M.J. Bale Manual Issue 9

“AS WE SPEAK CRUEL TIME IS FLEEING. SEIZE THE DAY, PUT LITTLE TRUST IN TOMORROW” - HORACE, ODES

SPRING 2017

ISSUE Nº. 9

THE M.J. BALE GUIDE TO LIFE, STYLE & MANLY ARTS

Life

Style

Manly Arts

Provenance

How To Stay In The Moment; Aperitivo Hour; Italian Wine Crib Notes

New M.J. Bale Shoes; ‘Made in England’ Fox Brothers Fabric; Bankable Checks

Dance In A Tuxedo (But Don’t Try The Splits); In Squad We Trust

The Kings(ton) Speech; Como Sapiens; Essay: Papa Hemingway

THE AGE of

CHARACTER mjbale.com

LEO SKY JACKET $399 AUD $469 NZD LEO SKY TROUSERS $199 AUD $229 NZD JACKIE PINK SHIRT $89.95 AUD $99.95 NZD IGNACIO PINK TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD TUSHAR ELEPHANT NAVY/PINK HANKIE $39.95 AUD $49.95 NZD

TH E M.J. BALE GUIDE TO L I F E , ST Y L E & M A N LY A RT S

C ONT ENT S SPR I N G 2 0 1 7

Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole / I thank whatever gods may be, For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance, I have not winced nor cried aloud / Under the bludgeoning of chance, My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears, Looms but the Horror of the shade / And yet the menace of the years, Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how straight the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.

- INVICTUS, WILLIAM EARNEST HENLEY

LIFE

STYLE

MANLY ARTS

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COMO SAPIENS Notes from our founder

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BALE DETAILS Six kicking new spring styles

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LEARN ITALIAN Without talking

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THE ART OF THE APERITIVO

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CRIB NOTES ON ITALIAN WINE

MADE IN ENGLAND Fox brothers cloth

HOW TO SEIZE Any given moment

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PAPA PLEASE PREACH In praise of Hemingway

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THE KINGS(TON) SPEECH

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NEW M.J. BALE SHOES Leather & Suede

DISCO DAPPER Dance in a tuxedo

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GAME DAY WEDDING STYLE For you & the squad

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LAGO DI LEGENDS Behind the scenes

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M.J. BALE CUSTOM

MANUAL CREDITS Editor - Jonathan Lobban / Art Director - Cassandra Thomas / Fashion Editor - Jaime Fernandes / Photographer - Trevor King / Stylist - Jesse Arifien / Graphic Designer - Daniel Stapleton With thanks to the Canottieri Lario rowing club, and all the lovely folk of Lake Como (“Ci scusiamo, siamo Australiani!”)

COMO SAPIENS

M.J. Bale Founder & CEO, Matt Jensen, has been coming to Lake Como for over 20 years in search of the finest weavers and makers.

Here our capo, the ‘MJ’ in ‘M.J. Bale’, outlines his longstanding love for the area, and why making clothes is all about the detail.

At M.J. Bale we create clothes for modern day explorers, whether that’s

It was therefore a straightforward decision to shoot M.J. Bale’s Spring 17

taken literally as guys who travel for work and/or lifestyle, or simply

campaign here in Como. This season is all about natural fibres — wool,

someone exploring their potential and new ways to live life. To me, Lake

silk, linen and cotton — and a lovely evenness of pallet and tone. The

Como represents both these concepts. I’ve been coming here for 20-plus

colours are muted and in light grey, beige, brown, pink and softer blues.

years, roughly three times each year, which equates to around 60 visits

In seasons past our Spring collections have been arguably more bold

total. I first started in menswear in 1995 and subsequently came here to

and aggressive; this year, besides our ‘bankable’ check suits, the season is

Lake Como in search of the best silk weavers and tie makers. I remember

a collection of neutrals and quieter colours. Given Australia’s climate is

darting up alleyways and back streets for meetings with weavers who

mostly warm, our idea was to build a colour pallet that matched what

had silk archives dating back hundreds of years and a story surrounding

people would wear for the majority of the year.

each piece. Now Como feels like a second home. Some of the weavers and makers I met in those early days have become some of my closest

Life is all about the detail, and you’ll hopefully find in this Spring collection

friends, and still work with us today as M.J. Bale’s co-creators for silk ties

a lot of attention to detail, as well as some entirely new products, such

and accessories.

as leather and suede shoes. As a maker of clothes it’s always about the small things and I really enjoy enhancing the details in products we create.

Como has been the epicentre of the global silk trade, both creatively and in

A fabric and/or a garment has to have a reason to be, otherwise what’s

terms of quality manufacturing, since the 1400s. While the town of Biella

the value? The last thing the world needs is another product that has no

in nearby Piedmont are the Italian specialists for suiting fabric, and Treviso

meaning.

and Bergamo home to the best cotton weavers, this area leads the world in terms of silk colour, pattern and craftsmanship. People don’t work in the

Whether its a white shirt, silk tie, belt to be worn a particular way, a sock,

trade here just for a wage. It’s their life. It’s what they have been doing for

lapel pin or jacket that you can take with you when you tour the world and

20-30-40 years and is their reason for being.

do your exploration… the whole point of M.J. Bale is to create garments that have utility, meaning and integrity.

Como is also one of the places I feel most alive outside of Australia. Maybe it’s because of the elements, but this place feels very raw. It’s located in

Thank you to all our customers for your loyal support. We understand

the mountains on the Italian-Swiss border and when storms roll in the

that clothes don’t make the man; we simply do our best to ensure you’re

crack of thunder echoes off the hills. Sometimes it’s snowing in winter

well dressed and can act with conviction when you enter life’s many

and you find yourself trudging through a foot of snow to get to meetings.

arenas. Hopefully these are garments that deliver you a sense of joy and

Then, of course, in spring and summer it’s a dichotomy. On one hand the

confidence this spring and help you to make the most out of each and

lake becomes packed with free-wheeling ragazzi spending their weekends

every moment in life.

speeding around the lake like Gianna Agnelli circa 1965. On the other it’s one of the most tranquil places on earth. Jogging around the lake and through the peaceful stone-laden streets in the morning are some of the times I feel at my creative peak.

Enjoy the warmer weather, guys, and be sure to aim up this spring.

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(LEFT) ROBERTSON SAND DOUBLE BREASTED JACKET $499 AUD $599 NZD TARRENCE BLUE SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD INDACO DENIM TROUSERS $199 AUD $219 NZD MATHERN NAVY/WHITE HANKIE $29.95 AUD $39.95 NZD (MIDDLE) ROBERTSON SAND JACKET $499 AUD $599 NZD ROBERTSON SAND WAISTCOAT $199 AUD $229 NZD ROBERTSON SAND TROUSERS $199 AUD $229 NZD ARDENT BLUE SHIRT $89.95 AUD $99.95 NZD KAI FLORAL HANKIE $39.95 AUD $49.95 NZD (RIGHT) BRADYN STONE JACKET $299 AUD $329 NZD GRIS NAVY WHITE SHIRT $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD MCQUEEN WHITE CHINO $129.95 AUD $149.95 NZD TUSHAR ELEPHANT NAVY/PINK HANKIE $39.95 AUD $49.95 NZD

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SPRUCE ALMIGHTY Spruce up weekend casual with a deconstructed jacket and chinos in neutral colours.

