[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”206955″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]This feature has been produced in partnership with Montblanc

Picture the first time you ever put ink to paper. It was an artistic mess only a parent could love.

You marvelled at your creation and quickly promoted yourself to the hallway before gracing the living room with your greatest masterpiece. You were subsequently threatened with adoption.

Why the walk down memory lane? Because there’s art in every story and every story needs the perfect tool to tell it. Montblanc is a name that does exactly that in the modern world.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”206942″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”How The Fountain Pen Was Born” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]The fountain pen is a timeless writing instrument which has proven its relevance in today’s society as much as it did during its first recorded mention in the 10th century.

It was around this period that leaders of the earliest Islamic states had demanded a pen that could store ink in a reservoir so that it could be held upside-down without leaking.

From there, evidence suggests that the fountain pen began gracing the hands of history’s greatest visionaries, writers and creators.

Leonardo da Vinci rocked one during the Renaissance throughout the 14th century and in his recovered journals which survive till this day, there are cross-section drawings of what appears to be a reservoir pen operated by both gravity and capillary action.

Whilst Da Vinci’s fountain pen was never found, historians studied his handwriting and noticed a consistent contrast throughout the pages, a clue which suggests he jotted down his greatest thoughts and ideas with a fountain pen instead of a quill pen – the latter of which was notorious for leaving a fading ink pattern due to the re-dipping process.

By the start of the 17th century the fountain pen’s popularity was beginning to show in Europe.

1636 saw German inventor Daniel Schwenter describing a pen made from two quills where one quill served as a reservoir for ink inside another quill.

1827 brought on the world’s first patent for the fountain pen awarded to Romanian inventor Petrache Poenaru by the French Government (pictured). And by the mid-to-late 1800s, the fountain pen had made its way to U.S soil.

Today, Montblanc, the German name behind some of the world’s finest luxury goods is continuing to pave the future for this enduring tradition of forging art and engineering.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”186467″ alignment=”center”][vc_separator][vc_custom_heading text=”Leonardo da Vinci rocked one during the Renaissance throughout the 14th century” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Bree%20Serif%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_separator][vc_single_image image=”186468″ alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”206951″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”A Status Symbol To Last A Lifetime” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]It’s easy to question the relevance of a fountain pen in today’s rewritable digital landscape. But just like the resurgence of the mechanical wristwatch that was once destined to be superseded by the quartz movement, the fountain pen has also earned its place in the contemporary wardrobe.

Montblanc introduced their flagship Meisterstück fountain pen back in 1924 and since then they’ve made their way from the Hamburg workshop into the hands of distinguished names like Ernest Hemingway and Barack Obama.

These are milestones upheld by Montblanc’s unyielding drive to create writing instruments that transcend seamless writing in order to showcase pioneering design, innovation and heritage in every stroke.

More importantly it’s an achievement which has bridged the gap between an everyday writing tool and the modern day status symbol.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”206963″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Crafted For Superior Storytelling, Refined For Pure Luxury
” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]The functional advantages of fountain pens have long been touted by those who use them, but for those who have never had the chance, Montblanc’s extensive selection makes it an attractive proposition for anyone curious enough.

The reward is a writing experience and instrument like no other; one that takes over 100 steps to complete and 35 individual steps to finish for the nib alone.

So how are they made? The nibs are designed in elegant options of 14-karat or 18-karat yellow, red, white and champagne golds. These artisan crafted components are all embossed with Montblanc’s ‘4810’ moniker, a signature figure which represents the metric height of the Mont Blanc mountain’s highest peak.

These nibs are then buffed by hand by a diamond file to attain the perfect shape and symmetry before an iridium tip is welded on to ensure durable and smooth writing. After this step the the tip is further shaped by hand with a highly specialised and intricate ‘figure-eight’ motion – a highly critical process which will determine how a user writes.

Montblanc will repeat this process for all eight tip sizes they offer before the nib is polished and finally assembled into the fountain pen’s main body – but not before the nibs go through a rigorous testing phase in a quiet room to determine how they sound gliding over paper alongside its feel.

Some may call this over-engineering. For Montblanc it’s simply tradition and luxury refined at the highest level.

That’s why on every Montblanc fountain pen you’ll find their iconic snow cap (peak of the Mont Blanc mountain in top view) gracing the cap.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”206961″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Write Your Own Piece Of History” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Signing off on your life’s most celebrated achievements requires an equally celebrated instrument.

Montblanc’s range of fountain pens today marry precision German craftsmanship, detail, innovation and character to bring an age-old tradition into the future.

Your journey with superior writing and centuries old artistry begins here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”StarWalker Extreme Fountain Pen” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

The StarWalker Extreme Fountain Pen bears all the masculine hallmarks of a modern writing tool. The bold and strong silhouette paired with the floating Montblanc emblem enforces its statement of modernity. The cap and barrel meanwhile are made of black precious resin with diamond-cut structured inlays and ruthenium-coated clip and fittings. The nib is hand-crafted from 14 K gold and ruthenium-coated.

