CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

This unexpected, provocative and visionary partnership, a first between Swatch and Omega, is the culmination of a trend of collaborations between luxury and street brands to create innovative new products that blend the best of both worlds.

The brands have drawn their design inspiration from space, to create a collection of eleven Swatch models named after planetary bodies, from the giant star at the centre of the solar system to the dwarf planet at its periphery.

All of the Swatch designs are in the brand’s patented BIOCERAMIC, a unique mix of two-thirds ceramic and one-third material derived from castor oil. Although colors like pink and pale blue offer strong clues that these are not your standard Omega Speedmaster watches, a hard-core Moonwatch fan would be hard-pushed to find the difference in the overall look. The key Moonwatch design features are all there. The asymmetrical case, the famous tachymeter scale with dot over ninety and the distinctive Speedmaster subdials, which all work perfectly.

Omega’s Moonwatch is legendary and a must-have for collectors. Swatch’s witty BIOCERAMIC MoonSwatch collection makes the iconic design accessible to fans everywhere. It’s a down to earth take on the watch that went to the moon, which is a perfect representation of Swatch’s joy of life and innovation philosophy.

The new collection comes in rarely seen colors. Each MoonSwatch feature its own mission statement, inspirational engravings and joint OMEGA X SWATCH logos on the dial and crown. The battery cover on each watch features a depiction of its planet.

A spacesuit-ready VELCRO strap adds a final touch of astronaut chic.

The Swatches are only available in selected Swatch stores on Earth !

Mission to Uranus
Pale blue tribute to the Greek god of the sky.

Mission to Pluto
Dedicated to the “dwarf” planet in grey and burgundy.

Mission to Venus
Celebrates the planet of love in powdery pink with oval subdials.

Mission to Saturn
A watch in beautiful beige with Saturn’s rings at 6 o’clock.

Mission to Mars 

A timepiece in fiery red with “Alaska Project” watch hands.

Mission to Neptune
Celebrating the ice giant in a freezing deep blue.

Mission on Earth
A celebration of our precious planet in blue and green.

Mission to the Sun
The star of the collection in bright sun-brushed gold.

Now all the travel restrictions have been lifted and the clocks move into Summer time this coming weekend, we can start to move back to normality, a phrase I’m sure you were starting to think you might never hear again.

So when work is all getting a bit too much and your boss is giving you a hard time about coming into the office more, you can start to think, to daydream and imagine yourself booking a flight and heading off for a much needed bit of time out, whether that’s a city break, like Lisbon, adventure activity in Dubai or blowing off some, much needed, steam in the world’s party capital Ibiza.

But of course, you’ll need to have a bag packed ready to cater for whatever jaunt takes your fancy. A brilliant way to answer this quandary is with a capsule wardrobe, a set of clothes that can take you through any eventuality that may come your way in the space of a weekend away.

One problem that will get you wherever your chosen destination, is getting there. Airlines are really ramping up those hidden charges, so what starts as an excellent bargain weekend in the Sun, can quickly become a costly affair.

One way to prevent being stung in this way is to travel light, packing a capsule wardrobe that can take you from beach to bar and bungeeing to exploring without breaking a bead of sweat.

We’ve managed to answer this challenge with packing just five items without including your wash bag or all important underwear.

First up we have the classic Adidas Originals- Stan Smiths. We’ve moved on a long way since the 90’s where you’d be turned away from a nightclub, bar or even restaurant from wearing sneakers. Nowadays seeing a well dressed gent teaming a suit with a pair of premium footwear of this ilk is commonplace and acceptable is even the most formal of settings.

Then we have, the multi-purpose chino. I’ve gone with the classic stone, this time from BOSS. Jeans are brilliant but your Chino is far more versatile and will have you looking dapper when you team it with the pieces from this capsule wardrobe. Also, once again Stone is easy to match with black, white, navy or grey, which are the key colour foundations which building a practical, contemporary capsule wardrobe.

Moving onto another classic, this time in the shape of the white t-shirt. Like with the trainers times have changed and smart is far more important than formal. This is a great example of a good quality timeless Tee from Adidas. But it you are wanting to be a little more pushing in options, I have your back, how about a multi-pack of T-shirts from BOSS or Calvin Klein in the all important foundation colours of Grey, White and Black ?

OK, OK I hear you, what about during the day if I want to take a dip in the hotel roof top pool or get at one with nature in the sea. We’ve got you in these dark grey cami swim shorts by Brave Soul. Quick drying so can be worn as shorts during the day to keep you feeling and looking equally cool. Team it up with a tee in all of the colours as we’ve built your wardrobe to be tonal and match with each other seamlessly.

Lastly, but probably most importantly what about something to wear if the evening are still a little nippy and to lift your outfit into a smart casual status. This Lightweight Shacket from Very themselves is perfect ! Button it up to give a little more formal look, works brilliantly with the Chinos and trainers and can be folded nearly and carried in your bag when not in use.

