Brad Pitt’s New Formula 1 Flick Will Hit Movie Theatres in June

It’s been a long road, but Brad Pitt’s Formula 1-themed movie is almost ready to roll out to cinemas.

The yet-to-be-titled flick, directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, will be released globally on June 25, 2025 and arrive in North American theaters on June 27, 2025, according to a statement shared by Apple Original Films and Formula 1 on Tuesday.

Created in collaboration with F1, the film will give moviegoers insight into the exhilarating world of professional racing. Pitt will star as a former F1 driver returning to the sport, while British actor Damson Idris (pictured top) will play his teammate at APXGP. The fictional team is 11th on the grid in the movie and pilots machines with a distinctive black-and-gold livery. Other notable actors in the star-studded cast include Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia, and Samson Kayo.

To ensure both accuracy and authenticity, the production team worked closely with the F1 community, including all 10 teams, the drivers, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), and race promoters. Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton is serving as a consultant for the movie, with help from his production company Dawn Apollo Films. The British driver has reportedly been in regular contact with Pitt to help him prepare for the lead role. Bruckheimer has also said Pitt trained for four or five months behind the wheel, adding he is “an amazing driver.”
The APXGP car on the track at the Hungarian F1 Grand Prix.
SOPA Images/Getty

In order to realistically emulate the high-stakes trackside environment, the film has been shot in real-time during various international Grand Prixs. Filming began in July 2023, with Pitt putting the pedal to the metal at Silverstone during last year’s British Grand Prix. “I don’t know if you could call mine a hot lap, I’d call it kind of a warm lap,” the actor said after his drive around the race course. “I’ve taken a few tours, unintentionally, through the grass.”

The film will hit the big screen in June. The global rollout will include IMAX theaters, too, meaning that guests can be fully immersed in the world of motorsport with crystal-clear images and powerful sound. Who needs to go to an actual GP?

Brad Pitt’s New Formula 1 Flick Will Hit Movie Theatres in June

It’s been a long road, but Brad Pitt’s Formula 1-themed movie is almost ready to roll out to cinemas.

The yet-to-be-titled flick, directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, will be released globally on June 25, 2025 and arrive in North American theaters on June 27, 2025, according to a statement shared by Apple Original Films and Formula 1 on Tuesday.

Created in collaboration with F1, the film will give moviegoers insight into the exhilarating world of professional racing. Pitt will star as a former F1 driver returning to the sport, while British actor Damson Idris (pictured top) will play his teammate at APXGP. The fictional team is 11th on the grid in the movie and pilots machines with a distinctive black-and-gold livery. Other notable actors in the star-studded cast include Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia, and Samson Kayo.

To ensure both accuracy and authenticity, the production team worked closely with the F1 community, including all 10 teams, the drivers, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), and race promoters. Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton is serving as a consultant for the movie, with help from his production company Dawn Apollo Films. The British driver has reportedly been in regular contact with Pitt to help him prepare for the lead role. Bruckheimer has also said Pitt trained for four or five months behind the wheel, adding he is “an amazing driver.”

The APXGP car on the track at the Hungarian F1 Grand Prix.
SOPA Images/Getty

In order to realistically emulate the high-stakes trackside environment, the film has been shot in real-time during various international Grand Prixs. Filming began in July 2023, with Pitt putting the pedal to the metal at Silverstone during last year’s British Grand Prix. “I don’t know if you could call mine a hot lap, I’d call it kind of a warm lap,” the actor said after his drive around the race course. “I’ve taken a few tours, unintentionally, through the grass.”

The film will hit the big screen in June. The global rollout will include IMAX theaters, too, meaning that guests can be fully immersed in the world of motorsport with crystal-clear images and powerful sound. Who needs to go to an actual GP?

Penfolds Saves Best For Last with Show-Stopping Release with Creative Partner NIGO

Though Penfolds holds many wonderful wines in its star-studded suite, their latest collaboration with NIGO is earmarked as a sure-fire collector’s item.

Retailing for $395 a bottle, the Penfolds 65F by NIGO is expected to sit snugly alongside the likes of Grange and Bin 389 as a standout single-vintage wine connoisseurs will vie for in years to come.

This prize wine isn’t just delicious and highly collectible, it looks the part. It features branding by artistic director and creative visionary NIGO, the founder of cult streetwear brands A Bathing Ape and Human Made, a pal of Pharrell Williams and current creative director of French fashion house Kenzo. For the box and packaging NIGO was inspired by the towering 65-foot chimney that prevails over Penfolds South Australian home, Magill Estate.

Penfolds archival material served as NIGO’s inspiration for the inclusions within the gift box and on the wine label. A chalkboard wine tag with coinciding chalk pencil pays homage to the chalk boards used in the original working winery at Penfolds Magill Estate and allows the opportunity for personalisation of the wine if used as a gift. The bottle label features a design which takes inspiration from the pressed bottle labels from the 1930-50s, and the tissue paper wrapping the bottle has been adapted from the Penfolds logo style used in the early 20th century. NIGO’s signature playful design style is emphasised with a chimney smoke wine stopper.

