Australia’s car market is hotter than a vinyl singlet right now, but not all makes and models have experienced the same insane price hikes as others.One car that’s absolutely ballooned in price is the Mazda MX-5. Widely considered one of the best sports cars of all time and easily the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in history, the affordable Japanese roadster’s 50-50 weight distribution, extraordinary handling and remarkable reliability have made it a legend in its own time.Well, it used to be affordable. There’s plenty of MX-5s around, but thanks to their status as a real driver’s car, as well as the general COVID craziness of the current automotive market, prices for MX-5s have risen dramatically over the last twelve months. You used to be able to pick up a second-generation NB MX-5 for as little as $5k. At the moment, however, you’d be lucky to pick one up for double that. Nice examples can fetch triple or even quadruple that… And that’s before we start considering NAs or NCs.So what’s an automotive enthusiast to do if they can’t find a nice MX-5 on the cheap? Simple: buy a Porsche.The Porsche Boxster, particularly the first-generation 986, remains one of the most affordable luxury cars on the market, thanks to its status as the ‘ugly duckling’ of Porsche’s lineup. Indeed, 986 prices are so low and MX-5 prices are so high that you can pick up a 986 for a similar price as a nice MX-5 right now… And with nice MX-5s rather short on the ground, it’s an increasingly compelling alternative.

Take this Boxster above – a 1999 manual 986 in silver with 159,000kms on the clock on sale in Sydney – which is currently the cheapest Boxster on Carsales in the country right now with an asking price of $16,500. For comparison, here’s a 1992 manual NA MX-5 in red with 226,000kms on the clock for exactly the same price in Terrigal. Both come from the often-maligned first generation of both their vehicle lines and both are on sale in New South Wales.Ignoring the fact that the 986 is newer and has less mileage, it’s also much more powerful. The 986 Boxster’s flat-six engine put out 150kW when new – that’s more than even a brand-new ND MX-5, and much more powerful than an NA, NB or NC. Unlike many prestige brands, Porsche consistently ranks as one of the most reliable brands in the market, only beaten out by Lexus, and shockingly, ahead of Mazda, CarsGuide relates – so reliability isn’t a concern, either.Plus, it’s a freakin’ Porsche, even if it is one of the brand’s less-desirable models. It’s hard to beat that badge.Comparing the MX-5 and the Boxster is rather apt as both cars have often been criticised as being too ‘feminine’ or as being ‘hairdresser’s cars’, especially the 986 Boxster. Its smaller size and reduced performance compared to the iconic 911 – as well as its ‘fried egg’ headlights and status as a convertible – made it quite a divisive car at launch, and it’s never really got rid of its negative reputation…Which is dumb, because it’s a genuinely great little car. If you can look past its supposedly ugly aesthetics and negative reputation, it’s got all the spirited performance and refinement you’d expect from any Porsche, with a price tag more commensurate with something much cheaper. When you look at it that way, it’s an absolute bargain.

Of course, there’s a reason people haven’t been snapping up 986s left right and centre. It’s still a luxury car, so servicing, insurance, running costs etc. are much higher than an MX-5. The 986 also lacks the same sort of aftermarket support that the MX-5 enjoys, as well as the cultural cache.It’s also worth keeping in mind that we’re comparing the cheapest 986 on the market with a middle-of-the-market NA. It’s easy to find newer, less run-in MX-5s from a variety of generations for much cheaper than $16,500… Although there’s plenty in worse condition that are asking for much more than most 986s, too.Call it a thought experiment. If you’ve got $20,000 to spend on a roadster right now, what would you rather spend it on?

Read Next

• Australia In The Dark Ages While Germans Get Free Electric Cars
• Most Unlikely SUV Ever Spotted Cruising Streets Of North Korea

The post Most Underrated Porsche Ever Might Be The Best Car Investment Of 2021 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Renowned American biohacker Dave Asprey has taken to Instagram to ask: “What if you had to show your vitamin D passport before you travel?” Provocative or thought-provoking? You be the judge.

In the caption, the 47-year-old health guru, who sells his own line of vitamin D, wrote: “We have known for 25 years that having adequate levels of vitamin D can reduce all causes of mortality and makes you less likely to get an infection (viral or bacterial).”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dave Asprey (@dave.asprey)

“Why are we considering forcing people to get an expensive new technology that works against only one virus when we could lower the broad-spectrum infection risk globally with a cheap nutrient far more effective at saving lives from all diseases?”

