2018

AUSTRALIA
WATCH
SPECIAL
THE COOLEST,
CRAZIEST,
TIMEPIECES
OF THE YEAR

WORLD
CUP
CHAOS
DELAYS, DOUBTS
AND DODGY DEALS
AT RUSSIA 2018

MEET THE
MAN WHO
EXPOSED
FACEBOOK
“THERE’S NO SUCH
THING AS AN INNOCENT A B OY F R OM
WHISTLE - BLOWER.“ OZ WHO BECAME
P44
A LEGEND

SHARPER.
SMARTER.
BETTER.
HUGH
JAckMAN
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 ON THE
COVER 2018

AUSTRALIA
WATCH
SPECIAL
THE COOLEST
CRAZIEST
TIMEPIECES
OF THE YEAR

WORLD
CUP
CHAOS
DELAYS DOUBTS
AND DODGY DEALS
AT RUSSIA 2018

MEET THE
MAN WHO
EXPOSED
FACEBOOK
THERE S NO SUCH
TH NG AS AN INNOCENT A B OY F R OM
WHISTLE-BLOWER.“ OZ WHO BECAME
P44
A LEGEND

SHARPER.
SMARTER.
BETTER.
HUGH
JAckMAN

JUNE•JULY
 P49 J U N E / J U LY

CONTENTS P118
P173

2 9 TH E B R I E F

“When you can Your next set of

heapdhones; Moncler’s
stroke of Genius;

predict the future Justice Smith -

Hollywood has a new
superstar; when are

you can create it.”

G Q & A : C H R I STO P H E R W Y L I E PAG E 4 4
sequels a good idea?;
The Strokes’ Albert
Hammond Jr; and more.

4 2 TH E COLUM N I ST
Dan Rookwood is
P84 (slowly) coming round
to veganism.

4 4 GQ&A
Cambridge Analytica
whistleblower,
Christopher Wylie,
is ready to talk.

4 9 TASTE & TRAVEL

Wanaka is the new
Queenstown; why
it’s high time we
started eating
Australian cheese.

5 9 GQ ST YLE
How to dress for winter;
elevate your essentials.

8 1 GQ WATC H
SPEC IAL
P54
Wrapping up the
best of 2018 so far.

1 1 8 CARS
The McLaren ‘720S’
is a beast; test driving
the new German-made
Commodore; Alfa
Romeo’s return to form.

1 2 5 GQ I N C
Learn the secrets to
getting the most out
of festivals of ideas.

1 7 3 GQ FIT
The right way
to start cycling;
P68 how surfers stay
fit on tour.

JUNE•JULY
 T H E EDITOR
LETTER
O nce upon a time, a legacy was exclusive to
people in positions of power. They were
stories written into the history books as
gospel, celebrated and unchallenged.
Today, a lot has changed. For a start, we’re all shaping
our legacies, all the time. And everything is challenged.
Social media is a modern-day ‘source’ to document
it’s been controversy after
controversy. As a sporting
purist, I’m hopeful the
tournament is a success
and soccer wins. But maybe
that’s naïve. For a more
in-depth look at who’ll be the
history, which is as scary as it is wonderful. It’s meant winners and losers, go to p166.
legacies are less about egotistical accolades and more As well as all our favourite
about the impact we can have on the broader society. new releases from Baselworld,
It got me thinking, as we gear up to celebrate our 2018 Watch Special
our 20th birthday later this year, it’s less about deining focuses on how brands steeped
GQ Australia’s place in history, and more about how we in heritage can be relevant to
can celebrate others who are making a positive change. the younger generations. It’s interesting to
Not many Australians are creating a legacy quite witness the ensuing revolution, with many brands JACKMAN’S
like Hugh Jackman who this month marks his ifth placing their futures in the hands of new super GQ COVERS
appearance on our cover (see right). A respected CEOs. And be it Chopard’s pledge to only use IF ONLY WE COULD ALL
Oscar-nominated actor on screen and stage, he uses ethical gold, or Breitling and Blancpain’s (separate) AGE AS WELL AS THE
AUSTRALIAN LEGEND.
his proile to promote meaningful causes – be it quests to focus on water conservation initiatives,
AWARD WINNING

UNICEF’s Workout for Water initiative or R U the legacies are being re-written, for the better. 2008
MEN
COLLECTOR’S SSUE!

OF
OK? Day. He’s ighting it, a model parent/husband Another sector where legacies live long in the THE
YEAR
2008
and has always been a brilliant spokesperson for his memory is politics, so be sure to read our Agenda PAGES
OF
FEATURING
THE
LEADERS
OF THE
PACK
COOL
country in Hollywood (even if he’s never appeared on piece (p26), written by Jordon Steele-John, Australia’s
MATTHEW
TO KICKSTART MITCHAM
THE PRESETS
YOUR SUMMER KERRY O BRIEN
DAN EL
GET WET MACPHERSON
WE POOL PARTY BAZ LUHRMANN
WITH MEGAN FOX WIL ANDERSON

Home and Away or Neighbours). While you digest that youngest ever Senator. Remember the name. Straight
GRANT SM LL E
HEATH’S UNDERBELLY
LEGACY
A TR BUTE
FROM H S
FATHER

last bit, lick to p138 and get stuck into our interview from his appointment in November 2017, he’s HOW TO
BUY A WATCH

 
        

with the Audi and Montblanc ambassador, where he challenged the status quo on government support 2010



 


relects on the power of the #MeToo movement and for our budding gaming industry and believes the


 


 



considers his stance on forgiveness. minimum age for voting should be 16, not 18.  
 
 
 



Continuing with this theme, we were keen to proile He is making politics cool as well as relatable 






 

      

someone who’s spoken out about something they and our future needs more politicians like him.  

 
 
   

 



 


 



believe is for the greater good of society. So we spent an Lastly, thanks to all involved in the inaugural AUSTRALIA’S AWARD-WINNING MEN’S MAGAZINE
THE LUXE
ISSUE
2012
afternoon with Christopher Wylie – the man responsible GQ Gentlemen’s Ball, presented by Penfolds Max’s –
PAGES OF
for putting Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg in front of the we are excited by the momentum building around STRIP
THE FAT!
A COVER
MODEL
THE GOOD
LIFE

BODY IN

US Senate. My mother has always been wary about our aim to celebrate the next generation of pioneers. TEN STEPS
(PAGE 143)

ALAN JOYCE
THE MAN WHO The 2012
GROUNDED GQ MEN

sharing personal details online, and though my siblings Because if there’s any legacy to be created here, that’s
QANTAS of STYLE and
SUBSTANCE
GQ from RYAN
WATCH GOSLING to
THIS YEAR’S
MUST HAVE BOB HAWKE

and I have made fun of her for this for years, what Wylie not a bad one – combined with ensuring Australian
GUIDE TO
DIALS WITH SUPER
STYLE
NERDS
PHOTOGRAPHY: GIUSEPPE SANTAMARIA.
MEET THE
THE FUTURE ISSUE

reveals certainly makes you think twice. It is scary to men are as stylish as any, of course. 2013 AUSTRALIA FORTUNE
TELLING
wonder how such intel is being harvested to manipulate 10 YOUNG STARS
WHO’LL BE BIG
NEWS SOON

our lives. And before you question the Canadian’s motive 135
WAYS TO
FUTURE PROOF
HOW TO GET
YOUR EMAIL
READ BY
ANYONE
GQ INC

for speaking out and exposing Cambridge Analytica’s YOUR WARDROBE

TOMORROW S MENU
WHERE’S OUR
HOVERBOARD?
WHAT HOLLYWOOD PROMISED
NO HANGOVER BOOZE,
role in recent elections, ask yourself this: would you
(AND DIDN T DELIVER)
CRICKETS & CRONUTS
POT FOR
AUSTRALIAN ICON PROFIT
INSIDE

be brave enough to reveal the truth about something HUGH AMERICA S

LEGAL
CANNABIS
JACKMAN INDUSTRY

if you knew it would change your life forever? ON SET AND UP CLOSE WITH
THE WOLVERINE
PLUS GIRLS
SPACE TRAVEL | TEQUILA | UNDERWATER EXERCISE | AARON PAUL
| SMART PILLS | AUSTRALIA S HOTTEST BARS | SHOELACES

Then there is this month’s 2018 Russia World Cup.

How on earth will that be remembered? Ever since
December 2010, when ex-FIFA president Sepp MIKE CHRISTENSEN FOLLOW MIKE
@CHRISTENSENMIKE
Blatter unfolded a piece of paper with ‘Russia’ on it, EDITOR
 AUSTRALIA

EDITOR MIKE CHRISTENSEN

DEPUTY EDITOR JAKE MILLAR FASHION DIRECTOR AT LARGE TREVOR STONES

ART DIRECTOR SARAH HUGHES FASHION EDITOR OLIVIA HARDING
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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Giuseppe Santamaria, David Singleton, Kate Sullivan, Miguel Urbina Tan, Edward Urrutia, Ben Watts.

INTERNS
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AUSTRALIA magazine is published by NewsLifeMedia (ACN 088 923 906), Level 1, 2 Holt Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010. NewsLifeMedia is a wholly owned subsidiary of News Limited (ACN 007 871 178).
Copyright 2018 by NewsLifeMedia Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Address: 2 Holt Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010. Tel: (02) 9288 3000. Email: editorial@gq.com.au Advertising tel: (02) 9353 6666, fax: (02) 9353 6600.
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CONDÉ NAST INTERNATIONAL

JONATHAN NEWHOUSE, Chairman and Chief Executive WOLFGANG BLAU, President
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CONDÉ NAST INTERNATIONAL

Chairman and Chief Executive Jonathan Newhouse
President Wolfgang Blau

TWO THE CONDÉ NAST INTERNATIONAL GROUP OF BRANDS INCLUDES:

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EXPOSED
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“THERE’S NO SUCH
THING AS AN INNOCENT
WHISTLE-BLOWER.“
P44
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FENDI DISPLAYS ITS
SS18 COLLECTION
DURING LAST YEAR’S
MEN’S FASHION
WEEK IN MILAN.
GQ INSIDERS
Our home-grown style
community will be out on the
streets in their finest threads
and reporting back on the
weird and wonderful styles
spotted outside the shows.
GQ DIRECTORY Want to know where to go and who to see? Then check out the Directory on GQ.COM.AU
G Q . C O M . AU
ONLINE O N T H E R U N WAY
MEN’S
FASHION
WEEKS HIT
EUROPE
Worn, sorted and curated.
Discover this season’s best
men’s fashion from the world’s
leading designers during the
European shows this June
and July. From outerwear and
sports luxe to edgy suiting and
linen tailoring, we’ll be sitting
front row at the men’s shows
as well as propping up the
bars at the brightest parties
across London, Paris and
Milan fashion weeks.
PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES; GIUSEPPE SANTAMARIA .
DISSECT STREET
THE RUNWAY
Our fashion editor will be
STYLE
Our photographers will
shining a light on the key be snapping the
looks and trends from best-dressed men of
the runway shows. the week, showcased
on GQ.com.au

CONTRIBUTORS
THE SOCCEROOS WILL BE
LED BY CAPTAIN MILE JEDINAK
AT THIS YEAR’S WORLD CUP -
HOW WILL THEY FARE?
heading to Russia?
Learn the Russian
alphabet. It doesn’t
take very much time
at all, and you’d be
astonished just how
How was Jackman
as a subject?
Hugh is always a
complete gentlemen;
easy going, relaxed.
Ultimate professional.
Favourite movie
starring him?
Prisoners.
Is it more or less of
a challenge shooting
someone so familiar
to the public?
ben watts SHOT OUR
It all depends on the
talent. I always have
a place to begin to
C OV E R S T O RY, P 1 3 8 build from. I like to keep
it light and fun on set
J U N E /J U LY
many daunting-looking
that he should have
gone yonks ago, but
22 years! In one job!
People don’t even
stay married for that
long these days.
which usually brings As an Aussie living in
out great moments the US, what do you
to capture. miss about home?
Your first book was in The weather, the
2000, what are some beaches, the laid-back
of the biggest changes vibe and of course
in photography over my friends.
the past 20 years? Is there anyone you
The switch from film haven’t worked with
to digital opened up yet who’s on your
the profession and bucket list?
world of photography I’ve had so many
to everyone. Social great experiences
media and camera
phones have enabled
a lot of people to
with people that
I’ve worked with.
I’m just happy to be
discover a talent they working actively as
didn’t know about. a photographer.
J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU
Richard
clune
INTERVIEWED HUGH
JAC K M A N F O R O U R
C OV E R S T O RY, P 1 3 8
Is Jackman as much of
a gent as everyone says?
Annoyingly so - his
thoughtfulness and presence
have always been welcome
constants since the first
time speaking to him.
He turns 50 this year – give
you any tips on handling the
milestone with grace?
He reckons he never looks
back - and it’s not a bad way
to be given there’s little you
can do to alter the past.
You’ve been with GQ for a
good few years now – in what
ways has the brand changed
over the past 20 years?
While GQ’s often updated
itself it’s never deviated
from its core, original ethos
- to entertain, engage and
educate via unique and
spirited content.
What else are you working on?
Because the world needs
another guidebook on
modern masculinity, I’ve got
one coming this September.
There’s also a small TV
series in the offing and life
to be lived away from work,
which is why I’ve joined an
underground pétanque club.
25
 THE AGENDA
BY SENATOR JORDON STEELE- JOHN

T here’s a narrative that

young people do not care
about politics, and do not
engage in our democracy.
This argument is used to justify the
relentless pursuit of policy decisions
that will overwhelmingly affect young
that young people, frankly, don’t
give a shit. But, when you present
young people with something tangible
they turn out in huge numbers
to participate.
There is no greater recent example
in Australian history than the campaign
people for the longest time, without for marriage equality, which saw record
involving them in the process of numbers of young people enrolling to
making those decisions. This vote for the irst time, or updating their
exclusivity in turn drives young details on the electoral roll to ensure
people away from politics, and so on they could participate. As a result of the
and so forth. There’s a deep-seated Australian marriage equality campaign
rhetoric in Australian politics that says we now have the highest number of
there is a direct correlation between young people on the electoral roll, ever,
age and experience and maturity. This and that has nothing to do with an
premise is fundamentally incorrect; no election. Young people were given
age group has a monopoly on the full an opportunity to have a say on an
AS AU S T R A L I A’ S YO U N G E S T
range of experiences necessary to issue that was important to them,
S E N ATO R , T H E AU S T R A L I A N G R E E N S ’
achieve good policy outcomes. S P O K E S P E R S O N FO R YO U T H A F FA I R S and they took it.
The average age of politicians in SAYS I T’ S T I M E P O L I T I C I A N S What we saw happen during this
Canberra is 51 years old and there are S TA R T E D TA K I N G T H E N E X T hugely successful campaign was a
currently only three of us under the age G E N E R AT I O N M O R E S E R I O U S LY. two-way street. Young people led the
of 35 – or just over one per cent. Yet, charge and demanded to have their say,
in Australia this age bracket makes up and because of the role they played,
more than 45 per cent of our population. politicians were forced to listen. This is not a uniquely Australian
But if we continue to shut their voices out then we’re risking experience either.
the very integrity of our democracy. This narrative, which has Across the world young people are setting the political agenda,
dominated Australian politics for my lifetime, is self-perpetuating whether it be #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, #MarchForOurLives or,
and must be challenged. much closer to home, #JusticeForElijah. They are leading social
In my short time as a senator I’ve met with and spoken to movements, asserting their right to participate in our democracy
hundreds of young people, as well as representatives of peak youth and ultimately, deserve more of an opportunity to have a say in
organisations and program coordinators across WA. Young people our shared future.
are an inspiration. They’re more informed, more compassionate and This is not going to happen if the political discourse in Australia
more perceptive than ever before. Never have young people had such continues to be inluenced by the damaging narrative that, by and
a clear understanding of the challenges we’re facing in our world and large, young people don’t care. We know they do and by ignoring
whether we like it or not, whether we think they’re ready or not, their voice we’re teaching a generation of young people that
we cannot deny that they represent a consciousness that must politics is not worth their time.
be acknowledged and celebrated. I am passionate about changing this narrative and I feel it’s my
I also have the unique experience in the Australian Senate of being duty to do so. You may think this is the lofty idealism, but here are
the youngest elected member, and in a past life I dedicated my time a few simple steps Australian politics could take right now to change
to youth and disability advocacy and activism. In my short time as it. We must see the reinstatement of a minister for youth affairs,
a senator I’ve heard time and again that one of the biggest issues federal funding for the national youth advocacy body and federal
facing young people is having their voices heard by their elected funding for youth week. Finally, we must ensure that the issues
representatives. In a world that is so dominated by the 24-hour affecting young people never again slip from the political agenda
news cycle and social media, how is it that such a huge constituency by joining the increasing number of nations around the world in
is being ignored in our democracy? lowering the voting age, optionally, to 16. The fact is, young people
Data would tell us that the lowest enrolment rates in Australia are are the future. And it’s time for us to not only give them more of
among 18- to 25-year-olds, and this statistic fuels the perception a voice – but to listen to what they have to say.

26 G Q .COM . AU J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8
 Le Petit Prince® The Little Prince® © Antoine de Saint Exupéry Estate. Licensed by LPP612.

1300 36 4810
Sydney · Melbourne · Brisbane · Perth
 T WO HUNDRED YEARS of AMERICAN STYLE

SYDNEY MELBOURNE BRISBANE ADELAIDE BROOKSBROTHERS.COM.AU

 S TA R R I N G T H E L I K E S O F S A N D R A B U L L O C K , C AT E B L A N C H E T T A N D E V E N R I H A N N A , O C E A N ’ S 8 ,
T H E
AN ALL-FEMALE REBOOT OF THE BLOCKBUSTER FRANCHISE, IS IN CINEMAS ON JUNE 8.

The
hit
list
F I V E T H I N G S TO
TA K E YO U R M I N D
OFF WINTER.
HIGH PERFORMANCE SUITS
WWW.FARAGE.COM.AU
 D E S I G N E R S C R A I G G R E E N A N D R O B E R T O C AVA L L I A R E G U E S T S P E A K E R S AT T H E S U M M E R E D I T I O N
T H E
O F P I T T I U O M O , T A K I N G P L A C E I N F L O R E N C E , I T A LY. J U N E 1 2 - 1 5 ; P I T T I M M A G I N E . C O M

The brand’s high-end skiwear line,

Moncler Grenoble, demonstrated
its latest designs in an installation that
featured models lounging in fake snow
and reflected in a giant floor-to-
ceiling mirror, because why not?

Moncler Genius
I N D I E S O N G S T R E S S S T. V I N C E N T W I L L B R I N G H E R E C L E C T I C B L E N D O F P O P T O SY D N E Y
T H E
F O R V I V I D , P L A Y I N G A O N E - O F F S H O W A T C A R R I A G E W O R K S O N J U N E 1 7 ; V I V I D S Y D N E Y. C O M

Valentino’s creative Fashion

Key collaborations director Pierpaolo wunderkind Streetwear
In all, eight Moncler Genius Piccioli’s take on Craig Green label Palm
collections will be released head-to-toe take delivered an array Angels delivered
month by month starting in June. on the classic of cosy, oversized a touch of LA cool
Here are our three favourites. down jacket. creations. to the italian brand.
 D U M P E D F R O M N E T F L I X A F T E R J U S T O N E S E A S O N , C U LT F A V O U R I T E S E N S E 8
T H E
WILL BE GIVEN A ‘WRAP-UP MOVIE’ AIRING ON NETFLIX FROM JUNE 8.

BREAKTHROUGH

The next
big thing

ON TOP OF JURASSIC
WORLD, SMITH WILL
STAR IN DETECTIVE
PIKACHU ALONGSIDE
RYAN REYNOLDS, SET
FOR RELEASE IN 2019.
R A I S I N G A W A R E N E S S A N D F A C I L I T A T I N G C O N V E R S A T I O N A R O U N D T H E H E A LT H A N D W E L L B E I N G O F
T H E
B L O K E S , M E N ’ S H E A L T H W E E K W I L L R U N F R O M J U N E 1 1 - 1 7 ; M E N S H E A LT H W E E K . O R G . A U

BOOKS PHOTOGRAPHY

Reading list The

art of
Michael
Stipe
A NEW COFFEE TABLE BOOK
COVERS ALMOST FOUR DECADES
OF THE ACCLAIMED MUSICIAN’S
OFFSTAGE WORK.

Best known as the frontman of hugely

successful US band REM, Michael Stipe
also happens to be an accomplished
artist and photographer whose work has
been exhibited everywhere from New
York to Stockholm. It seems, though, that
all this creative output left him a bit time-
poor when it came to designing the cover
for this collection of his photographic
works. (See above - the poor guy must’ve
been up all night.) Not to worry – you
know what they say about judging books
by their covers. Beyond its bland facade,
this one actually contains a fantastic
selection of Stipe’s pictorial efforts
in both colour and black and white.
Published by Italian company Damiani, it’s
the first in a series of volumes that covers
some 37 years of the artist’s practice.
VOLUM E 1 BY M ICHAE L STI PE, $63;
DAM IAN I E D ITOR E .COM
 C O M E D I A N T I F FA N Y H A D D I S H – O F G I R LS TR I P A N D T H AT H I L A R I O U S B E YO N C E - B I T I N G S T O RY –
T H E
W I L L H O S T T H E 2 0 1 8 M T V M OV I E A N D T V AWA R D S , TA K I N G P L AC E O N J U N E 1 8 .

MUSIC

“I had to
make a lot
of mistakes
in front of
people to get
to where I am”
T H E B I T T E R S W E E T A N D B R U T A L LY H O N E S T H U M O U R O F D A V I D S E D A R I S I S E N C A P S U L A T E D M O S T
T H E
P R O F O U N D LY I N H I S N E W C O L L E C T I O N O F P E R S O N A L E S S A Y S , C A LY P S O , O U T N O W .

T  he announcement could
barely have been more
exciting. Melbourne’s NGV
revealed it was teaming up
with the Museum of Modern Art in
New York to bring some of the world’s
most famous artworks to Australia.
That was the good news. The bad
news was that this was in June 2016
– a full two years before the exhibition
was actually set to open its doors.
But now the wait has finally paid off,
with the arrival of MoMA at NGV: 130
Years of Modern and Contemporary
Art, the centrepiece in the Melbourne
Winter Masterpieces series. In all,
more than 200 works have been
drawn from all six of the MoMA’s
curatorial departments: architecture
and design, drawings and prints, film,
media and performance art, painting
and sculpture and photography. Until
October, pieces by Salvador Dalí, Andy
Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Jeff Koons,
Frida Kahlo, Agnes Martin and Cindy
Sherman (plus many, many more)
will fill the entire ground floor of NGV
international. Impressive stuff.
MOMA AT NGV: 130 YEARS OF MODERN
AND CONTEMPORARY ART, JUNE
ART 9-OCTOBER 7; NGV.MELBOURNE

New York comes

to Melbourne
A N E W B LO C K B U S T E R E X H I B I T I O N B R I N G S S O M E
O F T H E B I G A P P L E TO AU S T R A L I A .

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

‘Painterly Architectonic’ (1917) by Lyubov Popova;
‘The Portrait’ (1935) by René Magritte; ‘No.3 / No. 13’ (1949)
by Mark Rothko; ‘Drowning Girl’ (1963) by Roy Lichtenstein.
 M O N A ’ S F A M O U S D A R K M O F O F E S T I V A L K I C K S O F F O N J U N E 7, F E A T U R I N G A C U R I O U S
T H E
L I N E - U P O F L I V E M U S I C, I M M E R S I V E A R T A N D O T H E R S P E C TAC L E S; DA R K M O F O . N E T. A U

DESIGN

Sydney’s
stylish
new stay

in the
detail
In the early
‘50s, Swiss-born
architect Le
Corbusier was
charged with the
ambitious project
of planning an
entire Indian city.
His vision included
unique furniture
by his cousin,
Pierre Jeanneret,
and many of the
pieces have gone
on to become
priceless classics -
so this coffee book
may be your best
chance of getting
your hands on
any of it.
APPROX. $260;
ASSOULINE.COM
A F T E R R E P O R T E D LY ‘ B R E A K I N G N E T F L I X ’ D U R I N G T H E O P E N I N G W E E K E N D O F I T S F I R S T S E R I E S ,
T H E
T H E   H O T LY A N T I C I P A T E D S E C O N D S E A S O N O F M A R V E L’ S L U K E C A G E W I L L P R E M I E R E O N J U N E 2 2 .

FILM

The best
and worst
film sequels
CRITICS LOVED

THE DARK KNIGHT

(2008)
SPIDER-MAN 2
(2004)

BEFORE
SUNSET (2004)

THE GODFATHER: STAR WARS EPISODE

PART II (1974) TOY STORY 2
VII: THE FORCE
(1999)
AWAKENS (2015)

BLADE RUNNER
2049 (2017)

SHREK 2
TERMINATOR 2 (2004)
(1991)
BOX OFFICE FLOP

BOX OFFICE H IT
ADDAMS FAMILY
NEIGHBOURS 2:
VALUES (1993)
SORORITY RISING (2016)

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA

TURTLES: OUT OF THE
SHADOWS (2016)

THE HUNTSMAN: THE HANGOVER

EVAN ALMIGHTY WINTER’S WAR PART II (2011)
(2007) (2016)

GREASE 2
(1982)

HOT TUB TIME

MACHINE 2
JOHNNY (2015)
ENGLISH REBORN
(2011)

SPEED 2:
STAYING CRUISE
ALIVE (1983) CONTROL
(1997)
ZOOLANDER 2
(2016) SEX AND
THE CITY 2 (2010)

C R I T I C S L OAT H E D
 EXPOSURE

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT

Three exclusive tailor-made
Ferraris were on display
on the night; Jake Gordon
delivers the night’s Welcome to
Country address; Hayden and
Danielle Cox; William Smart,
Dolla Merrillees, Jake Gordon
and Roger Leong; Justin
O’Shea; Sylvester
and Maurice Terzini.

The exhibition
featured some of the
most iconic examples
of men’s fashion over
the past 300 years.

REIGNING MEN
LAUNCH C E L E B R AT I N G T H E LO N G A N D D I V E R S E
H I S TO RY O F M E N ’ S FAS H I O N .

If there was an occasion capable of luring Sydney’s best-dressed out of their

respective habitats and into the Powerhouse Museum, it was the opening night
of Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear 1715-2015, which took place on May 1. The largest
menswear retrospective in the world, the exhibition launch was an obvious drawcard for
the city’s most stylish gents, with the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences’ Reigning
Men of Sydney ambassadors Justin O’Shea, Kelvin Ho, Benji Hart and Jimmy Niggles
stepping out for the evening’s proceedings. As the exhibition’s oficial media partner,
GQ Australia was there to declare the exhibition open, alongside co-curators
Roger Leong and Sharon Takeda.
WORDS: AMY CAMPBELL.

And the festivities didn’t disappoint. With a multi-million dollar display consisting
of three exclusive tailor-made Ferraris on show – as well as a pop-up workspace offering
guests a live glimpse into the making of an IWC watch – those in attendance were
treated to a diverse celebration of men’s style in its many iterations. Reigning Men
features more than 130 outits, charting some 300 years of menswear, and is
curated in partnership with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
On display at the Powerhouse Museum until October 14; maas.museum
 VAN HEUSEN
MENTORS

FROM TOP
Adam Baidawi and Alexandra
Marxsen; Dalton Graham with
Mike Christensen; Besart Berisha
with Carl Valeri and guest;
Cyril Rioli being interviewed.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP
Roberto Malizia and Shaun
Birley; Max Kruse and GQ
Insider Josh Bozin; Scotty
James; Longsong Bar in
Melbourne; the Van Heusen
Mentors panel.

Two years ago, suiting label Van Heusen launched its irst Mentors
campaign, aimed at inspiring Aussie men to not just look good,
but feel it too. And it clearly made an impact. Because following
the success of the irst instalment – which featured, among others,
surf legend Mick Fanning – Van Heusen has brought its Mentors
campaign back, with a fresh array of talent. To celebrate the
launch and meet Van Heusen’s new list of mentors, GQ partnered
with the brand for an exclusive panel discussion at Melbourne’s
suitably stylish Longsong Bar. Joining GQ’s Mike Christensen
on stage were some of Van Heusen’s new mentors, including
Olympic medallist Scotty James, tech pioneer Stuart B Richardson,
Hawthorne’s Cyril Rioli and A-league icon Besart Berisha who
were there to relect on their achievements and share a few secrets
to their success. Rounding out Van Heusen’s list of mentors for
the current campaign are the likes of James Magnussen, activist
and lawyer Deng Adut, Aussie cricketer Mitchell Starc and
paralympian Kurt Fearnley. Not only are they among Australia’s
most accomplished individuals, but they also happen to scrub
up pretty well in a nice suit – Van Heusen, of course.