Sub in a polo or tee to dress it down.

(LEFT) BRADYN STONE JACKET $299 AUD $329 NZD / GRIS NAVY WHITE SHIRT $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD / MCQUEEN WHITE CHINO $129.95 AUD $149.95 NZD / TUSHAR ELEPHANT NAVY/PINK HANKIE $39.95 AUD $49.95 NZD (RIGHT) BRADYN STONE JACKET $399 AUD $469 NZD / GRIS NAVY WHITE SHIRT $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD / RONAN BLOCK STRIPE POLO $79.95 AUD $89.95 NZD / YORK NAVY HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD / BUCKLEY OATMEAL CHINOS $149.95 AUD $169 NZD / RENERA NAVY BELT $79.95 AUD $89.95 NZD

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BLUE HEALERS Alleviate boardroom boredom by riffing on the stuffy corporate suit. Sky blues and subtle checks are like a sartorial espresso hit.

(LEFT) FERRARO SLATE BLUE JACKET $599 AUD $669 NZD / FERRARO SLATE BLUETROUSER $299 AUD $329 NZD / KAYLAN SKY CHECK SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD / LONDON BROWN OXFORD $399 AUD $469 NZD / MOSAIC BLUE CUFFLINKS $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD / GIANCARLO BLUE/PINK HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD / ALPINI NAVY/POWDER BLUE ARGYLE SOCKS $19.95 AUD $29.95 NZD / BURKE DARK BROWN BRIEFCASE $499 AUD $549.95 NZD / WILKES GREY HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD / PONZATE GREY TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD (RIGHT) (LEFT) AEKELY SKY JACKET $499 AUD $599 NZD / AEKELY SKY TROUSERS $199 AUD $229 NZD / PALMER WHITE SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD / FIORELLO NAVY/WHITE KNITTED TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD / AFFONSO RED HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD (MIDDLE) LEO SKY JACKET $399 AUD $469 NZD / LEO SKY TROUSERS $199 AUD $229 NZD / JACKIE PINK SHIRT $89.95 AUD $99.95 NZD / IGNACIO PINK TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD / TUSHAR ELEPHANT NAVY/PINK HANKIE $39.95 AUD $49.95 NZD (RIGHT) IAIN BLUE JACKET $399 AUD $469 NZD / IAIN BLUE TROUSERS $199 AUD $229 NZD / WILFORD SKY SHIRT $89.95 AUD $99.95 NZD / GABRIELE PINK/AQUA TIE $129.95 AUD $149.95 NZD / PAELLA NAVY 12 HANKIE $29.95 AUD $39.95 NZD

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SHOCK & OAR Be a good sport and mix-and-match tailored separates. Go deep in soft cotton jackets.

Team with colour-hungry chinos.

(LEFT) (LEFT) HOUSTON NAVY JACKET $399 AUD $469 NZD / MCQUEEN SILVER CHINO $129.95 AUD $149.95 NZD / ROSLIN DENIM SHIRT $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD / FANE PINK HANKIE $39.95 AUD $49.95 NZD (RIGHT) SIERRA RED JACKET $299 AUD $329 NZD / ROWLAND NAVY TROUSERS $199 AUD $229 NZD / AMERIGO WHITE SHIRT $179 AUD $199 NZD / CALDER NAVY HANKIE $29.95 AUD $39.95 NZD (RIGHT) SIERRA RED JACKET $299 AUD $329 NZD / ROWLAND NAVY TROUSERS $199 AUD $229 NZD / TAIT BLUE HANKIE $29.95 AUD $39.95 NZD / JANYD BLUE SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD / GELHORN PINK SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD / NARI PINK TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD / BETTOLA NAVY/BLUE/PURPLE BELT $129.95 AUD $149.95 NZD

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DENIM GENES Make denim-ey blues part of your sartorial DNA. Go large on indigo-infused jackets, shirts, trousers and, yes, even a knitted tie.

(LEFT) LOCKE DENIM SHIRT $149.95 AUD $169.95 NZD / MARLIANI BROWN KNITTED TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD / MANILLO PRINTED HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD / BARROW INDIGO PRINT POLO $79.95 AUD $89.95 NZD / INDACO DENIM JACKET $499 AUD $599 NZD / DUBLIN BROWN SUEDE LOAFER $399 AUD $469 NZD / EDLIN BLUE/NAVY SPOT POLO $79.95 AUD $89.95 NZD / MACOMBER NAVY CHINO $179 AUD $199 NZD / PINTO NAVY BROWN BELT $129.95 AUD $149.95 NZD (RIGHT) PIO NAVY JACKET $699 AUD $799 NZD / PIO NAVY TROUSERS $399 AUD $469 NZD / LOCKE DENIM SHIRT $149.95 AUD $169.95 NZD / MARLIANI BROWN KNITTED TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD / MANILLO PRINTED HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD

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TOAST & JAM Revisit the lost art of getting dressed for evening cocktails before heading out to party.

Nix the socks if you’ve got the confidence to pull it off.

(LEFT) (LEFT) SAUNDERS NAVY TUXEDO JACKET $699 AUD $799 NZD / SAUNDERS NAVY TUXEDO TROUSERS $299 AUD $329 NZD / BLACKROCK WHITE TUXEDO SHIRT $149.95 AUD $169.95 NZD / MAURICIO MARINE BOW TIE $69.95 AUD $79.95 NZD / CADEN WHITE HANKIE $19.95 AUD $29.95 NZD (MIDDLE) ZACH WHITE JACKET $299 AUD $329 NZD / SAUNDERS NAVY TUXEDO TROUSERS $299 AUD $329 NZD / TERMAO WHITE TUXEDO SHIRT $149.95 AUD $169.95 NZD / MAURICIO MARINE BOW TIE $69.95 AUD $79.95 NZD / WAIN NAVY HANKIE $29.95 AUD $39.95 NZD (RIGHT) SPECTURE INDIGO TUXEDO JKT $799 AUD $799 NZD / SPECTURE NAVY TUXEDO TROUSERS $349 AUD $379 NZD / BLACKROCK WHITE TUXEDO SHIRT $149.95 AUD $169.95 NZD / MAURICIO MARINE BOW TIE $69.95 AUD $79.95 NZD / CADEN WHITE HANKIE $19.95 AUD $29.95 NZ (RIGHT) CADEN WHITE HANKIE $19.95 AUD $29.95 NZD / TERMAO WHITE TUXEDO SHIRT $149.95 AUD $169.95 NZD / MAURICIO MARINE BOW TIE $69.95 AUD $79.95 NZD / SPECTURE INDIGO TUXEDO JKT $799 AUD $799 NZD / SPECTURE NAVY TUXEDO TROUSERS $349 AUD $379 NZD / SPECURE CONTRAST NAVY TUXEDO JACKET $799 AUD $799 NZD / COSMAS NAVY TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD / COSMAS NAVY BOW TIE $89.95 AUD $99.95 NZD / LONDON BLACK OXFORD $399 AUD $469 NZD / POCHARD NAVY BLUE SOCKS $29.95 AUD $39.95 NZD / LORDE TUXEDO BUTTON PACK $19.95 AUD $29.95 NZD

