What’s the best watch brand in the world? It’s a loaded question.

If we’re talking sheer desirability, maybe you’d suggest Richard Mille or Rolex. Maybe ‘the best’ means ‘the most distinct’, at which point you could argue Bell & Ross or Panerai; maybe it’s ‘the best made’, and you could say Breguet or Jaeger-LeCoultre. Or perhaps it’s a simple matter of price, and then you could offer up F.P. Journe or Jacob & Co.

But ask any watch geek worth their salt and they’ll point to three brands that are widely considered to be the absolute pinnacle of the watch world: the so-called ‘Big Three’ or ‘Holy Trinity’ of Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. These legendary Swiss brands are not only incredibly prestigious (and exclusive, and expensive), but boast centuries-long histories of fine watchmaking. Few brands have had an impact on the world of haute horlogerie like these three and for real watch purists, nothing else really compares.

But in the 21st century, another trio of brands are increasingly entering the watch conversation: Grand Seiko, NOMOS Glashütte and Tudor. Well-regarded American author, satirist and noted watch geek Gary Shteyngart has described them as the ‘New Holy Trinity’, a particularly apt label: just as the ‘Big Three’ have legendary status at the top of the watch world, these three are similarly unimpeachable, but for altogether different reasons.

Unlike the ‘Old Holy Trinity’, these brands don’t share a common origin or long, storied histories. What they do share, however, is a spirit of innovation, precision and design flair that give even the Holy Trinity a run for their money – all while being incredibly affordable; a fraction of the price of most luxury watch brands. Let’s take a deep dive and explore what makes these brands so special.

Grand Seiko – Japan

No serious discussion about watches – whether it be about affordable everyday pieces to the absolute crème de la crème of luxury wrist candy – can be had without mentioning Seiko. One of the largest watch brands in the world, the Japanese firm has been responsible for a number of world firsts in the world of watchmaking, most notably introducing the world’s first quartz watch. Grand Seiko is their premium sub-brand, which was created in 1960 to challenge the status of Swiss watches, something they’ve been doing handily since then.

Indeed, that’s why Grand Seiko is so respected in the watch community. Unlike many of their Swiss competitors, Grand Seikos aren’t flashy. They’re conservatively styled and very rarely use jewels or exotic complications. What Grand Seikos are, however, are the purest expression of fine watchmaking. No other brand comes close to the build quality and refinement of a Grand Seiko watch – much to the embarrassment of the Swiss.

Grand Seiko’s other big strength is its technical edge. The iconic Spring Drive movement – a Seiko invention and something exclusive to the brand – combines all the accuracy of a quartz watch with the class and convenience of a traditional automatic mechanical movement. Complex dial treatments and their famous ‘zaratsu’ polishing are other hallmarks of the brand. It’s a different league of watchmaking.

In the same way that the ascendancy of Japanese vehicle manufacturers like Honda and Toyota embarrassed Europe and America post-WWII, Grand Seiko singlehandedly undermines the myth of Swiss watchmaking supremacy. You don’t buy a Grand Seiko because you want to show off; for brand recognition. You buy a Grand Seiko because you care about the real art of watchmaking and because you want the best-made watch possible, money be damned. The fact that Grand Seikos are so competitively priced anyway is just icing on the cake…

NOMOS Glashütte – Germany

NOMOS Glashütte is the youngest brand on this list, founded only in January 1990, two months after the fall of the Berlin Wall, in the German town of Glashütte. Glashütte is to Germany what the Jura Valley is to Switzerland: it’s the heart of German watchmaking. The tiny Saxon town has a long history of fine watchmaking and is home to other prestigious brands such as A. Lange & Söhne, Glashütte Original and Moritz Grossmann.

Where other Glashütte brands draw upon years of tradition, NOMOS instead draws inspiration from the Bauhaus movement, one of Germany’s most profound contributions to the world of modern art. Their pieces might be hand-made in Glashütte but they’re designed in Berlin, and it’s easy to see that Berliner influence if you look at one of their watches: NOMOS pieces are clean, minimalist and refined with a consistent and modern aesthetic.

They’re the ultimate ‘quality basic’ watch, which is why they’re so popular among watch fans, design nerds and iconoclasts. Despite being made in Germany they’re also incredibly affordable while being made to a standard just as high, if not higher than most Swiss luxury watch brands. Are you sensing a theme here?

Tudor – Switzerland

Unlike NOMOS or Grand Seiko, Tudor is a brand constrained by legacy – or at least it used to be. Founded in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, Tudor was positioned from the very start to be Rolex’s affordable sister brand. For most of its existence, it was just that: Tudor watches featured similar designs and a level of build quality as their Rolex siblings at a cheaper price point, at the cost of individual identity as a brand.

