Category: LIFESTYLE

American Crew’s Travis Kelce haircut

American Crew Hair Care Reno 1

While Taylor Swift undeniably reigns as one of the biggest stars on the planet, her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, is swiftly making his mark as a close second – especially with Aussie fans eagerly anticipating his presence in Sydney. As Travis basks in his newfound fame, he’s already leaving an impression on Aussie culture, evident in the increasing demand for the ‘Travis Kelce haircut’ among local barbers’ clientele. Matthew Clarke, an esteemed Australian Modern Barber of the Year awardee and proprietor of Esq. Male Grooming in Milton, notes a noticeable surge in patrons requesting the ‘Travis haircut,’ particularly after the Super Bowl and in anticipation of Taylor’s Australian Tour. With Travis’s arrival in Sydney today, Matt graciously shares his insights on achieving and styling this sought-after look. For those aspiring to don the Travis Kelce haircut, Matt advises consulting your local barber for a buzz cut fade and presenting a few reference photos beforehand. He emphasizes the importance of reference photos in effectively communicating the desired haircut and individual style preferences, especially for those unfamiliar with barber jargon or venturing into a new aesthetic. Alternatively, if a shorter style with a slightly lengthier side appeals to you, Matt recommends inquiring about a classic crew cut with a low fade. This approach achieves the illusion of the Travis Kelce haircut while retaining hair thickness on the sides. Upon acquiring the Travis Kelce cut, Matt suggests styling the look into a short quiff or a slicked-back style. For a short quiff, he recommends utilizing the American Crew Fiber… Read More

Mardi Gras Debutante Ball in Sydney

Screenshot 20240228 215257

On Thursday, Kinselas Hotel in Darlinghurst set the stage for a momentous occasion as it hosted the inaugural Mardi Gras Debutante Ball by Johnnie Walker. This event marked the first steps of Mardi Gras first-timers as they ventured to join their community for the iconic celebration. Eight first-timers from the LGBTQIA+ community had the opportunity to share their stories and win tickets to attend the Debutante Ball, making it an unforgettable experience for them. As they walked the Gold Carpet, these individuals debuted proudly, warmly welcomed by festival custodians, the community, and the trailblazers who have paved the way for them. The evening unfolded at the iconic Darlinghurst venue, where the Mardi Gras Debutante Ball became a fabulous celebration of all queer identities, truly honoring the progress, strength, and diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. The highlight of the Ball was none other than Natalie Bassingthwaighte, who made her debut for her first Mardi Gras since openly identifying as queer last year. Her presence added an extra layer of significance to the event, symbolizing the ongoing journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and pride within the community. The Mardi Gras Debutante Ball by Johnnie Walker exemplified the spirit of inclusivity and acceptance, serving as a testament to the progress made and the unity embraced within the LGBTQIA+ community. It was a night of joy, empowerment, and celebration, representing the collective strides towards a more diverse and welcoming society. As the festivities unfolded, it became clear that this groundbreaking event has redefined the traditional concept of the Debutante Ball,… Read More

And Juliet musical comes to Sydney

Lorinda May Merrypor plays Juliet in JULIET pic Eugene Hyland 3

The theatrical world is abuzz as the smash hit musical & JULIET prepares to captivate Sydney audiences, with preview performances igniting the stage from 27 February. This critically acclaimed production has already taken Melbourne, Singapore, and Perth by storm — eliciting praise such as “heart-blowing, transformative & irresistible” (The Australian) and being hailed as “triumphant” with a “uniformly brilliant” cast (News.com.au). Heralded for a performance that could only be described as “jaw-droppingly good” by ABC Radio Melbourne, Lorinda May Merrypor shines in the iconic role of Juliet. Joined by Rob Mills – Australian music veteran as the whimsical Shakespeare – and an ensemble of stellar talent including music theatre icon Amy Lehpamer, chart-topping Casey Donovan, and the versatile Hayden Tee, & JULIET’s Australian production promises an unrivaled theatrical experience. The jubilant legacy of & JULIET is set to expand as tickets fly off the virtual shelves of Ticketmaster, with shows slated through to 2 June. As the narrative saunters into Sydney’s vibrant cultural scene, Lorinda May Merrypor shares her enthusiasm: “It is such a joy to share the story of & JULIET with even more people in Sydney. We cannot wait to be back on the stage, singing and dancing with everyone each night!” Reinventing the narrative of one of literature’s most tragic heroines, & JULIET offers an alternative tale where Juliet’s poignant end is merely the beginning of a riveting journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The musical’s heart pulsates through a soundtrack of Max Martin’s pop anthems, earning it nine Tony Award® nominations, including… Read More

