a star observer publication LUXEstarobserver.com.au.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/...LUXE is a...

a s t a r o b s e r v e r p u b l i c a t i o n

L U X ES U M M E R 2 0 1 5

LUXE is a luxury-based lifestyle insert publication in Star Observer Magazine.

Published 3 times per year, LUXE is an advertorial-based, high quality gloss

magazine featuring luxury products and fashion for the chic inner-city gay

consumer.

LUXE offers a unique opportunity for luxury brands to connect with the most

affluent subset of our audience.

LUXE has become the go-to guide for the discerning gay consumer.

LUXE showcases the latest in furniture and design, arts and entertainment,

holidays, quality wine and dining, fashion, accessories, playthings and stylish must

haves for every season.

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION FOR A HIGH INCOME

SEGMENTVA L U A B L E C O N T E N TInserted into the Star Observer on December 10, LUXE will include:

FASHION

A showcase of the latest stylish, summer fashion to take our readers from high end, seasonal celebrations to luxury resort holidays or their swimming venue of choice.

SUMMER HOLIDAYS

Focusing on luxury summer breaks in Australia, as well as international sojourns, cruises and skiing, this is the perfect place to advertise flights, accommodation and holiday packages for the discerning traveller.

BEAUTIFUL HOMES

From the furniture and accessories that grace them, to their location and design, we will take our readers on a tour of beautiful homes and apartments and showcase the latest in inner city living to inspire even the most house proud.

ARTS AND CULTURE

A curated selection of the best of the 2016 performing and visual arts season plus an insider’s look at buying and collecting art.

L U X ES U M M E R 2 0 1 5

L U X E

LUXE caters to the affluent inner city

reader. Gay and lesbian consumers are willing

to pay for a high level of quality and enjoy more

luxury items than the average consumer. They

are early adopters of new products and styles, the trendsetters of their

peers.

Star Observer readers are loyal supporters of brands and labels and

spread awareness of their beliefs and interests.

LUXE is your opportunity to get your

brand in front of the prosperous LGBTI

crowd this summer when they are in their most

celebratory mode.

National Distribution

17,000 Readership

42,500

DESIGNED FOR STAR OBSERVER’S HIGH INCOME AUDIENCE SEGMENT OF SUCCESSFUL PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS

Star Observer audience survey October 2014

80%MALE

29%IN A RELATIONSHIP OF MORE THAN TEN YEARS

LIVE WITH CHILDREN

3%OWN THEIR

HOME

59%

18% OWN A

BUSINESS

34%HAVE

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

71% EARN $90K TO $150K

25 TO 34 YEARS

29% EARN $150K+

20%35 TO

44 YEARS

40%45 TO

54 YEARS

30%

INFLUENTIAL AUDIENCE

RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY

LUXE PRICING

DISPLAY ADVERTISING:

FIRST DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD 560 Wide X 310 High with 5mm bleed

$6,000

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD 560 Wide X 310 High with 5mm bleed

$5,500

BACK COVER

280 Wide X 310 High with 5mm bleed $4,000

FULL PAGE

280 Wide X 310 High with 5mm bleed$3,500

HALF PAGE VERTICAL 128mm Wide X 285 mm High

$2,500

QUARTER PAGE VERTICAL 128mm Wide X 140mm High

$1,500

SPONSORED CONTENT:

PRODUCT PROFILE Image^ + 50 words of copy + RRP + Website

$1,000

FULL PAGE Up to 3 images^ + up to 750 words of copy*

$4,000

DOUBLE PAGE Up to 5 images^ + up to 1,000 words of copy*

$6,000

IMAGES TAKEN BY OUR PHOTOGRAPHER P.O.A.

Ben FingletonP: +61 2 8030 5534E: [email protected]

Pauline DoyleP: +61 2 8030 5532 or +61 404 492 788E: [email protected]

Kate RadcliffeP: +61 2 8030 5536 M: +61 418 513 865E: [email protected]

PRINT SPECIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

FORMAT CMYK colour gloss, long life magazine.PRINT: Required file format: PDF (version 1.3), Colour model: CMYK only, Images format: EPS, TIFF, JPEG. Minimum resolution: 300dpi. Total ink weight: 230%. Font embedding required: Yes. Minimum point size for type: single colour: 6pt, coloured type: 8pt, reversed type: 12pt. On DPS and Full page artwork ensure there is a +5mm bleed to all sides and that the type area is within 10mm of the trim. All colour objects and images must be CMYK. NO RGB or Spot colours will be accepted. Pantone (PMS) colours must be converted to CMYK. If you require rich black we recommend C-50%, K-100%.DIGITAL: Required file format: GIF, JPG, SWF, PDF, Colour model: RGB, Minimum resolution: 72dpi. File size: max 100 kb.Font embedding required: Yes. Colour: RGB