A bag that’s a good point what are you meant to carry this multi-purpose, tonal, contemporary capsule wardrobe in ? Yep we’ve thought this through. Check out this great retreat rucksack from Herschel, also in Navy but available in a number of colours. Will easily fit all of these items and your wash bag and your passport and a bottle of water and charger no problem. Plus all the while fitting into ANY over head baggage compartment and complying with any airlines stringent baggage policies.

Ohhhh one last thing, you’re heading for some Sun, Sea and possibly sleep, sangria or sense awakening, so finishing touches are essential and these sunglasses by Polo, Ralph Lauren rounds off any outfit whatever the occasion.

Quick I think they’re calling the closing of your gate !

Santa Cruz Skateboards has been an industry-leading manufacturer of board sports lifestyle products for over 40 years. Established in 1973, Santa Cruz defined a generation with eye-popping graphics and innovative products that continue to resonate with tastemakers, professional riders and younger generations. With some of their graphics being some of the most iconic in skateboard history. Santa Cruz is a mecca for skate and surf culture.

So therefore, Santa Cruz Skateboards launches a Spring 22 collection that honours its skateboarding heritage. Santa Cruz Skateboards has been at the forefront of skateboarding style and skate-inspired style since its inception. The menswear collection extends an almost 50 year legacy of taking striking graphics and overtly eye-catching designs and transcending from its home in the skate scene onto the wider style world for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you skate, want to skate or just like the style and have no intention of getting on a board, Santa Cruz’s staple, Classic, Organics, SCB and Speed Wheels capsules will bring the inspiration and options.

Alongside familiar styles and favourites like the ‘Classic Dot’, which first emerged in 1978 and various rebirths of Jim Phillips’ now-legendary Screaming Hand graphic, timeless styles and cuts are reinvented by introducing new graphics and colourways that create memorable clashes.

Highlights in the collection include the Unite Hidden Hand jacket and its screaming hand-printed twill, which take a clean-cut style and give it that unmistakable Santa Cruz touch. The toned-down retro colour blocking on the Castle Rock Jacket and Ridge Vest is right on trend with a utility styling.

Short sleeve Cuban collar style shirts come back in strong with an electric pink Broken Dot shirt, and from the Organics capsule, the Cabana Shirt with a tropical leaf/screaming hand graphic fusion. The standout has to be the Advertising shirt which has dived into the archive of the Speed Wheels capsule for inspiration. This capsule specifically celebrates the golden era of the Jim Phillips Studio and Santa Cruz Speed Wheels from 1985-1991

On the flip side of these eye-catchers are wardrobe must-haves like the Classic Work Pants and the baggy oversized Local Pant, available in various colours, which when worn casually or dressed up are obvious spring picks. T-shirts are abundant, from the Classic Label and Classic Dot to various new logo reworkings.

Santa Cruz’s boardshorts and swimshorts take centre stage when temperatures start rising. From the subtle Classic Dot Swimshorts to the in-your-face Camo screaming hand boardshort, those pool days are looking good.Not forgetting the accessories – reversible bucket hats, tote bags, socks, sunglasses, caps and backpacks. Consider all of your festival needs covered.

But come on, it’s the UK and once those April showers hit, turn your eye to the fully equipped Reign jacket, with its waterproof and ripstop fabrics; if “when” you get caught out, you’re protected without looking like you’re heading to the alps.

(image by Thom)
Research has shown that over 80% of children (aged 12-15) may have been subjected to harmful experiences online, which has led to heightened searches for ‘cyber safety’ (20.5K) and ‘cyber security’ (451.9K), according to Google trend data.

Child game platforms such as Roblox have amassed over 47 million daily active users globally and are moving towards metaverse technology. With increasing concern over child safety in the metaverse  and social media usage, experts at OnBuy Smart Watches spoke exclusively to cyber security expert James Bore, who has been in the industry for more than 10 years and has provided  professional advice for keeping children safe online. 

To accompany James’s advice, in-house experts at OnBuy Smart Watches also manually trawled through internet safety threads across major parenting forums, such as Mumsnet , Netmums, and MadeforMums, to compile a uniquely collated list of cyber security threats and top tips directly from parents as to how they can protect their children online.

Expert Comments from Chartered Security Expert, James Bore: 

(Image by John Schnobrich)

1. Open Dialogue

Ensuring that children are aware and encouraged to talk about anything that they’re unsure about. This means creating a safe space where your child won’t feel judged or worried about being told off for anything that happens. It is far too often that when people do prey on children online, they use the idea that adults in the child’s life will be angry at them, and that things are their fault. The difference it can make when they can have clear, honest communications with parents or guardians is huge, and is arguably the biggest step towards online safety.

(Image by FLY:D)

2. Explanation of safety and censorship tools.

Allowing your child (particularly older children) to understand why certain rules are in place and what they do. Children are inventive, and most parental control tools can be worked around by any child with a sense of curiosity and a desire to push boundaries.

