Read the dregs of Tripadvisor and you’ll find a negative spin on anything. Taj Mahal? Too spacious. The Red Sea? Too wet. Ocean Beach? Too sandy. New York? Too many buildings.When it comes to Australia, some of the worst offenders are: The Sydney Opera House (111 ‘terrible’ Tripadvisor reviews), The Sydney Harbour Bridge (18 ‘terrible’ Tripadvisor reviews) and the Sydney Tower Eye Observation deck (103 ‘terrible’ Tripadvisor reviews).If you’re sensing a common theme, it’s Sydney.While other Tripadvisor attractions, like Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria, don’t escape unscathed (at the time of writing it has 42 ‘terrible’ Tripadvisor reviews), Sydney’s reputation for being ‘all show no go’ precedes itself, with a small minority of Tripadvisor critics gagging to ‘destroy’ it with their three clicks of fame.That said, we’d argue much of the criticism of the three aforementioned monoliths is well placed, even if it is exaggerated (see: “The Pylon tour will give you the same view and cost you $15. You will be stripped of all your belongings and when you get back they will charge you even more for a few pictures of your experience. I felt like I was mugged, twice.”).An area of Sydney which we believe is unfairly maligned, however, is Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach.

 

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Why? As the bulk of its 65 ‘terrible’ Tripadvisor reviews complain, its picturesque veneer belies a place which is dirty, crowded and almost impossible to park in.Though our disgruntled Tripadvisor friends despise such challenges (see below), we’d argue those ‘drawbacks’ are paradoxically what makes Bondi so worth experiencing – it’s where the action is.Also: people are problem-solving machines. And much as there’s nothing more infuriating than failing the challenge, the difficulty is what makes it rewarding.Buddha type levels of peace will come across you when you manage to nab that park, score that drink; sew together that ever-elusive ‘perfect’ day at Bondi.“I can’t see anything attractive about Bondi,” one Tripadvisor reviewer wrote. “Except possibly closeness to the city.”

“The place is so heavily overpopulated, with apartments everywhere you look. Concrete is everywhere. Where is the nature?”

“This grossly overused beach is most time extremely crowded, dirty with litter, oil slicks, and ash,” another added. “The overheated crowds are also known to be rather hostile. Polluted air from the city and the nearby burning national parks tops off the experience most people would prefer to miss.”

“Crowded, dirty, and with polluted air.”

“Disappointment at Bondi,” another smarted. “We were so excited, but when we arrived there was no where to park at all. All carparks where full, and many of them you could only park for 30 mins.”RELATED: Controversial Bondi Beach Photo Depicts Scene That Could Never Happen In America“The beach and dining looked amazing, but it was absolutely packed. We were so stressed driving around looking for a spot we ended up leaving and got too see nothing. If you go, go super early as going mid morning like we did is a nightmare.”“Picture perfect beach,” yet another added. “Not.”

“Terrible parking situation, beach is always packed, too many backpackers and tourists, way overrated.”

Another summed it up succinctly: “Sardine style.”

 

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The problem? They all miss the point. The beauty of Bondi is in its people watching. Seeing and being seen. Feeling at one with the crowds. Taking out a second mortgage for parking. Getting dust in your eyes, and sand between your toes in one big mass. Queuing (pre-Covid times) for lunch in one big sweaty group.Don’t believe us? Check out the ‘Bondi Icebergs’ Instagram hashtag for proof.So: leave pretending you’re in Greece for Wylies Baths or Broughton Island (and if you want a bit more peace and quiet head to the Northern Beaches).

Read Next

• Photo ‘You Won’t Believe Is In Australia’ Blows Minds Down Under
• Psychologist Explains The Mindset Of Living In Bondi
• The Truth About Why Sydneysiders Are Rude To Tourists

The post In Defence Of Australia's 'Most Mocked' Tourist Attraction appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

While the continent of Australia has been inhabited for over tens of thousands of years and is home to the world’s oldest living culture, the modern nation-state that we call Australia has only existed for a bit over a century.The country has changed radically in that short amount of time, with our two biggest cities – Sydney and Melbourne – becoming some of the biggest, most vibrant and most influential cities in the Asia-Pacific. Looking at the lights of the Sydney CBD today makes it hard to think that not even 70 years ago, Australia was still a virtual backwater, with Sydney not much more than a big country town. But post-war immigration and economic success saw Sydney quickly become one a bustling metropolis, with high-rises popping up like daisies and big chrome barges of cars filling its streets.It’s these old automobiles that had the denizens of Reddit’s /r/sydney looking back at the Harbour City through rose-tinted glasses, with a photo of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge’s northbound ticket booths in 1959 sparking lively discussion. The photo, which shows cars like Ford Fairlanes, Holden FJs and Morris Majors coming to grips with the bridge’s new layout after two more lanes were opened, had Redditors calling it a “simpler time” and pondering if that was the last time there wasn’t any traffic on the Harbour Bridge during the day.“Too many cars and too many people for smooth crossings today… I wonder how it will be when Sydney gets to 9 million people in a few years,” one mused. We’ll admit, the idea of a Harbour Bridge sans gridlock is pretty tantalising.

