ROCK STARS
October / November 2016 |www.cheektochic.co.za
2 | Editor’s Letter
Editor’s letter
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elcome to a bonanza of high jewellery pieces- the “rock stars” of the luxury world. If you loved our Van Cleef and Arpels cover shot, you will be blown away by the beauty and savoir faire of some of the world’s most legendary brands.
Ferrari might be resisting the lure of the luxury SUV but there are some gorgeous new models on the 2016 front, from the Jaguar F-Pace to the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, which comes in a snazzy orange, and of course the whole gamut of Mercedes-Benz SUVs.
Wrist candy du jour includes the new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Pearlmaster 39 model, set on the bracelet and watch face with dazzling diamonds, as well as Rolex’s 2016 Cosmograph Daytona model; both were unveiled at Baselworld this year.
Top fragrances for spring for men and women include an evocative scent from African luxury fragrance brand Frazer Parfum, which supplies Harrods with their distinctive Idiom Parfum du Vin, and featured in the Merchants on Long popup shop in Paris.
This issue’s style icon is talented, quietly spoken Johannesburg designer Thula Sindi. Celebrities like Venus and Serena Williams love him and he was once invited into Valentino’s atelier for a cup of tea and a chat. South African potstill brandies have been dominating the global spirits market, with some superb vintages from Oude Molen and Richelieu. Cross-pollination is always good … while keen South African golfers play on some of the best UK golf courses, their UK counterparts enjoy the glorious golfing sunshine and G&Ts in some of the world’s most beautiful settings - another jewel in South Africa’s crown. It’s the era of the self-driving car and brands like Uber, Tesla and Google have joined the revolution. Mercedes-Benz South Africa launched its tech-forward Vision Van at the recent SA Festival of Motoring.
Cheek2Chic explores the possibilities of being a tourist in your own city, starting off with a very comfortable and much needed stay and spa treatment at the five-star Hyatt Regency. Cartier Fifth Avenue Maison has had a facelift, kicking off with a spectacular party in New York, while Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrated 80 years of the Reverso at the Venice Film Festival this year. Fund raising event Chefs who Share moved to Johannesburg for a week of glamorous dinners which raised over R2-million for Youth Development.
Sarah Cangley Cheek2Chic Editor
Cover picture: Van Cleef & Arpels Grand Opus necklace: White gold, round, baguette-cut and princess-cut diamonds, buff-topped square-cut emeralds, white cultured pearls, 3 carved emeralds for 127.88 carats (Colombia). Transformable necklace, earrings and clip with detachable pendants. © Van Cleef & Arpels
QUAMTA produces leather luxury accessories inspired by the unique natural beauty of Africa and are influenced by the renaissance of art and design movements across the continent
Pictures supplied by: David Morris London
4 | High Jewellery
Oval white diamond watch with oval diamond strap and blue mother of pearl and diamond dial set in 18ct white gold. 25.56ct Opal cabouchon ring with round diamonds, pink and yellow sapphires and mixed semi-precious stones set in 18ct white gold. Price: ALL POA Stockist: www.davidmorris.co
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64.55ct Burma sapphire cabouchon ring with white diamond micro-set entwined band set in 18ct white gold. Price: ALL POA Stockist: www.davidmorris.com
DAVID MORRIS
n its 50 years of existence top London jeweller David Morris has designed an iconic creation of turquoise, lapis lazuli and diamonds for the Miss World Crown, and enjoyed a clientele which included Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Noor of Jordan, Empress Farah Pahlavi of Iran, Princess Margaret and Princess Anne. David Morris gems have graced the silver screen in many of the James Bond film and is still recognised today as the jewellery brand synonymous with the James Bond franchise.
Founder David Morris began his career in Hatton Garden in the 1960s, creating innovative designs, meticulous craftsmanship and trendsetting colour combinations. More recent successes include the Rose Cut Diamond signature collection. Named after its resemblance to the petals of a rose bud, the rose cut diamond was introduced early in the 16th century but replaced in popularity by the modern, brilliant-cut diamond. The beauty of these diamonds lies in their many facets, giving them an almost translucent appearance.
www.davidmorris.com
Pear shape and round white diamond Le Jardin Bracelet set in 18ct white gold.
Pictures supplied by: Boodles
6 | High Jewellery
Boodles ‘Pas de Deux’ 26.05 carat pear shape morganite drop pendant with diamonds in platinum, POA, www.boodles.com
Boodles ‘Greenfire’ cushion cut emerald heart pendant in platinum with diamonds, POA, www.boodles.com
Boodles ‘Greenfire’ cushion cut Colombian emerald ring in platinum with diamonds, POA, www.boodles.com
BOODLES
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he Boodles story started in 1798 and today Boodles is an exciting British fine jeweller with a truly individual personality and a committed focus to achieving excellence in all facets of design, craftsmanship and service. Boodles are the only British jewellers to offer the coveted Ashoka diamond, which is renowned both for its rarity and for the incomparable sparkle of its 62 facets.
creative partnership revealing the creative affinity between ballet and jewellery. Although the Pas de Deux Collection can be admired simply as a collection of jewellery, the knowledge of the connection adds an extra dimension, like being let in on a secret.
Fancy coloured diamonds are also an important part of Boodles’ repertoire.
A chevron setting becomes the stretched calf and foot of a dancer mid-extension; the light catching a platinum curve as it seems to roll away from the shadow of a sharp edge evokes spot-lit physical forms; and stones balanced seemingly impossibly on a single point bring to mind a highly-trained dancer “en pointe”.
An exciting collaboration with the Royal Ballet has led to a unique
http://www.boodles.com/high-jewellery
“Pas de Deux” diamond cuff
Pictures supplied by: Asprey
8 | High Jewellery
Tear DropPink Tourmaline Earrings
Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
Pink Tourmaline Necklace
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ASPREY
sprey, whose flagship retail store is located on New Bond Street, London, has supplied crowns, coronets and sceptres for the world’s royal families and has held a Royal Warrant of appointment from the Prince of Wales since 2013. Asprey has come to define British luxury on the basis of its core values of quality, refinement and innovation. Founded in 1781, Asprey has grown to take a premier position in the jewellery industry and also offers the most exquisite timepieces by partnering recently with Bovet 1822 and Rolex. Master jewellers use only the finest and rarest precious stones, creating each Asprey piece by hand, including bridal and high jewellery pieces.