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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”206992″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”206981″ img_size=”medium” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”StarWalker Ultra Black” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

Montblanc’s StarWalker Ultra Black is designed for the ultimate urban explorer. The sleek lines of this fountain pen features a bold and masculine edge that evokes cutting-edge design combined with the use of contemporary materials like brushed PVD fittings and sandblasted precious resin. The tactile instrument is topped off by a characteristic clip design and the floating Montblanc emblem. The nib is hand-crafted from 14 K gold and ruthenium-coated.

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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Meisterstück Le Petit Prince Classique Fountain Pen” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]The Meisterstück Le Petit Prince Classique Fountain Pen in deep blue precious resin is inspired by the dark blue universe sky. The cap, milled with a fox face pattern, reveals a sentence from the Le Petit Prince book and is also crowned with the iconic emblem. The central ring of the three platinum-coated rings features the Montblanc brand name and the clip is embellished with a yellow lacquered star. The writing instrument is finished with a handcrafted 14 K bi-colour nib garnished with the Petit Prince and the fox.

Shop Now[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”206985″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”206988″ img_size=”medium” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”(Montblanc M)RED” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

The new (Montblanc M)RED writing instrument truly endorses art for a cause. Created in partnership with Marc Newson, the vibrant fountain pen was designed to support (RED)’s fight to end AIDS worldwide. Every item purchased from the (Montblanc M)RED writing instrument collection will contribute 5€ to the Global Fund to support HIV/AIDS programs, which helps prevent HIV+ mothers from passing the virus onto their babies. The instrument itself is made of red precious resin handpicked by Marc Newson. It features a magnetic cap closure alongside a hand-crafted 14 K gold nib, rhodium-coated with ruthenium-coated inlay.

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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle”][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Montblanc Heritage Collection Rouge et Noir Special Edition Coral Fountain Pen” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

A jewel in the collection, the ‘Rouge et Noir’ fountain pen was first developed in 1906 and considered an outstanding technical achievement, ensuring simple operation without the need for dipping the nib into an inkwell. The Heritage Collection Rouge et Noir celebrates the 110-year-old pioneering spirit of Montblanc. Reinterpreting the legendary writing instrument, it features a longer, slimmer silhouette and craftsmanship refined over generations, with coral precious resin in barrel and cap. A uniquely captivating Snake Clip comes in a vintage look with matching fittings. The clip is made by a stamping and winding process in a special alloy metal, and is aged by a unique galvanic and stripping process. The nib meanwhile is hand-crafted in 14 K gold and rhodium-coated with two-tone serpent design.

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Explore the world’s finest fountain pens at Montblanc now

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The post Handcrafted Fountain Pens Are The Status Symbol To Last You A Lifetime appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Despite being a good two weeks into 2021, it still feels like it’s 2020. And not in the same, normal way it takes us a while to adjust to a new year and a new date in our minds.

The reality is that 2020’s problems haven’t gone away. We’re still grappling with a global pandemic and economic recession; dealing with political upheaval in the US, Hong Kong and the Middle East; and we’re still waiting for Frank Ocean to release another album. We’re not out of the woods just yet.

We’ve previously explored here at DMARGE how the stress of living through 2020 might have dire health consequences – comparable to smoking – on us further down the track. Yet some are suggesting that despite all the doom and gloom, there might actually be a silver lining to 2020.

California-based meditation expert and writer Manoj Dias shared a thought-provoking quote from acclaimed British-Swiss philosopher Alain de Botton, aiming to provoke a mindset shift in regards to how we remember 2020.

 

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It’s a bold claim, for sure. You can’t just ‘good vibes brah’ away the dunghill 2020 wreaked on our planet and society. But there’s certainly truth to the idea that good times taste all the sweeter when you’ve been denied them for a while. On top of that, 2020 has forced us to reevaluate our current direction as a species, and there’s already evidence emerging that people are making a change.

A good example of this has been how our approach to the arts, culture and hospitality has changed. COVID-19 social distancing restrictions forced many venues and events, such as art galleries, cinemas, restaurants and live music venues – to shut down. It meant that for many, 2020 was quite a boring year, with limited recreation options. Boredom was the least concern for many small businesses, performers and so on who saw their livelihood evaporate almost overnight.

Now, as restrictions are easing in many parts of the world, especially in Australia, we’re seeing a newfound appetite for these sorts of cultural offerings. People missed going out in 2020 and now have a newfound appreciation for the musicians, artists and hospitality workers that not only keep us entertained but help prop up the economy in a substantial way.

RELATED: ‘Strange’ Newtown Photo May Explain Australia’s Craft Beer Obsession

The same could be said for travel. With both international and domestic travel still severely curtailed for most of us, it’s really shone a spotlight on what’s important when it comes to travelling. Again, we might see the rise of more sustainable, more mindful tourism practices. There have also been a number of silver linings for the industry.

