Keanu Reeves has seen it all. From excellent adventures to bombs on buses and being the world’s most feared assassin, there’s nothing the 53-year-old actor hasn’t dabbled his talent in.

Today that extensive portfolio branches out even further into the production of bespoke luxury motorcycles. Since teaming up with his business partner and friend Gard Hollinger in 2007, Arch Motorcycles has grown in profile as a provider of some of the world’s most unique performance bikes which draw inspiration from cafe racers, cruisers and Harleys.

Reeves recently opened the garage rollers to WIRED to showcase what he’s been working on during the past three years ahead of Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori – that’s fancy speak for the Milan motorcycle show.

In the cool video audiences are shown three brand new models from Arch which Reeves helped design and build. They’re not your usual runabout two-wheelers either with the first model, the KRGT-1, being upgraded to 2018 spec that is only built to order with a price tag of US$78,000.

From there the bikes move into sportier territory with the Arch 1s designed for more of the twisty stuff. The range is finally topped off with a limited run model in the Arch Method 143, a concept production bike that will only see 23 examples made.

Check out the bikes above and the run through of the latest line up with Keanu below.

The post Keanu Reeves Has Been Hiding Away In A Garage & This Is The $78,000 Result appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Triathlon season is upon us and that means your office colleagues are likely gearing up for one of the most gruelling team sports to ever be thrust upon an average suit behind a desk.

Whilst the Australian Corporate Triathlon series is designed to promote team building in a friendly fitness environment, it’s important to highlight the serious amount of training, dedication and sacrifice required in order to make it to the end in one piece.

Endurance running, cycling and swimming are the disciplines of the game and the goal is simple – conquer the distance in as little time as possible. Of course no human is ever born with Ironman capabilities of stamina and strength. That’s why we tapped Craig “Crowie” Alexander, a three-time Ironman world champion and 2XU ambassador for some expert advice.

Your steep learning curve into the competitive world of corporate triathlons couldn’t be in safer hands. Listen, then run, cycle and swim like the wind.

What’s A Safe Beginner’s Way To Train For A Corporate Triathlon?

“Start easy,” says Alexander. “It might be a good idea to join a group with some more experienced athletes to help you get into it.”

The Ironman world champion also says that consistency in training is key, and that making sure you include some endurance, strength and speed work into your daily workout is key. The right training gear is also a mandatory according to Alexander.

“I swear by my 2XU compression tights for training and recovery,” he says. “There’s no way I could back up for training day after day without wearing the right gear, and 2XU compression is proven by the Australian Institute of Sport to aid both performance and recovery.”

What Can You Do If You Suffer Niggling Pains Like Runner’s Knee?

The answer here is pretty straight forward if you begin to experience pains in any of your joints or muscles during training. “Seek expert medical advice for any injuries,” says Alexander.

“The key to successful, consistent training is to stay injury-free, so deal with any potential issues right away before they become more serious injuries that might sideline you for weeks or months.”

Should Triathlon Training Be Focused More On Endurance, Speed Or Power?

“I believe triathlon is a strength-based sport,” says Alexander. “So focusing on strength and endurance is always important.”

“You do need to incorporate speed periodically as well to get you ready for race day.”

What Kind Of Diet & Training Schedule Should We Be Following?

“A common sense, sustainable eating plan is best as it helps the body fuel up and recover,” explains Alexander. More importantly though, the Ironman tells us that cheat days are absolutely okay.

“It’s about lifestyle and being happy, and enjoying the training and the lifestyle in a sustainable way. I incorporate protein or protein shakes after intense workouts to promote recovery.”

Is It A Bad Idea To Train In And Around The CBD Where There’s Built Up Traffic?

The answer is pretty simple according to Alexander. “If traffic pollution is significant, I would stay indoors as much as possible. It’s definitely much safer, also.”

Is There A Certain Time You Should Or Shouldn’t Train?

According to the expert himself, sleep is very important for recovery and overall quality of life. Alexander says that he always tries to avoid training late in the evening but in the end it comes down to time management and work/life commitments.

“Sometimes you just need to fit the training in whenever you can. Aim for a training program that you can sustain long-term.”

How Do You Prevent Injuries When Training For A Corporate Triathlon?

Alexander swears by the apparel he uses as a prime factor quick recovery.

“2XU compression tights have been independently proven by the AIS to improve muscle alignment, reduce the risk of injury and reduce muscle damage, soreness and fatigue,” says Alexander.