Other key questions and conversations for parents to ask and discuss include:

• What social media applications do they use, if any? Do they have any games with social media functions or chat?
• Make sure they understand privacy settings, and go through them with them.
• Make sure they understand that people lie, and they should not meet anyone they only know online.
• Do they understand about online harassment and bullying, how to recognise if they’re targeting someone, or being targeted, and what to do about it?
• Do they play any games which allow in-game purchases, and do you have control over their ability to spend

OnBuy Smart Watches scraped online parenting forums to reveal 5 key ways parents can protect their children online easily: 

(Image by Bram Naus) 

1. Explicit websites

Search engines for kids and filtering programmes can be effective in allowing parents to control what sites children can see. Netmums recommends Net Nanny –  which  monitors online content, limits screen time and filters sites to protect your children. OnBuy Smart Watches discovered that parents also recommended the following search engines for kids – Aj Kids and Kids Search, whilst users on Mumsnet suggest censoring thread titles on the forum (keep Mumsnet forum names PG) so that children are not exposed to explicit words if they happen to look over at the computer screen. 

2. Inappropriate instructional websites

Netmums refers to ‘inappropriate instructional websites’ as sites that promote step-by-step instructions for inappropriate topics such as concealing anorexia or taking drugs. These can be accessed through other genuinely useful instructional sites, and so run the risk of being taken seriously by children. 

OnBuy Smart Watches found advice on all of the reviewed parenting  forums pointing towards blocking inappropriate websites, or downloading software that prevents pop-ups and inappropriate instructional sites from popping up. 

(Images by John Schnobrich)

3. Chat room safety

Mumsnet users suggest bans on ‘Whatsapp’ and social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter are all rated 13+) for younger children. However, parents are aware that there may be other chat room apps so suggest daily monitoring of your child’s phone. Regular checks can ensure that your children are staying safe on chat rooms and that nothing goes unmissed. 

Other users on the forum also suggest locking or removing the device overnight, so that your child gets adequate sleep and isn’t exposed to unsolicited and unmonitored messages when unaccompanied.  

4. Cyberbullying

According to the Anti-Bullying Alliance – one in five schoolchildren in the UK has been a victim of some form of online abuse.

Netmums highlight the importance of open communication with your child, in a bid to quickly identify when bullying might be taking place. Parents also suggest teaching your kids techniques for dealing with cyberbullies, such as muting chats and reporting bullies on social media. If your child is a victim of cyberbullying from their peers, Mumsnet advises getting their school involved. This will escalate the situation and send a clear message to the bullies that their behaviour is unacceptable. It will also make your child feel more supported and safer in the school environment.

(image by John Schnobrich)

5. Phishing

Mumsnet users advise to send any incidents of online phishing to: report@phishing.gov.uk as soon as it’s spotted. Other advice includes either ignoring phishing emails/messages or changing your settings so that mail from that scam address goes straight to the deleted folder.

 Synonymous with excellence in craftsmanship and design, Montblanc has been pushing the boundaries of innovation ever since the Maison first revolutionized the culture of writing in 1906. Ingenuity and imagination continue to be driving forces for the House today as it advances its expression of fine craftsmanship across product categories.

One of which, the famous Montblanc Legend fragrance goes red as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary and now ow, the Montblanc Legend fragrance returns in a new iteration, bolder and more determined than ever.

There is no colour more intense than red. Visually striking and always captivating. Bold and eye-catching, confidence, resilience and strong, red is also part of Montblanc’s heritage, appearing in the design of the legendary “Rouge et Noir” fountain pen, one of Montblanc’s earliest writing innovations in 1906. Endless source of inspiration, it has since become a signature Montblanc colour carried down through the years, across collections from writing instruments to leather goods, and now fragrance with the introduction of Montblanc Legend Red.

Red symbolizes so many diverging emotions and traits. It’s this ambiguity that makes the colour so fascinating, and the inspiration for a fragrance expertly crafted by perfumers Anne Flipo and Nicolas Beaulieu that captures all its complexity and masculine intensity. The red sensation starts with the juicy freshness of Blood Orange and zesty Grapefruit blended with the spicy contrast of Cardamom.  The encounter between Clary Sage, Cedarwood and Juniper Berry dresses the citrussy freshness with aromatic facets, while the magnetic combination of Mahogany, Atlas Cedarwood and a touch of Tonka Bean add a creamy sensuality to Legend Red. A charismatic woody fragrance, fresh yet intense, bold yet sensitive, the olfactory experience evokes the thrill of speed and makes the heart beat a little faster. For the creation of the fragrance the Cedarwood, Clary Sage and Tonka Beans are ingredients sourced from LMR, a company that works with local producers around the world to source pure, natural and sustainable ingredients with a strict ethos of complete transparency, and supporting environmental management, sustainable development and local communities. In addition, the fragrance itself does not contain ingredients of animal origin and is formulated with naturally derived alcohol.