J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 41
 THE
H ow do
you know
if someone
is vegan?
Don’t worry – they’ll
tell you soon enough.
Those who practise
veganism typically do
so with a quasi-religious
zeal that even the average
Scientologist would ind
a bit much. Vegangelists
commune around the
ofice kitchenette
competitively swapping
anecdotes about how
amazing they feel
as they chow down
unconvincingly on
some plant-based mulch.
This circle can be a bit
intimidating to breach as
you reheat last night’s lasagne in
the microwave. ‘Don’t mind me
and my tasty plate of indeterminate
minced cow/pig parts!’
What the vegan diet may lack in things like
vitamin B12, calcium, iron and lavour, it more
than makes up for in smugness.
Just kidding. Some of my best friends
are vegans. Where I work, Whole30 –
the paramilitary wing of vegan-extremism
– has been sweeping the ofice like a wasting
plague. Popping out to grab a quick coffee
with a vegan often turns into a discussion
with the barista about the various non-dairy
milks on offer. It’s literally nuts. Ordering
food at restaurants with strict vegans
can sap you of the will to live – or to
let them live.
When I was growing up, vegetarians
(as they were then collectively known)
were eyed with suspicion and treated with
disdain. The veggie option on the menu was
invariably a solitary box-ticker called a nut
roast that looked like the bottom of a budgie
cage and probably tasted worse. (Can’t say
I’ve ever tried either.)
These days it’s a totally different story.
Veganism has gone fully mainstream. There
are vegan restaurants and cafes sprouting up
everywhere. Supermarkets have entire aisles
dedicated to vegan produce.
42 G Q .COM . AU J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8
DAN ROOKWOOD
PICKING
A FIGHT
WITH VEGANS
This isn’t a fad diet; it’s a cultural
movement. Australia is the third-fastest
growing vegan market in the world,
according to market researcher
Euromonitor International. In August 2016
a survey by Roy Morgan Research found
that 2.1 million people living in Australia
say they ate a complete or mainly vegetarian
diet, with the highest proportion in Sydney
(14.4 per cent). It’s a fair bet this igure will
have shot up since. The number of vegans
in the UK, meanwhile, has mushroomed by
700 per cent in the past two years, up from
540,000 to 3.5 million. Throw another tofu
kebab on the barbie.
You used to be able to spot a vegan a mile
off – if not smell them. But the musty-crusty
Byron Bay stereotype is changing.
According to the Vegan Society in the UK,
42 per cent of vegans are millennials aged
between 15 and 34. This generational shift
is largely inluenced by popular culture.
A-list stars of sport and entertainment from
Tom Brady to Brad Pitt are spreading the
green gospel. There are
cookbooks and pretty
bloggers and 60m #vegan
posts on Instagram. And
we have all binged on an
unbalanced diet of Netlix
shockumentaries in the
past couple of years. Food,
Inc. is a powerful and
persuasive polemic that
has converted me to
organic produce for life.
Cowspiracy and particularly
What The Health ram
veganism so far down the
viewer’s throat, however,
they are much more
dificult to swallow.
All tongue-in-cheek
cynicism aside, I totally get
it. People are increasingly
embracing a plant-based
diet for entirely valid reasons. Many of us,
myself included, live with the cognitive
dissonance caused by eating meat and yet
being opposed to animal cruelty.
Then there’s the environmental impact:
on average it takes 5kg of grain to produce
1kg of meat, and one study by the United
Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
attributed 18 per cent of all greenhouse
gas emissions to the livestock industry.
Plus, of course, there are serious health
considerations to weigh up. In 2015 when the
World Health Organization released its
landmark report denouncing bacon, hot dogs,
sausages, ham and other types of processed
meat as carcinogens, people took notice.
With the exceptions of Morris dancing
and incest, it’s hard to dismiss something
unless you’ve tried it. I gave a paleo diet a
go for a while but full-on veganism just isn’t
PHOTOGRAPHY: GIUSEPPE SANTAMARIA .
for me. A true Pom, I need cow’s milk in my
tea and there’s no facon way I’m giving up
my full English. I have a Pavlovian response
to the smell of bacon. That response being:
I eat it.
I am genuinely trying to pork out less
though. So I’m giving serious thought to
becoming a ‘lexitarian’, a person who eats
meat only on special occasions. It’s just that
there are still quite a lot of special occasions.
Like hangovers. And weekdays.
 W O R D S MAT THA BUSBY
&A
CHRISTOPHER
WYLIE
H I S FAC E B O O K R E V E L AT I O N S T R I G G E R E D A N I N T E R N AT I O N A L
D E B AT E A B O U T H O W C O M PA N I E S U S E P E R S O N A L DATA . N O W, T H E
M A N W H O H E L P E D C R E AT E S T E V E B A N N O N ’S P SYC H O LOG I CAL
WAR FAR E TOO L I S R E ADY TO ATO N E FO R H I S AC TI O N S .
J Lo said I was a good dancer,”
says Christopher Wylie, the
former Cambridge Analytica
researcher turned whistle-
blower. Jet-lagged, unshaven,
and with the lucidity of his hair – bright pink
while testifying before the UK parliament
just a few weeks earlier – now fading.
“Nobody was dancing,” he continues,
recounting his evening at Time magazine’s
New York gala celebrating him and his
fellow 100 most inluential people of 2018.
“Everyone was trying to look cool so I just
got up the front with my lawyer, beckoned
everyone to dance, and they all sort of
percolated forward.”
Perhaps it should be no surprise. This is,
after all, the 29-year-old who in March irst
stepped forward to reveal a little-known
political consultancy irm called Cambridge
Analytica had not just mined the personal data
of at least 87 million Facebook users, but used
it to create targeted campaigns for the Brexit
referendum and 2016 US presidential election.
If anything, to say Wylie is one of the year’s
most inluential people is an understatement.
His revelations have sparked heated discussions
from dinner tables to legislatures, Cambridge
Analytica has since begun insolvency
proceedings, and Mark Zuckerberg has been
hauled before the US Congress, while his
company reviews its privacy policies.
The six-foot-one Canadian may be used
to the limelight but he still inds it unnatural.
Between mouthfuls of vegan Sunday roast in
an East London restaurant, Wylie relects on
his childhood, Trump and how he found
himself at the centre of one of the greatest
political scandals of the modern era.
GQ: Why did you decide to speak out?
Christopher Wylie: Because I had to.
GQ: But what was the catalyst?
CW: There wasn’t a single moment – it was
a process of up to a year. Carole Cadwalladr,
The Observer journalist who broke the story,
reached out to me shortly after Trump’s
election. I became an unnamed source for
many of her articles, before I went public.
The Guardian said it would be more powerful
if I came out with a face and a name.
GQ: Had other journalists tried
to contact you before?
CW: Yes, but they couldn’t ind me – I had
almost no online presence. Journalists would
often ind people who knew me and give them
a handwritten note to pass me, which said ‘We
need to talk, let’s talk’. I threw them away.
GQ: Why?
CW: I was threatened with legal action from
a billionaire-backed company run by Steve
Bannon and I’d been forced to sign a
conidentiality agreement because they
knew I was genuinely uncomfortable with
what was happening.
GQ: Do you feel you have much in common
with other whistleblowers, like Edward
Snowden or Chelsea Manning?
CW: They’re fundamentally different
situations. I have curated information that
informs the public but doesn’t jeopardise
national security. However, there’s no such
thing as an innocent whistleblower. In order
to be the whistleblower you have to have
been part of the project that you’re
whistleblowing on in the irst place.
GQ: Have you ever feared for your safety?
CW: I’ve been attacked physically several
times in the streets by people who seemed
genuinely upset at the information that has
come out. I’ve had all kinds of weird things
happen to me – threatening messages, people
yelling at me and getting physical. I was even
pushed into oncoming trafic.
GQ: By whom?
CW: There are two types of people who don’t
like the stories. People who are disgusted by
the way the company operated in abusing
privacy, and people who are upset by me
questioning the validity of the EU
referendum result. I’ve had physical
altercations with both.
GQ: What has that been like?
CW: It’s a very isolating experience because
it’s hard for people to relate to it. Luckily,
I’ve had a lot of reassurance from people who
want me to get this message out because it’s
important. But that doesn’t happen to most
whistleblowers – many lose their jobs, no one
helps them and their lives are destroyed.
GQ: How else has your life changed?
CW: It’s a lot more manic. Prior to this,
I was working behind the scenes as a political
advisor. There’s a rule that if you become the
story as an advisor, you’re not a good advisor.
GQ: You grew up in Canada.
What was that like?
CW: I’m originally from Victoria on
Vancouver Island and my parents are
fantastic but I had an unquestionably
rough start at school.
GQ: What happened?
CW: Some really vicious targeted bullying,
beyond just normal schoolyard teasing.
The school didn’t do anything about it
so when I was 10 we successfully sued the
ministry of education. The emotional
trauma had a lasting impact on me.
GQ: In what way?
J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 45
CW: I grew up challenging authority and got
into politics at a young age. It had quite a
foundational role in how I engage with the
world because if I think something is wrong
I’ll go and challenge it.
GQ: How did you get into data analytics?
CW: I’d always been interested in
programming and computers – I grew up
coding and building websites. When I moved
to Ottawa in 2006, as a teenager, I started
volunteering for the Liberal Party and then
there was a job opening with an MP. I was
given a lot of responsibility for digital, tech,
data and social media. Email was still almost
an avant-garde campaigning technique, let
alone social media. I then did a secondment on
the Obama campaign in 2008. I learnt how
some campaigns, behind the brilliant speeches
and cool YouTube videos, are as much about
infrastructure – data modelling, targeting and
analytics – as they are about branding.
GQ: How did that differ from the
Trump campaign?
CW: The messaging and the
positioning was obviously different, but
it used many of the same fundamentals
in terms of targeting. People didn’t take
the Trump campaign seriously because
it seemed so insane and antithetical
to conventional political wisdom.
However, one of the things I learnt
can predict the
at CA is that many small, discrete
populations respond to some pretty
bizarre things and if you weave
future you can
them together you can create
a foundation for a campaign.
GQ: When did you go to Strategic
Communication Laboratories,
CA’s parent company?
CW: At the end of 2012 – they offered me
the freedom to explore some cool but
maybe crazy ideas, which I hadn’t had the
opportunity to do before. They wanted to
do all kinds of research: understanding
cyberspace, how to use data to make
psychological proiles and how you can map
out the spread of ideas online. This itted in
very nicely with the stuff I interested me.
GQ: How did SCL morph into CA?
CW: A couple of months after I started
at SCL, I got introduced to ‘Steve from
America’. He was really interested in culture
change and how politics lows from culture.
GQ: This was Steve Bannon. Did you agree
with him, about the association between
politics and culture?
CW: The observation is correct. If you
want enduring change you need to create
a cultural, not a political shift. I told him
that you need to be able to deine culture.
First you have to identify quantiiable units
to measure culture and create a way to
determine how effective the cultural
intervention is. To create a measurable
unit of culture you can evaluate people’s
psychological disposition, their biographic
history and their socioeconomic environment.
Then, all of a sudden, culture is quantiied and
manageable – and if you want to shift it you’d
be able to create a list of the exact types of
people that you would need to push one way
or the other to facilitate that change.
GQ: So you set up CA to provide a means
with which to achieve this cultural shift?
CW: The original idea behind CA was to use
people’s data to create a representation of
society and social physics. When you can
predict the future you can create it.
GQ: What is Bannon like, personally?
CW: You can have an informed, insightful
conversation with him about intersectional
feminism and he intuitively understands
identity and culture in a way that I haven’t
seen from other political strategists or
“When you
create it.”
advisors. But when [billionaire investor]
Robert Mercer invested $20m into CA,
all of a sudden he became our director and
he operates very differently as a boss. He is
an incredibly aggressive individual and he
instantly created a toxic culture within the
company – he was absolutely militant in what
he wanted to do to American society. We
started researching constructs that didn’t
feel were respectful of basic elements of
democratic norms, such as misleading
narratives and rumour campaigns, which
are incongruent with the democratic process.
GQ: What’s the key to spreading fake news?
CW: You embed disinformation into as many
streams of information around your target as
possible. The beneit of targeting is that you
can ind the type of people in your population
who are more prone to believing things than
others. This can be proiled using social data.
For instance, people who are more susceptible
to anxiety or neuroticism are more likely to
engage in conspiratorial thinking and these are
the people that campaigns often target
irst with the disinformation. If you capture
enough of those people that information starts
to spread, like if you infect someone with a
disease they become a vector for that disease.
GQ: Could Trump’s election have happened
without CA?
CW: It’s impossible to say if Trump could have
happened without any particular factor –
Hillary, Bannon, The Apprentice – because there
was a pooling of factors. But I genuinely think
CA played a signiicant role and if I didn’t I
wouldn’t be talking about it. We often had
unstructured conversations with random
groups of people where certain ideas, words and
phrases would emerge. That’s how ‘drain the
swamp’ was devised. It came from voters saying
that or describing Washington as a swamp,
since DC literally used to be illed with
swamps. People in focus groups also spoke
about building walls. We found that people
who have more sceptical views on immigration
were both more conscientious and neurotic and
so, for them, the whole idea of building a
wall provides an effective solution. Later
on, ‘build the wall’ became another of the
key messages of Trump’s campaign.
GQ: So would you say CA is your
Frankenstein’s monster?
CW: Oh, absolutely. At the time I thought
there was huge potential for modelling
society for the better but I let my extreme
curiosity cloud my judgement and
common sense.
GQ: Will companies continue to push
the boundaries of what’s legal and
conventional, in terms of people’s data?
CW: The integration of technology
and data in our lives is on an upward trajectory.
Data is soon going to start inluencing our
physical space and this will open up all kinds
of opportunities for bad actors to exploit
and get in contact with people.
GQ: How does it feel to have triggered such
a storm in tech around data and privacy?
CW: I’m optimistic this will have a lasting
impact. Mark Zuckerberg testiied at the
Senate – despite how bad some of the
questions were, and how ignorant some of the
Senators were – and now Facebook is
attempting to change its policies and improve
its privacy practices, it’s not doing it well, but
at least it’s on the table. More broadly, this
is a wake-up call to the tech sector to tone
down the arrogant behaviour, which a lot
of companies – not just Facebook – have
engaged in with userbases. People don’t like
being taken for fools and having their rights
abused. The sector needs to realise that it
depends on the trust of its users and without
them these companies will not exist.

“there’s
a growing
focus on the
subjectivity
of truth.”
GQ: You testified before the UK
Parliament and have since struck up
a good relationship with Damian Collins,
the committee chair and Conservative MP.
CW: Yes, because he is taking his job
seriously and putting party politics aside.
This is a completely stark difference to
how things work in the US, where the
Republicans boycotted me.
GQ: What good could come of
these meetings?
CW: I was told my hearing was the
most watched thing Parliament had ever
streamed live which means people are paying
attention to it – which is important. Also,
it’s about making this an issue of national
and international importance and changing
the mindset so that we stop delegating
tech-related issues to the big tech companies
themselves. Legislators are also increasingly
PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES.
appreciating that technology, and in particular
data, is like electricity. You can’t avoid it and
though it can be quite dangerous, it can be
incredibly powerful and useful if it’s
structured and engineered in the right way.
GQ: But people pay for their electricity.
CW: Yes, but you also pay for your use of social
media by the virtue of your presence on it.
GQ: Do you think Facebook should be
allowed to run political ads?
CW: Yes, absolutely. This is an indispensable
method for campaigns to engage otherwise
systematically disenfranchised minority
groups. The problem is the lack of
transparency. Fake news is a lot easier
to spread when no one sees that you’re
spreading it. A really simple solution would
be requiring public reporting of your
targeting and advertising.
GQ: Could Facebook do that?
CW: It would be so easy! Facebook plays the
role of air trafic controller with billions and
billions of highly targeted ads, it would be
incredibly straightforward to automatically
publish every ad on to a searchable database.
GQ: What else does Facebook need to change?
CW: In order to opt out of targeting, it
takes something like 14 clicks on your phone.
But to opt in it takes only a couple. This is
too burdensome on users and often they’re
unaware of what they have already
technically consented to.
GQ: How would you gauge the current
political climate, globally?
CW: It’s becoming postmodern in a sense that
we are now debating what’s real and what’s
&A
a fact – there’s a growing focus on the
subjectivity of truth. Everything’s hyper-
fragmented and losing touch with reality.
The internet facilitates a totally changed
perspective on common interpretations
of reality. You can go on to the internet
and choose what you want to see in an
unmediated way that wasn’t possible before
with television or print media. Steve Bannon
would not have been possible without this
evolution. He’s a product of the internet.
He identiied fractured communities
scattered all across the US but he was
able to use the internet to bring them
into a movement.
GQ: How do you think the Trump
presidency is going?
CW: It’s funny because it feels almost like
a drag show – a grotesque mockery of what
a president should look like – when you
look at how the alt-right movement and
the Tea Party has emerged from a group
of highly misogynistic men demanding
the freedom to be who they want to be.
Their drag queen is Donald Trump, the
reality TV star who moved into politics.
They worship him but he’s a mockery
of what a president should be. „
J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 47
 Kyoto, Japan

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“ O N E ’ S D E S T I N A T I O N I S N E V E R A P L A C E , B U T A LWA Y S A N E W WA Y O F S E E I N G T H I N G S .” HENRY MILLER

TASTE
TRAVEL
the
wanaka
way
L I G H T U P T H AT O P E N F I R E A N D I N D U LG E
I N A LU X E A N D M O R E P E R S O N A L TA K E O N T H E
N E W Z E A L A N D S LO P E S T H I S W I N T E R .

WO R DS R IC HAR D C LU N E

A
ll right, let’s get straight to it
– New Zealand won. For so
long we claimed a superior
stance in cross-Tasman
taunting. And yet, it’s this
ancient and small country of
islands and hobbits that’s come
to prove itself the better, with the Kiwis currently
under the guidance of a third female PM, riding a
robust economy and spreading progressiveness at will.
New Zealand secured marriage equality in 2013
by simply changing the law, has delivered signiicant
successes in regards to native rights and the Maori
people and is on track to produce 90 per cent of all
energy via renewable sources come 2025.
Need we mention the Haka and that team of
all black jerseys? Need we touch on the alluring
THE SLOPES
A 30-minute drive along Lake
Wanaka, past the famed Wanaka
Tree and pastoral lands and you’ll
land at Treble Cone – a hefty vertical
playground best suited to those
with a decent parallel game. TC,
as it’s nearly always referred to,
is the South Island’s largest ski
resort with 550 hectares of rideable
terrain. Of that, expect to navigate
some decent and plunging chutes
as well as some fun bowls. Hiking
the summit is a must for the views
and descent – so too the blue
Raffles Run which offers incredible
vistas across Lake Wanaka and
beyond on bluebird days (though
even overcast weather can mean
skiing above the clouds).
TC’s off-piste gear is a seductive
delight – or, take things easy on the
4km leg burner that is High Street/
Easy Rider.
The other notable resort closest
to Wanaka (20 mins to the base) is
the well-known Cardrona. This is a
truly fun place – where there really is
enough for all, even if it means a first
time in bindings. Wide open basic
groomers and some more pressing
blacks combine here – with a wealth
of greens for newcomers, including
what’s one of the best in the world,
the view-packed Skyline. The village
is cute and has an abundance of
food options. treblecone.com;
cardrona.com
culture of the ascendant Black Caps? Then there’s
the international march of the Kiwi start-up sector
and useful internet speeds; Taika Waititi, Bret
McKenzie, and KJ Apa (in that order). And as if
all of that’s not enough – they also have Wanaka.
A South Island gem of lakes, mountains and
winter snow, Wanaka is what Queenstown once
was – at least that’s what you’ll be told, and often,
by locals who are always smiling. It’s a more
personal lakeside experience – Wanaka quieter
and more reined than its brash and better-known
Central Otago neighbour. It’s friendly and
immediately engaging, with less backpackers and
vans, great food, even better pinot – and all of it
comes with an even shorter meander to the best
snow in the Southern Hemisphere. So, accept
the loss, applaud the Kiwis and pitch up.
EATING & DRINKING
Francesca’s
Italian Kitchen
Thighs burning from a hard
day on the slopes? Then head
here for an early and relaxed
riverside feed before doing it
all over again the next day. The
beef carpaccio with capers
and white anchovies is a solid
start, before getting into
the fresh wood-fired pizzas
or tender pastas such as a
pappardelle with melt-in-the-
mouth lamb shoulder ragu.
93 ARDMORE ST, WANAKA;
FRANSITALIAN.CO.NZ
worked the burners for Marco
Pierre White at London’s famed
L’Escargot, as well as Criterion.
Lippe’s called Wanaka home
for more than 12 years now and
has made a name for himself
with this delicious ‘boutique’
takeout joint. Grab a Boa with
Cheese or Grand Kiwi burger
(or anything from the menu),
tuck in across the road next to
the lake and count how many
times you mutter ‘my god
how good is this’ in just
a few minutes.
137 ARDMORE ST, WANAKA

Kika Bistro Gentil

This is the dressier end of
town – an award-winning
restaurant that engages via a
central stone fireplace, buzzy
air and decent food. Here it’s
about sharing – be it tapas-
style ‘piccolo’ dishes or larger
mains. Menus are seasonal and
always updated, though seek
out the tuna escabeche and
Kika fried chicken at the least.
2 DUNMORE ST, WANAKA;
KIKA.NZ
Boaboa
Food Company
Queenstown has Fergburger
– Wanaka has chef Leungo
Lippe, a man who for years
Any trip to Central Otago
means nights (days?) sampling
some of the finest wines on
the planet and contemplating
how to get it all home. Ship it,
is the short answer – though
attempting to visit this place
without leaving with a box
of Maude Wines under an
arm is near impossible. From
the local bubbles to the Mt
Maude (reserve range) pinot
noir, come for exquisite
drops paired to delicate
modern French menus and
a lake view. Yummy.
76A GOLF COURSE RD, WANAKA;
BISTROGENTIL.CO.NZ;
MAUDEWINES.COM
CLOCKWISE

THE FROM FAR LEFT

Skiing at Wanaka’s
stunning Treble Cone;

ACCOMMODATION Francesca’s Italian

Te Kahu
Come to Wanaka – live
like Oprah. Though
in choosing to have
Release Wanaka sort the
accommodation, realise
the idea of moving up a
mountain and away from
your chosen digs can be
a battle each morning.
That’s because the
private rental houses on
their luxury books are
once-in-a-lifetime types
– properties only really
ever spied from afar in
magazines (ahem). While
they never did divulge
where Lady O came to lay
her head when recently
filming A Wrinke in Time in
and around Wanaka, we
weren’t overly bothered
given our exquisite
designer pad, Te Kahu.
This is an award-winning
four bedroom (each
with ensuite) house of
cedar and angles and
fireplaces (yes, plural)
and 50 acres of tussock
and natural bush that
gently falls into Lake
Wanaka. Roughly 20
minutes out of town,
it’s about seclusion
and choosing to forgo
devices and Netflix
in favour of watching
the light’s daily dance
across the waters and
mountains just beyond.
Oh, and be sure to
indulge Chef Lippe,
given Release can also
organise notable private
chefs to come by and
do the hard work for
the evening.
SLEEPS SIX ADULTS, FROM
APPROX. $3300 A NIGHT;
RELEASENZ.COM
Kitchen; Maude Wines
- it’d be ill-advised to
leave Wanaka without
tasting the pinot; Buffalo
milk stracciatella,
nectarine, and
pistachio-sumac
dukkah at Kika.
GETTING
THERE
AI R N EW Z EAL AN D HAS
D I R ECT DAI LY FLIG HTS
TO QU E E NSTOWN FROM
SYDN EY, M E LBOU R N E
AN D B R ISBAN E . WANAK A
IS A FU RTH E R ON E HOU R
DR IVE – TAKE TH E
STU N N I NG C ROWN
RANGE ROAD, NEW
Z EAL AN D’S H IG H EST OF
ITS KI N D AN D SU R E LY
ITS MOST M EMORAB LE
(CHAI NS MUST B E
CAR R I E D B ET W E E N MAY
– SE PTEM B E R).
AI R N E W Z E AL AN D.COM .
AU; L AKEWANAK A .CO.N Z

J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 51

LO N G C O N S I D E R E D A C E L E B R ATO RY
D R I N K , W I L L C H A M PAG N E E V E R B E
M O R E T H A N J U S T A PA R T Y S TA R T E R ?
BURSTING
THE BUBBLE
imilar to black tuxedos
S and Hollywood tape,
Champagne is one of the
few delicacies in life that
rarely escapes the celebratory
context. While ine wines and trendy
spirits have become mid-week drink
staples, Champagne remains an
‘occasion only’ tipple (unless you’re
DiCaprio’s Gatsby).
Along with its ties to the party
circuit, Champagne’s reputation isn’t
one of overt masculinity. Traditionally,
while ladies migrated towards the tray
balancing the sparkling, gents would
typically go searching for something
with fewer bubbles.
The obscure location of France’s
Champagne region is probably
responsible for giving the drink its
exclusivity. Tucked inside a large
mountainous area, its towns had
limited access to trade routes before
the industrial revolution. As a result,
Champagne was costly to import.
Flash forward, and it’s managed to hold
onto its dignity. Not even the French
Revolution, Prohibition, two world
wars or a cunning competitor called
Prosecco could take Champagne’s title
as the Drink of Kings.
It’s plausible that Champagne’s
ability to muster a hangover is
another barrier preventing the drink
from iniltrating the everyday. By its
very nature, Champagne – packed
with carbonation that enhances the
effects of alcohol – is more likely
to result in a post-party headache.
It’s only logical, then, the drink be
dealt with carefully – which is often
easier said than done.
52 G Q .COM . AU J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8
LEFT
The launch event for the release
of Bollinger’s ‘RD 2004’ - held
at the Art Gallery of NSW.
As for the gender connotation, like
many of yesteryear’s ‘masculine’
tropes, we suspect this is one with roots
in an archaic system. Not so long ago, it
would be rare to ind a group of men
sipping Champagne. But as the
deinition of what it means to be a man
continues to change, typically
masculine beverages are being traded
in for the likes of wine and Champagne.
When it comes to the top-shelf
stuff, there’s a handful of Champagne
houses whose names have, over time,
become synonymous with quality.
Bollinger is among them. Since its
inception in 1829, Bollinger has carved
itself a reputation for purveying THE
Champagne that balances prestige MEANING
with languid drinkability. That’s not to OF RD
say it’s blinkered by tradition – the
RD stands for ‘Recent
family-run house is renowned for Disgorgement’, and
pushing boundaries. refers to a process
This pioneering spirit is most evident unique to Bollinger
whereby a vintage
in Bollinger’s ‘RD 2004’, recently that’s aged for a long
unveiled at an intimate dinner at the Art time is disgorged
Gallery of NSW. Aged for 13 years (that’s wine talk
for ‘removing
before a brief disgorgement period, it’s sedimentation in the
an expertly crafted equilibrium of bottleneck’) only
briefly before being
vintage aromas and crisp freshness. drunk. A pioneer within
“You have this fantastic balance between Champagne society,
old lavours coming from the ageing in 1963 Madame
Bollinger presented
process, and the freshness of the bottle, this innovative
which comes from being recently recipe – one that was
disgorged,” explains Bollinger’s general previously only privy
to winemakers – for
manager Charles-Armand de Belenet. commercial release.
WORDS: AMY CAMPBELL.
Prepare for a nose of stewed fruit, A blending of vintage
aromas with a young
candied nuts and spice. This vintage is effervescence, the RD
underpinned by a particular freshness cuvée is in a category
that begs for rounds two, three and of its own. Lest we ABOVE
mention, it’s also The entrance to Bollinger House
four. Luckily, then, the ‘RD 2004’ shorthand for in France; Madame Bollinger,
isdesignedforimmediateconsumption. good taste. who ran the house from 1941-71.
So, what are you waiting for?