LUXE EDITION SUMMER 2016Booking Deadline: 25 November 2015Artwork Deadline: 1 December 2015Publication Date: 10 December 2015

LUXE EDITION WINTER 2016Booking Deadline: 06 April 2016Artwork Deadline: 12 April 2016Publication Date: 21 April 2016

LUXE EDITION SPRING 2016Booking Deadline: 1 August 2016 Artwork Deadline: 4 August 2016Publication Date: 18 August 2016

Prices ex GST* Copy written by our journalists in collaboration with you to ensure maximum engagement with the LUXE audience^ High resolution images (300dpi minimum) supplied by you, unless part of a photo shoot

21

PradaDetails: sunglasshut.com.au

Featuring a rubberised gunmetal frame and graduated brown lenses, these stylish sunglasses showcase Prada’s innovative Italian style.

$249

Dolce & GabbanaDetails: sunglasshut.com.au

With a rectangular rubberised plastic front and red rubber temples, a charcoal colour inside and red mirrored lenses, this D&G creation has its own unique look.

$277

BEACH

Rockerfella Tank Top RedDetails: bcnuclothing.com

the Star tank top features armholes that are cut lower than most tanks, giving you extra ventilation without leaving your sides completely exposed. all bCNU styles available at dailyjocks.com

$57.50

Rockerfella Tank Top InkDetails: bcnuclothing.com

this versatile top can be worn for working out, with a pair of jeans or to the beach. Its low-cut sides will keep you cool while showcasing your most valuable assets. all bCNU styles avail-able at dailyjocks.com

$57.50Jnr. Rugger Athletic Short Light BlueDetails: bcnuclothing.com

the rugger Jnr. is a retro-inspired short that has been perfected for today’s workout.all bCNU styles available at dailyjocks.com

$67.95

Kaleidoscope Sporty Short Navy

Details: bcnuclothing.com

this features a low-cut waist line that’s perfect for the summer body. bursting with colour, the Kaleidoscope Sporty Short is sure to turn heads. all bCNU styles available at dailyjocks.com

$75.00

20

Porsche BoxSterPorsche Centre WilloughbyWhere: 445 Willoughby Rd, Willoughby NSWPhone: (02) 9958 0900Details: PorscheCentreWilloughby.com.au

The Porsche Boxster is undoubtedly one of the ultimate sport cars in the world, brining complete freedom to its driver. Toned, flexed and engineered for unadulterated driving pleasure, the new Boxster encourages you to celebrate life and feel the wind on your face as you accelerate through every twist and turn.

BEACH

Sea-DooDetails: sea-doo.com

The new Sea-Doo Spark, the most affordable personal watercraft, is available in five colours, and it’s lighter and easier to tow. From $7800 ride away.

$7800

SUMMER

$115,000SUMMER EDITION

a s t a r o b s e r ve r p u b l i c a t i o n

summer lifestyle lift-out

SUMMER EDITION



THE BRANDS WE ATTRACT

RECENT LUXE ADVERTISERS

P O S I T I O N Y O U R B R A N D W I T H L U X E

SUMMER EDITION



Title: TCOZZC15002232EX_Australia Size: 280mmWx310mmH_Bleed_10mmAH321930_EPSON_(3DAP)_GP9B(K) D:TIF_15-014

Tiffany_Engagement_Male Couple_Star Observer_AUSTRALIA_SPREAD_May 201515-1-8.2015 Engagement_Male Couple_Star Observer_AUSTRALIA_SPREAD.indd 1 26/03/2015 14:45


Tiffany_Engagement_Male Couple_Star Observer_AUSTRALIA_SPREAD_May 201515-1-8.2015 Engagement_Male Couple_Star Observer_AUSTRALIA_SPREAD.indd 2 26/03/2015 14:45Title: TCOZZC15002232EX_Australia Size: 280mmWx310mmH_Bleed_10mm

AH321930_EPSON_(3DAP)_GP9B(K) D:TIF_15-014Tiffany_Engagement_Male Couple_Star Observer_AUSTRALIA_SPREAD_May 201515-1-8.2015 Engagement_Male Couple_Star Observer_AUSTRALIA_SPREAD.indd 1 26/03/2015 14:45



LUXE summer 2015 | print editionLUXE summer 2015 | eMag edition

SUMMER EDITION



L U X E

SUPAWEAR

Diamond print sweat tank top, 100 per cent cotton jersey

Price: $43

Diamond print gym short, 100 per cent cotton jersey

Price: $54

BROOKSFIELD

Long sleeve cotton shirt with light dotting white on burgundy pattern.

