Author: Redazione MANINTOWN

Hexagon, produced by Mühle

It’s all about character and identity, not to mention functionality. The work of Mark Braun– German designer with sky blue eyes- could be described as such. His collaborations range throughout many industry sectors and the projects he has designed and created have been produced for companies such as Authentics, Covo, E15, Lobmeyr, La Redoute, and Nomos Glashütte, Thonet, and Bonacina, just to name a few. Men’s grooming products, furniture, glass objects, lamps and watches: there aren’t much that Mark hasn’t designed, and for that reason he has also been the winner of several awards, including the Design Plus, Interior Innovation Award and the German Design Award, in addition to having the honour and occasion to exhibit in famous international galleries the likes of the Saatchi Gallery in London. The magic happens in Berlin, where Mark opened his studio in 2006 in a space resembling a creative hub, with huge windows and common spaces. He is defined as a “slow designer” because often he accepts challenges that require him to start from scratch and to discover new creative worlds. We met up with Mark during Salone del Mobile in Bonacina’s showroom in Milan, for whom he created a new collection of bamboo lamps that are both Asian and yet equally European in style.

How did you become a designer, where did you start?
My background is in carpentry. I would say I started by making models of my own work. The first was a tableware set for a German company, a great success. Then from there I began to branch out into other products, which I enjoy so much, from lighting to furniture and even watches. It’s important to be open to change, that is for sure.

The world of product design is very competitive, what do you think of it?
Yes, that is true, there are many challenges. On one hand it is true, there is a lot of competition, but the older I get, the further I move from that, because I have become so much more conscious of my choices, my taste, and the design I want to create. The important thing for me is to stay curious: if you can manage to be curious, you have everything you need to stay ahead, the client trusts you, and you can work at your best.

How was the watch design project with Nomos Glashütte born?
From my drinking glasses. One of their managers was in a restaurant one night and drank from one of my glasses- he liked it, and thought I worked well with glass- so contacted me. They asked me what type of watch I would buy and to create a prototype. Not being a watch designer I made a few errors initially, but fortunately they liked the overall character of my watch. It was a success story that happened by chance.

What is style, for you?
I believe in some part that it is linked to education, but in general I think that having style means feeling good about oneself, enjoying what you have without going overboard. It’s about making rational decisions, because people with style don’t do anything without thought. You have to know who you are and what works for you.

What do you think about style in Milan?
My first memory of Milan reminds me of my uncle. He has always supported me, and when I signed up for design school, he bought me a ticket to Milan, telling me that I wouldn’t know anything about design until I came to Milan during Salone del Mobile. Just an airline ticket, not a hotel room: obviously there were no hotel rooms available. I was 25 years old and I just wandered around the city, meeting so many wonderful people by chance that I stayed out all night. Today, for me Milan is mainly a city where I work and I find it beautiful because it has it’s own style that hasn’t changed much over the years. The Lambrate neighbourhood is very interesting, it has a strong industrial vibe, a bit abandoned- it’s where you find avant garde style, but I think Brera is the neighbourhood where you find quality.

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Born in Milan, but with an international mind-set and background, Matilda Lutz is a talented artist who is living her American dream. After she met Muccino and moved to Los Angeles, the career of young Matilda (26 years old) started rocketing, so much so that Giorgio Armani picked her to be the protagonist, with James Jagger, of a series of short films directed by Fabien Constant for the launch of two new Emporio Armani fragrances. We met her in Milan and we asked her to tell us about her love for cinema, her life in Los Angeles and her upcoming projects.

 How was you passion for acting born?
Actually, a little by chance. I attended the scientific high school and I was very shy, I was afraid that acting was not my calling, the mere thought of standing before an audience terrorized me. After high school I went to New York, were I attended an acting course, just to try and defeat my shyness. That’s when I realized that I felt really free when I acted and played roles. I did not feel judged. I was free to say and do whatever I liked, because people were not judging me, Matilda, but the character I was playing. This feeling of utter freedom had me fall for acting.

How was your encounter with Gabriele Muccino?
I was working in an Italian restaurant in Los Angeles and he was there, having dinner with his wife. The restaurant’s owner, who knew me very well, knew that I like Muccino, so he introduced me to him. I used to follow the posts he wrote on his Facebook page about the differences between American and Italian people, on things he likes and dislikes about the United States and Italy. So I wrote a few lines inspired by one of his posts, but I couldn’t imagine he would read it. Instead it grabbed his attention, and he invited me for a screen test for his movie.

How did you like working with him?
An incredible experience. Especially if you consider the locations where we went to film the movie. We went to Cuba, San Francisco, Rome and New Orleans, with Brando Pacitto and Taylor Frey, whom I immediately befriended. We have created, outside the set, that special chemistry that is perceivable in the film too. We used to go out together and spend evening chatting and chilling out together. One night in Cuba we went to attend a live music performance and it was really like being in the same film.

How was your encounter with Armani?
The first time I met Mr Armani was at the Milan’s premier of Muccino’s film L’estate addosso, with friends and family. He was in the audience and I was anxious (ride, Ed.). Following the film screening, he came and complimented us. My father, moreover, had worked on a campaign for Armani. The other coincidence is that when I was 17, I was asked to interview Beyoncé in Madrid before her gig. A project that was conceived for the launch of the perfume Diamonds by Emporio Armani. I wrote three diary pages in which, as a fan, I interviewed her and I was the youngest correspondent of the time.

When did you move to Los Angeles?
I have been living there on a regular basis for three years. During the first three months I travelled back and forth from the USA to Italy, because I was playing in a series. One year on, the first film arrived.

The Ring, your first American film, a 3D horror movie…
Actually, I am not a big fan of horror movies, because I get pretty scared, I start seeing and hearing things and can’t get any sleep, so I generally avoid watching them. But playing in one was really fun, most of all the action scenes. Since it was my first American movie, I rehearsed a lot with the stunt coordinator, one of the most prominent in Hollywood. Then there are all those backstage tricks, the special effects: the mere make-up of Samara takes six hours.

How are you getting on in Los Angeles?
When I moved there, everybody had something negative to say about Los Angeles. My brother was already living there so I went to visit him and then I decided to stay. I immediately liked it very much owing to its energy and because you can really enjoy nature, despite being in a in city. Also one can lead a healthy lifestyle: everybody wakes up early, goes to bed early, because clubs close at 2am, almost everybody eats healthy and makes a lot of outdoor sports. The best thing about Los Angeles is that in every district there is a different lifestyle: a Silver Lake you can find New York’s lifestyle, underground and rock and roll; in Santa Monica you have the sea, surfing, jogging at dusk, in West Hollywood there are more clubs and social life.

Do you miss Italy?
I terribly miss the food, after many months in the States one almost forgets the taste of true food, like strawberries. I miss the aperitif with my fiends and walking in the narrow alleys of our cities.

When you are not working, what are your passions?
What I enjoy the most is travelling; indeed I have just taken a week off and everyday I am going to a different place. I like discovering new places. I also enjoy visiting and living the cities and places while I am acting in a movie, this grants me the chance to stay in the same place for two months, not as a tourist, but as a local, as I can get around with part of the local crew.

Your last journey?
I went to Lerici, Sestri Levante, Portofino. Then I visited Florence and Pietrasanta. In Florence I went to the Teatro della Pergola, which I had never seen, then I hired I bike and cycled around town, with no specific destination, just getting lost and discovering unexpected corners, with no plans.

Together Stronger, the series for Emporio Armani. How was the feeling with film-director Fabien Constant and with James Jagger?
Both James and Fabien, the film-director, made the atmosphere on the set really laid-back. There was a screenplay, but no written lines, hence Fabien granted us enough freedom for improvisation. James and I gave birth to all those magic moments between us, while we were playing, running after each other in this love story. James is a fantastic person and we played like when one falls in love and feel a little child again.

The series is set in New York and you are Laura, a writer.
Yes, I play the part of a writer, who is also keen on photography. That’s how I feel, actually. I love creativity, photography, acting, writing, I’d like to try directing one day. Laura is a carefree woman, self-confident, she does what she feels like doing, she follows her instincts.

Of all the scenes, which one did you find most entertaining?
I enjoyed the taxi scene very much, I felt I was in one of those movies from the ‘60s and a bit in Sex and the city. Running on high heels, while generally I wear jeans, t-shirt and Converse.

A secret wish?
In my future I see direction. And I’d like to be a Bond girl, playing in an action movie. I’d also like a dramatic role too, may favourite actress is Meryl Streep.

Have you found love? Where do you imagine yourself to be in a few years?
Maybe (she giggles, Ed). I find it difficult to think about finding love. Although I am partly American, I feel very much European, and many things have me think that one day I’ll come back to Italy. Not very soon though, because I am happy to be living in Los Angeles, where there’s a wealth of opportunities, and I am learning a lot. In some auditions I find myself competing with very important and famous actors, which can be intimidating, but at the same time this provides me with the stamina to keep going and improving every day, and keeps me with my feet on the ground.

Matilda Lutz @Elite Milano
All photos by Luigi Miano

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@WHERESMYOFFICENOW, EMILY, COREY AND PUP PENNY ROSE ADVENTURES ON INSTAGRAM

Sometimes it happens that what begins as an attempt for a simpler life becomes a lifestyle, a media gamble, and a real social movement. It happened for Foster Huntington, a young New York designer who in 2011 abandoned his job at Ralph Lauren, bought a 1987 Volkswagen Syncro van and began to travel, exploring and photographing his new adventure along the Californian coast. Instagram was at its dawn, but already promised to become one of the best social media platforms alongside Facebook, so the transition to success was brief. #homeiswhereyouparkit, #LiveSimply, and #vanlife are the hashtags that lifted him into a media frenzy that perhaps Foster himself didn’t even expect, and today, more than 1,200,000 Instagram posts have been tagged by #vanlife. Astonishing numbers. In 2013, Huntington used the crowd funding platform Kickstarter to raise funds to print “Home is where you park it,” a collection of his #vanlife photographs, now in its fourth edition, and will soon be accompanied by his second Van Life book, this time edited by Black Dog & Leventhal in New York (release scheduled for October, 2017).
Choosing #vanlife means choosing a state of mind, a search for an aesthetic and a lifestyle, besides being a trend initiated during the global economic crisis a few years ago. In fact, in a recent New York Times interview, Foster explained: “I think there is a sense of despair in my generation with regards to work, and it is cheap to live in a van.” Synonymous with precariousness, but also with flexibility and high adaptation ability, today this choice moreover wouldn’t exist without the enormous help of social media (media and economic). Perhaps drawing from the early Beach Boys songs, many people identify this culture, mentality and attitude with that of surfers. Even in its clothing taste. To demonstrate the ability to live that free, sporty, open-air lifestyle that so many people dream about while sitting in their closed, grey offices has proven to be a winning ticket, thus the number of followers grows. And with it, the possibilities of sponsorships from likeminded industry brands.
That was precisely the idea behind King and Smith’s Where is my office now, started by a young couple who decided to follow Foster’s footsteps after meeting him in Nicaragua. Their new and simple idea was dictated by the desire to blend travel with work: “We wanted to see if it was possible to combine this hippie nomadic lifestyle with classical 9-5 work,” Smith explained to New York Times From the start, they structured project not only as a naturalistic and lifestyle choice but also as a digital and commercial venture. After all, it wasn’t such a bad choice: a recent study estimated that the social media influencer market was worth $500 million in 2015 and that is expected to increase to at least $5 billion by 2020.
Begun out of necessity to fulfil a disappointed and discontented generation, like all the best marketing concepts, “vanlife” represents a fluid group of contemporary trends: a renewed interest for the Road Trip (no matter where), a culture of sporty hippies with a great passion for the outdoors, and a lifestyle free from the tyranny of the 9-5 office day.
10 not-to-be-missed places that make Portugal the Surfer’s European Paradise.
An ideal location for its mild climate, ocean winds and a great variety of waves: Portugal is the perfect destination for surfers of all abilities, so it is not surprising to discover that all along the coast you can find ideal spots, surf houses and seafood restaurants relaxing in the cooler evenings.