FROM TOP
Located in the highlands,
Santani is a place for quiet
reflection; the view from the
bedrooms is enough to help
you forget the lack of TV
access; the menu is created
bespoke based on guests’
preferences and diet.
WORDS: DAVID SMIEDT.
A NIGHT AT ... SA N TA N I
ri Lanka is a travel sweet spot for
Australians right now. The English,
Dutch and Portuguese have all had
a crack at colonisation there over
the years, but the country has emerged from a
decades-long civil war boasting UNESCO World
Heritage sites, dazzling geographic variety and
a complex, vibrant food culture. Sri Lanka is also
beginning its transition from a magnet for lovers
of off-the-beaten-track locations to a high-end luxe
destination that competes with the world’s best.
Getting there and around is fairly easy, yet unlike
some of its more popular Thai or Indonesian
counterparts, Sri Lanka gets the balance
between accessibility and authenticity just right.
Less than two years old, Santani Wellness
Resort, which burrows into a mountainside in
the hills just over an hour outside the central city of
Kandy, is a case in point.
So, what’s so special? First up, the rooms.
FROM TOP
Inspired by the Buddhist meditation caves that
With a focus on relaxation,
dot the area, Santani’s 16 two-person, mountain- nutrition and physical
view chalets are sleek, freestanding cubes. Inside, wellbeing, Santani aims to leave
guests feeling revitalised. So,
you’ll ind minimalist decor: a bed, two chairs best to take it easy on the
pool-side cocktails.
and a table, a shower and a pair of loungers on
the balcony, from which to soak up views of your
incredible surroundings.
There’s wi-i (if you must) but no TV. Instead,
what’s on offer in your private digs is something
much less commonplace: silence, interrupted only
by the odd bursts of birdsong echoing across the
milky mountain twilight. In place of a not-so-
personalised welcome from a TV screen, you’ll get
a daily one-on-one brieing with one of the chefs.
(Both Western and Sri Lankan menus are available – though we suggest going local.)
In keeping with the simplicity of the hotel, there’s just one dining area. Sitting
above a cosy bar and reception area, it’s an airy pavilion open to the tea plantation
breezes that keep the area cool at night but pleasantly warm during the day.
Naturally, there’s a cliffside ininity pool, and up the hill at the spa, a bunkered
warm salt grotto awaits. Embedded in rich paddies, you’ll ind a cedar-wood sauna
and steam room, as well as a yoga pavilion in which you can attend two daily
classes. A rotating roster of visiting healthcare masters – when GQ visited, an
osteopath was in residence – provides detailed consultations on how to best SRI LANKAN AIRLINES FLIES FROM
look after yourself. Your tariff includes all this, plus three meals a day. MELBOURNE TO COLOMBO DIRECTLY
DAILY; IT’S ALSO A ROUGHLY
You’ll have to stump up for spa treatments, but they’re well worth it.
FOUR-HOUR FLIGHT FROM SINGAPORE
Our pick is the Udwarthanam massage at $125 for 60 minutes. It’s a dry, ON QANTAS. NOTE THAT VISITING SRI
LANKA REQUIRES A VISA – GET YOURS
deep-tissue treatment with herbal powders that aims to stimulate hair follicles ELECTRONICALLY AT ETA.GOV.LK FOR
and break down subcutaneous fat storage. Whether it works is anyone’s guess, APPROXIMATELY $45. SRI LANKAN
ROADS CAN BE PERILOUS, AND LOCAL
but we can attest that it’s the ideal antidote to jet lag. And a medicated enema KNOWLEDGE IS VALUABLE – WE
RECOMMEND BOOKING A DRIVER TO
is also on offer for those keen to expand more than just their horizons. GET YOU SAFELY TO SANTANI AND
Rooms from approx. $500 per night; santani.lk BACK; JETWINGTRAVELS.COM
J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 53
the unstoppable rise
of Australian cheese
N O LO N G E R T I E D TO T R A D I T I O N , LO CA L C H E E S E I S P R OV I N G
E V E RY B I T AS G O O D AS I T S E U R O P E A N C O U N T E R PA R T S .
M E E T T H E M A K E R S W H O A R E L E A D I N G T H E WAY.
PECORA DAIRY
‘YARRAWA’
M any of us have become addicted to cheese
and it’s hardly surprising; containing casein, it
releases opiate-like chemicals as it’s consumed.
And yet it’s not cheese’s surprising link to hard drugs that
has Australians queuing up for more. Rather it’s the
creativity of our local makers who, according to
international cheese iend Will Studd, are rewriting the
rules of the game. Studd believes we’re poised to get a global
audience for two reasons – milk and a lack of tradition.
“The Australian cheese industry is young compared to
those in the rest of the world and while makers are still
learning, they are not limited by long traditions,” says Studd.
Consequently, Australian brands approach cheese
making with innovative new ideas. A good example
YARRA VALLEY DAIRY
‘PERSIAN FETTA’
CHEESES AVAILABLE AT ALL SIMON JOHNSON STORES AND HARRIS FARM (‘PERSIAN FETTA’).
WORDS: ANTHONY HUCKSTEP. PHOTOGRAPHY: EDWARD URRUTIA.
L’ARTISAN
‘MOUNTAIN MAN’
is marinated ‘Persian’ fetta originally inspired by verteran
cheese specialist Richard Thomas. “Over the past decade
this recipe has been copied many times in Europe and
USA, but the original versions made in Australia are
still considered a benchmark,” states Studd.
Jack Holman of Yarra Valley Dairy, producers of
marinated Persian fetta, believes our cheeses beneit from
our differences: “We have the ability to draw on so many IT’S TIME TO MOVE PAST
inluences, and it gives Australia a point of difference”. THE JATZ CRACKER -
INSTEAD TRY MILLER’S
Meanwhile, dairy farm Pecora, owned by Cressida ELEMENT’S ALE
and Michael McNamara, has produced Australia’s irst CRACKERS MADE
USING, ROASTED
uncooked raw milk cheese. So, what exactly is it? WHEAT, BARLEY, MALT,
AND, OF COURSE, ALE.
“Raw milk cheeses don’t make use of pasteurisation and
instead rely on other methods to eliminate any potential
bacteria,” says Cressida.
“Just as the French use
terroir to give personality to
their wine, our cheeses have
the same potential through
the soil and lora of the
season,” continues Cressida.
“In this way, we produce
cheese that allows us to
amplify that unique
Australian voice.”
Meanwhile Shaw River
Buffalo Cheese, Australia’s
largest farmhouse buffalo
cheese producer has never
stuck to convention. “We
don’t try to replicate what
the Italians are doing... our
environment is different,“
says Thea Royal of Shaw
River Buffalo Cheese.
The experts told them
that you can’t make hard
cheese from Buffalo milk,
but in typical Aussie
fashion, they proved them
wrong. Shaw River’s
Buffalino, for example, is
aged for six months and has
great melting properties
with a fruity lavour when
aged – it’s world-class.
Then there’s L’Artisan.
Using milk sourced from
a single herd they manage
to create cheeses that
relect the unforgiving
climate of the Great Ocean
Road. It’s French cheese,
but with a distinctly
Australian twist.
When buying, “Find
a cheese shop you trust,”
says Studd, “try and taste
before you buy, and though
there are no rules for cheese
boards, keep it simple.”
Studd suggests splashing
out on one or two great
Aussie cheeses (rather than
six average ones) and create
a holy trinity with wine and
bread – skip the quince.
“Extras such as quince
paste were originally used
to mask the laws of poor
quality cheese,” he says.
Sorry, quince. When it
comes to Aussie cheeses, it
seems you’re not required. „
Part of the new wave
of Australian dining,
this casual eatery
puts produce du jour
ahead of technique
to deliver a bespoke
dining experience.
It’s relaxed and
smart, and has all the
swagger of a wine bar
without losing oomph
Sydney on the plate.
Raw squid
FOOD with fennel, celery,
There are few horseradish and XO.
better places to
pull on the bib than at
77 Grey St, South
E X P LO R I N G T H E B E S T Brisbane; gauge
this fine diner on the brisbane.com.au
BRISBANE’S SOUTH BANK banks of the Brisbane
H AS TO O F F E R . River. In typical
Queensland style, it’s
got a casual cachet
without losing any of
its culinary kapow.
‘Fish &
Chips’ with seaweed.
Sidon St, South Bank;
stokehouseq.com.au
Melbourne
This big beautiful Queenslander is a DRINKS
former squatter’s den, Spaghetti House
and police station in South Bank. Backed
by the Solotel group (Matt Moran and
Bruce Solomon), it’s now a party house
with a menu featuring a big rotisserie, This indie bottle
Brisbane cocktails in a can and even its own brew
– Queenslander by Young Henrys.
shop cum bar has
perhaps the best
Rotisserie chook with lettuce, whisky selection
chips and gravy. 271 Grey St, South Down Under - the
Brisbane; littlebighouse.com.au knowledgeable staff
here should be the
first option when As the sun sets, step
seeking to indulge off the streets and
in a range of malt ascend to the
Adelaide tastings. For a
different drop, check
podium level of
Rydges to soak up
out their selection of the spirit – and the
international wines, spirits – poolside.
Champagne and With views of the
craft beers. city, a classy crowd
6A Little Stanley St, and cracking
South Bank; cocktails, it’s a great
malttraders.com.au start to an evening
out. Cnr Grey and
Glenelg Sts, South
Bank; soleilpoolbar.
Perth Perched above com.au
You’d be forgiven for the Southbank
thinking you’re sitting Beer Garden, this
on the banks of the Med hothouse of energy
as you dive into this gets packed with
Italian stallion. It’s the cocktail-swigging
go-to for pasta fiends, socialites enjoying
cocktail connoisseurs and those the sweeping views
who love a long, languid lunch. of Brisvegas.
Slow-roasted Gippsland 30AA Stanley Plaza;
FOR MORE FROM THE porchetta with caramelised fennel. southbeachsocial.
GQ DIRECTORY, HEAD
TO GQ .COM.AU 3 Sidon St, River Quay; popolodining.com com.au
J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 55
CYCLE
OF TRUST
The most enviable wardrobes are often also the
most delicate. GQ Australia senior sub-editor
Christopher Riley and Vogue Australia senior
designer Dijana Maddison explain how caring for
those special pieces can be made so much easier.
he moment you bring home your irst piece of

T investment clothing, you know your wardrobe will

never be the same again. Unfortunately, the same
can be said for your dry-cleaning bills. The thought of
throwing a carefully selected wool suit, silk shirt or
cashmere sweater into the washing machine or dryer is
inconceivable. Unless you have the right equipment, that is.

BREAK THE RULES

Engineered with couture and high-end clothing
in mind, select AEG washing machines and dryers
feature a unique ‘Refresh’ cycle that revives clothing
that usually requires professional cleaning. “This
cycle eliminates odours and relaxes ibres, so fabrics
are reinvigorated,” Maddison says. “This prolongs
the time between trips to the dry-cleaner and it’s
perfect for pieces you wear regularly or if an event M.J. Bale wool
jacket, $599.
pops up unexpectedly.” M.J. Bale wool
pants, $299.
BETTER CARE, MORE WEAR
AEG appliances are built to launder with expert care,
so you can wear your favourite clothing as often as
you’d like without having to consider cleaning costs.
Advanced OKOMix technology blends detergents and
softeners with water before they enter the drum for a
much gentler wash. “With this level of care, you can
conidently wear the pieces you’ve invested in more
often, which in turn elevates your look,” Riley says.
Emporio Armani
mohair knit, $2200.
SEAL OF APPROVAL
A selection of AEG appliances meet the high standards
required for Woolmark certiication and have earned
both the Green and Blue Apparel Care logos, meaning
they can safely launder woollen garments, including
those labelled hand-wash only. The technology AEG
has used in the development of its ‘Wool’ cycles means
its washing and drying appliances protect woollen
garments from pilling, shrinkage and stretching. AEG
is the oficial laundry appliance partner of Mercedes- Jac + Jack cashmere
Benz Fashion Week Australia. knit, $399.
 GQ PROMOTION

ve y st tch and eve y f bre of

c oth ng s expe t y p otected
DIJANA MADDISON
Vogue Australia senior designer

“ na aunder ng
expens ve tems can
be stress free ”
CHRISTOPHER RILEY
GQ Australia senior sub-editor

For more details, visit hn.com.au/aegfashion

 AUSTRALIA

.com.au
YOUR GUIDE TO ALL THINGS
STYLE
GROOMING
LIFESTYLE
FITNESS
ENTERTAINMENT
SUCCESS
SEX
L OOK YOU R SH A R PE ST W I T H OU R EXCLUSI V E EDI T OF T H E BE ST I N M E NSW E A R A N D GROOM I NG T R E N D S

STYLE
THE JEWELLERY Narrow signet ring, $1100, and oval signet ring, $1450, both by Sarah & Sebastian.
TH
E BA
G
 GQ PICKS

CAMO
COMFORT
MONCLER IS OUR PICK FOR STANDING
OUT FROM THE PACK THIS SEASON.
 THE ICON PUFFER
JACKET

L I G H T, WA R M , A N D M O R E S N U G T H A N A H U G
F R O M YO U R G R A N D M OT H E R - I T’ S N O W O N D E R
T H E P U F F E R R E M A I N S A COAT- R AC K C L A S S I C.

$400, by The North Face.

$230, by The North Face.

$200, by Superdry.
$79.90, by Uniqlo.

$200, by Uniqlo.
WORDS: CHRISTOPHER RILEY. PHOTOGRAPHY: EDWARD URRUTIA; GETTY IMAGES.

ORLANDO BLOOM JARED LETO MIGUEL ROBERT PATTINSON

Despite being on a run of
so-so films, Bloom remains
a constant part of pop culture
– because he always manages to
look great. Here, normcore
vibes reign supreme.
There’s a reason Alessandro
Michele chose the Thirty Seconds
to Mars frontman as his muse.
Never one to be timid, the only
thing missing here is a pair
of Gucci slippers.
A hell of a lot going on here – purple
sweater, two shades of blue, some
camo and patent leather trousers
to top it off. Not for the faint-
hearted. Then again, Miguel
is anything but.
The classic ‘celeb spotted on the
busy streets of New York’ look.
Baseball cap, puffer jacket, slight
look of weariness; you can try to
emulate it, but without the paps it
never quite looks the same, does it?

J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 67
PH OTOG RAPHY TI M ASHTON

GET
WARM,
STAY
COOL
DON’T BE A ONE
MAN. THIS WINT
C H A N C E TO TA K
S E AS O N A L WA R
TO T H E N E X T L E

Blank
slate
DIDN’T THINK YOU’D
BE BUYING A WHITE
JACKET THIS WINTER?
THIS G-STAR PIECE
MAKES THE TRANSITION
TO THE COOLER MONTHS
A LITTLE EASIER. JUST
AVOID THE RED WINE.

Jacket, $280, by
G-Star; top, $49.95,
and pants, $69.95
both by Topman.
Join Out of the
the navy trenches
ELEVATE A CLASSIC THE TRENCH WILL
NAVY COAT BY NEVER GO OUT
WEARING IT WITH CHINOS OF FASHION, BUT
IN A CONTRASTING TONE. MACINTOSHES ARE
UNDERRATED.
Jacket, $1500, by
P Johnson; shirt, Jacket, $620, by
$169, by Calibre; APC; top, $50, and
pants, $717, by pants, $69.95, both
Prada at MrPorter. by Topman.
com; shoes, $395,
by Loake at Josephs
Shoes; socks,
approx. $40, by In the
Barneys New York. hood
DITCH THE UMBRELLA,
AND POP THAT
HOOD WITH PRIDE.

Jacket, $1099, by
Hugo Boss; and cap,
$145, by APC.

J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 69
 Layer up
BE BRAVE BY PAIRING
UNCONVENTIONAL
TEXTURES. FEELING
FEARLESS? ADD
A SPLASH OF COLOUR
TO THE MIX.

Jacket, $1499,
by Hugo Boss;
sweater, $399,
by Jac + Jack; and
Business shirt, $99.95, by
Cropped unusual Ben Sherman.
coat NOTHING SAYS WARM
FEW THINGS SAY LIKE A PALETTE OF TONAL
SOPHISTICATION LIKE BROWNS. KEEP IT FRESH
A TURTLENECK. LAYERED WITH A STARK KNIT
BENEATH AQUILA’S SHIRT AND POLISHED
‘OSSINGTON’ COAT, THIS WITH A CHOCOLATE-
NAVY-ON-NAVY COLOURED CASE.
COMBINATION IS THE
EPITOME OF POLISHED. Suit, $3150, and
shirt, $245, both by
Jacket, $349, by P Johnson; shoes,
Aquila; turtleneck, $395, by Loake at
$295, by P Johnson; Josephs Shoes; bag,
and pants, $69.95, $2,590, by Salvatore
by Topman. Ferragamo.
 Shear
elegance
SHEARLING IS THIS
SEASON’S MUST-HAVE,
SPOTTED AT GUCCI,
BERLUTI, DIESEL AND
EVERYONE ELSE WHO
MATTERS DURING FW18.
OUR ADVICE? TRY
UNIQLO FOR AN OPTION
THAT WON’T BREAK
THE BANK.

Jacket, $130, by
Uniqlo; pants, $550,
by P Johnson; and
shoes, $629, by
Tricker’s at The Iconic.

Styling Olivia Harding.

Skin Joel Phillips
at Vivien’s Creative
using Dermalogica.
Talent Ben Newmarch
at IMG.

J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 71
 STYLE NEWS
Kris van Virgil
Assche Abloh
CHANGING FROM
DIOR HOMME ii
TO BERLUTI
FROM
OFF-WHITE ii
TO LOUIS VUITTON

OF THE
A quiet achiever, van
Assche’s collections
have upheld Dior
Homme for over a
His outrageously
popular streetwear
brand, Off-White,
shows no sign of

GUARD
decade – a lifetime in
fashion years. Making
way for Jones, van
Assche moved to
fellow LVMH brand
WITH THE UPCOMING SPRING/ Berluti soon after –
SUMMER COLLECTIONS SET TO HIT replacing Haider
Ackermann, whose
THE RUNWAYS IN EUROPE AND NEW tenure at the house
YORK, WE TAKE A LOOK AT WHICH lasted three seasons.
FASHION DESIGNERS HAVE MOVED EXPECT More
WHERE – AND WHAT TO EXPECT. heritage meets
contemporary
sportswear.
closing, but Abloh’s
appointment as artistic
director of LV’s
menswear was a huge
statement in terms
of where the direction
of luxury menswear
is headed.
EXPECT Streetwear-
inspired designs,
collaborations galore
and sneakers worth
selling your own
grandmother for.

Hedi Kim Riccardo

Slimane Jones Tisci
FROM FROM FROM
SAINT LAURENT ii LOUIS VUITTON ii GIVENCHY ii
TO CÉLINE TO DIOR HOMME TO BURBERRY
Slimane is not one to do Jones waved goodbye Hailed for the
things by halves. After to Louis Vuitton at his gothic renaissance
arriving at YSL in 2012, final show (flanked by he bought to Givenchy
he tweaked the name Naomi Campbell and during his 12-year
to Saint Laurent and Kate Moss) in January occupancy, Tisci was
moved its design studio this year. Soon after, best known for his
from Paris to LA. Leaving he was ushered into collections filled
in 2016, the fashion Dior Homme, the same with religious motifs,
world was left guessing day van Assche exited. animal prints and
where he’d end up next. After bringing a black on black on
The answer came this street-smart aesthetic black. After leaving
January: Céline. And in to LV, his will be the the French house in
classic Slimane style, most anticipated show early 2017, the Italian
he’s not messing around of the season. replaced Christopher
– adding a new men’s EXPECT To be wowed Bailey in March.
line to the super-cool once more by Jones’ EXPECT An evolution
womenswear brand. ability to mix street style of what it means to
EXPECT Big things. with high fashion. be a British icon.

L’Homme Jacquemus
His designs have been sported by Beyoncé, Kendall Jenner and pretty much
every Instagram fashion girl worth her likes. But back at his most recent
runway show in February, Parisian designer Simon Porte Jacquemus took
his bow in a hoodie that hinted at his latest venture. “New job,” it read.
“L’Homme Jacquemus.”
For those whose high-school French is a little rusty, it seemed to be a clue
he had plans for menswear. Such rumours have since been conirmed, with
Jacquemus launching a très cool campaign image featuring French rugby
WORDS: AMY CAMPBELL.

union player Yoann Maestri and a white dog. “A new chapter for myself and
Jacquemus now begins,” he announced. Photographed by the designer
himself, the shot is notably sparse in the clothing stakes – for that you’ll have
to wait until the collection launches in the south of France on June 25.
JACQUEMUS.COM

72 G Q .COM . AU J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8
 An artisan at
the Hermès At
Work showcase
in March.
Hermès takes
its next step
E XC LU S I V I T Y, P R E S T I G E A N D LU X U RY. B U T T H E R E ’ S
A N OT H E R W O R D C E N T R A L TO T H E H E R M È S S TO RY: I N N OVAT I O N .
It would be easy to make certain assumptions
about a brand like Hermès. With a legacy that
stretches back some 181 years, the legendary
French fashion house is synonymous with
heritage. The waiting list for its famed ‘Birkin’
handbags is the stuff of legend. But while it’s
true that Hermès is one of the most revered
brands in fashion, you don’t survive the best
part of two centuries by accident.
“We started as a harness maker,” explains
Guillaume de Seynes – the sixth generation
heir to Hermès and the current executive vice
president of Hermès International. “And when
you talk about harnesses you talk about a long-
lasting object – the best possible materials and
craftsmanship. And these qualities are still key
to any Hermès object today.”
Rather than simply telling customers about
this dedication to quality, Hermès has also
decided to show them. Back in March, the
brand held its Hermès At Work showcase in
Melbourne, where the company’s artisans
demonstrated the expertise and attention to
detail that goes into making everything from
jewellery to ties, scarves and leather goods.
It was testament to not only of how much work
goes into making Hermès’ products – but how
many areas the brand has expanded into since
it first launched in 1837.
Thierry Hermès – de Seynes’ great-great-
great grandfather – first opened his Parisian
workshop to supply 19th-century nobility
with harnesses for their carriages. But in
the coming decades, the company soon
developed other product lines – saddles,
which they still carry today, and then bags,
jackets, ties, scarves, watches and more.
These early developments hint at
another key element of the brand’s success.
Because although heritage and quality remain
fundamental components of the Hermès story,
another attribute has also come to define
the brand: innovation.
Thierry’s grand-son, Emile-Maurice Hermès,
was the first person to introduce the zipper to
74 G Q .COM . AU J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8
LV X 2018
WORDS: JAKE MILLAR AND AMY CAMPBELL. PHOTOGRAPHY OF THE LOUIS VUITTON
2018 FIFA WORLD CUP OFFICIAL LICENSED PRODUCT COLLECTION: TIM ASHTON.
FIFA
WORLD
CUP
It all began with the monogrammed
ball of France ‘98. Designed to be
carried – never kicked – it sparked
the beginning of Louis Vuitton’s
partnership with the FIFA World Cup.
Twenty years on, LV continues to
France in the early-20th century, and the brand give new meaning to the term ‘sports
was the first to use them in bags and jackets. merchandise’, with its 2018 Official
“Nobody had used a zipper for a personal FIFA collection featuring the ‘Keepall’
accessory before, and still today it’s the best and ‘Apollo’ bags in a pattern inspired
system that has been invented,” explains de by the official ball of the 1970 World
Seynes. “Emil Hermès also understood that Cup, as well as a selection of small
people were starting to use cars and go on leather goods. Football fanatics
vacations and that’s why he proposed will be pleased to hear the brand
a travelling bag.” is also releasing the ‘Keepall’ in a
Today, Hermès offers everything from personalised, made-to-order option.
bags and jewellery to perfumes, home IN STORES JUNE 14–JULY 31;
wares, shoes, gifts and men’s and women’s AU.LOUISVUITTON.COM
ready-to-wear collections. In 2015, Hermès
also turned its reputation for leatherwork to
Apple’s latest release, creating a unique
strap for the Apple ‘Watch’ that remains
part of the brand’s range.
This appetite for innovation has influenced
not just what the brand sells, but how they sell it.
While some brands have shied away from online
retail, Hermès was an unlikely forerunner in the
digital arena.
“In a certain way we were pioneers in
online retailing because we started our
website as early as 2001 in the US,” says
de Seynes. “I remember my uncle wasn’t
interested in the internet, but he said that
we are retailers – and if we were going to
have a website, it had to sell.”
In a further boost to the company’s 21st-
century credentials, last October, Hermès
gave its US site a major upgrade, which has
made it more compatible with smartphones.
In April, Hermès gave its European website
the same treatment, and later this month the
Australian website will also be relaunched.
“Two days after we launched in the US,
we sold a sofa to someone who was using a
smartphone,” laughs de Saynes, incredulously.
“Personally I wouldn’t imagine buying a sofa on
my phone, but there you go!”
And later this month, you could do the same.
The price tag? Just north of $40,000.
HERMÈS LAUNCHES ITS NEW ONLINE STORE
ON JUNE 20; HERMÈS.COM
Best of British
W E TA K E I N S P I R ATI O N FR O M TH E R EC E N T R OYA L N U P T I A LS TO O F F E R A LES S O N I N O LD - S C H O O L E LEG A N C E .

ick of reading about the Royal

Wedding yet? Same. But bear with
us because, while we’ll be spending
exactly zero brainpower dissecting which 1
princess wore what, the event does offer 2
some valuable inspiration. Specifically,
we slip on the tails and doff our top hat to
Prince Harry – soldier, newlywed, former
GQ cover star and 21st-century style icon
– as we pick the key products that will inject
a sense of tradition and sophistication into
your grooming routine.

1. TRU E FIT T & H I LL ‘ 1 805

SHAVING CREAM’, $25 (75G)
If you’re not so traditional that the whole
soap in a bowl thing appeals, you can apply
this cream directly without a brush. And it has
a cedarwood and musk base that could 3
actually result in skipping a day or two
of aftershave. Bonus. mensbiz.com.au

2 . JOH N NY’S CHOP SHOP

‘NO 1 MAT T PASTE’, $12 .99 (75G)
4
This may not have the pedigree of
a Penhaligon’s or a Floris, but the staying
power and natural finish have marked it
as a desk essential for several GQ staffers.
And check out the price. priceline.com.au

3 . CZ ECH & SPEAKE ‘AI R

SAFE MAN ICU R E KIT’, $3 50
It’s worth investing in these four matte black
tools encased in English leather. Because,
trust us, people are looking at your nails 5
– and they’re judging you. mensbiz.com.au

4 . FLOR IS X TU R N BU LL & 6
ASSE R ‘ 71/72’ E DP, $299 (100M L)
When one of Britain’s oldest fragrance
houses launches a collab with one of the
nation’s most traditional tailors, the result
is a cool and collected cocktail of classic
elements, such as juniper berry, lavender
and frankincense. libertineparfumerie.com.au

5 . DR HAR R IS & CO ‘L AVE N DE R

SHAVING SOAP’, $45 (100G)
This and your badger brush are a match
made in smooth-faced heaven. Lather
magical, in fact. (Sorry.) mensbiz.com.au

6 . MOLTON B ROWN ‘R E- CHARG E B L ACK

PE PPE R ANTI-PE RSPI RANT STICK’, $32 (75G)
Will keep you dry and presentable even if
a certain Ms Markle sidles over for a dance.
It could happen. We believe in you.
moltonbrown.com.au

7. G EO F TRUM PE R ‘SU PE R BADG E R 7

SHAVING B RUSH SB5’, $109
A shaving brush distributes your choice of 8
lubrication better than anything else – that’s
why proper barbers still use them. And badger
hair takes things up a notch. mensbiz.com.au

8. PE N HALIGON’S ‘BAYOLEA’
HAI R & BODY WASH, $62 .50 (300M L)
A two-for-the-price-of-one scented body
wash with a warm yet fresh signature blend.
Best value in the range. No doubt. GROOMING E D I T E D BY DAVI D SM I E DT
libertineparfumerie.com.au
 Turn
up the
volume
TA K E YO U R H A I R G A M E
TO N E W H E I G H T S, C O U R T E SY
O F E V E RYO N E ’ S FAVO U R I T E
N E T F L I X S H O W.

It’s been almost two years since Netlix irst

launched its TV-show-turned-sensation
Stranger Things. But even though it’s made
household names of its key players, we’re here
to report that the real star of the show is not
Winona Ryder or even Millie Bobby Brown.
No, despite the fact that the 14-year-old is
reportedly set to bank more than $4m for ORIGINAL
CHARLIE’S ANGEL
the third season of the show, the real star FARRAH FAWCETT
is Joe Keery’s character, Steve Harrington. IS SUPPOSEDLY
THE INSPIRATION
Or, rather, Steve Harrington’s hair. Yes, his BEHIND KEERY’S
LOFTY LOCKS.
iconic style proves that big hair is back. And
if you’re wondering how to replicate the look, THE METHOD
you’re in luck. We talk to hairstylist Tas
Tsipouras on just what you need.
His irst piece of advice? Bypass the
clipper-wielding barber and head for the
hairstylist. “Tell them you’re after the modern
mullet with length on top,” Tsipouras says.
Think Morrissey’s famous quiff rather than
vintage John Farnham. “Ask for increasing a smoother finish.
first, then through to the
Remember to hold the
length at the front, too, which will allow you ends of your hair.”
hairdryer downwards,
to lick the hair back or to either side. STEP TWO as you want to keep the
volume at the back to a
No short back and sides.” “With a hairdryer in one
minimum. Once complete,
hand and the vent brush in
The rest is down to your hair type and face the other, begin to air-dry run a fingertip-sized
shape. “The thicker the hair and the more of it the hair in the opposite amount of the pomade
direction to where it through the hair.”
on the top, the closer you’ll get to achieving
naturally falls. Do this until
PHOTOGRAPHY: EDWARD URRUTIA; GETTY IMAGES.

Steve’s mane – and to God,” says Tsipouras. the hair is at least 50 per
That said, those with iner hair “will just have cent dry. Then, taking
to rely on the right product, and quantity, small sections, starting
at the front of your head,
to create the volume”. begin drying the hair up
As for face shape, this one’s for the squares. and forward and let it rest
on your forehead while
“This will suit you really well, as the volume you continue on to the
on top will only elongate and soften your next section. Follow
strong angles,” says Tsipouras. “If you have through until you get to
the crown area. Once
a long face shape, keep the volume on top to done, you can then brush
a minimum; otherwise, you’ll only make it all back off your face
your face appear longer.” and start drying the hair
on the sides of your head.”
KIT
THE TOOLS YOU’LL NEED FOR THE JOB
OriginalMineral ‘O&M
Rootalicious, $36.15 (270ml)
salonstyle.com.au
Remington ‘Air3D’
hairdryer, $199.95
remington-products.com.au.
Original Mineral ‘C Paste’
$31.85 (100g), salonstyle.com.au
MB ‘Vent’ brush, $7.99
chemistwarehouse.com.au

J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 77
 EY DITCHED THE
UBS IN 2009 AND
H HE’S SINCE
O OSCARS,
ADVICE TILL SUGGEST
TING AN ACTUAL
R FOR ANY OF
DERMATOLOGICAL
AS.

LAB SERIES ‘FUTURE

RESCUE REPAIR
SERUM WHEN TO CALL
THE DOCTOR
There are times when
PETER THOMAS
ROTH ‘HUNGARIAN even the most dedicated
THERMAL WATER skincare routine just
MINERAL-RICH
ATOMIC HEAT MASK’ MEN’S BIZ doesn’t cut it. These three
KIEHL’S key issues require calling
‘EYE ALERT’
in the experts.
ADULT ACNE If you think
it’s just a matter of waiting
patiently until you find the
($)

magic over-the-counter meds,

TRIUMPH you are mistaken – your GP can
COST

& DISASTER hook you up with a specialist.

‘LOGIC’ TONER
MOLTON BROWN THE CHANGE Should a freckle
‘SILVER BIRCH or mole begin to alter its
THERMALBATH SOAK’
colour, shape or texture, have
a professional see to it stat.
It could be a melanoma.
SUPER GREENS
DETOXIFYING FLAKING IT If you have
FACIAL SCRUB dandruff, you can generally nix
it with the right shampoo. The
NATIO FOR MEN GARNIER AMBRE
SOLAIRE ‘NATURAL same does not necessarily
‘CALMING
AFTERSHAVE BALM’ BRONZER BRONZE apply to skin. If you’re dealing
MINUTE’ GEL with the kind of peeling or
inflammation most people
get only with severe sunburn,
you could have psoriasis or
eczema, and proven medical
strategies are available to help.

TO FI N D A DE RMATOLOG IST
CLOSE TO YOU, GO TO TH E
AUSTRALASIAN COLLEG E OF
DE RMATOLOG ISTS WE BSITE
AT DE RMCOLL .E DU. AU

78 G Q .COM . AU J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8
Helping make the world
more handsome.
“ The cornerstone of good cooking is to source the f inest produce.” NEIL PERRY

SYDNEY MELBOURNE PERTH

ROCKPOOLBARANDGRILL.COM.AU

You can now earn & redeem Qantas Frequent Flyer Points at Rockpool Bar & Grill.
 WATCH

THE 2018 SPECIAL

SPECI A L 2018
ROSE GOLD ‘VI LLE R ET TOU R B I LLON

Welcome
to the GQ Watch Special. After the craziness that ensued in the
beginning of the year with SIHH and Baselworld, we igured
now was a good to time to take stock and digest what’s happened
in the watch world thus far in 2018 with a bumper GQ Watch
section. After all, a lot has been released, the various changes
at CEO level have now bedded in and we’ve seen yet another
rise in celebrities signing up to spruik their chosen brand.
News from Basel was extensive – from evidence of
Breitling’s continued refresh under Georges Kern (hi there
squads featuring Brad Pitt and Kelly Slater) to Chopard’s
pledge to only use ethical gold. Question is, will everyone
follow suit?
In terms of releases, Rolex and Tudor lit up social media with
their Pepsi-coloured pieces while Omega demonstrated that
however innovative the industry is becoming, interpretations
of vintage pieces will not slow anytime soon. Elsewhere,
Hublot celebrates its third FIFA World Cup with the launch
of a “one-off” (CEO Ricardo Guadalupe’s words) ‘Big Bang’
smartwatch for all referees oficiating in Russia. We take
a look at how the brand has carved its place into the sporting
landscape. Plus, we speak to young watchmaking talent Benoît
Mintiens, the brains behind Ressence, whose ROCS is making
waves in the industry (Ressence Orbital Convex System, obvs).

