Our latest Digital Edition has arrived, and with it, a celebration of style, substance, and the individuals shaping the culture of now. In our TASTEMAKERS issue, we go beyond surface trends to uncover the architects of taste: the artisans, craftspeople, creatives, and engineers whose influence defines how we live, drink, travel, and dress. Carefully curated for the contemporary age, think of this edition as a roadmap to the people and products that are redefining the human experience.
From the Editor-in-Chief
In matters of taste, there can be no disputes. For the longest time, I’ve viewed style as a sort of quiet rebellion; a declaration of discernment that is entirely, and unequivocally, your own. This digital edition is a celebration of that very idea.
TASTEMAKERS, our second long-form project of 2025, spotlights the individuals and institutions who choose not to follow trends but to create them. From actor Charlie Vickers, whose digital cover story paints the picture of an artist with rare conviction, to Henry Cavill, the polished powerhouse who’s proven that timeless style can still command a room. These are men whose taste extends beyond the physical and deep into the realms of the ideological. It’s in how they carry themselves, how they speak and more importantly, how they live.
Of course, taste doesn’t merely exist in front of the camera. In this issue, journalist Rob Edwards pulled back the curtain on one of the country’s most revered exports. Venturing deep into the heart of the nation’s style heritage, he sought to uncover the rare and remarkable stories of the artisans behind iconic bootmaker R.M. Williams. What he unearthed was a story of raw emotion, pride and legacy.
Elsewhere, we explored the meticulous craftsmanship behind TAG Heuer’s newest F1 releases, a horological nod to both innovation and precision. And in true Man of Many fashion, we took a moment to indulge, from the perfect Old Fashioned cocktail to James Halliday’s private wine cellar, a vault of vinous wisdom few have ever seen.
So, here’s to the TASTEMAKERS, who aren’t afraid to forge their own path and set the tone for the future of great flavour, style, design and ideology. Enjoy the issue.
Nick Hall
Editor-in-Chief
TASTEMAKERS
In today’s culture of immediacy, a true tastemaker is hard to find. With social media proving to be the antithesis of creativity and AI force-feeding our own thoughts back to us, authenticity is becoming a rare trait. But it isn’t completely extinct. All around us, creative craftspeople, brands and artists are making steps towards a new and exciting future, often at the expense of comfort.
In this issue, you’ll meet the people and creators who define that ethos. Whether it’s Henry Cavill’s approach to enduring elegance, Charlie Vickers’ evolution from rising star to leading man, or the artisanal precision behind TAG Heuer’s latest F1 collection, every feature in this issue takes you on a journey of values and philosophy.
Across this Digital Edition, we examine taste not simply as a passing fad, but as a marker of personal prestige. We sat down with former Australian rugby legend turned politician David Pocock to discuss the importance of standing up for your team, spoke with the team behind Australia’s burgeoning luxury travel sector and explored why Lark master distiller Chris Thomson’s new project threatens to challenge the very notion of what whisky can be.
This issue is a tribute to those who move the needle, who paint with purpose rather than by numbers. The stories here are rich and layered, much like the people they profile and a testament to the lasting impact of personal conviction. We invite you to slow down, savour the details, and discover what it means to live with intention. Welcome to TASTEMAKERS.
Charlie Vickers is Coming Home
Charlie Vickers is on the rise. After breaking into Hollywood with an acclaimed performance as the delightfully devilish Sauron in the hit Amazon Lord of the Rings project, The Rings of Power, Vickers has quickly become one of the nation’s most exciting theatrical exports. Now, he’s returning home.
The 32-year-old is currently starring in Netflix’s The Survivors, an adaptation of Jane Harper’s novel of the same name that focuses on the small, coastal town of Evelyn Bay and a series of deaths that echo through the years. In many ways, the new project echoed Vickers’ unique path.
A big-town man returning to his small-town roots; connecting with the inherent Australianness of it all; The Survivors is as much a nod to Jane Harper’s source material as it is to Vickers’ own life. It was a project that proved too good to pass up.
How TAG Heuer Revived the F1 and Salvaged an Icon
As the official timekeeper for Formula 1, the iconic watchmaker is helping to write a bold new chapter in the sport’s remarkable story. Paved with precision, underpinned by legacy and driven by innovation, TAG Heuer’s connection to motorsport is undeniable, but as we approach the midway point of the historic 75th anniversary season, one thing has become clear: the legendary Swiss watchmaker is keeping pace with time, technology and tradition all at once.
10 Most Powerful New Cars on Sale in Australia
It’s no secret that Lamborghini and Porsche dominate the automotive power stakes, but in recent years, the industry has shifted. The return of heritage marques such as Aston Martin and Maserati has revitalised the need for speed. At the same time, Ferrari’s decision to stay steady on the V12 engine has reignited a new love of naturally aspirated performance, but you may be surprised who tops the list. These are the vehicles that are pushing a new era of performance viability.