“I’m starting to think that teachers should start shaming kids who don’t have high enough vitamin D levels… Oh, wait, shaming kids is something you should never do.”

The post ignited debate in the comments.

One Instagram user wrote: “I agree with you Dave! Everyone is getting so caught up and focused only on one vaccine and not on other things we can do to improve our health and keep us safe!”

Another commented: “But Dave they cannot make billions in dollars on Vit D so … I guess we can say they would not work.”

Others were furious.

One wrote: “The suggestion that vitamin d would have prevented the pandemic is dangerous and ludicrous.”

Others said things like: “much like low levels of vitamin D, this post is needlessly inflammatory” and “vitamin D doesn’t stop the spread of covid. It can maybe help YOU be asymptomatic. That’s not the same thing.”

“This is the dumbest fucking post I’ve ever seen on Instagram.”

Others hit back with claims like: “Since vitamin D would help a person not get the virus…they, therefore, are less likely to pass it on since their immune system kills it off very early on.”

“It’s the same in this sense as how the vaccine works. There is still a chance to pass on the virus after having the vaccine, I’m sure you know.”

According to Pbs.org, researchers in one study found that fully immunized participants were 25 times less likely to test positive for COVID-19 than were those who were unvaccinated. Pbs.org also wrote: “Findings like this imply that if vaccinated people are so well protected from getting infected at all, they are also unlikely to spread the virus.”

That said, as Project Coordinator & Staff Scientist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Sanjay Mishra, wrote in The Conversation, though the evidence is promising (that vaccines reduce the spread) it is not “ironclad.”

“Immunologists expect vaccines that protect against viral illnesses to also reduce transmission of the virus after vaccination,” Mishra wrote. “But it’s actually tricky to figure out for sure if vaccinated people are not spreading the germ.”

“COVID-19 poses a particular challenge because people with asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic infections can spread the disease – and insufficient contact tracing and testing mean those without symptoms are rarely detected. Some scientists estimate that the number of asymptomatic COVID-19 infections in the overall population could be 3 to 20 times higher than the number of confirmed cases. Research suggests that undocumented cases of COVID-19 in people who either were asymptomatic or experienced very mild disease could be responsible for up to 86% of all infections, though other studies contradict the high estimates,” (The Conversation).

“In one study, the CDC tested volunteer health care personnel and other front-line workers at eight U.S. locations for SARS-CoV-2 infections weekly for three months, regardless of symptoms or vaccination status. The researchers found that fully immunized participants were 25 times less likely to test positive for COVID-19 than were those who were unvaccinated. Findings like this imply that if vaccinated people are so well protected from getting infected at all, they are also unlikely to spread the virus. But without contact tracing to track transmission in a larger population, it’s impossible to know if the assumption is true.”

“What we know for sure is that if someone does get sick with COVID-19 after vaccination, in what is called a ‘breakthrough infection,’ symptoms will be milder. Studies have found that people who tested positive for COVID-19 after getting just their first vaccine dose had lower levels of virus in their bodies than unvaccinated people who tested positive,” Mishra added.

“The researchers believe the decreased viral load hints that vaccinated people who do contract the virus will be less infectious because they will have much less virus that could be spread to others.”

Mishra also pointed out: “A preprint study which has not yet been peer-reviewed suggests that the Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccine can produce coronavirus-fighting antibodies in the oral and nasal fluid. Since that’s where SARS-CoV-2 makes its entry, antibodies in the mouth and nose should block the virus from getting into the body, effectively providing ‘sterilizing immunity.’ This would also mean vaccinated people probably wouldn’t spread the virus through respiratory droplets.”

“These bits of evidence are promising. But without more studies, scientists cannot yet conclude that COVID-19 vaccines really do protect against all transmission. Studies attempting to directly answer this question through contact tracing are just beginning: Researchers will track COVID-19 infections among vaccinated and unvaccinated volunteers and their close contacts.”

What is clear, is that vaccination is effective at preventing disease, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19, in those getting the jab.

The Australian Government Department Of Health states: “Both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at preventing disease, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19. Countries that have rolled out both vaccines have done studies based on real world data.”

Heading on back to Asprey’s Instagram post, the debate over vitamin D continues, with some commenters saying they had lost faith in Asprey since he posted his thought experiment.

One commenter wrote: “I used to follow you but posts like this prove you’re no better than [Fox News’] Tucker and Hannity. To be respected and taken seriously these posts will be your fall from grace. You’re trying to stir up the ‘they are taking our freedoms away base to get there votes. In your case sales. You’re playing both sides for profit and it shows. It’s hard to tell the difference between you and the pillow guy. Please reconsider your approach.”