Asprey also offers an unparalleled selection of coloured diamonds. In the 19th century, Asprey sold timepieces and clocks manufactured in the United Kingdom that were considered leading items of luxury and sought around the world. Asprey also has a branch in St Moritz. Stockist details Asprey, 167 New Bond Street London W1S 4AY 020 7493 6767 www.asprey.com
Triple Drop Daisy Heritage Earrings
Daisy Heritage Aquamarine Ring
Pictures supplied by: Van Cleef & Arpels
10 | High Jewellery
Emeraude Ballerina Clip
Saule Necklace
Eventail Noir et Blanc Ring
Florida Between the Finger Ring
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
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or over a century, Van Cleef & Arpels has been combining unparalleled craftsmanship, technical prowess and innovation in all its creations.
Van Cleef & Arpels has always been inspired by the unique creative energy of love, for it was love which brought the Maison into being. Towards the end of the 19th century, Estelle Arpels – the daughter of a dealer in precious stones – met Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a stone-cutter. It was the beginning of a love story like no other, and in 1895 they were married.
In 1906 Van Cleef & Arpels were among the first jewellers to settle in Place Vendôme in Paris, directly opposite The Ritz. Van Cleef & Arpels has provided legendary clients such as Maria Callas, Princess Grace of Monaco, Barbara Hutton and the Duchess of Windsor with unique pieces that defy time. The maison’s new Emeraude en Majesté collection bears witness to the special attachment that Van Cleef & Arpels has always felt for this precious stone. http://www.vancleefarpels.com/
12 | High Jewellery
Tiffany bow brooch with emerald-cut tanzanite in platinum and bow of round diamonds in 18 karat yellow gold
Pictures Credit: Tiffany & Co.
Ring with a princess-cut, 2.02-carat diamond and baguette diamonds; ring with baguette and round brilliant diamonds.
Cuff links by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. (from left): shells with red paillonné enamel and diamonds, textured seeds, umbrellas with blue paillonné enamel, umbrellas with green paillonné enamel.
TIFFANY & CO
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ince 1837, the masterpieces of Tiffany & Co have defined style and celebrated the world’s great love stories.
Over the years, Tiffany & Co has introduced the world to diamonds of breathtaking brilliance and a marvellous selection of previously unknown colored gemstones. Crowned with a white ribbon, the Tiffany Blue Box is an international symbol of style and sophistication. The world has been enthralled with the distinctive Blue Box since Charles Lewis Tiffany mandated that the coveted boxes could
only be acquired with a Tiffany purchase. Tiffany Blue Boxes make hearts beat faster, and epitomise Tiffany’s great heritage of elegance, exclusivity and flawless craftsmanship. The Blue Book, first published in 1845, is an annual showcase of Tiffany & Co’s finest craftsmanship and inspired artistry. A catalyst for wonder and dreaming, it introduces the world to the best of everything Tiffany stands for and challenges the imagination with fantastical couture jewels that push the limits of possibility and creativity. www.tiffany.com
Tiffany necklace in 18 karat gold with rose-cut diamonds and rock crystal Photo Credit: Š Tiffany & Co.
14 | High Jewellery
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CLASSIC WINSTON™ SAPPHIRE RING – Oval sapphire, 10.30 carats, with tapered shield-shaped diamond side stones weighing a total of 1.20 carats, set in platinum. – Price Upon Request
· CLASSIC WINSTON™ EMERALD RING – Octagonal emerald, 10.08 carats, set as a ring with tapered baguette diamond side stones weighing a total of 0.70 carats, set in platinum. – Price Upon Request
Pictures Supplied by: Harry Winston
· CLASSIC WINSTON™ YELLOW DIAMOND RING – Radiant fancy vivid yellow diamond, 5.47 carats, with tapered baguette diamond side stones weighing a total of 0.97 carats, set in platinum and 18K yellow gold. – Price Upon Request
Winston Cluster Diamond Chandelier Earrings, 23.01 carats, set in platinum – Price Upon Request
HARRY WINSTON
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arry Winston’s innovative design philosophy – in which the individual gemstones, rather than the metal settings, would dictate each design – helped to revolutionise fine jewellery designs, and remains at the cornerstone of a timeless aesthetic that continues to inspire all Harry Winston creations. From the acquisition of some of the world’s most famous gemstones, including the Jonker, Hope, and Winston Legacy Diamonds, to adorning generations of famous faces, from Hollywood legends to international Heads of State, for over
eight decades, the Harry Winston name has been synonymous with the best that there is. Founded in New York City in 1932, by Harry Winston – an innate gemologist, an intuitive business man, and a dedicated philanthropist – the brand continues to set the standard for the ultimate in fine jewellery and high-end watchmaking. Today, the House of Harry Winston has retail salons around the world, including: New York, London, Paris, Geneva, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
www.harrywinston.com
Harry Winston diamond earrings
Pictures Supplied by: Cartier
16 | High Jewellery
Cactus de Cartier ring, 18-carat yellow gold, emeralds, carnelians, set with a brilliant-cut diamond. Picture: Vincent Vulweryck Š Cartier
Diabolo de Cartier ring, 18K yellow gold, set with 6 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.39 carats. Picture: Vincent De La Faille Š Cartier
Yellow gold, emeralds, black lacquer, brilliant-cut diamonds Body in silk satin hand-pleated by the Maison Lognon and illuminated with gold dust. The crocodile jewel can be worn as a brooch and the chain as a necklace.
CARTIER
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spirit of excellence has always driven Cartier since its inception by master jeweller Louis-Francois Cartier in 1847.
Diamonds, emeralds, rubellites, beryls, blue or green sapphires all go beyond appearances so that the magic can unfold and make light, designs and colours come alive.
His grandsons, Pierre, Louis and Jacques, set out to build an empire, with influences ranging from India and China to Russia and America.
The second collection, Cactus de Cartier, is a bold, free-spirited collection of powerful, sculptural pieces.
This boldness, modernity and innovation combine with heritage of the maison to create the unmistakable style that is Cartier.
Putting a twist on traditional sources of inspiration, Cartier reveals the secret, distinctive beauty of these fascinating, uncompromising plants that we dare not touch, but observe from afar.