There’s more than meets the eye with this photo, however. Another pointed out that those extra lanes came at the expense of Sydney’s old tram lines, which by 1961 had been completely dismantled across the city in order to accommodate more road traffic, remarking that “Bradfield would be horrified.” one commenter remarked.John Bradfield, one of Australia’s greatest engineers, was the designer and chief proponent of the Harbour Bridge, who had originally designed the eastern side of the bridge to accommodate a heavy rail service to the Northern Beaches – the tram line was only ever supposed to be a stop-gap. Losing the rails all together would have been galling to the meticulous Bradfield, whose plans for Sydney’s rail network never fully came to fruition (something Sydney’s reaping the consequences of all these years later).RELATED: Incredible Video Shows How Far Australian House Prices Have Risen Since 1970Although another related that leaving the tram tracks there wouldn’t have necessarily helped the bridge’s overall carrying capacity:

“The highest volume by mode crossing the Harbour Bridge today is people in buses (not trains, they are second place), exceeding 200,000 crossings per day pre-COVID. This includes people from the Northern Beaches and The Hills, which would likely [have never been] served by tram.”

The photo’s also a bit misleading, as the bridge has always suffered from congestion. The Sydney Morning Herald’s archival Instagram account shared a photo in 2019 of the bridge in 1948 (over a decade earlier)… With traffic that’s bad even by today’s standards. Hard to be nostalgic for something that doesn’t actually exist.

 

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The most salient point made in the thread is that any nostalgia for the 50s or earlier needs to come with a big grain of salt, as it was only “simpler times” for a select few.“Think about the Stolen Generation, those with disabilities… Not everyone had it good back then,” one Redditor pointed out. “In 1959 this description fits the bill for pretty much everyone that isn’t white, to be honest,” another agreed. Our hot take? A Sydney without drive-thru El Jannah wouldn’t be a Sydney that’s worth living in.We’ll give the 50s one thing: the cars were a lot cooler back then…

Read Next

• Million Dollar Ute Suggests Bogan Car Mania Not Slowing Down Any Time Soon
• ‘Humbling’ 1951 Encounter That Changed The Course Of Porsche In Australia

The post Iconic Harbour Bridge Photo Suggests Sydney Peaked In 1959 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

When it comes to buying a new car in Australia, research shows that SUVs are by far the most popular choice, with nearly 40% of prospective car buyers claiming they plan to spend their money on something with (usually) four-wheel drive, but at least something with an elevated driving position.

With this being Australia, the Japanese brands share much of the main bulk of sales, but foreign imports do their best to disrupt the oligopoly. But while the majority of buyers, we imagine, will look for the best model out there, perhaps the most practical or the one that returns the best fuel economy, it doesn’t necessarily translate to them being cool.

And deep down, we know that in an ideal world, people want to be seen in their car. Who hasn’t looked in the rear-view mirror to see if someone turns their head as we drive past? Just us?

It’s with this in mind that we’ve compiled a list of what we believe, nay, we know are the coolest ‘trucks’ to buy in Australia right now.

Best Mid-Size SUV

Mazda CX-5

Fuel Economy: 5.7 – 8.2 L/100km
Price: From $33,990 Drive Away

The Mazda CX-5 has become one of the best-selling in Australia since it arrived on our shores in 2012, offering a combination of practicality, performance and competitive pricing. Buyers walking into a Mazda dealership today are now presented with a wide choice of engine and trim level options, with two 2-wheel drive variants and six all-wheel-drive options. Even at the top end of the range, the Akera, with its 2.5-litre turbo petrol engine starts at $52,490, and while it may seem pricey, you get a serious amount of equipment as standard.

But even if you don’t opt for the more powerful engines, the smaller 2.0-litre units still offer plenty of pull to get you around town and on a long road trip, you’re going to want a vehicle of this size. There’s plenty of space inside for a family of four, plus luggage too, as you would come to expect from a mid-size such as this. There really isn’t much to complain about with the CX-5, but it’s worth noting that, unless you do go for the 2.5-litre unit, you’re probably not going to have the most amount of fun, compared to some other SUVs. But for a comfortable school run cruiser, there’s very little in the way of competition.

Pros:

• Fit and finish at a luxury marque standard
• Very easy to use infotainment

Cons:

• Cargo space is surprisingly not great
• Engine and transmission don’t let you have fun

Best Small SUV

Peugeot 3008

Fuel Economy: 5.6 – 7 L/100km
Price: From AU$47,990 Drive Away

That’s right, a Peugeot. The iconic French carmaker has been on a resurgence of late, giving its entire lineup a complete overhaul to give its cars wholly modern designs, clever technologies and well-thought interior designs to give it a much more appealing look. We think it’s fair to say Peugeot hasn’t always been looked upon favourably, but with its current lineup, we think that needs to change. If you still need convincing, then the 3008 is the model that should sway you.

The 3008 certainly has a presence on the road, but it’s not a brash one that will intimidate other road users. We love the two-tone design Peugeot has given it, with the black roof forcing the eye to believe it’s more compact than it is. Looks aside, it’s what on the inside that sets the 3008 apart, as it’s simply teeming with technology. Dubbed Peugeot i-Cockpit, the 3008 benefits from an 8-inch touchscreen and a fully digital instrument panel, bringing features found on more expensive cars to the affordable sector. The Peugeot looks great, drives great and is simply a cool car to own. Hats off Peugeot.

See our FULL REVIEW of the best small SUVs in Australia here.

Best Large SUV

Volvo XC90

Fuel Economy: 2.3 – 8.2L/100km
Price: From $95,556 Drive Away

Volvo always brings something a little different to the table compared to its rivals, primarily in the design stakes, and for us, the XC90 is one of the best-looking large SUVs on the road. Incorporating typical Scandinavian design inside and out, it’s a real looker from any angle. Volvo was also one of the first car manufacturers to commit to using electric power in all of their vehicles, and with the XC90 you’ll find a range of mild hybrids (which use the electric motor to support the petrol engine) and a plug-in hybrid, which can run on electric power alone for a solid chunk of your journeys.