Price: $89

Imported cotton mustard chino

Price: $99

t t

Purchase these items and more from Daly Male:

90 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010(02) 9361 0331Search for “Daly Male” on Facebook

t

t

L U X E

S T Y L E

SHARP AND SLEEK

CARTANE

Burgundy two-piece slim cut single breasted suit made from the finest fabrics.

Price: $299

Slim cut long sleeve cotton shirt white with mini black flower print.

Price: $79

SHOREDITCH

Teal two-piece slim cut single breasted suit created for individual style with and sharp, contemporary finishes.

Price: $349 (Waistcoat also available: $99)

Navy with white cross flower pattern slim fit shirt with textured feel cotton.

Price:$99

L U X EW I N T E R 2 0 1 5

L U X EW I N T E R 2 0 1 5

L U X EW I N T E R 2 0 1 5

Visit www.domayne.com.auDomayne® stores are operated by independent franchisees. Some goods

may not be on show or available at each Domayne® franchised store.Accessories shown are not included. Discounts are off the ticketed prices.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

2827

71_N

AU

For your nearest location dial 1800 DOMAYNE® (1800 366 296)NSW METRO • ALEXANDRIA • AUBURN • BELROSE • CARINGBAH • CASTLE HILL • LIVERPOOL • NORTH RYDE • PENRITH |NSW REGIONAL • KOTARA • WARRAWONG • WEST GOSFORD | ACT • FYSHWICK | VIC • MELBOURNE QV • SPRINGVALE

QLD • GOLD COAST BUNDALL • FORTITUDE VALLEY, BRISBANE • MAROOCHYDOREWA METRO • CITY WEST, WEST PERTH

‘Doni’ Dining ChairAvailable in Lime,

Yellow or White

‘Dari’ Dining ChairAvailable in Pink,

Black, Grey or White

‘Tara’ Dining ChairAvailable in Black,White, Grey or Pink

‘Tokyo’ Dining ChairAvailable in White,

Lime or Yellow

Visit www.domayne.com.auDomayne® stores are operated by independent franchisees. Some goods

may not be on show or available at each Domayne® franchised store.Accessories shown are not included. Discounts are off the ticketed prices.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

2827

71_N

AU

For your nearest location dial 1800 DOMAYNE® (1800 366 296)NSW METRO • ALEXANDRIA • AUBURN • BELROSE • CARINGBAH • CASTLE HILL • LIVERPOOL • NORTH RYDE • PENRITH |NSW REGIONAL • KOTARA • WARRAWONG • WEST GOSFORD | ACT • FYSHWICK | VIC • MELBOURNE QV • SPRINGVALE

QLD • GOLD COAST BUNDALL • FORTITUDE VALLEY, BRISBANE • MAROOCHYDOREWA METRO • CITY WEST, WEST PERTH

‘Doni’ Dining ChairAvailable in Lime,

Yellow or White

‘Dari’ Dining ChairAvailable in Pink,

Black, Grey or White

‘Tara’ Dining ChairAvailable in Black,White, Grey or Pink

‘Tokyo’ Dining ChairAvailable in White,

Lime or Yellow

LUXE winter 2015 | print editionLUXE winter 2015 | eMag edition

L U X EW I N T E R 2 0 1 5

spring

RIEDEL CRYSTAL Riedel Crystal is a glassware manufacturer based in Kufstein, Austria, best known for its glassware designed to enhance different types of wines. Established in Bohemia in 1756, enjoying your favourite wine in their glasses is a luxury like no other.

RRP $37.50 per stem

Details: riedelglass.com.au/wine-glassware

PULLMAN Pullman Hotels and Resorts,

the have-it-all lifestyle that balances work and play. Come

and visit our 13 hotels across Australia.

Rooms from: $229

Details: pullmanhotels.com

KNOMO HENDERSON SLIM BRIEFCASEThe Henderson is a sleek and versatile laptop

briefcase with a slimline design, made from soft, full-grain leather, and witha back panel of recycled PET fabric (made from recycled plastic

bottles) for added durability.

RRP $369.95

Details: rushfaster.com.au

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa

spring

SPRING 2015

Suits that scream effortless sophistication have been chosen for each model courtesy of Daly Male, celebrating 30 years of offering finest menswear.