Inside it’s a classic embodiment of the way South Australian winemakers blend cabernet sauvignon with shiraz to stunning effect.

As a result this wine has a mouth-watering palate with plenty of fine grain tannins and silky mouth feel. A nose enriched with spicy nutmeg, cardamom and cassis is layered over blueberry compote and lush fig on a palate. There’s lots of blueberry soufflé, gamey tones and just a hint of fennel seed, with more complexity to come as the years fly by.

All the base wines were sourced from grapes grown in South Australia’s top wine regions of Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley. And while the 65F by NIGO Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz is being released now, it will continue to reward cellaring for years to come.

Penfolds first announced NIGO as its Creative Partner in June 2023, with the global release of One by Penfolds. This was closely followed by the launch of Grange by NIGO (the first takeover of Penfolds flagship red wine) in February 2024, followed by Holiday Designed by NIGO in October 2024.A classic for the ages.

Penfolds 65F by NIGO Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2021 is available globally from Thursday 27 February 2025 (RRP AUD$395.00 for 750ml). Available via Penfolds.com, at select Dan Murphy’s stores nationally and select independent retailers.

Matthew McConaughey Ditched Whiskey. Now He’s Making Tequila.

Matthew McConaughey may have left the whiskey world with his ghosts of girlfriends past, but that doesn’t mean he is getting out of the spirits business. That’s right, another celebrity tequila brand has arrived, and this one is backed by the Academy Award-winner and his wife, Camila.

The new spirit is called Pantalones Organic Tequila, and it’s made at NOM1614, or Tequilera Tap in Amatitan, Jalisco, the same distillery where brands like Tres Agaves are made. We have not had a chance to sample the tequila yet and the details about the liquid are limited, but it is certified organic and made from 100 percent Blue Weber agave, with three expressions initially available. It’s also marketed as gluten-free, which of course it is because it’s made from agave, but no mention of being additive-free. The blanco is said to have notes of honey and citrus, the reposado is aged for nine months and has notes of fruit and oak, and the añejo spends 15 months in casks and has notes of vanilla, butterscotch, and maple.

“The world doesn’t need another celebrity tequila, but tequila sure could use a kick in the pants,” said the McConaugheys in a statement. “Pantalones Organic Tequila is the best thing we’ve made with our pants on.” There are certainly some other partners behind this brand as well, but no word as to their feelings about wearing pants or not.

It seems like we’re at the point in the celebrity tequila world where it’s better to be a little self-deprecating about the category rather than taking yourself too seriously, as this cheeky video makes clear. McConaughey previously had a partnership with the Wild Turkey distillery with his Longbranch bourbon brand, a whiskey that is filtered through mesquite charcoal to give it a bit of smoke on the palate.

As we previously reported, that partnership ended on December 31, 2022, four years after the brand launched. Pantalones is a member of an organization called 1% For The Planet, and will donate one percent of all revenue to “environmental non-profit partners.” The tequila is available now to order from Dan Murphys priced from $85 to $105 per bottle.

Buy now at Dan Murphys

The Fiat 124 Sport Spider’s Beautiful Lines and Feisty Engine Make It an Enduring Classic

As decades pass, the dust of history settles on once-ubiquitous cars to the point that they become obscured from the consciousness of modern collectors. Figuratively speaking, the shiniest new models take the limelight and get parked in front by the valet, as familiar old automotive faces are relegated to the back parking lot, awaiting rediscovery by younger generations of enthusiasts. Even the Volkswagen Beetle—with 21.5 million built over 65 years—is so rarely seen today that encountering one on the road is a rare sight indeed.

Another such car is the Fiat 124 Sport Spider. With nearly 200,000 made from 1966 to 1985, the model was not nearly as plentiful or long-lived as VW’s Beetle, though in period, it was impossible to go a day in Los Angeles traffic without seeing at least one or two of Fiat’s delightful sports car.

The Fiat 124 Sport Spider is also proof that an Italian car doesn’t have to be a Ferrari to be beautiful. As is the case with the aesthetics of people, exquisite lines can be found on patrician and proletariat cars alike. As with almost every Ferrari of the era, the 124 Sport Spider had a body designed by Pininfarina. The mid-1960s was a fertile period for Italian coachbuilders, and Pininfarina delivered two beautifully dressed competitors to the world stage in 1966.

The Alfa Romeo “Duetto” Spider, personally designed by Giovanni Battista “Pinin” Farina, was unveiled in March of 1966, while the Fiat 124 Spider debuted in November of the same year. The latter was penned by Pininfarina designer Tom Tjaarda, who was also author of the 1964 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 and, later, the De Tomaso Pantera when he worked with Ghia. Tjaarda’s design for the Fiat has stood the test of time, with understated lines and perfect proportions that make it the classic blue blazer or little black dress of sports cars.