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(LEFT) BATH GREY SUIT $1995 AUD $2195 NZD / NIJEL BLUE SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD / NICOLI BLUE TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD / WAIN NAVY HANKIE $29.95 AUD $39.95 NZD (MIDDLE) WELLS INDIGO SUIT $1995 AUD $2195 NZD / MERRICK NAVY SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD / GIANCARLO BLUE/SKY TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD / DIVIT ELEPHANT NAVY/WHITE HANKIE $39.95 AUD $49.95 NZD (RIGHT) YEOVIL GREY SUIT $1995 AUD $2195 NZD / MERICAIN WHITE SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD / ARLEY SKY TIE $79.95 AUD $89.95 NZD / ARMANNO NAVY/SKY HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD

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COOL BRITANNIA From Somerset, England, with tailoring love: Fox Brothers for M.J. Bale

Italy might be considered the world’s leading cloth weavers for suits, but Fox Brothers in Somerset, England, is a rightful peer in terms in terms of quality and heritage. Even when the company was formed in 1772 by Thomas Fox his ancestors had already been involved in wool production since the mid 1500s. Pioneers of flannel cloths for the burgeoning Savile Row tailors in London during the 1800s, Fox Brothers are credited with inventing what we know today as the Prince of Wales check (an M.J. Bale staple), khaki cloth for Britain’s Boer War soldiers in 1900 and even cricket white flannels. Over the ensuing years all the great exponents of classic men’s style — the Duke of Windsor, Fred Astaire and Cary Grant — wore Fox fabrics. That famous photograph from World War Two of Winston Churchill brandishing a machine gun, chomping a cigar and wearing a natty three-piece pin-stripe suit?

Yep, you guessed it: Fox Brothers cloth. But Fox Brothers is not just about heritage or history. Now under the ownership of understated but elegant Managing Director, Douglas Cordeaux, Fox Brothers still manufactures its cloths 100% in Somerset, England using a combination of new technology and centuries-old methodology.

M.J. Bale is therefore proud to announce the introduction of our limited edition Fox Brothers suits into our Collection suiting range, of which these three dapper suits you see here are the result of the first collaboration. These suits have all been made in our Japanese workshop in the Iwate Prefecture, and are for tailoring true believers — in particular, for gentlemen who covet robust English cloth, as opposed to the more ‘softer’ Italian fabrics. The cloth has been “woven without compromise”, as the company says, so we can present you suits to match an uncompromising lifestyle.

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THE KINGS(TON) SPEECH Simon Cameron, the fourth-generation owner of Tasmania’s Kingston farm, shares with us the heritage, soul and sustainability behind M.J. Bale’s Kingston Single-Source Suits.

ORIGINS Kingston has had a chequered history and its fair share of characters. The settler who put it on the map was John Batman — a very controversial figure — before he moved into real estate and founded Melbourne. There is debate about where Batman’s house is located on Kingston.

It might be the 19th-century cottage that we currently use as the farm office, or there is a ruin a couple of kilometres away with a very curious, unidentified construction. Following Batman at Kingston were three different owners, the last of which, the Bomford family, sold Kingston in 1905 to my great-grandfather, Cyril St. Clair Cameron. Three generations of our family farmed Kingston until 2004, at which point I took over after the death of my father.

LOCATION Kingston is located in the Northern Midlands of Tasmania, about 65 kilometres south east of Launceston. Historically, it is part of a Tasmania that has a great tradition of producing high quality superfine wool. The importance of wool diminished over the years as the financial returns disappeared. There are still a few of us wool growers left in the district, but fat lamb breeding and cropping has become more attractive.

SOUL Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To me, Kingston is a very special place. It is a place of great tranquillity, especially in the very early mornings and late summer evenings. It draws you in and the more you try to understand it the less you feel like you actually know it. Perhaps it is like a beautiful old wooden boat — better to have a friend that owns one, than the cost and responsibility of owning one yourself.

NATIVE LAND The richness of Kingston’s biodiversity takes a real expert to explain. I am only a beginner.

The most distinguishing features are the lowland native grassland communities, as well as 14 threatened and endangered species, including breeding wedge-tailed eagles,Eastern and Spotted-tailed quolls, betongs, Tasmanian Devils and Green and Gold frogs. There have even been sightings of platypus in the Ben Lomond rivulet!

CUSTODIAL ROLE I see looking after Kingston as primarily biodiversity conservation.

What we do at Kingston we do because we see it as the right thing to do to manage our animals and land. Others may use labels such

“What we do at Kingston we do because we see it as the right thing to do to manage our animals and land. Others may use labels such as ethical animal management and managing land for conservation values… if it helps with an understanding of how the place runs, that’s fine.”

- SIMON CAMERON

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as ethical animal management and managing land for conservation values… if it helps with an understanding of how the place runs, that’s fine.

In our industry ethics is frequently used in terms of animal management, i.e how we treat our animals. The aspect that gets in the news is mulesing of sheep. We do not do this and haven’t done so for ten years.

Here at Kingston we strive to give our Merino sheep what we call our ‘Four Freedoms’: • Freedom from hunger, thirst and malnutrition • Freedom from discomfort, pain, injury and disease • Freedom to express normal patterns of behaviour • Freedom from fear and distress SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability is a real challenge. It is extremely hard to make natural values pay. Kingston, because of its natural values, is unique. In an attempt to preserve the natural values I have made some significant commitments in relation to the farming activities undertaken to manage the land.

My first big commitment was to agree to conservation covenants for about 900 ha of Kingston - about a third of the farm. This meant that I could continue to use the land as part of my wool growing enterprise, but I could not develop it in any way.

The huge challenge for me is to make Kingston commercially viable. All the undeveloped country has to be managed and maintained to control weeds etc. At the outset I would have done much better to put my land into trees like my neighbour did, but had I done that Kingston’s natural values would have been lost forever.

M.J. BALE KINGSTON SUITS The support from M.J. Bale to produce the singlesource Kingston Merino wool suits has been the tipping point for us and our future success. My comments may sound like a commercial; they are not meant to be. On one hand M.J. Bale is creating demand for Kingston wool, which will assist in the viability of wool production. On the other, the successful sale of these singlesource Kingston suits is a critically important contribution to the maintenance of Kingston’s natural values.