For details, visit: facebook.com/DalyMaleSydney or instagram.com/dalymale_

1. ALBANO’S LOOK:Shoreditch slim fit two piece, two button suit in grey: $449

Shoreditch slim fit long sleeve shirt in white grey: $99

Shoreditch three button vest: $99

Sergio Alvajee combination red black and silver tie made in Italy: $69

Total: $716

2. ALEX’S LOOK:Bell & Barnett Gatson burgundy velvet blazer: $399

Bell & Barnett slim fit long sleeve shirt in black: $109

Uberstone slim fit trousers in black: $99

Daly Male pocket chief red black: $15

Daly Male bow tie in red with black and silver accents: $15

Total: $637

3. LUCAS’S LOOK:Bell & Barnett Dolce black velvet tuxedo blazer: $499

Shoreditch slim fit long sleeve shirt in white: $99

Shoreditch slim fit trousers in black: $99

Daly Male bow tie in black and silver accents: $15

Total: $712

1 2 3

Photo taken on location at Pullman Quay Grand

Sydney Harbour


L U X ES P R I N G 2 0 1 5


L U X ES P R I N G 2 0 1 5


L U X ES P R I N G 2 0 1 5

W I N N E R - I N T E R N A T I O N A L R I O T I N T O A W A R D S

W I N N E R - J E W E L L E R S A S S O C I A T I O N O F A U S T R A L I A A W A R D S

W I N N E R - A U S T R A L I A N D I A M O N D G U I L D A W A R D S

Australia’s most impressive collectionof wedding and commitment rings

Exclusively at Mondial by Nadia Neuman, Strand Arcade, Sydney 02 9222 2776 Follow us on Instagram @mondialbynadia

www.mondial.com.au






www.mondial.com.au

Imag

e by Tony P

otts Photog

raphy

Imag

e by stud

ioredsky.com






www.mondial.com.au






www.mondial.com.au

Imag

e by Tony P

otts Photog

raphy

Imag

e by stud

ioredsky.com

LUXE spring 2015 | print editionLUXE spring 2015 | eMag edition


L U X ES P R I N G 2 0 1 5

Every glossy print edition of LUXE is available in a downloadable eMag for any device from www.starobserver.com.au/latest-issues

D I S P L AY A D V E RT I S I N G O P P O RT U N I T I E SPROFILE YOUR BRAND IN YOUR OWN STYLE









CPJ9009_Connor_Video_SSO_May_310x560_v1_FA.indd 1 7/04/2015 9:07 amCPJ9009_Connor_Video_SSO_May_310x560_v1_FA.indd 1 7/04/2015 9:07 am






www.mondial.com.au






www.mondial.com.au

Imag

e by Tony P

otts Photog

raphy

Imag

e by stud

ioredsky.com






www.mondial.com.au






www.mondial.com.au

Imag

e by Tony P

otts Photog

raphy

Imag

e by stud

ioredsky.com

seiko.com.au

the astron gps solar chronograph. the watch that adjusts to your time zone*.

By connecting to the GPS network, the new Astron adjusts at the

touch of a button to your time zone* and, by taking all the energy it

needs from light alone, never needs a battery change.

*Time zone data as of January 2014. Time zone can be also manually adjusted as required.

© 2014 Bose Corporation. All rights reserved.

Engineered to make your music sound better. Designed to fit your style.

around-earheadphones

#ListenForYourselfAU

Your music says a lot about you. So do your headphones.

CALL BOSE® DIRECT: 1800 173 371 BUY ONLINE: www.bose.com.au

HOW TO BUY FIND A BOSE STORE: 13 BOSE (2673) FIND A RESELLER: reseller.bose.com.au

#ListenForYourselfAU

your headphones

FIND A BOSE STORE: 13 BOSE (2673) reseller.bose.com.au

O U R WO R L D I S YO U R PL AYG R O U ND

Paris . London . Shanghai . Hong Kong . Sydney . Melbourne . Brisbane . Port Douglas

PULLMANHOTELS.COMJOIN OUR GLOBAL LOYALTY PROGRAM AT ACCORHOTELS.COM

In a beautiful green neighbourhood with plenty of buzz, buyers will swarm to this generous three-story home.

At hockingstuart we see the best features in all homes, large and small. Our

passion for real estate drives us to achieve the best possible outcomes for

buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords alike. If we seem a little obsessed, it’s

because real estate is our world.

HOCKINGSTUART.COM.AU

A home fit for a queen

“THE funny thing was I didn’t even see the drag queens,” recalls Paul Zahra as he sips on a skinny latte in Sydney’s “gaybourhood” of Potts Point.

“I went into the RHI with all the shows and that was just so packed and hot I didn’t last.

“I’m too used to air conditioning,” he grins.There are plenty of things to miss when you’re no

longer chief executive of a luxury department store — seats next to the catwalk, designer suits — but a poverty of personal time is not one of them.

“I went to Mardi Gras for the first time in five years because I would not have been able to afford the time out,” says Zahra, who took the helm at David Jones in 2010.