But in recent years, the so-called ‘people’s Rolex’ has increasingly forged its own path, moving out of the shadow of Rolex and becoming a bona fide player in the watch world in its own right. Commentators say that Tudor these days is what Rolex used to be in its early history: an affordable innovator. Unlike Rolex, which is constrained by its brand image and a need to maintain its exclusivity, Tudor has been free to experiment and go in different directions, making their own in-house movements (a feature of all the three ‘New Holy Trinity’ brands that’s central to their popularity) and releasing more ‘out there’ designs.

What hasn’t changed is the value proposition of a Tudor. Tudor watches boast all the refinement and durability of a Rolex while being far more accessible… And without the sometimes negative connotation wearing a Rolex comes with.

Indeed, that’s entirely the key to understanding the ‘New Holy Trinity’. Where the ‘Old Holy Trinity’ require hundreds of thousands of dollars, connections and luck to get your hands on a desirable piece, the ‘New Holy Trinity’ are accessible, affordable, and make arguably a more powerful statement.

Read Next

• Why Are Watches So Expensive? I Went To Switzerland To Find Out
• I Bought My First Automatic Watch. Here’s What I’ve Discovered

The post The New ‘Holy Trinity’ Taking The Watch World By Storm appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Want to get more out of the clothes you own? It’s every man’s dilemma. While nothing gives a buzz quite like a newly tailored suit or the smell of unbroken-in leather brogues, learning how to style – and then restyle – those already purchased must-have items in your wardrobe is essential.

From cool colour matching to unlikely layering combos, here are five cool ways to dress better. And most of the stuff, you’ll already have stashed away at home.

N.B: If you do need a wardrobe refresh, give some love to the buyer’s guide above and shop the fashion items mentioned below.

Use Earth-To Neutrals

We’ve all got them: neutrals. Navy, black and grey as well as those on-trend earth tones – light grey, camel, white and khaki. But we don’t always think to match them or wear them all together. It’s an injection of ‘colour’ – that won’t burn the eyes, but rather freshen the fashion palette.

Going tonal with earth hues is one option: washed grey biker jeans with a matching grey bomber. But note the contrast in texture – suede jacket on cotton denim, to avoid a grey onesie look. Rust-brown boots anchor the look. For summer, start with white chinos – in a light weave – and colour block the top with a clay t-shirt. White sneakers or derbies keep the lower half light and nude socks are just dark enough – as is the tan belt, to not overpower.

Get On A Leather

Rev up office tailoring with a leather jacket. While not all workplaces will appreciate the cropped black coat, chuck it on come casual Fridays, or have it on tap – replacing a stuffy suit jacket – when off for post-work drinks. As well as the extra warmth it provides in winter, the leather’s sharp shoulder line, oil-slick colourway and metallic hardware and pockets make for a very masculine men’s casual jacket, that won’t derail your perfect fit suit.

Styling tip: keep the rest of your look fairly classic – blue button shirt, charcoal tie and trouser with black shoes to tie in the leather.

Get Back To Backpacks

It’s back to school this season. A backpack adds some high school hip to grown-up outfits. Again, you have two routes to take: chic and luxe or retro and charming. A black pebble-grain leather backpack is a sophisticated touch to a clean street look: washed slim jeans, white kicks and a graphic sweater layered with a white denim trucker jacket.

The other – in leather or canvas or canvas with a leather trim – riffs on the backpack you had as kid. But of course, with modern trimmings: zips and studs and a pocket for your smartphone tablet.

Backpacks are also an unexpected yet luxurious way to accessorise a suit. Just keep it neat, dark and minimal.

RELATED: Gentlemen’s Guide To Buying The Perfect Bag

Try The Tee ‘N’ Tuck

That basic t-shirt you’ve got shoved in your closet deserves to take the stage. Take a dark colour trouser – black, brown, charcoal – and forget that (obvious) collared shirt for a minute. Instead, match the wool trousers or cotton chinos with a plain white tee. But, tuck it in. And securely, but in a muffin-top-sense, so there’s room for the shirt to move naturally.

Opt for one a denser cotton so it holds its shape better and stick to crew neck, avoiding anything deep-V that will kill this Fifties James Dean vibe.

Style tip: the pants need to be slim but drape-y especially across the front (pleats do help). Switch in a Breton stripe tee in the summer and rock some lightweight wireframe shades.

RELATED: Gentleman’s Guide To Shirt Tucking

Use Unlikely Layers

Another way of getting more out of your kit is switching the way you layer items. Particularly valid for the hard-to-dress in-between season, start layering with thinner, lighter pieces first, before working denser, heavier pieces in as you progress outwards.

Men’s Fashion FAQ

The post How To Reinvent Your Style With Things You Already Own appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Trends come and go and, because of their very nature, often repeat years later. But the true men’s wear classics have stood the test of time – decades even, remaining an essential fashion staple for the contemporary men’s style canon. Whether the year’s 2020 or 2055, the following nine pieces will continue to infiltrate into the stylish man’s wardrobe, his workplace and finally, the weekend.