The campaign imagery shot at Kingston before the launch was all about images. For me the underlying story, however, was traceability and re-connection. The models wearing the suits were mixing with some of the very sheep that had contributed to the fabric from which the suits were made, and they were doing this just where those sheep normally graze. Likewise, the shots

in the shearing shed were not shots in any old shearing shed. It’s light years away from other brands that photograph models wearing smart clothes in rural settings, and owning one of the Kingston suits just brings it all together.

This morning talking to the M.J. Bale guys in terms of how much volume they are doing with the Kingston suits, it all started to sink in.

From my perspective, what an amazing outcome.

M.J. Bale have taken a relatively untried concept with a story that consumers should but may not care about and made it work.

My sincere thanks to Matt Jensen for taking a risk with M.J. Bale, and for everyone at M.J. Bale, particularly Jonathan, Charm, Susie and Cassandra. My wholehearted thanks also to you, the M.J. Bale customer. What you have done by purchasing this Kingston suit has allowed me to turn my dream into a reality.

From top to bottom: Models at the Kingston launch; the suits on display; Kingston farm’s Simon Cameron (right) shakes hands with M.J. Bale’s Matt Jensen.

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“The support from M.J. Bale to produce the single-source Kingston Merino wool suits has been the tipping point for us and our future success... the successful sale of these single-source Kingston suits is a critically important contribution to the maintenance of Kingston’s natural values.”

- SIMON CAMERON, KINGSTON OWNER

Visit www.mjbale.com/kingston to learn more

CREAM OF THE CROP An update on last year’s Campese suit (worn by Usain Bolt at Oaks Day), our linen and cotton sand-coloured Robertson suit comes in five seperate incarnations: single-breasted jacket, double-breasted jacket, single-breasted waistcoat, double-breasted waistcoat and trousers.

ROBERTSON SAND DOUBLE BREASTED JACKET $499 AUD $599 NZD ALFIE STONE CHINO $249 AUD $279 NZD TARRENCE BLUE SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD MATHERN NAVY/WHITE HANKIE $29.95 AUD $39.95 NZD

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ROBERTSON SAND JACKET $499 AUD $599 NZD ROBERTSON SAND WAISTCOAT $199 AUD $229 NZD ROBERTSON SAND TROUSERS $199 AUD $229 NZD ARDENT BLUE SHIRT $89.95 AUD $99.95 NZD KAI FLORAL HANKIE $39.95 AUD $49.95 NZD

SOLE TRADERS

Start spring on the right foot with our all-new leather and suede classic men’s shoes

“Before you judge a man walk a mile in their shoes. After that, who cares? He’s a mile away and you’ve got his shoes.” - Billy Connolly For the first time in M.J. Bale’s history, we’re chuffed to bring you a new range of traditional men’s shoes. The collection encompasses six different pairs of Goodyear Welted leather shoes and loafers that are handcrafted over a duration of eight weeks per shoe and made with the finest calf leather from the Alpine regions of northern Europe. Not only are they weather resistant, breathable and damn spiffy (if we do say so ourselves), but they are built to last for years. The Goodyear Welt construction means the shoe can be dismantled and rebuilt, making it easy to repair many times over.

SOLE MAN M.J. Bale’s Six New Kicks

London Black Oxford $399

Dublin Black Loafer $399

Cardiff Black Semi Brogue $399

London Brown Oxford $399

Dublin Brown Loafer $399

Cardiff Brown Semi Brogue $399 27

RETURN OF THE SAMURAI Ready for your next sartorial ‘hai!’? We’ve refined our ‘Made in Japan’ Custom suits proposition, offering a wider selection of premium fabrics and launched a new, quicker made-to-measure ‘Classics Custom’ service.

Nestled amongst the lush, green foothills of Mount Murone in the Iwate prefecture of Japan is M.J. Bale’s Custom suit-making workshop.

Here, under the leadership of Master Tailor, Kaneko, are a passionate group of experienced Japanese tailors making hand-finished Custom suits for our more discerning customers. “We take pride in seeing customers happy with our product and appreciative of the quality of the materials and construction,” explains Kaneko, adding all M.J. Bale Custom suits feature hand-sewn arm holes and collars. “We could use a machine to finish these details, but we choose to hand finish the garments, because when the customer wears them, they can feel the difference.”

Every M.J. Bale Custom suit is the result of at least 50 hours of workmanship here in Iwate, built to the customer’s exact measurements and specifications. ‘Samurai Suiting’ aficionados have the possibility to choose between thousands of premium, exclusive fabrics woven at the world’s top heritage weaving mills, including the centuries-old flannel fabric specialists, Fox Brothers, located in Somerset, England.

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Customers can also select a wide variety of their own personalised details, including buttons, lapel widths, lining, canvasses and monogrammed initials. “Our hard work continues our very important tradition and technique of which we are proud,” says Kaneko. “I think this is the Japanese spirit.”

For those customers wanting similar personalised sartorial options but at a more accessible price point, we have relaunched our made-tomeasure Classics Custom suiting. Classics Custom now boasts a swifter tailoring service (4 weeks minimum) and luxurious fabrics on offer from Italian weaving legends, Loro Piana and Vitale Barberis Canonico. In addition, we have re-launched our M.J. Bale made-to-measure Classics Custom shirt service with elegant cotton fabrics from Thomas Mason in Bergamo, Italy. Classics Custom shirts are supremely constructed and feature regular, slim, super-slim and samurai fits.

Is it time to say ‘hai!’ to M.J. Bale Custom? We think so.

SIX STEPS TO SARTORIAL NIRVANA How to find tailoring paradise in your M.J. Bale Custom suit & shirt

Step 1: Dream Let your mind swirl with ambition like a troupe of well-tailored acrobats.

What would my ultimate suit or shirt look and feel like? How dashing can I get?

Or not. We can direct you every step of the way, if necessary.

Step 2: First Contact Email custom@mjbale.com or call us at +61 (02) 8208 8800 to set up an appointment in your state with our in-house tailoring specialists.

We’ll be waiting for you with our noses pressed up against the window.

Step 3: Measured Response Once in store our expert will take loads of measurements and ask oodles of (appropriate) questions: Single or double-breasted suit? 1-button or two?

Shawl or peak lapel? Wool, silk, linen or cotton? PIN code? (Jokes.)

Step 4: Customise Your Prize As a Custom aficionado, you have the ability to select and make individual every single detail in your suit, choosing between fabric, lining, embroidery, AMF stitching, collars, buttons and even buttonhole thread.

Step 5: Learn Italian or Hindu We’ll send off your measurements to our Custom workshop and will need between 4-6 weeks to make and deliver your Custom suit or shirt.

Be patient, maybe go learn a new trade or language… quality takes time.

Step 6: Wait, Come Back!