All XC90 models get a 2.0-litre petrol unit, but the amount of power they produce varies across the range: the minimum is 183kW, but this increases to 235kW in the XC90 Recharge, which gets an additional 65kW from the electric motor on top. Step inside and things continue to impress, with enough space for seven, as the two seats at the very back offer ample legroom. Storage inside is great too, with cupholders galore, small cubby holes for any essentials.

Where the XC90 really shines (along with other cars in Volvo’s repertoire) is safety. The Swedish brand is one of the absolute best when it comes to driver assistance and safety technology, with various hazard detection systems that really come into their own when out on open roads or driving through the bush. If you’ve got a large family, or have the money to spend with a family of four, the Volvo XC90 is an incredibly compelling option.

Pros:

• Stylish interior and exterior
• Great sound & infotainment systems

Cons:

• Electric-only range is unimpressive
• Lacks the sporting pedigree of Volvos of old

Best SUV Under $30,000

MG HS

Fuel Economy: 7.3 – 9.5L/100km
Price: From $29,990

MG really has made a mark since its rebirth and re-introduction Down Under. Notably, their capable MG3 hatchback has become Australia’s best-selling hatchback – but the HS is an even better car and while not the best mid-size around, it’s by no means at the bottom of the pile. For starters, it’s incredibly affordable, with the top of the range Essence X setting you back a smidge over $42,000 before any add-ons. But you already get heated leather seats and a sunroof, as well as MG’s Pilot safety suite of technologies (standard across the entire range) included.

There are four trim levels to choose from: Core, Vibe, Excite and Essence, all of which get a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine as standard, with the Excite and Essence also getting the option of a 2.0-litre turbo-powered unit too. Naturally, the 1.5-litre engine can sometimes feel a little underpowered, especially when installed in a 5-seat mid-size, so if you can stretch to the 2.0-litre, we’d recommend it. As for the interior, don’t think the Core is a purely basic vehicle. It gets a generous amount of equipment as standard, although those looking for a little more luxury will want to look higher up the range.

If you’re in the market for a mid-size and automatically feel compelled to buy from one of the more established brands, we’d recommend at least test-driving the MG HS. You could save yourself a shedload of cash.

Pros:

• Incredible bang for your buck
• Great safety aids

Cons:

• Lacks the refinement of competitors
• Bigger engine, please

Best Family SUV

Volkswagen Tiguan

Fuel Economy: 7.1 – 8.1 L/100km
Price: From $39.690

The Volkswagen Tiguan is easily one of the most underrated cars on the market right now. It’s incredibly easy on the eye for a start, and even though many won’t admit, looks do indeed count when making a purchasing decision. With looks out the way, the next thing we expect most people will look at is the price. While the very latest 2021 Tiguan has increased some $10,000 over its predecessor, VW has made some big changes to the interior cabin, and if you’re upgrading, you’ll see where that extra money is being spent.

There are still four models to choose from, although they’ve been made much simpler: the 110TSI (1.4-litre) and 132TSI (2.0-litre) Life variants bring 110kW and 132kW of power, respectively, with the former getting 2-wheel drive and the latter all-wheel drive. The 162TSI Elegance and R-Line models up the power to 162kW and all-wheel drive, and there’s now the addition of a diesel-powered unit in the 2.0-litre 147TDi R-Line. This too gets VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, which will keep you planted on the ground no matter the terrain thanks to a dial positioned next to the gear lever that lets you adjust settings for various terrain types.

Although, we imagine most buyers will stick to the safety of tarmac for the most part, which is where the Tiguan can really come into its own. A comfortable, reliable and powerful SUV, what could be better? For those wanting some extra space, a seven-seat Tiguan Allspace is due to launch in 2022, along with a hybrid-powered model and a super quick Tiguan R.

Pros:

• One of the most complete packages in its class
• Competitive price

Cons:

• Iffy transmission
• Uninspiring exterior aesthetics

Best Hybrid SUV

Toyota RAV4

Fuel Economy: 4.7 – 7.5 L/100km
Price: From $36,490 Drive Away

The Toyota RAV4 is currently the best-selling SUV in Australia, thanks to a wide choice of engine options, trim levels and notorious Toyota reliability – but the hybrid options are by far the most popular. With four petrol-powered units and three hybrids, the majority of which are mated to an eight-speed CVT automatic gearbox, and with all-wheel drive being available on select trim levels, the RAV4 is the perfect car to not only get around town thanks to its easy-to-manoeuvre dimensions, but it’s pretty good off-road, too.

Choose one of the hybrids and you can expect a quiet driving experience at lower speeds, with the petrol power kicking in when you want to pick up speed. Since the petrol motor charges the batteries, and the batteries feed power to the electric motor, fuel consumption is kept incredibly low. Inside there’s bags of space for an entire family, and a generous amount of space in the boot for a weekend’s worth of luggage. Technology-wise you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, although some may find the infotainment screen to be a little on the smaller side, but it’s still legible and works effortlessly.