What to expect at Biennale of Sydney

Sydney Biennale dancer

The vibrant city is set to host the 24th edition of the Biennale of Sydney, aptly titled “Ten Thousand Suns,” from 9 March to 10 June 2024. As a free public event, it shines as a beacon of contemporary artistic expression and is the largest of its kind in Australia. Art enthusiasts will be drawn to venues like the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Artspace, the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, the Sydney Opera House, and the revitalized White Bay Power Station to experience this cultural phenomenon. Led by artistic directors Cosmin Costina? and Inti Guerrero, “Ten Thousand Suns” invites celebration into its core, weaving joy with the threads of collective resistance and unity against historical injustices. Taking inspiration from First Nations technology, Queer resilience, and global carnival traditions, the festival delves into the current climate emergency while steadfastly rejecting a dystopian vision of the future. This year, marking the Biennale’s 50th anniversary, the program challenges the western narrative of an apocalyptic end and chooses to embrace a future filled with collaborative joy and shared success. The festival will feature 96 artists and collectives hailing from over 50 countries, each bringing a personal touch rooted in diverse communities and artistic vernaculars. Many of the artworks act as commentaries on global issues while honoring the power of personal and collective stories. One featured commission is Yankunytjatjara artist Kaylene Whiskey’s ‘Kaylene TV,’ a testament to her joyous and unique vision, displayed on a grand scale. The Fondation… Read More

Uni of Melbourne’s got new Cultural Precinct Program

Melb Uni

Melbourne’s cultural scene is about to be enhanced with a fresh and engaging program of public shows announced by the University of Melbourne Arts and Culture (UMAC). Set on the bustling Parkville campus, both students and the wider community are in for a treat as they will have the opportunity to partake in a year-long schedule of inspiring performances and exhibitions. UMAC, an initiative under the University of Melbourne, has been established to reinforce the institution’s commitment to the performing arts. Its mission is to offer a diverse range of arts experiences that will not only enrich student life but also engage with the wider public throughout the year. According to Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Wesley, this expansion reflects the University’s enduring support and celebration of the performing arts, creating a platform to showcase both local and international talents right within the campus grounds. The new Arts & Cultural Building, home to the Union and Guild Theatres, is at the heart of this precinct, accompanied by the beautifully renovated Building 189 and the open-air Amphitheatre. The precinct’s advantageous location near the No. 1 Swanston Street tram stop and Lygon Street, together with its award-winning design, positions it as a marquee destination for performance and art lovers in Melbourne. With Virginia Lovett at the helm as the Performing Arts Director, UMAC promises to deliver major contemporary works and activate the cultural spaces situated in CBD North. Patrons can look forward to an annual program that promises to be as rich in variety as it is in… Read More

What’s new at The Rover Sydney

Cheese hands

In a move that promises to delight patrons old and new, Liquid and Larder has ushered in a wave of exhilarating updates to Surry Hills’ favoured local haunt, The Rover. Pivoting to better serve the community’s tastes, The Rover will now usher guests through both floors of its enticing space, from Monday to Saturday between 4pm-12am. The traditional separation of the vibrant cocktail bar downstairs and the seafood-centric restaurant above has dissolved, and instead one finds a cohesive venue offering both drinks and dishes on each level in a seamless experience of world-class cocktails and a reimagined bistro menu. The hospitality maestros behind established dining institutions such as Alfie’s, Bistecca, and The Gidley, have been the brain behind The Rover for over a decade. Although it has transformed from its original incarnation as The Wild Rover, the establishment retains its essential character—a testament to Liquid and Larder’s commitment to the ambience of a cherished and spirited neighbourhood spot. Owner James Brady expresses a heartfelt vision behind the venue’s refreshed approach, “The Rover has always served as a snug and vibrant backdrop for both casual and intimate gatherings, much like visiting a cherished friend’s home. By combining and expanding the food and drink offerings, we’re responding to our guests’ desires and readying ourselves to welcome more members from our community through our doors every evening.” Noteworthy among the myriad of enhancements is the Rover’s homage to beef lovers, the iconic Gidley burger, which will be made available outside of the CBD for the very first time,… Read More

