FROM THE EDITOR: DNA #275 – Summer Down Under
ISSUE: DNA #275 – Summer Down Under Issue | BUY
This month, micro-briefs, giant’s shoulders and celebrations!
Do you remember what your dad’s swimwear looked like? I have a very clear memory of my dad’s because he seemed to have the same pair for at least a decade! They were what we’d call swim shorts now. Not trunks, not boardshorts, not tight, not floppy – just eminently sensible “dad bathers”. Elasticised waist. A brown and white print that was not-quite-a-floral. And all the dads had the same thing, unless they were sporty dads and had speedos.
The range of swimwear on offer for men today would boggle my dad’s mind if he was looking. This month we showcase swimwear trends for the Summer Down Under (page 48) and the big trend is… less. Yes, once again, swimwear is smaller. Now, hold on, you say. Didn’t you say this last year? Yes, I did. We called it the Less Is More season and celebrated that swimwear was getting sexy again after a few years drifting towards dad bathers!
This year the cuts are even tighter – lower across the waist, higher over the thigh and designed to show off everything. So I’ve called it the Briefer The Better season. Take ThePack, for example, who have added the thong to their swimwear range. Along with cuts that expose a lot of flesh, both Pump and Rufskin have utilised fabrics that reveal more. And both Rude Rainbow and Code 22 have designed ranges that demand attention. Everything new has a distinct look-atme quality. I think it reflects a confidence and optimism that we haven’t felt for a while. It’s extroverted and playful and ready to party.
And, as we head into the Summer Down Under, party is what we’re gonna do! WorldPride rolls into Sydney in February and March 2023 and the city is gearing up for a spectacular time. The party on Bondi Beach is going to be epic, the Pride walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge will be a moment to treasure, and the live festival music events in the Domain will bring a depth to Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ summer celebrations that we have not seen before. To all our overseas friends, come party with us.
In this month’s issue, we’re excited to welcome back cover star Ryan Greasley. It’s been nine years since he first appeared on the cover and, as cute as he was back then, he now has a definite masc swagger. We love the gritty, sweaty feel of the shoot by Anthony Michael, too. Since we first met Ryan he’s qualified as a nurse, travelled, and built a huge online following. It’s been great to catch up with him (page 34).
Also celebrating this month is Rufskin; the unique Californian menswear brand marks 20 years in the business (page 72). Personally, and on behalf of everyone at DNA, I’d like to congratulate Hubert and Douglas on that achievement. Surviving and thriving as a small, independent company in the fashion industry is no mean feat. To do so in menswear is even more impressive, and to have done it without cutting corners or compromising on creativity and integrity is so admirable. Everyone in creative industries understands these challenges and I salute you and thank you for your continued partnership with DNA.
Another hero of mine is rugby league legend, Ian Roberts. There is no stopping him. He’s acting, he’s running educational workshops, he’s involved in Qtopia, a project to establish a permanent LGBTQIA+ museum in Sydney before WorldPride! He has always been a role model and continues to lead by example. It’s a privilege to have a new interview and photoshoot with him in DNA (page 42).
Elsewhere this issue we review Bros, My Policeman and I Wanna Dance With Somebody, check out the latest books and music, and tell the story of That Summer, In Love… a beautiful photo portfolio by David Velez (page 60).
Until next month, enjoy, be kind, be loved.
Founding Editor
Andrew Creagh
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