Cartier released two new collections this year. The first collection, Magicien, transforms sublime stones and precious materials into virtuoso creations.
http://www.cartier.com/
QUETZAL Bracelet and Ear cuffs Cartier Magicien Picture: Ben Hasset @Cartier
18 | High Jewellery
Picture supplied by: Chopard
Haute Joaillerie Bracelet
Fleurs d’Opales Ring
Haute Joaillerie Brooch
CHOPARD
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n 1860 Louis-Ulysse Chopard, a talented young craftsman, established his workshop in the village of Sonvilier, Switzerland. By virtue of their precision and reliability, his watches gained a solid reputation among enthusiasts and found buyers as far afield as Eastern Europe, Russia and Scandinavia..
the high-end watch and jewellery industry.
In 1921, the founder’s son, Paul Louis Chopard, opened a branch in La Chaux-de-Fonds and then in 1937 moved the firm to Geneva.
The romance between Chopard and the Red Carpet began in 1998, when Chopard became the Cannes Film Festival’s official partner, adorning the world’s greatest actresses with two Haute Joaillerie collections in particular, the Green Carpet and Red Carpet collections. http://www.chopard.com/high-jewellery
Renowned for its creativity, its state-of-the-art technology and the excellence of its craftsmen, Chopard is a leading name in
Caroline Scheufele is responsible for the ladies’ collections and high jewellery, while her brother Karl-Friedrich Scheufele manages the gents’ collections and the Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier.
HAUTE JOAILLERIE NECKLACE
20 | High Jewellery
Picture Supplied by: Piaget
Exceptional high jewellery watch
High jewellery ring
Exceptional high jewellery watch
PIAGET
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t was in La Côte-aux-Fées, a small village in the Swiss part of the Jura, that Georges Édouard Piaget sketched the first strokes of what, decades later, was to become an inimitable signature in the world of luxury and fine watchmaking. In 1874, he started his first workshop on the family farm and devoted himself to making high-precision movements that he supplied to the most prestigious brands. Today Piaget’s high jewellery and watches draws inspiration from a strong historical legacy and modern themes with a wide range
of styles reminiscent of Hollywood glamour, magic gardens and the many facets of celebratory occasions. Each Piaget design plays on the fluidity of materials and the radiance of light, thanks to the exceptional talent of its jewellers and gem-setters. Each design gives way to a new emotion: from diamond drops that trickle down the neck, quivering foliage that embellish and frame the face and the firework-like explosion of gems. http://int.piaget.com/
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A high jewellery brooch
22 | High Jewellery
Picture Supplied by: Faberge
Palais Tsarskoye Selo Turquoise Small Pendant
Palais Tsarskoye Selo Turquoise Small Pendant Pendant Earrings
FABERGÉ
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abergé, the world’s most iconic artist jeweller, creates extraordinary jewellery, timepieces and objets d’art, as well as bespoke commissions for a discerning international clientele. Founded in 1842, Fabergé has been the most revered name in jewellery ever since Peter Carl Fabergé became official goldsmith to the Russian Imperial Court; the house created exquisite jewels and objects, including the legendary series of lavish and ingenious Imperial Easter Eggs. In 1917, the Russian Revolution brought an abrupt end to the Romanov dynasty, and to the House of Fabergé.
History came full circle in October 2007 when Fabergé, under new ownership and direction, announced the reunification of the Fabergé brand with the Fabergé family. This opened a new chapter in the intriguing story of Fabergé, and set the stage for a total revitalisation of the Fabergé name and philosophy, in tune with its original values, aesthetics and spirit. Today, Fabergé takes inspiration from its storied past to create eternally original pieces. By painting with the world’s finest coloured gemstones, Fabergé explores the art of colour. http://www.faberge.com/
Fabergé Emotion Blue Sapphire Thin Ring Fabergé Emotion Ruby Thin Ring
Picture credits: Laziz Hamani
24 | High Jewellery
BAROCCO Necklace African Paraiba tourmalines 326.21 cts. Diamonds, white gold CHIMERA Necklace Pear-shaped diamond 3.03 cts. Diamonds, white gold, pink gold beads.
GIAMPIERO BODINO
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orn in Turin, Giampiero Bodino discovered his deep passion for three-dimensional volumes and the beauty and function of shapes whilst designing cars for Italdesign; an experience that caught Gianni Bulgari’s attention, offering him the chance to move to Rome to design jewellery..
With the support of Richemont, he has been active since 2011 in the creation of the High Jewellery Maison bearing his name, which is profoundly and proudly Italian. The Maison opened its doors in November 2013.
Ten years later he moved to Milan and opened his first studio for the creation of jewellery, watches and accessories.
He says: “My vision is that the Maison that bears my name should be profoundly Italian. It should combine all that is the most stunning and poetic of Italy with a resolutely contemporary ’anima’”.
An increasingly closer collaboration with the Richemont brands brought him to work exclusively for the Group in 2000, becoming its Art Director in 2002.
http://www.giampierobodino.com/en/
ROSA DEI VENTI Necklace Pink tourmalines, rubellites, rubies, black spinels, pink gold.
26 | High Jewellery
Picture Supplied by: Bulgari
Part of the B Zero1 ring collection with Pink gold bangle bracelet with black ceramic (The gold bangle and the ring go together)
The Diva’s Dream Collection, B Zero1 Pink gold bangle bracelet with black ceramic Pendant and Earrings
BULGARI
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ounded in 1884 in Rome Bulgari pays homage to its Roman roots, even though its founder Sotirio Georgis Bulgari was originally Greek.
He created pieces in a “Neo-Hellenic style” combining elements of Byzantine and Islamic traditions and featuring allegorical floral and foliate motifs. The Bulgari jewels of the 1920s were further influenced by Art Deco geometric and in the 1930s became more imposing with diamonds combined with coloured gemstones. At the end of the 1940s Bulgari introduced their iconic snakeshaped bracelet watches, known as the Serpenti collection,
which is one of their most prevailing motifs. The 1950s and 60s saw a colour revolution, further influencing Bulgari jewellery, and forming the brand’s distinctive and unmistakable signature. A generous use of cabochon gemstones in prominent positions added to the DNA. Today Bulgari jewellery is renowned for its opulence and colour and the jewels of the 21st century remains faithful to the hallmarks of the original style. http://www.bulgari.com/
The Serpenti Eyes on Me collection
28 | Watches
Picture credits: Rolex
THE OYSTER TURNS 90
The launch of the Oyster Octagonal in 1926 was a defining event and this year Rolex celebrates 90 years of the Oyster, 
the first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch in the world with special dials in some of its new Oyster models at Baselworld 2016.
Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona
30 | Watches
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he Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, created by Rolex in 1963, is an iconic man’s watch linked with speed and motor sport. This model has established an extraordinary track record in the world of motor sport thanks to its reliability and performance. In 2016 Rolex introduced a new version of its Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in 904L steel, with a monobloc Cerachrom bezel, developed and patented by Rolex, in black ceramic. This latest evolution is a blend of high technology and sleek aesthetics, and pays tribute to the heritage of this legendary chronograph. The black bezel is reminiscent of the 1965 model that was fitted with a black Plexiglas bezel insert.
This year Rolex introduced a new version of the Oyster Perpetual Pearlmaster 39, a treasure among its gem-set watches for women. In 18 ct Everose gold and adorned with the rarest diamonds, this interpretation is a tribute to Rolex’s expertise in gem-setting, with flawless stones perfectly aligned and set by hand. Also on show was the Oyster Perpetual Pearlmaster 39, in 18 ct white gold set with 36 brilliant-cut diamonds and an aubergine coloured dial (above). https://www.rolex.com/
31 | Title
The new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Pearlmaster 39 model
32 | Style Title Icon
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Pictures by: Sipho Cindi
ohannesburg-based Thula Sindi was invited to show in Paris in 2007 and has been around the world since. Today he has two stores, headquarters in the inner city district, a growing celebrity client for his glamorous womenswear and was even invited to view Valentino’s atelier in Rome.
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TELL ME ABOUT THE BIRTH OF THE THULA SINDI BRAND? WHAT WAS THE MOMENT WHEN YOU TOLD YOURSELF “I AM GOING TO BE A DESIGNER”? I have always been interested in fine art even as a very young child and came to Johannesburg when I was 13, to attend the National School of the Arts. But it was only around 16 or so that I thought fashion was a great way to bring together all the elements that I love about fine art – colour, proportion and contrast - and to combine them with something very dynamic that most people get involved in and consume, which is clothing.
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WAS YOUR INVITATION TO SHOW AT COUTURE FASHION WEEK IN PARIS IN 2007 A TURNING POINT FOR YOU? WHAT DID YOU TAKE FROM THE EXPERIENCE? Yes, it was. Gavin Rajah pulled me into that project and believed a lot in my talent. Even though I was 22 I had been making clothes and learning the theory of fashion since I was in matric. And Paris was great. My collection was very well received and it was a turning point. People started to recognise my name and that I had real technical prowess and an interesting point of view. So I am forever grateful for that.
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WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE AS RETRO WITH A MODERN TWIST - CLOTHES THAT ARE TAILORED, YET EMINENTLY FEMININE AND FLATTERING, WEARABLE YET SMART? I wouldn’t say retro per se, but I do love a classic silhouette. I think the body is always the starting point for all kinds of design. There are some designers who negate the body, but I always like to work with the woman’s body and show it off in the most flattering way. That might seem a little bit classic and retro but I love modernity, modern fabrics and technology.
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web of what is going on. You will find most designers from Sydney to Accra all feel the same thing at the same time. It’s about zeitgeist. I am inspired by fabrics and new techniques of cutting. I really love it when people invest in their wardrobe and start to build it up like a library. My work is not trend based, I am really trying to create future classics. My main directive is creations that are not fast consumables.
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DO YOU MAKE A DISTINCTION BETWEEN COMMERCIAL AND COUTURE GARMENTS?
I don’t actually. I only have one line and it’s Thula Sindi. We have different price points for different offerings within that. There needs to be one brand, one message, but within that there should be a lot of options. Sometimes people want to wear a simple T-shirt or a fuller beaded gown. All of that is the Thula Sindi label: none of that is the poorer relation or the rich cousin of the brand. It is so exciting for people to come in and buy a more expensive dress in the same way they come in and buy a R400 scarf .The customer themselves make no distinction and it is very archaic of us designers to think consumers want a cheaper version. If you want a certain wine you don’t want a watered down version but would rather save up and get the original.
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DO YOU FIND THAT HAVING A CELEBRITY BASE WORKS WELL FOR YOU? FOR EXAMPLE: HAVING ACTRESS TERRY PHETO OR VENUS AND SERENA WILLIAMS WEAR YOUR DESIGNS. For me it’s always been a great endorsement because I don’t product place or do freebies, so are these are all people who buy my clothes. Most of the time I am so surprised, because next thing I know I see something online or in the paper.
THE CRAFTSMANSHIP AND FINISH IN YOUR GARMENTS STANDS OUT. IS FIT AND FINISH ONE OF YOUR MANTRAS?
It’s great they find value in what I do and communicate my brand to other people because each of them has her own customer base and audience that is vital.
Definitely. I focus so much on how clothes feel to the wearer, because it’s an experience that fast fashion has removed.
The nice thing about celebs is that they are not models, and all of them have different shapes and live different sorts of lives. When a potential customer sees Terry, who is beautifully curvy, fitting into my things and looking great or Serena, who is very glamorous but very active, wearing something made by Thula Sindi, this speaks to her.
There are adults who come to my store who have never felt the sensation of a pure silk lining or something beautifully cut which holds you at the right places. It’s a great experience. Once you wear beautiful clothes it’s hard to go back. I love creating beautifully made, beautifully cut clothes, exceptionally wearable clothes, and seeing them on the street makes me so happy.
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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT INSPIRE YOU? DO YOU FOLLOW TRENDS OR YOUR OWN DICTATES?
As a creative person I am always plugged into the world wide
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YOU HAVE SHOWN YOUR DESIGNS AROUND THE GLOBE … HAVE YOU ANY PLANS TO OPEN STORES IN ANY OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES, EUROPE OR THE US? I’m constantly looking for new opportunities especially now that the retail bug has bitten. Even though the US market is showing a bit of growth markets are really tough right now.
Pictures by: Sipho Cindi
34 | Style Icon
Q&A Europe is stagnant and business is not easy on African continent, when it comes to logistics, although I am stocked in a few boutiques in Nigeria, Angola and the UK. I would rather focus on wholesale customers and at some later stage expand an online store to deliver internationally.
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YOU MET WITH VALENTINO IN 2012 IN ROME. HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT AND HOW DID YOU END UP VISITING HIM IN HIS ATELIER? I was at The Luxury Conference in a hotel in Rome and was invited to a dinner where I was seated at a table opposite Mr Valentino and his partner. They called me over and said: “Hey, you are interesting what are you doing here?”