THESE SIX PIECES ARE THE BEST OF A VERY GOOD BUNCH.

CAR BON ‘MONACO
BAM FOR D’ $10,600 BY TAG
H EU E R X G EORG E BAM FOR D
This is what happens when
watch god Jean-Claude Biver
and king of personalisation
George Bamford join forces.
More, please.
YE LLOW GOLD
‘AUTOMATIC YA12634 0’,
$2975, BY GUCCI
Alessandro Michele’s
influence is apparent here.
Lacking his statement snake
motif, the gold-covered
chevron dial makes up for it.
STEEL ‘THE MARSHALL
AMPLIFICATION LIMITED
EDITION’, $2250,
BY RAYMOND WEIL
Part of the ‘Tango’ collection,
this one’s a true rock star. The
panda sub-dials are inspired
by the amps sound buttons.
GOLD ‘SEAMASTE R ROSE GOLD ‘OCTO FIN ISSIMO
OLYM PIC GAMES AUTOMATIC SAN DB L ASTE D
COLLECTION’, $23,175, TR I LOGY’, $61,000,
BY OM EGA BY BVLGAR I
Your very own Olympic gold Solid gold but not flashy;
medal. We simply can’t get weighty but incredibly thin.
enough of the retro-feeling And worn by Zayn Malik in his
Omega logo. latest video, so it must be cool.

82 G Q .COM . AU J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8
WATCH NEWS
 36MM

HUBLOT’S
HAT-TRICK
QUESTION: What do
the world’s fastest
man, the most iconic
footballer in history,
and the world’s best
manager have
in common?
ANSWER: Hublot.
Ordinarily, having one
of Usain Bolt, Jose
Mourinho and Diego
Maradona at an event
would suffice. Not
for Hublot. Indeed, it
hosted a star-studded
five-a-side match
at Baselworld to
celebrate its
sponsorship of the
2018 FIFA World Cup.
See p107 to read
about the ‘Big Bang Panerai’s 38mm ‘Due Three Day Automatic’ earlier in
Referee’ smartwatch the year should have been a sign, but one thing we didn’t
it launched. expect from Basel was the aptitude for the watch world’s
key players to shrink down their pieces. Hublot’s smallish

39MM
(still 42mm) ‘Big Bang’ doesn’t quite count, but Oris’
36mm ‘Big Crown Pointer Date’ in bronze and the Tudor
‘Black Bay Fifty-Eight’ at 39mm do. Usually one to go big,
Oris turned the form guide upside down here. The dial is
combined with gold-plated cathedral hands and the display
is classic with hours, minutes, seconds and the date hand on
a central axis, while the date track is situated on the periphery
of the dial – a ‘Big Crown Pointer Date’ signature. As for
Tudor’s slimmer, smaller case (39mm instead of 41mm and
11.9mm thick instead of 15mm), we’re big fans of this piece
retracing its footsteps and going back to the original
proportions of the ’50s ‘Big Crown Submariners’. Bravo to
you both, stay small. $2500, ORIS.CH; $3910, TUDORWATCH.COM

Joining Maradona, Bolt and

Mourinho for the exhibition
match were the likes of David
Trezeguet, Roberto Carolos
and Patrick Kluivert.

J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 85
 ‘Black Bay S&G’
by Tudor; $5990

‘GMT Master II
Rolesor’ by
Rolex; $17,800

‘Superocean Héritage II
B20 Automatic 44mm’ ‘G-Timeless’
by Breitling; $8420 by Gucci;
$1560

ORANGE
REALLY IS
THE NEW
BLACK
Whether or not Prince Harry made
being ginger cool, we’ll never know,
but we’re certain his infamous mop
of hair has something to do with the
watch world’s sudden obsession with
the second colour in the rainbow. Two’s
POA
a coincidence, but we count at least
five, which, in our book is a certified Levi’s ‘Orange
trend. Here, 2018’s choice pieces on Tab’ jeans spring When you read We’re talking Hermès McVities Jaffa Cakes, Ed Sheeran and
to mind. Penguin Books. gift-bag territory. anyone? Damian Lewis.
GQ’s very own orange spectrum.
 SPECI A L 2018

LE FT
Mark Webber’s
‘Oyster Perpetual
Cosograph Daytona’.

MY WATCH STORY

mark webber
A F E W M O N T H S B AC K , AT T H E AU S T R A L I A N
G R A N D P R I X , T H I N G S W E R E C O N T I N U I N G AT
A S T E A DY, S T Y L I S H M A R C H O F P R O G R E S S I O N .

D igital influencers strutted among

the paddock, angling their faces
and outfits just so, weaving cleverly
to squeeze into a frame.
In a sleek, bunker-like broadcast centre,
a team of dozens stared at walls of screens,
calmly choreographing a global simulcast
that would reach tens of millions.
And, roaming Albert Park as though it were
an old friend was Mark Webber; likely the most
affable and talented, Australian driver to ever
compete in the sport.
GQ: Can you think back to the first watch you
ever owned?
Mark Webber: It would have been a rubber Casio.
Waterproof. I loved that it was waterproof. That
was so cool. I’d wear it in the ocean, in pools.
I thought it was quite amazing that I could go in
the water and enjoy my sports. I’m an outdoor
guy - always have been, always will be.
GQ: What happened next?
MW: I went through a phase where watches
weren’t that important for me. I wasn’t a big
watch guy, to be honest. As you get a bit older,
your appetite changes for certain things. I
don’t have any other jewellery, apart from my
wedding ring and a watch. I don’t like necklaces
or chains. I’m very minimalistic.
GQ: What was the point where watches
‘clicked’ for you?
MW: I definitely need to know the time, a lot.
I need a watch. It was the only avenue for a
gentleman to show a little bit of elegance or
class. I don’t like flash. I don’t like overdressing.
But you can do something very nice with a
watch – it says a lot about its owner.
GQ: Most people just check the time on their
phones – to you, what does it mean to be wearing
something so analogue, so mono-functional?
WORDS: ADAM BAIDAWI.
fast pleasures. That’s the difference
– that’s what you’re paying for.
GQ: What was your first experience
with a Rolex watch?
MW: I bought my first ‘GMT’ 10 years
this year. It was a big moment, aroun
time of my first Grand Prix victory.
GQ: You bought it, or you were gifte
MW: Bought it. I thought, after that win, I would
buy a Rolex. Even the word is very prestigious
– it’s got brand values. I thought, I’m going to do
this for myself. A ‘GMT’ is pretty understated,
it’s got a beautiful black dial, and does all the
things that I want it to do.
GQ: How many do you own at this point?
MW: I think I’ve got six or seven Rolexes.
GQ: How do you decide your daily driver?
MW: It’s hard. I bought four here – I wear
a different one every day. But a ‘Daytona’
of some sort is my daily runner.
GQ: And that very first Rolex you bought?
MW: That’s with me. It’s always somewhere
safe – I wear it often. There’s a lot of personal
attachment to that watch, because of the
reasons I purchased it. It was a milestone. A big
message to myself. Every time you put it on, it’s
a beautiful reminder to yourself. It’s a delicate
journey you go on to get such things.
GQ: And does the Rolex come with you on your
daily outdoor exercise?
MW: I’ve been in the ocean with it, absolutely.
But that’s what I tell my father – I bought a watch
for him a few years ago. I said, ‘Dad, you’ve got
to wear it’. It’s like a Porsche ‘911’: you’ve got to It’s often wrong to judge a book by its cover
drive it. The watch wants to be used. but with watches, it’s OK to judge them by
their faces. Essentially the hour markers act
GQ: A huge chunk of your life has been as a watch’s bone structure, but what’s your
defined by tenths of a second. How does preference – Roman or Arabic numerals? Our
it feel, now you’ve retired, to have a more view is that Roman suits more classic styles
and Arabic more sporty types, and this is
relaxed relationship with time? perfectly illustrated by the latest Breguet

MW: I feel naked without a watch on. I’ve had one
on for so long – and in Rolex’s case, you’ve got
the best in the world on your wrist. It just works.
I just want to have that constant in my life. I like
to have my phone off. There’s not many things
in your life that can be so delicate but have so
much endurance. It’s rare to have that essence
of quality in life now. People are looking for short,
MW: I’m much more relaxed now. I was
extremely impatient when I was racing –
I had such little time to switch off. We’d go
out socially, and I’d see people order desserts,
and I’m like, that’s going to be another half hour
at the table, I want to go to bed – I have training
the next day. It’s taxing. Time is a bit more
chilled out now.
‘Marine 5527 Chronograph’ in titanium (hello
white superluminova within the numerals) and
Glashütte Original’s ‘Senator Cosmopolite’,
which is a seasoned traveller’s dream. We can’t
decide which we prefer, so we’ll take both.
$29,000, BREGUET.COM;
$32,050, GLASHUETTE-ORIGINAL.COM

J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 87
SPECI A L 2018

Store
credit
W H I L E M A N Y R E TA I L O U T P O S T S
A R E R U N N I N G FO R T H E H I L L S ,
FO R LU X U RY WATC H B R A N D S,
AU S T R A L I A I S A LU C R AT I V E
B R I C K- A N D - M O R TA R M A R K E T.

In January, the New York end of Melbourne’s

Collins Street became home to Panerai and IWC
Schaffhausen’s irst-ever Australian lagship
stores. Longines was quick to follow, opening its
doors to Sydney’s QVB in February. They say
three’s a trend, so when Paris-based Chaumet
arrived at Sydney’s Westield Mall in April – and
Piaget announced it would open in Melbourne
later this year – horologists had reason to rejoice.
Rumour has it Hublot and Bremont are searching
for real estate Down Under, too.
Martin Rainer, managing director of Kennedy
– who in addition to partnering with IWC and
Panerai to open their boutiques, unveiled their
latest Kennedy multi-brand watch boutique in
Melbourne’s Chadstone Shopping Centre in
March – says “luxury watch brands have seen
Australia as a key emerging market for a number
of years. Australians are high net-worth
individuals, and our strong stream of Asian
tourists – who are highly educated when it
comes to luxury and have a willingness to spend
overseas – means that brands are ready to make
the next step and open standalone boutiques.”
If there was ever a time to shop locally, it’s
now. The unique experience offered by each
of these brand new boutiques reinforces the
unparalleled luxury of in-person service. It’s
a big win if you – like us – are of the ‘try
before you buy’ persuasion.

OPEN SEASON THE BIGGEST WATCH STORE OPENINGS OF 2018

C H AU M ET, SY D N EY PA N E R A I , M E L B O U R N E
WORDS: AMY CAMPBELL.
ANOTHER
LONGINES
‘LEGEND DIVER’
An icon in the Swiss
DEEP DIVING
ANY RUMOURS OF THE DIVE WATCH’S DEMISE ARE
RECORD watchmaker’s Heritage
line, today’s ‘Legend GREATLY EXAGGERATED – ON THE CONTRARY THE
Diver’ is reimagined from MARKET IS AS POPULAR AS EVER, AND TO PROVE IT,
Be it Prost v Senna, the ’60s. While the design
McEnroe v Borg or HERE ARE FOUR HANDSOME NEW EXAMPLES.
elements remain typical
England v Australia in of the original, it draws
the Ashes, everyone modern expertise to
add better legibility,
loves a good old- water-resistance and
fashioned sporting practicality to the latest
rivalry. And the same edition. Coated in black
PVD, it succeeds at
can be said in the being both elegant and
watch industry, with a performance piece.
Piaget and Bulgari $3550;
at loggerheads to LONGINES.COM
break each other’s
record for the
world’s thinnest
BELL & ROSS ‘BR
tourbillon. Piaget 03-92 DIVER BLUE’
held the title for all of In 2017, the Frenchies
two months before surprised us by adding
Bulgari unveiled its a dive version of the
3.95mm Bulgari ‘Octo classic square piece.
It was a shock because
Finissimo Automatic the combination of dive
Tourbillon’. Even more watch elements (hello
impressive – it’s not round rotating bezel)
a concept watch, and dashboard-like
square case can prove
rather a regular difficult. Alas it ended up
production model. being one of last year’s
Limited to 50 pieces, coolest picks. The 2018
edition is blue with
it’s powered by the yellow accents. And yes,
new caliber BVL 288, you heard correct, there
a self-winding flying is a bronze version
tourbillon movement available too.
$5700;
only 1.95mm thick BELLROSS.COM
and another record
in itself. When we
caught up with
Bulgari’s CEO SEIKO ‘PROSPEX
Jean-Christophe DIVER 300M HI-BEAT
SLA025’
Babin, he was quick
to play down the Last year saw Seiko’s
remake of the ‘62Mas’
competition, though diver generate a worthy
we’ll have to wait amount of column inches
until SIHH 2019 to and embellished the
brand’s great pedigree
see whether the in the dive watch realm.
same applies to his Using the same recipe,
equivalent at Piaget, Seiko reissued the
Chabi Nouri. We ‘Automatic Diver 300m
Ref. 6159-7001’ – its first BLANCPAIN ‘FIFTY FATHOMS
suspect not. ever hi-beat diver, with
POA; BVLGARI.COM the aim to directly target BATHYSCAPHE DAY DATE 70S’
loyal Seiko collectors (if Yes, we know Blancpain’s iconic ‘Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe’
you remember the original is a ’50s-inspired watch, but for 2018 the brand decided to add
1968 piece, you’re in the a little funk to the party, to create some ’70s magic. Limited to
club). Updates include 500 pieces, the new ‘Bathyscaphe Day Date 70S’, exhibits a
a calibre 8L55, specially sexy gradient dial with a stylised minute track and a day-date
designed for diving. complication. The 43mm satin-finished case makes for an
$8500; unusual Blancpain style and we’re digging it.
SEIKOWATCHES.COM $15,900; BLANCPAIN.COM

LONGINES, SYDNEY I WC S C H A F F H AU S E N , M E L B O U R N E

J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 89
 MAR K RU FFALO
FRÉDÉRIQUE
CONSTANT
FC has an enviable balance
between commercial
viability and artistic merit.
B E N E DICT CUM B E R BATCH So too the man who plays
JAEGER-L E COULTRE the best Hulk in history and
As with all great thesps, is the driving forced behind
Cumberbatch is a such conscience-prickers
chameleon. Able to flick such as The Normal Heart.
between the drug-addled The thinking man’s choice.
psychotic restlessness
SIMON BAKE R
of Sherlock Holmes and
tormented genius of Alan LONGINES
Turing in The Imitation A great fit. Namely
Game, it’s apt that he because both brands
spruiks the watch brand started elsewhere –
synonymous with face- Longines in Swizerland
flipping smarts and Baker in Australia –
of the ‘Reverso’. before finding enormous
success in the US.
There is a downplayed
elegance here, not to
mention a face that gets
better with age.

CH R IS H EMSWORTH
TAG HEUER
TAG has in part achieved
its status on rugged versatility.
The same timepiece you use in
the surf is equally at home
in a boardroom negotiation
or dressed down with faded
denim and a crisp white T.
And if you’ve seen Hemsworth’s
comic turns in films like
Ghostbusters, it’s clear he,
too, is more than a hammer-
throwing Avenger.

H UG H JAC KMAN
MONTBLANC
Jackman and Montblanc
have several common
RYAN REYNOLDS traits, but the most evident
PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES.

PIAGET is willingness to take a

risk. Much like Jackman’s
Enviably slim bodies aside, Wolverine franchise
Reynolds is only 19 years younger and Montblanc’s writing
than Piaget’s famous ultra-thin instruments, both could
piece, the ‘Altiplano’. There is a have dug in and continued
youthful energy about both and a to happily rake in profits.
refusal to be bound by convention. Neither took that path and
And who wouldn’t want Deadpool both grew as a result.
wearing their timepieces?
 SPECI A L 2018

I N 2 0 1 8, C E L E B R I T Y E N D O R S E M E N T S A R E AS M U C H A PA R T O F T H E M O D E R N WATC H S CA P E
AS TO U R B I L LO N S A N D TO N N E AU S . S O M E A R E S E A M L E S S A N D OT H E R S A R E I N S P I R E D.
H E R E , W E M ATC H T H E B R A N D S TO T H E I R S U P E R S TA R F R I E N D S, PA I D FO R O R N OT.

LE B RON JAM ES
AUDEMARS PIGUET
King James is a polarising
figure. Either way you see it,
the man delivers year after E DDI E R E DMAYN E
year under the most gruelling
B R ADLEY
scrutiny. In a similar vein to AP’s
OMEGA
COOPE R
IWC ‘Royal Oak’ range, he’s gone Bear with us
from interesting newcomer here. Omega is
BCoops has to genuine icon. the symbol of
a touch of the resistance in
modern-day physics. The lower
Cary Grant the resistance,
about him, an the more heat is
assuredness in generated and the
his own sense brighter an object
of style. Hardly shines. See where
surprising we’re heading? His
then that the performances in
‘Portuguesier’ films like The Danish
manufacturers Girl and The Theory
were keen on of Everything
what marketing have marked the
types call luminous Brit
“strategic as belonging to
alignment”. an enduringly
rarefied elite. The
same can be said
about certain
‘Seamasters’,
‘Speedmasters’
and ‘De Villes’.

ROG E R FE DE R E R
ROLEX
Only three
words you need
to know for both ARM I E HAMM E R
here: The. Swiss. BREITLING
Master.
You couldn’t
get two tougher
sounding
words – at least
phonetically – than
this actor’s name,
not to mention
his classically
handsome
DAVI D B ECKHAM
presentation. It
TUDOR all fits into place
Frosted-tipped free-kick magician, grooming as the face of the
mogul, UNICEF ambassador, model, football quintessentially
team owner, OBE recipient – Beckham is a master robust pilot’s
of reinvention, constantly finding ways to remain watch.
relevant in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.
The parallels with the manufacturers of the
‘Black Bay’ timepieces are both apt and obvious.

J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 91
COLOUR COORDINATED
FO U R O F O U R FAVO U R I T E T I M E P I E C E S, PA I R E D
W I T H T H E H OT T E S T O F E V E RY DAY E S S E N T I A L S .

PH OTOG RAPHY E DWAR D U R RUTIA ST YLI N G LE I L A AM I R PARVI Z

midnight blue
18kt white gold ‘Portugieser Perpetual Calendar’ watch, $57,800, by IWC Schaffhausen; 18kt yellow
gold ‘Santos de Cartier’ bracelet, $4350, by Cartier; ball (sold as part of a set with bat), $1150, by
Hermès; ‘Pure XS’, $129 (100ml), by Paco Rabanne; clippers, $23, and bottle opener, $30, both by Hay.
 SPECI A L 2018

green flash
Staineless steel ‘Maverick’ watch, POA, by Victorinox; bat, (sold as part of a set), $1150, by Hermès;
pen, $580, by Cartier; ‘Amazingreen’ EDP, $130 (50ml), by Comme des Garçons at Mecca; pen holder,
$33, and cube ruler, $14, both by Hay; ‘Tropical Flowers’ necklace, $960, by Louis Vuitton.
 red alert
Stainless steel ‘Octo Ultranero’ watch, $9950, by Bulgari; sunglasses, $815,
by Jacques Marie Mage at Black Optical; lighter, $130, by Cartier; paperweight,
$560, by Hermès; ‘Noir’ EDP, $165 (50ml), by Tom Ford at David Jones.
 SPECI A L 2018

grey scale
Stainless steel ‘East West Automatic’ watch, $7500, by Tiffany & Co; 18kt white gold
‘Santos de Cartier’ necklace, $11,200, and money clip, $195, both by Cartier; ‘Uomo
Acqua’ EDT, $153 (125ml), by Valentino at David Jones; glass dish, $30, by Hay.
 new kid
on the block
I N A N I N D U S T RY FA M E D FO R T R A D I T I O N , R E S S E N C E I S B R E A K I N G
ALL TH E R U LES – AN D IT’S O N LY J U ST G E T TI N G STAR TE D.

WO R DS TI MOTHY AN SCOM B E- B E LL

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT
Ressence ‘Type 3’; the
founder behind the innovative
watch label; Ressence ‘Type
1’, debuted at the 2010
Baselworld watch fair.
BELOW
A stripped back image
of the ‘Type 3’ shows the
intricate design behind
a Ressence watch.
f there is no function, there
is no point,” grins Benoît
Mintiens, the Belgian industrial
designer and founder of
Ressence. Having moved into
watches only eight years ago,
his start-up is taking the industry by
storm with its aesthetically unique
and mechanically ingenious
approach to telling time.
When you irst pick up one of
Mintiens’ watches, it can be a
disorienting experience. The
traditional hands are replaced by
sub-dials that move in orbit around
the face. The main disk into which
they’re set also revolves, meaning their
curved dials are ever-changing.
There is a three-dimensionality to
his pieces, all of which are powered by
a planetary gear system, designed and
built with the display in mind – the
opposite to most mechanical watches
that are designed following the
movement’s lead.
Focusing on usability and
technologies that will appeal to new
audiences of watch fans, it’s the
emphasis on human interaction that
sits at the heart of Ressence. “Without
touching the mechanical integrity of
the watch, we want to get people excited
about user experience,” he explains.
“We don’t have archives to dig into.
Why look at the past when there are
plenty of people doing that just ine?
We look forwards, and ask, what can we
do better, and how can we get there?”
With a background in engineering
and an industrial design portfolio that
includes high-speed trains, aircraft
cabins, medical devices and leather
goods, Mintiens had long played with
the idea of creating a new kind of ine
watch. Having inished designing his
SPECI A L 2018
irst piece in 2007, the Ressence line
was introduced at the Baselworld
watch fair in 2010, where three
prototypes were shown.
In March 2011, the irst production
model, the ‘ZeroSeries’ was unveiled,
with the upgraded ‘SeriesOne’ with
shock-absorption system coming in
2012. Both models included the now
patented rotating gear system, ROCS,
which stands for Ressence Orbital
Convex System. This proprietary
module comprises a set of gears and
disks of different sizes rotating
together and powered by the turning
of the movement’s central pinion. The
axles on which the gears are mounted
are curved to match the contour of the
crystal that covers them.
The third series, known as ‘Type 3’,
added a whole new level of complexity,
with a dial suspended in oil between
the movement and the crystal to
provide a magniied, projection effect;
creating the illusion that the hands
are loating on the surface of the
crystal. This oil-illed chamber houses
the ROCS module and is completely
sealed. It sits on top of a lower
chamber that contains the mechanical
movement. Interaction between the
two is solely via tiny, powerful
magnets mounted to the movement’s
central axis, and a corresponding plate
located in the upper chamber.
Overcoming a host of engineering
challenges, the ‘Type 3’ stole the show
at the 2013 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie
de Genève (GPHG) – the Oscars of
watchmaking – where it took home
the award for Horological Revelation.
Mintiens’ follow-up for 2014, the
pebble-like ‘Type 1’ has downturned
lugs, a curved sapphire crystal that
stretches to the edge of the 42mm case
J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 97
SPECI A L 2018
and no crown. Winding
and setting are instead
accomplished by twisting
the bottom plate of the
case. The ‘Type 1’ is
now a bestseller for
the brand and includes
second, minute, hour
and day functions run
on satellite disks, each
shown by a separate
indication within
the dial.
T
he line-up has
since expanded
to include a dive
watch designed to be
perfectly readable
underwater (‘Type 5’),
an 11.5mm thin
variation with square
case (‘Type 12’), and
a host of playful yet
consistently well-
executed special
editions, including
a skeletonised piece for
the 2017 ‘Only Watch’
charity auction. In 2016, the Fondation
de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH)
designated the small independent
watchmaker one of only 64 brands
globally to meet all the requirements
for inclusion within its ine
watchmaking category.
Mintiens’s talent for bringing
the unexpected struck again this
January, when introducing his ‘Type
2 e-Crown Concept’, the world’s
irst automated-setting technology
for mechanical watches.
Developed in collaboration with
iPod inventor and technologist Tony
Fadell, the ‘e-Crown’ sits between the
mechanical movement and the ROCS
display system, allowing the watch to
self-adjust to new timezones, be set
from a smartphone and, with a tap of
the sapphire crystal, even reset to the
correct time once the mechanical
power reserve has worn down.
Fadell describes it as taking
something that already exists and
improving on it, akin to how ABS or
an automated gearbox works in a car.
By not interrupting the gear train, the
98 G Q .COM . AU J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT
Ressence’s first dive watch,
the ‘Type 5’; the ‘Type 1 RS’;
a preview of the groundbreaking
Uwerk ‘AMC’; a selection of
Ressence watch faces
showing their sleek design.
AND
ANOTHER
THING
We can’t talk about the
‘e-Crown’ and the
interplay of mechanical
watchmaking with digital
technologies without
mentioning one of our
standout Baselworld
highlights – the Urwerk
‘AMC’, or ‘Atomic Master
Clock’. The progressive
independent brand
brought the heat this year
with a contemporary take
on the historic Breguet
‘Sympathique’. The idea is
as follows. While your
mechanical watch may
keep time fairly accurately,
it will need correcting
occasionally. Dock it in to
one of the most advanced
and accurate electronic
timekeeping devices – an
atomic clock – then get the
device to adjust the watch
accordingly. The ‘AMC’
marries cutting-edge
technology with traditional
‘e-Crown’ functions as an independent timekeeping, and brings
a 225-year-old concept
module, powered both kinetically and screaming into the
via photovoltaic cells that open when 21st century.
the charge drops below 50 per cent.
“We wanted to show it’s not the case
that if you add technology, it’s by default
no longer a mechanical watch,” explains
Fadell. “It should instead be regarded
as an electro-mechanical assistance.”
With price points starting from
$23,000 for the ‘Type 1’, the new
‘Type 2’ is expected to be priced in line
with the ‘Type 3’, at just shy of $60,000
when production begins in September.
With a cult following among Silicon
Valley entrepreneurs, design nerds and
in-the-know media executives, the
mission to engage a new audience
seems to be working.
“Our customers appreciate function
with a bit of wonder,” says Mintiens.
“When you have a mechanical watch
set itself in front of you; when you have
shutters opening and closing to engage
the photovoltaic cells, believe me –
you’ve got their attention.” „
R ESSE N C E WATCH ES AR E AVAI L AB LE I N
AUSTRALIA ON LI N E AT M R PORTE R.COM
 9 JUNE -
7 OCT 2018

MELBOURNE WINTER MASTERPIECES

130 YEARS OF MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART

FROM THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, NEW YORK.
ONLY IN MELBOURNE. NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA

PRESENTED BY NGV PRINCIPAL PARTNER MAJOR PARTNERS

Roy Lichtenstein Drowning girl, 1963. Oil and synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 171.6 x 169.5 cm. The Museum of Modern Art, New York.
Philip Johnson Fund (by exchange) and gift of Mr. and Mrs. Bagley Wright, 1971. © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein / Licensed by Copyright Agency, 2018 NGV.MELBOURNE
The W
atch land is in a spin. The luxury landscape in a state of lux.
Social media is transforming the reasons we buy a watch, and
e-commerce is changing the way in which we do so. Having
weathered a perfect storm of global socio-economic sucker punches
that pummelled it into a two-year recession from the start of 2015,

Rise
the Swiss watch industry is facing a new challenge: how to make
mechanical timepieces relevant to omni-connected, experience-driven consumers?
The search for an answer has spurred a seismic shake-up of the industry’s top brass.
Long-serving captains have either abandoned ship or been forced to walk the plank.
Out of the ashes, a new breed of horologic hero has emerged: the super CEO. Equal
part watchmaker, businessperson and impresario, this Common Projects-sneakered

of storyteller realises that to connect with next-gen consumers, you must communicate
in a language they understand. Meet the superheroes who are down with the kids.

the PATRICK PRUNIAUX

U LY S S E N A R D I N
Not all Super CEOs are created
equal. Forged in the fires of spirits-
colossus Diageo, luxury industry
CHRISTOPH
GRAINGER-HERR
I WC S C H A F F H AU S E N
In March 2018, IWC launched

Super
leapfrogger Patrick Pruniaux cut a worldwide multi-channel
his teeth in LVMH’s wine and spirits advertising campaign with
division before a nine-year stint at Bradley Cooper. For years the
TAG Heuer saw him ascend to the brand’s media events have
position of vice president of sales.
In 2014, Pruniaux was poached

CEO
T H E D I G I TA L
AG E H AS
G I V E N B I R T H TO
CHABI NOURI
PI AG E T
A NEW BREED OF
B R A N D D I R E C TO R In April 2017, Chabi Nouri became the
– A DY N A M I C, first female CEO within Richemont’s
YO U N G CA P E D various watch and jewellery brands.
Her mission: “to modernise and
C R U SA D E R O N A rejuvenate the new positioning
M I S S I O N TO SAV E
and ambition of the brand” – press
T H E M E C H A N I CA L
release speak for ‘Generation Z –
WATC H I N D U S T RY.
we’re coming for you’.
Proving herself every
bit as digitally savvy as her
male counterparts, Nouri has
since launched Piaget’s own
e-commerce platform in the
United States and agreed to
make her brand available through
Mr Porter, where you can now
buy the company’s ‘Polo’ and
‘Altiplano’ timepieces. When
Spider-Man star Tom Holland
and the aptly-named Star
Wars actor Oscar Isaac were
photographed on the red carpet
at the 2018 Academy Awards,
they were wearing Piaget
by Apple to help launch the tech
giant’s first smartwatch. Mission
accomplished, the chance to take
control of Ulysse Nardin proved a
big enough carrot to lure Pruniaux
back to Switzerland in 2017.
A free-diving, backcountry-
skiing, krav-maga practitioner,
Pruniaux is the athletic, alpha
embodiment of the Super CEO.
“He’s part of a new generation of
very transparent, very informal
managers,” said Jean-Christophe
Babin – Pruniaux’s former
boss at Tag Heuer and current
chief executive of Bulgari – in
the The New York Times.
The launch of the boldly
dimensioned, demand-led ‘Diver
paraded showbiz personalities
Deep Dive’ at SIHH 2018 suggests
in front of the press, but this was
the Super CEO fresh out of Silicon
the first time IWC had produced
Valley is already steering a course
an extensive campaign with
towards commercial success.
a single celebrity.
“Association has always been
a key tool in charging luxury
products with meaning,” says the
Hollywood-handsome Grainger-
Herr. “Brand ambassadors become
role models and illustrations of a
brand’s values. We do not just work
with celebrities because they are
famous, or with influencers because
they have many followers. We work
with people who are active and
WORDS: RICHARD BROWN.

watches – yet another example confident, who are eager to take

of the watchmaker’s taliswoman on new challenges.”
strengthening brand image IWC was an early adopter of social
in the minds of superhero- media and has also introduced
loving millennials. e-commerce to its own website,
launching a personalisation service.
that allows customers to configure
their own ‘Ingenieur’ chronograph.