Menswear Icons You Should Own: R.M.Williams Comfort Craftsman
Nothing fits this bill with more precision than the Craftsman boot from R.M.Williams. In a world full of Chelsea boots, R.M.Williams’ take on this style stands entirely apart. It does so in two key ways: through its signature aesthetic and the philosophy that underpins it.
In this round of Menswear Icons You Should Own, Man of Many’s new series exploring wardrobe essentials, we’ll explore how this inherently Australian boot has become our nation’s defining piece of footwear.
Why Mercedes-AMG’s New Concept Could Change the Game
For years, the blight on electric vehicles has been their long charging times, not to mention an inherent lack of power. With the unveiling of the new 1,000 kW CONCEPT AMG GT XX, Mercedes-AMG has put those reservations to bed. Fusing ridiculous acceleration, cutting-edge design and an electric motor that can charge as fast as you can refuel your gas-guzzler, this could well be the game-changer that challenges even the most fervent of petrol-heads.
The ‘Intangibles’ Behind Australia’s Favourite Whisky
Thirty years ago, Lark Distilling Co. lit the fuse on a national spirits revolution, but as master distiller Chris Thomson explains, Australia’s pioneering whisky label hasn’t lost its sense of curiosity. In an open discussion with editor-in-chief Nick Hall, Thomson reveals that Lark isn’t chasing great whisky, but rather moments of true levity. He can’t explain what it is and where it comes from, but it’s as real as it gets. Maybe there is something in the water down in Tasmania.
Henry Cavill is a Man of Elegance and Complexity
“I’ve loved every moment, even the difficult ones. Having my hand at the tiller, rather than at the whims of others, especially for something that I love so dearly, has been a reassuring experience.”
Henry Cavill knows how to make an entrance. The Hollywood A-Lister has spent years grinding out roles in blockbuster films, pushing his body to the limits and committing wholeheartedly to the cause, all in service of the medium. From his turn as the Man of Steel to his much-revered take on Geralt of Rivia, the British star has demonstrated a remarkable ability to disappear into a character, but his latest role calls for nothing of the sort.
As Longines’ new Global Ambassador of Elegance, Henry Cavill has placed his considerable cachet behind the Swiss watchmaker, long known for producing some of the most refined timepieces money can buy. This partnership between the Hollywood leading man and the iconic maison has certainly hit the ground running with the outstanding new Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925.
The Subtle Art of the Perfect Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Old Fashioned isn’t just a cocktail, it’s a cultural cornerstone. Born in the smoky saloons of 19th-century America, the simple blend of whiskey, bitters, sugar and citrus peel has ended Prohibition, undergone a reinvention, and caught the wave of home-grown mixology to become arguably the most famous drink in the world. But is there really one true method for making the best Old Fashioned?
The Biggest Questions around iOS 26, Answered
With Apple set to deliver the biggest update to the iPhone’s software since 2014’s iOS 7, a new generation of smartphone performance is officially on the way. In this forward-thinking guide, tech expert Dean Blake takes you behind the scenes with iOS 26, unpacking the tips, tricks, features and benefits that will revolutionise how you use your iPhone now and in the future. Get ready for Siri 2.0.
David Pocock on Walking the Walk, While Talking the Talk
The rugby legend and current ACT senator has always been a man of conviction and rarely backs down from a fight. Here, we chat about how he transitioned from the footy field to the Senate floor.
In this edition of our regular series That Escalated Quickly, journalist Dean Blake sits down with the sports legend turned politician to unpack his goals for a potential second term, how the lessons he learned in international footy have helped him in the halls of power, as well as how he’d like to be remembered.
Why Longines is Banking on the Vintage Watch Trend
Mark my words, Longines’ retro-revival should be studied. In a market where tech-laden smartwatches and ultra-modern designs dominate headlines, the Swiss watchmaker is leaning into its past to shape the future. With a renewed focus on vintage-inspired designs, Longines is tapping into a wave of nostalgia that’s sweeping through the watch world, and it may end up paying dividends.
Keegan Hipgrave is Tackling the Tough Stuff
At just 24 years of age, Keegan Hipgrave was medically retired from the National Rugby League: a career he had bet his hopes, dreams, and future on. Plucked from the game before his prime, the sporting star had to figure out a new path forward. It’s enough to give anyone anxiety, but following a tragic encounter with a friend’s suicide years earlier, he already had the pieces he needed. Now, he’s making a serious impact.
The Cinematic Seven: A Guide to This Season’s Blockbusters and Blunders
Want to know what (and what not) to put on your watchlist this season? Journalist and film critic Rob Edwards takes a deep dive into the best new films coming to cinemas over the next three months. From big-budget blockbusters like Superman to the lesser-known gems that we otherwise might have missed, The Cinematic Seven has the latest releases on lock.