Pros:

• Feels like a much more expensive, sporty car than it actually is
• Spacious interior, perfect for families

Cons:

• Petrol power can create a noisy cabin
• Hybrid technology could be seen as a little outdated

Best Sporty SUV

Porsche Macan

Fuel Economy: 8.9L/100km
Price: From $96,258 Drive Away

The Porsche Macan is one of the German marque’s best-selling vehicles, thanks in no small part to its rather affordable price tag (well, when you consider the badge that adorns it). It might be the cheapest new Porsche but it’s still a Porsche, and we all like the nice things in life, don’t we? There are three Macan models to choose from: the base Macan, mid-range Macan S, and the tarmac-chomping Macan GTS.

Being a Porsche, power is more than acceptable even in the base model, but those who do love to live life in the (very) fast lane will want to look at the S or GTS. All specs feature classically perfect Porsche handling: the Stuttgart marque has done some excellent work with the chassis, resulting in a rather weighty car being able to handle itself and not throw a wobbly with even the lightest press on the right pedal. It certainly helps that Porsche plonks the driver in a low driving position compared to some other cars, allowing you to feel more planted.

Standard equipment is solid, with virtually everything being powered: seats, tailgate etc, as well as Porsche’s rather excellent infotainment system. In true Porsche style, you get plenty of customisable options to choose from, including a generous selection of exterior and interior colours, alloy wheels and various other modifications to the chassis and overall ride. And, if you can afford it, definitely add the Burmester sound system, it sounds bloody marvellous.

Pros:

• Cheapest entry into the Porsche family
• Great driving dynamics

Cons:

• Not as practical as others in this segment
• Servicing will sting

Best Towing SUV

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series

Fuel Economy: 8.9L/100km
Price: From $89,900 Drive Away

We’d be seriously remiss to make a list of the coolest 4x4s in Australia and not include the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser. The hardy 4×4 is one of Australia’s most popular vehicles of all time: capable, reliable and spacious, there’s little a Land Cruiser can’t do – and it’s particularly good at towing. While there’s might be a few examples of the long-lived 200 Series still on dealership lots right now, the all-new 300 Series is due to make its way Down Under in 2022 – something Aussies have been eagerly anticipating.

RELATED: Why Is Nobody Talking About James Bond’s $4,000 ‘No Time To Die’ Car?

There’s now only one engine and transmission option: a new 3.3-litre turbo-diesel V6, which makes 227kW and 700Nm, mated to a new 10-speed automatic transmission with permanent 4WD and low range. With a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg, unbraked towing capacity of 750kg and a payload capacity of 300-785kg (depending on tow weight and trim level), the 300 Series isn’t joking around.

Something that’s worth keeping in mind with the Land Cruiser is that the lighter and more basic trim levels actually have higher payloads than some of the more expensive, better equipped (and therefore heavier) trim levels. If you want to maximise towing and hauling capacity, it might mean forgoing some luxuries – but even the base-spec 300 Series is a pretty nice place to be.

Pros:

• Much more luxurious interior compared to outgoing models + the competition
• Legendary Toyota reliability – there’s a reason these are king of the bush

Cons:

• Payload capacity isn’t a big improvement previous-generation 200 Series
• No more V8 engine option

Best Luxury SUV

Range Rover Sport

Fuel Economy:
Price: From $126,797 Drive Away

Think large luxury and your mind will almost always instantly think of the Range Rover Sport. The king in this segment, the Range Rover offers pretty much the best of everything such as power and practicality, with the go-anywhere off-road credentials that have made the Land Rover brand a household name. Naturally, that capability and pedigree come at a price, but there isn’t a great deal in the way of competition for it either.

The current Range Rover Sport is available in three trim levels: SE, HSE and Autobiography, as well as the fire-breathing SVR. Within these trim levels, you get a choice of engine options, ticking off petrol, diesel and there’s now even the option of a hybrid, which will help in some way to fight off Greenpeace protestors. The petrol unit is only a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, which some may find a little strange for a car of this size, although because it’s turbocharged, it’s certainly no slouch. With a greater range of diesel models on offer, however, it’s clear where Range Rover expects to draw your attention.

Inside and it’s exactly what you’d expect from the brand. Luxury at every turn. There’s an incredible amount of space and you also get a good amount of kit as standard, including JLR’s new array of infotainment screens, and fortunately, Range Rover now includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as standard, having previously charged extra for the convenience. When building your own Range Rover Sport, you’re presented with an incredible selection of additional packs and options, many of which you’re probably going to want, so be prepared to see your final price skyrocket.

But, when it gets you one of the most capable vehicles on the road, allowing you to go pretty much anywhere you want, you may consider it to be money well spent.

Pros:

• Highly capable and rather practical
• Prestigious and luxurious

Cons:

• ‘The parts falling off my vehicle are of the finest British make!’
• The cultural cache of driving a Range Rover…

Best High-Performance SUV

Lamborghini Urus

Fuel Economy: 12.7L/100km
Price: From $390,000 Drive Away

If you’re after a beast of an SUV that will turn heads wherever you go, get yourself behind the wheel of a Lamborghini Urus. One of the first supercar-like SUVs to be launched, it’s unmistakably a Lamborghini, thanks to its sharp, aggressive lines, but we’re glad the brand has done well to not simply put something like the Huracán on stilts. While it’s based on the VW Group platform, which is also used by Audi, Bentley and VW, Lambo has made some tweaks to give you supercar power in a relatively practical body. Oh, and it comes with a supercar-like price tag too.

