Beyond the claptrap and cliche: Tim Ross' top architectural treasures
The idealised version is a three-bedroom home on a quarter-acre block in the suburbs with a Hills Hoist, a Holden in the driveway and a lawnmower defining a kingdom of neat grass.
But that cliche has never been the whole story, Ross said. A new exhibition opening at the State Library of NSW on Saturday, curated by Ross and specialist librarian Anna Dearnley, debunks the myth with stories of people and buildings that have shaped our homes.
For many Australians, the sound and smells of suburbia relates to freshly mown lawns.
But the inventor of the Victa motorised petrol mower, Mervyn Victor Richardson, escaped suburbia for Palm Beach once he made his fortune.
Ross said Richardson commissioned and built a mid-century modern home by architect Peter Muller on a rocky bushy block at Palm Beach that didn't look like any of the project homes going up across Sydney. 'He built this house that was virtually 'lawn-less',' Ross said.
Richardson's story showed how rapidly Australians took to the suburbs, and how deeply entrenched the backyard was in the Australian dream. As project homes went up across Australia, Victa sales rocketed from 1070 petrol-powered mowers in 1950 to 230,721 a decade later. It is estimated that the now overseas-owned company sold nearly 7 million mowers by 2002.
Ross said the photographs by famous photographer Max Dupain of Richardson give Muller and his home a 'part Bond villain, part Thunderbird look'. The pool had a swim-up bar which opened on to the living room and Richardson would commute via seaplane.
'It's a strange success story. If anything, the role [of the photo of the house] in the exhibition is to be that sort of knockout moment of architecture porn,' he said.
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The wine was matured for 18 months in American oak hogsheads. (100 percent new) - More reviews next week.
Man of Many
an hour ago
- Man of Many
11 Best Cardholders for Men
Unlike the best wallets for men—which encourage pocket hoarding with their roomy interior—the best cardholders simplify your life by sticking to the essentials. Using quality materials and compact designs, they often feature slim card slots and sometimes, you'll even find a small central pocket or an adjoining bill clasp. Leather reigns supreme, but don't sleep on alternatives like coated canvas or durable aluminium. You have your options, to say the least, and they begin with our curated list of the best cardholders for men. Pick one up and kiss your overstuffed pockets goodbye! Best Cardholders for Men at a Glance Highlights from our list include the following options: Now you've read our favourites, let's check out the complete list. Bellroy Card Slip | Image: Supplied / Bellroy 1. Bellroy Card Slip Price: AUD$85 Pros Cons Quality construction, streamlined design, and simple but handsome aesthetic. There might not be enough room to hold all your cards and there's no pocket for cash. Scroll horizontally to view full table Bellroy's high-quality, value-for-money wallets have been a favourite of ours for years, but the brand's new card slip is what we're using every day. This Australian brand is a master of leather goods and accessories, and its minimalist cardholder is no exception. Here, the focus is all about quality materials and finer details. Primarily forged from supple leather, its painted edges, embossed accents, and trusty stitchwork deliver expert examples of modern craftsmanship and a natural aesthetic. It holds room for up to four cards with a prominent rear slip pocket designated for the card you use most. If only everything in life were this simple! Craftsmanship details : 65% Leather, 30% Recycled Polyester, 5% Other materials : 65% Leather, 30% Recycled Polyester, 5% Other materials Dimensions : 65 × 105 × 2 mm : 65 × 105 × 2 mm Capacity : holds up to 4 cards : holds up to 4 cards Special features: rear slip pocket, quick-access sections, RFID protection Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Credit Card Case | Image: Supplied / Bottega Veneta 2. Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Credit Card Case Price: AUD$540 Pros Cons Ultimate premium leather construction, room for cards and cash, visual distinction, and minimalist branding from a name you can trust. The price might be right for quality of this tier, but it's expensive nevertheless. Scroll horizontally to view full table This swanky cardholder will cost you, but you know as much as soon as you see the Bottega Veneta name. Indeed, the Italian fashion house went all-in on premium leather, using lambskin for the exterior and sealing the deal with supple calfskin lining. Behold the Intrecciato weave pattern on both sides, lending the accessory a further tier of elegance and distinction. There's also a roomy central pocket for coins or cash. Finally, you can choose between a handful of colours, some of which are particularly vibrant and fun. Craftsmanship details : lambskin leather exterior with calfskin leather lining : lambskin leather exterior with calfskin leather lining Dimensions : 3.15 x 4.1 x .2 inches : 3.15 x 4.1 x .2 inches Capacity : 6 card slots plus a central pocket : 6 card slots plus a central pocket Special features: unique Intrecciato pattern Carl Friedrik Foley in Dark Olive 3. Carl Friedrik Foley Price: AUD$335 Pros Cons High-end full-grain, semi-aniline bovine leather construction. Curved silhouette easily slides into the pocket of your trousers or jacket. Priced close to designer options on our list, but without the designer name. Scroll horizontally to view full table This one was a bit of a surprise for us because it comes from a premium travel goods brand, Carl Friedrik, who hasn't released a new all-leather accessory in four years. These guys know how to make a high-end carry-on bag, so it's no surprise that this vertical cardholder is one of the best on the market. It features a subtly curved silhouette that easily slides into your pocket, four card slots, and a hidden side-opening compartment for storing receipts. However, it's the use of materials that stood out to us with full-grain, semi-aniline bovine leather construction that's finished in a grained texture, offset by smooth vachetta leather. It's not cheap, so we're not going to say it's unexpected to find such high-end materials, but it's a welcome addition, and will comfortably find its place in the jacket of any tailored suit. We selected the Dark Olive colourway for the image above, but it's also available in Black and Chestnut. These colours match other products in the brand's Sonder collection, which extends to other travel goods like passport sleeves and bags. Craftsmanship details : Full-grain, semi-aniline bovine leather : Full-grain, semi-aniline bovine leather Dimensions : Width: 6.8 cm (2.7 inches) Height: 10.5 cm (4.1 inches) Depth: 0.5 cm (0.2 inches) : Capacity : 8 cards and 2 notes, concealed side-opening pocket for receipts : 8 cards and 2 notes, concealed side-opening pocket for receipts Special features: Monogram detailing Ekster Cardholder Pro | Image: Supplied / Ekster 4. Ekster Cardholder Pro Price: USD$99 Pros Cons Durable aluminium construction, room for up to 14 cards (and some cash) that eject from the case, customisable add-ons, and more. This cardholder might offer too many bells and whistles for some users, thereby overcomplicating its intent. Scroll horizontally to view full table Cardholders have taken off as a product category over the last few decades and it's paved the way for brands like Ekster, which often step outside the box to embrace new materials and concepts. So goes the Cardholder Pro and its metallic makeup of 100% recycled aluminium. Slim and sturdy at first glance, the EDC includes innovative features like an expandable backplate and a one-touch card ejector. It's also compatible with customisable attachments, including a coin tray or wallet tracking device. Put it all together and you get the functionality of a wallet plus nifty extras, all squeezed into a pocket-friendly framework. Craftsmanship details : 100% recycled aluminium construction : 100% recycled aluminium construction Dimensions : 0.6 x 4.25 x 2.4 inches : 0.6 x 4.25 x 2.4 inches Capacity : holds up to 14 cards between two compartments : holds up to 14 cards between two compartments Special features: customisable add-ons, touch-button mechanism, expandable backplate, RFID protection Smythson Flat Card Holder | Image: Supplied / Smythson 5. Smythson Flat Card Holder Price: AUD$335 Pros Cons The use of Panama leather results in a distinctive texture while signature brand detailing drives home the heritage vibe. Here we have another cardholder that will cost you a pretty penny and not necessarily provide something that you couldn't get from a cheaper alternative. Scroll horizontally to view full table UK-based Smythson has