1. Sagres

Perhaps the most famous destination for surfing, because the waves are perfect in spring, autumn and winter. Sagres, the queen of the Algarve, also offers visitors other interesting activities to choose from: if you like diving and the exceptional diversity of marine life, make sure you visit Divers Cape for a fantastic underwater experience. Whale- and dolphin-watching are also available in the area.

2. Arrifana – Costa Vicentina
   Surrounded by cliffs and near a small fishing village and harbor, Arrifana Beach is a popular destination among surfers and bodyboarders. Accessible by car and by foot, it is an isolated, quiet beach with violent, turbulent waves, perfect for surfing. In addition to enjoying the breath-taking sea, it’s also worth taking a long walk through the Costa Vicentina National Park.
   

3. Praia do Amado – Costa Vicentina

Here the strong currents and steep waves are the real stars, so Amado Beach regularly hosts international competitions and is very popular during the summer. It is easy to access and offers plenty of parking, perfect for vans or for staying the day to sunbathe or go for a swim in its clear waters. It is a very popular destination for surfing, so even out of season you’ll find people walking along the wooden boardwalks that run on the coast, but you can also safely walk along closer to nature.

4. Ericeira

This fishing village north of Lisbon allows you to choose from the best surf spot: S. Lourenço, Coxos, Pedra Branca or Foz do Lizandro. If you’d like to take a break from the ocean or keep your feet on dry land, it’s only 15 minutes from Mafra, where you can enjoy some great traditional pastries.

5. Praia do Norte – Nazaré

Praia do Norte became famous for its giant waves in 2011, after Garrett McNamara rode the biggest wave of the year during the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards, which gabe Nazaré’s stormy sea an even more international notariety. While passing through, make sure to visit Miradouro do Suberco, an overlook from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coast and the sea. Also, try the regional cuisine: barbecue sardines or the traditional “caldeirada,” a rich, thick Portuguese fish stew.

6. Peniche

It is these beaches that created Portugal’s reputation as the surf capital of Europe. The most legendary contribution is perhaps from that of Supertubos Beach, world-famous for its powerful waves, which many surfers call the “European pipeline.” Once a year the ASP World Tour hosts competitions in this otherwise quiet fishing village, bringing crowds from around the world to witness Peniche’s impressive waves.

7.Saude
It is the first part of a long beach just south of Lisbon. Sprinkled with fishing lodges and small bars just behind the dunes, it is a very appealing place to surf. When fishermen drag in their nets at sunset, thousands of gulls flock to the water and the sky. Magical.

8. Monte Clerigo

The beach of this eponymous village is filled with bars and restaurants and great waves for surfers. Must eats are Restaurante O Sargo, or just further inland, Aljezur is outfitted with hostels, B&Bs and surf schools.

9. Malhao
   Wooden boardwalks leading to the beaches, one large one more rustic. This destination is perhaps the first real beach after the industrial area of Sines, definitely to be avoided.

10. Paúl do Mar – Madeira
    Also known as Ribeira das Galinhas, this beach is quiet and secluded, with great waves, making it one of the sites selected for the 2001 World Surfing Championship.
    It is a remote spot on the island of Madeira, and while there is not a wide variety of restaurants and snack bars to choose from, the food is wonderful, very local and different from the cuisine of continental Portugal. Don’t forget to try the “bolo do caco,” a bread made from wheat flour served hot with garlic butter, and to drink “poncha,” a traditional alcoholic beverage made from honey and lemon juice

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Photographer| Francesco Barion
Fashion stylist| Fabio Merche
Photographer assistant| Daniele Colucciello, Thomas Carla
Stylist Assistant| Nadia Dahan
Groomer| Shukeel Murtaza @ Untitled Artists London
Production| Jane Everett @ Prana Production
Model| Clement @ Whilelmina London

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His talent in the water earned him the title of Italian record holder in the 100 metre freestyle, his bright eyes and statuesque body made him a model “by chance.” We’re talking about Luca Dotto, born in 1990, a young swimmer with a list of successes under his belt: at only 21 years he won his first silver medal at the World Aquatics Championships and since then he’s swum a number of races until finally in 2016 breaking 48 seconds in the 100 metre sprint without the help of a polyurethane swimsuit. Between one training session and the next, in anticipation of the forthcoming World Championships in Budapest in July, the European champion answered some questions for MANINTOWN.

When did you realise that swimming would become your profession?
When I realised that swimming was the thing I knew how to do best, and that it came naturally to me.

How do you prepare for an important competition?
It takes months of preparation in the water and in the gym, eating healthy, and above all, resting well.

What has been the best moment of your career so far?
Being able to break 48 seconds in the 100 metre. Even though I won the European and medalled in the World, that was the most thrilling moment because I will always remember that I was the first man in Italy to break that wall.

Do you have any superstitious routines?
I wouldn’t say superstition, but before a race I have a routine for warm-up and concentration that I follow meticulously every time. Not because I think it will bring me luck but because by doing it I am able to reach total concentration.

What are your passions outside of the swimming pool?
Scuba diving is without a doubt my biggest passion, plus I like to read, specifically adventure novels.

What was the most exciting vacation you’ve taken?
Last summer I went to the Bahamas with my girlfriend and it was like discovering paradise. I have travelled a lot and visited many exotic places, but without a doubt that archipelago has become my favourite destination.

You’ve modelled in several advertising campaigns for a very prestigious international brand. How did you get into the fashion world?
By chance. I was “discovered” in 2012, during a campaign for the London Olympics, and from there I began collaborating with some very important brands. I consider myself very lucky to have had this possibility.

What garment best represents who you are?
Without a doubt the dress shirt.

Do you have a style icon who inspires you?
I try to have my own style, but my unconditional style icons are Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando.

What is the grooming routine of a sporty person like yourself?
The only routine I follow is taking care of my skin, because the sun and chlorine can easily ruin it, so I try to keep my skin hydrated.

One of your unfulfilled dreams??
To have a family one day.

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Antica Pizzeria da Michele

There are places in which tradition never grows old.  There are places in which, when you sit at a table, you hope to find the flavours of your grandmother’s cooking, without giving up the gourmet experimentation of modern cuisine.  There are places to which you continue to return, not because of habit but by choice.  The fact that Italians are closely linked to their culinary tradition is not to be discounted, but today it doesn’t end there.  The wave of experimenting with memorised recipes and bold re-elaborations is, in fact, an increasingly recognizable leitmotiv. One notable name? L’Osteria Francescana in Modena that, under the expert control of Chef Massimo Bottura, was awarded second place this year among the World’s Best Restaurants in Europe.
Here are 6 locales that go from pizza to gelato to gourmet, rediscovering traditions and creating new tastes.

Antica Pizzeria da Michele – 125 Church Street (London)
From Naples to London via Tokyo.  In the Forcella neighbourhood of Naples, the Condurro family- who for the last 130 years has provided culinary respite from the chaos passing outside its windows- has recently decided to share itself with the rest the world. The idea was Alessandro’s, a descendent of the founder, who has turned Michele‘s pizza into a start-up called “Michele in the World.” In the English capital, in addition to the historic menu choices (margherita and marinara), there are also dishes designed to please and delight the British palate.

Antica Osteria La Rampina – Frazione Rampina, San Giuliano Milanese (Milan)

 

More than just a historic restaurant in the Milan area, it is a landmark of Lombardy cuisine. Strictly family run, today this trattoria has gone through a rebirth thanks to the direction of young Executive Chef Luca Gagliardi who amalgamates highly experimental dishes with the more traditional menu offerings of his father Lino. Luca, who gained experience at Le Buerehiesel in Strasbourg under the guidance of triple-starred Chef Westermann, offers his sensibility, close attention and knowledge of the most technical innovations on tradition to everyone who enters La Rampina’s dining room built in the 500s.

Restaurant Passerini – Rue Traversière (Paris)

Once in awhile they return, and when they do, they return big. We are talking about Giovanni Passerini, 40-something chef who, after being absent from the French culinary scene, returned one year ago with his very personal new restaurant. If you’ve already forgotten the out-of-this-world pumpkin ravioli and the sea urchin served in his former bistrot Rino, in his new benchmark Italian gourmet restaurant just behind the Bastille, it is a splendour to discover the perfection of Italian cuisine and restaurant flair- from the pasta, to which an entire menu section is devoted, to the management to the strong matriarchal fingerprint.

VesYouVio e Frie ‘N’ Fuie – Via Spontini (Milan)

“Revolution often derives from the need to rediscover old traditions,” is the leitmotiv of Vincenzo Di Fiori, Neapolitan by birth, with an international vision. The desire to rediscover one’s own roots is a growing trend in the world of food and the recipes created exclusively for this little Neapolitan restaurant in Milan are the proof. Don’t be fooled, the fried bites contain entire recipes of Neapolitan tradition that will delight even the most pretentious palate.

La Bottega del Buon Caffè – Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini (Florence)

From nature to the plate. With one Michelin star. The cuisine of Antonello Sardi is authentic, honest and exceptional. He began as an assistant, but in no time his culinary skills caught the eye and the palate of those around him.   His natural ability, along with his unique ingenuity deserve recognition as one of Tuscany’s talented young chefs. This harmony strengthens his dishes that are inspired by the regional and seasonal traditions that manage to be daring without going overboard.

Gelateria Tasta – Corso Garibaldi (Milan)

The only place that offers 100% natural classic hot chocolate, made directly from chocolate bars. Gelato shop, and also a bakery with a strong Sicilian influence, they are new arrivals to Milan. The raw ingredients are of excellent quality, like green pistachio DOP from Bronte or Piemontese hazelnut IGP, and the recipes are the emblem of experimentation between pairings, flavours and unique tastes created by the TastaLab that confirms its success every day. Here as in all over the world.

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Carne y Arena, Virtual reality exhibit @ Fondazione Prada, from June 7th

If there is a glamorous and enchanting place where the cinema struts as if on the runway, it is at legendary Cannes Film Festival. There, the most glorified fashion designers not only dress the stars to walk the legendary Red Carpet but also promote real, personal projects in cinematic collaboration, synergising with the Seventh Art. In this regard, the Prada Foundation presented one of the most stimulating contributions this year. At the 70th edition of the cinmatic Kermesse, the cultural body organized by Miuccia Prada, the foundation presented “Carne y Arena“, a virtual reality installation conceived by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, produced and supported by Legendary Entertainment and the Prada Foundation. Based on actual events, the project confuses and reinforces the subtle line between subject and audience, allowing visitors to walk in a vast space and intensely experience a fragment of the journey of a group of refuges. “Carne y Arena” uses the latest and most innovative never-before used virtual reality technology to create a large multi-narrative space that includes real characters. The visual, experimental installation, an individual experience lasting six and a half minutes is a collaboration between Alejandro G. Iñárritu and the three-time Oscar winning Emmanuel Lubezki, produced by Mary Parent and MxLAB. This project can also be experienced in Milan at the Prada Foundation, where from the beginning of June until January 15, 2018, the first virtual reality project ever included in an official selection of a film festival will be presented in its full version. We also we a strong blending of fashion and cinema surrounding the conversation about women’s issues: That’s precisely what the Kering Group has always done in Cannes. The multi-million Euro luxury conglomerate that owns brands such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Bottega Veneta just to name a few, hosts Women in Motion, a program of initiatives, events and conferences that celebrate the relationship between women and film. During an exclusive gala on the Croisette, actress Isabelle Huppert was awarded the Women in Motion Award and director Maysaloun Hamoud was recognised with the Young Talents Award. Rounding out the examples are fashion houses that not only choose famous actresses as their brand ambassadors but also exercise their support for the talented filmmakers. That’s the case with Chanel. The maison on Rue Cambon, which even during Coco’s time supported art and artists, today chooses Alessandra Mastronardi as its Italian brand ambassador. It also has established a strong relationship with Kristen Stewart, linked to the brand since 2013, who not only stars in the current advertising campaign for the famous “Gabrielle” bag, but was also the star of Olivier Assayas’s’ “Personal Shopper” movie that won him the Golden Palm for Best Director at Cannes in 2016. In addition to providing financial support for the film distributed by Academy Two, the maison lent some wardrobe pieces and allowed the director to shoot scenes at Rue Cambon, which according to Assayas gave more credibility to the character Maureen, an American personal shopper who is also a medium and loves esotericism just as Gabrielle Chanel once did. The director himself also confesses not to be a stranger to world of fashion. “I’m the son of a costume designer,” says Assayas, and “I’ve always been interested in fashion, a means of expression which I perceive to contain truth and depth. Gabrielle Chanel was the first to understand how modern, stylish and serious women could be, and played an important role in the epoch turning point in society regarding the key role that women assume in this revolution.”