“Hi, your suit is in store — ready for a new stage of handsomeness?”

We’ll call you and get you back into store for a final fitting and to collect said handsome garment. Go forth and conquer; reel in the compliments!

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BANKABLE CHECKS Go the way of the maverick and bounce these new business checks in spring

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MASSACCIO NAVY JACKET $599 AUD $669 NZD / MASSACCIO NAVY TROUSERS $299 AUD $329 NZD / ADKINS BLUE SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD / NUNZIO INDIGO TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD / WESTBY DENIM HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD

VERDINO NAVY JACKET $699 AUD $799 NZD / VERDINO NAVY TROUSERS $299 AUD $329 NZD / TARON BLUE SHIRT $89.95 AUD $99.95 NZD ABERTO GREY KNITTED TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD

PASQUALE NAVY JACKET $699 AUD $799 NZD / PASQUALE NAVY TROUSERS $399 AUD $469 NZD / ODELL WHITE SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD / ABERTO NAVY KNITTED TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD / TANNAR BLUE HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD

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WEDDINGS: IN SQUAD WE TRUST To ensure no style hangovers on what should be the biggest milestone of a man’s life, make sure what you wear en route to the wedding is a close second to the big day itself.

Pre-Game Style Weddings these days are rarely just one day/night affairs. More often than not they will take up a full weekend or, if hosted internationally, be a weeklong bacchanalian festivus. Rather than hire a sherpa to bring your entire home wardrobe, you’ll want to take a few choice pieces that can double up during the day and night. Take your pick from the outfits below the lads are swashbuckling around the streets of Lake Como in. All three looks are mixand-match specialists, meaning you can sub in a different jacket and pair of trouser/shorts. For those guys looking for something original and different, note our Indaco printed jacket (far left) and Jack Tan suede leather jacket - both new to the brand.

Game Day You can take your pick from any of the images in this magazine as to what you want your game day suit to be, but if you’re looking for something timeless and classic you can’t go past our navy Saunders suits. Available in eight different incarnations - single-breasted & double-breasted jackets in Drop 7 (classic) and Drop 8 (slim) fits, navy jacket with black satin lapel, single- & double-breasted waistcoats and trousers. It means the groom can, say, bang out a double-breasted jacket and have his groomsmen wearing the single-breasted options: all garments belong to the one sartorial family and are same-same, but different.

(LEFT) INDACO DENIM JACKET $499 AUD $599 NZD / LEXINGTON WHITE SHIRT $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD / BUCKLEY OATMEAL CHINO $149.95 AUD $169 NZD / MANILLO PRINTED HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD (MIDDLE) LEXINGTON BLUE SHIRT $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD / BENCHLEY PRINTED SHORTS $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD (RIGHT) JACK TAN LEATHER JACKET $799 AUD $899 NZD / MCQUEEN WHITE CHINO $129.95 AUD $149.95 NZD / BARROW INDIGO PRINT POLO $79.95 AUD $89.95 NZD (RIGHT) SAUNDERS NAVY DOUBLE BREASTED JACKET $599 AUD $669 NZD / SAUNDERS NAVY TROUSERS $299 AUD $329 NZD / PARLOUR WHITE SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD / KINSEY NAVY RED TIE $79.95 AUD $89.95 NZD / EVERARD BLUE HANKIE $29.95 AUD $39.95 NZD (MIDDLE) SAUNDERS NAVY JACKET $599 AUD $669 NZD / SAUNDERS NAVY TROUSERS $299 AUD $329 NZD / ERMANNO SKY SHIRT $179 AUD $199 NZD / LIGURIA WHITE BLUE HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD (RIGHT) SAUNDERS NAVY JACKET $599 AUD $669 NZD / SAUNDERS NAVY WAISTCOAT $199 AUD $229 NZD / SAUNDERS NAVY TROUSERS $299 AUD $329 NZD / ETHAN SKY SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD / SESTO NAVY TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD / LIGURIA WHITE/BLUE HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD 32

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“Happy the man - and happy he alone He who can call today his own, He who, secure within, can say, ‘Tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today’” - HORACE, ODES

In 23 BC following decades of civil war the Roman poet, Horace, sat down to write a tribute to his patron. The poem, titled Odes, featured a swathe of timeless advice, of which the Latin phrase Carpe Diem — seize the day — has since become immortalised. Carpe Diem translates literally as ‘pluck the days’ and Horace was comparing life to flowers: short lasting, but joyful. His advice, therefore, was to take our lives into our own hands and appreciate each moment before it passes. True wisdom exists in the appreciation of the present hour, he advised. Don’t torment yourself with anxiety about the future. We know not what tomorrow brings.

More than 2000 years on and what has changed? The global environment is still characterised by flux and shifting anxieties. We can’t change the past. The future is still out of reach. All we can control is the present — this hour, this moment.

“The joys I have possessed, in spite of fate, are mine,” Horace reflected. “…But what has been, has been, and I have had my hour.”

This is the spirit behind the M.J. Bale Spring 17 collection. Let’s not waste the hours of life. Let’s chance our arm. Take a risk. Aim high. Seize the moment.

We hope, in our own small way, that these are the garments to help give you the joy and confidence to make today your own.

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YEOVIL GREY SUIT $1995 AUD $2195 NZD AMERICAIN WHITE SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD ARLEY SKY TIE $79.95 AUD $89.95 NZD ARMANNO NAVY/SKY HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD

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“Simplicity, to me, has always been the essence of good taste.”

- CARY GRANT

(LEFT) FERRARO SLATE BLUE JACKET $599 AUD $669 NZD FERRARO SLATE BLUE TROUSERS $299 AUD $329 NZD ANDREA BLUE SHIRT $179 AUD $199 NZD ALANZO NAVY TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD AFFONSO RED HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD

(MIDDLE) GIULLARE BLUE JACKET $599 AUD $669 NZD GIULLARE BLUE TROUSERS $299 AUD $329 NZD DONOVAN PINK SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD CORWEN WHITE HANKIE $29.95 AUD $39.95 NZD

(RIGHT) PIO NAVY JACKET $699 AUD $799 NZD PIO NAVY TROUSERS $399 AUD $469 NZD LOCKE DENIM SHIRT $149.95 AUD $169.95 NZD MARLIANI BROWN KNITTED TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD MANILLO PRINTED HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD

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(LEFT) MASSACCIO NAVY JACKET $599 AUD $669 NZD MASSACCIO NAVY TROUSERS $299 AUD $329 NZD ADKINS BLUE SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD NUNZIO INDIGO TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD WESTBY DENIM HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD (MIDDLE) VERDINO NAVY JACKET $699 AUD $799 NZD VERDINO NAVY TROUSERS $299 AUD $329 NZD TARON BLUE SHIRT $89.95 AUD $99.95 NZD ABERTO GREY KNITTED TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD AFFONSO NAVY HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD (RIGHT) PASQUALE NAVY JACKET $699 AUD $799 NZD PASQUALE NAVY TROUSERS $399 AUD $469 NZD ODELL WHITE SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD ABERTO NAVY KNITTED TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD TANNAR BLUE HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD

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FANTASIA PINK JACKET $399 AUD $469 NZD TARRAGONA INDIGO TROUSERS $199 AUD $219 NZD VIGGO BLUE SHIRT $129.95 AUD $149.95 NZD AFFONSO GREEN HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD

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“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles…

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again.”