Don’t have all on the list? There’s only one thing for it – shopping.

Chambray / Denim Shirt

The summery chambray shirt can be traced back to the French actor, Alain Delon and the Nouvelle Vague movement in the Sixties. The Euro heritage met with that of America’s Paul Newman, and both showed the world just how good the casual, cotton shirt could look for smart casual purposes.

In either dual pocket of single pouch, pick a chambray with perfect fit and a light blue colour. Then, when in the city pair with a linen blazer and mid-blue wash jeans or with chino shorts and leather brogues for a more relaxed feel by the sea.

RELATED: The Best Denim Shirts For Men

Wayfarers (Well…. maybe these come in waves)

Wayfarers were a hit in 1956 with their debut release Ray Ban, and are said to be the best-selling eyewear of all time. After a brief demise in the Seventies, the Eighties saw them feature again in films like Risky Business, with Tom Cruise’s killer moves slipping them back into the fashion spotlight.

Today, most luxury eyewear makers have their own versions in a multitude of types: tortoiseshell, dark brown and even leather frames making an appearance. But the original gloss black and matching black lens are indeed the most stylish and timeless of all them. Wear them with everything.

RELATED: The Best Men’s Sunglass Brands

Navy Blazer

No longer reserved for member’s clubs of preppy business types, the navy blazer – made iconic by Ralph Lauren – has become a men’s wear staple.

In two general types – structured or unstructured – the role of the blue-hued blazer differs depending on its fabrication; the former being more traditionally tailored compared to the more relaxed version.

Whatever the occasion, the navy blazer still follows the rules of fit: sharp on the shoulder and slim down to waist. Keep the details minimal with tonal or brass buttons, a slim lapel and single-breasted; ensuring the jacket can fluidly transition from casual Fridays to the weekend with a pair of khaki chinos and leather lace-ups.

RELATED: The Best Unstructured Blazers For Men

Leather Oxford Lace-Ups

A solid, sleek pair of leather shoes are the very anchor of every stylish man’s outfit. For timelessness, the Oxford and Derby are the go-to varieties, whatever the season. Oxfords and Derbys are distinguished by their lacing mechanism.

Dumbed down, the Oxford has a closed lacing system that is a more streamlined look; while the Derby boasts an open lacing system, is a slightly more relaxed fit, giving it a more casual look.

You can opt for the brogue versions of each, recognised for their punch-hole perforations in decorative patterns on the shoe’s surface. Stick to black, dark brown and tan for hues that will serve your wardrobe needs for years.

RELATED: The Best Men’s Oxford Shoes Under $300

Breton Stripes

While the plain white tee will always take premier place in men’s style canon, the Breton shirt is just as essential. Made famous by the fishermen in the French region of Breton, the summery tee hit it off with James Dean, who loved the shirt for its simple horizontal stripes in white and navy.

Designed to be worn with an air of je ne sais quoi, the Breton – in short or long sleeve – can be dressed up with trousers and a blazer or paired with linen shorts and slip-ons for a vrai interpretation of the local seafaring gents, sans rod and straw hat.

The Trench Coat

The trench coat was created for British officers in 1895, with the intent to dress the soldiers who went to war. More than a century later the classic piece, birthed by Burberry, remains very much the same with military epaulettes, throat latch, hook and bar, as well as a D-ring on the belt, cuff straps and the storm flap on the right shoulder – designed to button over the coat to keep the rain out.

Many luxury brands have crafted their own trench, offering the outerwear classic in updated colours such navy, black and beige. It’s a timeless, light-ish piece when made from cotton to wear over a suit for work. And it looks street cool over denim, a tee and sneakers for the weekend.

Dark Raw Jeans

The origins of denim are rooted in 1873 when the sturdy cloth became official workwear for men in the U.S. But it was in the Fifties, among the likes of Brando and Dean, that denim formed certain subcultural attachment that still influence its acceptance in fashion today.

The original minimalists, the mid-century men taught proceeding generations just how well denim could work as a fashionable pant; effortless in presentation and equally as versatile as trousers.

The plain white tee is an obvious choice for jeans; rolling the cuffs slightly and pairing with leather Chelsea’s for rockabilly vibe. Or, dress up the jeans with a button down shirt and jacket; the shirt tucked in for formalities, and then framed with a leather tan belt and matching brogues.

RELATED: The Best Men’s Jeans Brands

The Classic Grey Suit

Grey is the most versatile of the coloured, non-black suits. The grey suit works timelessly in a plethora of different shades; appearing light and breezy in a pastel hue or corporately driven yet refined in charcoal. As a work suit, work a light pink, blue or lilac shirt under a dark grey three piece with brown shoes.

Meanwhile, the weekend looks dashing with an open collared white shirt and stark white sneakers – always no socks, for a perfect rendition of how to mix casual and formal pieces.

RELATED: The Best Affordable Men’s Suit Brands

White Sneakers

No longer reserved for sweating, the sneaker has been officially set free the gym and looks to be remain a staple footwear piece that lasts beyond the trend of sportsluxe.