In this instalment of our upcoming release series, Rob showcases the latest from James Gunn, Tim Robinson, Zach Cregger and more. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Life, Legacy and Remarkable Lineage of the Cartier Tank
Few would have imagined that a watch born from the trenches would have such a lasting impact on avant-garde elegance, but therein lies the intrigue of the Cartier Tank. An icon of understated luxury, the timepiece has adorned the wrists of visionaries and style-makers alike. This is the story of how curiosity forged one of history’s most influential timepieces.
Inside Australia’s Most Important Private Wine Collection
Often decisive, rarely mistaken and never dismissed, there is a reason why James Halliday AM is regarded as the Godfather of Australian Wine. But what does the industry’s most influential wine critic actually drink? In a landmark move that signals the end of an era, Halliday has put over 1,800 of his most cherished bottles up for grabs. Here’s what we found out.
Joseph Quinn and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai on the Brotherhood of Warfare
“It takes a lot of heart to bring out a story like this. It’s such a personal event, and such a traumatic one. I had to do it right”
Brutal, bloody and borderline traumatising, Alex Garland’s controversial new A24 film Warfare pulls no punches. Ahead of the film’s official theatrical release, journalist Dean Blake sat down with lead actors Joseph Quinn and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai to unpack the bleak and horrifyingly realistic military combat epic. Woon-A-Tai, in particular, bore the gravitas of true-to-life storytelling on his slender shoulders.
The Reservation Dogs actor plays real-life veteran Ray Mendoza, who co-directed Warfare and was on set for the entirety of the filming. As he explained, the process of putting this film together was more than just a standard shooting script. In many ways, Warfare felt like an acknowledgement of the brutality of combat.
Marc Fennell is Uncorking the Wine Industry’s Dirtiest Secrets
At first swirl, the world of wine appears a seductive blend of old-world charm and new-world flair, but beneath the decadent soil of the elitist industry lies a deep, dark secret. Walkley Award-winning journalist and self-confessed connoisseur of the second-cheapest bottle on the menu, Marc Fennell takes us inside the sordid underbelly of the viticulture scene. What lies at the bottom of the bottle, he explains, is not a story about wine, but rather, of obsession.
Take a Step Inside Australia’s ‘Billion Dollar Playground’
If a change is as good as a holiday, then the luxury travel industry is set for an evolution. Once reserved for the upper echelon of society, the segment has skyrocketed in recent years, transforming from a pipe-dream to a multi-billion-dollar global industry, and it’s only getting stronger. Ahead of a blockbuster showing in BINGE’s new real estate reality show, Billion Dollar Playground, Luxico founders, Alexandra and Tom Ormerod, share their predictions for the state of travel.
Suite Spot: The EVE Hotel Is Sydney’s Most Considered Stay Yet
Some hotels you sleep in, and other hotels feel like a long-awaited exhale you didn’t know you were holding. The EVE Hotel Sydney is the latter.
In this instalment of our luxury escape series, Suite Spot, John Guanzon takes us inside The EVE Hotel, the latest addition to the reimagined Wunderlich Lane precinct in Sydney. Enchating, understated and entirely modern, the new boutique destination is setting a new benchmark in considered, quietly confident design.
The Hidden Wellness Club of Sydney’s Elite
Blink and you might miss it. Tucked in between skyscrapers and service doors in Sydney’s financial district, you’ll find a fitness haven you’ve probably never heard of, but alas, that’s the point. There are no bright sandwich boards out front, no in-your-face flags with bright “$0 joining fee” messaging. Just a clean, polished logo on the wall and a discreet entrance. Take a step inside Soma Health & Wellness Club and see how the other half lifts.
How to Master the Subtle Art of Seasonal Layering
With winter in full swing, now’s the perfect time to hone your layering skills. From shirt jackets and classic cardigans to relaxed hoodies and quilted puffers, the cooler months call for a touch of elegance, but not all layers are created equal. In this fashion feature, style hound Rob Edwards provides the ultimate seasonal approach to building an ensemble with the help of dynamic premium menswear retailer MR PORTER.
The Man of Many Digital Edition is a quarterly online publication highlighting key stories of success and determination. For more information on how to get involved or to share a story, contact [email protected] and be sure to sign up to our daily newsletter.
Authors – Nick Hall, Ben McKimm, Rob Edwards, Dean Blake, John Guanzon.
Design & Production – Nick Hall, John Guanzon, Dianne Caliwan, Beatrix Boon.
Special Thanks – Netflix, Audible, Keegan & Co
Sales & Partnerships – Elliott Barsby, Marcus Hurley, Alex Martinez.
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