“You are a bright guy who is getting addicted to attention and if you know it or not you’re getting off on making it political in all your posts lately. You’re better than this Dave. take a break and rethink things. so five years from now you won’t regret these moronic posts. Unless it’s all about sales at whatever cost – then you’re doing great!”

Another Instagram user wrote: “Reducing the chance doesn’t eliminate the disease. Kind of an irresponsible comparison to make. I’m not saying vitamin D isn’t important but shilling it as a cure-all that’s better and more effective than vaccines? Common now, I’m not about to go out plumbing with no hepatitis shot and a bottle of vitamin d (that I’ll probably just piss out anyway).”

Yet another commented: “One virus that killed 3.5 million people worldwide and nearly 600k in the US… all for promoting vitamin d to better our overall health as well.” Asprey responded to this by writing: “Let’s compare that number to the number of lives we would save with adequate vitamin d globally. It’s a drop in the bucket.”

According to Healthline, “Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a number of critical roles in your body.”

Healthline states that vitamin D is especially important for immune system health, so it is understandable many people are wondering whether supplementing with vitamin D may help reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.

“Some research shows that having healthy levels of vitamin D can help keep your immune system healthy and may protect against respiratory illnesses in general,” Healthline relates.

Healthline also claims that “a recent study indicated that patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who had sufficient levels of vitamin D had a decreased risk for adverse outcomes and death.”

It doesn’t say it’s a magic solution, however, and it emphasises the importance of physical distancing and proper hygiene if you want to avoid contracting the virus.

Though some commenters on Asprey’s Instagram post have shared their positive experiences with vitamin D (“my depression and immune system are so much better since we started taking vitamin d”), others still can’t get over Asprey’s audacity.

“If Americans were mandated a passport of good health the country would become paralyzed to a higher degree than any viral infection imaginable,” one wrote.

“This is a stupid comparison,” wrote another.

“Vitamin d deficiency doesn’t kill people.”

Others weighed in on how Asprey’s hypothetical – if it became anything more than a hypothetical – could prove a slippery slope: “How bout you’re ‘im a healthy weight card,” one wrote.

Another posed a thought experiment of their own: “There is a list of vaccines needed to travel to many countries, such as those in South America for example. Typhoid, Malaria, Diptheria, Hepatitis A and B, Measles, Polio. I guess those of you touting Vitamin D assume it would prevent these illnesses? Care to take a chance?”

This hypothetical inspired comments backing it up like: “No one believes the population-wide efficacy of vitamin D is high enough to change anything. Most of us are here today on Instagram because of the vaccines we received as children. Vaccines are highly efficacious and it is hard to argue that society will be better off infecting everyone with Covid with or without vitamin D vs. injecting everyone with the covid vaccine. At a population level the vaccine and vaccines, in general, have a better safety profile than the covid virus.”

Food for thought.

Read Next

• This Bizarre Contraption Could Be The Solution To Your Bad Posture, According To Health Hacker Dave Asprey
• This ‘Health Food’ Habit Could Be The Worst Nutrition Mistake We Make In 2020

The post Health Hacker Dave Asprey Provokes America With Controversial Vitamin D 'Thought Experiment' appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Every country and its people have a different national stereotype. Australians are rugged, the Italians are passionate, and so on. The English, however, are known for their charm and class – and there’s few Englishman as classy as Benedict Cumberbatch.The 44-year-old star of Sherlock, Doctor Strange and The Imitation Game is widely considered one of the most talented and versatile actors alive today, as well as the veritable model of an English gentleman: well-spoken, refined, and with impeccable taste. Like any gentleman worth their salt, he has an interest in fine timepieces – so it’s no surprise that in 2018, he formalised a relationship with Jaeger-LeCoultre, one of the world’s finest and most refined watchmakers.Last year, he teamed with ‘the watchmaker’s watchmaker’ on the launch of their new Polaris Mariner collection, filming an adventurous free-diving expedition to New Zealand to put the watch through its paces. Cumberbatch’s latest collaboration with Jaeger-LeCoultre, however, reflects that classically elegant aspect of his character – with a rather elegant new timepiece.Enter the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième: an exceptionally tasty new version of one of the most iconic watches of all time.