been a luxury brand of choice amongst British royalty and other famous clientele for over a century and counting. Their Flat Card Holder is a masterwork of minimalism that lets the quality material, cross-grain texture, and logo detailing do all of the talking. Speaking of quality material, this one is crafted from the brand's own Panama leather, the same leather used by their founder when he invented the first featherweight diary all the way back in 1908. Choose from among a variety of striking colours and prepare to fall in love with this cardholder and its timeless allure. Craftsmanship details : cross-grain calf leather construction : cross-grain calf leather construction Dimensions : 4 x 3 inches : 4 x 3 inches Capacity : 5 card pockets plus a central pouch : 5 card pockets plus a central pouch Special features: logo embossing, unique texture Louis Vuitton Double Card Holder | Image: Supplied / Louis Vuitton 6. Louis Vuitton Double Card Holder Price: AUD$550 Pros Cons Coated canvas construction plus the name Louis Vuitton equals a long-lasting, high-quality accessory that doubles as a status symbol. Another luxury entry with a high price to match. The visual layout might not be to everyone's taste. Scroll horizontally to view full table When only the finest craftsmanship will abide, look no further than the French house of Louis Vuitton. The luxury brand's Double Card Holder hails from their Monogram Eclipse collection, hence the visual design of its exterior. Crack open the central pocket to discover the ultimate sign of quality, i.e. the label's trademarked emblem. Thanks to the use of coated canvas, this product will last years and withstand all kinds of elements (water, heat, etc) in the process. A costly investment perhaps, but one that's worth making. Craftsmanship details : coated canvas exterior with cowhide leather lining : coated canvas exterior with cowhide leather lining Dimensions : 11 x 7 x 1.5 cm : 11 x 7 x 1.5 cm Capacity : 4 card slots plus a central pocket : 4 card slots plus a central pocket Special features: signature Monogram Eclipse design Status Anxiety Together For Now Wallet | Image: Supplied / Status Anxiety 7. Status Anxiety Together For Now Wallet Price: USD$49.95 Pros Cons Quality leather construction, simple layout, custom lining, and a great price. You get what you pay for in this world, meaning this cardholder might wear down sooner than some counterparts. Scroll horizontally to view full table 'Quality over quantity' is the prevailing mantra at Aussie lifestyle brand Status Anxiety, and this unisex cardholder follows suit. It cultivates pure minimalism through its unfettered design, compact measurements, and premium construction, complete with custom brand lining. If you're looking to simplify your life and bolster your EDC arsenal in one fell swoop, consider this your one-and-done. Pick a colour and go. Craftsmanship details : shrunken soft pebble leather construction : shrunken soft pebble leather construction Dimensions : 10 x 7.5 cm : 10 x 7.5 cm Capacity : 4 card slots plus a stash pocket : 4 card slots plus a stash pocket Special features: custom lining, blind embossed logo Montblanc Meisterstück Card Holder 6CC | Image: Supplied / Montblanc Meisterstück Card Holder 6CC 8. Montblanc Meisterstück Card Holder 6CC Price: USD$270 Pros Cons Supple calf-skin leather construction and black fabric lining make this a masterpiece of texture. Finished with brand detailing on both sides. The slots and central pocket deliver something of a tight squeeze and can start to show wear as a result of the friction when you remove cards or other items. Scroll horizontally to view full table Like Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta, Montblanc is synonymous with top-shelf construction and luxurious design. Their Card Holder 6CC puts those tenets in one place, with six card slots and a central pocket for folded bills or receipts. To touch the exterior is to run your fingers over the smoothest and finest leather, complemented by black fabric lining. Look for the brand's iconic symbol on one side and embossed text on the other, and accept no substitutes. Craftsmanship details : calfskin leather exterior with fabric lining : calfskin leather exterior with fabric lining Dimensions : 3.94 x 0.2 x 3.15 inches : 3.94 x 0.2 x 3.15 inches Capacity : 6 card slots plus an additional pocket : 6 card slots plus an additional pocket Special features: brand emblem Goyard Saint-Sulpice Card Wallet | Image: Supplied / Goyard 9. Goyard Saint-Sulpice Card Wallet Price: USD$480 (approx. AUD$765) Pros Cons This minimalist cardholder is all about the quality of its construction, the allure of its visual design, the inspirational underpinnings, and the name Goyard. 