JULIEN TORNARE
ZENITH
At the start of last year Zenith was
a watchmaker facing an identity
crisis. In 2012, the company had
scored a global marketing coup
by strapping its most famous
timepiece – the ‘El Primero’ – to
the wrist of freefalling spaceman
Felix Baumgartner. Eight million
YouTubers live-streamed the
Austrian daredevil skydive 39km
to Earth from a helium balloon in
the stratosphere. Millions more
re-watched in the months after.
The stunt thrust Zenith from the
shadows of obscurity into the
minds of the watch-wearing
masses. Yet failure to follow up
with a long-term strategy led
to stagnating sales and the exit
of CEO Aldo Magada “by mutual
agreement”. Step in swashbuckling
LVMH watch chief (parent company
to Zenith) and de facto leader of the
Super CEOs, Jean-Claude Biver.
Within three months Biver
had appointed long-serving
Vacheron Constantin managing
director Julien Tornare as
Magada’s successor. Honing in on
millennials immediately, in summer
2017 Tornare and Biver signed an
agreement with British watch-
modifier George Bamford.
“Why did we do that?” pondered
Tornare on marketing agency
website Luxury Society, “because
customisation is part of our world.
Everybody wants to customise…
If you deny it, it means you are not
moving forward.” Tornare has since
signed American hip-hop producer
Swizz Beatz as an ambassador
and partnered with prestigious
cigar manufacturer Cohiba.
RAYNALD
AESCHLIMANN
OMEGA
Loyal to the Swatch Group for more
than 20 years, Raynald Aeschliman
served Longines and Blancpain
before being offered the Omega
captaincy in 2016. Having overseen
the opening of the company’s
new Shigeru Ban-designed
headquarters in Biel, Aeschliman
now dashes between meetings on
a collapsible electric bicycle that
he keeps by his desk.
With his company currently
sitting in second place in the
$7000-$18,000 watch segment
behind only Rolex, Aeschliman has
made no secret of his desire to
overtake the ‘Submariner’ master
– a feat he knows is only achievable
by winning over yuppies.
“Millennials are a generation
that likes to consume as much
as older generations do – maybe
more – but their focus is more on
‘real’ goods… It’s not as though
they see a quartz or smartwatch
as replacing a mechanical watch.
Rather they see them as entirely
different things.”
With this younger consumer
in his crosshairs, Aeschliman
has embraced e-commerce,
masterminded a multi-
generational marketing campaign
– by signing mother-and-daughter
models Kaia Gerber and Cindy
Crawford – and became the first
CEO to launch a special-edition
watch through social media.
Promoted with the hashtag
#SpeedyTuesday, a label used by
Omega’s ‘moon watch’ admirers,
the reverse-panda dial ‘Speedy
Tuesday’ was limited to 2012 pieces
to mark the year the hashtag
began. It reportedly sold out
within four hours. Impressive.
FRANÇOIS-HENRY
BENNAHMIAS
AU DE M A R S PI G U ET
“Emotion is the key,” says Audemars
Piguet’s habitually rumbustious
ringmaster François-Henry
Bennahmias. “The reason people
are looking for unique and striking
experiences is because they want
to feel alive. Our watches offer that –
they encapsulate the watchmaker’s
emotions and express the emotion
of the wearer.”
AP CEO since 2012, Bennahmias
has struck a sweet spot between
supply and demand. Restricting
annual output to around 40,000
units while stoking the furnaces
of desire through big-sport
sponsorship and celebrity
emissaries, Bennahmias has
increased revenue year-on-
year since taking charge.
Turnover in 2017 almost touched
one billion Swiss francs. With
ambassadors including Lionel
Messi, LeBron James, Serena
Williams and a gaggle of the
world’s top golfers, only Hublot
and Richard Mille can rival AP’s
pedigree of sporting talent.
With typical super CEO
transparency, Bennahmias will
appear for Q&A sessions at
the end of press presentations
proudly declaring that nothing is
off the record. “Ask me absolutely
anything,” he taunted journalists
at this year’s Salon International
de la Haute Horlogerie trade show,
wearing an in-vogue roll-neck and
brown leather bomber jacket. Also
characteristic of this new breed of
executive exhibitionist, Bennahmias
arrived armed with an arsenal of
pithy sound bites. “The smartwatch
is to the watch industry what fast
food is to restaurants.”
J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU
SPECI A L 2018
GEORGES KERN
BR EITLING
Few men have achieved more
in wristwatches in the previous
decade and a half than Georges
Kern. In 2002, the German native
became the youngest CEO at luxury
conglomerate Richemont – owner of
Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai
and Piaget, among others – when he
took the reins of IWC Schaffhausen
at just 36 years old. Through
philanthropic partnership, Formula
One alliances and a strategically
positioned product line, Kern
transformed IWC from periphery
player into global megabrand.
In July 2017, just as he was about
to stand for election to Richemont’s
board of directors, Kern
sensationally quit IWC for Breitling,
lured, he openly admitted, by a
significant stake in the watchmaker
put on the table by its new owners,
private equity company CVC
Capital Partners. Within six months,
Kern had unveiled a brand-new
collection – the ‘Navitimer 8’ – and
was embarking on a global press
tour with new creative director Guy
Bove (headhunted from Chopard)
and new chief marketing officer
Tim Sayler (nabbed from
Audemars Piguet).
Cross-industry collaborations
are catnip to super CEOs, and in
March 2018, Kern announced a
partnership between Breitling and
British classic motorcycle-maker
Norton. “Both companies have
reputations for products with an
incredible cool factor,” says Kern.
“It’s easy to imagine someone riding
by on a Norton motorcycle wearing
a classic Breitling – a perfect
combination of aspirational,
statement-making brands.” „
101
THE GAME
U N D E R T H E S T E WA R D S H I P O F C H A I R M A N J E A N - C L AU D E B I V E R
A N D C E O R I CA R D O G UA DA LU P E , T W O O F T H E M O S T
P I O N E E R I N G P E R S O N A L I T I E S I N WATC H L A N D,
 The ‘Big Bang Unico
TMT Carbon Gold’ was
created ahead of the
Floyd Mayweather-
Conor McGregor fight
where Mayweather
extended his unbeaten
run to 50 fights.

CHANGER
T H E B R A N D O F T H E ‘ B I G B A N G ’ H AS R E D E F I N E D W H AT
A M E C H A N I CA L T I M E P I E C E R E P R E S E N T S – A N D T R A N S FO R M E D
T H E R E AS O N S W E B U Y WATC H E S .
WO R DS R IC HAR D B ROW N
Big lights, big city
26 August 2017. T-Mobile Arena. Las Vegas. Fight Night.
After all the venom and the vitriol, Floyd Mayweather Jr
extends his professional boxing record to 50-0. His ‘mega
bout’ with one-man circus and self-styled madman,
Conor McGregor, becomes the second most paid-for
ight in pay-per-view history. Showtime sells 4.3 million
licences in the United States alone. The bout is the most
pirated event of all time. Mayweather walks away with
a guaranteed purse of $128m. McGregor makes do with
$38m. ‘The Biggest Fight in Combat Sports History’
was always about the money.
During the transatlantic, trash-talking press tour that
preceded the Las Vegas showdown, it was sponsors Beats
by Dre, Reebok, Adidas, T-Mobile and Betsafe that
enjoyed the most visibility. Once the bell rang, it was clear
that Hublot had pulled off the biggest marketing coup.
The Swiss watchmaker had reportedly paid $4.5m to
have its name emblazoned at the top of Mayweather’s
gold and black trunks. “It was a risk,” admits CEO
Ricardo Guadalupe, talking to GQ two months later at
Oktoberfest in Munich, where Hublot has just unveiled
a watch. Guadalupe is wearing lederhosen. When in Rome.
“All the professional boxers were saying that it was a fake
ight. In the end, everyone was surprised. The Las Vegas
link was good for us. Our boutique in the city is one of
the top ive performers in the world. When we sponsor
events in Vegas, we see a big spike in sales over that
weekend – there’s a tangible link.”
That the highfalutin world of mechanical timepieces
Let there be Light
should align itself with a blood sport would have been In the beginning there was Carlo Crocco, a scion
implausible just a decade ago. That a mechanical of the Italian Binda Group, best known for its Breil
watchmaker should secure the most valued piece of real watches. In 1980, Crocco created a timepiece of his
estate during the second biggest ight in modern boxing own inspired by the porthole of a ship. Featuring a
history is testament to the transformation the industry heavy-set bezel with exposed screws, the original
has faced. Within that revolution, it’s dificult to ‘Hublot’ (French for ‘porthole’) borrowed from
downplay the role played by Hublot. Audemars Piguet’s ‘Royal Oak’, Gérald Genta’s
No brand has done more to make mechanical octagonal masterpiece that launched eight years
watches relevant to contemporary culture. No brand earlier. Crocco’s timepiece differentiated itself by
has been so successful at positioning itself at the centre pairing an 18kt yellow gold case with, for a irst in
of the zeitgeist. watchmaking, a strap made of natural rubber.
One of Hublot’s irst forays into boxing – sponsoring Crocco’s black-on-gold, luxury-yet-athletic,
Mayweather in his 2015 ight against Manny Pacquiao – relaxed-yet-reined timepiece quickly found favour
became the highest-grossing pay-per-view all of time. among European royalty; the Kings of Greece, Spain
When Usain Bolt was rewriting the record books, he and Sweden, as well as the Prince of Monaco,
FROM TOP
was doing so as a Hublot ambassador. When Jay-Z was becoming early adopters. On top of the millions of
zig-zagging the planet during his Magna Carter tour For the next two decades, things ticked along pay-per-view licences
sold for the T-Mobile
in 2013, he was rapping while wearing a watch designed nicely. In 1987, Crocco introduced mechanical Arena in Las Vegas,
in partnership with Hublot. movements, replacing erstwhile quartz modules 14,623 fans filled the
T-Mobile Arena in Las
There have been tie-ins with Pelé, José Mourinho, supplied by ETA. The company’s irst dive watch, Vegas to witness
Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and Michael Clarke. the Hublot ‘Sport’ (available with a bright fuchsia Mayweather defeat
McGregor; Usain Bolt
Partnerships with Formula One and Ferrari. Yet it was dial) was followed by the Hublot ‘Elegant’, a and Pelé, just two of the
Hublot ambassadors
the company’s canny sponsoring of the two recent UEFA soft-edged chronograph which abandoned Hublot’s within the world of sport;
European Championships and FIFA World Cups that distinctive bezel screws. Mayweeather with CEO
Ricardo Guadalupe; Jay-Z
catapulted Hublot from periphery watchmaker to global By the noughties sales had plateaued. With perfroms with his Hublot
megabrand. And it all started with a Big Bang. Crocco’s time increasingly devoted to the Hand-in- on the Magna Carter tour.

resurrected Blancpain from oblivion in the eighties,
before masterminding Omega’s partnership with James
Bond in the nineties. As a watch boss, the Audemars
Piguet alumnus was a proven maverick. On acquiring
Blancpain for $30,000 in 1983, Biver had travelled
between would-be clients in a camper van, sleeping in the
back of the vehicle at night. He led his staff on dawn runs.
He once took his entire workforce on a vacation to the
Amali coast and would claim to be in contact with the
ghost of Jehan-Jacques Blancpain, the company’s
18th-century founder.
“It was my desire to return to being an independent
entrepreneur,” explains Biver, also at Oktoberfest, also
wearing lederhosen. “For one last time in my life I
wanted to experience the spirit and emotion that you get
with a start-up company. I wanted my kids to see – and
hopefully learn from – how their father would cope with
such an experience.”
Recently recovered from legionnaire’s disease, and having
almost agreed to work for Franck Muller – the original
rockstar watchmaker without whose boundary-pushing
approach to haute horology, Biver would have struggled to
do what he did next – the then-55-year-old stepped down as
Omega head to become CEO of Hublot in May 2004.
SPECI A L 2018
st
century.
“IT WAS MY DESIRE TO RETURN TO BEING AN
INDEPENDENT ENTREPRENEUR,” EXPLAINS
BIVER. “FOR ONE LAST TIME I WANTED TO
EXPERIENCE THE SPIRIT AND EMOTION THAT
YOU GET WITH A START-UP COMPANY.”
design, highlighting that both timepieces had been
inspired by nautical instruments – Hublot a porthole,
the ‘Royal Oak’ a diving helmet – and pointed to the fact
that whereas the AP sported eight screws on an octagonal
design, the ‘Big Bang’ featured six H-shaped screws on
a circular bezel. Not to mention the fact it had been
Hublot that had pioneered the luxury rubber strap
in the irst place.
In the year of its launch, the ‘Big Bang’ was awarded
the prize for Best Design at the prestigious Geneva
Watchmaking Grand Prix. It also won Best Sports
Watch at Japan’s Watch of the Year awards and Best
Oversized Watch at Bahrain’s equivalent.
THIS PAGE
Jean Claude Biver, a giant
“We knew the watch would be successful, but never to
in the watch world, was at that degree,” says Biver. “We would not have been able to
the helm at Hublot when
the iconic ‘Big Bang’ was imagine such enormous success even in our wildest dreams.”
created in 2005. Not for the irst time, Biver had breathed new life into
a seemingly burnt-out watch brand. He and Guadalupe
then embarked on marketing drive the like of which
the horological world had never seen.
J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 105
Guerrilla marketing
EVOLUTION
The subsequent decade was spent agreeing
endorsements with high-proile talent across
the  sporting spectrum. As the brand increased its
manufacturing facilities to keep up with demand –
its workforce doubled between 2005 and 2007, before
a new high-tech facility was opened on the banks of
Lake Geneva in 2009 – deals were struck with golfers
Justin Rose and Dustin Johnson; Croatian tennis
wunderkind Borna Coric; Japanese baseball player
Masahiro Tanaka; as well as champion skiers Maria
Höl-Riesch and Dario Cologna.
While Hublot wasn’t alone in aligning itself with
gifted tastemakers – Audemars Piguet had gotten pally
with Lionel Messi and LeBron James; Richard Mille
had Felipe Massa, Rafael Nadal and Bubba Watson –
no other brand embraced celebrity obsession and
turned it into an opportunity quite like Hublot. CH RONOG RAPH
As the rest of the luxury industry stuck to the
hoarding boards of polo pitches and F1 paddocks,
Hublot leapt onto the platform offered by mass market
sport. In 2008, the brand became oficial timekeeper to
Manchester United – the irst premium watchmaker to
enter the big-money playground that is Champions
League football. Other endorsements followed; Bayern
Munich, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Ajax and
Chelsea – brands as much as football clubs themselves
– all agreeing to become part of the Hublot machine.
As the watchmaker’s arsenal evolved – the company
announced its irst in-house movement, the ‘Unico’,
in 2009; invented ‘Magic Gold’, a scratch-resistant
gold-ceramic hybrid, in 2011; and broke records
for devising a 50-day power reserve that it housed
inside the ‘MP-05 LaFerrari’ in 2013 – so too did its
marketing endeavours. Hublot has kept time for the
Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Cowboys and Miami
CH RONOG RAPH
Heat. It has sponsored Switzerland at the World
Expo, partnered with the Nordic World Ski
Championships and backed the inaugural WBSC
Premier12 baseball tournament in Asia. Hublot
even has its own television channel.
“We try to be the irst in everything we do,” says
Guadalupe. “We took the risk of going into football
more than 10 years ago. We were the irst watch brand
in boxing. We have enormous visibility. We have
touched billions of people. Of course, not all of these
people can buy our watches, but at the very least
everyone knows that Hublot is a watch brand.”
In 2010, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone
had his Hublot stolen when he was mugged in London.
Ever the entrepreneurs, he and Biver turned the assault
into a marketing opportunity, creating an advert that
showed the F1 boss’s battered face alongside the tagline,
H U B LOT ‘U N ICO
‘See what people will do for a Hublot’.
Then there was January 2017, when Biver gatecrashed
CH RONOG RAPH
the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, or
SIHH, the annual trade show of luxury conglomerate
Richemont – part of which Hublot is not (Biver’s brand
106 G Q .COM . AU J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8
BIG BANG
2005
H U B LOT ‘B IG
BANG STE E L
CERAMIC
4 4 MM’;
$17,500
TITAN I UM
‘B IG BANG REFE REE’
SMART WATCH, $6700,
BY H U B LOT
having been bought by LVMH in 2008). On the show’s
opening night, Biver invited over 500 tradespeople to
a boat party on Lake Geneva, a stone’s throw from the
SIHH exhibition centre. He even used a ship that until
the previous year, Richemont had rented during the show.
The stunt prompted Franco Cologni, president of
Richemont’s cultural council and former chairman of
Cartier, to address Biver in an open letter published in
2009
H U B LOT ‘B IG
the journal of the Foundation for Haute Horlogerie.
BANG B L ACK “We shall play fair before the competition and praise
MAG IC the virtues of commerce and free enterprise,” wrote
4 4 MM’; Cologni. “Yet the fact remains that by hosting his
$20,200 inaugural party on ‘his’ boat on the same date and at
the same time as the one for SIHH, Jean-Claude Biver
demonstrates a singular lack of propriety for a captain,
a quality he should value considering the importance
he affords to ‘proper’ craftsmanship.”
How did Biver response? He did the exact same thing
the following year.
Global Domination
In June 2018 Hublot will act, for the third consecutive
time, as oficial timekeeper to the FIFA World Cup.
While Switzerland’s mechanical watch industry will have
weathered the politico-economic sucker-punches that
2018 preluded a 10 per cent dip in exports in 2016, the boom
B IG BANG R E D years of 2011-2014 appear to be over. There’s also the not
MAG IC insigniicant fact that a tech company from Silicon Valley
is now the world’s largest watch manufacturer, the Apple
45MM’;
$3 3,800 ‘Watch’ now having surpassed Rolex in terms of
turnover according to Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Hublot’s unconventional
advertising strategy using
Bernie Ecclestone’s
battered face after he was
“BRANDS WILL HAVE TO SAY A BIG ‘THANK
mugged for his watch. YOU’ TO APPLE. ISN’T IT MORE DIFFICULT TO
SELL A WATCH TO KIDS THAT HAVE NEVER
WORN A WATCH, THAN TO KIDS WHO HAVE?”
Former professional footballer, Alexei
Smertin, now the World Cup’s
anti-discrimination chief, and Hublot
CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe, celebrate
the opening of the new Hublot store in
Moscow as well as marking the
official one year countdown to the
Russian World Cup; it took until the
10th round for Mayweather to defeat
McGregor, earning a total reported to
be in excess of $300,000,000.
SPECI A L 2018
Of course, the mechanical watch industry has had to
market its way past its anachronistic nature ever since the
advent of the quartz timepiece in the 1960s. No brand has
done a better job of doing so than Hublot under Biver and
Guadalupe – while the rest of industry was battening down
the hatches, in 2016, Hublot was recording its most
successful year. In Apple, however, the traditional watch
sector confronts a cult-like adversary unlike anything it has
ever faced. If the brand of the ‘Big Bang’ is anxious about the
bites Apple is inlicting on its market share, the company’s
top brass is showing little signs of concern.
“We knew that Apple would become as big as Rolex,”
says Biver. “It’s the best promotion we could ask for. The
majority of the Swiss watch industry’s turnover relates to
watches over $2000. Will people currently buying a Patek
Philippe suddenly say ‘I no longer want a Patek Philippe,
I want an Apple ‘Watch’? No, they will buy both.”
He continues: “Brands will have to say a big ‘thank you’
to Apple. Isn’t it more dificult to sell a watch to kids that
have never worn a watch, than to kids who have? Is it easier
to sell a pair of John Lobb shoes to someone who has only
ever worn Nike trainers, or to someone who has always
walked around naked and never worn shoes at all? How can
you sell a naked person a pair of John Lobbs?” And therein
lies the characteristic charm of this industry titan.
So will Hublot follow TAG Heuer, its LVMH stable-
mate, (as LVMH watch boss Biver is also CEO of TAG)
and announce a smartwatch of its own?
“We are open,” says Guadalupe. “We’re working
closely with FIFA. But we will not do a smartwatch
as a business product. It would be a smartwatch for
rail. In
placed
P, as
y-Z and
ill the
Jay-Z
wealth
chy.
on,”
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watch,
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dalupe
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 the
good
times
M I X S T R E E T S T Y L E W I T H LU X U RY WATC H E S
FO R A T I M E L E S S E D G E T H I S W I N T E R .

FROM LEFT
Zion wears jacket,
$59.90, by Uniqlo;
shirt, $567, by
Emma Willis;
and pants,
$995, by Gucci.

Maya wears
sweater, $1095,
and stainless
steel ‘G-Timeless’
watch, $1825, both
by Gucci; white
gold ‘Love’
bracelet, $9450,
by Cartier.

Ace wears jacket,

$140, and under
jacket, $250, both
by Deus; pants,
$170, by Neuw at
General Pants;
stainless steel
‘Santos 100
Carbon’ watch,
$10,700, by Cartier.

All other jewellery,

models’ own.
SPECI A L 2018

OPPOSITE
Ace wears shirt, $830,
and pants, $985, both by
Off-White at Harrolds;
stainless steel ‘Overseas
Collection’ watch,
$36,900, by Vacheron
Constantin; necklace,
$11,200, by Cartier.

THIS PAGE
Zion wears shirt, $830,
by Off- White at Harrolds;
T-shirt, $54.95, by
Topman; shorts, $470,
by Ex Infinitas; titanium
‘Pelagos’ watch,
$5290, by Tudor.

All other jewellery,

models’ own.
SPECI A L 2018

OPPOSITE
Zion wears shirt, $1445,
by Saint Laurent
at Harrolds; pants, $995,
by Gucci; stainless
steel ‘Heritage Spirit
Moonphase’ watch,
$5830, by Montblanc;
and necklace, $390,
by Tiffany & Co.

Maya wears jacket and

pants, both POA, both
by Storeroom Vintage.

THIS PAGE
Ace wears suit jacket,
$3610, and pants, $1500,
both by Prada; titanium
‘Submersible Luminor
1950 Chrono Fly Back’
watch, $23,250,
by Panerai.

Zion wears coat, $2280,

and pants, $1040, both
by Prada; shoes, $120,
by Vans.

All other jewellery,

models’ own.

Styling Olivia Harding.

Hair Madison Voloshin
at Vivien’s Creative
using R+Co.
Skin Charlie Kielty
at Work Agency
using Mecca.
Talent Zion Sidoti, Maya
Yemana and Ace Diniz
at Kult Australia.
SPECI A L 2018
T H E VA LU E O F H I G H - E N D I T E M S O F T E N L I E S I N T H E I R D E TA I L , A N D WATC H E S CA R RY
M O R E T H A N M O S T. W E B R E A K D O W N T H E K E Y H O R O LO G I CA L T E R M S TO K N O W.
AUTOMATIC
A mechanical movement
that doesn’t require you
to wind a watch every few
days. Gravity and your
wrist movement do
the job for you.
BEZEL (1)
Not the latest
supermodel’s name
but the outer ring
surrounding the watch
face. Sometimes these
comprise ceramics in
colours that contrast with
the face itself. Bezels can
rotate around the face of
a watch to provide such
information as elapsed
time, distance and speed.
BRACELET (2)
No, it’s not just the go-to
apology gift, it’s also the
metal strap consisting of
interlinking components
that range from the
minuscule (think Apple
‘Watch’) to the chunky
(many of the classic Tags).
CALENDAR (3)
That handy mini-window
that tells you the day, the
date and yes, even the
11 4 G Q .COM . AU J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8
Watch glossary
8
10
year (useful when you
wake up in hospital).
CALIBER (4)
The mechanism of a
watch – as opposed to
its casing. To put it in car
terms, the caliber is the
engine, irrespective of
whether you have a
coupé or a four-door
sedan. Interchangeable
with ‘movement’
(see right).
CASEBACK (5)
The flipside to the
watch face.
CHRONOGRAPH (6)
Strictly speaking, it’s a
highly accurate sweeping
stopwatch, with this
function built into many
watches as a subsection
on the larger watch face.
The term has also come to
represent watches with
several smaller dials set
within a larger one.
CHRONOMETER
The gold medal of
watches, a chronometer is
a prized measure of
accuracy that watches
can achieve only when the
COSC (Contrôle Officiel
Suisse des Chronomètres,
or Official Swiss
Chronometer Testing
Institute) certifies them.
COMPLICATION
Any feature in a
mechanical timepiece
other than the basic
hours-and-minutes
display.
COSC-CERTIFIED
Independently verified
performance and
precision by the COSC
(see chronometer).
CROWN (7)
The only one Prince
Charles seems likely to
know, this crown is the
knob on the outside of the
watch; you usually find it
around the 3 o’clock
mark, and you turn it –
unleash the power! – to
set the date and time.
DIAL (8)
The most visible element
of a watch, this is the bit
you look at to tell the
time, aka the face.
5
LUGS (9)
These are also known as
the horns, a term that is
far more illustrative.
They’re the projecting
pieces by which the strap
attaches to the watch
face, and they come in
different sizes.
MANUAL
You guessed it! (We hope
- if not, think of the car
analogy.) The opposite
of an automatic, such
watches need to be
wound daily to keep
functioning.
MINUTE REPEATER
This is a complication (see
left) that you can set to
chime minutes or hours.
Want an audible alert on
the hour, half-hour or
every 15 minutes? This’ll
deliver the goods.
MOONPHASE
A window on the watch
face that indicates
whether the moon is
currently full, half or
barely visible. It can be
a stellar feature, if you’re
into that kind of thing.
7
2
MOVEMENT see all of the timepiece’s
A collective term for the inner workings.
assembly of components
responsible for keeping SUBDIAL (10)
time. Interchangeable Also called auxiliary
with caliber (see left). dials, subdials are smaller
sections on the face of
PERPETUAL CALENDAR a multifunction watch
The ultimate forward- that present additional
thinker, this most information, such as
sophisticated variety the date, a stopwatch
of calendar takes into function or moonphase.
account factors such as
WORDS: DAVID SMIEDT. ILLUSTRATION: ANTHONY CALVERT.
leap days and different TACHYMETER
month lengths. A scale – usually found on
the bezel – that allows you
POWER RESERVE to measure speed based
The amount of energy on travel time or distance
a watch has stored before based on speed.
it stops running and
needs its equivalent TONNEAU
of a caffeine hit. A French term meaning
‘barrel’, this is a watch
QUARTZ face housing shape
A synthetic mineral used consisting of two convex
to power watches, it barrels at either side.
oscillates with great
accuracy to measure TOURBILLON
time when an electric Mechanical watches
current passes through it. rely on gravity to run,
so holding them in either
SKELETON the vertical or horizontal
Such watches feature position can cause
transparent casing minuscule differences in
around the front, the accuracy. The tourbillon
back or both, so you can prevents such issues.
 Behind
Omega’s ‘Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8’…

... is a timely reminder of the Swiss brand’s relationship with that astronomical body which orbits Earth, the Moon, and specifically the 50th
anniversary of Apollo 8’s flight. Quoting the last words of the legendary Jim Lovell, the spaceship’s command module pilot, prior to dropping
radio contact and orbiting above the Moon is apt. As is the ceramic case, the running seconds that float over the dial and the lunar surface
effect, not to mention the texture on the movement’s black bridges. Hat tip, Omega. $13,050; omegawatches.com
 AUSTRALIA

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Fired Into
The Future
C
I
On the Ascent
W E H I T T H E M O U N TA I N S O F UA E TO S E E H O W
T H E M O U T H F U L T H AT I S A L FA R O M E O ’ S ‘ S T E LV I O
Q UA D R I FO G L I O ’ M E AS U R E S U P TO E X P E C TAT I O N S .