There’s been a shift in men’s wear toward a comfortable chic in recent years, that sees the white sneaker pair with clean, slim jeans and tee, or with a textural blazer and chinos for a bouncier smart casual outfit.

Rules do apply: keep the sneaker low-cut and always in leather, with little-to-no coloured panels or prints for a minimal feel that makes the sneaker feel dressier than it actually is. No socks is a better option; running with the sporty vibe. Now, go get ’em.

Menswear Essentials FAQ

The post Menswear Essentials That Will Never Go Out Of Style appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

No one likes a poser. Or a man who is trying to be someone that he’s not.

But there’s no reason why you can’t ‘better’ yourself when it comes to personal style. It’s all about gleaning foolproof tips from stylish gents who actually know what’s going on.

After a bit of smart shopping and a little tweaking, you’ll be that guy; having instantly lifted your style-factor from a two-out-of-ten to a twelve complete with Salt ‘N’ Pepa’s ‘Whatta Man’ playing in the background.

Here are the timeless tips to make everyone think you’re more stylish than you really are with a little trickery.

Employ Tastefully-Ripped Jeans

While distressed jeans featured as one of our 9 things in your wardrobe you need to burn immediately, the anything-goes attitude of a tastefully-ripped pair adds solid street cred to an off-duty look.

It’s all linked to the return of the better style feats of the Nineties (think sneakers, flannels and kept long hair for men). Ripped jeans reigned supreme in this decade until the Noughties saw the trend turn LA-tacky, with F-grade celebrities pairing the jeans with snap-buttoned western plaids and Cuban-heeled boots.

Not to state the obvious, ripped jeans are pure street/casual. Go black for a grunge-inspired look with a leather jacket or opt for super light, faded wash with an organic loose tee that feels beach-y. Next, secure the right fit. That means selecting a slim, skinny or straight cut only. Finally, the rips themselves need to be on the knee cap or slightly above or below and shouldn’t look like a gaping mess where one could shoot hoops with your leg.

Don’t Fear Jacked-Up Jewellery

Before thoughts of Pirates of the Caribbean‘s Jack Sparrow enter your mind, jacking-up the jewellery refers to expanding beyond the typical wedding band or watch. The list is simple: rings, neck chains, and bracelets. Look to leather and beads for bracelets; brassy and silver tones for chains (a little aged or dull looking is good) and signet rings or plain bands.

Leather or beaded bracelets will bring a little texture to your outfit without overpowering your look; the animal skin adding some ruggedness, while the latter brings a little seafaring subtlety. Necklaces carry the most risk. Go for slim width chains in common hues such as silver, brass and gold. Then, layer two or three and change up even the metals.

Leather is another neck option but go easy on the beads to avoid looking like a pirate. Rings, like the necklace, need to be kept to simple metals. Experiment with chunkiness and the addition of gems or engravings. Jewellery is a reflection of personal style so be comfortable in your additions, not trend-pressured.

Rolled Cuffs

You’ve seen it done in the street, in the bar and on the catwalk, but haven’t actually gone there yourself. I’m talking about rolled trouser cuffs. Now, first things first – this is not at all applicable to suits or trouser separates, in the sense of taking your regular length pants and giving them a tuck.

Keep the technique for chinos or denim jeans. For straight cut varieties, take the bottom of the leg and casually folding the hem once or twice over, taking it to a height that best suits your needs (think one or two inches). For slim fit jeans, make the fold more of a roll, aligning with the casual messiness of the style. Enhance the look by wearing no socks with sneakers or a pair of bold-coloured socks with brogues for a fresh, summery look.

Hunt Down Unique Sneakers

There’s no better feeling than having sneaker freakers in the street stop you mid-stride and ask where your kicks are from. And there’s no worse feeling than wearing a pair of say, camouflaged panel, mulberry-hued Valentinos, and then seeing three other dudes out-and-about in the exact same pair.

One of the joys of travelling abroad is the shopping; picking up special editions of your favourite retro or sports sneakers in colourways unique to that part of the world.

Then, there are the super-yacht sneakers; those carved from one-off, architectural blueprints in exotic skins such as ostrich, python and crocodile. Scarcely available on the shop floor, try shopping the internet for these standout types, having the luxury of London, Paris and New York arrive in the mail toute de suite. Then, you’ll definitely be a step above your mates.

Rock Unstructured Blazers

As men’s wear becomes a hybrid of style contradictions and an intermixing of occasion-appropriate dress, mastering the art of the unstructured blazer is crucial. Designed for smart casual looks, the unstructured blazer is the rebel brother to the structured one.

This type has less shape to it, isn’t so square on the shoulder or slim-fitting and comes without all those inner ‘structures’ like linings and padding – making it softer and more chilled.