This 1979 Fiat 124 Sport Spider sold for $26,482 at an RM Sotheby’s auction in 2020.
RM Sotheby’s

The 124 Sport Spider’s formula, as with the Alfa, was simple and proven: a twin-cam inline-four engine driving the rear wheels, and a steel monocoque body. However, at a cost of about $3,152 in 1970, the Fiat had a friendlier price compared to that of the Alfa, which came in at about $5,517 back then, making the Fiat an attractive alternative for stylish enthusiasts on a budget.

Displacement of the reliable aluminum DOHC engine, designed by ex-Ferrari engineer Aurelio Lampredi, grew from 1.4 liters to 2.0 liters over the years, with Weber carbs being replaced by Bosch fuel injection in 1980. Power is modest, but playing the revs extracts around 115 hp in 1.8- and 2.0-liter versions. Rare turbo and supercharged variants, made late in the game, bumped output to 130 hp or so.

A five-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel disc brakes were standard by 1969. Appealing to a broader audience, an optional three-speed automatic (sourced from GM) was available from 1979 through 1985 for North America and Japan. The front suspension uses unequal-length wishbones with coil-over dampers, and the car has a coil-spring live-rear axle. With the Spider tipping the scales at just 2,100 pounds to 2,400 pounds, handling is responsive, and a reminder that the power-to-weight ratio is the all-important metric.

Fiat’s 124 Sport Spider came to North America in 1968, and was produced solely for the U.S. market from 1975 to 1981. Europe got it back in 1981, and had it available there until the end of production. Fiat actually turned production over entirely to Pininfarina in 1982, but the cars—called the Pininfarina Spider—are essentially the same. Examples imported from 1975 through 1985 had rather ungainly impact bumpers, so early, chrome-bumper cars are aesthetically more desirable. Most interiors are vinyl and, unbelievably, accommodation for two additional passengers (if on the smaller side) can be discovered behind the front seats. The fabric top, unlike many of the period, can be raised or lowered from the driver’s seat with just one hand.

Today’s stateside buyers are fortunate in that about three quarters of all 124 Sport Spiders built came to the U.S., so good examples are regularly on the market. As with some other cars, condition establishes value more than specific year or model. Be on the lookout for rust and corrosion. The good news is that drivetrains are relatively reliable, but timing belts must be replaced at needed intervals.

Parts are remarkably affordable, and maintenance is handily accomplished by owners with basic mechanical skills. Cars in good condition can be found for $15,000 or less, while concours examples will cost double that or more. Regardless, it’s hard to think of a classic convertible that offers more bang for the buck than the enduring Fiat 124 Sport Spider.

How Hill Helicopters Designed a Light Chopper That Looks and Feels Like a Supercar

Jason Hill has spent most of his career attempting to redefine the rotorcraft, and his futuristic HX50 chopper now looks like it may indeed establish another helicopter category. With its all-new design, from turbine to touchscreen the sleek flying machine incorporates a high-inertia three-bladed rotor system that should deliver a cruising speed of 160 mph with an 800-mile range. And while it’s purported to fly well above its light-helicopter competitors in terms of avionics, styling, and interior space, what’s perhaps most impressive about the five-occupant whirlybird is its intended starting price of approximately $1.2 million—about a third less than what a comparable rotorcraft might cost.

“The machine is designed to feel like a supercar,” says Hill. “It’s also geared to make everything about helicopter flying simpler than ever before.” The HX50’s carbon-fiber monocoque frame is a novel feature for a light-category helicopter, and the touchscreen display is proprietary to Hill. As for the roll cage, impact-absorbing seats, and crash-resistant fuel tanks and windows, those are all typically found on larger, more expensive copters.

Inspired as a child by the supersonic helo on the television series Airwolf, Hill spent 25 years planning the HX50 before unveiling a rendering in 2020. During that time, he worked for industry giant AgustaWestland, received his doctorate in computational aerodynamics for helicopters, and founded Dynamiq Engineering, which provided the design and technical input for the HX50, as well as much of the financial backing.

The concept came from Hill’s own experience as a pilot tracking the shortcomings of what’s currently on the market, such as limited range, lack of luxury, and, with engine configurations typically 50 years old, high decibel levels. Yet despite its forward-thinking design, which allows for a measure of customization, the HX50 has its share of industry skeptics.

“Aviation has a tendency to eat its young,” says veteran analyst Brian Foley, who observes that it’s common “to throw rocks at start-ups because it’s such a capital-intensive industry, with millions involved in design, tooling, and facilities.” He likes the idea of the HX50, though, noting there hasn’t been a clean-sheet helicopter in the light category for years. He points to Epic Aircraft, which launched its single-engine turboprop, the E-1000, as an experimental airplane, but it was eventually certified for manufacturing. Kopter, a Swiss start-up, also successfully created its SH09 and was subsequently acquired by Leonardo in 2020. “If they found ways to do it, why can’t Hill?” asks Foley.