I told them I was a designer and they wanted to see my work. Luckily I had my phone with tons of pictures and showed them. “This stuff is really great. You must come to the atelier and see what we do, it’s something you would really love,” they told him. Part of me thought they were joking but the next thing I knew their assistant came and took my name and number and where I was staying. The next day a car came for me and took me to their atelier where I got to speak to the creative directors. It was such an amazing experience, seeing how the business of fashion works, not only from the couture side.
It inspired me to open my own brand new headquarters at 66 Anderson Street, in the Johannesburg CBD, my third acquisition for this year!
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DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO EXPAND YOUR LINE INTO ACCESSORIES SUCH AS SHOES, BELTS HANDBAGS AND JEWELLERY?
Yes I do. Actually in the store I have beautiful cork shoes and bags. I don’t have anything against leather but love cork because it is so lightweight and durable. We make our cork accessories in Portugal where most of the cork comes from and work with artisans there that make beautiful shoes and bags. I have also made an ostrich bag called the “mini T bag”. Slowly but surely we are going into this category with sunglasses and denims. So at the moment we do have bags, some wallets, a few shoes a few belts, mostly cork, some ostrich and we are building on that.
“I always like to work with the woman’s body and show it off in the most flattering way. That might seem a little bit classic and retro but I love modernity, modern fabrics and technology”
Picture Supplied by: KWV Limited Edition
36 | Brandy
THE AMBER ELIXI
IR TURNS GOLD
38 | Brandy
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outh Africa might be the fifth largest producer of brandy in the world but brandy connoisseurs unanimously agree that some of the finest brandies are from South Africa. Underpinned by some of the most stringent legislation in the world - they must be distilled twice in copper potstills and aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks – refined, elegant and opulent South African brandies are giving cognac a huge run for its money. Strangely enough, brandy does not occupy the same position in South African society as wine or whisky; it is perceived as being more about geselligheid (being gregarious), nursing a glass and nosing its fragrance after dinner with friends quietly at home, rather than ordering something expensive in a restaurant in order to show off. Perceptions are about to change. South African brandies are consistently voted best in the world at international competitions such as the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) and the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Our brandies have won the international “Best Brandy in the World” award at the IWSC 11 times in 14 years. The champion trophy winners at IWSC 2016 were Richelieu XO, winner of the Cognac Trophy, and Distell’s Van Ryn’s 12-yearold Distiller’s Reserve as Worldwide Brandy Trophy 2016. At the ISC soon afterwards, KWV was named Best Brandy/ Cognac Producer and its KWV 15-year-old won Best Brandy. In addition, Klipdrift Premium from Distell was named 2016’s World’s Best Brandy at the World Brandy Awards. The accolades don’t stop coming. At the Global Spirits Masters blind tasting Oude Molen XO, one of South Africa’s oldest brandy distilleries, recently won Gold at the 2016 Global Spirits Masters, with its new handcrafted premium Cape Brandy. The word “brandy” comes from the Dutch “brandewijn”, which means burnt or distilled wine. South Africa’s first brandy was distilled in 1672 by a Dutch chef, as huge quantities of wine from France were in danger of being spoilt by the long sea journeys down to the Cape and needed some form of preservation.
France provides the South African brandy industry with the wood from trees which have been growing for 100 years; the wood is then aged in the open for another two years. During the wood maturation process the spirit acquires its typical amber colour as well as a number of flavour components, giving the brandy a sweet, yet spicy character. Two examples of potstill brandy are the Nexus 30-year-old from KWV and the Van Ryn’S 12-year-old Distillers Reserve from Distell. Besides the estates like Upland Organic Estate, which adds edible gold leaf to its brandy, these two companies are the two main brandy-making companies in South Africa.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION KWV 30 Year Old Potstill Brandy. Contains Potstill Brandies up to 40 years old. COLOUR Golden Amber FLAVOUR
On the nose it is sweet associated strawberry jam and honey which is well balanced with cinnamon and a smoky aroma complimented by old woody tawny port flavours. TASTE A well-balanced brandy with a long velvety aftertaste and notes of spices, caramelised fruit and ground coffee beans.
Picture Supplied by: Upland Estate
KWV NEXUS 30 YEAR OLD POTSTILL BRANDY
Picture Supplied by: Distell
40 | Brandy
%ABV 38%
COLOUR Lustrous, deep golden amber.
ORIGIN Brandy distilled in the Western Cape
FLAVOUR A complex range of ripe and dried fruits with dark berries, plums and dried apricot with aromas of vanilla, cinnamon and sweet tobacco.
PRODUCT STORY A blend of potstill brandy, distilled from mainly Chenin Blanc and Colombar grapes and that was nurtured and matured in French oak barrels for 30 to 40 years in the majestic KWV maturation cellars. After maturation it was blended to perfection by the Brandy Master. SERVING SUGGESTIONS Neat or on the rocks VAN RYN’S 12 YEAR OLD DISTILLERS RESERVE PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Van Ryn’s 12 Year Old Distillers Reserve Potstill Brandy has won the trophy for the “Worldwide Best Brandy” six times to date, three times at the IWSC and three times at the International Spirits Challenge.
TASTE A great concentration of aromas and flavours which meld wonderfully together while retaining a fine balance. Oak aromas are well-balanced with mature notes of dried fruit that develop into hints of coffee. ABV 38% ABV. FINISH A soft velvety palate of dried fruit and coffee ends on a lingering, lasting note. SERVING SUGGESTION Best enjoyed neat, with ice or a dash of water.
Picture Supplied by: Distell Picture Supplied by: Manley Communications
South African brandy is perceived as being more about geselligheid (being gregarious), nursing a glass and nosing its fragrance after dinner with friends quietly at home, rather than ordering something expensive in a restaurant in order to show off
Picture Supplied by: De Villiers Communications
42 | UK Golf
Luxury Golf in the UK
T
ravel has come a long way since the days when Gary Player first travelled to Europe to compete in the UK.