Like many Reverso variants, the Tribute Nonantième features two time-telling faces. Its obverse features a beautiful sunray silver dial as well as a large date window at 12 o’clock and a moonphase aperture at 6 o’clock, elegantly incorporated into the seconds counter. It’s classic JLC fare, which is to say, brilliant.Flip over the Tribute Nonantième, however, and you’ll expose a 1930s-esque digital time display, which similarly includes a day-night indicator. Minimal and unconventional, it allows the radiant pink gold of the Tribute Nonantième to really shine, as well as giving the wearer a dramatic stylistic alternative to the obverse face.“I’m fascinated by mechanically complex watches but for me, the perfect watch is understated, elegant and pragmatic,” says Cumberbatch.

“The Reverso Tribute Nonantième is so special because the front is really understated but there is complexity and visual drama on the reverse side. I can keep it hidden for my own pleasure or show it when I want to.”

RELATED: Jaeger-LeCoultre ‘Unfolds Infinity’ With A Watchmaking World FirstCumberbatch is set to appear in three films releasing later this year: the biographical film The Electrical Life of Louis Wain, the drama The Power of the Dog as well as the Marvel Cinematic Universe feature Spider-Man: No Way Home, reprising his role as Doctor Strange. 2022 will also see the next Doctor Strange film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which is currently in post-production.Discover the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième online here.

Read Next

• Andy Warhol’s Patek Philippe Could Be A Bargain Waiting To Be Snapped Up
• David Beckham’s New ‘People’s Rolex’ Is A Walk On The Dark Side

The post Benedict Cumberbatch's New Jaeger-LeCoultre Is The Ideal Gentleman’s Watch appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Australians love a steak. Indeed, we’re one of the world’s biggest per-capita consumers of beef, as well as one of the world’s biggest producers of beef. Australian beef is also widely regarded as some of the best in the world.The other thing Australian beef tops the charts at? Prices. Since June 2020, Australian beef prices have been the highest in the world, according to Meat and Livestock Australia, the industry body.A lot of that has to do with COVID as well as economic and climatic factors, but the quality of Australian beef is also a major contributing factor to the market’s currently high prices, as MLA Managing Director Jason Strong explained to Good Food last year.

“What we have to understand is that here in Australia, we produce some of the best quality beef in the world, and that there is global demand for that beef… local steak lovers are competing with consumers in Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul and Los Angeles.”

And things might be about to get even worse, as a recent decision in Argentina threatens to push Aussie beef prices even higher.

Halfway through May, the Argentinian government announced a snap one-month ban on all beef exports in order to curb rising domestic beef prices, ABC News reports. Argentina, like Australia, is one of the world’s largest beef exporters, but Argentinians consume even more than we do.RELATED: Celebrity Chef Tobie Puttock Shares Surprising Truth About Steak Every Australian Should KnowBeef is a crucial part of the Argentine national identity: the gaucho (cowboy) is to Argentina what the ‘digger’ is to Australia and New Zealand. Therefore making sure beef is affordable is politically expedient. Previous governments have tried similar measures to keep the cost of beef down.The ban has not been completely successful – with some exporters defying the government’s decision, as Reuters reports – and there’s talk that the ban could continue well past the 30-day initial period if beef prices don’t significantly reduce.That could be a problem for Australian beef lovers, because it will increase global demand for Australian beef, and therefore further jack up prices on Aussie plates. Argentinian beef, which is largely grass-fed and of high quality, sits at the same premium end of the market as Aussie beef.So it might be a win for Argentinian consumers, at the expense of Aussie consumers – who might find themselves priced out of their favourite meaty meal.

So what’s the prognosis? Experts have been quick to point out that previous Argentinian beef export bans had little effect on local prices, so there’s a good chance the ban will stay temporary.Others suggest that some of the demand for premium beef will be picked up by countries like New Zealand or the United States, although cheap and lean US beef is somewhat hard to come by.In the meantime, maybe consider replacing your sirloin habit with lobster?