“The right compression gear helps reduce the risk of injury in training by improving muscle alignment and reducing the prevalence of micro-tears and damage. Combine this with good training and recovery practices, a consistent and manageable training schedule and core stability work to focus on physical efficiency and correct biomechanics, and you’ll be taking good care of yourself.”

There’s also the added benefit of ongoing body management and maintenance, such as massages.

The Best Way For A Corporate Triathlon Participant To Recover?

“Proper sleep, diet and recovery routines are key to effective recovery,” stresses Alexander.

How Can You Prepare Yourself Mentally For A Corporate Triathlon?

The experts say the obstacle is always in your own head, so get a good grasp of it.

“The regular physical training and discipline required to complete an effective training program also helps condition your mind for race day,” says Alexander. “Understanding what you’re motivated by can be a powerful driver.”

Need Some Apparel Assistance…

Coolest Cycling Apparel Brands For Men
Running Shoes That Will Get You Over The Finish Line First

The post How To Train For Your Next Corporate Triathlon, According To An Ironman appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

When it comes to housing concepts most tend to take to the skies to tackle the issue of a growing human population. Not the designers of Ocean Spiral.

Shimizu Corporation which is a Japanese engineering firm have proposed a radical idea which could see humans living under the ocean’s surfaces by the year 2030.

Designated Ocean Spiral, the project aims to bring an entire human civilisation into a sustainable habitat that’s entirely supported by the ocean’s resources.

Two central bodies will form the foundation of Ocean Spiral with one being a 500 metre diameter spherical metropolis which boasts a central tower accommodating up to 5,000 people in homes and workspaces.

The second part is a spiral structure which connects the sphere to a base station 4km below on the ocean floor. This base structure takes advantage of the varying degrees of temperature and water pressure to generate power for the spherical city above whilst also providing drinkable water via a desalination plant.

Natural resources will also be extracted from the sea bed via a research centre in the base station. Food will also be a self-sustainable affair with Ocean Spiral boasting large underwater farms for cultivating fish, crustaceans and edible aquatic plants.

Sounds crazy? Perhaps, but more importantly this plays as an indication as to where the human race could be heading in the next century to ensure its survival.

Watch the video produced by Dezeen in collaboration with MINI Living Initiative to see how it all works.

The post The Future Of Affordable Housing Could Be Under The Sea appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The following article has been produced in partnership with Cartier

Metal hinged bracelets and several of the world’s most iconic watch case designs all share a common DNA – Louis Cartier’s workshop in Paris.

A History Of Shaping Time

Louis was the vanguard of modern watch design and while he wasn’t the first jewellery designer or watchmaker to morph the mechanics of timekeeping into a wearable status symbol, his Paris workshop produced a series of case designs a century ago that have influenced almost every watch shape that has followed.

By the early 1900s, the Paris-based jewellery house – founded by his father, Louis-Francois Cartier – had already established a strong reputation in watchmaking. As legend has it, the audacious French aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont, requested that Louis Cartier design a watch that could be worn on his wrist – thereby freeing hands to tackle other challenges in the cockpit during flight. The square design of the “Santos” remains as stylish and relevant today.

“Influenced by the overhead shape of the first armoured vehicles of the Great War.”

Approaching 100 years to the day, Louis Cartier produced his first six Tank watches and put them on display at his Paris Boutique. The creativity and beauty of Cartier’s elaborate jewellery pieces were in direct contrast to the human suffering of The Great War; dragging into its fourth winter and locked in stalemate less than 250km from his workshop. Citizens of Paris, indeed the world, needed an escape. For those wealthy enough, the Cartier workshop and boutique offered some reprieve.

In 1916, Louis Cartier sketched initial designs for the Tank watch as battlefield tactics evolved on the Western Front. Influenced by the overhead shape of those first armoured vehicles, his first prototype was presented to General John Pershing, the commander of American forces in Europe. After the war had ended, Cartier made the Tank watch in limited numbers.

As was the custom of the time; and well before a number of well-known brands made their own in-house movements, Cartier relied on Edmond Jaeger to produce a thin mechanical wind movement for his Tank watches. Jaeger was one of the best watchmakers in Switzerland and Louis Cartier was already collaborating with another Swiss manufacturer, LeCoultre, to supply specific materials for the case and bracelets that followed.

A time-honoured favourite within aristocratic and celebrity circles, the Tank has enjoyed a loyal following, not to mention a style legacy that continues today with subtle refinement. With the Tank, Louis Cartier introduced the Blue Sapphire mounted in the crown; a distinctive hallmark of the brand that endures today.