It borrows Porsche’s 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine, which Lamborghini has tuned, resulting in 478kW of power, taking it to 100km/h in under 4-seconds, putting it comfortably in supercar territory, despite weighing a great deal more. Lamborghini’s engineers have also done a stellar job when it comes to ride handling, as you can push the Urus to its limits, and it’ll give you stupid levels of grip, making it not only a, dare we say it, safe car to drive, but one that will keep a smile on your face the entire time.

Inside is a standard Lamborghini affair, with a jet-fighter style centre console, lashings of leather and Audi’s incredible infotainment system. You really do get what you pay for. And, while you can seat four people inside, it has to be said it’s not as practical as others on this list, yet costs a staggering amount more.

Pros:

• Imposing, sporty and aggressive
• Shockingly good performance

Cons:

• Highly impractical and expensive, compared to other luxury SUVs.

There you have it. The best SUVs in Australia to buy this year.

Read Next

• The Coolest New Cars To Buy Right Now

The post Best SUV Australia 2022: Best SUVs For Australians, That Are Stylish Too appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Bicep curls are often derided as a rookie exercise. The rationale? Those doing them don’t know any better. They are yet to understand the power of compound exercises. They just want to look good for their Tinder profile. As soon as February hits they’ll be gone.

However, single isolation exercises, despite being much-maligned (to a degree understandably) by functional fitness enthusiasts, can also have a healthy place in any ‘useful strength’ builder’s routine.

Ross Edgley, a world-renowned strongman who has, among other terrifying accomplishments, completed a 1,780-Mile swim around Great Britain, recently took to Instagram to explain some of the benefits of bicep curls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ross Edgley (@rossedgley)

“Biceps & Brownies (my recipe for recovery),” Edgley wrote on Monday. “In all seriousness, when recovering (or when not wanting to place any additional stress on the body) don’t underestimate the power of small, isolation exercises that are bodybuilding-centric in their nature (like the humble bicep curl) as a way of putting force through the joints, muscles and tendons WHILST managing volume, intensity and ‘adaptation energy,’”

He posted this alongside a photo taken before the UK’s latest lockdown.

Other fitness enthusiasts spoke about further recovery techniques they like to use in the comments, including resistance bands.

Food for thought – we all know never to skip leg day. Perhaps it’s best not to skip arm day either.

Read Next

• World’s Fittest Man Reveals Workout Secret That Could Massively Increase Your Gains
• World Famous Strongman ‘Battling’ To Keep Fit In Aussie Hotel Quarantine

The post Ross Edgley’s Surprising Benefit Of Bicep Curls appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Black jeans have been a wardrobe staple since the 1950’s, when Levi Strauss decided to update their classics. They took a pair of blue jeans, dyed them black and as they say: the rest is history. Fast forward to today and black jeans have become a dominant choice in both luxury and streetwear culture.

Brands like Saint Laurent, Balmain, Nudie and John Elliott have taken black denim basics and added their own washes, rips, cuts and flair. Regardless of your body shape, there’s probably a pair out there for you. Today we’re looking at how to style and what to wear with black jeans. Whether it’s for work, concerts or just a weekend lunch there are many ways to wear and style black jeans.

Now listen up and get your black on. Interesting fact: Elvis Presley first wore black jeans during the recording of Jailhouse Rock. The more you know… Anyway, here’s how to wear and style black jeans for any occasion.

Choose A Black Denim Style That Suits You

Regular / Relaxed Fit Black Denim

Not all men are created equal. Not all style is the same. If you’re breaking the trend and prefer loose fitting and relaxed denim then you’ll want to explore brands like Levi’s and Nudie. Wearing relaxed black jeans reduces the fashion-forward appearance of more workwear appearance. Think tough guy with boots working in the mines, getting on his Harley and blasting into the sunset.

Slim Fit Black Jeans

The slim cut in black denim is made for men with respectably sized legs and those who don’t want to look like a Swedish pop star. A slim cut is a great option if you want to wear black jeans with larger boots or sneakers. They will show off your slim legs but people won’t be able to count the coins in your pocket.

Skinny Fit Black Jeans

The choice of rockstars everywhere, skinny fit black jeans are only suitable for guys with slim legs. If you have big legs we recommend you do not go for this look, instead, opt for slim fit or relaxed. Skinny jeans do offer a sharper silhouette with blazers and shirts and they can even get you into smart-casual territory with the right look.

Distressed Black Jeans

Distressed and ripped black jeans have come back in a big way. John Elliott is the master of black Japanese denim, as too, are Saint Laurent. If you don’t have big money then hit up ASOS for a similar look. Just remember that ripped denim isn’t always suitable for work, business casual or smart casual events.

Quick tips for choosing the right black jeans

• If you’re planning on travelling in your jeans; go for a softer washed denim. Your long haul ass will thank you.
• The slimmer the jeans the easier they are to roll and make cuffs from.
• Learn the pin roll.
• Cheap jeans are perfectly acceptable.
• Japanese denim tends to be more durable and better quality.
• Always try jeans on before you buy, unless you know the brand and style.
• Always choose a size smaller then you think you really need, denim will always give a little (Except stretch denim. That shit snaps back.)

RELATED: Best Jeans Brands For Men

How To Wear Black Jeans

Black Jeans & A Blazer

The black jeans, t-shirt and blazer combination is the ultimate failsafe go-to look for the likes of superstars Justin Theroux, Chris Hemsworth and David Beckham. This combination works best with any cut of black denim, however, we recommend slim and skinny cuts. Sneakers or boots are acceptable footwear or clean luxury sneakers.