Read Next

• Surprisingly ‘Evolved’ Sydney Nightlife Trend Other Cities Could Learn From
• ‘Making Pizza Is Art’: Rome Residents Not Sold On New Fast Food Trend

The post Australian Steaks Might Be Under Threat Thanks To Argentina’s ‘Beef Ban’ appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Andy Warhol is easily one of the most important artists of the 20th century. A pioneer of pop art, instigator of modern celebrity culture and one of America’s most enigmatic cultural icons, the iconoclastic creative’s influence can be felt today in everything from graphic design to music videos and even social media.He was also an avid collector – especially of watches. Warhol owned a large collection of watches, ranging from cheap cartoon character tchotchkes that reflected his obsession with pop culture to real pieces of haute horlogerie et joaillerie from brands like Bulgari, Piaget and Rolex.But it’s one of his most understated pieces that’s causing a stir right now: his Patek Philippe Calatrava (ref. 570), the lead lot of Christie’s ‘Watches Online: The New York Edition’ auction, set to take place from the 8th to the 22nd of June this year. The 18ct yellow gold wristwatch, which was sold by the respected Italian jeweller Hausmann & Co. and features its trademark at 6 o’clock (à la Tiffany & Co. Rolexes), is a rather conservative piece, especially considering the reputation of Warhol’s art and artistic practice.What’s really surprising, however, is the price. Christie’s expects it to sell for between 45,000 and 95,000 USD – which is no small sum, but considering the watch, it might just be a bargain.

Patek Philippe watches are known for their heady price-points, particularly vintage pieces. Yellow gold Calatravas, of the same or similar reference to Warhol’s, regularly sell on marketplaces like Chrono24 for anywhere between 30,000 and 60,000 USD, even without a Warhol co-sign.Considering the condition and unassailable provenance of this piece, we’d say that it’s actually a rather good deal, even at the higher end of that estimate.When it comes to watches, Warhol is perhaps best known for his love of the Cartier Tank Louis, about which he famously quipped “I don’t wear a Tank watch to tell the time. In fact, I never wind it. I wear a Tank because it’s the watch to wear”. Warhol owned a number of Tanks, but none have ever gone up for auction.RELATED: Heartwarming Moment Man Discovers Staggering Value Of Late Father’s Rolex SubmarinerOther pieces up for auction at Christie’s include rarities like a pink gold Cartier Crash (ref. W1544251), a Rolex Dato-Compax Triple Calendar Chronograph (ref. 6036) and a Patek Philippe Nautilus ‘Sigma Dial’ (ref. 3800/1).Another watch auction that drew headlines in recent months for their celebrity pieces was Phillips’ ‘Racing Pulse’ auction, which saw a Panerai Luminor (ref. 5218-201/A) owned by Sylvester Stallone sell for 214,200 USD, a Heuer Monaco (ref. 1133) gifted by Steve McQueen to his personal mechanic sell for 2,208,000 USD and Paul Newman’s personal Rolex Daytona ‘Big Red’ (ref. 6263) sell for 5,475,000 USD.Preview Christie’s Watches Online: The New York Edition here.

Read Next

• Tom Brady Flexes His First Luxury Watch Purchase… & It’s Surprisingly Affordable
• Salt Bae Divides Fans With ‘Bedazzled’ Diamond Patek Philippe Watch Flex

The post Andy Warhol's Patek Philippe Could Be A Bargain Waiting To Be Snapped Up appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Air travel has always had a laissez-faire feel about it – from the classy golden days to the more recent Ryanair Revolution (where planes began to be filled with backpackers and digital nomads).Likewise, at the pointy end of the plane, until 2020, a sense of hedonism reigned supreme (see: the pointy end cone of trust).So it was a shock last year when a pandemic hit, and flying became a Serious Business.From masks to massive fines for misbehaviour to UV lights, hygiene is now front and centre of everyone’s mind – from passengers to airline CEOs.As part of this, we’ve seen various new cleaning protocols introduced.Qatar Airways, one of the few airlines to continue operating during the peak pinch of the crisis, has been at the forefront of this. In September 2020, the Doha based carrier announced that they had become the first global carrier to operate Honeywell’s ultraviolet cabin cleaning technology.As Qatar Airways announced in a press release at the time: “In clinical tests, UV light has been shown to be capable of inactivating various viruses and bacteria when properly applied.”The size of a beverage cart, the Honeywell UV Cabin System, which is operated by Qatar Aviation Services (QAS), has extendable UV arms that treat aircraft seats, surfaces and cabins without using cleaning chemicals.“Having already received six of the Honeywell UV Cabin System,” Qatar Airways wrote in September 2020, “the devices have undergone comprehensive testing onboard Qatar Airways aircraft, before entering service.”Enter: May 2021. Qatar Airways yesterday took to Instagram to share a video explaining the latest development in their ultraviolet cabin disinfectant technology.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Qatar Airways (@qatarairways)

The video shows how the aircraft is cleaned, from the cabin to the cockpit.

“We are always moving forward… doing what we can to stay ahead of the curve.”