P arking an SUV at the top of one of the

world’s inest driving roads feels a lot like
parking a child outside a library; they’ll go
in if they have to, but it’s no secret they’d
rather be somewhere – anywhere – else.
Performance and practicality just don’t go hand
equivalents – clogged as they are by sweaty Lycra-
clad men on bikes or tourists in rental bangers – the
Jebel Jais road is gloriously empty. In short, it’s the
kind of place that should have your average SUV
quaking in its sizeable rubber boots. But then again,
the ‘Q’ isn’t your average SUV.
For starters, it looks fast from every angle – from the
in hand – and a lightning-fast SUV (sorry
Lamborghini) makes as much sense as itting clawed bonnet vents and huge 20-inch wheels to the
a ighter jet with overhead bins for carry-on luggage. four exhaust tips poking out from behind its shapely
Alfa Romeo’s ine-looking ‘Stelvio Quadrifoglio’ rump. And under that domed bonnet lurks the angriest
(let’s call it the ‘Q’) is most certainly an SUV – of engines – a Ferrari-engineered 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6.
it can carry ive humans and wouldn’t look out of It’s the same engine that lives inside the Alfa Romeo
place parked outside a Bunnings. Hell, it can even ‘Giulia QV’ sedan, serving up a meaty 375kW/600Nm.
venture off-road. That’s enough to push the ‘Q’ to 100km/h in 3.8
Not that we did too much of that. Instead, we put seconds and on to a licence-obliterating top speed of Two hours north east
of Dubai, the Jebel Jais pass is
it through its paces somewhere far removed from 283km/h with the all-wheel-drive system shufling one of the best roads to drive.
the usual testing of a car in this segment. grunt to all four wheels as needed. If that’s not enough, there’s
a zipline extending 3km across
The Jebel Jais mountain road is one of the it - in case you get bored.
planet’s inest – a frantic hill climb that stretches
from the sandy desert loor to the top of the
United Arab Emirates’ highest mountain. As it
nears the top, it forms ever-tighter and more
fantastic rings, like a fat python wrapping its prey.
Then, when it does reach the lofty peak –
nothing. It simply stops. While the world’s best
passes, like Austria’s Grossglockner, usually link
two towns on either side of an impenetrable
mountain range, this one just climbs and climbs
and climbs. Until, about 35km later, it suddenly
doesn’t, forcing you to turn around and do it
again. And again. And… you get the idea.
The reason for this sudden stop is because the
road was never actually designed to link anywhere.
It was originally built because the Jebel Jais
mountain is the only place in the UAE where it
actually (and very occasionally) snows, and a local
government plan was hatched to create a ski
resort. It took $100m just to transform what was
little more than a goat track into this sensuously
smooth tarmac road to the peak. (As for the
planned resort – in what might be the least-
surprising news ever – it never came to be.)
It’s like every fantastic corner in the world –
from the tightest switchbacks to the fastest
sweepers – has been recreated along this
outrageously quick hill climb. Best of all, it’s
virtually deserted. Unlike its European
 It sits on the same lightweight and mostly aluminium
platform as the ‘Giulia’ sedan, too, which keeps the
weight of the ‘Q’ down to featherlike proportions. And
that makes it properly fast. Brain-bendingly so, given
it’s an SUV you can take to IKEA.
It’s worth noting that last September, the ‘Q’ set a
new Nürburgring lap record for a production SUV
– shaving a full eight seconds off the previous best.
The ‘Q’ feels nimble – so much so you forget you’re
driving an SUV. It holds its line as it barrels into
a corner, rear tyres clinging to the edge of their grip as
they struggle with the huge rush of power that
accompanies every nudge of the accelerator.
The ‘Q’
WORDS: ANDREW CHESTERTON.
feels nimble –
so much so you
forget you’re
driving an SUV.
It’s the steering, though, that’s the most
impressive. Through the use of some dark Italian
magic, Alfa Romeo has managed to create a more
telepathic connection with the front tyres than you
ind in some of the most revered sports cars. You feel
constantly in touch with what’s happening beneath,
acutely aware of exactly how much grip remains
before you’re likely to spear backwards off the road
and into a tree.
Look, there are actually faster straight-line SUVs
(think the soulless Tesla ‘Model X’), but there are few
that deliver the face-splitting theatrics of the ‘Q’. The
sound here is a throaty burble that becomes a furious
howl, a thunderclap accompanying every gear
change, explosions of noise every time you get back
on the gas. It’s a glorious orchestra and the most
perfect soundtrack to a road like this.
With marketing hyperbole, it’s hard to top Alfa
labelling of the ‘Q’ “the Ferrari of SUVs”. But in this
case, the claims are more than just hype. The car’s
engineers and designers were all taken from the land of
the Prancing Horse, along with that glorious engine.
To land here late 2018, a mere $160,000 is all
you’ll need to slide into the best non-SUV SUV on
the market – a car that further adds to the feeling
that Alfa is inally, and thankfully, inding a real
return to form. „
J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 121
 HOLDEN
‘COMMODORE VXR’

Test drive
TH E FI RST OF TH E N EW G E RMANS WITH HOLDE N BADG I NG AR R IVES – J UST DON’T EXPECT TH E
‘SS’ R E PL ACEM E NT TO COM E SPORTI NG A MU LLET. TH IS IS A MOR E R E FI N E D SUCCESSOR
FUN FACTS

– AN D DESPITE PROTESTS FROM TH E TRADITIONALISTS, TH E R E’S A LOT TO L I K E .
STYLING
Think of this as that
19-year-old Aussie who
goes to London with a few
rough edges and a year
later is wearing both a
subtle East End accent
and wardrobe largely
consisting of COS.
Because this is a vast
departure from the
muscular and at times
thuggish shapes
produced locally, the
range-topping ‘VXR’ is a
lengthy, sleek-looking bit
ENGINE
It’s here the rusted-on
traditionalists really wail,
because the cessation
of local production last
October has seen an end
to the fun that comes
when you combine rear-
wheel drive and a V8
donk. Instead, the ‘VXR’
runs AWD on a naturally
aspirated 3.6-litre V6
attached to a nine-speed
automatic box - which
Holden say they’ve
finetuned after 200,000
DRIVING
There’s little to fault here
– though, again, this is not
about getting the rear lit
up when next pulling out
of the local shops (just
us?). Overall, the ‘VXR’ is
a smooth ride that handles
city and country driving
equally well – with ‘VXR’
and ‘Sport’ drive modes
tweaking steering feel,
response, firmness and
beyond. We weren’t that
fussed about playing
with the paddles, given
INTERIOR
With heated front and
rear seats, Bose sound,
tech that includes an
eight-inch infotainment
touchscreen (with Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto
connectivity), wireless
phone charging, a
360-degree camera
and more – it’s inside that
you come to appreciate
just how much bang has
been expertly wedged
into the ‘VXR’. It’s
comfortable, it’s leathery
BEST PLACE
TO DRIVE IT?
It’s a solid cruiser
and makes highway
driving a breeze.
That said, it’s a
PRICE/DELIVERY decent all-comer.
Available now, you can
slide into the new German MOST ASKED
‘Commodore’ (yes, it’s QUESTION FROM
taken us a while to get
PUNTERS?
used to saying that, too)
in base ‘LT’ form for just Is that really a
$33,690. The ‘VXR’ Commodore?
comes in at $55,990 (plus Because it certainly
on-road costs), which is doesn’t look
$1000 more expensive like one.
than the Australian WHAT WOULD
‘Commodore SS V
Redline’. But, then again,
WE CHANGE?
they are two vastly The urge to
different cars. Ultimately, measure it against
WORDS: RICHARD CLUNE.

of Euro fare. A sports body
kit and 20-inch alloys with
Brembo front brakes do
the heavy lifting while the
elongated-over-squat
shape that sweeps the eye
along from the ‘shark
nose’ and front grilles are
also to be applauded.
hours of local testing.
It means 235kW/381Nm
– much lower numbers
than that which went
before – and a 0-100km/h
time of roughly 6.2
seconds, which makes it
only slightly slower than
an ‘SS’ in a straight line.
a sluggish shift response
though it was nice to have
the car hold gears through
certain corners. Plus, we
came to love the LED
Matrix headlights. This
car does what it says
on its AWD V6 tin and
does it well.
(albeit with some plastic
touches that slightly let
it down) and it has a rear
that’s adult-spacious
and, for the first time,
offers a 60:40 split fold
bench,freeing up a
decent 1450 litres of
cargo space.
there’s a lot to like
about the ‘VXR’, as long
as people come to
appreciate and accept
that this is a completely
new phase and future
direction for a car that for
so long was synonymous
with Australian motoring.
what went before.
It’s time to let the
Commodore start
over – even though
we do wonder
about sales without
the romanticism
of old.

122 G Q .COM . AU J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8
Read fake news in
your newsfeed or
read accountable,
fact-checked
reporting.
Make the informed choice.
 F I N A N C E , I N N O VA T I O N , B U S I N E S S S AV V Y A N D T H E K E Y S T O S E C U R I N G P R O F E S S I O N A L S U C C E S S

NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON

AND RON HOWARD SPEAK
ONSTAGE AT THE ‘NAT GEO
FURTHER BASE CAMP’
AT SXSW.

TALK
the
talks
W E H I T S O U T H BY S O U T H W E S T TO L E A R N
H O W TO M A X I M I S E O U R O U T P U T W H E N
AT T E N D I N G F E S T I VA L S O F G R E AT I D E AS .

WO R DS STE PH E N COR BY
 t’s not often your body experiences

I a thrill that’s purely intellectual. You’ve

no doubt felt the iner hairs on your
neck stand up at the start of a rock
concert, or when you catch a smile
from someone you’ve had your eye on,
but it’s unusual to get those warm chills when
a bunch of scientists are introduced to a crowd.
There’s a whole lot of geeking out going on
during the irst day of the sensational South
By Southwest festival of ideas, technology,
ilm, music, politics, comedy, gaming and
everything else in Austin, Texas. Think of it
as TED’s older but vastly cooler brother.
The room we’re in has just erupted as some of
the inest minds in Artiicial Intelligence arrive
for a panel discussion. But the roar through the
wall from the ballroom next door – where actual
rocket scientists from NASA are about to explain
a plan to ly a rocket into the sun – is even louder.
This is one of the hardest things about
SXSW, which has been running, and growing,
since 1987, is the fear of missing out (young
people call it FOMO) because you can’t possibly
be everywhere you’d like to be at once.
An early morning practical class on cloning
yourself would be handy when you consider
that more than 5000 speakers will take part in
more than 2000 conference sessions over the
next 10 days, at an event attended by nearly
half a million people. And that’s without even
touching on the 104 music festival stages, the
7000-plus ilms, the trade shows, and more.
Still, our talk proves truly mind expanding.
One MIT professor explains his experiments
in giving humans super-sensory abilities, and
another young genius tells us that he’s found a
way to link human brains together into one “We’re going to get outclassed by other It’s a common experience, according to
giant “hive mind”, just like bees. (Seriously, intelligences and the only way we can 32-year-old SXSW veteran, Joe Rosenbaum,
Google his TED talk). keep up with that is by linking ours. of San Francisco.
Happily, Louis Rosenberg, CEO of We can grow many times smarter by “SXSW is a profoundly unique experience, I
Unanimous AI, has been doing this for good thinking together. And maybe that’s what remember coming here for the irst time and
rather than evil – predicting sports results, we are evolving towards. Perhaps that’s why being so excited and grabbing the schedule to
tipping the winners of the Oscars, helping the we’ve invented a way of putting a transmitter draw up a list of the things I wanted to see, and
UN to decide what its priorities should be – in everyone’s pocket.” in no time I was up to 19 talks that I absolutely
yet he’s fully aware, and afraid, that the future So, that was just a small part of our irst had to go to, and then I realised that I was only
of AI could be far more malevolent. hour experiencing one tiny part of SXSW, and up to lunch time, on the irst day,” he laughs.
“I believe we will build a machine that has our mind already felt like popping corn. The “There’s simply no way you can see, and do,
the power to think like a human brain, and as prospect of taking in this much information, all of the things you want to. And you can
someone who works in AI, that scares me,” he non-stop, for multiple days, while partying all get paralysed by choice, and by FOMO, so
says. “It’s no different from an alien intelligence night at the music and comedy events, you really have to trust your instincts,
turning up, and just as much of a risk. is almost too much. Almost. and the organisers.

KEY LESSONS
WHETHER YOU’RE PLANNING
A TRIP TO SXSW – OR ATTENDING
AN UPCOMING TED TALK OR DESIGN
CONFERENCE, HERE’S HOW TO GET
THE MOST OUT OF YOUR VISIT.
PACE YOURSELF
Don’t try and do everything
on the first day. Try to pick
three things you absolutely
must see or do every day, and
then squeeze in one or two
you weren’t expecting.
PREPARE TO QUEUE
Like Disneyland, the really
in-demand stuff is hugely
popular, and you need to get to
the venues early. Think two
hours early. Comfortable
shoes will help too.
DON’T SWEAT IT
If you can’t get to something
you absolutely have to see,
remember that most of the big
talks will end up on YouTube.
Go and see something else
instead, and surprise yourself.
TAKE NOTES
Take a notebook, lap top, or
recorder. You’ll be taking in so
much information, going over
your notes later, or even on
your way home, will help you to
analyse what you’ve learned.
WWW.PENFOLDS.COM
 AUSTRALIA

GENTLEMEN’S
BALL
CELEBRATING THOSE MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE
– AND INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PIONEERS.

PR ES E NTE D BY

SUPPORTING
PA R T N E R S
 THE HOST
Best known for his
work on The Project,
broadcaster and
journalist Hamish
MacDonald was there
to kick things off. “We
have some Melbourne
sporting royalty in the
house, with Scotty
James and Mack
Horton,” he said, looking
out across the room.
“Not to mention Miss
Teresa Palmer bringing
a touch of Hollywood
to the evening.”

he stage was set. The guests were on their way.

T And after 12 months of meticulous planning,

we were inally ready to welcome Melbourne’s
most stylish to GQ’s inaugural Gentlemen’s
Ball, presented by Penfolds Max’s.
Each November, we host GQ’s Men of the Year awards
in Sydney, a chance to celebrate everyone from established
entertainers to entrepreneurs. But this event was all about
THE
EDITOR
“The GQ gentleman
isn’t just defined
by his style,” said
not just recognising those who’ve done great things – but Christensen. “He’s
inspiring the next generation of pioneers, too. The men compassionate,
and women who may one day ind themselves up on that ambitious and
successful. A man
Men of the Year stage, award in hand. who leads by
The focus of the evening was a pair of panel discussions, example.”
with luminaries from sport, fashion, philanthropy,
business and entertainment. Together, they discussed not
only their own secrets of success, but the things we can all THIS PAGE
do to make the world a better place. With presenting Guests were
greeted with
partner Penfolds Max’s, along with supporting partners glasses of Penfolds
BMW, Harrolds and Paco Rabanne, the night was a big Max’s on arrival
into Melbourne’s
success. And with an afterparty featuring two of Australia’s Ormond Collective.
most exciting musical acts, it was also a lot of fun. From there, it was
time for GQ’s Mike
Hopefully, we’ll see you next year. Until then, here’s an Christensen,
styled by Harrolds,
exclusive look at how it all went down. to get the night
under way.
 GENTLEMEN’S INITIATIVE

Client
Liaison

Teresa Palmer
and Mark Webber,
styled by Harrolds

THE ARRIVALS
Thanks to a fleet of BMW chauffeurs, guests were whisked to Melbourne’s
grand Ormond Collective, and hit the red carpet for the exclusive black-tie
affair. Among them was Arron Wood, Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne, and
wife Stephanie; tennis champion Dylan Alcott; as well as the ever-dapper
Harvey Miller and Monte Morgan from GQ’s 2017 Band of the Year, Client
Zack and Dylan Liaison. Aussie actress Teresa Palmer and husband Mark Webber not only
Alcott with
Emma Franklin added a touch of A-list glamour to proceedings, but also took part in an
exclusive on-stage Q&A with GQ’s editorial director Edwina McCann.

ABOVE
Guests included
Teresa Palmer
and husband “TONIGHT IS ABOUT
Mark Webber;
Harvey Miller and
Monte Morgan
of band Client
CELEBRATING THE
Liaison; and
tennis champion
Dylan Alcott.
NEXT GENERATION.”
– MIKE CHRISTENSEN

Simon Holland GQ Insider Cameron Mathew Wilson and

and Nick Bracks Jordan Turner McEvoy Eleanor Pendleton

J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 131
 “BUSINESS HAS
EVOLVED FROM THE
ERA OF ‘GREED IS GOOD’.”
– A N DY R I D L E Y

THE PANEL
“The thing we’re trying to discuss here,” said host Hamish MacDonald as
he kicked off the evening’s formalities, “is about being a leader in 2018,
what that looks like, and how it’s changing.” With that, the first panellists
made their way on stage. Joining host MacDonald (above, from left) were
Olympic gold medallist Mack Horton; investor, author and founder of
entrepreneurial hub The Entourage, Jack Delosa; creative director of
fashion label Ex Infinatas, Lukas Vincent; and Andy Ridley, founder of
Earth Hour and founding CEO of environmental initiative, Citizens for
THIS PAGE the Great Barrier Reef.
Chef Shannon The four panellists discussed everything from being a role model at
Bennett talks a young age, to overcoming failure, staying motivated and the lessons
Hamish through
the menu. At they have for the next generation of talent who would like to follow in
each table were their footsteps.
personalised “One of the things I love about this generation of business owners is
bottles of they don’t all want to be the next billionaire,” said Jack Delosa. “It’s more
Paco Rabanne
fragrance for about doing something meaningful with their life and how they
every guest. can contribute to the greater good.”
 GENTLEMEN’S INITIATIVE

Mike Christensen,
Arron and Edwina McCann and Scotty Teresa Palmer
Stephanie Wood Nicholas Gray James and Mark Webber

THE DETAILS
In addition to getting guests there on time and in style, BMW unveiled its
incredible new ‘i8’ hybrid sports car on the night, with a concierge that allowed
guests to collect their very own portable phone charger. Once inside, guests
made their way towards the Penfolds Bar for glasses of Penfolds Max’s and
a grazing table curated by chef Shannon Bennett. At the tables, guests each
received personalised Paco Rabanne fragrances – ‘Invictus’ for the gents, and
‘Olympea’ for the ladies – as well as gift bags stocked with vouchers to use at
Harrolds and, of course, the latest issue of GQ.

THIS PAGE
The grazing table
by chef Shannon
Bennett; Penfolds
Max’s Shiraz and
Chardonnay
complemented
the main meal, with
Penfolds Grandfather
Rare Tawny fortified
wine served
with dessert.

“THE TEST OF THE MENU

A PERSON IS Inspired by the
flavours of Penfolds
Max’s, Shannon

HOW THEY ACT Bennett created

dishes of marron

WHEN NOBODY’S and aged duck as

well as desserts of
apple tarte tatin

WATCHING.”
– M AC K H O R T O N
and petit fours.

J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 133
 “ THE HE
FOR SHE
CAMPAIGN
IS ABOUT
BRINGING
US ALL
TOGETHER.” - E D W I N A M C CA N N

THE PANEL #2
Aussie actor Teresa Palmer and husband Mark Webber are perhaps best
known for their work on the big screen. But they are also passionate advocates
of HeForShe, a campaign dedicated to creating gender equality around the
world. “This couple is truly exemplifying equality,” said GQ’s editorial director
Edwina McCann as she welcomed them to the stage.
With McCann as host, the couple discussed the #MeToo movement,
being parents to two young boys in 2018, and Palmer’s next big role, playing
pioneering female jockey, Michelle Payne, in upcoming film Ride Like a Girl.
ABOVE
GQ’s editorial
director Edwina
McCann, with
Teresa Palmer “THIS ISN’T ABOUT
WOMEN’S RIGHTS, IT’S
and Mark Webber.

ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS.”

- T E R E S A PA L M E R

Anna Heinrich Sullivan Jody Phan and

Jarrod Scott and Tim Robards Stapleton GQ Insider Tyler Reisz
 GENTLEMEN’S INITIATIVE

Once the afterparty

kicked off, guests made
their way to the dance
floor for performances by
Kayex and Client Liaison.

THE ENTERTAINMENT
The goal of the evening was to discuss all the ways we can
make the world a better place – and how we could all do our
part. The panel discussions were full of not just inspiring, but
genuinely moving insights about the things we can do to create
a better future both in Australia and around the world. But if it
all sounds like a dreary evening, you’d be sorely mistaken. Once
the formalities were out of the way, guests were invited through
to the exclusive afterparty, where glasses of Penfolds Max’s
ABOVE AND RIGHT were on hand, and Sydney DJ duo Kayex took to the decks to
A pianist welcomed get everyone in the party spirit. This was followed by a second
guests into the
main hall. Each performance by band-of-the-moment, Client Liaison, who kept
guest received a the dance floor packed well into the evening. It was in the wee
personalised bottle hours before the final guests made their way out of Melbourne’s
of Paco Rabanne’s
latest fragrance Ormond Collective – gift bags in hand – after an evening that was
– with ‘Olympea’ equal parts insightful and entertaining.
for the ladies and
‘Invictus’ for
the gents.

J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 135
GENTLEMEN’S INITIATIVE

THE
PHOTOBOOTH
Guests were invited to have
a professional portrait taken by
acclaimed photographer Sonny
Vandevelde, for a memento of the
night. Throughout the evening, he
captured some of the guests in the
Harrolds Styling Suite, decorated
to capture the look and feel of
one of Harrolds’ exclusive
department stores.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT
Mack Horton, styled by Harrolds;
Josh Heuston; Cameron McEvoy
and Violet Atkinson; Sullivan
Stapleton; Hamish MacDonald and
Edwina McCann, both styled by
Harrolds; Andy Ridley and Mary
Poulakis; Dalton Graham and Laura
Henshaw; Peter Strateas and
Mario-Luca Carlucci.
T HE E X C L U S I V E HO M E O F T O M F O R D ME NS WE AR , WO ME NS WE AR AND ACCE S S O R IE S

A U S T R A L I A’ S L U X U RY D E PA RT ME NT S TO R E | ME LBO UR NE | S Y DNE Y | GO LD CO AS T

HA R R O L D S .CO M.AU | TO LL F R E E 1 3 0 0 7 5 5 1 0 3
 THE BOY FROM

OZ
WHO BECAME AN

ICON
AS HUGH JACKMAN GEARS UP FOR HIS 50TH BIRTHDAY, WE REFLECT
ON THE CAREER OF ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S GREATEST ACTORS.
Jacket, $7370,
by Hermès.

At a time devoid of decency it feels right to be
talking to Hugh Jackman.
Saddled to a heightened ability to entertain
and emote – morality, propriety, and civility
have been the actor’s stock-in-trade since irst
bearing his Hollywood claws some 20 years ago.
And it feels appropriate to be talking to
Jackman, in New York, the morning after
a screening of Shame, a powerful if sometimes
forgotten ’80s Australian ilm starring his
wife, Deborra-lee Furness. Because it’s
a feature that today drips with poignancy after
what’s transpired the past eight months – 2017
to forever be the year Hollywood’s most
nefarious networks came to be exposed;
a wealth of women and men inding collective
strength and voice to expose and rally against
the abuses and predatory behaviours that had
been allowed to infest to a point of acceptance.
Shame, with Furness out front as a stern
lawyer-cum-leather-clad biker, is a complex
revenge tale set in a remote West Australian
town enveloped by a casual and accepted rape
culture. It’s a tale of toxicity and the
arduousness of working through blame,
shame and bringing perpetrators of heinous
sexual assault to rights.
“Oh my God, it was just incredibly
powerful,” says Jackman of the screening,
which was shown as part of the inaugural
Australian International Screen Forum at the
Lincoln Center. “And you just think, ‘How
relevant is this movie right now? How far
ahead of its time was it?’ This is a ilm from 30
years ago – and there’s just not that many like
it handling these issues, these very complex
issues. That’s what I like in this ilm – there
are some great scenes about how it’s not
a simple issue at all.”
Jackman is direct when discussing all that’s
come to frame his industry of late. The
documented actions of too many are
abhorrent, abuses of power “in any way, not
just in terms of sexist and sexual conduct, but
across the board, absolutely disgusting.
“Making it as an actor is bloody hard –
I know that. I remember it seemed almost
impossible at times, you think it’s never going
to happen. So to then add all this to it for
someone is unthinkable and disgusting. And
for my money, there should never, ever be an
audition again without a third person present,
there should never be a meeting in a hotel
room. You can call it a hotel room, but
essentially it’s a bedroom, right? So why
would you ever need to have a meeting there?”
Looking past this pit of shit dug by some of
Hollywood’s most powerful players, Jackman
eyes a positivity away from the various
proceedings – a wish to move forward and
address, at the least, a need for greater
numbers of women to be seen and heard.
“What’s been great in all of this is that it’s
morphed into genuine discussion about
equality in the workplace. I just read
yesterday that only seven per cent of directors
are female. There’s literally no reason for
that – that’s genuinely wrong. And so maybe
it’s back to school, or how we frame this issue
for a younger girl, like my daughter, and
make it feel like anything’s possible. So in
many ways, it feels like there’s a hopeful
feeling that this could be a genuine change
for the better.”
While Jackman’s sense of decency has him
sailing well beyond the perpetrators and the
accused, there remains some frayed, entangled
threads. Some of those central to allegations
of rape, misconduct and exploitation are also
those he has held as contemporaries,
employers, friends. He worked for Harvey
Weinstein on 2001’s Kate & Leopold and again
in 2011 comedy Butter. He is close to X-Men’s
Bryan Singer and shot for Woody Allen
in 2006’s Scoop.
“There should
never be
an audition
again without
a third person
present.”
“Yeah, it’s very awkward. But we all know
that sometimes in our own lives we’re
shocked to hear things. And there’s been
some of that with people I’ve worked with.
It’s dificult, it’s dificult to know how to
handle it when you’re friends and you spend
a lot of time with them. And you don’t want
to do the cowardly thing and just dump them
– I’d prefer to say something to them, even if
it’s pretty damn uncomfortable.”
Alongside this push for change and
the spotlight to continue its illumination of
Hollywood’s shadows sits the notion of
forgiveness – speciically, the argument about
whether a point is reached when those currently
exiled may return and create. It’s a concept that
sits on the sidelines as we continue to move
through rejection and erasure – Kevin Spacey’s
speedy removal from last year’s All The Money
in the World and Allen’s funding dificulties are
two examples. Still, as a man of conirmed
Christian values, the far-reaching loops of
forgiveness must surely touch and occasionally
confound Jackman.
“Philosophically, fundamentally, I believe
in redemption and forgiveness – yes.
“It’s everything I was brought up to believe.
And I feel that there has to be that option for
everyone… much of what our legal system
and our philosophy as a society is based on is
this idea of second chances. I keep hearing
these words I grew up with in the church,
‘don’t be so quick to judge others until you feel
you’re completely spotless yourself’.”
Jackman is spotless – but exploring
forgiveness opens the prospect of whether he
would work with the likes of, say, Allen again?
“It’s hypothetical and I don’t really know
the answer. I’d have to give it a lot more
thought… I made the decision to work with
him quicker and easier than I would make it
now, that’s for sure; I would have to think
about it more now, it was an easier decision to
come to back then.”
Clearly not something he would take lightly,
he adds, “I would never, ever, base a decision on
a newspaper report or hearsay or whatever.
I would need to know the full facts, you know?”
As a parent to Ava, 12, and Oscar, 18, 2017
and the allegations levelled at some of those
close has also meant a chain of honest
conversations with his children. He says
they’ve spoken a lot about what’s been
acknowledged and offered up in the media.
“Because, again, this is a great teaching
moment for boys, girls, men and women – for
everyone. It’s a chance to rewrite the book on
how we handle gender and many, many things.
This is a chance to change things.
“Every parent worries about their kids and
how they handle themselves and their
J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 1 41
conidence in standing up for themselves in
certain situations. Just as you also think about
how they treat people.”
Jackman goes on to detail a recent social
media post Ava made on a private account.
“She said that we talk so much about
teaching girls how not to get raped – but why
don’t we teach boys not to rape? And I tell you,
I was just so proud of her.”
O ur interview was never slated to
solely exhume and reexamine
Hollywood’s plight and the
ongoing fallout surrounding Weinstein et al.
Because it’s 2018 and, as Jackman says, there’s
positivity peeking through. And because it’s
2018 and there are milestones to celebrate – for
Jackman and GQ Australia.
While this humble men’s title clocks two
decades, Jackman will tackle 50 years in the
coming months. While he hasn’t given much
thought to the half-ton, he’s sure he’ll raise the
bat at a party organised by Furness.
“Mate she’s the one – Deb really doesn’t
need much of an excuse to celebrate, that’s her
kind of philosophy for every single day. So
when her husband turns 50, she wants to go
big, she doesn’t listen when I say, ‘I just want
some small thing’, she’s like, ‘Yeah right –
whatever’. So there’ll be a party here and
I won’t be able to stop Deb from making it
pretty amazing and big with twice as many
people as I’ll want.”
Jackman’s ultimate birthday desire, outside
of time with family, is to throw on some Lycra.
“I’m keen to get on the bike with some mates
later this year and do a bicycle tour of France
or Italy. As it is there’s a group of us from high
school getting together and doing a bit of
a trip around the States, which is like what we
did when we hit 40.”
That a star of his stature and worth remains
tight with those he rubbed blazers with at
Sydney’s Knox Grammar (Jackman was
school captain in 1986) speaks of the way he
“I’m someone who tries hard
to look forward. I prefer to be
curious about what it is you’re
creating than looking back.”
142 G Q .COM . AU J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8
goes about things, about his code – focused,
passionate, accessible, giving. It’s just the way
it’s always been – and in the years we’ve known
him, never once has it altered.
Speak to Jackman and he’ll generally turn
the conversation away from himself. He’s not
attempting to hide or delect – he’s just
interested and sincere in wanting to know more
about those sat opposite. How many kids? How
old? Where are you originally from? How’s the
publishing industry holding up? Nice shoes – where
are they from? Let’s just take some time to talk
about the cricket irst.
He’ll remind you that he studied
communications and wanted to be a journalist,
before a rethink and a decision to turn down
Neighbours for Perth and the West Australian
Academy of Performing Arts. He landed on the
small screen on graduation – it was in only his
second gig, a minor role in the ABC’s Corelli, in
1995, where he met and fell for Furness.
Blue Heelers, Halifax f.p and Snowy River: The
McGregeor Saga were further small-screen
outings – and if you haven’t caught his hosting
of Foxtel’s In Fashion alongside Rove McManus
and Melissa Hoyer, then please do.
On the large screen he went back to back
with the dusty Paperback Hero and urban
Erskineville Kings – and then headed for the
West End and an Olivier award nomination as
Curly in Oklahoma!
2001 was the irst time GQ featured the
lithe actor with Clint Eastwood’s jaw and
rugged good looks – a year before he’d scored
a role as Logan/Wolverine on X-Men and
a itting debut line for a proud Aussie bloke:
“I’ll have a beer”.
‘Move over Mel Gibson, Hollywood has
a new Australian heartthrob’ were the words
we used to highlight Jackman back then –
in an issue fronted by the Ian Thorpe.
Jackman would end up spending 17 years
with his eyebrows cocked as the mutant with
anger problems and adamantium claws – the
longest run at a celluloid superhero in history
(Adam West’s Batman only lew for three
seasons; Robert Downey Jnr’s Ironman
debuted in 2008).
The anger and the menace of Wolverine
was always at odds with Jackman personally –
but he mined enough pain to inject into each
beastly turn and ultimately ride the $6.4bn
X-Men ilms have so far made.
Wolverine, who scored three standalone
features, was always the Jackman kids’ college
fund, and why not? It gave the Aussie incredible
exposure and changed things overnight.
“My wife is unbelievably prescient with
these things – she gets a sense of what’s
happening way before I do. On that opening
weekend, we stood on a stoop on a Saturday
night with me as Wolverine, and she just said,
‘Everything’s different from here’. I’m like,
‘C’mon it’s just one ilm Deb’. She wasn’t
having it. ‘No, I can feel it. It’s changed. It’s all
going to change from here.’”
Within a day, paparazzi were capturing
Jackman’s daily moves and he began to ield
peculiar interactions on the street.
“I remember this guy came up to me with his
mate, and goes, ‘Oh, Wolverine’. And his mate
goes, ‘It’s not Wolverine – look how tall he is’.
He goes, ‘It is’. And they started having this full-
on argument three feet from my face. I actually
settled it by pulling out my driver’s licence and
showing them. And instead of them asking for
an autograph or whatever, the guy who lost was
like, ‘Fuck that. Damn it’. And then they walked
off.”
X-Men also delivered the X-Factor. Scripts
landed, and a lot of them. Ultimately, his
blockbuster billing set in play an ability to
push far further than the comic book
realisation – everything from singing in
Cantonese (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan)
to hosting the Oscars, to ighting robots
(Real Steel) and take the piss out of
himself – and quite often his homeland – on
Saturday Night Live.
An Oscar nomination and Golden Globe
Award as best actor in a comedy or musical
came for Les Misérables, an Emmy for his
hosting of the Tony Awards, with a Tony
Award attached to his portrayal of Peter Allen
in The Boy From Oz.
That Allen passed away at 48 is not lost
on Jackman – though he’s irm in stating he’s
not one to look back and relect, even in this,
his 50th year.
“It’s just not my thing. I’m someone who
tries really hard to look forward – never back.
I prefer to be curious about what it is you’re
creating than looking back. I know it sounds
like a bumper sticker, but that’s genuinely how
I feel – I’m yet to hit the good or bad versions
of a mid-life crisis so the number for me
doesn’t make me at all relective. In fact, the
 Coat, top, and
pants, all POA, all
by Tom Ford; ring,
Hugh’s own, seen
throughout.
people I admire the most are older, as they
seem to get more curious. That’s the secret to
feeling young.”
He cites Pat Schoenfeld, the 86-year-old
Broadway doyenne and theatre producer.
“She does pottery every single day. She
plays tennis three times a week. She invites me
to every single opening. She goes to the
theatre two or three times a week, museums
and, you know, I think particularly in New
York, no one I’ve ever met talks of retirement.
Everyone’s talking about what it is you’re
doing, it’s this sense that you’re only as good
as what you’re doing right now – and
philosophically, I’m a believer that you’re
either growing or shrinking in life.”
Right now, he’s staring at an extended break
with nothing planned for the rest of the year.
He may shoot a ilm, he may not.
“I’m sure Deb will have something to say
about that – ‘ah, when are you going back to
work?’ – but this is the irst time in my life
that I don’t know what’s next and that’s
incredibly exciting.”
He reads and dances and sings everyday.
He suggests another one-man theatre show
akin to 2011’s Back on Broadway could be in the
ofing, so too a stage production of last year’s
movie The Greatest Showman.
“That’s been one of those great surprises,”
he says of the musical piece that netted $420m
worldwide against a $108m budget. “It was a
risk for the studio to take. And it’s always
nerve-racking when your face is on a poster
that says ‘The Greatest Showman’ because if
you fuck it up you can see the irst line of every
review. I was also fully aware that if I got it
wrong, the chances of me doing another
musical in the lead were greatly diminished.
And I would love to be able to, in my lifetime,
do at least three or four more. Yeah, I would
love to. So with Les Mis and Showman, it keeps
that on track.”
Pushed to choose a career highlight, Jackman
doesn’t put forward his Oscar-nominated turn
as Jean Valjean in the theatrical re-imagining of
Victor Hugo’s work. Instead, he opts for Allen
and The Boy From Oz.
“Being nominated for an Oscar was
incredible, but the year I had here doing Oz
was a huge turning point. Not just career
wise, but how I felt. It was a turning point in
following and trusting my instincts, because
I’d been offered that originally and turned it
down. I thought it wasn’t a great idea at the
time – because then I wasn’t being seen for
movies, I was a ‘musical theatre guy’.”
Jackman then caught Todd McKenney
as Allen as it played to sold-out theatres
across Australia.
“It was an incredible performance by Todd
and I was sick to my stomach the whole time
Jackman’s
’cause I was like, ‘Damn, that was a big
mistake. Damn, I should have trusted my gut,
greatest hits
For someone who once feared being pigeon-holed as
I should have trusted my gut.’ So when they a ‘musical theatre guy’, he’s displayed great range in
rang me two or three years later and were like, his many roles over the past 20 years. From the
‘Hey, Hugh, how are you? We were thinking...’ extravagant Peter Allen to the complicated
superhero, Wolverine, Jackman can, it seems, do it all.
I said, ‘Yes. Yep, I’m in’. And they were like,
‘Oh, we’re going to Broadway. ‘I know, I’m in.’
I said yes immediately.
“So I was in New York on stage as Peter
Allen, every night, ad-libbing, ’cause 10
minutes of it was always ad-libbed, I was
learning and it was just incredible. When
Broadway embraces something, it’s a pretty
amazing experience – you’re living in this city
and doing this great show and a bunch of stuff
came from it too, you know, [Steven] Spielberg
ended up asking me to do the Oscars.”
In acting, Jackman’s business, there are
many well-worn adages. ‘You’re only as good
as your last performance’; ‘Movies will make
you famous, television will make you rich,
theatre will make you good’; ‘Acting takes
a lifetime to perfect’.
With the big 5-0 blinking in the distance,
it’s the last that sticks – given, by its reckoning,
Jackman should be about halfway there now.
“To be completely honest, I’m enjoying
acting more now than ever before. Because I
feel excited about it. I feel at home on a stage
and comfortable on ilm – which has taken a
while to get to. I can broadly say the irst 10
years on ilm felt stilted. I was sometimes a
little nervous and it stopped my enjoyment of
it all. So it’s taken me a little while to feel
comfortable – like 10 years – but I do now and
I’m lucky and blessed to have had the chances
I’ve had. Some people bomb out early – I had
a few lucky turns that gave me more chances.
I’m lucky, you know. I am. I really am.” „
“I’m a
believer that
you’re either
growing or
shrinking FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
X-Men: The Last Stand; The Boy from Oz;
Les Misérables, with Anne Hathaway;
The Greatest Showman, with Zac Efron.
in life.”
J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 145
ONCE A H IGH-END HEALT H R ET R EAT
F O R S OV I E T R E S I D E N T S , T H E C I T Y O F
T S K A LT U B O I S NOW RU N D OW N , A BA N D O N E D
BY ALL BU T A COMMUNI T Y OF R EFUGEE S
W H O S E H O P E S O F L E AV I N G A R E F A D I N G .