Features such as patch pockets, off-beat checks, and exposed seams add interest to the look, and today’s choice of incredible casual fabrics (think linen, wool or denim) make this once formal piece something for everyday wear.

Try pairing the unstructured jacket over tapered jeans and a crisp shirt; replacing the casual jacket or bomber – which do still look good – but don’t carry the certain dapper-factor, like the blazer does.

Final Word

The ‘tip’ is directional and its goal is to point you in the right direction. When used in conjunction with style, tips should never be taken as gospel; ensuring that the adjustments made by someone else’s advice are an evolution of your personal style.

Men’s Fashion FAQ

The post How To Appear More Stylish Than You Really Are appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Time is the pestering constant that no living organism has ever overcome. In modern society it’s also part of a more common gripe: I don’t have enough time.You know how it goes. No time to finish that dodgy retaining wall. No time to catchup with friends you never actually liked. No time to attend your kid’s first stage show playing a tumbleweed. All are important aspects in a man’s life, but none more so than his own health and fitness which will see him well into the future.Neglect that and it’s all down hill from there, partner. That’s why we’ve hit up Sam Wood, one of Australia’s busiest dads with a killer physique to find out exactly how he does it in the face of countless commitments. He also used to be on some television show about a Bachelor too, but we digress.Time-poor purveyors, it’s time to meet your new friends abs, guns and the brand new definition of dad-bod.

Overtraining Is Overrated

A post shared by Sam Wood (@samjameswood) on Nov 30, 2016 at 1:14pm PST

Sam Wood has been in the personal training business for seventeen years but he’s still a firm believer in the fact that you don’t need to train for extreme amounts of time to build the body he has.“Variety, intensity and consistency will always beat volume,” he says. The only time this rule doesn’t apply is if you’re training for a specific event or endurance marathons. Most of his  clients at 28 By Sam Wood are just after the more immediate goals of getting stronger, fitter and leaner.So the three key points to take away from this isn’t that training is bad, but it involves focusing on three specific areas:

• Quality of training
• Consistency
• Nutrition

The latter is one of the most important and it’s imperative not to neglect that. “You can never out train nutrition,” adds Wood.

Maintain Your Daily Discipline

A post shared by Sam Wood (@samjameswood) on Aug 28, 2016 at 1:28am PDT

Whilst some may argue that it’s easy to get ripped if your day job involves being a personal trainer, this is certainly not the case for Wood.Back in the early days when he pulled 60 – 70 workout appointments per week he’d be at the gym everyday, but these days he has a young family to look after and most of his working hours are dedicated to his online business. That means sitting down in front of a computer like most of us.Here are his tips to ensure your discipline towards staying fit wins every time.

Do:

• Put workout times in a calendar as a proper appointment like you would a work meeting that you can’t miss. This will make it a priority you can’t miss

Don’t

• Treat your fitness program as a “I’ll do it only if the time permits” activity. If a gap opens up, log it in.

According to Wood, 30 effective minutes a day is all it takes. Do sports and fitness activities you enjoy and the job’s half done for you so long as the endorphins are firing.Once the self discipline is there, change it up and keep your body guessing by training with a friend who can push you and vice versa.

Food Prep & Intake

A post shared by Sam Wood (@samjameswood) on Jul 30, 2016 at 3:06pm PDT

Sam Wood’s own personal diet is simpler than most would assume. More importantly it’s super easy to follow and revolves around a ‘real food philosophy’.

• Consume as little processed foods and sugars as possible
• Consume slightly higher protein than most people. A high good fat and low-carb diet works well, but there’s no need to cut out carbs from your life entirely
• Eating this way will ensure you burn fat efficiently, you’re fuller for longer and you’re not filling your body with empty calories

Calories & Food Portions

• There’s no need to count calories in Wood’s diet
• He doesn’t portion his food too specifically
• Three quality meals a day is a must to ensure he has the right balance

“If I have a higher protein breakfast like an omelette then there’s no worries having a steak sandwich or rice or pasta for dinner,” he says.“Whereas if I had oats or fruit for breakfast, I might have a higher protein vegetable dinner. I just look at my balance throughout the day and make sure there’s a good macro balance of good fats, good carbs and protein across the day.”Foods He Won’t Touch

• Sugar is the biggest culprit
• Foods with refined sugars and processed carbs

These normally come in the form of instant noodles, pasta, white bread and general stuff you can find in the junk food aisles.“These foods do nothing good for your body. People need to stop thinking of food as a number and more as a nutritional value.”“Ask yourself why you are eating that? Are you eating it because good carbs give you energy and protein rebuilds the muscle? Or are you eating it because you’re hungry and it fills you up for an hour?”Wood is no food Nazi though.“When you think about food differently, you’ll automatically start cutting out the crap. But everything in moderation is my rule. Have a burger, a beer and chocolate as sometimes foods”.