Qatar Airways had already announced this move to the latest version of Honeywell technology in April 2021, writing: “Qatar Airways becomes the first global carrier to operate Honeywell’s Ultraviolet (UV) Cabin System version 2.0, further advancing its hygiene measures on board.”RELATED: Gym’s Eerie Ultraviolet Cleaning Solution Could Spread All Over Australia“The latest version of the Honeywell UV Cabin System that is owned and operated by Qatar Aviation Services (QAS), has been introduced to add flexibility, improve reliability, mobility and ease of use compared to its predecessor, with extended UV wings that treat both narrow and wide areas on board, reducing the overall disinfection time.”

“This version also includes a hand wand that disinfects areas like the cockpit and other smaller spaces and is non-motorised leading to less battery consumption.”

“After receiving 17 units of the latest version of the Honeywell UV Cabin System V2, the devices have all undergone comprehensive testing on board Qatar Airways’ aircraft. The airline aims to operate them on board all aircraft turnarounds at Hamad International Airport (HIA).”Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said of the change: “As the first global airline to operate the latest version of the Honeywell UV Cabin System V2 on board our aircraft, it is significantly more user friendly and technologically advanced. QAS has continued to maintain our impeccable service during the outbreak of COVID-19, specifically supporting with repatriation flights and increased cargo workloads.”“As the first global airline in the world to achieve the prestigious Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating, the first airline in the Middle East to begin trials of the innovative new IATA Travel Pass ‘Digital Passport’ mobile app, and most recently, the first airline in the world to operate a flight with fully vaccinated crew and passengers – it is in our core to continuously be at the forefront of innovation, and to keep implementing the latest safety and hygiene measures on board and on the ground.”RELATED: ‘Wouldn’t Work In The US’: New Airline Boarding System Outrages AmericansQatar Airways is not alone in ramping up its hygiene protocols (and sharing the news on social media). As DMARGE recently reported, Air Canada has made similar social media announcements regarding its new amenity kits.Likewise, as many were relieved to find out last year, most, but not all, commercial aircraft are equipped with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which mimic the airflow of an operating room, National Geographic reports.As National Geographic explains: “While industrial pollution has dominated headlines for decades, COVID-19 brings the conversation indoors. The quality of indoor air—which way it flows, how much it does or doesn’t allow for pathogens to disperse or disappear—can make the difference between staying well or getting infected. Among the interiors repeatedly named as potential hot zones for infections (churches, nursing homes, and cruise ships) airplane cabins are a focal point of anxiety.”“So it’s a surprise to find that the air inside a plane is cleaner than you might think. Thanks to HEPA filters and efficient circulation on commercial aircrafts, the air you breathe in flight – though not necessarily entirely virus-free – is much cleaner than the air in restaurants, bars, stores, or your best friend’s living room.”

Read Next

• Pandemic May Change How We Board Flights Forever 
• Private Jet Party Learns Hard Way What Counts As ‘Essential’ Travel

The post Qatar Airways Takes Aircraft Sanitation To Futuristic New Heights appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="291834" img_size="full" add_caption="yes" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" link="https://www.gregoryjewellers.com.au/product/rado-captain-cook-xl-automatic-43mm-plasma-bracelet-r32128202/?utm_source=dmarge&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=captain_cook_ceramic&utm_term=skeleton%20dial%20with%20blue%20high-tech%20ceramic%20bezel"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_separator][vc_column_text]

This feature has been produced in partnership with Rado.

Few industries are more competitive than luxury watchmaking. Watchmaking is at the very pointy end of advanced manufacturing and brands furiously compete against each other to introduce new technologies and designs; to push the boundaries and the artform forward.

But like any industry, there’s a fair amount of smoke and mirrors, too. Many so-called ‘world firsts’ in the watch world are more a case of great marketing than genuinely boundary-breaking developments.

Rado, however, is one of those rare watchmakers who actually have some substance to their claims. Most Australians know the brand thanks to its strong connections to the tennis world: Rado is the official timekeeper of over a dozen international tournaments and supports athletes like our very own world #1 Ash Barty.