In those days he would set sail from Cape Town for a four- to five-week trip to Southampton and, once debarked, head for various tournaments mostly by public transport or hitching lifts, until finally he reached Scotland for that pinnacle of British golf tournaments, the British Open. How travel has changed ‌ nowadays Virgin, British Airways and South African Airways fly regular daily flights to most cities in South Africa, taking less than 12 hours to get there. Even more appealing is the fact that there is only a two-hour time difference, which means little or no jetlag to deal with. This year the 2016 Olympic Games took place in Brazil where golf was an official sport for the first time. It was a great year for golf and the UK offered many exciting opportunities for keen South African golfers travelling to the UK to watch many of the exciting golf events that take place throughout the summer months for men and women, culminating in, of course, the British Open which this year was held at Troon. Jill de Villiers is the brand ambassador for several top-of-therange golf products and golf clubs, including the Gleneagles Hotel. In June this year she hosted a two-day golf event at the famous Gleneagles Hotel, where golfers from South Africa booked for a two-night stay with three rounds on the magical, Kings, Queens and PGA golf courses. With her amazing selection of versatile golf connections Jill also initiated golf introductions to many of the UK’s top golf clubs, particularly in and around the London area and the Renaissance Club in Scotland. She arranges unique golf experiences for enthusiastic golfers eager take part in hosted golf trips to the UK which are tailormade to suit individual requests and requirements. With her latest role as the UK brand ambassador for the luxury golf manufacturer XXIO Jill can set up your UK golf club and luxury travel requirements. Visit her at www.jdvsport.com
Picture Supplied by: Fancourt
44 | Golf
Fancourt Golf (The Links)
F
ancourt embodies a flawless fusion of leisure and world-class golfing. With all three of its golf courses ranked among Golf Digest’s top 20 courses in the country, it boasts a proud legacy of sporting excellence.
landscape, the Links on the Fancourt Estate course is the collaborative handiwork of golfing icon Gary Player, course designer Phil Jacobs and Fancourt’s owner, Dr Hasso Plattner.
The Links is currently ranked No 1 in South Africa by Golf Digest South Africa and was ranked 34th in the world in 2014 by Golf Digest USA.
Fancourt has supplemented its courses with its own Golf Academy, practice facilities and every modern convenience, allowing golfers to immerse themselves in the five-star Fancourt experience.
Featuring an undulating, windswept terrain and dune-style
Transformed from an airfield into a piece of environmental
South Africa boasts world-class and challenging golf courses with breathtaking scenery from the coastline to the bushveld and manicured inner cityscapes, where players of the stature of Gary Player, Bobbie Locke, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Trevor Immelman honed their skills, giving the country its impeccable golf pedigree
and golfing heritage, The Links has hosted some of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, including the Presidents Cup (2003), the SA Open (2005) and the 2012 Volvo Golf Champions European Tour. Inspired by the famous links courses of the British Isles, The Links is considered a masterpiece and regularly plays host to a range of global golfing legends including John Bland, Justin Rose and Branden Grace. Apart from its distinctive design, The Links has been lauded for its vital role in environmental sustainability and awarded
a designation as a Certified Audubon Co-operation Sanctuary. This certification necessitated a degree of ecological value that includes wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation and other environmental factors. Fancourt’s Montagu and Outeniqua golf courses are also ranked in the Top 20 in South Africa. http://www.fancourt.co.za/en/golf/
Picture Supplied by: Pearl Valley
46 | Golf
Pearl Valley
O
ne of the most attractive aspects of the Val de Vie “Super Estate” is its iconic Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. This masterpiece was shaped by the vision of golf legend Jack Nicklaus and his unique touch is evident throughout the course. In 2003 “the Golden Bear” opened the championship course, commenting: “Surrounded by mountains this is one of the most spectacular settings in which I have designed a golf course.” Pearl Valley was named Best New Golf Course of the year
by Golf Digest in 2005. The championship course has been ranked among the top ten courses in South Africa by Golf Digest every year since 2006 up to and including 2015. During the 2008 South African Open, 2007 US Masters Champion Trevor Immelman sang its praises: “The course is in incredible condition. That’s the way I expected the course to be, to a high standard, and they have always turned out a fantastic course for the members. I really feel like these fairways; they are some of the best, if not the best, that I’ve ever played on.”
Pearl Valley has two signature holes, the 4th and 13th, both offering majestic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The 4th hole is challenging, with limited margin for error as you need to cross the creek three times en route to a tricky green. The 13th hole is a daunting par 3. As the water cuts from the right and a greenside bunker waits, the hole tests both your ball striking and your nerve.
However the experience is far more than the exquisite greens and fairways. An award winning combination of golfing luxury and natural beauty awaits you from the time you arrive. Situated between Paarl and Franschhoek, the resort offers top class accommodation and the clubhouse has its own chef to prepare signature dishes for you. http://pearlvalley.co.za/the-golf-course/golf-at-pearlvalley/
Picture supplied by: ...... Picture Supplied by: Sun International
48 | Golf
The Gary Player Golf Course
G
olfing addicts will be in their element at Sun City with a choice of two exceptional, yet very different, golfing experiences in the Gary Player Golf Course and the Lost City Golf Course. The Gary Player Golf Course, designed by Gary Player himself, is an 18-hole par-72 walking course, with a 5km running trail along the course. The most famous golf course in South Africa. Built in an extinct volcanic crater, this immaculate golfing
paradise conforms to the stringent US PGA specifications and was recently named South Africa’s Best Golf Course in the World Golf Awards 2015. It is also home to the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge which plays host to some of the world’s golfing legends. When construction of the Sun City Resort began in 1978, the decision was taken to build a golf course that would rival the best in the world. Today, despite stiff competition, the Gary Player Country Club is deservedly ranked as one of
the most prestigious golf courses on the African continent. The Gary Player Country Club clubhouse is situated between the Cascades Hotel and the Sun City Hotel and the restaurant and bar overlook magnificent stretches of fairways and greens. Breakfast and light lunches are served to both golfers and non-golfers. The Gary Player Bar is also open to enjoy refreshments. Snacks are available to golfers at the Halfway House situated next to the 9th hole. The Lost City Golf Course, situated close to The Palace of
the Lost City, has a 72 par, 18-hole desert-style golf course set in undulating and rocky terrain that is surrounded by spectacular views across the bushveld. Wide fairways, a series of lakes that separates the ninth with the finishing hole, the course covers more than 100 hectares and incorporates 28 000 m2 of water features. The course includes a water hazard at Hole 13, which is home to 38 live Nile crocodiles. https://www.suninternational.com/sun-city/activities/golf/
Picture Supplied by: Leopard Creek
50 | Golf
Leopard Creek
C
onsidered one of South Africa’s best wildlife/ safari golfing experiences the Leopard Creek Golf Course borders the Kruger National Park, separated only by the Crocodile River.
Hazards at Leopard Creek take on a new meaning with common sightings of hippo, antelope, buffalo and elephant and much of the water is home to the crocodiles which gave the river its name.