Building The Ultimate Dad-bod

A post shared by Sam Wood (@samjameswood) on Nov 21, 2017 at 2:15am PST

Despite being a family man and in his mid-30s, Sam Wood still finds time to look the way he does even though it’s not his intention.“The older I get the more I train to function well and feel good. Looking good is just a nice byproduct.”This is what his conditioning phase in the gym looks like:

Step 1

• 10 minutes of stretching, activating and mobilising

“Band exercises, ball release stuff, foam roller stuff. Dynamic stretching to ensure my quality of movements is better, I avoid injuries and enhance performance.”

Step 2

• 30 minutes of body conditioning in the gym which includes weights, lifting kettle bells and functional strength training like TRX

“I’ll try to hit the gym 4 times per week alongside a combination of pilates, swimming and running; something that breaks it up from the other gym days. Just a walk with the family can tick that box.”

A post shared by Sam Wood (@samjameswood) on Apr 28, 2016 at 11:31pm PDT

Step 3

• Work out in 28 day blocks and know what you’re training for

“Variety is key but I still write a plan down. I don’t go to the gym and make it up on the spot. It might be strength focus, endurance focused, or for an event.”

Step 4

• Customise your training to achieve the desired outcome. You can plateau and not get anywhere if you don’t have a plan

“I have to do strength workouts or I’ll get too skinny. I have an ectomorph body. I’m 6’3 and 97kg now. When I was in the 12th grade I was 6’3 and 67kg. I was the skinniest kid with braces and elbows and I had to work hard to put a bit of meat on the bones.”

What If You’re A Dad With Little Time & Energy?

A post shared by Sam Wood (@samjameswood) on Nov 11, 2015 at 12:22am PST

We get it. Being a family man is a big commitment with endless strain on your time and energy. Hitting the gym? That’s the last thing on your mind.But there’s a way around it according to Sam Wood.“I have two coffees a day and I find that when I eat real food with a lot less processed stuff, my energy levels are much better.”“And when it comes to sleep in an ideal world, the magic number is 7 hours.”Wood’s top energy reviving tips:

• When you exercise regularly, you tend to sleep better
• Eat real food as mentioned and know that it’s ok to have one or two coffees a day
• Keep and eye on the milk and sugar – they’re extra calories you don’t need to be consuming

RELATED: How To Trick Your Body Into Getting Ripped Like The Stenmark TwinsRELATED: Lacking Muscles? You Need To Eat Like This If You Want To Look Like Tim Robards

The post Sam Wood Diets & Workouts To Get You Fitter appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Smoking is a deadly sin. But that doesn’t stop every Australian and American exchange student to ever set foot in Italy from developing a menthol fetish. Neither does it stop 998,000 Italians between the ages of 25 and 34 from smoking regularly.In a move that would make Australian authorities proud, however, Milan has just banned smoking from a range of public places. The upshot? The fashionable crowds who usually mill around the city’s canals, aperitivo in one hand, cigarette in the other, may now face a €40 fine.“Smoking within a 10m (30ft) distance of other people is no longer permitted… at bus and tram stops as well as in the city’s parks and green spaces, sports and recreational grounds, children’s play areas, stadiums and cemeteries,” the BBC reports.

“Italy was the first country in the EU to bring in an indoor ban on smoking in public places in January 2005.”

“Milan is now the first Italian city to introduce such an extensive outdoor ban, part of a package of measures to improve air quality and combat climate change.”The new rule has also been introduced in order to protect citizens’ lungs, the importance of which has been hammered home by COVID-19. Perhaps it shouldn’t be so surprising then that locals – smokers, even – appear to be on board with the change.

Milan will ban from tomorrow #smoking in parks, stadiums and bus stops.

This is a great for the health, I hope cars will be banned from the the city center as well.— Pinar Pinzuti (@PinarPinzuti) January 18, 2021

Milan based Twitter user Pinar Pinzuti wrote: “Milan will ban from tomorrow #smoking in parks, stadiums and bus stops. This is a great for the health, I hope cars will be banned from the the city center as well.”“The ban on smoking outdoors in Milan is the best gift I could receive for my birthday,” wrote another user.

Il divieto di fumo all’aperto a milano è il regalo più bello che potessi ricevere per il mio compleanno

— Matteo Cappereo| マッテオ (@JeSuisCialis) January 18, 2021

Not everyone was stoked on the change though. Another Twitter user wrote: “Comunque che teneri quelli che godono per il divieto di fumo a Milano e poi si sfasciano di cocaina nei cessi pubblici.”Per Google Translate, this translates to: “However, those who enjoy the ban on smoking in Milan and then break up with cocaine in public toilets are tender.”Interesting.Finally, yet another Twitter user hinted at an even scarier proposition they had in their head (though they forgot about the fact smoking immediately impacts those around you, while alcohol usually doesn’t).