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If so far you had abandoned the idea of listening to music during an extreme rafting session, Ultimate Ears Megaboom will change your mind. For all enthusiasts of outdoor, “wild and free” vacations, the design of this portable amplifier is what you’re missing: a waterproof jacket that sustains underwater pressure for 30 minutes and the ability to connect to multiple devices at once, for a Dolby Surround effect. Thanks to its cylindrical design, the sound diffusion takes place at 360 ° and renders a perfect sound, even the most demanding users will love.

Whether in town, countryside, or in the middle of the desert, a vacation is doomed without the perfect suitcase. Super-equipped and highly technological, the one proposed by Arlo Skye for their Carry-On is highly versatile and practical, as the name suggests. Equipped with an invisible embedded smartphone charger, a smartlock to replace tedious zips and a lightweight aluminum alloy for an ultra lightweight body.

A new and definitely ambitious brand, which in a short time has shoved the competition with its highly performing, attractive and most affordable items. Huawei celebrates its success in the Western world with the release of the new P10 and P10 Plus Greenery smartphones, in collaboration with PANTONE, which declares a light green tint “Color of the year 2017”. Among countless technical specifications, the collaboration with Leica stands for exceptional photographic quality.

A dive in the deep blue, the coral reef and filling your lungs with air. H2o Ninja proposes a snorkelling mask inspired by deep diving professionals, full of small ingenious details that allow those who wear it to breathe freely as on land. To best enjoy your underwater discoveries, its shape bestows a 180° view, which will make you forget the uncomfortable sub-amateur masks.

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Histoire de Parfums, 3 Golds Collection

Either with its cool and sparkling citrus notes, or with the artfully hypnotic presence of deep amber notes, for centuries the perfume has inspired daydreams and unconscious olfactory memories. In a dimension that crosses the boundaries of fashion and personal style, the perfumer’s craft has always been considered to be a noble and refined form of art, practiced by the most capable masters, able to turn a few drops of shimmering vanity into a quintessential olfactory pleasure. Head, heart and bottom are like musical notes to be simultaneously modulated and masterly blended to give birth a rich and composite symphony, to be discovered in all its unexpected facets. This is the real raison d’être of a perfume: a sensorial window on universes materializing with unexpected immediacy. Six maisons de parfum have chosen art as their exclusive view on the land of elsewhere, drawing inspiration from painting, sculpture, poetry and music to create shapes, shades and essences. A boundless milky limbo, consisting of dreamy visions between art and parfum, where one can plunge and be carried away. 

HISTOIRES DE PARFUMS
An olfactory library telling stories to be read on the skin. The perfume is turned into the refined and sensual means to spread poetry, the collection’s inspirational fulcrum. 3 Golds d’Histoires de Parfums, created by the French perfumer and founder of the brand Gérald Ghislain are the fragrances perpetuating the ancient art of the French perfumers, its luxury, prestige and creativity. The absolute protagonist is the gold, each type of this precious metal recalls a timeless, eternal and ever topical concept. VENI, represented by the yellow gold, symbolizes eternity; a gift by the immortal deities, with the woody notes at the core of the essence that recall a dreamlike journey on an adventurous ship crossing lively waves of grey amber. ROSAM is an ode to wisdom, being traditionally associated with the moon’s shade, like the colour of white gold. The shades highlight the radiance of a delicate and sophisticated rose emerging from an oud bouquet and emanating incense. In FIDELIS, gold merges with copper, the metal dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love and seduction: a persistent kiss with notes of coffee, saffron and spicy amber.

ARGAGN

Art can come in many different forms. One of its many manifestations is the craft, the daily practice of an ancient handicraft ritual, quality at the service of the others. The art of the barber is no exception. The latter has found its original character in a little space in Brescia, Argagn, far from the frenzy of the city centre, a place where one can relax, savouring the bliss of every single moment. This is a place for polyhedral passions: not merely a barber’s shop, but also a modern lounge bar with an international feel and an art gallery. A concept arising from the travel memories of its owners Mattia Guandalini and his wife Barbara, who have decided to bet on a format that is unique in Italy. Argagn is a bridge between past and future, creating an innovative space, where anyone can rediscover customs and art of a time past. The double nature of the barber shop / art gallery is also expressed in the exclusive collection of Argagn products, where nothing is left to chance; each and every ingredient, aroma and packaging is personally selected by the owners of the brand from Brescia.

ROADS

Roads, spreading in front of the individual in every direction. They are as infinite as Art, which cannot be pigeonholed into watertight compartments, but is free to flow, moved by a variety of inspirations. ROADS Fragrances is grounded on its author’s, Danielle Ryan, idea to merge several artistic ingredients in one essence; hence the collection Africa, a cultural collaboration in which African influences are harmoniously combined with inspirations from the world of literature, art and dance. Each fragrance is enclosed in a package that, like a canvas, displays the works by artists from different African countries. The perfume I am dance reproduces the rapid and complex rhythm of the Pantsula dance, Big sky portrays the vast African skies, Past | Present draws from the meditative tones of the Nigerian modern literature, while Afropolis celebrates the multiculturalism of the different cities dotting the African continent.

AGONIST

An essence can also be held in unique art objects, like the genderless fragrances AGONIST, Swedish brand launched by the artistic couple Christine and Niclas Lydeen, the former has a fashion background, while the latter is an Art Director and visual artist. Authentic sculptures, specially created by Åsa Jungnelius, award-winning glass designer, hold the 100% natural essences, sculptures recalling the clear climate of Northern Europe and its culture, imbued with the transparent lightness of the air. The ampoules are turned into pieces of a collection boasting flowing and elegant lines, suggesting the content of the bottles. Arctic Jade recalls a frozen landscape, with cold and transparent hues, which well represents the cool feeling on the skin, enhanced by the Brazilian Orange. Black Amber, instead, plays with darker tones of the Atlas Cedar Wood. Solaris is the sun that never sets and brightens up the nights of the Nordic lands: a warm and citrus fragrance, with a bottom of Patchouli.

EXTRAIT D’ATELIER

A tailor’s atelier, the laboratory of a shoemaker, a goldsmith’s workshop; like Proust’s madeleine moments, sharp and sudden olfactory memories are brought back to memory by primordial fragrances holding unexpected light reflections, silences, gazes, emotions. These are EXTRAIT D’ATELIER’s suggestions, proud brand from Veneto, symbolizing the Italian industriousness and drawing from the French allure. The label makes use of the most delicate wild flowers’ notes and merges them with ozone aldehydes ones to recall moments of life. The art of the craft, of the most meticulous handicraft is both inspiration and method for this debut collection. The workshops, with their allure of a time past, are celebrated in the label’s bottles, the fragrances EXTRAIT D’ATELIER are held in iridescent bottles, in ampoules enclosing the history of a great past and the noble “essence du savoir faire”. Through a refined olfactory path, they vouch for joy and flair, inspiring in those who wear them the desire to feel a Master too, a master of life, of the subtle art of living.

VERDÚU

Art-house essences for the new collection VERDÚU: Made-in-Germany brand with a vanguard flair, stemming from the creative mind of Alexander Botov. A set of art-house fragrances conceived by four fashion designers. A portrait in a bottle crafted by world-famous perfumer Mark Buxton, who has sketched with poetic sensitiveness the most ineffable corners of the personalities of his four colleagues and artists. A liaison of different experiences, arising from the will to create a multi-faceted, absolutely original “all-round” in which design, fashion and parfum are hand in glove. Wearing the scented creations of the protagonists of this olfactory encounter is not like wearing their dresses, rather, it is an introspective, exceptionally personal experience. Needle and thread won’t be needed, a cloud of intense vaporized aroma is all you need to feel bespoke.

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Leather coat DIRK BIKKEMBERGS; Jacket and Jeans Y/PROJECT; Shoes DSQUARED2

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What happens when award-winning fashion and a Made-in-Italy traditional segment like menswear tailoring encounters the web? How can needle and thread and a passion for bespoke garments go hand-in-hand with the network’s speed and with its global character? If, on the one hand, the World Wide Web is a communication tool for worldwide expansion, on the other hand, it also allows new opportunities for development, also for the most customized crafts, like hand-made tailoring. Today it takes the best to titillate men’s vanity, both in terms of fabrics and sartorial mastery. Hence the web is used not only to promote workshops dotting the Beautiful Country, but also to spread their cutting and sewing expertise. How? One of the most interesting tool currently online is Aplomb, a platform resulting from the passion and phantasy of three very young entrepreneurs, Federico Grasso, Luigi Ugge and Massimiliano Invernici, going to show that bespoke tailoring is not just “an old guys business”. In a matter of months, this “virtual tailors’ atelier”has become a rapidly growing business, aiming to create a network of sartorial appeal for real gentlemen. The goal is clear: not to bring the tailor’s atelier to the user’s place, but to bring client to tailor together through a painstakingly selected network of Italian tailor’s workshops, so that the new dandy can pick the one that is most suitable for him, both in terms of style and location, without running the risk of coming across a fake. Today, this portal comprises fifteen tailors’ ateliers in Lombardy, Veneto, Piedmont, Lazio, Apulia, Campania, Sicily and Basilicata, but the goal of the three entrepreneurs is to double the number in a very short time. Not a bad result, if we consider that Grasso’s, Ugge’s and Invernici’s combined years of age are far from totalling one century. The pre-selection of the sartorial ateliers occurs through an advisor, then there’s the interview. These strict criteria guarantee the user to find in Aplomb only the best, with practical info as to who guarantees a bespoke or made-to-measure service. It is possible to book a visit to a tailor’s workshop from the website, and soon a style advisor service will be available, allowing users to receive precious advice – the service is currently undergoing some testing. Aplomb is not only at the service of the connoisseurs, but also of the tailor’s workshops, indeed the platform allows them to promote themselves through articles, pics and videos: an outstanding way to illustrate a great passion for sartorial culture. Aplomb is likewise active on the social networks, which are used as communication tool to spread info, bring together the enthusiasts and share ideas and passions. The Facebook community totals approximately 2 thousand followers, and it is growing by 10% per week, while the Instagram profile has already reached 8k followers. The network has been selected to be part of the Start Up School/Y Combinator and is now part of the Founder Track program, a worldwide accelerator for the internationalization of websites, online activities and start-ups. The three managers have a forwards-looking mind-set, both in terms of time and space; their next step is the British market: to virtually join the two main marketplaces for the tailor-made, Italy and England. Faster than the Channel tunnel, they cross France with a click.

cover_Blazer PORTS 1961; Coat ACNE

Ryan Cooper easily alternates fashion photoshoot sets and movies’ red carpets. He is the new face of international cinema. With his great screen presence and his statuesque body- he was also a carpenter-, this guy from New Guinea has convinced all and, starting with the advertising campaigns of Armani Exchange, DKNY, Hugo Boss and Trussardi Jeans, he has moved to the big screen and soon we can see him acting with Scarlett Johansson in Crazy Night.