Owned by businessman Johann Rupert, this course has played host to the most famous South African golf tournaments including the Alfred Dunhill Championship.
However, innovative architectural and landscaping techniques ensure that the Leopard Creek golf course and living areas are naturally protected from animals, while lakes and small streams have been diverted through the development to create scenic vistas and interesting golf strategies.
After a day’s round, enjoy a drink as you watch the sun set from the clubhouse and catch a glimpse of the wildlife in the neighbouring Kruger Park.
No cost has been spared in creating one of the lushest, finest playing surfaces in the country, emerald green surfaces and white sculpted bunkers.
Gary Player is especially proud of the par-five 18th with its island green and the par-four 9th with its peninsula green jutting out of the same body of water.
Leopard Creek is another Gary Player designed course and its designer chose to go with a parklands layout measuring in at 6665m.
A hot tip for players is that the opening hole requires a wellplaced tee shot to a fairway protected by bunkers both left and right. An accurate drive sets up a slight uphill, short iron approach to a two tiered green, guarded in front by a meandering creek and two green side traps.
The 505 meter par-five 13th is one of Leopard Creek’s most memorable holes. Here the green is right on the edge of the river but 32 metres above the level of the water.
http://leopardcreek.co.za/site/
Picture Supplied by: Durban Country Club
52 | Golf
Durban Country Club
A
course steeped in tradition and history, Durban Country Club boasts the unique claim of being the only course on the African continent to be rated in the Top 100 Golf Courses of the World by Golf Magazine USA and is rated in the Top 5 in South Africa by Golf Digest SA. A combination of lush vegetation, sand dunes and stunning views of the Indian Ocean make this course one of the most unique and challenging in the world.
One of the defining characteristics of the Durban Country Club are the massive undulations in the fairways, especially the 5th, 8th and 17th. The course was built on sand dunes which are large and interesting. The par five third hole is rated the best third in the world. Playing from a high tee to a narrow fairway with dense bush and a predatory bunker on the left hand side you’ll see why this is the most popular hole on the course. Durban Country Club is a shot makers course that you have
to think your way around. Most golfers don’t make use of their driver until well into their round due to the narrowness of the opening holes.
highest point on the course, overlooking the Indian Ocean, into a valley below completely exposing their drive to the ocean gusts.
The course, overlooking the Blue Lagoon estuary and the Indian Ocean, has hosted the South African Open 17 times, including the centenary SA Open in 2010. They have also hosted 2 Volvo Championships in 2013 and 2014.
Players must avoid the trees on the right of this straight-away hole, but also miss the large fairway bunker that sits in the landing area on the left
The 3rd hole, a 468-metre par 5, is rated the best third in the world. It requires players to hit their tee shot from the
http://www.durbancountryclub.co.za/home/golf/durbancountry-club/
Picture Supplied by: Elements Private Golf Course
54 | Golf
Elements Private Golf Course
E
lements Private Golf Reserve is a stunning, unique golf estate situated in the magnificent malaria-free Waterberg region in Limpopo Province, only one and a half hours drive north of Pretoria. The surrounding bushveld terrain varies between natural hillsides and open plains, with mountain views and perennial streams.
has ensured Elements Private Golf Reserve being rated in the Top 20 Golf Courses of South Africa for the last 10 years. Matkovich, a golf professional for 25 years, has designed and constructed golf courses for more than 15 years, drawing on his considerable experience of golf courses and luxury private golf clubs around the world.
The golf course meanders through a fertile valley of indigenous vegetation and artful landscaping.
Matkovich believes that golf is not just about scoring; it is a walk in the park, an experience for all the senses and hours of incomparable therapy.
The course is an unsurpassed Peter Matkovich design which
This is not only a game of golf but a retreat from the hustle
and bustle of everyday life. “Seamless blends of nature’s random beauty, and man’s orderly designs, are serene reflections of the sensitivity to local environments”, comments Matkovich, who is also an environmentalist whose love for the indigenous remains a cornerstone of his design philosophy.
with only 308 private homes being built on the 495 hectares property. The stands are positioned to ensure perfect harmony with the bushveld surroundings and unsurpassed privacy. The natural game species resident to the reserve include: Kudu, Impala, Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Blesbuck, Red Hartebeest and Mountain Reedbuck, Bushbuck as well as smaller indigenous species.
The Clubhouse is located on a rise overlooking the 9th and 18 holes and offers an unsurpassed view of the course and surrounding landscape.
Few other golf estates in South Africa can boast this kind of natural diversity and beauty.
Elements Golf Reserve is a low density luxury residential estate
http://elementsgolfreserve.co.za/
Picture Supplied by: Royal Johannesburg Golf Club
56 | Golf
Royal Johannesburg
S
Golf Club
ituated northwest of Johannesburg’s bustling city centre lies one of the most prestigious golf clubs in South African history – The Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Course which boasts 36 holes.
Founded on 6 November 1890, members of the Johannesburg Golf Club first began playing “behind Hospital Hill”, in the area that later became known as Clarendon Circle and Empire Road. T
The Royal became the first Audubon-certified golf course in South Africa, as it became a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” in 2005.
he search for more suitable land, and the rapid development of the city, caused the club to move no less than four times, before finally being established in 1909 on the land it still occupies today.
In over a century of South African golfing history, few clubs, if any, are able to claim a heritage like that of the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club.