Another potentially positive impact of 2020 might be how it forces society to reconsider public health. Pre-COVID, wearing masks in public was common courtesy in countries like Japan, for example. Hopefully, this kind of consideration sticks around, even in societies that previously didn’t bother. Let’s hope other good habits stick too: people being more aware of disease transmission; having hand sanitisers in public places and – from a governmental point of view – more investment in healthcare.

Maybe it’s all just an exercise in wishful thinking. But that’s better than being hung up about how bad 2020 was. It’s time to move forward; learn some lessons and be prepared to make the future as good as it can possibly be.

Read Next

• Early Morning Bondi Photo Suggests Men Finally Taking Mindfulness Seriously
• Master Trainer Reveals Most Effective Exercises For Reducing Anxiety

The post 'Thought Provoking' Quote Could Change Your Perspective On 2020 Forever appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Looking at swimwear being policed in the 50s, you might think we’ve come a long way as a society.Case in point? The following Instagram image, posted in October 2020, showing, “A police officer issuing a woman a ticket for wearing a bikini on a beach at Rimini, Italy, in 1957,” according to the caption.

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“At the time,” poster of the image, @80sradical claims, “Italy prohibited the revealing bathing suit; it was too immodest to be worn in public.”Comments from followers skewered this close-minded attitude.

“I’m gonna tell my kids that was Aphrodite and the mortal man is asking for her autograph.”“What a bunch a nuns.”“I’m from Rimini and had no idea they issued tickets for something like that on our beaches. Quite the opposite these days!”

However, recent news regarding women being told to cover up suggests we haven’t progressed as far as we like to think.From Catherine Bampton reportedly being told to change before her Virgin Australia flight this week to Bondi based fitness instructor Martina Corradi being asked to leave a restaurant in December 2020 after an “outfit complaint,” it’s not as if 2020 Australia is light years ahead of 1957 Italy.These are private companies, granted, with the beach arguably being a different context. But even when it comes to bikinis, society still scrutinises. As another commenter pointed out, “I hope she’s alive somewhere to see how far we’ve come…kind of.”DMARGE spoked to Jordan Hartley, whose string bikini recently sparked debate over how women’s bodies are policed by others, to ask what her experience has been. The Newcastle-based chef told DMARGE: “My experience is different on every platform, I have a lot of female support on Instagram which I am really grateful for. However, I do receive a lot of hate on platforms like TikTok for my clothing choices. Generally, I would say they feel safe to [comment] whatever they feel like purely because they are behind a keyboard.”

“I 100% believe we have changed since [the 1980s], however the world is ever evolving and all of us have a lot more to learn.”

Is society becoming more open minded though? “Yes, I believe so, in life we are always going to come up against criticism or hate. We will always rub someone the wrong way and that is ok. It is up to people like myself who have the courage to speak up for other women and men to use our voices and continue to be confident in our clothing choices.”

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On different standards for dress codes in different places, Hartley said: “I believe this comes down to respect. When I run my meal prep company I show up to work in chef clothes, when I run my software company I go into meetings dressed accordingly and when I run my OnlyFans account I wear a bikini. I dress according to what is respectful and if it is an online platform that I am sharing on, it’s my platform which I can post whatever I feel comfortable with.”

“[Here in Australia] we are lucky enough to be able to walk around barefooted with swimmers on and people wouldn’t look twice. This may not be for everyone however it is the culture that I personally have been brought up in and one that I love.”

“I am not sure I can answer for other generations; everyone is different and entitled to their own opinions. However, this does not mean their opinions need to come across in a nasty, harassing or bullying way. I am of the belief, ‘If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all.'”

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• American Instagram Model On A Mission To ‘Rehabilitate’ Men’s DM Sliding Game

The post 'Immodest' Photo Shows Society Hasn't Progressed Much Since The 1950s appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

There are guys out there who drop crazy amounts of money on custom suits and then – brace yourself for this one – treat them like a pair of jeans. Were talking folding them in drawers, tossing them into crumpled piles in corners and even sending them through the washing machine (you scoff, but we swear we’ve seen it happen). But then there are those who know how to clean a suit like a pro.

How To Clean A Suit

Listen up, gentlemen: looking impressive in a suit does not begin and end with spending a lot of money at the tailor. That’s part of the process, sure, but there’s still work to be done once you’ve brought that baby home. If you want your suit to last, you have to take care of it. It’s kind of like a girlfriend – if you want it to stick around for a while, you’ve got to give it some time, attention and TLC. Except girlfriend maintenance tends to be a lot more expensive than suit maintenance has to be.

The Basics

Your normal clothing care process is simple. Step one: Wear it. Step two: Wash it. Step three: Repeat. Your first inclination, after trotting out your suit for several days at the office or a few evenings on the town, is probably to have it dry cleaned. Don’t.