Yet at least one observer thinks the GT250 engine could be the HX50’s weak link. “Helicopter companies typically get engines from aircraft-engine manufacturers,” explains Jean-Marc Youkhana, founder of Uplifting Aviation, a London-based consulting firm. “This is an engine from a non-aviation company that you haven’t certified. That is risky.”

Flight-testing on the HX50 was pushed back from what was originally scheduled for 2024, not due to anything regarding the power plant but rather by delays associated with the construction of a facility for more in-house production of components, according to Hill. “This means you can develop what your customers want, not an approximation of it, at a price the aviation supply chain will never be able to compete with,” he asserts.

Also contributing to the lower overall cost is the business model’s 10-day “build school,” during which time owners help construct nontechnical parts, a process that will qualify the HX50 for the “amateur build” category, further reducing prices and possibly speeding up certification. After all, Hill’s goal is for this copter “to be so compelling it would make people want to learn to fly again.”

To that end, of the 1,300 examples that have been presold, 30 percent were purchased by customers who have never owned an aircraft. As for the HX50’s trajectory to fruition, testing has been rescheduled for later this year, with production in 2026.

These New Ultra-Exclusive McLaren Supercars Celebrate Its Latest F1 Championship

McLaren won its ninth Formula 1 Constructor’s Championship last season, a testament to its current and former racing prowess. McLaren is still celebrating, in fact, with new exclusive editions of its Artura and 750S supercars with parts inspired by their F1 win.

The MCL38 Celebration Edition Artura and MCL38 Celebration Edition 750S are both signed by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, McLaren’s F1 drivers in 2024. Only nine of each car will be produced, McLaren says, with a livery that looks an awful lot like their F1 car, featuring McLaren’s famous papaya and anthracite.

Each version of the Artura and 750S — the Spider version of the latter was Robb Report US’s 2025 Car of the Year — will feature a plaque commemorating the F1 championship, made in part from bodywork from the marque’s 2024 F1 car.

The signatures of Norris and Piastri are visible on the interior, on a sill cover on the seat headrest, along with a champions’ laurel. There are actually two plaques on each car, one made in part with the carbon fiber bodywork from the F1 race car, and another plaque that McLaren calls a “track record plaque.” That one is perhaps more interesting, since it lists every pole position, race win, and fastest lap time from a McLaren car in the 2024 season.

The MCL38 Celebration Edition 750S features a couple more papaya accents, and both the 750S and the Artura have the number nine in a star logo. Under the hood, the Artura isn’t different from other versions of it, powered by a 3-liter V-6 hybrid powertrain, while the 750S has a 4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8.

McLaren did not announce the pricing of the MCL38 Celebration Edition Artura or the MCL38 Celebration Edition 750S, but the Artura starts at around $394,100, and the 750S starts at around $501,300. So buyers of the MCL38 Celebration Edition cars can expect a hefty premium on top of that.

All 18 of the cars are likely already spoken for anyway, since McLaren buyers tend to be fans of McLaren’s F1 team, and there aren’t many better ways to celebrate McLaren’s constructor’s championship triumph than with a new McLaren. For future observers trying to discern which trim Artura or 750S they are looking at, the star-logo nine should be the most immediate giveaway.

Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin’s New Titanium Watch Has an Iridescent Dial Made with Car Paint

Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin are proving, for the sixth time, that they’re a perfect pair. The watchmaker and automotive giant just released their latest timepiece collab with Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition, and it may just be poised to be the most popular version to date.

This Laureato comes in a titanium case and bracelet—already appealing for its lightweight feel on the wrist—but its strongest feature is the unusual hue of the dial. Depending on the light, it can either appear as a subtle sea green or an ombré caramel with flecks of sparkle executed in a less flashy way than an added dimension. That iridescence comes from automotive paint—15 layers, to be exact. Layering paint on a car is less tricky than on a dial, where the tolerances for thickness are much more delicate, so the process involved a protracted filtration method to get rid of any residual grains that would harm the small parameters. The color, of course, is an obvious nod to the automotive maker, but so are details on the seconds hand where the base is meant to mimic the air intakes on the side of Aston Martin’s DB4.

 

 

As with the other editions, the branding is minimal with Aston Martin’s logo only seen on the sapphire crystal caseback. “Never, ever you will see the Aston Martin logo on the front,” Girard-Perregaux’s new global managing director, Marc Michel-Amary, told Robb Report. “It’s always engraved on the back, because it’s more discreet.” The watch itself is more subdued than recent versions of the brand’s partnership with Aston Martin from 2023, including the Girard-Perregaux Neo Bridges Aston Martin Edition (a futuristic play on the company’s famous “three bridges” design) and its Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition, the latter of which was particularly cool but certainly a lot of look to be an everyday timepiece. This Laureato Chronograph is certainly going to have broader appeal as a bracelet sports watch with a versatile dial with a little bit of interesting detail to still make it a talking point.