Black Jeans & A Denim Shirt (Travel Proof)

Black and blue denim as a combination work perfectly. What about the double denim I hear you say? Considering they’re different colours it’s perfectly okay. Choose any style of black jeans and pick up an affordable blue denim shirt from Zara. If the weather is cooler a t-shirt underneath is perfect too. Pair with boots or sneakers to complete the look. If you want to go with a black denim shirt, do it, but maybe think about pairing with a white t-shirt underneath the shirt.

Black Jeans & A Dress Shirt

It’s true, black jeans can be dressed up for smart-casual occasions. We recommend wearing dress shoes or boots, a belt and opting for a white or blue shirt. Complete the look with a well-fitted blazer, leather biker jacket or bomber jacket. Just ensure you’re wearing button cuffs as cufflinks are a big no-no.

Black Jeans & A Denim Jacket

Much like our black jeans and blue denim shirt combination, the denim jacket is also a simple go to. Blue, black and easy options. White or creme is a bit harder, so be careful. Paired with a t-shirt or even a casual shirt it will give your look some contrast. Once again finish off the look with white sneakers, or even brown and black boots. But please, no flip flops.

Black Jeans & A Leather Jacket

Arguably the most classic of looks. Pairing your black jeans with a black leather jacket is a no brainer. We recommend going for a leather biker jacket that’s well worn and well fitted. In some cases you may want to wear blue or brown suede with your black jeans. This is totally okay. Again, focus on the fit and you’ll be fine. Our go to brands for leather and suede jackets are AllSaints, Kooples and Saint Laurent.

What Shoes To Wear With Black Jeans

Black Jeans & Sneakers

Black jeans are the holy grail when it comes to sneakers fashion. White & black sneakers are your no brainer option to wear with black jeans. And yes, more colourful sneaker options and styles always work well with black jeans too. Adidas, New Balance and Nike’s will pop nicely with your black denim.

Black Jeans & The Right Footwear

Put simply, almost every kind of shoe (except Ugg boots) go with black jeans. That’s because they’re black… duh. That said here are a few fast rules we try to follow based on your style of jeans and footwear combination.

• If you jeans are a touch long then Chelsea boots are a great option (leather and suede).
• Sneakers always work – add a cuff roll to show off some ankle in summer. Just make sure they’re not too long.
• Loafers – Yes, but the jeans need to be shorter in length.
• Dress shoes (derby & oxfords), yes. Polished black is easy, brown a bit harder, blood red.. possibly.
• Flip flips – Please don’t. It’s soooo 2010.

Black Denim Inspiration

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The post How To Wear & Style Black Jeans For Almost Any Occasion appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

When musicians wear designer brands, it’s normally because they want to flaunt their wealth. With A$AP Rocky, it’s a different story.The Harlem rapper, producer and most famous member of the A$AP Mob creative collective is well-known for his love of haute couture. One of the best-dressed male celebrities of the 21st century, Rocky is regularly tapped for collaborations with brands like Calvin Klein, Dior, Guess and Rick Owens  – even being called “the face of modern fashion” by outlets like Complex.Therefore when Rocky (real name Rakim Mayers) wears something, you know it’s going to be the next big thing.Enter Julien Mitchell, a teenage New York native and aspiring photographer who’s steadily gaining a profile thanks to his intimate photos of celebrities like fashion designer Bloody Osiris, comedian Kerwin Frost, model and ‘it boy’ Luka Sabbat as well as members of the A$AP Mob. Last week Mitchell shared a photo he took of A$AP Rocky to Instagram, showing the 32-year-old rapper looking staunch in a $2,300 Gucci x The North Face puffer jacket from their upcoming collaborative capsule.Gucci liked the photo so much they shared it to their Instagram account, exposing not only Mitchell to a much wider audience, but revealing the hottest clothing collaboration of 2021 so far. We don’t know who we’re more jealous of: Mitchell, for getting that sort of exposure, or Rocky, because that jacket is damn fine.

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Luxury fashion brands teaming up with outdoor equipment/clothing brands is nothing new. French skiwear brand Moncler’s ongoing ‘Moncler Genius‘ creative program has seen them team up with designers like Craig Green and JW Anderson, for example. That’s to say nothing of the several, ultra-successful collaborations The North Face has penned with iconic streetwear label Supreme over the years. But a storied luxury house like Gucci venturing into technical gear like this is a real gamechanger.It’s also set to be a surprisingly affordable collection… Or at least some items will be. $2,300 is a lot to pay for a jacket, but the collection – which includes t-shirts, boots, jackets and backpacks – aren’t quite as dear, Grazia Daily reports. Good news for fashion fans, we suppose, but considering how hotly anticipated this collection is, you’ll have to move fast once they drop online and in Australian boutiques. Otherwise, you’ll be paying through the nose on the aftermarket: such is hype.It’s perhaps not surprising Rocky’s rocking Gucci in 2021 – he starred in a 2020 men’s tailoring campaign for the Italian luxury house alongside two other fashionable musicians: good mate Tyler, the Creator and legendary rockstar Iggy Pop.RELATED: Gucci’s Star-Studded Men’s Tailoring Campaign Upturns 2020’s ‘Predictable’ Fashion SceneRocky kept a reasonably low profile in 2020, with the media whipping themselves up into a frenzy about a blossoming relationship with superstar singer and entrepreneur Rihanna. Last week saw Rocky appear on British rapper Slowthai’s latest single MAZZA, his first appearance as a featured artist since 2019. He’s also allegedly working on his next studio album, tentatively titled All Smiles.