WO R DS JAKE M I LL AR PH OTOG RAPHY RYAN KOOPMAN S

 ou can still see the grand marble columns and
archways, but most are now broken and
chipped. In places, torn wallpaper laps loosely
and tiles, once arranged so meticulously on the
loors, are cracked or loose or have vanished
entirely. Elsewhere, manicured gardens are
overgrown and wild. And lavish furnishings are
gone; in their place the skeletons of once ornate
structures – bare walls, battered stairways,
148 G Q .COM . AU J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8
missing paintwork. Brightly lit corridors are
now dark and empty. On one wall, someone has
spray-painted a message, written in English.
‘Thanatophobia’, it reads. ‘The phobia of losing
someone you love’.
Welcome to the city of Tskaltubo in
Georgia, 230km west of the capital of Tiblisi.
It may not look it now, but at the height of the
USSR, this was an unlikely holiday destination.

BELOW
Children, whose parents
and grandparents arrived
as Internationally Displaced
People from Abkhazia in 1992,
play in the hallways of the
largely derelict building.
Celebrated as a prized health retreat, it was an area whose natural hot springs and mud
baths earned a devoted following among tourists and patients convinced of their healing
properties. Owing to daily trains, direct from Moscow to Tskaltubo, some estimates
put the number of visitors at well over a hundred thousand a year. Among the regulars
was Joseph Stalin.
But like the USSR itself, the tide of visitors has long since receded. Today, Tskaltubo
is most notable only in that it is on the way to somewhere else. And it would be easy to
pass along the roads that wind north towards the mountains or out west towards the
Black Sea, and barely even realise it exists.
That’s not to say that it has vanished all together. The mineral springs that were
purported to cure everything from cardiovascular issues to infertility, and even
baldness, are still there, as are the grand Soviet buildings that once welcomed visitors in
their thousands. Looking at them now, crumbling and gradually being consumed by
the surrounding vegetation, it would be easy to assume that these buildings have been
long-since abandoned.
But look closely, and the signs of life are there. The washing lines weighed down with
clothes. The sound of children laughing or playing in hallways. The stacks of irewood,
piled up for the winter months. Today, the city’s role in Georgian history persists, not
as a health retreat but a refugee colony, its residents hidden in plain sight. And if the
buildings themselves are decaying relics of the USSR, their inhabitants also serve to
remind of the region’s troubled past.
Ryan Koopmans is a photographer based in Amsterdam, who visited Tskaltubo
earlier this year to capture the buildings and those who now call them home.
“I have always been drawn to places that haven’t been totally overexposed,” explains
Koopmans. “I was in Tblisi, looking for interesting places in the country and a writer
told me I should check out this place that has all these abandoned sanatoriums. So I went
there to scope it out.”
Koopmans made an initial visit, before returning to nearby Kutaisi and spending
eight days shooting in and around the 16 buildings that formed the town’s once
booming spa industry.
“You could drive straight past it,” he says. “There is a popular route that takes you
from a town nearby up into the more mountainous villages, where tourists go.
That road sort of skirts this town, but the average person probably wouldn’t even
stumble upon it.”
Tskaltubo was irst planned by USSR in the ’30s, but it was during the ’50s that it
grew to prominence as a popular health retreat. The mineral springs are actually rich in
the radioactive element radon – commonly found in the environment – and naturally sit
at between 33-35ºC.
“It was a tourist attraction, but it was also a health pilgrimage that people would make
for any kind of ailment,” he says. “So it was very well known. They’re trying to keep the
industry alive to some extent – there are still one or two hotels there – but it’s not even
RUS SI A
A
TURKEY
ARMENIA A Z E R BA IJA N
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT
A stray dog stands in a pile of garbage that has built up
underneath Santorium Sacartvelo; an elderly woman
stands in the hallway of what was once a sanatorium
lobby - the wood floors have been ripped up over the
years for firewood, the metal removed to be sold as
scrap; residents hang their laundry to dry in the common
hallways of a former Santorium; evidence of life is seen in
the old hallways with an old orange microwave forming
part of an Abkhazian refugee’s makeshift kitchen.
“ E S T I M A T E S A R E R O U G H , B U T S O M E F I G U R E S P U T T H E N U M B E R O F R E F U G E E S W H O H AV E T R AV E L L E D
T O T S K A L T U B O O V E R T H E Y E A R S A T A R O U N D 1 2 0 0 FA M I L I E S , T H O U G H T H E N U M B E R C U R R E N T LY
B A S E D T H E R E I S L I K E LY M U C H L O W E R . S T I L L , S O M E H AV E L I V E D T H E R E F O R D E C A D E S . ”
 Arriving in Tskaltubo, the irst buildings you see are in the more brutalist Soviet style, some
constructed as recently as the ’80s. But the collection of buildings dates back long before, with
others featuring classical architecture, elaborate arches and marble columns. While some of the spa
buildings house vast, expansive hallways or even grand ballroom-style rooms, most of the refugees
live in abandoned units that once provided accommodation to tourists and patients.
“It’s a really impressive sight,” says Koopmans, “but it has an eerie, otherworldly vibe, with traces
of human life. There are also symbols of life through the decades – so there will be some grafiti on
the wall from 1998 and posters from 2006, then some post cards on the loor from 1976 – all these
indicators of human presence through time.”
“You can hear there are people, even if you don’t see them, as well as stray dogs barking or farm
animals. So you know there are people there, but it’s not like you bump into a bunch of them.
“Sometimes you see kids playing with balls and kicking it against the wall or running around in
the grandiose communal spaces, but people don’t hang out there,” he adds. “They’re much more in
their own spaces and then going to visit each other in their individual units, which people have
actually turned into their private homes – there could be three generations of families living in the
same room.”

“ T H E Y D O N ’ T E X PE C T T H AT T H E Y ’ L L B E A B L E T O G O BAC K
H O M E . I ’ M S U R E T H E Y WO U L D A L L L OV E T O M OV E BAC K
TO THEIR HOMELAND, BUT THE GEOPOLITICAL REALITY
H A S B A S I C A L LY E N S U R E D T H A T T H A T ’ S I M P O S S I B L E .
S O F O R T H E M , T H I S I S J U ST A   PL AC E T O L I V E . ”
 lmost without exception, the refugees have led
from Abkhazia, a state in northwest Georgia that
borders Russia and the Black Sea. It is here that in
1992 – a year after Georgia’s own independence –
that ighting broke out between Georgian forces
and Abkhaz separatists. It was a brutal, bloody
conlict, with atrocities committed against
civilians on both sides of the ighting. The
conlict, which lasted a year, left at least 13,000-
20,000 dead and more than 250,000 people
internally displaced, within Georgia.
Estimates are rough, but some igures put the
number of refugees who have travelled to
Tskaltubo over the years at around 1200 families
ABOVE – or at least 9000 people – though the number
One of the former
bathhouses in currently based there is likely much lower. Still,
central Tskaltubo, some have lived there for decades.
now covered in ivy
and wild plants. “As much as there are deinitely individual
nuances in their experiences, after speaking to the
sixth, seventh, eighth person, a lot of them have
the same story,” says Koopmans. “They arrived
in ’92 or ’93 and have been there ever since.
Sukhumi is the main city in Abkhazia, which was
devastated during the bulk of the conlict, so a lot
of them are from there.
“Some came irst by car to escape the region
and then on foot to get over the mountains,” says
Koopmans, adding that the journey from
Sukhumi to Tskaltubo is more than 200km. “A lot
of people had injuries. One older guy was missing
his leg after being shot during that journey.”
There has been talk by the Georgian
government of rehousing these refugees in their
own standalone accommodation, but those
discussions have been drawn out for years, with
no sign of a solution. They also have little chance
of returning to their native Abkhazia.
LEFT
A brightly coloured “They don’t expect that they’ll be able to go back
mosaic in a former home,” says Koopmans. “I’m sure they would all
dining hall depicts
people harvesting, love to move back to their homeland, but the
producing and
drinking wine; geopolitical reality has basically ensured that that’s
an elegant room impossible. So for them, this is just a place to live.”
seen in a wing of
Sanatorium Iveria; Still, they make of it what they can, growing
an architectural vegetables and preparing ires; the children
sculpture depicting
Stalin - who was a running and playing with animals or balls.
frequent visitor to the Living, as best they can, in the present but
town during his rein -
receiving gifts. trapped in the past. „

J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 153
Tank top $26.95,
by Bonds; and pants,
$1065, by Hermès;
necklace, model’s
own, worn throughout.
OPPOSITE
Coat, approx.
$3090, by Gosha
Rubchinskiy x
Burberry; top,
approx. $290,
pants, approx.
$400, and shoes,
approx. $320, all by
Gosha Rubchinskiy.

THIS PAGE
Top, pants,
and jacket,
all POA, all by
Tommy Hilfiger;
shoes, $250, by
GH Bass and Co.
at The Iconic.
OPPOSITE
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and shirt, $700,
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THIS PAGE
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AHEAD OF THE 21 ST FIFA WORLD CUP, THE TOURNAMENT IS IN DANGER OF BEING
OVERSHADOWED BY POLITICAL UNREST AND ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION AND
RACISM. COME JULY 16, WILL PUTIN OR SOCCER COME OUT ON TOP?
WO R DS JO NATHAN LI EW
 the last one in Brazil, where there were a lot of security concerns…
political and economic concerns as well, particularly with the massive
expenditure” he tells GQ. “Nevertheless, the World Cup went off
almost perfectly.”
It’s true, of course. Every host has its problems. South Africa in 2010
was assailed by spiralling infrastructure costs and widespread fears over
security; Brazil’s World Cup four years ago took place amid huge waves
of public protest, strikes and political upheaval. Preparing for the
World Cup, the most watched spectacle on earth, is rarely easy for any
host country. Which brings us to the slaughtered dogs.
Stray dogs have been a blight on Russian cities for centuries. Some
estimates put their number at up to two million, and for a country
about to host the year’s biggest sporting event, that’s an issue. Nobody
wants packs of ilthy mutts scaring off the tourists, spreading diseases
like rabies and keeping them awake at night with their yapping. And so,
with the start of the World Cup imminent, some Russian cities have
simply decided to eliminate them.
The most popular method, apparently, involves shooting the dogs
with tranquiliser darts, and then either disposing of them or taking
them to a shelter, where they often end up being put down anyway.
According to animal rights campaigners, contracts worth more than
$2.5m have been issued for dog elimination in World Cup cities.
Successful dog-hunters can reportedly earn between $150 and $220 per
dog. It might not be the most tasteful image to keep in mind while
you’re watching Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo (or Timmy Cahill)
mesmerising a helpless defence this winter. But then, nobody ever got
to hold the world’s biggest party without being prepared to get their
hands seriously dirty.

Cosmos Arena sits in Samara, around 1000km outside of Moscow.

Dubbed ‘A Stairway to the Cosmos’, the World Cup venue was
envisaged as a 45,000-seat monument to space travel and designed to
look like an immense, glass-domed UFO. But these lofty plans have
since been shelved in favour of a more modest metal construction and,
four years after construction started, now around $85m over budget, it
resembles not an advanced spacecraft but a giant metallic sunlower.
Indeed, until April this year, the stadium was still far from ready to see
its irst players. Not simply because the harsh Russian winter had frozen
the ground solid, but because its pitch was some 3000km away in
Germany, waiting to be installed.
This is just one of Russia’s 12 stadia, and virtually none of them have
been a straightforward project. St Petersburg’s Krestovsky Stadium
was beset by a litany of cost overruns and missed deadlines, despite the
importation of an army of low-paid labourers from North Korea and
Central Asia. By the time it was inally completed last year, it was eight
years late, and 540 per cent over budget.
Baltic Arena in Kaliningrad was quite literally sinking from the
moment it was built. The stadium was constructed on a wetland
swamp, and after innumerable delays, and even the arrest of a major
contractor, it inally opened its doors in March. The Ekaterinburg
Stadium, meanwhile, had a different problem. Its original capacity fell
well short of the minimum 35,000 demanded by FIFA, and so it came
up with a novel, if not exactly stylish solution: cut a hole in one side
and install a giant temporary stand, some of which will actually be
outside the stadium.
That’s not to say everyone thinks the event is destined for failure.
Speaking to former professional footballer turned SBS analyst Craig
Foster, he believes the build up to Russia 2018 is akin to many of the
recent World Cups. “There are always concerns; that was relected in

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT
Cosmos Arena seen from the distance;
a temporary stand within Ekaterinburg
stadium ensured it reached FIFA’s
required capacity; an anti-racism
banner on display in Sochi; downtown
Moscow, August 2017; animal rights
activists protest ahead of Russia 2018.
RACISM IS A
CHRONIC PROBLEM
IN RUSSIA’S
FOOTBALL STADIA.
If politics is the art of the possible, as Otto von Bismarck put it, then
football politics is the art of the inevitable. By the time then-FIFA
president Sepp Blatter opened a large envelope bearing the word
‘RUSSIA’ in Zurich more than seven years ago, the result was already
a formality to those in the know. Likewise, when Blatter announced
Qatar as the host of the 2022 World Cup minutes later, the machinations
and transactions that had gone on in the weeks and months previous
had already eliminated every other feasible outcome. Led by former
FFA chairman Frank Lowry, Australia’s defeated bid, which cost
around $50m in taxpayer money and a lot of everyone’s valuable time,
was good for just a single vote from the 22-man executive committee.
Allegations of corruption began to beset the Qatari bid almost
immediately. As early as 2011, the FIFA secretary-general Jerome
Valcke was admitting in a leaked email that Qatar had “bought” the
World Cup. Over the subsequent years, further claims would emerge in
the international media: of vote swaps and bought allegiances, of illicit
slush funds and sneaky kick-backs. Meanwhile, within the country
itself a human tragedy was unfolding, and continues to do so: the
thousands of migrant workers hired to build Qatar’s World Cup stadia
and infrastructure, often denied the most basic of employment rights,
forced to work in searing desert heat and live in squalor. Nobody knows
how many have died, because Qatar won’t tell us. What we can say for
certain is that from the moment Blatter opened the envelope, none of
this was unforeseeable.
Russia, for their part, came up with a novel strategy to deter any
allegations of bid corruption: destroying all their bid computers as soon
as the vote was won. But other problems were soon to befall them.
In early 2014, Russia invaded its neighbour Ukraine and annexed the
Crimea region in the south-east of the country, leading to international
condemnation and economic sanctions from which Russia is struggling
to recover. The budget for the tournament has soared to $15.5bn, and
in a country where the majority take home less than $750 a month, this
has not gone unnoticed.
“People are questioning the sense of spending a fortune on stadiums
when there are other needs in society,” says Sven Daniel Wolfe,
a researcher and Russia expert at the University of Lausanne in
Switzerland. “There is a fair amount of infrastructure investment that
is improving the host cities, and it would be unfair not to note that.
Nevertheless, there are outrageous costs involved, and many thinking
Russians are of course questioning the dominant narratives of why
hosting is necessary.”
This partly explains why Russia’s World Cup is struggling to capture
the imagination in the way that its predecessors did. At the time of
publication, half a million fewer tickets have been sold than at the same
stage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Surveys persistently show that
Russians are at best lukewarm towards the sport as a whole. Almost
half, according to one poll, do not plan to watch the tournament at all.
If apathy rules at home, then beyond Russia’s borders there is a broad
unease at how the tournament might unfold. Racism is a chronic
problem in Russia’s football stadia: earlier this year, French players Paul
Pogba and Ousmane Dembélé were subjected to monkey chants during
a friendly game in St Petersburg. The same treatment was meted out by
Spartak Moscow fans to an opposition goalkeeper in March. Yet
collectively, Russian football remains in a sort of juvenile denial. “I do
not think we have racism on a scale that needs to be fought,” the Russian
national team coach Stanislav Cherchesov said recently, which raises
the hypothetical question of exactly what level of racism Cherchesov
would regard as a prerequisite for remedial action.
That said, Foster remains optimistic about the safety of travelling
fans: “I don’t believe anything is going to occur in Russia 2018, and the
J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 1 69

“THE FINANCE
IS ALL IN THE CLUB
GAME. MUCH OF
THEGLAMOUR NOW
IS IN THE CLUB
GAME, TOO.”
primary reason is because I don’t believe Putin and the Russian
government are going to allow that to occur. The security level will be
exceptionally high.”
Though, if you were counting on FIFA intervening at some point to
ensure this is the case, then you may be waiting a while. Though
Blatter has fallen – just one of a number of doddering old men who
have been shufled out the back door following an extensive FBI
corruption investigation – there are few signs the new regime is any
more palatable than the old. As the red lags pile up against their
chosen hosts – terrace racism, cyber-hacking, a state-sponsored
doping scandal that saw the country chucked out of this year’s Winter
Olympics, renewed geopolitical tensions with the West – FIFA has
maintained its strategy of glorious indifference. The only thing that
would really shake it out of its stupor, you suspect, is if its lagship
tournament bombed. Which is why these four weeks in June and July
could have repercussions far beyond who gets to lift a little gold
trophy, or who your favourite English Premier League (EPL) club
might be signing ahead of the new season.
One way of measuring the widening gulf between the international and
elite club games is by looking at the coaches. Of the 32 at this World Cup,
just three have managed a team in the European Champions League in the
past ive seasons. The Socceroos’ current coach, the Dutchman Bert van
Marwijk, has barely managed in club soccer for a decade, barring a few
disastrous months at Hamburg in 2013-14. Van Marwijk is 66 years old,
will almost certainly not set foot in Australia again between now and the
end of his short-term contract, and is so far from the summit of the game
that he would probably need a telescope to see it. But he’s probably the best
man Australia could get their hands on right now, which tells its own story.
There was a time – perhaps not so long ago – when you could watch
the World Cup secure in the knowledge that you were witnessing
the very best the sport had to offer: the best players, the best coaches,
the most innovative tactics, the biggest ideas. Only the most dewy-eyed
of idealists would make a similar claim in 2018. That distinction now
belongs, fairly uncontroversially, to the Champions League, and the
outrageously wealthy European super clubs who boast global fanbases
and their pick of the world’s inest talent. If you wanted to watch the
pinnacle of football these days, you’d start with Barcelona, not Brazil.
The process by which international football was caught and ultimately
surpassed by club football is one that happened frighteningly quickly,
driven by simple economics as much as anything else. In the ’90s,
globalisation and the spread of technology fed a giant footballing boom
that has continued virtually unchecked ever since. Transfer fees, player
wages and the value of television rights disappeared into the stratosphere.
National boundaries came tumbling down. In 1992, the inaugural
season of the EPL, there were just 13 foreign players spread between
22 clubs. By the end of the century, Chelsea were ielding the irst ever
XI consisting entirely of players from outside Britain and Ireland.
These days, foreigners outnumber home-grown footballers in virtually
every major league in Europe.
At the same time, the growing wealth of the very biggest clubs has
seen money funnelling ruthlessly upwards, towards an ever-tightening
elite whose dominance may never again be challenged. The top 10
clubs making up Deloitte’s annual rich list have remained unchanged
for the past four years, and the gap between them and the rest is
widening. Among them, they have managed to corral a higher
concentration of the world’s best footballers than has ever been possible
in the past. As Foster puts it, “The inance of course, is all in the club
game. Much of the glamour now is in the club game, too.”
And of course, this isn’t just about being able to buy the best players.
It means attracting the best coaches, building the best training facilities,
hiring the best scouts, nutritionists, physios and sports scientists.
It means being able to hone and drill and improve your star players
more eficiently than ever before. And it means being able to plough
ever-increasing sums into branding and marketing and media coverage,
generating even more eyes, even more fans and even more revenue.
 No national team in the world can compete with that sort of engine.
For one thing, a club side like Real Madrid or Manchester City gets to
train together every day; grooving passing combinations, building
team spirit, developing a rapport. Most international squads are lucky if
they spend more than a few days a month in each other’s company.
Never mind reinventing the wheel, that’s barely enough time to get to
know everyone’s names. The result is the sort of functional, one-
dimensional football that has marred the latter stages of so many
international tournaments in the past.
The concentration of talent at the top European clubs has had
another, more insidious effect. One of the more underrated pleasures of
the World Cup in previous eras was watching players, coaches,
sometimes even entire teams, whom you had never come across before.
Nowadays, of course, virtually every country has at least a few players
in one of the top European leagues. As for the others, if any of them
have done anything of note in the game, the internet will know about
it. If a 12-year-old does a nifty trick in a park game in Nicaragua,
somehow it will ind its way into our eyes. The passion and the fervour
and the skill: all that’s still there. But the sense of discovery, the ilm of
pure mystery that used to wind itself around every new World Cup like
Christmas wrapping paper, that’s gone, and probably forever.
Go to certain parts of the world, of course, and they will tell you that
tales of the demise of international football have been vastly exaggerated.
Go to Peru – who have qualiied for their irst World Cup in nearly 40
years and will be one of the best-supported nations in Russia – and tell
them international football doesn’t matter any more. Or go to Iceland,
who are playing the irst World Cup in their history and are planning
on bringing a sizeable chunk of the nation’s population with them, and
tell them the tournament’s not what it was.
For its part, FIFA has at least done something right. The qualiication
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT
process in itself earned praise for how it guaranteed a range of countries Peruvian fans are preparing for their
on show. “The qualiication series this time has done an outstanding country’s first WC since 1982; the
Socceroos celebrate Mile Jedinak’s early
job,” says Foster. “All of a sudden we have Egypt back, we’ve got goal against Honduras as they qualify for
Panama. We’ve got a range of countries that we’re not used to seeing… Russia 2018; Iceland fans showing their
support - this will be their first ever WC;
I’m pleased that we don’t have the same set of powerful countries Putin and Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
coming to the World Cup.”
Indeed, it’s countries like these who can have a huge sway on how the
event is perceived. With them they bring a sense of the unexpected; it’s
that fervour, that passion, that thirst for drama that remains the World THE FACTS
Cup’s best and only chance of sustaining itself in its current form. GOT YOUR TICKET? HOME ADVANTAGE
Of course, it remains the world’s pre-eminent sporting spectacle, „ By the end of the January window, „ Host nations have won
second only to the Summer Olympics in terms of reach or resonance. more than five million tickets had 6 of the 20 World Cups.
been requested for purchasing. Russia has named 11 host cities
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH: BRAD NASH. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES.

Nobody’s suggesting that’s going to change any time soon. But „ USA will be a major presence
somewhere on the tide of grubby politics and bribed votes, of laccid despite not qualifying, having
football and stadiums built by blood sacriice, of monkey chants and purchased more tickets than any
other country outside of Russia.
dead dogs, it’s hard not to suspect that something has been lost.
Somewhere along the way, the World Cup mislaid its sense of fun. DODGY DEALS
Perhaps, at some point over the tournament’s four weeks, we’ll „ Approx. $200m has been
relocate it. Perhaps we’ll be treated to a scintillating tournament, full accepted in alleged bribes and
kick-backs, dating as far back
of goals, full of intrigue, stuffed with national pride and human as 1998, from the various FIFA
passion and the simple elation of pure sport. Perhaps the customary officials who have been
fears over security and logistics will be unfounded. Perhaps the home arrested for corruption.
crowds will cheer on the black players just as heartily as the white. AUSTRALIA’S
And along the way, perhaps Russia 2018 will be the catalyst for change, (SLIM) CHANCES
the fork in the road, the point at which football’s power-brokers „ Russia will mark Australia’s fifth
World Cup and fourth in a row.
reawakened and reassessed, and provided international football with „ Only 11 of Australia’s 26-
the reboot it so desperately needs. Perhaps the Socceroos will even man squad currently play
make it out of their group. for a 1st-tier European club,
with Huddersfield’s Aaron
It may not necessarily be the sort of good news you were looking for. Mooy the Socceroos’
But one thing you learn after following the World Cup for a while is most valuable player.
you have to take your hope where you can get it. „
„
and has qualified for four of the
eight World Cups hosted since
the fall of the Soviet Union.
„ They have never managed to
get past the group stages.
STAY ON THEME
„ Dreams and space exploration are
the principal themes of the WC.
THE STARS
„ The world’s three best players,
Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar,
have scored 12 World Cup goals
between them, with Messi the
most prolific on five.
THE HISTORY
„ Seventy-nine teams have
competed at the FIFA World Cup
since its inception in 1930, with
Brazil the only nation to have
qualified for every tournament.