During his tenure, which ended late last year when the company was bought by South Africa’s Woolworths, Zahra steered the grande dame of Australian retailing into the internet age and turned down takeover talk from rival Myer.

He also took his partner of 25 years, Duncan Peerman, to the store’s famous fashion show so everyone knew their boss was gay.

Several months after leaving David Jones, Zahra is now settling into a routine of spending time with his family, sponsoring gay students through the Pinnacle Foundation, advising companies on LGBTI inclusion and, when he has a minute, catching up with the odd episode of Real Housewives.

Director of LGBTI workplace program Pride in Diversity, Dawn Hough, calls Zahra a trailblazer.

“I applaud him,” she says.“People think it’s tough coming out in the workplace,

imagine what it’s like being at the top of your game when you’re in a very public position.

“He might not even fully understand the impact he has had on people by coming out, but he has.”

Zahra’s parents emigrated from Malta to the working class Melbourne suburb of Sunshine where they brought up their four children.

The family trade was panel beating but it wasn’t for Zahra.

Instead, he became a sales assistant at the local Target and immediately realised retail was the career for him.

“I loved it because I saw the joy from women walking in and buying a dress and changing their mood and the joy, from a trading point of view, seeing someone walk in with a full wallet and walk out with an empty one.”

Zahra rose through the ranks, becoming a store manager at just 21, before moving to Officeworks and then to David Jones which he led a decade after joining.

“I have been told I am number one on the gAySX,” he laughs.

Although Australia now has a smattering of gay CEOs, Zahra says a significant number remain closeted.

“I know many and it makes me sad,” he says.“I believe it’s every LGBTI person’s responsibility to

come out in the work place.“As difficult as this may sound for some, it’s the best

way we can make a difference.“That means being the same person at work as you

are in your private life,” he adds.“Anything else takes up too much time and energy.“By being out and a CEO you demonstrate you can be

gay in the public arena and most people will accept it and, to be honest, who cares if they don’t — that’s their problem.”

However, there were two people who had a very big

problem with Zahra’s sexuality: his parents.He was 24 and had recently met Peerman when he

plucked up the courage to tell them he was gay.It did not go down well.“Their reaction was extreme at the time and that was

very painful,” Zahra recalls.As the decades passed the relationship remained

distant with his parents chiefly finding out about their son’s life via the papers.

“Not to defend my parents but they come from a strict Catholic family — my mother goes to church every day,” he says.

“But in Catholicism you’re taught to forgive and forget and I love them regardless.”

Zahra says he has recently been able to rebuild a relationship with his parents and between them and his partner.

“He is not only my soul mate but my biggest love and support,” Zahra says of Peerman.

“Last week [Duncan and I] went to their place for dinner and it’s almost like we hadn’t had that issue.

“It’s like rediscovering them and it’s been a very enlightening process for me because I always imagined the day would come [but] I didn’t realise it would take this long.”

While at David Jones, Zahra revamped the company’s policies to reflect the workforce’s diversity, reconfigured the bridal registry so it didn’t assume couples were heterosexual and directed small talk in meetings away from football because he believes it excluded most women and gay people from the conversation.

Zahra also publicly backed same-sex marriage when he was CEO, the slow progress of which he says leaves him “bewildered”.

Nevertheless, retail has lagged behind other industries when it comes to proclaiming their commitment to LGBTI inclusion.

While every major bank has sponsored LGBTI initiatives or joined Pride in Diversity not one retailer — including David Jones — has done the same.

Zahra says such proposals “never came across his desk” and that he instead drove LGBTI inclusion from a visual and leadership perspective.

But if he were still CEO? “Of course,” he says, “with the work I’m doing with

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) I’m much more exposed to different thinking from a leadership point of view and it is something I would do today.”

He is now a member of PwC’s diversity advisory board, guiding the professional services firm on inclusion initiatives.

Zahra is working one-on-one with the company’s Australian chief executive Luke Sayers, who tells the Star Observer his meetings with the former David Jones boss are “one of his favourites” because he values the personal experience and honest feedback.

Zahra says diversity drives innovation and in turn, growth, but he is wary of firms paying lip service to inclusion: “The challenge is ensuring companies are not ticking boxes because it looks good, but are operating authentically knowing it is the right thing to do for their staff and makes good business sense.”

When it comes to making the workplace a better place for LGBTI people, the boy from Sunshine is hopeful of blue skies ahead.