But there’s more to the Swiss brand than just tennis. Known as the ‘Master of Materials’, Rado boasts over a century of innovation and creativity and is responsible for a number of genuine watchmaking revolutions. It’s easily one of the most unique watch brands on the planet and definitely a name you should have on your lips in any serious discussion about luxury watches.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="291835" img_size="medium" add_caption="yes" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" link="https://www.gregoryjewellers.com.au/product/rado-captain-cook-xl-automatic-43mm-plasma-bracelet-r32128202/?utm_source=dmarge&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=captain_cook_ceramic&utm_term=skeleton%20dial%20with%20blue%20high-tech%20ceramic%20bezel"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="291836" img_size="medium" add_caption="yes" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" link="https://www.gregoryjewellers.com.au/product/rado-captain-cook-xl-automatic-43mm-plasma-bracelet-r32128202/?utm_source=dmarge&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=captain_cook_ceramic&utm_term=black%20skeleton%20dial%20with%20black%20high-tech%20ceramic%20bezel%20with%20Rose%20Gold%20PVD"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Short history lesson. Rado can trace its origins back to the Schlup & Co. firm, founded by the brothers Fritz, Ernst and Werner in 1917 in Lengnau, about an hour away from the Swiss capital Bern. Producing their first finished watches in the 1920s, the family-run concern grew into one of Switzerland’s biggest watchmakers, with the brand eventually falling on the name Rado to sell their watches back in the 50s.

Rado quickly became known for its material innovations, the brand focusing on scratch resistance as its core mission. Research into high-tech ceramic, advanced sapphire crystal and complex forging techniques. Rado even brought the world's first scratch-proof watch to market – the DiaStar 1, made with a tungsten carbide alloy the brand calls ‘hardmetal’.

All brands have their gimmicks or hallmarks, but Rado’s pursuit of scratch resistance really sets them apart from the competition – and it’s no mere conceit. When you’re buying a luxury timepiece, you want it to last: not only are the high-tech materials Rado crafts its watches from comfortable and durable, but they age marvellously, its trademark ceramics and hardmetals continuing to look brand-new years down the line.

Another hallmark of the brand is its unique design language. In a market where many brands are guilty of copying common designs and offering little variation within their own ranges or even between themselves, Rado offers a refreshing contrast. From striking angular designs like the True Square to the masculine utility of the Captain Cook, Rado watches stand out amongst the pack.

Rado hasn’t rested on its laurels, either. The brand continues to break new ground – whether that’s ultra-thin timepieces, crownless watches, advanced ceramics or forward-thinking partnerships with the world’s best designers – in order to truly make watches that stand the test of time.

Watches are an investment, so it’s worth throwing your lot in with something that’s going to reward you for ages to come. That’s what makes Rado watches so special: they’re incredibly modern, but also timeless in a way that few watch brands can hope to be… And ‘special’ is exactly what Australians want out of a watch.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_separator][vc_column_text]

Discover the Rado universe at their online boutique here.

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

↬ READ FULL STORY

Subscribe to the DMARGE newsletter

Follow DMARGE on Instagram

Follow DMARGE on Facebook

 

The post How One Of Switzerland’s Most Innovative Watchmakers Has Always Stayed Ahead Of The Game appeared first on DMARGE.

Lil Nas X has, in a very short amount of time, become one of the most successful musicians of the 21st century.Catapulted into international stardom thanks to the runaway success of his 2019 single Old Town Road – which spent 19 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the longest-running number-one song since the chart debuted – the 22-year-old rapper, singer/songwriter and media personality (real name Montero Lamar Hill) defied being a one-hit-wonder and has gone on to release a slew of other hit singles, while also breaking boundaries as one of the few openly gay rappers active in music today.He’s also shaping up to be a truly impressive style icon.Just take this outfit he wore on a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. White blazer, no shirt, black patent leather Dr Martens platform boots and a fiery red tartan kilt – it’s both incredibly iconoclastic yet bizarrely dapper, and demonstrates that he’s definitely someone you should be having your eye on style-wise.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lil Nas X (@lilnasx)

While you’d think that such an unconventional use of Scotland’s most iconic fashion garment would ruffle some feathers, it seems as if his Scottish fans were surprised in a positive way.“[You’ve got the] Scottish stamp of approval,” hip-hop producer John Cunningham quipped, with another commenter jumping in to say “from a fellow Scot you’re rocking that kilt”. There’s consistently been love for the outfit on social media, although many Americans seem to think it’s just a skirt…RELATED: Harry Styles Starts Fashion Trend That Has Men Everywhere Quaking In Their BootsDating back to the 16th century, the kilt forms part of the traditional dress of Gaelic men and boys in the Scottish Highlands. It’s perhaps the most iconic piece of Celtic/Scottish fashion and indeed culture known worldwide. Often considered rather kitschy (or as just a ‘skirt for men’ by less enlightened folk), kilts are actually a rather versatile and practical clothing item.You still need to be rather confident to pull one off in public – but Lil Nas is nothing but not confident. Hats off to you, cowboy.