Have a look at this. That is how tip-toes work. Little by little. Smoking is planned to be wiped out, so why do you think the same wouldn’t happen with alcohol? It’s just as bad for you… https://t.co/ZmpYcqsIwv

— Sonja Stokoe (@SonjaStokoe) January 19, 2021

By and large though, the response on Twitter – usually known as quite a negative platform – was positive. Even smokers themselves are getting behind it, the BBC reports.“The ban, which does not include electronic cigarettes, is being welcomed by smokers and non-smokers alike. Giulio, a doctor, describes it as ‘a very important decision to show respect to each other’. Emanuela, who is a smoker, says she considers the ban a necessary step: ‘Everyone knows that cigarettes cause cancer so people should not be forced to inhale our smoke.'”The ban comes into effect from Tuesday the 19th of January 2020, and is set to continue indefinitely.Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

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The post Milan Bans Iconic Italian 'Activity'; Locals Respond In Surprising Fashion appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

This feature has been produced in partnership with Swatch.

The 80s was a particularly stylish decade; one that saw an explosion of creativity, technology and societal change.

One of the most quintessential pieces of 80s culture is the Swatch. The clever plastic watch virtually single-handedly saved the Swiss watch industry: minimalist, affordable and available in a wide range of colours, the original Swatch was an immediate success and became wildly collectible. Millions were sold, saving the Swiss watch industry and creating a bonafide icon of 80s design.

Another 80s icon was the late Keith Haring. The American pop artist and activist’s postmodern, cutting-edge, socially conscious yet contagiously upbeat graphics spoke for an entire generation. The bold lines, energetic figures and subversive messages that define his work remain just as captivating and instantly recognisable today.

Therefore it seems natural that these two worlds – Swatch and Keith Haring’s art – would find themselves together on a watch. Indeed, Haring collaborated with Swatch within his own lifetime, having designed four watches before opening his infamous Pop Shop on Lafayette Street in downtown New York. The designs were then sold in his store in a limited edition and remain some of the most collectible Swatch watches today.

Now, in 2021, Swatch has announced a new collaboration with the Keith Haring Studio, this time centering around one of Haring’s favourite subjects – Disney’s legendary mascot, Mickey Mouse.

First, we have the 34mm ‘Mouse Marinière’, which takes the classic French nautical stripe and gives it a pop art twist. The rough, thick, vivid red stripes contrast with a characteristically energetic Haring take on Mickey, with plenty of Haring’s signature action lines and scrappy finish.

His illustration of Disney’s most famous character is etched on the glass watch case for added depth and movement.

DISCOVER MICKEY BLANC SUR NOIR

Next we have the comparatively subdued 41mm ‘Mickey Blanc Sur Noir’, a more minimalist take on the mouse that evokes the comic-book style Haring loved so much.

A monochromatic palette offset by yellow, skeletonised hands make this watch idiosyncratically dapper – the kind of watch you’d want to wear to a fancy art gallery to show everyone up with.

DISCOVER MICKEY BLANC SUR NOIR

Or maybe you want to go ‘full Haring’ and make a big 80s style statement. The ‘Eclectic Mickey’ might be more up your alley, then: with a psychedelic design that explodes out of the dial down onto the straps of the watch, it’s a subversive take on the Disney mascot.

The collection also includes the ‘Maxi Eclectic Mickey’, which takes the 41mm watch and blows it up into a 2m-tall wall clock: a fun and functional piece of art.

DISCOVER ECLECTIC MICKEY

For those who want an even more personal, distinctive timepiece, Swatch have also added Keith Haring’s designs to their Swatch X You program, which gives you limitless opportunities to customise your Swatch. Choose your combination of Haring’s Mickey graphics, the mechanism of your liking, and even personalise the caseback – talk about artistic expression.

All in all, this collection from Swatch is an absolute masterstroke, proving that the brand’s just as innovative as it was back in the 80s. Clever, distinctive and filled with character, these watches are a real treat.

Explore the Disney Mickey Mouse x Keith Haring collection by Swatch online here.

The post Swatch & Keith Haring’s Art Come Together For Most 80s Watch Ever appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Nick Kyrgios could be one of the most infamous individuals in Australian sporting history. He’s a hothead who often sparks huger headlines off the court than on it. He’s also a prodigious talent. Oh and – whatever your take on his attitude – he’s still a damn good tennis player.

Kyrgios, in fact, recently climbed the rankings to become number 20 in the world, making him the top-rated Australian competing in the men’s side of the draw at the Australian Open. He has also become “the voice of Australia,” as 9News’ Carl Stephanovic recently put it, when it comes to summing up the complaints of certain tennis players about the conditions of (and rules around) Australian hotel quarantine.

Though some players have claimed they weren’t warned a 14-day stint in quarantine was ever on the cards, Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has said: “the notion that people weren’t briefed… [has] no integrity whatsoever.”

Melburnians, who have endured months of strict lockdowns over the past 12 months, have expressed little sympathy for the players’ plight online, and in a recent tweet, Kyrgios appears to have summed up the sentiment nicely.

