The FirsT BriTish issue
ut of the four fashion capitals in the world, London holds a certain regal charm. Be it the ever-looming presence of the monarchy or their colorful flamboyance in menswear (despite the gloomy weather), there is something in the air that makes this multicultural city shine. It also stands tall with irrepressible talents who have made their mark on the world’s stage.
One prime example is the man on our cover, Asa Butterfield. This acting prodigy has been in the limelight across the continents, who appearances in “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” which is notably packed with acting heavyweights from the U.K., and the upcoming “The Space Between Us” which is, quite literally, out of this world. The future seems bright, and Butterfield sure is a great contender for England’s finest export on the big screen.
On the runways, though, English models carry their own weight with an inimitable European flair. Championing that prim and proper Englishman image on campaigns and fashion spreads is Andrew Cooper, who is perhaps better known as the face of Dunhill London. On the other end of the spectrum, model of the moment John Halls exudes a rockabilly look that transcends beyond the isles under the Union Jack. The former soccer player has been on the runways of Armani and Dolce & Gabbana, among others, successfully reinventing himself off the field of sport.
Maybe that’s what makes Brits all the more arresting and interesting. They might seem so set in their ways that we cannot help but feel all too familiar with, but they can also take us completely by surprise as they reinvent themselves through impressive skill and creativity. A fellow United Nation SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Mover, Hannah Al Rashid is the last—but definitely not the least—English personality in this very special issue. Now calling Jakarta her home, she is on the fast lane to make real changes, in and off the big screen.
Aside from these exclusive features, this issue serves up a bevy of other British-oriented stories, from the art scene to the traveling destinations. Quite appropriately, all this makes this issue the very first of DA MAN’s British issue. It is personally very special to me, and, hopefully, to you, too. Until the next chapter, I wish you all a happy New Year.