AS CEO OF DEPARTMENT STORE DAVID JONES, PAUL ZAHRA WAS ONE OF THE MOST HIGH-PROFILE LGBTI PEOPLE IN CORPORATE AUSTRALIA. HAVING LEFT THE COMPANY HE TELLS BENEDICT BROOK ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING OUT AT WORK AND REVEALS HIS PARENT’S STRUGGLE TO ACCEPT THEIR GAY SON.

t Visit Zürich.Discover the gay metropolis of Switzerland.

White Party

May 8 – 10

Zurich Pride Festival

June 19 – 21

zuerich.com/lgbt

LGBT_StarObserver_Australia_128x285.indd 1 16.03.2015 14:56:31

LITERATURE

CS Pacat speaks to Star Observer ahead of the Melbourne Writers Festival (Supplied image)


L U X ES U M M E R 2 0 1 5

L U X ES U M M E R 2 0 1 5

S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T O P P O RT U N I T I E S

MAKE YOUR BRAND A SEAMLESS PART OF OUR CONTENT

spring

RIEDEL CRYSTAL Riedel Crystal is a glassware manufacturer based in Kufstein, Austria, best known for its glassware designed to enhance different types of wines. Established in Bohemia in 1756, enjoying your favourite wine in their glasses is a luxury like no other.

RRP $37.50 per stem

Details: riedelglass.com.au/wine-glassware

PULLMAN Pullman Hotels and Resorts,

the have-it-all lifestyle that balances work and play. Come

and visit our 13 hotels across Australia.

Rooms from: $229


KNOMO HENDERSON SLIM BRIEFCASEThe Henderson is a sleek and versatile laptop

briefcase with a slimline design, made from soft, full-grain leather, and witha back panel of recycled PET fabric (made from recycled plastic

bottles) for added durability.

RRP $369.95

Details: rushfaster.com.au

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa

SPRING

SPRING DRIVESpring Drive, a new luxury watch from the Grand SEIKO

collection, demonstrates the true motion of time without interruption. The hands glide smoothly without ticking like a

conventional mechanical watch, and with the highest accuracy. Grand SEIKO Spring Drive is not just a thing of beauty, it is a

precision timing instrument. The dial has a unique pattern inspired by snow falling, which is why it’s affectionately known

as Snowflake. Available from selected SEIKO dealers.

RRP $7500

Details: seiko.com.au

TAPASTRY Pullman’s Tapastry menu provides food-lovers the chance to experience different local flavours in one sitting. A celebration of Australian producers, using consciously-sourced, regionally-grown ingredients, Tapastry is available in Pullman Hotels and Resorts across Australia.

Dishes from: $17


LOUIS ROEDERER CRISTALIn 1876, Tsar Alexander II — already a great lover of Louis Roederer wines — asked Louis Roederer

to “take the exercise still further” and create a cuvée for his personal use, was unique in terms of its style and the bottle. Roederer then offered

him an exceptional crystal bottle, holding the fruit of vines selected from the seven great crus on his estate. This cuvée would be offered only

in the truly “great” years.

RRP $385

Details: louis-roederer.com/en

SACRED SCROLLHandcrafted using various combinations of rose, white and yellow 18 carat gold and diamonds, the Mondial by Nadia Neuman ‘Sacred Scroll’ pendant contains a secret compartment designed to safely secure a personalized message, affirmation or declaration printed on a tiny scroll of rice paper. The pendant unscrews to reveal the hidden message that will remain within for well over a century.

RRP $5900

Details: mondial.com.au

SWIMWEAR

1. SUPERHEROA stunningly vibrant swimwear range made from cutting edge quick-dry polyester fabric that is so easy to wear it makes anyone look and feel like a superhero.

RRP: $39.95

Details: www.aussiebum.com

2. BEEBEE - “HERO” BOARDIESIf you prefer more coverage but still love the superhero theme, these fun and stylish above-the-knee boardies are made from lightweight stretch fabric that feel great on and have a silicon grip texture on the inside to stop them riding up while you are out in the pool or surf.

RRP: $69.95

Details: www.aussiebum.com

1

2

travel

WE often tell ourselves we need a holiday, but there’s nothing worse than the suspense of having to wait months for it to happen once all the bookings have been made.

But if you want to pamper yourself with a holiday sooner than later, look no further than the Island Fruits Tropical Cruise.

With over 50 per cent of allocations and cabins sold, there’s a limited window to bite the bullet and make a booking ahead of the November departure date, so you can give yourself that much-needed holiday before the year is out.

The Island Fruits Topical Cruises are small hosted gay groups travelling together aboard a standard Celebrity cruise. Vacationers get to experience all the quality service of the ship while travelling with a group of like-minded people and enjoy the addition of a fabulous “gay layer” to scheduled activities.