Angelica Kauffman is at the Royal Academy of Art London

Self portrait of Sir Joshua Reynolds

In March 2024, the Royal Academy of Arts is set to unveil a remarkable tribute to Angelica Kauffman, one of the most distinguished artists of the 18th century and a founding member of the Academy itself. The exhibition aims to celebrate the rich tapestry of Kauffman’s life and works, guiding the visitor through the journey of her prolific career—from her early recognition as a child prodigy to becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after painters. Kauffman’s oeuvre is a testament to her versatility, with a portfolio that boasts history paintings, portraits, and her remarkable self-portraits. Each of the over 30 artworks on display, including many that have never graced the UK before, offers a glimpse into her journey across Europe and her ultimate rise to fame. These pieces collectively narrate a story of exceptional talent, determination, and how Kauffman carved out a space for herself in a predominantly male industry during the 18th century. As attendees navigate through the four distinct sections of the exhibit, they will encounter Kauffman’s self-portraits that artfully placed her identity under her own control—a bold statement for a woman of her time. The exhibition will also delve into her training in Rome, her celebrated arrival in London where she was “Angelicamad,” and her poignant works that often depicted female protagonists. Further exploring her relationship with the Royal Academy, the show will shed light on her influence amidst the gender constraints of her era, highlighted by Zoffany’s portrayal of Kauffman and Moser in “The Academicians of the Royal Academy.” By featuring her… Read More

Mister Bianco’s tomato festival in Melbourne

Festa del Pomodoro tomato man pasta wine

As the vibrant shades of red start to dominate the pantries, Mister Bianco in Kew heats up its kitchen for a seasonal celebration that tantalises the taste buds: the Festa Del Pomodoro (Tomato Day). This joyous event is etched on Saturday 2nd March – a day to embrace the zest of fresh, ripe tomatoes in their prime. The excitement at Mister Bianco mounts as March heralds the time for Sugo making, a ritual cherished by the team for its traditional essence and the promise of mouth-watering Italian cuisine. Join us for a fabulously orchestrated dinner where the humble tomato takes center stage. With the ambiance enlivened by the aromas of Italy, our guests will not only indulge in a spectacular three-course home-style meal but will also partake in the artistry of Sugo making. A feast for the senses awaits, accompanied by our finely selected house wines. Our very own Chef Joe Vargetto, a maestro in the culinary world, is thrilled to offer more than just a dining experience. Armed with pots and passion, he is set to impart his closely guarded Sugo-making secrets through an engaging cooking demonstration. Attendees can look forward to an educational evening filled with anecdotes, techniques, and inspiration, directly from the expert’s kitchen to yours. Event Details: Menu: Shared Entree Shared Mains + Sides Dessert Bonus: Every guest leaves with a treasured bottle of Sugo, a memento of the event to be savoured at their own tables. Reservations for the Festa Del Pomodoro dinner event can be made at SevenRooms. Explore… Read More

Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour takes video to a new level

taylor swift eras tips telstra exchange

As Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour transformed the Melbourne Cricket Ground into a sea of blinking lights and exhilarated faces, fans were not just savouring the musical experience; they were digitally encapsulating every moment in astonishing volumes of data. Telstra, an eagle-eyed observer of data trends, has crunched the numbers to reveal a narrative as compelling as the concert itself. Over three spellbinding nights, the Swiftie fandom, armed with their smartphones, ushered in a whopping 35 terabytes of data usage—equivalent to a staggering 15,500 hours of video. That’s enough time to stream the Eras Tour Concert Film on loop for about 1.7 years straight without a breather! In a startling comparison with her peers, Swift’s concerts saw fans consuming almost double the data, marking The Eras Tour at the MCG as a digitally colossal affair. The concert’s digital footprint emanated patterns of its own. Before the star graced the stage, there was a surge in phone usage, but as soon as the opening notes reverberated through the stadium, the Swiftie smartphones dimmed in unison, only to re-emerge with vigour, capturing every beat and ballad. The end of the 1989 set was a particularly undistracted affair, with the mystery of ‘surprise songs’ keeping the devices pocketed and eyes fixated on the stage. An infrastructure ballet was Telstra’s response to the Sydney legions of Taylor fans. A strategic deployment of a Cell-on-Wheels was reminiscent of widening a highway; it promised a bandwidth boon designed to uphold the weight of thousands of streaming, sharing fans. Alongside, Sydney’s Accor Stadium… Read More