Tell us about your roots and family. How did this influence your life?
I grew up without a lot of things, living in 3rd world countries with people who don’t have a lot, but were very happy and generous. It makes you appreciate the things that you do have but do not need. I remember we used to often eat our breakfast that had bugs in it due to the humidity. My dad was a missionary and really instilled his beliefs in us. He was a super hard-working guy, and that’s one thing that has definitely helped coming into this business. Treating people right and working hard, we work a lot of long days so you need stamina. I have done 20 hour days doing construction work in the past so that’s prepared me for 12 hours onset.

How did you start your modeling career?
Modeling was a bit of luck. A friend asked me to do a shoot for an outdoors store in New Zealand when I was in construction. Then another friend wanted to set me up with an agency that when I met with them they said “you’ll never work!” However, my current modeling manager saw my photos and from there on championed me to travel and work which allowed for a fun few years traveling and shooting around the world.

When did you decide to start cinema and how did it happen?
In New York, I met my now manager, who asked if I was interested in acting and has had my back ever since. Honestly, I had not thought of it since doing school productions as a kid. My dad encouraged me to “get a real job”, so I did, in construction. And now that I was traveling/modeling, I had the opportunity to learn from some wonderful coaches in NY and LA, and now have been able to work which is wonderful.

What was your debut in fiction and cinema?
My first jobs were smaller parts in indie movies then a brief stint on the soap, “One Life to Live” before that long-lasting production breathed its last breath. I kind of feel a little responsible for that death (laughs)!

He’s always barefoot, he can play more instruments than he has fingers with which to count them, including didgeridoo, guitar, harmonica and Aztec drum. He is a born surfer, a convinced vegetarian and an activist for human rights and for the preservation of the planet. A believer in the idea that “things that are meant to be, will be,” Xavier Rudd has a deep gaze, tattooed arms, and blond hair. He was born in Torquay, Australia to an Aboriginal father and half Irish, half Dutch mother. His music and his optimistic vision of the world intertwine seamlessly and his sound is profoundly influenced by this humanistic point of view. Over the course of recording eight studio albums, this young versatile instrumentalist has excited audiences with his organic sound that has already earned him several awards and mentions. In mid-April, 2017, he returned to Europe with the extraordinary live concert album, recorded in Holland last May 2016 at the historic TivoliVredenburg, the emblematic show of a sold out European tour, and in mid-June takes to the Italian stage again on three dates. Here, he tells us about his inspiration, his grandfather, and his laughs on the beach.

The local music in your country and your origins are important to you. Is that the basis of your own music?
Yes, definitely. As a child I didn’t know how to write songs, I simply invented melodies in which I sang about things that were happening to me. It was a totally unconscious process. And in a way, that is still what I do: I put to music that which I live, no more no less. Writing songs is a part of me, it is essential. Like breathing.

When did you decide you’d be a musician?
I would say when I was about ten, but I’ve always been drawn to music, or rather, that it was the music that found me.

Where or from whom do you get inspiration?
I would say from everything, really. Each of my albums, every song I write comes from within, from what I live through. It’s like a physical, emotional and spiritual travel journal. All my experiences form the journey of my music.

How do you live while you are at home in your village?
I live near the sea; there it’s very quiet. When I’m not on tour I like to live like any other normal person who lives on the beach: I surf and I relax. I don’t particularly like being surrounded by people. I like be outside, to sit by a fire, surf, run, swim. I’m active, I love listening the sounds of the land. I don’t watch TV or anything like that.

You travel so much, is there a place you have a special connection to?
That’s difficult. I find beauty and harmony in so many different places. I think I can always find places that I would like. I really enjoyed South Africa, for example.

What makes you laugh?
Interesting. If you mean what makes me happy, I would be being with my friends around a fire on the beach. It is when we are most at peace and harmony that we really laugh the most.

The release of this live album was very important, it is a very different record than others.
Yes, it’s like a retrospective of my work. The tour in Europe was sold all and we were very electrified. There was a special spark, the energy was enormous and it felt a really strong positive feeling from the crowd. We had the opportunity to record last two nights in Utrecht and I thought it would be a good idea especially for us as a point of reference, documenting where we were.

And plus you have ties to Holland through your grandfather.
I never thought about it, but yes you could say so. There was a very strong energy those nights. When we listened to the recording again, it was as if we had captured a bit of magic, especially the last night, thus I’m so happy to share now what I feel was the best live recording of my career up to this point.

Photos by Arterium
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For the first time at Pitti Uomo 92, Christian Louboutin chose Florence as the stage to present Aurelien, his first model of sneakers to be exclusively available for men. On this occasion, the french designer set up a hard-court bike-pool tournament in the famous and beautiful Santa Maria Novella square with eight participating teams from all over the world for a friendly competition. For each team, 3 of the athletes were outfitted with the new low-top Aurelien sneakers in various colours, made and personalised by florentine companies, a unique manufacture in the Louboutin world and in the footwear range. Each shoe takes two days to makeand the red lined neoprene sock (a reference to the iconic female footwear models) gives the foot absolute comfort and allows the wearer to go sockless for a totally unique fashion statement. The Aurelien model is already available in Louboutin boutiques and on-line.

eu.christianlouboutin.com
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Minor White Radio&Truck

With this groundbreaking show, devoted to Minor White, one of the most important American photographers of the 20th century, the LOEWE FOUNDATION marks the house’s seventh annual participation in PHotoEspaña and fourth festival entry organized by curator María Millán to raise the international profile of a key artistic figure whose work was instrumental in shaping the aesthetics of postwar photography. As LOEWE’s creative director Jonathan Anderson explains “Minor White’s modernity is a natural fit for the house because his photographs function on various levels. At LOEWE, we believe in multivalence”. For LOEWE’s exhibition, 40 of White’s original prints have travelled to Madrid on a special loan from Howard Greenberg gallery and private collections. They range from early cityscapes to compelling studies of the male body and abstract takes on nature, offering a representative glimpse into White’s expert use of light and composition as means to evoke contemplative states and charged allusive references in his work. White was able to produce an extraordinarily rich spectrum of blacks, whites and grays, while employing close-ups and cropping to express what couldn’t be  shown.White was more interested in his art’s symbolic potential than in representing reality. The images, indeed, represented an internal emotional state.

Minor White: metaphors
June 1st, 2017- August 25th, 2017
LOEWE Gallery, Gran Via, 8, Madrid

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We explore the outskirts of Rome with Andrea Bosca in this AW17 preview.

Photography: Roberta Krasnig
Styling: Stefania Sciortino
Grooming: Martina Di Crosta @makingbeauty
Trattamento Viso KIEHL’S Age Defender Cream
Photo Assistant: Olga Bondarevych

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On May 13^th, will be inaugurated at Palazzo Mora’s the first exhibition, for the Venice Art Biennale, by Ariela Wertheimer, curated by the Farkash Gallery in Tel Aviv. The exhibition will run until November 26^th  and it’s titled Jaffa Venice light boxes: it shows various works by the Israeli artist which uses different techniques and materials, always relying on the light – shadow theme, introducing us in an innovative and unique way with works and portraits in light boxes.
The significance of the exhibition is a long reflection on the meaning of our lives: everyone has a story, is a character trapped in a small or large prison, from past to the present, and the purpose, for the art of Wertheimer, is to look for a wider sense of living. Born into a prominent family in Israel, the artist began her career in the medical field, and for twelve years she was in the armed forces: a living environment where she took the inspiration and creative techniques for her artistic talent. Mother of five children, when she’s not devoted to art, she volunteering plays in the oncology department at the Rambam Hospital in Haifa. Wertheimer began to exhibit in groups since 1997. The exhibition in Venice is hosted by the European Cultural Center.
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Which features must a suitcase have to be perfect? It must be lightweight, strong and stylish. This is how Samsonite has answered, with an exceptional global campaign, called “The Serious Traveller”, and shot by the famous portrait and fashion photographer Rankin. In this campaign nine international influencers are filmed while they are ironically showing the functionalities of their luggage, that makes their journeys even more confortable. Among the selected influencers, there are the Royal Ballet’s soloist Eric Underwood and the model, presenter, DJ and blogger Charlotte De Carle. Samsonite has met the needs of those who, like them, have to travel a lot, by combining functionality and style: the new collection Curv® mixes the best materials and the most modern technologies with innovative and timeless designs, which assure strength and protection without adding more weight. The careful attention to the details distinguishes also the inside, upholstered with an extra soft fabric and organized in sectors with adjustable strips to maintain all the garments perfectly tidy. MANINTOWN interviewed these two influencers for you.

Eric:

Which is the most important feature of a suitcase for those who travel a lot, like you do?
Considering I’m on the go often, a lightweight suitcase is the most important feature for me.

How did you start dancing? Did you ever imagine it would become your job?
I started dancing after forgetting my lines at an acting audition, I saw a few girls doing splits preparing for a dance audition and thought well I’ll have a go at dancing. I had no idea there was a chance I could pursue this as my dream job.. wow!

How is your relationship with fashion?
I’ve always taken an interest in fashion, working as a model and the love of great menswear!

Who are your style icons?
My Style icons are Sammy Davis jr. and Frank Sinatra

Which passions do you have, other than ballet?
I’ve had the opportunity to work in television a few times and that’s a discipline I love and feel quite passionately about.

Do you have a dream or a project that you want to realize?
I have a few projects and dreams I’d like to pursue and hopefully they’ll come true, stay tuned to the telly (hint) lol!

Charlotte:

Which is the most important feature of a suitcase for those who travel a lot, like you do?
I’m not sure I can just pick one to be honest. For frequent travelling there any many factors to be taken into account. I need a suitcase to be durable because we all know airports don’t look after suitcases as well as they could. I need it to be manoeuvrable as the more I don’t have to carry my case the better. I also it need to still look good which is why I love Samsonite. The cases are wonderfully slick, strong and attractive. So it’s an all round natural winner! Got my vote!

What cannot be missed in your suitcase?
That would definitely be deodorant. I don’t mind not wearing clothes, having a dirty face or not having my favourite tea but my armpits have to be fresh.

Talking about fashion, who are your style icons?
To be honest my mum is my style icon. She doesn’t have a huge budget but always manages to look classy and expensive. She also loves taking risks which is admirable. Her PVC trousers are an absolute treat!  

You seem a very cheerful person, what is your tip to always see the silver linings in life?
Life is too short. You don’t need to worry about what other people think or do. Do what you enjoy, what makes you happy because at the end of the day life is a gift so focus on the present

Do you have a dream or a project that you want to realize?
To be honest my dream has always been to bring people joy and a small distraction from everyday life. So to work with Rankin on this shoot was amazing because I love all the creativity and fun he puts into his shoots. So maybe to continue what I am doing but on a grander scale would be the end goal for me. Take a leaf out of his book and go hard or go home!