Dry cleaning your suits frequently can actually reduce their lifespan due to the chemical process involved. Save the dry cleaning for stains or other major emergencies, and even then have them spot clean only the affected areas if possible. The rest of the time, man up and care for your suit yourself.

These are the tips and essential tools you’ll need to make sure your suit stays looking as good as the day you bought it.

Remember, NEVER wash your suit. Ever, despite what idiots tell you.

Tools For Cleaning A Suit

After you’ve shelled out on a spectacular suit, here’s what you’ll need to keep it looking fresh:

Buy A Suit Brush

Brushing your suit after every outing is the best way to ensure that it stays in top form. The fabric of a suit loses its integrity over time as dirt and unseen particles build up. A decent suit brush will help you prolong its life. A suit brush looks much like your hair brush, with a wooden or plastic body/handle and bristles made from either synthetic material or real animal hair. Natural animal hair is your best bet, to ensure that the bristles aren’t so coarse that they damage your suit. Apply your shaving strategy and brush downwards only.

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Invest In Quality Suit Hangers

No wire hangers, ever. You should feel ashamed for even letting the thought cross your mind. The right hanger helps maintain the shape of your jacket, thereby extending the length of its life, and helps smooth out any wrinkles sustained during wear. The cost can vary greatly, so just look for something with wide shoulders made from wood that fits your budget. If you wear your suit to work and take off your jacket during the day, it doesn’t hurt to have a second hanger at the office so you can avoid throwing it over the back of a chair.

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Get A Cloth Suit Bag

Your suit may have come with a plastic or canvas bag, but ditch it as soon as you’ve brought it home. A cloth bag is the way to go, because it encourages greater air flow and allows your suit to breathe. A bag also protects against moths and wrinkles. Wait a day or so after wearing your suit to put it into a bag, and make sure your closet isn’t packed so tightly that air can’t reach it.

Essential Tips For Cleaning & Caring For Your Suit

With the basic tools in hand, you’re ready to get down to the nitty gritty of actually tending to your dapper dress-up clothes. Work hard, play hard, care hard. Here’s how to extend the life of your faithful sartorial companion:

#1 Cleaning Your Suit

Have we made it clear yet that your suit should rarely be banished to the dry cleaners? Some especially dedicated suit enthusiasts will only dry clean their suits once or twice a year. Base your dry cleaning habits on your suit’s fabric. Fabrics of higher micron numbers (higher than Super 150s wool) are richer and softer, but also finer and more fragile. Dry clean these as infrequently as possible. After a big night hang your suit outside and use a damp cloth to clean any spots.

#2 Never Iron Your Suit, Steam It

A good steamer isn’t cheap, but it’s a worthwhile investment. Steaming your suit is a delicate method of removing wrinkles and odours and won’t damage the fibres. Avoid using a regular iron to press your suits as the high temperature may cause damage. Also avoid steaming the chest area, which may disrupt the shape of the internal canvas.

#3 Learn To Brush & Roll

Wool has a tendency to accumulate dust, dirt and lint from the environment with wear. Brush your suit after each outing, beginning at the shoulders and working your way down. Always brush gently and slowly, and never perpendicular to the fibres. Use a lint roller as needed to keep everything looking spiffy.

#4 Hang IT Correctly 

Hang your suit when you’re not wearing it. As we’ve already noted, you should never use flimsy metal hangers and should take care hang your suit in a space where it isn’t cramped up against other clothes. The right hanger will have a contoured shape that matches the shape and drape of your jacket, will be wide enough to touch each edge of the shoulders and will be made of a natural wood that helps absorb moisture from fabric.

#5 Pack It Well When Travelling

A garment bag is a must if you’re a serious traveller with a suit. Look for one that is easy to carry, light and breathable. If a garment bag is totally out of the question, learn how to properly fold and pack a suit in a way that minimises wrinkles and offers maximum protection.

#6 Protecting Your Suit

One of the best things you can do for your suit is let it take regular holidays. In the same way that your muscles need to rest after a serious workout, your suit needs time to recuperate after it’s been worn. Try to avoid wearing the same suit multiple days in a row to avoid deterioration (unless you’re walk-of-shame-ing straight into office, in which case sport yesterday’s clothes with pride). Rotate through your tailored wardrobe regularly so that each suit has ample time for a little R&R.

The post How To Clean & Care For Your Suit appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Minimalists like things clean, neat and uncluttered. There’s usually a lot of white, open space and room to move for, well, nothing. Basically, it’s a style with little or no variation on the colour palette and even less rules pertaining to a strict shape or silhouette.

Offering a less-is-more approach to style, minimalism does get criticised for a lack of creativity, sterility and everything-looks-the-same-ness. But, even haters have to admit more men are by default big fans of minimalism (black was the most popular colour choice for men in 2018). Made up of neutral style basics, you probably already own a majority of the pieces needed to dress like a minimalist.