 

The Laureato itself, of course, is a classic. In fact, while the Patek Philippe Nautilus may get the bulk of the attention, the Laureato was actually an earlier trailblazer of the ’70s-era integrated sports watch era that has now experienced a rebirth of popularity. It debuted in 1975, a year before the Nautilus. This year, it celebrates its 50th anniversary and Michel-Amary says he plans to capitalize on the anniversary. He calls the chronograph with Aston Martin the “first of many other initiatives” around the model.

Just 12 days into the job and Michel-Amary can already recite the company’s story like a seasoned heritage director. He speaks of many historical moments that are bragging rights for the brand including the Geomatic, which debuted in 1966 and was the first high frequency movement released by a watch brand three years before Zenith’s famous El Primero, which went on to power many Rolex timepieces in the ’80s. “Girard-Perregaux demonstrated the ability to develop and design highly precise mechanical movements—the ability to have a 5Hz movement with 36,000 oscillations per hour,” says Michel-Amary with pride. It could be a sign of things to come in the future. And he’s not just an executive, he’s also a client. The first nice watch he bought in his forties was a Girard-Perregaux, a watchmaker who happened to make timepieces in his own hometown. It was a WWTC World Timer. “I love that watch and I still believe we need to do something with this,” he says. If the chronograph with Aston Martin is any indicator, good things are to come. Stay tuned.

Orlebar Brown & Robb Report Reader Event

On a steamy Thursday in late February, Robb Report Australia & New Zealand teamed up with Orlebar Brown and Zenith watches to present an evening of men’s resort style and pithy fashion advice from Editor-in-Chief Horacio Silva.

Guests enjoyed an elegant sufficiency of Four Pillars gin and tonics and listened to music by DJ Luke McAvenna from Rhythm Nation as they perused the summer 24/25 collection from Orlebar Brown.

Robb Report readers drawn from the worlds of finance, property, law, entertainment, film and fashion mingled as leading Australian model Nat Gregory paraded different looks from the collection.

Zenith brand manager Fiona Currie was also on hand to chat to guests about the esteemed history of the Swiss watch manufacturer and the new styles on display.

In a Q&A session with Robb Report’s Belinda Aucott-Christie, Silva encouraged the men in the room to experiment with colour and print and urged them not to short-change themselves when it comes to their wardrobe. “Whether it’s a full outfit or a special accessory, indulge in something that makes you feel special and changes the way you carry yourself,” he said, adding that it’s an investment that will pay dividends even in the business arena. “More than ever, confidence is a competitive point of difference.”

Robb Report Assistant Editor Belinda Aucott-Christie and Editor-in-Chief Horacio Silva.

 

Model Nat Gregory.

 

Gerard Needham from Studio Dynamite
Zenith watches on display at Orlebar Brown, Martin Place
Zenith Brand Manager Fiona Currie, Pip Connelly and Bronte Shiner
Adam de Launay and Divesh Patel
Guests enjoying the event in the Orlebar Brown boutique
DJ Luke McAvenna from Rhythm Nation

 

How Off-the-Rack Suits Got Sophisticated Enough to Win Over Bespoke Guys

The world moves fast—and for once, tailoring is moving a little bit faster.

Guys around the globe are rediscovering their love of suits, but many have determined that they can’t stomach the monthslong wait for bespoke. The good news? Ready-to-wear tailoring has never been better.

That’s in part because bespoke makers are beefing up their off-the-rack offerings. Anderson & Sheppard’s shop-in-store at N.Y.C.’s Bergdorf Goodman—the first outpost beyond its London flagship— opened in December with, among other things, a sharp wool-and-cashmere jacket in a delightful shade of teal. Huntsman’s recent fall-winter collection, billed as its most comprehensive assortment yet, offered everything from tuxedos to shooting breeches. Even Leonard Logsdail, Hollywood’s highly esteemed bespoke purveyor, is experimenting with hem-and-go models.

But non-custom tailors are upping the ante, too. Some of the best ready-to-wear suits on the market come from such brands, whose wholly distinctive points of view provide a welcome departure from the rigidity of many bespoke tailors’ house styles. The preponderance and diversity of such high-quality, easy-to-access threads has recast off-the-rack suits as the ultimate way to experiment with your look, not just a way for some to get dressed on the cheap. What’s more, it reflects the new reality that even people who suit up regularly might want to show up looking different on Thursday night than they did on Tuesday morning.

“Life nowadays is much more fluid,” says Chris Modoo, a London-based stylist who once worked as a tailor on Savile Row. “Things happen, invitations appear. You might get an invite for a black-tie party in the South of France for next Saturday.” Ready-to-wear is the obvious solution when you’re in a last-minute menswear quandary, but “it also means you can try new things.”