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Trussardi presents the “Trussardi Elegance” collection for autumn/winter 2017/18, realized in a special partnership with Lardini, a brand that tailors elegant suiting for men. Both of them prominent exponents of “Made in Italy”, they decided to marry Trussardi’s flair with the sartorial tradition of Lardini, from the Marche region. The inspiration comes from the idea of a contemporary elegance, combining three-dimensional structures with those colours typically loved by more traditional gentlemen. The items are infused with warm notes of bordeaux and beige, culminating with touches of black and white. The collection was created for a man who is attentive to his figure, clothes and colours.
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trussardi.com

Zayn Malik appears exceptionally in the new Versus Versace campaign for the SS17 collection, taken by an unprecedented photographer: the model Gigi Hadid. The images, which portray the ex-member of One Direction together with Adwoa Aboah, have been realised with simplicity and spontaneity using a digital photo camera and smartphone, in order to create an effect of intimacy and energy. Set in an elegant suite at the luxurious Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, we see the three stars expressing their passion, friendship and enthusiasm, completely in line with the collection mood, which speaks to young generations who wear modern and cool clothes. This unreleased collaboration is only the introduction to the capsule collection ZAYN X VERSUS available from next June.
www.versace.com
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Sport and haute couture meet in Paris during the presentation of FENTI X PUMA collection, conceived for free and intrepid spirits, in line with the character of its creative director: Rihanna. The creations of this collection are inspired to the university world, an homage to young people who never give up, who are brave despite of everything.  Among the shelves of National library of France, Rihanna and Puma made their muses walk the runway: young nerd, athletes, skaters, preppy, dark, without forgetting the bad girls.  The items of clothing are loyal to the XXL spirit and oversize that have characterised iconic styles, intrepid models, apart from the reproduced world in the collection.  The season Autumn/Winter includes sweatshirts, football shirts, tracksuit in velvet, short polo and XXL, baseball t-shirts and much more. “At school I had always dreamed to wear whatever I wanted- Rihanna Said- but at the Barbados wearing uniform was compulsory. This season I have really enjoyed myself creating these outfits inspired by the “back to university” mood. To me it is an honour to present this collection in a national monument, so majestic”.

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The American designer Greg Lauren creates Collide, a selection of unique coats realized with Moncler for the FW 2017-18 collection. Moncler down jackets are presented in a dismantled and reinvented way, with unexpected lines, components of denim and other very worn fabrics included into puffer jackets. Collide is a unique artwork that has just been presented in Paris. Greg Lauren, fascinating painter and sculptor, mapped out a journey around the idea of men’s suiting as a medium for interpretation and personification, a meeting between style and role which revealed his ability to overlap different aesthetic fields and approaches. Remo Ruffini declares: “Greg Lauren is first and foremost an artist, but also a designer who experiments with new languages”. The collaboration with Moncler reflects his own collection’s signature use of ‘‘repurposed fabrics’’ as well as unique juxtapositions of iconic references. Greg Lauren, who was born in a family in which tailoring is considered something religious says:‘ ‘I love taking iconic ideas and reinterpreting them through the artistic blender, deconstructing what we thought we knew, so that we see it differently, a familiar vocabulary becomes a new language, one which we can still connect to emotionally”. Collide is a Limited Edition collection which is available in three different colour ways: classic Moncler two-tone in flame red and light blue, black and military green. The collection will be on sale  from Fall 2017.
moncler.com

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Bold suits and punk elements meet on the court in an urban landscape

photographer: Byron Mollinedo
stylist: Nicholas Galletti
groomer: Yoshiko Haruki
models:
Christian Z @M Management
Gabriel Vieira @Elite
Felix Sueur @16Men

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For next Spring / Summer 2017 season, the Irish giant has dedicated a line for sports and fitness enthusiasts. Women, men and children, the new Primark Workout collection combines style, performance and comfort all focusing on the dynamism of versatile and innovative garments that blend perfectly into the daily wardrobe. Bright colors, camouflage prints or floral, are the glue for the new proposal. Breathable fabrics provide excellent performance and facilitate the movements, while the hi-tech features of quick-drying material ensures the maintenance of the right body temperature during exercise.

www.primark.com
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Kanye West has presented his Fall 2017 Yeezy Season 5 collection during New York Fashion Week. Hosted at Pier 59 the audience were led into a dark room with a pitch black obelisk in the middle, the lights went low and the show began. YEEZY Season 5 presented a new kind of Americana. Firmly rooted in the workwear and militaria staples of past seasons, this new iteration adds plenty of Western-inspired silhouettes.
Trucker jackets, washed denim, flannel shirts and YEEZY’s trademark woodland camos were prevalent in Carhartt-inspired work jackets and fatigue pants, reflective fireman’s coats and genuine GORE-TEX outerwear further expanded on the YEEZY oeuvre.

Photos Courtesy of Yeezy
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Raf Simons presented his Fall 2017 CALVIN KLEIN runway show in New York. In the artwork, the designer imagines the diversity of America and let the artist Sterling Ruby represents it on the stage. Indeed, the collection and the show are an homage to America, that is together the future, the past, the Art Deco, people dressed in different styles, it is a mix of everything. So, items of clothing created reflect this melting pot: different fabrics, plastic protections over the coats,  antique handcrafted quilting. Cohabiting creates new shapes: not one, but many.® All Rights Reserved

 

During Milan fashion week Dsquared2 launches a new unique project of cobranding with the iconic brand K-Way, known for its rainproof and timeless jackets.The capsule collection is a mix of the contemporary and irreverent  design of Dsquared2 with the informal and functional style of K-Way. Combining together the iconography of both brands, the final effect is a item of clothing with spontaneity and a strong character. The jackets, reversible and easy to fold, can be worn without distinctions both by her and by him. The features  of the nylon jacket are showed up on oversized jackets by Dsquared2 style: vivid and sparkling colors, like yellow and orange. Instead , other jackets are enriched with red and black patch or check inspired by Canadian sports and also with floral prints  borrowed by Dsquared2 autumn-winter collection. The capsule collection rich of “oversize details” will be presented starting from July 2017.
www.dsquared2.com
www.k-way.com

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The new advanced cushioning  technology Fresh Foam New Balance has attracted runners from all over the world, especially the model Fresh Foam 1080. The new collection is evolved in comparison with the previous one, this focus on the study of the  point of contact between the corridor and the ground level, improving the midsole design and ensuring a  greater cushioning. Moreover the shoe upper provides both a laterally and a medially support, while along the whole  shoe the mesh is built in order to give a correct fit to the farefoot. In combination to the  Fresh Foam 1080v7, New Balance launches a new collection Viz Run, with seams and details “ glow in the dark”, that are able to make runners visible in case of low light. Light jackets, top and elastic pants have been created both for her and for him.

www.newbalance.it

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAND ROVER

He began to sail alone at 8 years old, in Cornovoglia, next to his home. At 16 he was already world’s champion on Laser Radial and at 19 he won the first olympic silver medal at the Olympic Game in Atlanta. Four years later, he has realized the dream of every athlete winning the olympic gold medal at the Olympic Game in Sydney. A complete and deeply focused athlete with a British savoir-faire: Sir Ben Ainslie is one who goes fast, who knows what he wants and likes to win. After all, the adrenaline of regatta races runs in his veins for a long time since his father, Roddy, was a sailor too who has raced the Volvo Ocean Race (once called Whitbread Round the World Race). Next step? The America’s Cup that will be held at the end of May in Bermuda for which he is assiduously working on with his team Land Rover Bar focused on an ambitious objective: to bring the cup home. When he is on the mainland, he drives a Range Rover Sport, but as the best modern gentlemen, he has an Aston Martin in garage for the playdays.

When did you start love the ocean and sailing? And why do you like this particular sport so much?
I grew up in Cornwell which is the far South West of the UK – and a place where the sea and sailing is a part of the everyday life. The first time I went sailing on my own was in an optimist dinghy – which slightly resembles a bath tub but it’s what all young people learn to sail in – I was 8 years old and my Dad pushed me out on my own and the sensation of feeling the water running under the boat and being on my own and in sole control of a craft was an amazing exhilarating feeling and sense of freedom – and that sparked my love for the sport and the ocean.

When you are not racing, what kind of sports do you like?
Sports I like include Formula 1, golf, cycling and football but I like watching any competitive sport to be honest.

How is one of your normal day if you don’t have training?
My normal day if we don’t have training – is to spend time with my wife, Georgie, and baby daughter, Bellatrix who is now 5 months old, and enjoy being at home. But, I do also still have to do some training – and it’s actually easier to do some physical training when we aren’t with the team cos there is sometimes more time. I also like reading – many different types of books in my down time.

You and your team are working on the next America’s Cup, what is the challenge this time? How is it important for you?
It’s a massive challenge, it’s obviously very hard to win the Cup particularly at the first attempt – only one other team has done this in the history of the Cup – so our goal is to achieve that. It means a lot for us being a British team – with the first event being held around the Isle of Wight back in 1851 and we have never won it or seen the Cup since so that’s what really drives us to try and bring the Cup home.

Have you ever feel fear when you are out sailing?
These boats that we are sailing [foiling AC45s and America’s Cup Class boats] are clearly incredibly fast – and to sail them fast you are constantly sailing right on the limit which means that you certainly have to be very aware of the potential dangers and have a lot of respect for the power of these boats. It’s fair to say when you are sailing one of these boats, you are only focused on one thing.

 Back in 2013, you began Sir, from then how do you keep the balance between Sir Ben Ainslie and “Ben Ainslie the Olympic winner”?
I think like all people when you grow older and mature you naturally change slightly, for me getting married and starting a family and being in a position of founding a sports team and a business I’ve naturally had to change my approach to some things. I guess the great thing about sailing as a sport is once you are on the water and you are competing there is only one way to approach that – the race – and it’s to try and win. But when you are back on land that character has to change slightly.

What is in your opinion that makes a man a gentleman?
I think having respect for everybody, and good manners, in my book are what’s really important.

How important is having your own style (in habits, fashion, etc.)?
Well, it is very important for one’s persona I guess, to feel like you are an individual with your own style and way of doing things. I think fashion changes as time moves on – that’s inevitable – and an individual’s taste will change as they mature – which again, is inevitable – but the great thing is that it is all an evolution and it never stays still.

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Just before Christmas last year, it only took 13 minutes to make history as the Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 watch, which boasts a stainless steel perpetual calendar with moon phases, became the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction at a price of just over 11 million Swiss Francs (10,2 million Euros). Winning the highest bid, out of 400 people present in the Phillips auction hall in Geneva and another 500 online or by phone, was an anonymous private collector. Because the world of watch collection is like that: a pleasure to live, not to show off. To understand the habits and passions of this hardly small “sect,” we met one of its followers able to provide us some insight, but- it goes without saying- that he asked to remain anonymous.

Why be passionate about watches?
In my case, I wasn’t looking to become passionate, the passion found me. For as long as I can remember, even at a young age, I always looked at watches in shop windows or asked for one as a gift. It’s a very relaxed world, one that moves slowly and marks time without rushing. First I became interested in Rolex watches, then I moved to Patek Philippe (for my collection) and then finally to the hard to recognise niche brands for the watches I wear, but I also wear Rolex watches often because it they were my first love.

How do you build a collection and what budget should you have at your disposition to start out?
It stands to reason, a lot. You can specialise in collecting watches with certain features or from a particular brand or era. Every collector has his own focus: Rolex, in my opinion, is a must, although I focused more on Patek. Someone could even collect watches that cost 50 Euros, it depends on the collector’s economic ability. I always say choose what you love, because watches are objects to be worn, they transmit emotion.

New or vintage? And why?
It depends on the type of collection. I am more interested in recent watches.

Can you still get good deals on watches?
In the long term I would say so, yes. It’s not an easy thing, though, because in the last few years the prices have risen markedly, so in order for a style to appreciate and for the seller to earn a profit, it’s now necessary to wait a long time.