J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 17 1
FIT

THE GQ
GUIDE TO
CYCLING
AS THE TOUR DE FRANCE APPROACHES,
WE SHOW YOU HOW TO JOIN THE PELOTON
– WITHOUT LOSING YOUR DIGNITY.
WO R DS C H R I STO PH E R R I LE Y
 EVERY DAY IS LEG DAY
Anyone who’s seen a Tour rider emerge from atop his saddle after a long
day’s riding will know, cyclists’ legs are a scary sight. Muscles twitching,
veins popping – let’s just say they’re built for speed rather than style.
For the everyday rider, we suggest building strength in the lower body
without adding too much bulk – that way you can still wear fitted pants
without resembling Bruce Banner morphing into the Hulk. The key to
achieving this is keeping the volume of work in the gym low, focusing on
quality over quantity. Designed by Matt Walsh, personal trainer at Sydney’s
Fitness Playground, these exercises should complement your weekly routine.
 ALL IN GOOD TIME
Embedding yourself into the world of cycling should be
a gradual process. So, at least look like you know what
TOP you’re doing before arriving at the traffic lights wearing
head-to-toe Rapha. Follow this timeline to ensure the
TIPS transition from newbie to seasoned vet is a graceful one.
TRUST THE PROS
Get your bike
STAGE 1
fitted by a
PLAY BY THE RULES
certified bike Commuter cycling requires a fresh understanding of the
fitter. It may be road rules. It pays to get acquainted with the dynamics of
a little more the peloton, for example riding in someone’s slip-stream
expensive than will earn you more than just a stern look.
a DIY job but
otherwise it’s like
riding a diesel
STAGE 2
vehicle
UPGRADE YOUR BIKE
on ethanol. If you plan on cycling regularly, you may as well invest
Your choice. in a good set of wheels. Speak to an expert and find a
bike that suits your ability and where you plan on riding
JOIN A GROUP – whether it’s the road, mountain or track.
Cycling can be
lonely and while STAGE 3
KING OF THE MOUNTAINS it’s tempting to IMPROVE YOUR SHOE GAME
/ WEEKEND WARRIOR plug in a podcast You’ll get to a point where sneakers no longer cut it.
A dedicated cyclist, he treats while riding, it’s Now you have the bike, it’s time for the cleats. They’ll
cycling as more than just a not the safest
choice. Joining help give more stability when pedaling and they look…
casual hobby – his spare time well, it’s not about how they look.
revolves around either doing other cyclists will
help push you
long rides or talking about outside your STAGE 4
them. Either’s fine. comfort zone. TELL THE WORLD
This is now more than a casual hobby so it’s about time
HAVE A GOAL social media heard about it. A candid action shot is
Don’t fall into advised but a subtle shot of your bike against a caption
a monotonous slandering car drivers will also get your point across.
routine. Sign up
to an upcoming
race that offers STAGE 5
something to SHAVE THOSE LEGS
aim for. You’re one step away from popping some PEDs, but this
is probably a good place to stop. Excess leg hair will slow
LAYERS you down so you’re better off without it. Shaving twice
ON LAYERS
a week will limit any prickliness.
Cycling is an
all-weather
sport. When out STAGE 6
during winter, the YOU’RE READY
key is layering. So FOR LYCRA
think under OK, you’ve earned it.
garments – and While some men look like
lots of them. they should come with a
YOUNG GUN / HIPSTER
Young, cool, aloof from the PG warning when
CHOOSE YOUR
pack, the hipster rides a TYRES WISELY
donning Lycra, if you’re a
fixie and, while he’s quick, serious cyclist it does, of
When flying
leading is not the be all and down a hill at course, serve a purpose.
end all – it’s how you look 60+km/h, you’re Start with with a pair of
going to want to shorts before OR, SIMPLY GIVE UP AND
when you do it.
make sure the graduating to a full EMBRACE YOUR INNER
only contact you top-to-bottom look. MAMIL, Á LA ANDY SAMBERG
have with the IN TOUR DE PHARMACY.
ground is firm
and stable. Worth
splashing out for
a good pair.

J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU 175

Surfing’s new breed
T H E DAYS O F T H E W O R L D TO U R R E S E M B L I N G A N E X T E N D E D S P R I N G
B R E A K A R E OV E R . H E R E ’ S H O W TO DAY ’ S L E A D I N G TA L E N T S S TAY I N S H A P E .
T he world of professional
surfing has often been
a curious one. The
general consensus has
long been that it’s more a lifestyle
than a professional sport, with
some purists angered by how it’s
supposedly been tarnished
by the arrival of sponsors
and prize money.
But with winners pocketing pay
cheques of $130,000 for each of
the 11 events on the men’s tour,
clearly surfing is more than just
guys with sun-bleached hair
sharing a few friendly shakas.
With so much at stake, surfers
can’t afford to get by on natural
talent alone. Instead, pro
surfing now looks much like any
other professional sport – the
athletes constantly pushing
the boundaries of what was
previously thought impossible
in terms of both fitness and skills.
The past few seasons has seen
Matty Wilkinson challenge for the
world title, so we caught up with
him to discuss the fitness regime
of the modern-day surfer, as
well as life on tour, and how wave
pools mean more ‘leg days’.
176 G Q .COM . AU J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8
GQ: How do you ensure your fitness
stays on point while on tour?
Matty Wilkinson: The main thing is
to just surf as much as I can. We’ve
been doing some Ginástica Natural
– a Brazilian technique, using whole-
body work, with long-sequence stuff
so you have to think throughout it all.
GQ: Surfing’s become more professional
in recent years – has that affected the
physical aspect of the sport?
MW: Yeah definitely – the tour of
ten years ago looks very different
to the tour of today. Most the guys
are travelling with trainers and/or
coaches. Everyone is super dialed in
with his or her equipment and fitness.
GQ: In between tournaments, what are
some of your go-to exercises to ensure
you stay in shape?
MW: We often take exercise balls
and do body-weight circuits keeping
the heart rate up and lots of dynamic
squats with throwing involved – just
a bunch of different work to keep
your brain ticking over and your
heart rate up.
GQ: How much does your routine change
depending on the stage of the season?
MW: We don’t change the approach
too much – before events like Tahiti
[bigger wave conditions] I’ll go to a
breath-hold specialist. More so for
the confidence side of things – once
you know you can hold your breath
for a couple of minutes it makes it
easier. It’s a nice comfort to know
you’re not going to drown.
GQ: How does the emergence of wave
pools affect your physical approach?
MW: I think it will change everything.
You’ll be able to train to do exactly
what you set out to do so I think we’ll
be doing similar stuff to the half-pipe
snowboarders including trampoline
work. It will mean far more direct and
specific exercises.
GQ: How do wave pools compare
to open water surfing?
MW: Your legs get far more of
a workout. In the ocean if you’re out
for two hours and it’s an intense session
you’ll maybe only spend 2-3 minutes
riding waves so your arms and back are
going to do most of the work. Whereas
every wave in the pool is 45 seconds
long and if you catch a hundred of them
you’re legs are going to be shot.
GQ: What are your thoughts
on wave pools in general?
MW: I’m really excited. There’s
definitely going be some
challenges and some pools will
benefit some people more than
others. I think surfing will improve
with there being more pools
around for people to practise in
and then also to have events in
wave pools; for people to know
exactly when people will be surfing
will make it more accessible to
the mainstream. Getting into the
Olympics is also super exciting.
It’s a good time for surfing.
Matty Wilkinson is
a Holden ambassador.
WHAT YOU NEED
TO KNOW ABOUT
KELLY SLATER’S
WAVE POOL
The unpredictability of
swell is one of the most
frustrating things for a
surfer. It’s for this reason,
the best surfer in history,
Kelly Slater, set out to
create an artificial wave
that’s rideable any day
of the year.
After the success of
the WSL Founders Cup in
May, Slater’s ‘Surf Ranch’
in California is very much
open for business. And
with a WSL tour stop in
September, here’s what
you need to know about it.
A train-like machine
using a system called
hydrofoils runs along
tracks propelling the
water at a speed of
roughly 30km per hour.
When swell hits reefs on
the lake’s bottom, the
wave – which can reach
almost 2m – is created.
WORDS: CHRISTOPHER RILEY. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES.
No, the wave can be
tailored for beginner,
intermediate and
advanced level surfers.
The consistency of a
wave pool makes it ideal
for training, allowing a
surfer the ability to hone
skills without extenuating
circumstances like swell
or competition for waves.
The 11-time world
champion sought help
from billionaire Dirk Ziff
to purchase land for the
Surf Ranch for approx.
$8.7m. Installing a wave
pool will cost between
approx. $3-27m.
Time to get saving then.
kswaveco.com
 The
gear
The winter months

The gym
Gyms are much like every movie made by Judd Apatow; they do the job but all look the same.
offer Australians two
alternatives – hibernate
and become heavily
acquainted with Netflix,
Time, then to seek a new experience in the shape of The Bunker. Intended to help break the or hit the snow. If it’s
cycle of the same old tired workouts, it features market-leading equipment, the right amount the latter, you may as
of mirrors and with DJ sets every Friday night, it looks more like a nightclub than a traditional well make sure you look
gym. Capacity is purposefully limited to prevent overcrowding. Better get in quick then. the part. To help in this
M EM B E RSH I P FROM $25/WE E K; 69 - 81 FOVEAUX ST, SU R RY H I LLS; TH E BU N KE RGYM .COM . AU department, Oakley has

The rereleased a number of

its ‘Fall Line’ goggles
with new colourways
- neon orange and
matte black, our picks.

fit
The rimless design with

The book
Ross Edgley doesn’t do things in half measures. When he
cylindrical lens offers
a wider field of vision
while the discreet
decided to run a marathon he did so dragging a car. Then frame notches are
compatible with most

list
there was the time he completed a triathalon dragging a
45kg tree. So, it’s fitting his book is just as bold. The World’s prescription eyewear.
Fittest Book makes use of Edgley’s decade in the fitness Unfortunately, you’re
industry, offering a one-stop resource on how to lose fat, still likely to return
gain muscle and achieve your fitness goals – however looking like a panda.
ambitious. Tree not included. $32.99; HACHETTE.COM.AU Can’t win them all.

FIVE TH I NGS TO G ET YOU

I N SHAPE TH IS WI NTE R.

The Bag
Quiksilver has partnered
with travel-security
innovator Pacsafe to create
a bag designed for surfers
and snowboarders on the
road. The bag features
Pacsafe’s patented
anti-theft technology,

The Treatment
tarpaulin pockets and a dry
WORDS: CHRISTOPHER RILEY.

bag for when things get

messy. Each season, it will
be re-released with a new Anyone familiar with a post-long-weekend workday
interior design – first up, morning will know, sometimes there are days that even
Quiksilver’s blue ‘Heavy a strong cup of coffee won’t help with. If that feeling is all
Water’ print. May not be too familiar, you may be in need of some NAD+ infusion.
as glamorous as an LV x Recently opened in Bondi, Ageless NAD is the first
Supreme collab but it’ll be Australian clinic to offer this new treatment that, using
a hell of a lot more useful. a derivative of Vitamin B3, is said to boost alertness,
$1 99.99; PACSAFE .COM mental clarity and even help in treating addictive
Q U I KS I LVE R .COM . AU behaviour. Still likely to need that coffee, though.
AG E LESSNAD.COM . AU
 LIFESTYLECOLLECTION
HUNTER MAN
Hunter Man is one of Perth’s
premier men’s boutiques situated in
the heart of Leederville. Stocking
quality leather goods, shoes and
accessories from Australian &
European designers, along with a
carefully curated range of watches,
sunglasses and gifts for all tastes.
Visit Hunter Man in-store or
browse our latest collection online.

08 9328 7300

hunterstoreman
hunterstore_man
hunterstore.com.au

LET LUCY CHOOSE

Enjoy delicious Pan-Asian cuisine
in a buzzing, stylish and fun street
food environment.

Our ‘Let Lucy Choose’ menu

5-plates ($58) or 7-plates ($68).
Available daily from 11am till late.

03 9639 5777
JOHN PHILIPS
23 Oliver Lane,
Affordable luxurious timepieces. Designed in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne VIC 3000

Lucy Liu Melbourne

johnphilipswatches
lucyliumelbourne
johnphilips.com.au lucylius.com.au

RUMI MAN
Inspired by what the name RUMI MAN brings
to today’s you, uniqueness, class and luxury are
among the top of what we offer. An Australian
brand designing luxury handcrafted men’s
accessories, from neckties to waistcoats and
many things in between.

RUMI MAN is passionate about the classic

look and the accessories that complete
the look.

Trust us, keep an eye on RUMI MAN.

rumi.man.au rumi_man
rumiman.com.au

MAN PERFECTED
Man Perfected is an online only
store offering the best in luxury
high end men’s grooming products
ranging from shaving creams and SKIN GROWS BACK
lotions to skincare and hair care.
Take advantage of ‘Recurring The skingrowsback PAK30 backpack offers enough volume for a weekend away for
Delivery’ to save time and money. one. This pack is heavily loaded with numerous tech features like the magnetic
GQ Readers receive 20% discount sternum strap, 4 side compression straps and selection of HD Mesh internal pockets.
for first time purchases. The high contrast Neon Yellow liner makes the contents easy to find against this burst
Use Code: GQAUS20. of colour. Overall the PAK30 has a square silhouette with a strong masculine
aesthetic. Technical not tactical.
manperfected
man_perfected Skingrowsback Hardwear skingrowsback
manperfected.com.au skingrowsback.com
TO ADVE RTI S E PLE AS E CO NTACT A MY FR E AR 1 3 0 0 1 3 9 3 0 5 EM AI L: GQC L ASS I FI E DS@ N E WS LI FEM E D IA .COM . AU
 LIFESTYLECOLLECTION
MISTER PERFECT
Australia’s first COMPLETE male
makeover service. Mister Perfect finds
the noble man inside yourself and helps
you get ahead of the game with style,
charm and distinction.
You will discover your masculine
essence become confident in your
body, disciplined in your mind, sensitive
to your emotions and considerate of
others. Simply, Mister Perfect will help
you become a class act.
0412 190 579
misterperfect.co
misterperfect_au
misterperfect.co

VIRTUAL REALITY ROOMS

Australia’s 1st team-based VR escape
games. Be projected into amazing virtual
worlds where you can see, hear and interact
THE COACHMAN with your friends, family and team mates.
Find clues, solve puzzles, fly through outer
Treat your feet to some stylish Brazilian craftsmanship with the collection from space, battle deadly enemies, master special
Ferracini. Be it for work or play your feet will never be happier. abilities and do things you never thought
possible in a fast-paced, action packed 60
minutes to complete your mission.
Use code “GQ” when booking for free
337 Hampton Street, Hampton VIC 3188
15 min VR add-on
03 9598 2089
Level 1, 484 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000
CoachmanMenswear virtualrealityrooms
coachmanmenswear.com.au virtualrealityrooms.com.au

FREEBODY

Our design concept is bold, with a

unique dial and a slim case. Each
series of watches has a different
concept, from the KR series with its
unique African names, to the GS
series with its minimalist design

Use code GQ20 for a 20% Discount

freebodyau
freebody.com.au

GLASSHOUSE
Compared to the immeasurable history inbuilt in
the rest of the building, The Glasshouse is a step
in the other direction. Newly renovated to provide
the people of the Northern Beaches somewhere
to relax with fresh food, botanical cocktails and BARKER BESPOKE
spectacular views. With a notable Gin inspired Turn heads in a Barker Bespoke tailored suit. Our suits are hand tailored to fit your
drinks list and aesthetically pleasing array of body to perfection at fair prices. Speak to one of our stylists in Sydney or Canberra
plants and herbs, and delicious share plates, today to book your obligation-free appointment.
The Glasshouse is the perfect place to gather a
For a further 10% off your order, book an appointment before 31 July 2018 and quote the
group of friends and watch the sun go down.
discount code GQ2018.
02 9977 4977 1300 883 910 enquiries@barkerbespoke.com
Level 2, Hotel Steyne, 75 The Corso, Manly
barkerbespoke _barker_bespoke
hotelsteynemanly glasshousemanly
hotelsteyne.com.au barkerbespoke.com
J U N E/J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU
 LIFESTYLECOLLECTION
STEEZE VILLAINS CLOTHING
Steeze Villains is driven by culture and innovation of streetwear. We are obligated to
produce quality and stylish garments for more then a standard look.
Each peace connects with the next, and is carefully chosen from a stylist expression.
steezevillainsclothing
steezevillains.com
SCO FASHION
Sco. is a premium streetwear
label that provides comfortable,
fitted clothing made from
quality fabrics obtained within
Australia & California, USA.
For the globetrotter.
Scofashion
scofashion
scofashion.com
TWO KINGS WATCHES
Sometimes, minimal is all we need.
You wanted sleek, minimal designs,
So we delivered with high quality,
unique timepieces that comfort every
occasion.
With mixable straps, it’s as easy as
1,2,3. Custom build your timepiece,
add your initials for the cherry on top.
Two Kings Watches
Twokings_
twokingswatches.com
TO ADVERTI S E PLE ASE CO NTACT AMY FR E AR 1 3 00 1 3 9 3 05 EM AI L: GQCL ASS I FI EDS@ N E WSLI FEM E D IA .COM . AU
SOMETHING VERY
DELIBERATE™
Something Very Deliberate™ is an
independent, unisex clothing label
established in Adelaide in 2016.
Founded on principles of both artistic
vision and a deeper meaning, the label
takes inspiration from the purpose we’re
all here for.
Releasing bi-annual, limited-run
collections with a simple, bold approach
to design, the label offers high-end style
at an affordable price.
somethingverydeliberate
somethingverydeliberate.com
GRIP AUTO
Known for styling and restoring
classic cars, Grip Auto presents a
true Automotive inspired timepiece.
Designed in Melbourne featuring
high quality materials and a range
of colours.
Complete the connection between
the Automobile and the wristwatch.
It’s time to get a Grip.
Get 10% off using the code GQ18 at
the checkout. Free shipping worldwide.
grip_auto
gripauto.com.au
MD COSMEDICAL SOLUTIONS
MD Cosmedical Solutions Cosmetic Surgery Clinics specialise in PRP Stem Cell
Therapy. Hair Loss Treatment Sydney & Hair Loss Treatment Canberra Clinics
specialize in treating both male & female balding.
1300 885 808
mdcosmedicalsolutions
MDCosmedicalSolutions
mdcosmedicalsolutions.com.au

IMPERIAL CLOTHING
Imperial Clothing brings you luxurious business wear for all occasions with Amos
Luxury. With classic fit business shirts created from the worlds finest textiles, styled
with the utmost attention to detail. Shirts detailing precision matched strips and
checks, buttons are securely attached using a unique shank binding method & single
needle French seam for extra strength.
Imperial Clothing offers GQ readers a 10% discount on all products with code “GQ”
imperialclothingptyltd
imperial.clothing
imperialclothing.com.au
FUTURE YOUTH
Australia’s newest streetwear brand,
born and designed in Melbourne.
The next wave in Australian
streetwear.
Use GQ20 for 20% off on our
online store
_futureyouth
futureyouthmelbourne.com
PHABLE
Japanese selvedge denim
jeans, hand made in Sydney.
Each pair hand numbered
and crafted by a single
jean smith.
Phable denim is proudly
Australian, focusing on
quality materials and vintage
construction techniques.
Photo Credit Giuseppe
Santamaria.
phabledenim
phable.com.au
LIFESTYLECOLLECTION
TO THE NINES
Inspired by hip hop and rap culture,
To The Nines is a high end streetwear
brand from Adelaide founded in 2017.
Striving to accomplish the key aspects of
perfection by consistently maintaining the
highest attention to the smallest of details.
To The Nines aims to juxtapose a simplistic
design with radiating confidence.
This unique Australian brand is on the rise
with high expectations in the near future.
totheninesco
tothenines_co
totheninesco.com
SERIEUX
Serieux is a Fashion Label that is the
hybrid of current culture and forward
thinking ideals born in Australia. A love
letter to considered minimalism carried
by lifelong obsessions with style, music
and culture. Discover the new Autumn
Winter range.
GQ readers receive an exclusive 20% off
storewide. Use discount code: GQ20
_serieux
serieux.com.au
THE HORSE
Taking inspiration from decades gone by, The Heritage time teller is the fourth
timepiece to The Horse’s collection. Featuring applied indices and diamond cut
hands encased in a domed sapphire glass lens, The Heritage meld’s old style with
new sensibility. A robust double layered leather strap makes the timepiece our most
comfortable yet.
For a limited time The Horse are offering GQ Australia readers 10% off their purchase.
Please use the promo code gqaus at the checkout to redeem.
@the_horse
thehorse.com.au
J U N E/J U LY 20 1 8 G Q .COM . AU
 Top and pants,
both POA, both
by Hugo Boss;
jewellery,
model’s own.

ALPINA alpinawatches.com
APC 02 9380 2010 / 03 9639 1877
STOCKISTS GENERAL PANTS generalpants.com.au
GOSHA RUBCHINSKIY
PAUL SMITH 02 9331 8222
PRADA 02 9223 1668
AQUILA aquila.com.au london.doverstreetmarket.com RAINBOW SANDALS rainbowsandals.com
BELL & ROSS bellross.com GRAHAM graham1965.com RALPH LAUREN PURPLE LABEL 03 9654 0374
BEN SHERMAN bensherman.com.au GUCCI (WATCHES) gucci.com RM WILLIAMS rmwilliams.com.au
BLACK OPTICAL blackoptical.com GUCCI 1300 442 878 ROLEX rolex.com
BONDS bonds.com.au HARROLDS harrolds.com.au
SALVATORE FERRAGAMO ferragamo.com
BOSS (EYEWEAR) 02 9540 0500 HAY hayshop.com.au
SARAH & SEBASTIAN sarahandsebastian.com
BREITLING breitling.com HERMÈS 02 9287 3200
HUBLOT 03 8614 4300 SATURDAYS AT NYC incu.com
BRIONI brioni.com
HUGO BOSS 03 9474 6326 SUNSPEL sunspel.com
BURBERRY burberry.com
BVLGARI 02 9233 3611 IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN iwc.com SUPERDRY superdry.com.au
CALIBRE calibre.com.au JAC + JACK jacandjack.com TAG HEUER tagheuer.com
CALVIN KLEIN JEANS 02 9283 2146 JARDAN jardan.com.au THE ICONIC theiconic.com.au
CARTIER au.cartier.com JOSEPHS SHOES 02 9264 6079 THE NORTH FACE thenorthface.com.au
CHRISTIAN DIOR 02 9229 4600 / 03 9650 0132 LEVI’S levis.com.au TIFFANY & CO. 1800 731 131
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN 02 8355 5282 LOUIS VUITTON 1300 582 827 TOM FORD (FRAGRANCE) 1800 061 326
COMME DES GARÇONS (FRAGRANCE) MAISON MARGIELA maisonmargiela.com/au TOM FORD tomford.com
mecca.com.au MONCLER moncler.com TOMMY JEANS tommy.com
CONVERSE converse.com.au MONTBLANC 1300 36 4810
TOPMAN topman.com
DEUS shop.au.deuscustoms.com MR PORTER mrporter.com
TUDOR tudorwatch.com
DIESEL au.diesel.com OMEGA omegawatches.com
DIOR HOMME 02 9229 4600 / 03 9564 8161 ORIS oris.ch UNIQLO uniqlo.com/au
DTSLD dstld.com P JOHNSON TAILORS pjt.com VALENTINO (FRAGRANCE) davidjones.com.au
EMMA WILLIS emmawillis.com PACO RABANNE pacorabanne.com.au VANS vans.com.au
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA zegna.com PANERAI 03 9108 0639 VACHERON CONSTANTIN 1800 796 452
EX INFINITAS exinfinitas.com PATEK PHILIPPE patek.com VERSACE versace.com
G-STAR g-star.com PAUL ANDREW farfetch.com VICTORINOX victorinox.com

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1 82 G Q .COM . AU J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8
 GQ PROMOTION

DIRECTORY
THE MODERN MAN’S DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO ESSENTIAL SHOPPING AND SOPHISTICATED STYLE.

ROCK ON
Rockpool Bar & Grill by Neil
Perry is Australia’s most
celebrated steakhouse, serving
up perfectly wood-ire-grilled
meats and seafood from some
of the nation’s best producers.
Knock it down with a glass or
two from their unrivalled wine
list. rockpoolbarandgrill.com.au
H IGH EXPECTATIONS
Stella McCartney’s panelled-
mesh and faux-leather Eclyps
sneakers, which also use rubb
from renewable sources, have
stepped out in a high-top vers
this season. You can walk
carefree when it’s cruelty free
Available exclusively at Harro
Sydney and Melbourne
lagship stores. harrolds.com.a

G R E E N MACH I N E
The redesigned Frédérique Constant
‘Classic Worldtimer Manufacture’ – now
on a green alligator strap – lets you access
all of its functions via the crown, with no
additional push-buttons. Powered by the
in-house FC-718 caliber movement, it’s
nicely inished off with perlages and
Côtes de Genève. frederiqueconstant.com

STR E ET SMART
After a successful
launch last year,
Future Youth has
made a name for itself
in the back alleys.
The Melbourne-based
streetwear brand
offers premium
locally designed pieces
that are made to be
noticed. futureyouth
melbourne.com

MADE MAN TOUCH BASE B LU E STE E L

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THE
Full name, and place of birth?
HUGH SHERIDAN. ADELAIDE,
SOUTH AUSTRALIA.
LAST WORD
Nickname?
HUGE. HUGHMAN. HUGHSEPH.
At school I was:
X Nerdy
Popular
Absent
Best thing about living in LA?
NO ONE KNOWS WHO I AM YET.
PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR RYAN
GOSLING OR BEYONCÉ SO I CAN
FLY UNDER THE RADAR – THOUGH
I’VE BEEN MISTAKEN FOR THE
GOS A FEW TIMES!
In-N-Out Burger: as good as people say?
TOTALLY OVERRATED! ASTRO
BURGER IS THE PLACE.
Best celeb you’ve spotted out and about?
MOST RECENTLY, MEL BROOKS.
MOST MEMORABLE WAS TONY
BENNETT WHO I JUMPED IN A LIFT
WITH WHEN I WAS SEVEN.
Dead or alive, which celeb would you
most like to meet?
FRANK SINATRA.
What do you always carry with you
when you travel?
NOTEBOOK AND A GOOD PEN.
What do you miss most about Australia?
THE LAND, THE NATURE, THE
SMELL AND SOUNDS OF THE BEACH.
Best movie you’ve seen this year?
DARKEST HOUR.
You were GQ’s 2011 Man of Style.
Describe your style.
READY FOR ANYTHING.
184 G Q .COM . AU J U N E /J U LY 20 1 8
J U N E /J U LY
WITH
HUGH
SHERIDAN
THE ADELAIDE-BORN, LA-BASED
ACTOR, SINGER, DANCER AND
F O U R -T I M E LO G I E W I N N E R I S S E T
TO HIT THE BIG SCREEN IN THE FLIP
SI DE, ALO N G S I D E E DD I E I Z Z AR D,
AS WELL AS AUSSIE HORROR FLICK
B OA R W I T H J O H N JA R R AT T.
Where do you keep your Logies?
ONE WAS STOLEN, ONE I GIFTED
TO PORT ADELAIDE FOOTBALL CLUB
AND THE OTHER TWO ARE WITH MY
GQ MAN OF STYLE AWARD ON THE
MANTLEPIECE IN LA.
You’re set to star in The Flip Side with
Eddie Izzard. What’s he like?
HE WAS AWESOME; HE DOES HIS
OWN THING. SO INSPIRING TO
MEET A MAN WHO WALKS TO HIS
OWN BEAT AND DOESN’T CARE
WHAT ANYONE THINKS.
Favourite person you’ve ever worked with?
I OPENED FOR LIZA MINNELLI
IN NEW YORK WHEN I WAS 22.
THAT WAS COOL.
Current relationship status?
WHO’S ASKING?
Those Delta Goodrum rumours are…?
A GREAT READ.
Best winter-weather grooming tip?
GRAB YOUR HAT AND GET YOUR
COAT, LEAVE YOUR WORRIES ON
THE DOORSTEP.
Biggest extravagance?
MY ECLECTIC GROUP OF FRIENDS.
You’re part of Sheridan’s Towel Man campaign.
What makes for a good towel?
A SHERIDAN ONE OF COURSE.
Naturally. Are all of yours monogrammed?
THEY’RE NOT, MINE ARE ALL
MISMATCHED, I NEED TO HIT UP
SHERIDAN FOR THE GOOD STUFF!
We’ll make some calls. You have a pretty
serious set of abs. What’s your secret?
I STARTED DANCING AT 16. DO
YOUR KIDS A FAVOUR AND SEND
THEM TO DANCE LESSONS AND
THEY’LL NEVER NEED TO WORK OUT.
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
IT INVOLVES [PACKED TO THE
RAFTERS CO-STAR] GEORGE
HOUVARDAS, A HELICOPTER, NAKED
PHOTOS, AN UNLOCKED PHONE THAT
WENT MISSING AND A PRIVATE
DETECTIVE. THAT’S ALL YOU GET.
Intriguing. Best advice you’ve been given?
NEVER JUDGE ANYONE, UNLESS YOU
HAVE WALKED IN THEIR SHOES.
WORDS: AMY CAMPBELL.
And the worst?
DON’T THINK ABOUT TOMORROW –
HAVE ONE MORE ON THE ROCKS!
Describe Donald Trump in three words.
ORANGE. PAGEANT. QUEEN.
 # W A T C H B E Y O N D

BR V2-94 RACING BIRD · VIC Bell & Ross Boutique, Melbourne, 03 9650 7421 | 8th Avenue Watch Co., Emporium Melbourne, 03 9639 6175 | 8th Avenue Watch Co.,
Chadstone S/C, 03 9569 7652 · NSW Hardy Brothers, Sydney, 02 8262 3100 | Hardy Brothers, Chatswood, 02 8423 2800 | Lucsong Jewellery, Bondi Junction, 0415076598
Wamada Jewellery, Haymarket, 02 9281 8182 | Heinemann Tax & Duty Free, Sydney Airport · QLD 8th Avenue Watch Co., Pacific Fair S/C, 07 5575 4883 | Hardy Brothers,
Brisbane, 07 3625 8000 · WA Hardy Brothers, Perth, 08 6318 1000 · e-boutique: www.bellross.com