Minimalists like to appear impossibly effortless. But, getting the look does involve some groundwork. Here are some style points to consider when taking on a clean slate.

Minimalist Colours

While minimalists aren’t ones for print and patterns (and neon rainbow hues), there is room to experiment with colour. The minimalist’s palette is primarily made up black, brown, navy, grey, and white. Think plain, it is minimalism, after all.

“One of the newest approaches to the minimalist style is opting for items that match with only a very subtle variation in tonality,” explains Laura Wassermann, fashion consultant and trend forecaster. “It could be a head-to-toe look incorporating 3 different shades of khaki.”

Minimalist Style

Minimalists make their biggest splash by experimenting with the shape, silhouette or cut of their outfit. That means the major sartorial rules are minimised, and proportions get to be played with. This looks like cropped lengths, boxy shapes and oversized or longline silhouettes.

“There are also floaty, drape-y forms, as well as sharp, asymmetric cuts. Basically, shape is a free-for-all, with a balancing of proportions. It adds to the whole this-just-happened look,” continues Wassermann.

Minimalist Texture

Texture refers to the aesthetic finish and ‘feel’ of garments, seen visually in an outfit. In minimalism, contrasting fabric types, densities and washes is the best way to inject some interest into a one or two colour look. Denim is a great way to add textural density (and colour), while wool knits (waffle, cable) and leather jackets add textural depth to an outfit.

But cotton is king, and unlike the other fabrics, it can be worn all-over. Just vary the weight between pieces. “In the end, think clean cut pieces, quality fabrics and items void of too much detail,” adds Wassermann.

Minimalist Suits

A crisp, white cotton shirt is a minimalist staple when it comes to tailoring. For summer separates, white and off-white pair perfectly. Alternatively for a tonal look up top, opt for a basic white t-shirt or polo and cream blazer, teamed with a navy wool-cotton trouser. Finish it off with brown loafers or lace-ups instead of black and leave the belt behind.

Tonality is key. “Take a mid-toned khaki blazer, slightly darker khaki chinos and a lighter khaki basic tee to buffer in the middle,” says Wassermann. “And, take it a notch further and incorporate matching accessories in similar tones.”

When the temperature drops, lose the shirt completely, rocking the roll neck in a darker shade than the suit, for some openness across the front. Two piece suits look great with a notch lapel and slim jacket, affording a roomier trouser with a cropped hem for something more contemporary. Not into leather lace-ups come the weekend? Just add white sneakers (the minimalist’s go-to shoe).

Minimalist T-Shirts

One of the simplest ways to dress like a minimalist involves just two items (that you’re bound to own): a t-shirt and tailored trouser. Voila! That’s it. Monochrome — black and white — is a neat way to rock this James Dean look, opting for a a white tee over dark coloured trousers.

All-over light neutrals are a huge trend this season too. “Fashion aficionados are also taking it a step further by incorporating their footwear and headwear to match in the same shades,” says Wassermann. “This style update is especially emerging in the streetwear arena, thanks to Kanye’s Yeezy line, but this easily translates to a smart casual look.

Minimalist Leather Jackets

Traditional rock looks are a touch more refined in minimalism. For a clean finish, jackets are less embellished – void of patches and logos – with only minimal metallic hardware like zips and press studs visible. The humble t-shirt comes fitted and fresh, white lightening up all that black.

Wearing jeans? Let the shirt hang naturally. But if you’re the more rakish rocker, a tee-turns-dapper tucked into cotton trousers, foregoing the leather boots for (yes, you guessed it) white low cut sneakers.

“Purists should follow the 1+3 rule: starting with a layer of one base colour such as black — black jeans, black t-shirt and some black boots,” says Wassermann. Then, mix in another neutral colour piece over the top, like a denim overshirt or leather.

Minimalist Athleisure

Minimalists also walk the line between functional sportswear and luxury. One take is the health goth aesthetic: mostly white and black with nylon-y parkas and neoprene sweaters, sat over cotton-poly blend jogger pants. Mesh and tech-y, monochrome runners are the key footwear for this look.

Then, there’s vintage sports-inspired: cuffed track pants in royal blue with a prep-ish grey marl sweater and subtle logo print – the luxury enhanced by quality fabrics such as loopback cotton and cashmere. Retro coloured and shaped sneakers work well with this look.

“Keep it contemporary with the cleanest of cuts and going for quality pieces which will ensures you’ll keep the refined aesthetic of minimalist dressing,” says Wassermann.

Minimalist Japanese Style

Japanophiles, rejoice. Minimalists embrace the Asian nation’s airy cottons, fine linens and trouser-esque denim silhouettes. “It’s about casual and cool fabrics in elegant silhouettes, dyed in the minimalist’s all-over tonality,” says Wassermann.