Where can you find more information online?
I follow various forums for the timepiece world: Timezone, Hodinkee and in Italy, Orologi & Passioni

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With an important past in the publishing sector- formerly the General Trade Director of the Mondadori Group and CEO of Einaudi, to name a few- Riccardo Cavallero began a new project in 2016, founding SEM (Società Editrice Milanese). For its first book, the company will publish and unreleased work by Federico Fellini, L’Olimpo. It is the story of the erotic passions and dramas of the Gods, an opportunity to retrace the archetypes of our imaginations in a biting but dreamlike way as only Fellini, one of last century’s greatest storytellers, knew how. Now, however, we hear the editor’s story:

Let’s talk about madness. The choice to open a publishing house in 2016- isn’t that crazy?In a world where everyone talks about “innovation,” book publishing essentially has not changed since Gutenberg. Even the process of creating a book hasn’t changed. After my 25 years of international work experience (in the USA, Spain, South America and Italy), a friend Mario Rossetti– founding partner of Fastweb and innovator by calling- and I decided to try to change the rules of the game. With a lean structure, solid professionalism and a propensity toward tailored publishing, we treat books as individuals, like one-of-a-kind products. We’re not about blockbuster series, homogenization, or corporate thinking. The only brand that interests us is the authors and their stories. It was not by chance that we chose a retro, “transparent” name like Società Editrice Milanese. We don’t spend a single Euro on advertising; instead we invest in technology and good service. For example, we are the first in Italy (and among the first in the world) to offer the reader the digital e-book and audio book included in the price of the printed version. We sell stories, and the reader should be free to decide how to access them.

Was there a moment or meeting or idea that pushed you in this direction?
It all happened fairly casually. I worked in Finance, doing mergers and acquisitions. Then when I was around 30 years old I began working at Mondadori as the Marketing Director. When I spoke about books as “products” it sent my coworkers over the edge, they chastised me for it, but then it just clicked. When I was approached for another job I suddenly realised that working in publishing was the greatest job in the world and I wanted to stay in this archaic, but fascinating sector. It is an extremely difficult, all-consuming and continually stressful job. But there’s a strange magic to it that I’ve not encountered in any other industry. Of course, it helps to have “colleagues” like Ken Follet, Vargas Llosa and Nicolò Ammanniti help me get through the tougher parts of the daily grind.

Why is reading so important?
It helps to form a broader view of the world so we are less afraid of it. It serves to offer us new perspectives that are different from our own. It teaches us never to give up, to never stop growing and to never stop learning.

Is there a trick to know if a book is “good”?
It is very complicated and changes every day. There are a million ingredients but no real scale by which to measure them. Only experience, insight, and a bit of good fortune.

How did you discover the unreleased work of Fellini that will be published at the end of January?
Our Editing Director, Antonio Riccardi, has long collaborated with Rosita Copioli, curator of the text and one of the most renowned scholars on the master Fellini. It was a complicated process, but we are thrilled and proud to be able to kick off our publications with a work of this calibre. Imagine, this work supposedly contained the nucleus of what was supposed to be a character for a TV series. This was forty years before Netflix. Talk about modern.

When I say style and elegance, what comes to mind for you?
I think of the Nobel ceremony in ’82 and the marvellous white guayabera worn by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, who I had the fortune of being friends with and editor for during my years in Spain. A good-natured and very sweet person with a simple charm, not at all an attention-seeker, but with an unmistakable style on paper and in life. He was very elegant, despite not being an Adonis. Gabo was Gabo because he didn’t have anything to prove to anyone. When he passed away, I didn’t hesitate to fly 20 hours over three days to attend his funeral. He was one-of-a-kind.

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Like a garment of clothing, a music genre or a literary movement, so do international cuisines dance, at a rhythmic pace, around the carousel of what is contemporary and glamorous. In a cyclical rhythm, cuisine returns to the spotlight, with its disparate traditions, smells, customs and curious combinations: today food has many manifestations, from the words in adverts to the highlight around our social occasions. If you exclude the Japanese trend, declining in popularity even in its most integral version consisting of ramen and sake; and the Lebanese trend, which some Italian chefs deem the most varied and mysterious cuisine of all; three main diffusions in the last few years have entered popular gastronomy: Peruvian cuisine, Khmer food (Cambodian cuisine), and finally a modernization of traditional Indian cuisine, done in minimal and luxury interpretations.

Just head over to London- the cost of flights these days allows for a nice weekend break, even just to try these novelties- and discover Andina, a bistro located in the heart of Soho, that has caught the public’s and media’s attention with good reason: the fusion of Peruvian cuisine mixed with more western influence flavours and aromas (and an entire menu section devoted just to ceviche). Andina offers brunch, as well as a selection of high calibre cocktails and liquors, all presented with utmost design sense and appealing visual aesthetic, since, after all, food is tasted first by the eyes. And there is nothing more satisfying than an extravagant mix-and-match of colour and adornment to please the palate’s first glance.

Khmer cuisine, often overlooked due to its similarity to Thai cuisine, is rich with a variety of very unique spices, flowers and roots that are expertly paired with fresh ingredients. The New York chain Num Pang Sandwich Shop, which boasts locations on six of the most strategic corners of the city, adds that fresh touch of glamour and sober minimalism to the culinary art of an antique gastronomic tradition. If offers tempting sandwiches paired with teas, ginger juices and other fruit infusions, all served with a front row view of the marvellous frenetic comings and goings of the city that never sleeps. A true expert model in take-away and quick eat-in dining, Num Pang combines courage, fusion and a great atmosphere. Stop in and try it the next time you’re in New York.

For those who worship by the philosophy of high taste expression and the fervent hunt for fascinating flavours- those mouthfuls from the East capable of turning any moment on its head- we return to the British capital talk about Gymkhana, the exclusive club in Mayfair based on traditional Indian colonial clubs. Here, dishes pass under the extraordinary expert eye of Karam Sethi, the Michelin starred chef well-known both in his home country and abroad, who even the strictest food critics agree breaks the mould with his knowledge of culinary arts. Gymkhana, a luxury restaurant whose fine taste also extends to the aesthetic elements, both in its decor and menu selection, presents conceptual reinterpretations of Indian cuisine, experimenting with adaptations and sauces that challenge classicism, in addition to offering a selection of prized wines from their cellar.

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Migration. As it calls itself, in one word, is CLIMBER B.C.‘s aesthetic path taken this season. Migration, because the new collection by this Turkish brand with a cosmopolitan DNA (which belongs to the holding company Cuno), is a cross between Eastern millenarian tradition, Western culture, and savoir faire artisanry with an industrial imprint. Thus, an intersection of style and culture condensed into a line of menswear capable of expressing sartorial flavor mixed with entrepreneurial intelligence. With CLIMBER B.C. the silhouettes are lean and confident, featuring double breasted jackets accompanied by skinny pants, tailored suits, resulting in an expression of urban modernism that nods to classic style. But there’s more. The Black CLIMBER B.C. instead, is the energetic soul of this high end menswear line, carried out by designer Ümit Ünal, with an avant guarde touch where monochromatic rigor looks to satisfy the needs of the new generation, no longer interested in the fashion world itself but rather in individual garments that are simpler but more functional. In fact, the sportswear line is an anthropocentric approach to the masculine esthetic. Behind this menswear phenomenon, on the rise in international markets, is the clever thinking of the Samsana brothers. Born in Adiyaman, an antique Turkish settlement on the Silk Road which today boasts the honor of being a UNESCO World Heritage Centre- you could already foresee their future based on these origins- the brothers arrived in Istanbul in 1985 and ten years later, gave life to the phenomenal CLIMBER B.C. Ever since, the brand has built its entrepreneurial and aesthetic story piece by piece, now spreading its touch of elegance to over 30 countries in Europe and Asia, and even into the heart of Russia. Today the brand counts on an extensive network of distribution that includes more than a hundred retail outlets, both mono-brand and multi-brand, to which they’ve also added the strategic opening of a showroom at Via Borgonuovo 12 in Milan, further illustrating the Samsama brothers’ willingness to be present in menswear’s most important fashion capitals.

www.climberbc.com

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FELLINI E LA MODA- PERCORSI DI STILE DA CASANOVA A LADY GAGA
AUTOR|GIANLUCA LO VETRO
PUBLISHED BY|MONDADORI BRUNO

Brilliant, multifaceted, a true visionary: in a word he was a poet-dreamer who invented and re-invented the fairy-tale of classic Italian cinema, making it a mirror of his fervid, dizzying imagination, not unlike a stylized interpretation of our times. This was, and still is Federico Fellini, globally acclaimed not only for his exceptional skill in creating unforgettable films, but more importantly for his ability to build and manipulate the visual image in such a way strongly impacted viewers, and continues to inspire today’s Generation Y. So much so that if he were still alive today, in spite of himself, Fellini would be considered along with the formidable Giulietta Masina to be a great and indescribable “influencer,” to use the lexicon of the digital age. It would difficult to identify in just a few lines all the stylists, designers, artists and creatives who have been influenced by Fellini’s imaginative, dreamlike works, able to evoke entire worlds. One example lies in the forthcoming book Olympus, edited by Rosita Copioli (on shelves in 2017) which recalls Fellini’s archetypes of our imagination created in his distinctive, artistic and masterful way, with the freedom and critical intelligence of the great romanticist, and revealing the links between the filmmaker and the world of dress and society of his time and even more so, of ours. The hyperbole of Fellini’s protean genius is also the central subject of the 148-page book Fellini and Fashion – Style Paths from Casanova to Lady Gaga, written by journalist, scholar and university professor Gianluca Lo Vetro and published by Bruno Mondadori. Here, the author aims to point out connections between Fellini’s poetics and the current zeitgeist, based on a few of his iconic film references, thus demonstrating Fellini’s meaningful longevity. Examples of creative off-shoots building from Fellini’s aesthetic and societal vision range from mime Lindsay Kemp, who’s mannerisms influenced David Bowie‘s poses and gestures, the performance art of Leigh Bowery which provoked scandal outside the underground art scene of the 1980s, as well as the make-up and styling of models in one of Alexander McQueen‘s more memorable collections. “Fellini-ism,” without question, is all over John Galliano as well. The mad genius from Gibraltar has concocted collections clearly inspired by the director, most especially for Dior haute couture, sending cassock-clad models down the runway in a desecrating tribute to the unforgettable parade scene of cloaked priests in the film Roma. Fellini’s imagery and its sphere of influence are also quite pervasive in the psychedelic and over-the-top work of David LaChapelle, in films by Terry Gilliam and Paolo Sorrentino, as well as in the Dolce & Gabbana creative universe, which references both Anouk Aimée and her iconic little black dress along with the luscious curves of Anita Ekberg, the eternal embodiment of La Dolce Vita.

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You love to travel, to discover new cities and the hottest places. At the first chance to take a holiday from the daily routine, you book a plane ticket, head out for an adventure. Or nearly. You know that technology and innovations are essential for your comfort and enjoyment while traveling. We’ve gathered a few tech toys just for you.

SleepPhones. It looks like a headband, created by the USA-based AcousticSheep. It plays the music of your choice to help you fall asleep: whether it’s a particular song or soothing sound. It is priced at $39,95 USD.

Lifestraw.Created by Swiss company Vestergaard Frandsen, it is a device that allows you to filter any water thanks to the presence of porous fibres the size of 0,02 micron. There are different models: from 26 Euros for the “personal” Lifestraw to 104 Euros for the “family” version, all available through the company’s webshop.

Scrubba.It is portable anD ecologically friendly washing machine, made up of a foldable waterproof sack that you fill with a small amount of water, a drop or two of detergent, and of course, your dirty laundry. Then just place Scrubba on top of a hard surface and scrub the closed bag from the outside. The product is sold by the Australian company of the same name on their official website for $55 AUD.