'You paid how much for that cardholder?' is a question owners should be prepared to hear. At the very least, make sure you get a real one (and not a knock-off). Scroll horizontally to view full table Goyard's Saint-Sulpice Card Wallet was inspired by a French church of the same name, which isn't to mention the brand's own exclusive reputation and distinguished heritage. The resulting aesthetic is downright head-turning and truly one-of-a-kind, easily making it one of the best cardholders. Putting visuals aside, this is an ever-ready classic that combines a durable coated canvas exterior with premium leather lining to offer lasting quality. Effortlessly compact, it holds room for your essential cards and slips into your pocket with ease. Meanwhile, the very name Goyard is quite esteemed so this one should hold its value for ages. Craftsmanship details : coated canvas exterior with leather lining : coated canvas exterior with leather lining Dimensions : 10.5 x 0.2 x 7 cm : 10.5 x 0.2 x 7 cm Capacity : 4 card slots plus a central pocket : 4 card slots plus a central pocket Special features: unique visual design inspired by France's Saint-Sulpice Church Ridge Wallet in Royal Black | Image: Supplied / Ridge Wallet 10. Ridge Wallet Price: USD$95 (approx. AUD$150) Pros Cons Durable construction, room for plenty of cards plus cash, RFID protection, and other features make this one a functional powerhouse. The metallic construction might scratch other things in your pocket or damage the cards themselves. Some users also find it difficult to retrieve their cards from the holder. Scroll horizontally to view full table No, this isn't a sponsored inclusion on our list of the best cardholders! The Ridge Wallet might be the most advertised cardholder wallet hybrid on the internet, but we've chosen to add it to our list because it's stood the test of time thanks to a highly functional, pragmatic design that lets you hold up to 12 cards. It comes available in an epic variety of colours and with either a cash strap, money clip, or both. The price is right and the durability is top notch so consider this the last cardholder you may ever need to buy. And if it ever does break down, you can easily replace the screws or elastic. Craftsmanship details : 6061-T6 aerospace-grade aluminium construction : 6061-T6 aerospace-grade aluminium construction Dimensions : 86 x 54 x 6 mm : 86 x 54 x 6 mm Capacity : up to 12 cards plus a cash strap or money clip (or both) : up to 12 cards plus a cash strap or money clip (or both) Special features: RFID protection, expandable design, replaceable components LOEWE Puzzle Plain Cardholder in Classic Calfskin | Image: Supplied / LOEWE 11. LOEWE Puzzle Plain Cardholder in Classic Calfskin Price: AUD$470 Pros Cons A stunning geometric pattern and eye-catching embossment put this compact cardholder in a class of its own. LOEWE is also very well-known for the top quality of their leather construction. If the name LOEWE doesn't mean much to you, then this cardholder might not be worth the lofty price. Scroll horizontally to view full table Designer brand LOEWE adorned this cardholder with the same geometric pattern found on their iconic Puzzle bags. Made in Spain from premium calfskin leather, it covers the basics but with an extra touch of quality construction and luxurious distinction. Yes, you get four card slots and a central pocket, but you also get the aforementioned puzzle pattern along with a stylish anagram embossment. And this is a brand that truly knows its leather! Craftsmanship details : calfskin leather construction : calfskin leather construction Dimensions : 7.5 Width x 0.3 x 10.3 cm : 7.5 Width x 0.3 x 10.3 cm Capacity : 4 card slots plus a central pocket : 4 card slots plus a central pocket Special features: geometric pattern, embossed anagram-style emblem What Features Make a Great Cardholder? Consider the features and practicality of each cardholder: Slim profile : The central idea behind cardholders is that they offer a more pocket-friendly and compact alternative to wallets. : The central idea behind cardholders is that they offer a more pocket-friendly and compact alternative to