Read Next

• Where To Buy The Best Men’s Minimalist Brands

The post How To Look Insanely Cool In Minimalist Menswear appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

A scarf is not only one of the most underrated accessories in menswear, it’s also one that is on the constant receiving end of abuse. Many guys will tell you a scarf is an assault on your masculinity. In fact, the opposite could not be more true. Not only can a scarf upgrade your outfit tenfold, it also provides a genuine use when the mercury drops and the temperature plummets.

But, as with most items of menswear, there is a right and a wrong way to wear one. What appears to be a simple rectangular piece of fabric, is actually something a bit more complex. There are rules to follow if you want to nail the scarf.

Whether you’re braving the winter cold, protecting yourself from the sun in the warmer months, or just looking to add a little flair to your wardrobe, it pays to know how to rock this kind of neckwear.

Scarf With A Suit

The scarf and suit combo is a true classic for the colder seasons. It doesn’t take a lot of effort at all and can add another layer (literally) to your dressier wardrobe. When wearing a scarf with a suit it’s important to ditch the knotted look. That’s because you’ll still want the tire and dress shirt to still peak through. As a result, simply drape the scarf over your neck without any complicated knotting. If it’s a long scarf, fold it in half and drape as necessary.

And colours and patterns? Anything looks good if you have the confidence to pull it off. Choose a scarf with a bit of contrast for that extra pop or if you want to go down the subtle route, simply choose a scarf colour that matches your suit.

Scarf With Jeans

One of the coolest casual winter looks is the leather jacket, jeans and scarf combo. This is where your scarf knot game can get a little more fancy considering your base layer is just a simple tee or something light. This will allow you to add thickness to the scarf to make it a bit more noticeable.

Try the insanely simple Parisian knot: just fold your scarf in half, place it over the back of your neck, and pull the loose ends through the looped end. The benefit of this knot is that it’s easily adjustable (just remember that it’s not a necktie – keep it loose) and can be tucked into your jacket for added warmth.

Scarf With Jackets, Bombers & Coats

Jackets and scarves are a no brainer. This can extend to coats, bombers and the aforementioned leather jacket. The same rule here applies when rocking scarves with jackets – choose ones that add a bit of contrast to your outerwear. This essentially turns a functional piece into something a little more stylish.

Scarf With A Hoodie

A perfect casual combination if ever there was one, pairing a scarf with a hoodie will have you feeling cosier than bug in a rug. The ideal match for colder climates, a scarf can be paired with both zipped and pullover hoodies. Larger, chunkier scarves work well with zipped hoodies, since they will have the space to breathe if you leave the hoodie open, whereas smaller scarves will happily tuck into the neckpiece of your pullover hoodie.

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The post How To Wear & Style A Scarf For Men appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Last week international flight caps in three Australian states were scissored in half until February the 15th. This came in response to the threat of a new highly transmissible strain of COVID-19 from the United Kingdom.New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia are the three states in which arrival caps have been reduced.“Passengers on all incoming international flights will also need to be tested for the new strain before boarding flights, under new protocols agreed to by National Cabinet, as well as a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival,” the ABC reports.

“Under the new rules, New South Wales will move to a weekly cap of about 1,500 people, Western Australia and Queensland 500… Victoria will not change as they are already operating at a lower capacity after their 2020 outbreak and South Australia will also not change its caps,” (ABC).

After these cuts were made, Emirates last Friday announced it would be suspending flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane indefinitely. As a result, hundreds of Australians are now stranded overseas. As the Sydney Morning Herald reports, for some, this is the fourth time their flight home has been cancelled.

“Devastation doesn’t even begin to describe it.”

Emirates, “only flies Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s – two of the largest modern planes in the industry,” the Sydney Morning Herald also reports.Emirates provided DMARGE with the following statement on Saturday, when asked if the flights had been suspended in response to the new arrival caps.“Emirates flights to/from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will be suspended until further notice due to operational reasons.”RELATED: Returning Australians Forced To Fly Home In Business Class“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to our customers. Affected customers should contact their travel agent or Emirates contact centre for rebooking options.”“Australia remains an important market for Emirates. We continue to serve Perth with twice-weekly flights and we are working hard to prepare for resumption of services to our other points.”Some see opportunity amid the devastation, however. Frequent flyer, points hacker and founder of Flight Hacks, Immanuel Debeer took to Instagram early on Saturday morning to praise the airline, arguing that – if it inspires a broader boycott – Emirates’ decision could ultimately get more stranded Australians home quicker.“Emirates is suspending flights!” Debeer wrote on his Instagram story. “I hope all other airlines follow suit and force the government to change its ridiculous arrivals cap for Australians trying to come home.”

“To give you an idea, only 73 people per day are allowed into Western Australia from overseas. We currently have three airlines flying passengers. So that means around 24 people per flight depending on the schedule.”

Debeer told DMARGE on Saturday he believes, “It’s an operational move in the sense that Australian bureaucracy is making it near impossible to operate flights to and from Australia.”

