over the course of the last half-de-cade, Kim Jones has not only made a mark in Christian Dior’s history but has significantly influenced the entire fashion industry. Through his innovative vision and bold approach, he has reshaped traditional notions of luxury, breathing fresh life into the brand. Through his collections, Jones seamlessly merges the heritage of Dior with cutting-edge design, creating a unique and captivating aesthetic that resonates with audiences worldwide. Dior’s Spring/Summer 2024 show—held at the École Militaire in Paris—presented the collection within a silver, futuristic box. A wide runway featuring gray metal tiles spanned the space, serving as the stage for a captivating display. Emerging from beneath the runway in a three-by-seventeen grid, an ensemble of models brought the collection to life. As a celebration of Jones’s five-year…