One maker worth a test-drive is Husbands Paris, founded by Nicolas Gabard, who sees his role as an “archivist of the past.” His look, inspired by stylish men such as Yves Saint Laurent, David Hemmings, and Gary Cooper, is unabashedly striking—think long, fully canvased jackets, broad lapels, structured shoulders, and wide-leg, high-waisted trousers. These wares are made in small workshops in Italy and Portugal, where craftspeople infuse them with high-end details such as hand-sewn buttonholes and silk bar tacks, a form of stitching that reinforces seams and pockets.

Thom Sweeney L.A. store Brett Wood

They’re the kind of touches any menswear enthusiast can appreciate—even if they’re the trees to Gabard’s style forest. Clothes like this are designed as a form of wearable self-assurance, enhancing what Gabard calls a “classically masculine” silhouette: broad shoulders, slim waist, narrow hips.

“Of course, tailoring has to fit well, but it also has to bring something else,” he says. “More and more [Husbands] customers want to be confident, powerful, and sexy in their outfit.”

When you want to look more suave than soigné, turn to the indie Milanese brand Massimo Alba, which is known for its chic casualwear but made its name with easygoing tailoring. “A great suit is not just about the way it fits but about the way it makes you feel,” says the eponymous label’s founder of his relaxed approach. “For me, the essence lies in balance, between structure and softness, elegance and ease. In my opinion, a suit should adapt to the wearer, not the other way around.”

Alba’s creations are cut from plush materials such as corduroy and flannel, featuring natural shoulders and only the lightest of canvasing in the chest, which results in a less-formal look. Which is not to say they aren’t workhorses: Daniel Craig wore one of Alba’s Sloop suits to dodge bullets in 2021’s James Bond film No Time to Die. “I always focus on fabrics that move with the body, details that whisper rather than shout, and cuts that allow for freedom,” Alba adds.

And freedom is precisely what this newfound inventory of great ready-to-wear tailoring provides. Modoo advises some clients to look to bespoke tailors for investment-level garments, such as morning suits, tuxedos, or the dark, serious stuff you might need for a funeral or odd courtroom appearance. “You know you’re going to wear these for 10 or 15 years,” he says. Let the new class of distinctive ready-to-wear step in when you want to try something that just wouldn’t make sense as a bespoke order. “Your pink-velvet blazer for the Christmas party? How well does that need to fit?”

London bespoke tailor Caroline Andrew is one of many who admits ready-to-wear has its place. Courtesy of Caroline Andrew

Fortunately, with so many options available, the fit is easier to dial in. You can expect most high-end operations to make a long list of changes, from ensuring that the seat of the trousers drapes appropriately to cutting working buttonholes on the jacket. For a peerless experience, you can always reach for garments from one of the many talented bespoke tailors offering ready-to-wear. At Thom Sweeney, such clothes are “all influenced by our bespoke cut,” says Thom Whiddett, who cofounded the brand with Luke Sweeney in 2007. “You try on [our ready-to-wear] jacket, and you immediately get a sense of the proportions and shapes that we put into a bespoke garment.”

That alluring sense of near-instant gratification is the point. For some, nothing will ever replace the distinguished feeling of slipping into a bench-made suit—and plenty are willing to wait for it.

“You have to mentally buy into the process and enjoy it,” says Caroline Andrew, a London bespoke specialist. “The journey is just as important as the finished product.” But ready-to-wear sets the time-strapped tailoring enthusiast down a different path: discovering new facets of your personal style at a record pace.

First Look: Regent Bali Canggu

The Regent brand has expanded its impressive luxury portfolio to the shores of Canggu Beach in Bali, with the highly anticipated opening of Regent Bali CangguNestled on Bali’s coveted southwestern coast, this resort marks the first Regent Hotels & Resorts opening in Indonesia since IHG Hotels & Resorts’ acquisition of the brand in 2018. The resort is poised to become one of the most sought-after beachfront destinations in Bali.

Bathed in the warm glow of Balinese sunlight and serenaded by the gentle rhythm of the waves, Regent Bali Canggu—an all-suites and villas resort—offers guests the epitome of discreet maximalism where serenity meets stimulation. The beachfront property will have one of the world’s first Regent Spa experiences, five exceptional dining venues, nine swimming pools, and a Regent Club. 

Manish Puri, General Manager of Regent Bali Canggu, said: “What a great opportunity it is for us to reintroduce Regent to Indonesia. With over 50-years of heritage in innovation, extraordinary views, landmark destinations and exceptional service,the Regent brand has returned to reimagine luxury here in Canggu.