So don’t expect the usual over-the-top craziness of many other gay cruises, as this one is unique and designed for a broader appeal. It is a hosted gay group with your very own personal “cruise director” to look after you and guide you on how to get the most out of your holiday.

“Some people have never cruised before and aren’t sure what it’s all about,” said organiser and host, Adam Bold from Points of Difference Events.

“By joining our group, not only are they travelling with like-minded people, they have an on-board host (me) to help look after them and guide them as needed.

“Beyond that, different people have different ways to have fun and there is plenty of activities to do on-board.”

These activities include a “molecular” cocktail bar, disco, piano bars, speciality dining venues, day spas, a full casino, gym, pools, a cabaret lounge, bingo and trivia games, library, a full production theatre, high-level entertainment production and over 100 brands of vodka and even an Apple store.

“The Molecular Cocktail bar is just amazing,” Bold said.

“The barmen take over six hours to set up each day. They make all their cordials and infusions on board and the array of spices, fruits, flavours and aromatics is amazing to see and smell.”

Bold said cruises can often have a family-oriented focus, but Celebrity cruises are much more sophisticated and appealing to gay clientèle.

Departing Sydney on November 26 on the Celebrity Solstice, guests will cruise the South Pacific for nine days to New Caledonia, visiting a trio of fabulous — and perhaps fruity — islands.

Cruise highlights include visiting the French-Pacific city of Noumea, as well as the famous Isle of Pines and beautiful Lifou.

“The shore excursion in Noumea is a highlight, with Michael, the local gay guide, showing us

around the port town and tourist spots,” Bold said.“People also get a chance to mix with people

from different towns or areas (guests come from all over the country) so it’s a bit like a mini-Mardi Gras.”

The Island Fruits Topical Cruise is presented by two fabulous gay businesses: Out and About Travel and Points of Difference Events. These companies bring their skills and expertise together to create a unique gay experience. In addition to the scheduled activities on the ship, the producers have also added a special layer of gay fabulousness, which includes activities like a pre-departure soiree in Sydney, exclusive “welcome aboard” themed cocktail party, the exclusive group excursion in Noumea that includes lunch and local gay guide, an evening “tropical paradise” themed pool party, daily group catch-ups and dining, an on-board cruise director and host, plus a few surprises.

Beyond 2015, Adam has advised there are more cruises in the pipeline, with planned itineraries visiting Hawaii and Tahiti, plus a separate cruise to Bali and Singapore via Australia’s top end.

If you want to be relaxing on a tropical beach by day and enjoying best dining afloat with friends each night, and want the trip to happen sooner rather than later, then Island Fruits is perfect for you.

ISLAND FRUITS TROPICAL CRUISE

When: Thursday, November 26 to Friday, December 4

Where: New Caledonia (departing from and returning to Sydney)

Cost: Prices start from $1,779 per person twin share for nine days, which includes accommodation, meals, entertainment and the special “gay layer” activities

Bonuses: Guests booking in can now chose a free perk, including a free beverage package (that’s worth over $400). Guests also travelling by themselves can take advantage of a “Share with a Stranger” offer, where they will be matched with a cabin mate and will not have to pay the solo supplement.

Bookings and details: pointsofdifference.com/Star2 or call Adam (cruise director) on 0412 358 249

Come sail away

L U X E

t

H O M E

KITCHEN SOPHISTICATION

ARTISAN ESPRESSO MACHINEThe sleek, retro design Artisan Espresso Machine features dual boilers that brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. A super fast start up time also gives you the ultimate power and control over your daily brew.

Price: $1999Details: www.kitchenaid.com.au

L U X E

t

H O M E

SPARKLING BEVERAGE MAKERThe Sparkling Beverage Maker perfectly blends KitchenAid’s stylish, all-metal design with proven carbonation technology. You can create your own custom fizzy drinks with your desired level of carbonation and flavour.

Price: $399Details: www.kitchenaid.com.au

L U X E

TECHNOLO G Y

VERTU ASTER SMARTPHONE

Vertu crafts luxurious handmade phones in England, using techniques that you would normally associate with the very finest watch and jewellery brands.

The Aster is a recent addition to the Vertu range, incorporating high performance Android smartphone technologies. It includes a 4.7” HD touch screen, a Hasselblad camera, and access to all of the Google services and applications you would expect from a top shelf Android smartphone. With a selection of exquisite leathers and colours, the Aster can be fully customised.

Beyond the materials and workmanship that goes into the exterior of the phone, Vertu includes 24-hour concierge and tech support, VIP access to events, and subscriptions to encrypted messaging services.

A limited edition of 280 Aster phones are being produced in “Stingray Black”, combining brushed black Titanium surfaces with black dyed Stingray leather.