RELATED: Best Cartier Watches To Buy In 2021

A Movement For Every Moment

A design as geometrically mesmerising as the Tank de Cartier deserves more than just a single vessel design. As the modern representation of the original concept created by Louis Cartier a century ago, the Tank timepieces of today comprises of 38 different models across six unique designs.

Tank Solo

Coming in both quartz and self-winding mechanical movements, the Tank Solo range features Large (34.8 mm x 27.4 mm) and XL (31 mm x 40.85 mm) case models to suit the most discerning wearer . The Solo range affords a water resistant rating of 30 metres whilst its modest design allows it to incorporate steel and pink gold cases paired with leather or steel bracelets.

Shop the Tank Solo collection

Tank MC

The pinnacle of masculine design from the house of Cartier is gifted to the Tank MC range. Design features of these models include a larger case, stronger square dimensions, a small seconds counter as well as intricate skeleton variations to make the Tank MC a true contender when it comes to standing out for the right reasons. The Tank MCs feature the 1904 MC automatic movement designed by the Cartier Manufacture and is entirely visible through the transparent sapphire case back.

Shop the Tank MC collection

Tank Americaine

The Tank Americaine range is easily distinguished by its elongated case with a more pronounced curve than the original timepiece. More importantly it’s a step in the right direction as a playful update to the traditional dimensions, retaining its rectangular form whilst showing off its unique gradient case construction. All three models here feature mechanical self-winding movements and boast 30 metres of water resistance.

Shop the Tank Americaine collection

Tank Francaise

The Tank Francaise makes the 18K yellow gold/steel chain-link bracelet the standout feature here which is designed to complement the curved case. As a standalone model in the collection, Tank Francaise comes as a large model with a 36.5mm x 28.15mm steel case which houses a mechanical self-winding movement. It also carries a water-resistant rating of 30 metres.

Shop the Tank Francaise collection

Tank Louis Cartier

The Tank Louis Cartier is the model which faithfully recreates the timepiece worn by Louis Cartier himself. It differentiates itself from the other pieces in the Tank collection with rounded lugs, an aesthetic move which would later become known as Art Deco.

Movements in the Louis Cartier pieces include a quartz variant, a mechanical movement with manual winding and mechanical movement with self winding. Case dimensions for the Louis Cartier are set in 33.7 mm x 25.5 mm for the Large and 40.40 mm x 34.92 mm for the XL model. The two skeleton versions get their own dimensions with a 30 mm x 39.2 mm case made of either 18K pink gold or 18K white gold.

Water resistance is rated at 30 metres for the Tank Louis Cartier collection.

Shop the Tank Louis Cartier collection

Tank Anglaise

Rounding out the Tank de Cartier collection is the Tank Anglaise, a variation of the original design which seamlessly incorporates a winding mechanism into the case alongside bolder lines and the option of smaller cases.

Movements in this model range from the quartz through to the mechanical self-winding. There are eleven individual styles to choose from in the Tank Anglaise with combinations including pink gold, steel, yellow gold and two range-topping diamond variants. All models in the Tank Anglaise range come with a 30 metre water resistance rating.

Shop the Tank Anglaise collection

The post How Louis Cartier Shaped What We Wear On Our Wrists appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Being locked out of the home or office may soon be an inconvenience of the past.

Computer scientists from the University of Washington have created fabrics which can now store data such as security codes and I.D tags without the need for any onboard electronics. The technology differentiates itself from a lot of today’s ‘smart fabrics’ like those from Google and Levi’s in that it doesn’t require any silicon chips or sensors to be weaved into the material.

The cutting edge invention which was showcased at the Association for Computing Machinery’s User Interface Software and Technology Symposium (UIST 2017) utilises the unique magnetic properties of a previously unexplored conductive thread that is readily available off the shelf.

Once woven into a garment such as a dress shirt or jacket, the data that is stored into the fabric can be read by an instrument embedded into a smartphone.

“This is a completely electronic-free design, which means you can iron the smart fabric or put it in the washer and dryer,” says senior author Shyam Gollakota, associate professor in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering.

“You can think of the fabric as a hard disk – you’re actually doing this data storage on the clothes you’re wearing.”

Conductive thread isn’t exactly new technology with its properties previously employed in objects like talking stuffed toys to carry electrical current to lights, speakers and other mechanisms. What the researchers from the University of Washington did was look into the unknown magnetic properties of these conductive threads before manipulating them to store digital data or visual information such as letters or numbers.