“No doubt the halving of the cap was the final nail in the coffin. Not sure why they kept Perth but I’m sure there’s a reason for it. It’s good news because after almost a year, our government is only going backwards in terms of policy. It was only a week ago that they announced passengers would need to test negative before flying to Australia… seems like a no brainer but clearly the people in charge need a wake up call.”

On Twitter, in the comments beneath the Sydney Morning Herald’s article announcing the news, one user wrote: “and soon all that may be flying are freighters.”As well as raising questions it could influence other airlines to suspend their Australian flight routes too, Emirates’ decision to suspend these vital Australian routes will also, the Sydney Morning Herald reports, “put fresh pressure on the federal government to arrange special repatriation flights in partnership with Qantas.”Big questions are also being asked over entertainers and sportspeople being allowed to fly in, while thousands of Australians remain stuck overseas. Various perspectives on the matter rolled in on Twitter.

Interesting. I wonder if it’s easier to bring in 1,270 people than 40,000. I wonder if the economic benefit has greater weight given Melbourne was in lockdown longer than any other city. I wonder if you’re confusing state and federal priorities and responsibilities. Hmm

— a port man for all seasons (@entertheportman) January 12, 2021

it’s because (a) keep letting people go o/s, not always for particularly good reasons, and (b) we are letting a lot of people (mostly with money or connections or both) come in. It’s not like there’s a queue.

— Geoff Langdale (@geofflangdale) January 14, 2021

Girls and I desperate to get home. If only I could play Tennis, maybe I should just make a call to the Tournament Director Craig Tiley as he’s a “Wizard”. I love Tennis but chartering flights for 1200+ players and entourage is not right! https://t.co/npD4F1sxR9

— Claire Owens (@WelshAussie7) January 14, 2021

Debeer and many others who make a living in the travel sphere (from Qantas CEO Alan Joyce to your local business class blogger) have been vocal advocates of opening up borders and facilitating travel as soon as is safely possible to do so.RELATED: ‘Infuriating’ Instagram Video Has Americans Up In Arms About Life In AustraliaMost economists agree. The contention, then, is over how “as soon as safely possible” is defined – a topic which looks to be debated for at least the next year or two, depending on how the global situation regarding COVID-19 vaccines, among other things, unfurls.

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The post Emirates Flight Suspensions Spark Hope For Australian Arrival Caps Boycott appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

If you’re bored of investing in shares, or you’re a bit too confused by cryptocurrencies, then you may find more favour with ETFs.

What Is An ETF?

ETFs – or Exchange Traded Funds – are bought and sold in similar ways to stocks, in that they are traded on the major stock exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq or the ASX in Australia. What makes them different from stock trading is that stock – or rather, the shares that collectively form stock – are individual ‘pieces’. ETFs on the other hand are, as their name implies, funds.

This means an ETF can be a collection of stocks, bonds, currencies and/or commodities, made up of any number and any combination of the above, ranging from tens all the way through to thousands of each.

They are similar in this regard to mutual funds, however, ETFs can be traded throughout the day, with their price continuously changing as a result. Mutual funds, meanwhile, are only traded based on their price at the end of each day.

What makes ETFs so popular – and especially appealing to new investors – is that they are passively managed. This means an ETF fund manager simply needs to ensure each ETF they manage tracks or follows its specified stock index. One of the most popular stock market indexes is the American S&P 500 – which tracks the performance of 500 large companies (such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and Facebook) from various stock exchanges in the US.

How Do I Buy ETFs in Australia?

Because ETFs are traded in the same way as stock, you’ll need to use an online broker to make your transactions. Many brokers that offer stock trading should also offer ETF trading, and it’s worth knowing that different online brokers may charge handling or brokerage fees, so this is something you’ll need to look into and take into account before you part with any money.

The minimum investment fee can change from broker to broker too, and the markets that the broker invests in and tracks can differ as well. Some online brokers, such as Stake, are a great option for beginner investors and offer access to both US stocks and stocks in Australia.

You may also want to check to see if your ETF broker of choice offers a mobile application so that you can make ETF trades on-the-go. It might not be a dealbreaker for some, but it could be a handy feature to have.

Best ETFs To Buy

Naturally, nobody wants to make a bad investment, so rather than listen to the advice of your kooky uncle who only appears at family gatherings, we’ll be bringing you the top ETF picks of Zac Angove, Private Wealth Advisor at Seneca Financial Solutions, and his analysis on each one.

A Word From Zac

Despite being your biggest asset, your ability to earn money through time, known as your ‘human capital’, is widely underappreciated. The younger you are, the chances are you will have substantially more ‘human capital’ than you do financial capital (cash, assets).

You might not realise it, but there is an ever-increasing threat to your biggest asset as companies develop technology to save costs and fix problems (that they previously paid people like you to fix!) Robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digitisation are negatively impacting your human capital balance. One way to offset or hedge this risk is to deploy some of your financial capital into technology investments.