Price: AUD $6500 approx. (Stingray Black limited edition)Details: www.vertu.com/au/en/collections/aster

BOSE SOUNDLINK MINI

This tiny Bluetooth speaker will transform the way you listen to music around the house. Designed to deliver sparkling audio reproduction for your smartphone or tablet, it lasts up to 12 hours before you need to recharge via the included charging dock. The speaker is perfect for a bedside table and light enough to move around the house with you.

Price: $249Details: worldwide.bose.com/axa/en_au/web/soundlink_mini/page.html

COLORWARE CUSTOMISED ELECTRONICS

The worst thing about some gadgets is their popularity. The technology might be great, the software brilliant and easy to use, but do you really want people to think you are just following the herd?

With ColorWare this isn’t the case. The brand has been around since 2000, making a name for itself internationally by allowing trendsetters to customise paint jobs on popular electronic gadgets.

Their current gadget selection includes iPads, iPhones, Mac computers and laptops, Playstation and Xbox controllers, Beats headphones, and more. The interactive ColorWare website lets you select from more than 50 colours so you can admire your creation before committing to buy.

Price: AUD $229 approx. for Apple wireless keyboardDetails: www.colorware.com

Objects of Desire

t

t

t

THE industrial glory days of inner-city Melbourne now seem like a grunge-filled dream. Suburbs like Collingwood played a key role in the early years of Australia’s fashion and manufacturing industries, but those days are now long gone.

Just a short five minute trip by tram to the CBD and Melbourne University, the gay community has been having fun in the area for decades, with venues like The Laird, Sircuit and Peel nightclub visibly waving the rainbow flag.

However, while Collingwood is in a convenient location, and a fun place to visit, it has only recently started to blossom as a place to live.

Like Sydney’s Surry Hills and Brisbane’s New Farm before it, Collingwood is now undergoing a rapid change — and it is definitely for the better.

Decrepit industrial buildings and warehouses are finally being seriously renovated, and turned into innovative, distinctive apartment buildings. The industrial soul of the suburb isn’t being torn down, it is being re-imagined by a new wave of entrepreneurial small businesses, as a mecca for good food and art. Smith St and nearby Brunswick St also host a huge array of café’s and restaurants.

If you fancy a home-style Korean meal followed by churros and music at a Brazilian cafe, then Smith St will definitely hit the spot. Need to impress the in-laws? Take them to St Crispin’s, one of Melbourne’s top restaurants. Feel like a naughty treat? You can duck off to a nightclub or trendy small bar, or break your diet at Gelato Messina.

With so many distractions in the neighbourhood, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that some of the most interesting new apartment developments are designed for owner occupiers, not the foreign investors that dominate the market for apartments in large Melbourne CBD and Southbank towers.

“There is something to do every night of the week in Collingwood,” said Jacob Vagg, marketing manager of Spec Property, the company behind the Trilby apartments development currently being built on Smith St.

“There are lots of art galleries, fantastic bike paths, and some of Melbourne’s best gay venues nearby. The whole area has really taken off amongst people who want to get out of the grind of the daily commute, and just enjoy the lifestyle.”

Inner-city Melbourne is relatively flat, with cycle paths throughout the CBD and Collingwood area. This makes cycling a realistic and easy option for Collingwood residents, both for getting to work and enjoying the weekend.

“The car park of our building has specific bike storage areas for residents, and even visitor bike parking,” Vagg said.

“The communal rooftop on the building is designed as an adult’s playground — with a bar, an outdoor cinema, teppanyaki grill, and a communal vegetable patch.

“When you are buying an apartment to live in yourself, you really want to ensure you have enough space, so items like generous storage and outdoor terraces are important to consider.

“Trilby has been designed specifically for owner occupiers, offers a mix of large loft apartments and Sky Homes, all fitted out with timber and metal finishes inspired by Collingwood’s industrial heritage, as well as luxurious kitchens with Smeg appliances.”

- Continued page 36

property

Collingwood takes off

sponsored

TRILBY APARTMENTS

466 Smith St, Collingwoodwww.trilbysmithstreet.com

106 apartments, including one, two and three bedroom loft apartments.Developer: Spec Property. Design: Inhabit designOne bedroom + study loft, 66 (int) + 12 (balc) sqmTwo bedroom + two bath loft, 66 – 82 (int) + 12 - 22 (balc) sqmThree bedroom + two bath loft, 95 (int) + 33 (balc) sqm


L U X E

WWW.STAROBSERVER.COM.AU/LATEST-ISSUES

S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

a star observer publication LUXEstarobserver.com.au.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/...LUXE is a...

Documents

Transcript of a star observer publication LUXEstarobserver.com.au.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/...LUXE is a...