 

AN ALL SUITES AND VILLAS ESCAPE

Regent Bali Canggu features 150 elegantly appointed suites and villas, many offering sea or garden views and direct lagoon access. Setting a new standard for spaciousness Canggu, entry-level Studio Suites start from an impressive 818 square feet and include oasis bathrooms, complete with a hand-carved teak bathtubs and rain showers.

The opulent Two Bedroom Penthouse Oceanfront with Private Pool has an extraordinary 6,652 square feet of living space, a fully equipped kitchen, a private terrace and a 322-square-foot infinity pool, all overlooking the Indian Ocean. Equally captivating, the One Bedroom Beachfront Villa with Private Pool spans 3,519 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, offering sweeping ocean views. The addition of a dedicated pantry joined with personalised Regent Club advantages elevate the Regent villa experience. 

 

SPACES ROOTED IN BALI’S SPIRIT

A fresh interpretation of the Balinese tropical experience, Wimberly, Allison, Tong, and Goo (WATG) have designed the 14-acre resort to harmonise with Bali’s geography and cultural heritage. The use of timber and andesite stone across the low-rise development pays homage to Bali’s abundant resources, leaving a lasting impression of Balinese architectural significance by blending the island’s rich charm with redefined modern luxury.

Interior design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) have created the resort’s aesthetic with natural colours, textiles and intricate craftsmanship. The interiors celebrate Indonesia’s diversity through the integration of batik and Balinese imagery, all within a curated colour palette that reflects the ethereal beauty of the island. Landscape architect John Pettigrew has harmonised the resort’s architecture with its natural surroundings, using local plants and reclaimed materials to create gardens that soften the building’s geometric lines.

 

AN OASIS OF GASTRONOMY

Regent Bali Canggu features five distinctive dining venues. The signature restaurant, Taru, showcases authentic Indonesian dishes such as rendang sapi and udang bakar woku, inviting guests to savor the rich flavours of the region. Sazón, led by award-winning Chef Andrew Walsh, is a Spanish hideaway on Batu Bolong, where guests can enjoy authentic tapas and reinvented Spanish classics. Standout dishes include the squid-ink-based paella, arroz negro, and the octopus and potato espuma entrée, perfectly paired with a sophisticated selection of Sherry and Cava wines. Cure, set to open later in 2025, will present a modern European menu infused with Asian influences, celebrating the abundant produce of Indonesia.

“Sazón and Cure are very close to my heart and hospitality ambitions,” said Chef Andrew Walsh. “Our Spanish neighbourhood tapas bar and grill, Sazón, draws inspiration from the lively streets of Barcelona, reimagined with the vibrant spirit and boundless energy of Canggu. Cure, opening later this year on the beachfront, will present my signature refined modern European cuisine infused with influences from my journey through Asia. Rooted in the Latin meaning of “to take care,” Cure embodies life’s finest pleasures: exceptional food, wine, culture, and tradition.”

 

A NEW ERA OF WELLNESS

Debuting in partnership with Raison d’Etre, the Regent Spa & Wellness will be the first-ever Regent-branded spa, set to open in late 2025. This spa will harness Bali’s rich heritage in health and wellness, offering treatments designed to help guests reconnect with their mind, body, and spirit. The spa menu will feature an array of scrubs, wraps, and massages, alongside advanced skincare sessions utilising Kerstin Florian beauty products. Guests can expect an alchemy of vibrating crystal energy, healing aromas, and restorative light frequencies.

The spa has seven restorative treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite, a sauna, and a plunge pool. Additionally, the dedicated Beauty Hub will offer a range of services for hands, feet, and face, while the Health Club invites guests to begin or end their day in a state of rejuvenation. Equipped with dual-functional spaces, the Health Club features a mat-based studio for yoga and stretching, as well as a spacious gym outfitted with Technogym strength and cardio equipment. Guests can also unwind at one of the property’s nine pools, each accompanied by private cabanas and the whispers of the sea breeze.

 

HALLMARKS OF DISTINCTION

The Regent Experience Agent, a hallmark of the Regent brand, will serve as a dedicated point of contact for personalised service, ensuring seamless communication, thoughtful suggestions, and support throughout the guest journey, from pre-arrival to departure. Upon arrival to their suite or villa, guests can find a thoughtfully crafted, complimentary Refreshment Gallery featuring alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and locally sourced gourmet snacks that are unique to Bali.

The new Regent design philosophy is brought to life through illustrations that capture the essence of each location. For Regent Bali Canggu, the artwork is inspired by The Legend of The Bali Strait, intertwined with the majestic Besakih Temple on the slopes of Mount Agung. Created by renowned Romanian artist Saddo, the illustration features symbols such as Manik Angkeran, the Besukih Dragon, and the iconic Canggu waves, setting the tone for the beauty and meticulous attention to detail that guests will experience during their stay.