wallets. Card and cash capacity : Some cardholders are designed to hold only cards while others have both card slots and either a billfold attachment or a central pocket. : Some cardholders are designed to hold only cards while others have both card slots and either a billfold attachment or a central pocket. Security features: RFID-blocking technology is offered on some cardholders to prevent identity theft and other intrusions. Look at the quality of the materials and how durable it is: Materials : We don't argue with leather, but materials like aluminium and coated canvas are potentially more reliable. : We don't argue with leather, but materials like aluminium and coated canvas are potentially more reliable. Craftsmanship : Where are the materials sourced? Is the brand known for quality construction? : Where are the materials sourced? Is the brand known for quality construction? Durability: Different types of material (including different types of leather) will deliver different levels of durability. There are many different styles of cardholders. Choose one that suits your needs: Design : Are you looking for something slim and sturdy, something more refined, or a mix of both? : Are you looking for something slim and sturdy, something more refined, or a mix of both? Branding : A brand emblem can be both a sign of quality and a status symbol at the same time. Proceed accordingly. : A brand emblem can be both a sign of quality and a status symbol at the same time. Proceed accordingly. Functions: Are there expandable or discreet compartments? Does it have built-in RFID protection? Will the materials last during outdoor activities? Why You Should Trust Our List With more than a decade of hands-on experience in the men's lifestyle category, the authors of this article, Ben McKimm and Jacob Osbourn, have had the chance to test the best cardholders on the market. Jacob has an eye for technical detail, while Ben has his focus on design, and together, they've selected a concise list of their favourites based on the factors considered above. If you'd like to recommend a cardholder for Man of Many to test, please get in touch! Frequently Asked Questions About Cardholders What is the difference between a cardholder and a wallet? A cardholder is generally slimmer than a wallet and intended to hold essential cards (license, credit cards, etc), often featuring a central pocket for bills. By contrast, wallets typically fold out and feature card slots, hidden compartments, and a larger pocket for cash. Are cardholders better than traditional wallets for everyday use? Whether or not one needs a cardholder or a traditional wallet will vary from person to person. If you're the type who uses their phone or the same two credit cards to pay for everything and doesn't have a lot of memberships, then you might find a cardholder to be far more preferable than a wallet. How many cards can a slim cardholder hold? Brands are finding all kinds of ways to cram extra space into small areas so there's no one answer to this question. That said, slimmer cardholders tend to hold room for anywhere from 4 to 6 cards. Can a cardholder fit cash, or is it strictly for cards? Cardholders are generally designed to hold cards, but many feature a billfold or expandable components for cash. Do cardholders come with RFID protection? Some cardholders have built-in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) protection to ward off savvy thieves who may be trying to steal their identity or credit card information (as things like passports and credit cards use RFID). Are leather cardholders worth the investment? Quality leather is meant to last a long time and take on more character (i.e. patina) as it ages. However, even high-quality leather can wear down after extensive use or prolonged exposure to certain kinds of weather (extreme heat, constant rain, etc). Hence, leather cardholders are only worth the investment if they're made from high-quality leather and properly maintained. How should I care for and maintain a leather cardholder? To best care for a leather cardholder, it should be cleaned occasionally with a soft cloth or special brush. You can also condition it with a leather conditioner to keep it from drying out, letting it air dry afterwards (as opposed to using a heat source). All the while, you should be keeping the leather away from moisture or direct sunlight, both of which can cause near-instant damage and wear.