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The post A$AP Rocky Wears North Face x Gucci Collab appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

If cattle class is a lesson in patience, first class is a lesson in ego management. From the infamous ‘nutgate’ incident of 2014 to Emirates (ostensibly) being forced to lock up its expensive booze in 2019, history is full of passengers who failed to keep their self importance in check.Of course, it’s all too easy to paint all first-class passengers as conceited. We all have our hangups. As Sydney University professor of sociology Robert Van Krieken told DMARGE last year, “standards of behaviour in public places… don’t actually vary that much” across cabin dividers.In other words: there are good people, and there are dickheads, in both economy and first.He also said that, when he has flown at the pointy end, “I haven’t felt at all that other passengers are particularly stuck up – it’s just a plane trip, and mostly everyone just keeps to themselves.”This in mind (as a friendly ‘not all first class passengers’ disclaimer), the following video shows there are still some premium flyers who live up to the ‘oblivious elite’ stereotype. Posted to Instagram on Monday by Guinness World Record holder for being the youngest male to visit all 196 countries, James Asquith, the video shows a passenger in the Air France first class lounge snoozing with no socks.

 Think we’re hyperventilating at an innocuous act? Consider the warm aroma of ~feet~ in an enclosed space, and think again.“Umm, socks at least,” Asquith captioned the video. “Public place dude. First class, no class.”Asquith, who appears to spend more time in the air than most commercial pilots, told DMARGE this was a common occurrence in first-class lounges.RELATED: Business Class ‘Slammertime’ Ritual Causes Outrage At 40,000ftThis is not the first time in recent months a pointy end passenger has aired their grievences about other passengers’ behaviour. Business class blogger Zach Griff posted a video in August urging fellow passengers to stop standing up as soon as the seatbelt goes off.

 

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“The pandemic has caused airlines to rethink many elements of the travel journey. But in the video above, you’ll see the one major social distancing challenge I’d like to see airlines fix — deplaning,” Mr. Griff wrote on Instagram.

“On both of my recent flights, passengers popped right up when they heard the ‘chime,’ despite repeated announcements to stay seated… Not sure exactly what airlines can do about it, but it needs to be addressed.”

Australian Wellness Ambassador for Etihad, Kiara Graham told DMARGE this chime crime, “is always such a hot topic” and “I think it’s understandable that a lot of passengers will do things that they’ve always done when travelling – and it does take a bit of time to adapt to a new way of travelling.”

“For me, communication is key here. We have to re-educate passengers on how to travel. It’s my job to make sure passengers have absorbed this new information and feel comfortable with these changes. It takes time to get used to, but we understand that everyone is trying their best.”

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• Why Flying First Class Is Actually More Stressful Than Flying Business Class
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The post First Class Passengers Urged To Stop Committing Infuriating 'Foot Felony' appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

When you’ve got millions of dollars burning a hole in your pocket and you need some retail therapy, there’s only one place to go: Dubai.

The most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and one of the wealthiest cities in the world, Dubai has a well-established reputation as a luxury shopping destination. The combination of oil money and status as one of the world’s busiest international travel hubs makes Dubai “the shopping capital of the Middle East,” and virtually all the big luxury brands have multiple boutiques in the city. Naturally, it’s a favourite destination of the rich and the famous. Like Conor McGregor.

The self-proclaimed “face of the fight game” and notoriously big spender is in the City of Gold, taking some time off before his upcoming fight in Abu Dhabi. But McGregor’s not the kind of man to let a golden opportunity go to waste. In between stints in the gym or family time with his fiance and two young kids, McGregor’s been dabbling in a bit of luxury watch shopping, as one does when you’re in the UAE.

But the way McGregor shops for watches is a bit different to you and I. Where we might feel intimidated walking into a Rolex boutique and asking, ‘pretty please, may we have a look at an Oyster Perpetual’, McGregor sits down at one of Jacob & Co.’s Dubai outposts and gets handed a tray of million-dollar watches to peruse at his pleasure, no questions asked.

The Irishman shared a snippet of his watch shopping process on his Instagram Story, showing off a tray of Jacob & Co. watches worth collectively over $5 million: a Billionaire III worth $3 million alone; a Twin Turbo Furious with two huge flying tourbillons dangling like the proverbial; multiple Astronomia ‘Godfather’ Opera novelties; as well as a smattering of other gold and jewelled watches.

 

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Such a flagrant display of wealth is nothing new for the Irishman, who’s a regular customer of Jacob & Co.’s. But not all of his fans are on board.

“Floyd probably already have all of those,” one commenter snarked on Instagram, referring to Conor’s one-time rival Floyd Mayweather, who’s also known for his outlandish taste in timepieces. They’re probably not wrong, frankly.

“Not a decent piece in the bunch,” another commented. Jacob & Co. is quite a divisive brand, and it’s not hard to see why. Where other watch brands pride themselves on accuracy, durability or centuries-old savoir-faire, Jacob & Co.’s whole shtick is making the most outrageously lavish, expensive watches on the market. Naturally, they’re very popular with celebrities looking to flaunt their wealth, but are largely dismissed by real watch fans. One fan hoped he was just “window shopping.”