- THEODORE ROOSEVELT

ROMOLO INDIGO JACKET $699 AUD $799 NZD ROMOLO INDIGO TROUSER $399 AUD $469 NZD KESTER NAVY SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD MARKHAM NAVY/GREY $79.95 AUD $89.95 NZD AFFONSO RED HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD

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ARCIMBOLDO BLUE JACKET $599 AUD $669 NZD ARCIMBOLDO BLUE TROUSERS $299 AUD $329 NZD CHALMERS BLUE SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD MARLIANI BROWN KNITTED TIE $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD FANE TEAL HANKIE $39.95 AUD $49.95 NZD

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HOW TO STAY IN THE MOMENT If not now, when? How to appreciate and get the most out of life’s moment, both good and bad.

It’s easy to enjoy those blissful moments of life that sweep you away with euphoria. Indeed, there is a reason why the saying ‘time flies when you’re having fun’ exists. When you’re lost in the moment you’re completely absorbed in the now, with no thought or regard given to time — both past (memory) and future (anticipation).

But what about those everyday instances that are difficult or unpleasant?

How can we not only stay in the moment, but find something meaningful and worthwhile while we’re there?

The German-born philosopher and author, Eckhart Tolle, is a big believer in the concept that our inner self — our mind — isn’t always our best mate. ‘The thinker’, as he describes it, is in a constant state of judgement and flux, for better (survival) or worse (suffering). In his book The Power of Now, Tolle argues our minds aren’t engineered to process the unpleasant moment unless it’s through the prism of time, i.e. past or future.

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Tolle has this simple pearl of advice as to how to live in the moment, even on the surface that moment is an unhappy one: “Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it,” he writes. “Always work with it, not against it. Make it your friend and ally, not your enemy.”

By “honouring” the now, Tolle declares, “you no longer depend on the future for fulfilment and satisfaction… you are not attached to results.

Neither failure nor success has the power to change your inner state of being. You have found the life underneath your life situation.”

In this regard, Tolle is mirroring Taoist thought, which centres around the concept of being flexible, harmonious and going with the flow of life, not against it. As the Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism, Lao Tzu, said in the Tao Te Ching, written thousands of years ago: “Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realise there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”

IN PRAISE OF ‘PAPA’ The quintessential modern-day explorer and ‘warrior-poet’, Ernest Hemingway has always been a pillar of inspiration for M.J. Bale. Here we pay tribute to the man who could be “defeated but not destroyed”.

The only battle that Ernest Hemingway ever lost would be his final one.

In early July 1961 the giant of a man they called ‘Papa’ left hospital, where he had been undergoing electric shock therapy for depression and paranoia, and returned to his home in Idaho. There he put a shotgun to his head and killed himself. It was a cruel irony for one of the greats of world literature. “Every man’s life ends the same way,” Hemingway once wrote. “It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.”

Hemingway gained his fame as a Nobel- and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of books, iconic titles which are today still relevant as ever: The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, For Whom The Bells Toll, The Snows of Kilimanjaro, The Old Man And The Sea and Moveable Feast. Even though he claimed that paintings taught him how to write, he avoided extravagant, baroque words. Hemingway’s biographer, Carlos Baker, observed that he knew “how to get the most from the least, how to prune language and avoid waste motion, how to multiply intensities, and how to tell nothing but the truth in a way that allowed for telling more than the truth.” His closest friend, A.E. Hotchner, remarked: “Hemingway refused to accept the prevailing style of writing but, enduring rejection and poverty, had insisted on writing in his own unique way.”

It was the “basic life battle that had always intrigued Ernest,” said Hotchner, “a brave, simple man struggling unsuccessfully against an unconquerable element.”

Hemingway was very much in his own way a brave, simple man, and although he had his own life struggles, he invariably prevailed. He lived life to the full, and was much more than an author. The archetypal warrior-poet, Hemingway was a journalist, wartime correspondent, solider, fisherman, big game hunter, lion tamer, horse racing enthusiast, bullfight devotee and ski instructor. As an ambulance driver during World War One he took 227 bits of shrapnel in the leg, thanks to an Austrian mortar and machine gun fire. His kneecap hung down about his shin, yet he still managed to carry an Italian solider back to safety in the trenches, for which he was decorated. Throughout all times of crisis, though, he managed to live large. Seconded to an American and French platoon of Irregulars during World War Two, he was the first to liberate the famous Ritz hotel, celebrating by raiding the cellars and drinking from magnums of champagne.

He was not materialistic, keeping few possessions. “You can have true affection for only a few things in your life,” he once said, “and by getting rid of material things, I make sure I won’t waste mine on something

that can’t feel my affection.” He did, however, have a taste for the finer things: beluga caviar, champagne, rosé, whisky with a half squeeze of lime and long lunches. “The weekends are always on the verge of uproar, and sometimes over the verge,” his wife, Mary Hemingway, once admitted. He loved nice hotels, too. After he and Hotchner broke a window in Venice’s centuries-old Gritti Palace playing baseball in the room, Hemingway wanted to pay for the damage on check-out. Said the hotel manager: “In the three-hundred-year history of the Gritti, no one, to our knowledge, has ever played baseball in any of its rooms, and in commemoration of the event, Signor Hemingway, we are reducing our bill ten percent.” Driving away from the hotel Ernest turned to Hotchner: “Gritti was pretty damn chic about that window. Reminds me of the time I fired a pistol shot through my toilet at the Ritz — they were just as chic. Which just goes to prove that it pays to stay at the best places.”

A social raconteur, never happier that when in the thick of friends, booze and lively conversation, he was the master of what Hotchner called “the effortless accomplishment, the ability to assimilate simultaneous occurrences. In a room full of people he would give complete attention to the person he was talking to and yet monitor other conversations. It was never safe to assume that Ernest was either distracted or out of earshot.”

The big man loved horse racing with a passion. He would create betting syndicates with his friends — his so-called ‘co-conspirators’ — to beef up his purchasing power. When at the track he would wear a special pickpocket-proof jacket: a bespoke tweed coat, made by Hong Kong tailors with a deep, secret pocket to stash tickets and winnings. In Paris he would sit at a restaurant with views over the track and enjoy the most liquid and languid of lunches.

“There are some things which cannot be learned quickly,” wrote Hemingway, “and time, which is all we have, must be paid heavily for their acquiring. They are the very simplest things, and because it takes a man’s life to get to know them the little new that each man gets from life is very costly and the only heritage he has to leave.”