Modobag. Halfway between a trolley and a scooter Modobag is a motorized suitcase created by the eponymous Chicago-based start-up. A bag the traveller can drive simply by sitting astride it, it reaches a speed of 13 kilometres per hour and will be sold starting in early 2017 at a price of $995 USD (price varies per style).

Thermacell. Travelling in the coldest months of the year? Then you might enjoy the useful and original products to keep you warm, by USA-based Schawbel Technologies. Available online for around 65 Euros.

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Two pillars of French culture, one truth: Frapin is an antique distillery that has tantalized the palates of cognac lovers for centuries, including the Sun King himself, Louis XIV, also specializing in olfactory delights for artistic fragrance lovers.
Among the oldest family lines still in living in France, for 20 generations Frapin has created its cognac- since 1270 to be precise- made to such perfection that in 1697 the Sun King, Louis XIV, bestowed upon Pierre Frapin a title of nobility. Heading the agency today is Jean-Pierre Cointreau, a son the Frapin family line and Max Cointreau, heir of the eponymous liquor dynasty. In 2002, the maison began to explore a new industry sector, at first seemingly quite different: perfumery. The result evolved over the years to include a line of fragrances inspired by the heritage of the brand, under the close supervision of David Frossard, Creative Director of Frapin Perfume, with whom spoke about fragrances and precious Millésime.

Cognac and perfume. What is the link?
Cognac and perfume are two pillars of French culture. In addition they have a similar distillation process. Cognac is a blend made from “maître de chai,” that mixes various notes to obtain the final flavour. A masterpiece created through taste, but also through the olfactory sense, much like how a perfumer designs a fragrance, thanks to his or her expert “nose.”

What is the oldest bottle of cognac preserved in the Fontpinot Castle?
We have several that are all over 100 years old.

 What is the best-seller?
The Frapin Millésime are recognized for being the finest Millésime and the finest liquors.

 Frapin Cognac pairs perfectly with…?
Chocolate and cigars for sure. Frapin Cognac has a warm aroma of vanilla, honey, nuts with floral aspects as well as fruity notes. The taste is soft and refined, but at the same time round and potent without being too strong.

 Among the perfumes, is there one inspired by a particular cognac from the maison?
Yes, “1270,” inspired by a legendary wine that was used at the beginning of the 20th century to create a cognac called “La Folle Blanche.” The name of the fragrance, however, is the date in which the Frapin family, one of the oldest family lines in France, settled in the Charente region. Among the family ancestry is the famous French writer François Rabelais, who wrote the acclaimed romance series The Life of Gargantua and Pantagruel. In the castle there is still a cuvée that bears his name and his image inspired another one of our fragrances, “l’Humaniste.”

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TOTAL LOOK ALL SAINTS

From TV serials to cinema, going through music, the Mexican actor reveals himself as an eclectic artist.

You are an authentic multitasking person, from acting to singing. When and where did you learn to do all these different roles?
I like to express myself in different ways… acting… singing… painting… writing… They are all forms of expression and I can’t do jut one thing. For as long as I can remember, I’ve gotten  bored of doing the same thing so I always like to alternate between one and another.

Your mother is Irish American and your father Mexican, how does this mix make an influence on you? Which are your favorite cities and reveries of these places?
Where we come from means a lot… Where you grow up also influences a person. I feel blessed for having the parents I have and having such a mix of genes. Growing up I spent most my adolescence in a beautiful Mexican Town called San Miguel de Allende and then starting in my teens on I lived in Palo Alto in Northern California. I couldn’t tell you what my favorite cities are because Mexico and the US both have amazing cities, while Ireland is green, which in my book means it is beautiful.

You played for long time in many different soap operas. From popular teen drama “Clase 406” to “Talisman”  and many more. Looking back at these series which are your favorite roles? What would you change?
The first character I ever played will always be of special importance to me. People still talk about this character all the time. It left a mark on the fans and definitely left a mark on me. That was fourteen years ago. I have never stopped working from that day on. That’s the character that gave me the opportunity to build a career.

Which are your favorite directors inspiring for you and you would love to work with?
There are lots of great directors out there. Impossible to pick just a few but I’m really proud of the films the Top Mexican directors are doing. I absolutely love Italian cinema as well- obviously there are many classic Italian films and directors. Love Sorrentino’s work, it’s fabulous.

You have been nominated among the sexiest man in the world. What is sexy for you? And a suggestions for all the men for being charming?
Sexy and being charming for me is being yourself. Being a good person, being kind to everyone, being transparent and being honest.

How did the OVS underwear campaign come about?
I met Bruno, the owner of Brave Models, and I told him I wanted to be in an underwear campaign. A couple months later I was in London shooting the campaign. Just like that.

When did you meet Lola for the first time what did you think of her? When did you decide to marry her?
When I saw Lola for the firs time I was like “wow”, with my mouth wide open, and I couldn’t take my eyes of her. I decided I was going to marry her that exact moment.

How is your typical day like?
Every day is different no matter if I’m filming or if I’m in vacation. The only difference between when if working on vacation is that when I’m in vacation I don’t wear shoes and I’m usually in the ocean.

What cannot be missing in your bag when you travel?
Passport

How would you define your style?
Unique (laughs).

Beside singing, which are your passions?
Sports. Everything that has to do with the outdoors.

Your next projects and dreams for 2017?
To keep having fun and enjoying myself. Projects come at the perfect moment, you just have to be ready when they come.

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CANADA

“Same beach, same sea” as the famous song goes, yet today few vacationers still harbour this traditional attitude toward travel. While in the past, the first step to taking a trip was to head over to a travel agency and be tantalised by their sparkling brochures, now more than ever before, travellers read, prepare, research, discover and book their trips. All, pretty much, autonomously.
It is a phenomenon that has impacted the travel industry for a number of years now, as travellers tired of the same two weeks of the same old summer vacation, now have all the means at their fingertips to custom design their own travel itineraries. Through the web, which reigns king for travel booking, customrs can discover new ways and means of travelling, all completely tailored made to their desires. For travel junkies, that may translate to a new experience, instead of a simple break from the daily grind, whether it’s couchsurfing, volunteer travel, homestay exchanges or a fusion of these via AirBNB or high-end hoteliers like English vacation rental site Onefinestay (www.onefinestay.com). There’s even genealogytourism (travel in search of discovering one’s ancestry and family origins), eco tourism and local-tourism.
In this vein, there are increasingly more means through which to bridge the gap between the vacationer and the destination’s small, local businesses, offering the possibility to create extraordinary travel itineraries. As such, “travel like a local,” is the motto of the creators of travel site Responsible Travel (www.responsibletravel.com).
In addition to the already famous Cart’Orange (www.cartorange.com), i Viaggi di Atlantide (www.iviaggidiatlantide.it) and Earth (www.earthviaggi.it), a new player on the scene that has been experiencing extraordinary growth is Evaneos (www.evaneos.it), a French start-up created in 2009 by two friends that defied the standards of the current market. We spoke with Eric, one of the two founders, who explained how, just as a tailor custom creates a bespoke blazer, Evaneos provides a service to custom design a vacation from scratch.

What is Evaneos?
It is the first marketplace that connects travellers with expert local tour guides who know their own city well. We wanted to create a platform that facilitates connections between people, travellers who want to discover a country or city at their own pace and according to their own desires, with professionals in the travel industry who know their town like the back of their hand, and thus can offer a personalized service.

What is the difference between a tourist and a traveller?
A traveller, when he sees a street, wants to go off and explore it; a tourist, instead, cannot, because his group is waiting for him.

The ideal trip?
It consists of knowing how to create moments and situations that leave us speechless, that let us discover something we hadn’t expected, or meet someone new, or see things that open our eyes.

Why is it so important to connect with locals to organize a holiday?
Once a traveller organizes a trip with a true expert, he or she will never want to turn back. The local guide is the equivalent of having a friend who gives advice on where to find the hidden gems of the city. In addition, he or she is also a professional whose job it is to individually tailor each travel experience, aside from acting like a guardian angel who will make sure that everything goes as it should.

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Today’s true gentleman, with Marco Cartasegna

Do gentlemen still exist today? Or are they simply a legacy from the past? We asked the founder of the blog “YourGentleman”, Marco Cartasegna, who, after a successful career as a model and studying International Management, returns to his first passion: fashion. Thus, in 2015 he launched his blog, where he writes about his own personal style, elegance and his original creations.

“The gentleman today,” says Marco, “doesn’t exist as he did in the past century. Society has evolved, for better or for worse I’m not sure, but it certainly has changed. In this context, the new gentleman should often as possible to maintain ties to the values of the past, both in the most significant aspects of life and in everyday actions. He should always keep his word, not accumulate debts, respect women, even with small gestures like opening the car door for his better half…”

What are the modern gentleman’s passions and style?

“A gentleman’s passions can be varied, the important thing is to do what he loves with elegance and simplicity. He can even be elegant while playing rugby. The gentleman’s style is totally personal in his daily life, but he must respect etiquette when it is required. For example, it is unacceptable to show up at a black tie event in an “alternative” look.”

In light of speaking today’s gentleman, Marco interprets for MANINTOWN three looks from the Herno Fall/Winter 2016-2017 Collection. As Marco says, “the contemporary gentleman should adapt himself to the challenges of modern society by keeping his essence deeply rooted in the values of the past that inspire every daily act.” A philosophy in line with that of Herno, a company established on the shores of Lake Maggiore as far back as 1948. The brand skillfully combines tradition and innovation, intuition and creativity in every garment to accompany today’s chameleon-like man throughout every moment of the day.

For a walk in the park with his dachshund, Marco has chosen the classic 7 denier ultralight bomber. This down jacket combines functionality and aesthetic style: its padding is half fine goose down and half technical down, which adds waterproof protection, essential for the harsh winter. The insertion of goose down prevents excessive puffiness by assuring a slim fit and by enhancing the shape without adding visual weight. The collection is available in a range of energetic colors, of which Marco has chosen bright ochre. The perfect garment for gentlemen passionate about sports and the outdoors.

A round-up of faces and expressions of the new generation of Italian actors, captured for our readers in a style and music-driven photo shoot. Presenting a series of fashion images from formalwear to streetwear shot to the music of our nine protagonists’ favourite songs. MANINTOWN photographed the looks, investigating the actors’ passions and inspirations, representing a new Italian identity within film, television and theatre.

GIULIO BERANEK

What is your next professional adventure? Can you give us a preview? Will there be more TV/film or theatre in your future?
I hope that in my future will be more film. Coming up I will be on the big screen in the comedy Laciati Andare (Let Yourself Go) by Francesco Amato, with Toni Servillo, and Una Questione Privata (A Private Question) by the Taviani brothers alongside Luca Marinelli. Airing soon on TV is Tutto Puo Succedere 2 (Anything Can Happen 2).

What are your passions and how do you live them out?
I play football when I can manage not to hurt myself, and I like to write- two passions that help me relax my body and my mind.

A must-have garment in your wardrobe?
Socks.

Your favourite place to go to relax your mind, body or spirit?
My favourite place to be is at the beach.

Is the song that you have chosen to play during your photo shoot connected to anything in particular (“Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division)?
The song I chose for the shooting was the first song I could think of.

RIMAU RITZBERGER

What is your next professional adventure? Can you give us a preview? Will there be more TV/film or theatre in your future?
I just finished filming a short film about a character in Sardinia with the director Enrico Pau.

What are your passions and how do you live them out?
I find refuge in literature or in film. Plus I also enjoy chess and running races.

A must-have garment in your wardrobe?
A basic shirt.

Your favourite place to go to relax your mind, body or spirit?
The mountains.