This saved data can then be read by an equally-affordable magnometer which is designed to measure the strength of magnetic fields and can be found in most modern smartphones.

“We are using something that already exists on a smartphone and uses almost no power, so the cost of reading this type of data is negligible,” says Gollakota.

To test this technology the researchers stored a security passcode onto a piece of fabric sewn onto a shirt sleeve. This passcode would grant access to an electronically locked door and when the sleeve was waved over the magnometer, the door would unlock.

Once the experiment was proven, the researchers began testing the fabrics in an array of fashion items including ties, belts, a necklace, wrtistband and more. The results were the same with data being decoded with a swipe of a smartphone.

The hidden properties of the fabric which holds boundless potential for the future of fashion was discovered when researchers messed around with its magnetic poles that start out in random order. They then rubbed a secondary magnet against the fabric to physically align the poles (in positive or negative direction) to create the foundations for data storage – think the succession of 1s an 0s you’ve seen in hacker movies or random coding.

The only downside to the smart fabric is that it loses about 30 percent of its magnetisation over the duration of a week. This is no major issue though since the fabric can be “re-magnetised” anytime to re-install the data.

More importantly though the fabric held onto the data even after being thrown into the washing machine, dryer and ironing – a feat previously unattainable by existing smart fabrics which only work via on-board electronics and can be easily damaged against the normal wear and tear.

To top it all off, the researchers even developed a magnetic glove with the fabric which can control a smartphone in someone’s pocket.

“With this system, we can easily interact with smart devices without having to constantly take it out of our pockets,” explained lead author Justin Chan, an Allen School doctoral student.

The post The Convergence Of Technology & Fashion Is Happening Right Now appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

They like to do things big in Vegas but when this notion meets house DJ Steve Aoki, things can get a little…out there.

Spanning across 1,500 square metres of desert space in Las Vegas is Aoki’s personal blank canvas for his most audacious artistic expression – which also happens to double as a mansion.

The home came into Aoki’s possession in 2014 after it was built in 2008 at the height of the GFC. No one could afford the $12 million asking price so it languished around until it hit the auction block in 2014 for $3 million – cash offers only.

It was here that the home was brought to Aoki’s attention by a real estate friend of his.

“I didn’t really check under the hood. I just said, ‘I need to get this house,’” Aoki tells Architectural Digest. “And then I later checked under the hood and was like, ‘Holy s***. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done!’”

From here Aoki spent years and poured in even more millions to get the home up to his modernist standards.

“I skinned it, gutted it, changed everything. I took it to the bare shell of the walls and the floors. Well, not even the floors. I removed all the floors!”

Once the home was complete the electronic music DJ christened the space ‘Aoki’s Playhouse’.

The home itself is a sight to behold with Aoki explaining that he rarely ever brings people over unless he knows them since there’s a lot of expensive artwork and other priceless designer goods inside the home.

Think KAWS pieces and hero sculptures like the Banksy-made Mickey Mouse being eaten by a snake which was directly lifted from 2015’s Dismaland exhibit. Aoki calls this piece his “prized possession”.

Where most mansions sport a personal gym, Aoki converted his one for something a little less conventional. The one-time racquetball court is now a tricked-out space complete with giant trampoline, a foam pit and rope swing. The wall of the gym is also adorned with the work of a famous artist.

Even the initial theatre room was gutted and turned into Aoki’s own in-house studio called Neon Future Cave.

“When I walk into this room, I want to feel like I’m bunkering down. I’m gonna lock myself in this bunker, and the only way I’m going to open that door and go out is if I create something extraordinary.”

The outdoor space is highlighted with a pool which is arguably one of the deepest pits of water in Nevada.

“I like having deep, deep pools,” he told the publication. Aoki had to convince his contractor to dig deeper even against the growing risk of hitting a rock layer. Eventually they pulled it off and Aoki now has a five-metre deep pool with a silhouette of his face at the bottom.

“It’s almost like planting a flag,” he says.

The post Architectural Digest Takes You Inside Steve Aoki's Playhouse Mansion appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The electric bug has finally bitten the raging bull with Lamborghini unveiling its first all-electric sports car to the world.