True, Hemingway ultimately paid a heavy price for his adventures, accidents, pride and deep sensitivity. However, as the man said himself: “Man can be destroyed but not defeated. Man can be defeated but not destroyed.”

We salute you, Papa.

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APERITIVO HOUR

APERITIVI

It’s time to acquaint yourself properly with the Italian culture of the aperitivo and digestivo

The culture surrounding the enjoyment of an aperitivo — aperitif / a drink before dinner — is so ingrained in Italian psyche that asking your mate to join you for a drink has become a verb: ‘fare un apertivo? (‘To make an aperitivo?’). Drinking alcohol is so closely associated with the enjoyment of food — in the case of the aperitivo you eat antipasti, small plates of food — that Italians don’t really drink unless they’re eating, and usually doing so standing up. What’s more, the Italians have always believed (and we’re inclined to believe them) that apertivo and it’s after-dinner sibling, the digestivo (digestif) is a valid pre- and after meal stimulation/digestion aid for the stomach. Indeed, most of Italy’s most famous spirits — Campari, Aperol, Cynar — started as herb-based medicinal drinks.

Take the blood red and bittersweet Campari, for example. Campari was invented by Gaspari Campari as a medicinal tonic: a kind of pick-me-up. Concocted with so many different bitter herbs and ingredients that no-one has ever successfully been able to replicate its formula, Campari became famous as the drink you have before dinner to awaken the stomach and sense. Likewise, the botanical and copper-coloured Amaro Montenegro, “the liqueur of the virtues” , was created in 1885 by herbalist and distller, Stanislao Cobianchi, to settle the stomach after the meal.

The culture of the aperitivo, though, is as much about lifestyle and reflection as it is about function. It’s a moment to meet up with a friend and press ‘pause’ on life before you go home to dinner and your partner and/or family; it’s a moment to reflect on the day’s event and chalk up any wins ‘or’ losses.

With that in mind, here are five delizioso aperitivi and digestivi to try this spring either out and about, or at home.

Campari soda: Classic blood-coloured drink made from one part Campari and 2-3 parts soda. If the taste is too bitter, replace the soda with freshly squeezed orange juice. Garnish with a slice of orange to bring out the drink’s character.

Aperol spritz: A light, colourful and therefore fancier drink for summer, particularly if you’re sipping with easy going friends. Go for the 3-2-1 combo. Combine 3 shots of Prosecco with 2 shots of Aperol and a dash of soda water (1 x shot). Garnish with a slice of orange.

Negroni: Everyone’s favourite, as evidenced by the now annual ‘Negroni Week’, combine 1 parts equal gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in an ice-filled glass; stir gently and garnish with an orange twist. If you want a more lighter taste, sub out the gin for prosecco (called a ‘Negroni sbagliato’)

DIGESTIVI

Montenegro: A deeply flavored, highly-drinkable digestif and perfect for after heavy meals (this one is an M.J. Bale staff dinner favourite). Pour 1-2 shots into a glass and fill with ice (preferably one large chunky square bit of ice — it just works better.

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Cynar: A dark and brooding digestivo made from all the bitter herbs, as well as artichoke (tastes better than it sounds), you can have this by itself (see above) or add a splash of tonic or soda to make it more fun.

DISCO DAPPER

Tuxedos you can (and should) dance in. Why every man needs a tuxedo he can dance and shimmy in (but not do the splits).

One of the most oft-heard expressions of our founder, Matt Jensen, is ‘everyone needs a tux you can dance in.” We’ve heard it that many times it’s office gospel. The reasons are obvious: attending a black tie event means it’s normally a milestone function — a wedding, big-end-of-town party or otherwise. It could be the biggest occasion of your life. You’re happy — deliriously happy— so what do you do? You dance — you have to have a dance!

It therefore goes without saying that you need the right gear to execute. We say: opt for comfort and conditioning, but never at the expense of style. You need a dinner/black tie jacket, preferably Merino wool for all that perspiration absorption, made with a soft, deconstructed shoulder (less padding) so you can easily rotate your arms (the ‘ole water sprinkler move).

Your level of dance skill notwithstanding, there are few more opportunities a man has in life where he can look sharp, graceful, cool and handsome doing so. Hit the floor, gentlemen.

(LEFT) VENETI BLACK TUXEDO $999 AUD $1099 NZD / BLACKROCK WHITE TUXEDO SHIRT $149.95 AUD $169.95 NZD / MAURICIO BLACK BOW TIE $69.95 AUD $79.95 NZD / CADEN WHITE HANKIE $19.95 AUD $29.95 NZD (MIDDLE) ROYALE BLACK TUXEDO JACKET $699 AUD $799 NZD / ROYALE BLACK TUXEDO TROUSERS $349 AUD $379 NZD / TERMAO WHITE TUXEDO SHIRT $149.95 AUD $169.95 NZD / MAURICIO BLACK BOW TIE $69.95 AUD $79.95 NZD / CADEN WHITE HANKIE $19.95 AUD $29.95 NZD (RIGHT) SAUNDERS BLACK PEAK TUXEDO JACKET $599 AUD $669 NZD / SAUNDERS BLACK SATIN TROUSERS $349 AUD $379 NZD / BLACKROCK WHITE TUXEDO SHIRT $149.95 AUD $169.95 NZD / MAURICIO BLACK BOW TIE $69.95 AUD $79.95 NZD / CADEN WHITE HANKIE $19.95 AUD $29.95 NZD

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BELLO FELLOWS

Dickie Greenleaf eat your heart out. Keep your cool this spring in M.J. Bale’s soft new linen and cotton jackets, shirts, polos, trousers and shorts.

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VIGGO BLUE SHIRT $129.95 AUD $149.95 NZD TARRAGONA INDIGO TROUSERS $199 AUD $219 NZD AFFONSO GREEN HANKIE $49.95 AUD $59.95 NZD

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RONAN BLOCK STRIPE POLO $79.95 AUD $89.95 NZD BRADFORD BLUE SHORT $89.95 AUD $99.95 NZD

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HOWARD WHITE POLO $69.95 AUD $79.95 NZD FORTUNATO NAVY TROUSERS $199 AUD $229 NZD

SIERRA RED JACKET $299 AUD $329 NZD ROWLAND NAVY TROUSERS $199 AUD $229 NZD AMERIGO WHITE SHIRT $179 AUD $199 NZD CALDER NAVY HANKIE $29.95 AUD $39.95 NZD

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“Are you tired of having sand kicked in your face?

I promise you new muscles in days!”