Regent Club, an exclusive full-service lounge, is distinguished to provide an elevated guest experience for select one-bedroom suites, villas and two-bedroom penthouses, though is also available as a supplement to all room categories. Guests can dine with a meticulously crafted a la carte breakfast, sit comfortably in the light-filled lounge and sip afternoon tea, lie back in one of the cabanas alongside the private infinity pool, and enjoy complimentary champagne at the Club’s evening cocktail program from 5:30pm – 7:30pm each day.

Set to open later in 2025, Regent Kids will provide an interactive indoor and outdoor playground, ensuring that the youngest visitors enjoy a blend of fun and learning.

The Ripper House Gets the Party Started at LIV Golf

Who knew Adelaide was a party town? Locals attest to its being more fun than advertised but many of us just don’t buy it. Until now. On the heels of the Laneview Festival being held there a few days ago and the city being giddy with anticipation over this week’s Fringe Festival, Adelaide was going off this past weekend as golf acolytes descended on the City of Churches.

Nowhere more so than at The Ripper House, named after the Australian LIV golf team and reigning title holders, Ripper GC.

Held over three nights at a private mansion whose owners opened their home for the first time for an event of this sort, The Ripper House was the place to be after the golf was done for the day at the city’s premier course, The Grange.

Aerial shot of The Ripper House location.

The exclusive bolthole drew VIPs from the worlds of sport, entertainment and fashion, including Ripper GC’s mullet-wearing captain Cam Smith, actor and beer purveyor Travis Fimmel, Olympic gold medallist swimmer Michael Klim, tennis legend Dylan Alcott and Nine’s Karl Stefanovic—to say nothing of the posse of professional posers and influencers who did their bit to make the scenery pleasant for others.

Jordan Stenmark

DJs Harvey Miller and Carla Martinez brought their signature stylings to the dancefloor and visiting Aussie DJs Fisher and Dom Dolla (fresh from shutting down Bourbon Street in New Orleans after the Superbowl) made spirited appearances on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

 

Influencer Lucas White-Smith

For guests hungry from the revelling or flexing their golf prowess on an outdoor simulator, chef David Moyle served an Australian-inflected menu, including kangaroo schnitzel, wallaby sliders and Wattleseed ice cream. The Byron Bay transplant was a revelation to the uninitiated, almost as much as the Adelaide having a claim to being party central.

 

Lucas White-Smith and Josh Heuston

 

Carmen Grace Hamilton

 

Michael Klim and Karl Stefanovic

 

 

Violet Grace Atkinson

 

 

Indy Clinton and Izi Imundic

 

 

Tom Brady Wears a Jacob & Co. Watch Decked in Yellow Sapphires to the Super Bowl

Tom Brady was on the field tonight at the 59th annual Super Bowl game, and while the retired NFL hero—a seven-time Super Bowl winner (the most of any footballer in history)—wasn’t playing, he came dressed to impress with a $116,400 Jacob & Co. watch on his wrist.

Brady, who is a notable watch collector, recently sold off several of his timepieces at a Sotheby’s auction called “The GOAT Collection: Watches and Treasures from Tom Brady” this past December. Those timepieces ran the gamut from a Rolex Daytona Ref. 6241 to a unique Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with his name spelled out in diamonds across the salmon-colored tapisserie dial. His Rolex Daytona sold for over $1.5 million, and, in total, his auction raked in around $7 million. So, he’s well-equipped for a new watch purchase.

Whether or not he owns the six-figure sapphire stunner or it was a paid spot, the watch certainly stood out against his conservative but immaculately fit gray suit. “Tom Brady is the epitome of excellence, both on and off the field,” said Benjamin Arabov, CEO of Jacob & Co, in a press release sent out by the company shortly after Brady’s appearance. “We’re thrilled to see him wearing two of our most prestigious timepieces on the biggest stage in sports. The Billionaire Mini Ashoka and Caviar Tourbillon embody the precision, luxury, and innovation that define Jacob & Co. We’re honored to have him represent the artistry and craftsmanship behind every piece we create.”

Like much of Brady’s wrist candy, his 44 by 15.8 mm Caviar Tourbillon is not easy to come by. It is limited to just 18 pieces. It features hours, minutes, and a one-minute flying tourbillon in the JCAA43 movement with 216 components and 72 hours of power reserve. The movement itself is set with 338 brilliant-cut diamonds, while a total of 337 yellow sapphires adorn the case and dial. The clasp is decorated with another 18 baguette-cut yellow sapphires, and the crown comes with 14 baguette-cut yellow sapphires and one rose-cut yellow sapphire. As far as gem setting goes, this is one extraordinary piece, but it certainly seemed like a surprising choice for Brady, who was otherwise dressed like he just stepped out of a boardroom or a Ralph Lauren catalog.

Benjamin Arabov, son of Jacob & Co. founder Jacob Arabov, is now the CEO of the company. The 32-year-old recently took to Instagram to post that he was looking for a rebranding agency with experience in visual identity and packaging. As far as marketing goes, however, with Tom Brady, he’s golden.