The Terzo Millennio concept is the hint of the future for the Italian sports car maker which has rarely shied away from showcasing its big V10 and V12 petrol power plants across its line-up. The new electric car made its debut in Lamborghini’s Italian hometown of Sant’Agata Bolognese whilst simultaneously being unveiled in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to highlight the development partnership between Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

For now the project is in its most elementary stages with resources being pooled into a three year research program into supercapacitors which can simultaneously capture and release energy as well as energy-storing carbon fibre nanotubes which could one day replace the heavier lithium-ion batteries powering today’s electric cars.

“The new Lamborghini collaboration allows us to be ambitious and think outside the box in designing new materials that answer energy storage challenges for the demands of an electric sport vehicle.”

It might all sound like fantasy, but Lamborghini is stepping into its electric shoes with a very open mind, claiming that the break through solution to making a lightweight electric sports car could be down to the development of body panels which double as energy storage panels, thus skipping batteries altogether.

“The new Lamborghini collaboration allows us to be ambitious and think outside the box in designing new materials that answer energy storage challenges for the demands of an electric sport vehicle,” MIT chemistry Professor Mircea Dinca said in a statement.

MIT aren’t being modest about their materials development program either. Professors from the institute and Lamborghini want to find a carbon fibre structure which can “self-heal” small cracks in its substructure. This is presumably achieved with the use of liquid-filled micro channels in its body construction which can detect opened channels before releasing a bonding agent in order to repair a damaged body part’s integrity – yes, like Wolverine.

On the driving front, the Lamborghini Terzo Millennio will follow suit with car makers like Tesla, having all four wheels powered by independent electric motors to retain Lamborghini’s all-wheel-drive hallmark in its future electric cars.

Don’t be holding your breath for an all electric sports car like the Porsche just yet though. At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini CEO Stefano Domenicali told journalists that the company’s electric future may still be a while away.

“Electrification is an area of great attention for us, but I‘m not expecting it will happen in the short term,” Domenicali said in a Reuters report. He also stressed that there’d be no full-electric Lamborghini sports car before 2025. A hybrid with a ‘W’ or ‘V’ engine designation however is much more likely, according to Maurizio Reggiani, the company’s director of R&D.

“It will be a big task,” he told reporters at the Terzo Millennio launch. “But we live for this.”

The post Lamborghini Unveils Its First Electric Sports Car Concept… And It's Kinda Ugly appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Russia’s most famous architecture comes in two flavours. In one corner are the elaborate arches and onion domes of Saint Basil’s Cathedral, and the luxurious baroque palaces of the imperial era. In the opposite corner is the conservative monumentalism of Stalinist architecture and the mid-20th century’s imposing, monolithic brutalism.What you don’t expect from Russia is this loft from Andrei Popov. Neither ornate nor austere, the space is modern with trendy industrial touches, and just a hint of bohemian spirit.A vast expanse of wood is the first thing to catch the eye. Panels line both the ceiling and floors, creating a kind of natural cocoon that contrasts with exposed brick walls and various metal details. A coffee table of reclaimed crates reinforces the aesthetic, and a pile of wood by the fireplace looks country cabin cosy, but this is no rustic getaway.Popov ensures the loft stays contemporary with shades of grey paint and metal elements. The living room’s immense lighting fixture makes a strong modern statement, as do the open shelving units and the metal frame of the bed.The designer even managed to incorporate material from the boho and glam factions of Pinterest, from a pile of plants, to pops of blue and red, to a marble bathroom and a hanging basket chair.Such a mishmash should be an eyesore, but we’d drop a deposit in a heartbeat.

The post A Polished Modern Loft Worth Moving To Russia For appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

We get it. Dads are often hard pressed for time and playing dress-ups is at the bottom of their priority list.

There’s only one issue here though: Jon Hamm isn’t a dad and he’s seemingly found the forbidden formula to dressing like Peter Griffin on a sabbatical.

It’s important to remind the people that this is the Jon Hamm of Mad Men fame, the very man who brought retro suits of the 60s back to the forefront of modern men’s fashion.

And fair enough, some may argue that Hamm was just on his way to Jimmy Kimmel before he’d be personally decked out by a dedicated wardrobe crew.

Still, the fact that Hamm graced the general public’s eyes with slouchy trousers that perfectly accentuated his phone, a t-shirt assumingly from the Spy Kids 3D merchandise bin and a parker from granddad would earn him little points in the way of his previous crowning moments.

We all have our off day we suppose. Let’s just hope this is Jon Hamm’s one and only.

Flick through the gallery to witness the rise and fall of Jon Hamm’s wardrobe.

The post WTF Jon Hamm Couldn't Look Any Less Like Don Draper appeared first on DMARGE Australia.