- CHARLES ATLAS

BARQUE NAVY SHIRT $109.95 AUD $119.95 NZD BRADFORD NAVY SHORT $89.95 AUD $99.95 NZD

LEXINGTON WHITE SHIRT $99.95 AUD $109.95 NZD VIAGGIO NAVY SHORT $149.95 AUD $169.95 NZD BERTON NAVY/INDIGO POLO $79.95 AUD $89.95 NZD BRADFORD STONE SHORT $89.95 AUD $99.95 NZD

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TRAGARA WHITE SHIRT $129.95 AUD $149.95 NZD BRADFORD BLUE SHORT $89.95 AUD $99.95 NZD

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ALGHERO PINK SHIRT $129.95 AUD $149.95 NZD SINKSY SAND TROUSER $199 AUD $229 NZD

ARLES NAVY SHIRT $179 AUD $199 NZD BRADFORD MILITARY GREEN SHORTS $89.95 AUD $99.95 NZD

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M.J. BALE’S CRIB NOTES ON ITALIAN WINE You might know a little about the wine of Tuscany and Piedmont, but what about the scores of other Italian wine regions? Here Alessandro Avataneo, the Turin-based author of Atlas of Italian Wine, gives us some crib notes

02.

01.

03.

04.

05.

07.

06.

09.

08.

10.

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01.

06.

Lombardy has a constant increase of sparkling wine production,

Viticulture in Liguria is marked by the difficulty of growing

Lombardy with Franciacorta leading followed by the raising quality at affordable prices of Oltrepò Pavese. A special mention for the pioneers of Valtellina, who keep harvesting Nebbiolo grapes at heroic heights.

02.

South Tyrol This region is full of surprise for white wine lovers, thanks to an impressive group of wineries that achieve constant quality. New little producers especially in the Isarco and Venosta valleys are bringing out the best from grapes like Riesling, Sylvaner and Pinot White and Grey.

Liguria vineyards on vertiginous slopes, an element that is on the other hand also their charm, as one can easily see in the Cinque Terre and Dolceacqua. Pigato from the famous Italian Riviera has a fresh medium-body white wine full of perfumes, perfect with the delicate fishes you can find here, but also Vermentino Colli di Luni is raising attention.

07.

Emilia-Romagna Emilia-Romagna presents the most interesting producers of Lambrusco, a wine full of personality suitable for easy consumption, as well as producers of Sangiovese grape from Romagna, a surprisingly lively situation that deserves more

03.

Trentino Trentino is known for their attractive sparkling wines and some

attention.

08.

Umbria

good examples of red derived mainly from international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon.

Umbria is an interesting region thanks to producers in Sagrantino di Montefalco who are evolving towards a less muscular style

04.

Friuli Venezia Giulia Recognised as the home of the finest Italian whites, Friuli Venezia Giulia has slowed down recently but still remains in vogue with names that have made history of the region, from the selection of Collio producers to Colli Orientali.

05.

Veneto Veneto is literally exploding with Prosecco phenomenon, where the highly valued production of DOCG (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin) Conegliano Valdobbiadene is likely to be confused with the

than a few years ago, but also whites of Orvieto appellation and grechetto grape-based wines are gaining proselytes also because of new wineries that work them seriously.

09.

Le Marche Le Marche is a beautiful Adriatic region. Look for producers from Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and Matelica as great whites internationally recognized, but the potential is all there, favored by these amazing grapes - Verdicchio and Montepulciano - and much lower prices for wines that can evolve in the bottle for decades.

10.

Lazio

indistinct mass of Prosecco grown in the plains and sold into hundreds of millions of cheap bottles worldwide. The

The situation is still confused in Lazio, but there are good red wine

production of Valpolicella can also be confusing due to its

examples of Frascati and Grechetto, as well as the little Molise,

huge price range. Keep an eye on the powerful and fruity

where nonetheless we should keep attention to some Aglianico and

Amarone and the simpler Ripasso.

Tintilia red based wines definitely worth tasting.

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NO COMO FOMO

Location, location, location… Behind the scenes with the M.J. Bale creative crew

M.J. Bale’s creative team got the nod to escape the Australian winter and venture to Lake Como in Italy’s north-east to capture this Spring 17 campaign. In between copious plates of prosciutto and the odd Campari soda, the team hit the streets of Cernobbio, Como Catherdral, the bar at the Grand Hotel Imperiali (quite a few times, to be fair) and the heritage Canottieri Lario Rowing Club to bring you these images. There were no sightings of George Clooney, but the guys did manage to hire his seaplane (close enough).

M.J. BALE STORES NEW SOUTH WALES Queen Street Woollahra Westfield Bondi Westfield Chatswood Westfield Sydney QVB Sydney Chifley Plaza Sydney Macquarie Centre Westfield Miranda Westfield Parramatta North Sydney Birkenhead Point Outlet DFO Homebush Warringah Mall Martin Place Alexandria

(02) 9327 6602 (02) 9388 0499 (02) 9419 4204 (02) 8246 9169 (02) 9261 2351 (02) 9232 6240 (02) 9888 5470 (02) 9524 7652 (02) 9687 9284 (02) 9959 5829 (02) 9819 7899 (02) 9746 1534 (02) 9939 1925 (02) 9235 2370 (02) 8322 1897

QUEENSLAND Wintergarden Brisbane Indooroopilly Robina DFO Brisbane Airport Central Plaza Chermside Pacific Fair Carindale

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Rundle Street Adelaide

St Georges Terrace Perth Enex 100 Perth Claremont

MYER STORES

Canberra Centre Canberra Outlet

MYER Sydney MYER Bondi MYER Chatswood MYER Melbourne MYER Doncaster MYER Chadstone MYER Brisbane MYER Carindale MYER Perth MYER Karrinyup MYER Adelaide MYER Macquarie

VICTORIA George Parade Melbourne Emporium Melbourne Rialto Melbourne Chadstone Chapel Street Westfield Doncaster DFO South Wharf DFO Essendon DFO Moorabbin Eastland

(03) 9662 4589 (03) 9654 4054 (03) 9620 1470 (03) 9564 7911 (03) 9620 1470 (03) 9848 2756 (03) 9099 1206 (03) 9374 2230 (03) 9583 9921 (03) 8080 9897

CUSTOMER CARE

(02) 8208 8800

(08) 8232 6884

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY (02) 6262 5245 (02) 6112 6303

(07) 3210 2929 (07) 3720 1485 (07) 5575 8496 (04) 7570 7980 (08) 9286 1828 (07) 3608 4273 (07) 5560 3481 (07) 3398 9466

(08) 9322 4703 (08) 9486 8692 (08) 9286 1828

(02) 9233 7326 (02) 9369 2865 (02) 9419 3462 (03) 9654 2692 (03) 8848 3100 (03) 9567 6264 (07) 3232 0121 (07) 3843 7108 (08) 9225 6705 (08) 9446 4810 (08) 8231 5864 (02) 8879 6100

NEW ZEALAND Shortland Street Newmarket

(64) 0937 72182 (64) 0952 31112

“You’re only given a little spark of madness.

You mustn’t lose it.”

- ROBIN WILLIAMS

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