Calling out world number one Novak Djokovic (who has demanded tennis players spend less time in isolation and receive private housing for their quarantine stint), as well as Bernard Tomic’s girlfriend (who complained about having to wash her own hair in isolation), Kyrgios didn’t mince words.

“Djokovic is a tool. I don’t mind Bernie but his Mrs obviously has no perspective, ridiculous scenes.”

Djokovic is a tool. I don’t mind Bernie but his Mrs obviously has no perspective, ridiculous scenes https://t.co/MMgeriH2GJ

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 18, 2021

Though some Twitter users were quick to rush to Djokovic’s defence (“Your hatred of Djokovic stems from a frustation of not bring able to play like him, doesn’t it?”, one wrote) many believed he hit the nail on the head.

I love it when I agree with Nick pic.twitter.com/tMopciSON6

— janbirk (jannyB) (@JanJanbirk) January 18, 2021

I love how @NickKyrgios has started speaking for how (what I guess) the majority of Australia feel towards Djokovic and his cohort of over privileged tennis buddies.

— Marc Summers (@mjsummers2103) January 18, 2021

Kyrgios has also won over many “quiet Australians” with his efforts to help out during the 2019/2020 bushfires, and with Instagram posts like the following, which hints at where his head is at these days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Nick Kyrgios (@k1ngkyrg1os)

Top comments from the above post include:

“The media will show Nick getting pissed in a tennis match, few swear words or what not but won’t show this Nick. Much love from the UK bro.”

“NK gets wayyyy too much hate.”

“A lot of respect from this post my guy!”

“Love this brother – good people can’t be held down forever. Keep walking your way, doing good wherever you can, count and passing forward blessings. Love you champion.”

“This is the stuff the media refuses to publish about you. Keep up your fantastic work mate!”

Let the renaissance continue.

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The post Nick Kyrgios Wins Back Australian Public With Single Tweet appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

January 18th is Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States, a federal holiday which celebrates the birthday, life and achievements of the famed civil rights leader and minister.

MLK Day comes at a particularly fractious time in American history, the country still reeling from the Capitol Riot and the last days of Donald Trump’s presidency. Many would consider Trump’s presidency to have been a step back for race relations in the US, the Black Lives Matter movement reinvigorated after the unjust deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd sparked hundreds of protests across the country. MLK’s fight is far from over.

Understandably, media outlets all across America and the world have been reporting on the day and reflecting on MLK’s legacy. That’s why we have these sorts of observances: to spark some self-reflection.

Speaking of reflection… MLK’s Rolex was damn shiny. And many American media outlets get their coverage of it wrong. In fact, it’s happened so many times now that it’s not just predictable but rather galling how many articles have been dedicated to MLK’s watch rather than him as a person or the importance of the day. It happens every year, but this year it feels particularly disappointing, especially considering the current state of affairs in the United States.

Let’s set the record straight: MLK wore a gold Rolex Datejust (ref. 1601) with a ‘Jubilee’ bracelet for many of his public appearances. The provenance of the watch isn’t certain: some sources suggest it was gifted to him by fellow activists, whereas others claim the brand or a dealer gave it to him. In any case, it’s not clear. What is clear is that the watch he actually wore the most was a simple Timex piece – much more in fitting with his status (and means) as a minister.

Sure, it’s a nice watch. But spending all this oxygen talking about it is completely missing the point about MLK Day or the man himself.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by THE WRIST ENTHUSIAST | watches (@wristenthusiast)

It seems obvious to say but MLK wasn’t the man he was because he had good taste in watches. Trying to draw some connection between MLK’s legacy and his Rolex is tenuous at best, and trivialising him at worst.

Much of Rolex’s advertising over the last half-century has focused on how leaders; innovators; successful people wear their watches. Indeed, they even included MLK in a 2013 campaign alongside other famous Rolex owners like Pablo Picasso and Tiger Woods. Rolex clearly benefits from associating themselves with such figures, and why shouldn’t they? They’re just being factually accurate.

RELATED: Joe Biden’s Understated Timepiece Reaffirms ‘Unspoken’ Presidential Watch Trend

But what a lot of media outlets miss entirely – or fail to make explicit in their coverage of MLK’s watch – is that success begets the Rolex, not the other way around.

MLK himself would find it particularly ironic that so much energy gets devoted to talking about his gold watch, especially as he was famously anti-materialistic and a democratic socialist.

Maybe we’re being too harsh. To play devil’s advocate, isn’t it good that people are at least talking about MLK, even if the way ‘in’ is somewhat vacuous? That not only the American but the international media are covering him and his activism so positively is actually a sign of progress… Even if we’ve got a long way to go.

All we can hope is that all the media coverage results in some healthy self-reflection and debate in the United States (and elsewhere).

Joe Biden will be inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States on Wednesday, January 20th.

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The post American Media Misses The Point About Martin Luther King Jr.'s Rolex appeared first on DMARGE Australia.