Is the song that you have chosen to play during your photo shoot connected to anything in particular (“Toccata and Fugue in D Minor” by Bach)?
Toccata and Fugue is linked to my family, to my father in particular, who plays the organ.

ALESSANDRO SPERDUTI

What is your next professional adventure? Can you give us a preview? Will there be more TV/film or theatre in your future?
At the moment I am filming La Musica del Silenzio (The Music of Silence) with the director Michael Radford about the life of Andrea Bocelli, with Antonio Banderas, Ennio Fantastichini and other big stars. Coming out shortly on Rai 1 is Il Confine (The Border) by Carlo Carlei in which I play an irredentist in WWI.

What are your passions and how do you live them out?
I am passionate about soundtracks and technology, and I try to combine those two things through my hobby of creating music on the computer. I love sport, from going to the gym to rock climbing to snowboarding

A must-have garment in your wardrobe?
A black coat.

Your favourite place to go to relax your mind, body or spirit?
My ideal location would be a place with a lake among the mountains, like Lake Matheson in New Zealand, or Lake Braies in South Tyrol.

Is the song that you have chosen to play during your photo shoot connected to anything in particular (“New Born” by Muse)?
It is a mysterious and powerful song, very inspiring, and reminds me of a difficult time in my life. I heard it played live at a festival in England.

FRANCESCO DI RAIMONDO

What is your next professional adventure? Can you give us a preview? Will there be more TV/film or theatre in your future?
I’m busy both with theatre and television. In theatre, I just acted in La Belva (The Beast) by Paolo Scotti, and a part in The Stranger by and about Orson Welles. On the small screen, I played Federico, a clarinet teacher on the series Romanza Famigliare (Family Romance), directed by Francesca Archbugi with Giancarlo Giannini and Vittoria Puccini that will air soon on Rai 1.

What are your passions and how do you live them out?
I love music, I am on my fifth year studying clarinet at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory, I love dance, singing and sports like tennis, basketball and swimming.

A must-have garment in your wardrobe?
I’m always wearing jackets, which I buy in Paris, and scarves.

Your favourite place to go to relax your mind, body or spirit?
The place for my body: the beaches of Zanzibar. The place for my mind: the library at the School of Philosophy at La Sapienza, from where I did my studies.

Is the song that you have chosen to play during your photo shoot connected to anything in particular (“Unnatural Selection” by Muse)?
It is connected to a vacation I took in Brazil.

ERNESTO D’ARGENIO

What is your next professional adventure? Can you give us a preview? Will there be more TV/film or theatre in your future?
I’m currently on the set for the second season of Non Uccidere (Don’t Kill) co-staring in two episodes, and I am waiting to hear about working on a mini series by Riccardo Milani called Di Padre in Figlia (From Father to Daughter), where I would play a fashion photographer from the ’80s alongside co-star Matilde Gioli. In the meantime I am working on two stories for film and I am in talks about a piece for the theatre.

What are your passions and how do you live them out?
I love to get lost among the streets, especially in a new city, following where inspiration leads me. Usually I travel with others, but often I find myself travelling alone without a set itinerary. Recently I’ve also become interested in motorbikes.

A must-have garment in your wardrobe?
A great jacket that feels elegant but also free and relaxed.

Your favourite place to go to relax your mind, body or spirit?
The streets.

Is the song that you have chosen to play during your photo shoot connected to anything in particular (“Lust for Life” by Iggy Pop)?
It makes me think of my apprentice year and my life in England when I was 19 and worked as a waiter earning 800 Euros a month.

BRANDO PACITTO

What is your next professional adventure? Can you give us a preview? Will there be more TV/film or theatre in your future?
Between film and theatre, I’m indifferent- I’ll choose whichever project excites me the most. I am writing a lot and filming a few small projects.

What are your passions and how do you live them out?
Lots of music, from Pink Floyd to Bon Iver, from Chet Faker to Moderat, every genre; and also sport, I like to surf.

A must-have garment in your wardrobe?
A black turtleneck

Your favourite place to go to relax your mind, body or spirit?
The sea.

Is the song that you have chosen to play during your photo shoot connected to anything in particular (“505” by the Arctic Monkeys)?
Yes, it is connected to someone who is still part of my heart, regardless of everything.

DAVIDE IACOPINI

What is your next professional adventure? Can you give us a preview? Will there be more TV/film or theatre in your future?
I am filming the second season of Non Uccidere (Don’t Kill) on Rai 3. In a few months I will begin another Rai programme and within the end of the year it should be in cinemas.

What are your passions and how do you live them out?
I have been doing rock climbing for some time. When I can, I read, cook and play the harmonica.

A must-have garment in your wardrobe?
I like technical materials, those that keep you warm without being encumbering. Also a great wool coat.

Your favourite place to go to relax your mind, body or spirit?
The mountains, the valley around Mont Blanc in particular. Facing that giant king relaxes me.

Is the song that you have chosen to play during your photo shoot connected to anything in particular (“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” covered by Creedence Clearwater Revival)?
It reminds me of the grape harvests I did as a kid. And it’s one of the few songs I know how to play on the guitar.

GIUSEPPE MAGGIO

What is your next professional adventure? Can you give us a preview? Will there be more TV/film or theatre in your future?
In January I have a TV series coming out on Canale 5, and another project I am working on in France that I cannot discuss. I hope my future brings both cinema and theatre because I love doing them both.

What are your passions and how do you live them out?
I practice CrossFit, an American workout based on combining various exercises, increasing in intensity. I love the theatre for understanding what is the culture environment of the moment. Plus I like to write- I am finishing my first book- and more than anything, I love to travel

A must-have garment in your wardrobe?
A studded black leather jacket

Your favourite place to go to relax your mind, body or spirit?
Salento. It’s a place where I go to find myself, and my roots.

Is the song that you have chosen to play during your photo shoot connected to anything in particular (“Every Rose Has It’s Thorn” by Poison)?
It reminds me of a past love story of mind with an unhappy ending.

LEONARDO PAZZAGLI

His dazzling smile is proof that being on a diet doesn’t equal feeling sadness and deprivation. In fact, his beautiful and delicious dishes would make anyone drool at first sight.  He’s Marco Bianchi, born in 1978, chef, scientist, writer for the Umberto Veronesi Foundation, author of numerous health books and a TV personality, who genuinely enjoys sharing his true love of good cooking with his social media followers, many of whom try his recipes and then enthusiastically post their results on social networks.  His sincerity and simplicity wins over whomever he meets, including us. We interviewed him to ask for his precious advice on following a balanced lifestyle, yet one without too many sacrifices.

People assume mostly women watch their weight and their diets. Yet you are an example that men as well are becoming more sensitive to these matters. What pushed you to adopt a healthier lifestyle?
Basically, it was my course of study: it led me to become much more careful about what I eat. Being in close contact with the world of scientific research, seeing year after year, slide after slide, the analyses conducted on patients gave me pause. It made me decide to stop how I was eating and to make a conscious choice to live a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. This change first started as an experiment on myself, then it started catching the interest of those around me.

We know you’re a health fanatic. How much does it affect your personal style choices?
I made a choice not to be defined as vegan, because I consume animal proteins, such as fish and cheese. I just don’t eat meat and meat products, such as sausages and salami, but everything else I eat in moderation. My choices are dictated by the careful selection of the farms and how products are sold: from cheese to fresh caught fish, I always try to opt for the best. This also means being able to distinguish which companies produce well and care about the quality of raw materials.

Wellness, health and eco-design are the main ingredients of the Healthy Box. How did your collaboration with SKAKO and Essent’ial begin?
It started a bit by chance. I was already buying Essent’ial products, due to their sustainability. Together we decided to give life to the Healthy Box, and SKAKO took care of the creative part. I became the face of this beautiful health project.

You’re a sportsman, often seen in running shoes and a track suit, engaging in various events devoted to health and prevention. In your everyday life, however, what do you like to wear?  Did the fact that you became a celebrity change your lifestyle?
I’m always in motion, especially if I can’t make it to formal workouts like CrossFit, which I really enjoy doing. In that case, I like to get out and about, my gym is the stairs or the city, walking everywehere. I walk a lot, an average of 10-12 km per day, and for me there’s no such thing as elevators, so, whoever comes along with me knows he has to dress comfortably.  Sweating once a day, for at least 20 minutes, is a must. Becoming well-known hasn’t changed me, I’m still me. I definitely get stopped more often, I’m asked for advice, but in general I act as I always have, no difference. Luckily my followers love me, so I have great interaction with whomever I meet on the street, at the supermarket, in a store. It’s always a pleasure to be enriched by my community’s kind words.

The “MANINTOWN” man is multifaceted. What is your advice to how he can pursue a healthy lifestyle day by day, without too many sacrifices?
Imagining each meal as a complete dish is a key rule for everyone. That means the dish should be comprised of 50% plants, such as fruits and vegetables, 25% whole grains and 25% protein, to be alternated among low-fat cheese, fish, dried fruits and legumes, lots of legumes. I don’t mentioning meat because I don’t consume any, but obviously meat could be a part of this 25%. Beyond that, I’d advise a fresh juice, fruit and salad at least once a day. Dried fruit makes a great snack good for every day, especially for those who practice sport and exercise; it is a heart saver. Plus the ideal recipe for health also includes exercise and physical activity.

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A playful mix and match of prints and micro patterns define the new formal look.

It is an ingredient used in many men’s fragrances because it gives any composition a warm and masculine, yet refined note. We’re talking about tobacco, which adds to fragrances that extra touch because it lends itself to various olfactory interpretations. It can be “sweet, ” combined with fruity, floral notes, or those of honey and vanilla, “dirty” thanks to the addition of black pepper or other pungent spices, leather or musk, and finally “smoky” tinted with incense or scorched wood. In any case, its effect is hard to achieve with other raw material, and this makes tobacco much loved amongst fragrance designers, who also use it in the creation of women’s Asian inspired scents- but that’s another story.

Million Privé by Paco Rabanne has an effervescent and spicy opening, rich with notes of mandarin and cinnamon. The heart is enriched with Nargile tobacco and myrrh. The base notes are warm and sensual, with a mix of patchouli, and Tonka bean absolute.

Tobacco by Franck Boclet opens with top notes of ginger and tobacco leaves, softened by the fruity sweetness of plum. The heart reinforces the smoky notes of the tobacco thanks to clove and Tonka bean, united by cedar wood. The base has warm, amber and woody notes, with a touch of vanilla and musk.

Tobacco Oud by Tom Ford. The harmony in this fragrance found its inspiration in the Arabian “dokha,” a traditional blend of spices, herbs, flowers and tobacco with an intoxicating and narcotic aroma, added together with the intense and animalistic notes of oud.

Tobacco Nuit by Atelier Cologne Collection Orient is a cologne in absolute form, 20% concentrated, which opens with the fresh and spicy notes of clementine, coriander and cumin. A smoky heart of labdanum, incense and tobacco flowers, that closes with enveloping notes of patchouli, wood, cedar and Tonka bean.

Tabarome Millesime by Creed draws inspiration from Winston Churchill’s fragrance of choice, also by Creed. Tabarome is a combination of the words “tobacco” and “aroma” and calls to mind the scene of cigars, high back leather chairs and the scent of brandy swirling through an exclusive British gentlemen’s club.

Les Jeux Sont Faits by Jovoy Paris is inspired by French film noir of the 1960s, that of Jean Gabin and Lino Ventura. The fragrance opens with head notes of angelica and gin: aromatic, fresh and dry. In the heart, chords recalling the smell of a smoky gambling hall: bitter tobacco leaves and cumin. The base is a captivating blend of patchouli and a warm and fruity note of vanilla and labdanum reminiscent of Cuban rum.

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Photo credit: Victor Jones
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Images credits: © Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh
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Photo credit : Shoji Fujii
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