RELATED: Unfortunate Reason The ‘Ugliest Watch Ever Made’ Will Sell Like Hotcakes

One commenter, responding to the question of whether McGregor added yet another Jacob & Co. to his collection, had this to say: “probably, but they all ugly as hell so I hope he didn’t.” Couldn’t have put it better ourselves…

McGregor is set to face American brawler Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 257 at ‘Fight Island’ in Abu Dhabi on the 24th of January. It’ll be the first fight Conor’s had in a while, and the first time he’s fought Poirier since they faced off back in 2014.

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The post Conor McGregor’s $5 Million Jacob & Co Watch Flex appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Men’s fashion is becoming increasingly bold, which means explosions of colours, patterns and prints on the runway and on the street. Choosing a pattern can make or break an entire look. Like a colour, it must match the rest of the outfit, appropriately suit the occasion and be flattering on you. But before you can get to any of that, you have to know how to differentiate one pattern from another in the first place.

Read on for a basic guide to the history and identification of the most common patterns and fabrics of men’s fashion styles.

Gingham

Gingham is a plain-woven fabric, originally made completely of cotton fibres but can also be found to be made from man-made synthetic fibres. It derives its colour and pattern (usually a woven check) from carded yarns, where the colouring is on the warp yarns and always along the grain (weft). There is no right or wrong side of the fabric were colouring concerned.

The name is derived from the Malay word “genggang,” meaning striped, as gingham fabric got its start as a stripe pattern when first imported to Europe in the 17th century. Nowadays, gingham (along with muslin) is often used as a test fabric by fashion designers. Despite its reputation as the “tablecloth pattern,” gingham is now a popular choice for men’s dress shirts.

Pin Stripe

Pinstripes have been a fashionable option for men’s suiting since the turn of the 20th century. The pinstripe is easily the most well-known stripe today. It is closely related to several other kinds of stripes, which are often called by the same name, but a true pinstripe is typically woven into worsted cloth and made up of pinhead-sized dots of yarn – silk, mercerised cotton, or sometimes man-made materials – that come together to form very thin, non-continuous lines.

The pinstriped suit is now associated with dapper movie stars like Cary Grant and Clark Gable, as well as American Prohibition-era gangsters and jazz musicians. Perhaps the most famous wearer of pinstripe suits was the legendary Winston Churchill, who sported them throughout his tenure as prime minister. These days, pinstripes are seen everywhere from contemporary, fashion-conscious tailoring to athletic uniforms.

Seersucker

Seersucker is a light, thin cotton fabric with a crinkled surface and typically a striped pattern. Stories on the origin of the name vary, but all agree that the word came into English from Hindustani and has something to do with sugar (probably due to the puckered fabric’s resemblance to the bumpy texture of sugar). Seersucker gets its wrinkled appearance from a process known as slack-tension weaving, which causes it to sit away from the skin thereby facilitating heat dissipation and air circulation.

Seersucker got its start during the British colonial period, when its unique properties made it an ideal material in warm weather colonies like British India. It later spread to the United States, where it became especially popular with gentlemen in the South. It remains a standard for summer wardrobes.

Houndstooth

Houndstooth (also known as houndstooth check, hound’s tooth, dogstooth, dogtooth, dog’s tooth or puppytooth for small-scale versions) is a duotone pattern recognizable for its abstract four-pointed shapes. The classic image is of a black and white houndstooth pattern, but other colours can be used.

Houndstooth originated in Scotland in the 1800s, where it was worn as an outer garment of woven wool cloth by shepherds. It is still typically used for coats and jackets in tweed and wool fabrics, but can be found in just about any garment or accessory as well as in interior design. Houndstooth has been a favourite of designers like Chanel, Armani, Louis Vuitton, Moschino and McQueen.

Plaid / Tartan

Plaid is a pattern of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. Known as tartan in its home country of Scotland, plaid originated in woven wool and is now made in many other materials. The weaving process forms visible diagonal lines where the different colours of the pre-dyed threads cross, giving the appearance of new colours blended from the originals. The result is repeating blocks of colour that form a distinctive pattern of squares.

Plaid is, of course, famously associated with Highland dress and Scottish clans, but today the pattern is not limited to textiles. It made an especially important resurgence during the punk music craze of the late 1970s, when plaid went from being associated with authority and gentility to being an anti-establishment symbol of rebellion.

Polka Dot

Polka dot is a pattern consisting of an array of filled circles, generally equally sized and spaced relatively closely in relation to their diameters. The pattern shares its name with the Bohemian folk dance that was all the rage in mid-19^th century America, though no one has yet been able to draw a clear connection between the two.

Despite the unclear origins of its name, the polka dot has been a fixture in popular culture ever since. DC Comics introduced Polka-Dot Man in 1962. Bob Dylan sported a polka dot shirt on an album cover, and blues guitarist Buddy Guy is famous for playing his signature black Fender Stratocaster with cream polka dots. The pattern is also immortalized forever in the song “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.”

Argyle

Like plaid, the Argyle pattern comes from Scotland, in particular the tartan of Clan Campbell of Argyll in western Scotland. The pattern was used for kilts and other traditional garments, as well as the socks worn by Scottish Highlanders known as “tartan hose.” The pattern is distinguished by its layers of overlapping motifs, typically an overlay of inter-crossing diagonal lines on a checkerboard of solid diamonds.

Argyle has a sporty connotation, derived from its use in golf clothing (both for jerseys and for the long socks needed for the plus-fours trousers that were in fashion during the 1920s). In the 21^st century, you’re most likely to spot it on socks and sweaters, where it can simultaneously be a nod to tradition and a bold statement.

The post A Guide To Fabric Patterns & Styles For Men appeared first on DMARGE Australia.