Read Next

• ‘The Devil Wears Nike’: Sportswear Giant Loses Control Over Its Own Bloody Releases
• LeBron James Does The Unthinkable With Luxurious Pre-Game Outfit
• David Beckham Needs To Stop! The King Of Smart Casual Does It Again In NYC

The post Lil Nas X Gets Scotland Hot Under The Collar With Jimmy Fallon Appearance appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

We’ve featured our favourite menswear stores in Melbourne, highlighted the best men’s clothing in Brisbane and given a guide to Sydney’s finest men’s shopping, so it’s time for us to head out west. To Perth, to be exact. Whether you’re looking for sneakers or suits, streetwear or something for the office, these shops have what you need. In no particular order, here are our favourite Perth menswear stores.

Highs And Lows

Limited-edition sneakers, tees and accessories from Nike, Adidas, Vans and HAL’s own streetwear collections are beautifully laid out in this Mount Lawley shop. Highs And Lows caters to Perth’s sneakerhead and skater population with hard to find collab kicks and gear from classic labels like Only NY and Stussy. You can also find HAL’s own collaborations, with the likes of New Balance and Reebok.

Father

Your father probably doesn’t shop here, but he’d look damn good if he did. At Father, prices are right, quality is high, selection is top-notch and menswear is the order of the day. Despite the litany of exclusive labels offered at this shop, everything is affordable and accessible. Big brands like Paul Smith can be found right alongside homegrowns like Ksubi, Bassike, Graz and Jac + Jack.

Parker & Co.

Parker & Co. has been a Perth menswear destination since 1895. This is the spot for exquisite fabrics, classic styles and European cuts. Many of menswear’s biggest designers are represented here, including Ermenegildo Zegna, Brioni, Kiton, Paul Smith, Church’s and John Lobb. Parker & Co. also offers made-to-measure services for brands like Pal Zileri, Armani Collezioni and Cantarelli. Its reputation as a distinguished purveyor of luxury men’s apparel is well earned.

Live

Live opened its first store in April 1994 on the Murray Street Mall in the Perth CBD. It was an instant hit with the younger, fashion-conscious consumer, thanks to its industrial warehouse location and nightclub-like interior. Live has now expanded to multiple locations, and become a destination for cool national and international labels. Shop for Ben Sherman, Industrie, Stussy, Lee, Mavi and more.

Eldorado

Eldorado offers a mix of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from Australia and abroad. The boutique sells denim and streetwear alongside some smarter threads, from brands like Carhartt, Herschel Supply Co, Fred Perry, Nique and Nobody. Look for the bright blue doorway next time you’re in the mood to support an independent shop and native designers.

M.J. Bale

M.J. Bale is a huge favourite here at D’Marge. The Sydney-based brand stays true to its core values as a ‘Gentlemen’s Clothier’ throughout its three product ranges: Classics, Collection and Custom. Here you’ll find classic, European-inspired tailoring that won’t cost you a small fortune. You can opt for something off the rack or go for a made-to-measure original that’s yours and yours alone.

Gingers Gentlemen Shoe Boutique

Opening in 2006, Gingers for Gentlemen created its own brand as well as incorporating a great collection of men’s footwear labels. Gingers for Gentlemen likes the idea that a man will always need good shoes, and good shoes these guys make. The Gingers for Gentlemen brand is served well by its Italian and Portuguese manufacturers, with new labels arriving every season. Get in there, son.

Pigeonhole

With a mix of men’s and women’s apparel, Pigeonhole is a good spot to go for brands like Nudie, Rains, Norsk Projects and Vanishing Elephant. In addition to menswear you can find art, craft, photography and other supplied for your hipster needs. Pigeonhole have five locations throughout Perth (and they aren’t too far from some of Perth’s best restaurants, either).

Flannel Menswear

Located down in the lovely suburb of Cottesloe in Perth, Flannel Menswear stocks a great range of contemporary brands. Offering cool brands such as their own Flannel label and the likes of Nudie Jeans, Red Wing Shoes, Jack Spade Bags, Hartford and Dita Sunglasses. Definitely one to drop in to next time you’re nearby (it’s not like there’s a shortage of hotels in the area).

Read Next

• Best Barber Shops In Perth
• Coolest Hotel Stays In Perth
• Best Restaurants In Perth

The post Best Menswear Shops in Perth To Get Your Groove On appeared first on DMARGE Australia.