Gaining exposure to these themes has historically been difficult but with the exchange trade funds (ETF’s) listed below, you could potentially benefit from these emerging trends in a low cost, transparent and diversified way.

Note: While there is an increasing range of ETFs available on the ASX, the US exchanges offer a significantly more diverse range. The below ETFs are available on the US exchanges

January 2021

All figures in USD (1 USD = 1.30 AUD at time of publishing)

Artificial Intelligence

Invesco Dynamic Semiconductors ETF (PSI) USD $120.49, $276.78bn Market Cap

The brains of our computers. As technology continues to improve and expand, these chips will be in high demand.  Artificial intelligence will act as a multiplier to these other four themes.

Robotics

3D Printing ETF (PRNT) USD $40.10 $79bn Market Cap 

The potential of 3D printers is starting to come to fruition in the manufacturing sector. Mill based manufacturing is succumbing to the efficiencies 3D printing provides. Top holdings include 3D systems corporation, Stratasys Ltd and SLM solutions AG.

Energy Storage

ETFS Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ACDC) USD $90.58, $86.5mn Market Cap

The impending shift from fossil fuels means energy storage is going to be in high demand. This ETF offers investors exposure to companies involved in the supply chain and production for battery technology and lithium mining.

Genetic Sequencing

ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG) USD $110.64, $16.85bn Market Cap

The convergence of DNA sequencing, artificial intelligence and Gene therapies are going to revolutionise how people make decisions around their health. Allowing doctors and scientists to catch diseases at stage 1, predict diseases before they start and potentially predict and edit their DNA sequencing.

Blockchain

Siren Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF (BLCN) USD $42.25, $187.9bn Market Cap

This article is of a general nature only and does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information in light of your objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on it and obtain copies of any relevant disclosure documents. Seneca Financial Solutions does not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information in this report. Zac Angove, Seneca Financial Solutions, it’s Directors and its associated entities may have or had interests in companies mentioned. They may have or have had a relationship with or may provide or has provided investment banking, capital markets and/or other financial services to those companies mentioned.

Best ETFs FAQ

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The post Best ETFs 2022: Our Expert’s Scoop On The Best ETFs To Buy appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Have you ever stopped to think about how your regular coffee tastes at various times throughout the day? Even if you go to the same cafe and the same barista makes it with the same beans and the same milk, you may find that you prefer the taste in the morning than later in the afternoon.

Don’t worry, you’re not sick and you’re not going crazy. There is, in fact, a perfectly valid scientific explanation as to why this may be and it all relates to the loudness of your environment. A study conducted in July 2020 by Luis Bravo-Moncayo et al. – via The Guardian – looked into “the general effect of auditory noise control in individuals’ eating and drinking experiences.”

To achieve their results, the researchers asked a participant group of 400 men and women to drink the same coffee twice, but each time they would be subject to a different level of background noise played through headphones. Background noise was of ambient sounds of a crowded food court.

Two sound settings were a louder 85 dBA and a “less loud” sound set at 20 dBs lower. The dBA rating is a weighted value that introduces the relative risk of noise-induced hearing loss. A rating of 85 dBA is high up on the scale and pose a great risk of hearing damage if exposed for a long period of time.

Participants weren’t told that both coffees were the same, but the majority of the group rated the second coffee – the one consumed under quieter conditions – as being the better tasting.

The study found that coffee drinkers are less likely to notice the “sensory attributes (sweetness, bitterness, acidity, flavour intensity) of the coffee under louder noise, and less willing to pay and purchase the coffee, relative to less loud sounds.”

This doesn’t mean you’re entitled to skip out on paying your bill if you perceive the cafe you find yourself in to be too loud, but it does provide some insight as to why you may enjoy a coffee morning if you’re sitting somewhere quieter.

This isn’t the only study to look into the effects of sound on our tasting experiences, however, as researcher Charles Spence conducted a full review of the phenomenon in 2014. Citing various third-party studies, such as a 2004 study by Guégen et al. which examined the effect of the sound level of background music on alcohol consumption, finding that an increase in sound resulted in an increase in consumption and a 1989 study by A McCarron and K J Tierney which attained similar results for soft drink consumption.

Spence concluded from the results of these studies that “there might be a direct link between the loudness of the background music and the increased profitability for the owners of those establishments that choose to play loud music”, referencing a hypothesis that claims some restauranteur “attempt to increase their bottom line,” by playing loud music.

New York Times journalist Cara Buckley has previously written about the effect music can have on the behaviour of restaurant patrons, casting a particularly watchful eye over the tactics employed by Hard Rock Cafe. Speaking to Wyatt Magnum, a designer of music programs for restaurants, bars and hotels, he says “Hard Rock Cafe had the practice down to a science, ever since its founders realized that by playing loud, fast music, patrons talked less, consumed more and left quickly.”

Now there’s food for thought.

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