The club received its royal prefix in 1931 when King George V visited South Africa. Two years after this famous visit the second of the club’s two
legendary courses was born and is known, quite widely, as the East Course. The East Course has gone on to host no less than seven South African Opens and has played host to a large number of other important national and international events. Golfers Digest and The Compleat Golfer both consistently rank The East Course in South Africa’s top ten golf courses and this is no easy accomplishment. The West Course, though not as highly rated, is still considered an excellent South African course and is preferred by many
of the club’s members because of its ease of playability. The Club is the product of a merger of the former Royal Johannesburg Golf Club and the former Kensington Golf Club in 1998. The Royal provides everything one has come to expect from the modern game and pleasantly infuses it with old world charm and tradition. http://www.sa-venues.com/golf/royal-johannesburg-golfclub.phpy. https://www.royaljk.za.com/
58 | Technology
THE RISE OF THE AU A
self-driving car is no longer a futuristic idea but an actuality. Since the advent of the GPS system drivers have been relying more and more on technology but the autonomous car takes this to a new level. A fully autonomous vehicle can drive from point A to point B with limited or no interaction with a driver. Companies like Mercedes, BMW, and Tesla as well as tech companies have already released self-driving features such as Auto Pilot, which give the car some ability to drive itself. Uber was the first in the market to use driverless technology, presumably to cut down on its main cost, which is its drivers. However, there have been glitches. Uber showed off its self-driving cars in Pittsburgh last month before putting four Ford Fusions into service. However one of these was pulled over to the side of the road recently when it went down a one-way street on the wrong side of the road. Google has already self-driven its small bubblelike prototypes through California, Texas and Arizona, Austin, TX, Kirkland, WA and Metro Phoenix, AZ. Their testing fleet includes both modified Lexus SUVs and the above-mentioned prototype cars. The aim is to “uncovering situations that are unique to a fully self-driving vehicle”, which probably translates as finding out all the things that can go wrong and eliminating them as far as possible. Because, as everyone knows, technology can go pear-shaped. The cars have built-in software that allows the cars to “detect objects as far as two football fields away in all directions, including pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles—or even fluttering plastic shopping bags and rogue birds.” While not producing a fully automated car, Tesla claims to make “the only cars on the road that continue to get safer, smarter, and more capable over time, thanks to free, over-the-air software updates.” “While traditional cars have static features, a Tesla is more akin to a smartphone, adding
Picture Supplied: Mercedes-Benz South Africa
UTONOMOUS CAR
Sam Wright is the editor of techgirl.co.za - a technology blog aimed exclusively at African women. She spends most of her time willing her superhero powers to kick in and dreams of the day she can beat traffic by taking a hover board to work. She is currently on the hunt for a robot that makes her tea.
60 | Technology
new functionality and enhancements throughout the life of the car. Software update 8.0 kicks off a significant overthe-air overhaul of the Tesla touchscreen and introduces the biggest UI revamp since the launch of Model S,” the car company states. Mercedes-Benz included some groundbreaking technology akin to autonomous driving in its new 2017 E-Class, including: Drive Pilot: maintains distance from the car in front; Steering Pilot: includes a lane change feature; Side radar: detects an impending side impact; Evasive Steering Assist: helps you steer around obstacles at low speeds; Emergency Stop Assist: activates hazard lights and bring the car to a stop if the driver has had a medical emergency; Active Brake Assist: brakes the car if it detects an impending collision; Speed Limit Pilot: automatically adjusts your speed to the local speed limit In addition, Mercedes-Benz Vans has introduced the Vision Van, which it describes as “a revolutionary van concept for urban areas”. The Vision Van features a “fully automated cargo space, integrated drones for autonomous air deliveries and a state-ofthe-art joystick control”. Powered by a 75 kW electric drive system with a range of up to
270 km, deliveries with the Vision Van are locally emission-free. The electric drive system additionally guarantees that it is possible to operate the Vision Van in inner-city zones where there is introduction of bans on vehicles with internal combustion engines. The Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 has been conceptualised as a fully autonomous vehicle. The Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 has “ushered in a new era for the transport industry: it has gone into the history books
Picture Supplied: Mercedes-Benz South Africa
as the world’s first autonomously driving truck. Yet its futuristic concept is closer to reality than you think,” reads the Daimler website. “For weeks on end, an uncompleted section of motorway near Magdeburg was shielded off from the outside world. Word had got around locally that there was more than road construction going on behind the sight protection screens. It was also rumoured that Daimler was involved. But not what exactly was going on.” Daimler Trucks has unveiled the transport system of the future - the truck of tomorrow will drive itself. The truck uses a highly intelligent system called “Highway Pilot”, resulting in increased safety, lower fuel consumption and also improved working conditions for professional truck drivers. “Yet the pioneer among autonomously driving trucks is not just intelligent. The engineers at Daimler Trucks have given it not just a futuristic exterior, but a new life in the interior. “The credo is: less is more. Fewer controls, more freedom of movement,” says Daimler.
deaths and less insurance, but the disadvantage is that built-in technologies can fail.
At the 2016 Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new product brand for electric mobility: EQ. The name EQ stands for “Electric Intelligence” and is derived from the Mercedes-Benz brand values of “Emotion and Intelligence”. The new brand encompasses all key aspects for customer-focused electric mobility and extends beyond the vehicle itself.
Literally, the brakes can fail when the machine takes over and the human cannot intervene.
The advantages to a fully autonomous car are the drop in road
At this stage assisted driving seems to be the option.
In addition, legislation cannot keep pace with the development of these cars so laws will have to be passed to regulate certain self-driving features.
Pictures Supplied by: Stuttafords
62 | Spring Shopping
Jimmy Choo Illicit Flower EDT a Floral Musky fragrance, There are 3 sizes 40ml R645, 60ml R945 & 100ml R1095 available at Stuttfords
Carolina Herrera Good Girl an Oriental fragrance, the bottle is unique. Available at Stuttafords There are 3 sizes 40ml R960, 50ml R1330 & 80ml R1700
Pictures by: Frazer Parfum Archives Frazer Parfum available on website www.frazerparfum.com After the Rains, R2500.00
Pictures Supplied by: Stuttafords and African Sales
64 | Spring Shopping
Woody Aromatic Fougère fragrance. Dylan Blue. 50ml – R 910.00 100ml - R1 310.00
L’Envol De Cartier Available from www.africansalescompany.co.za
Gentlemen Only Givenchy Available from www.africansalescompany.co.za
Jimmy Choo Intense Available from Stuttafords Approximately R895.00 - R1,095.00
L’Homme Prada Available from www.africansalescompany.co.za
Roberto Cavalli Uomo Available from www.africansalescompany.co.za
66 | Travel
Picture supplied by: Hyatt Regency
BE A TOURIST IN Y
H
ow many Capetonians take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain? Do Londoners ever visit the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels or pop in to Madam Tussauds to see the newly divorced replicas of Brad and Angelina? Have you ever actually seen a Parisian clinging vertiginously to the top of the Eiffel Tower? Hackneyed as it might seem, being a tourist in your own city is one of the coolest things you can ever do. Overwhelmed as Joburgers are by mountains of work and seas of traffic, sometimes we get too immersed in our workload to appreciate what is evident to a visitor who immediately loves our climate, the super-friendly people, the breathtaking jacaranda vistas and the biodiversity of this thriving Afropolitan city. No matter how much one loves home, sweet home, getting away from the challenges of domestic life is sometimes very necessary and changes one’s perspective on one’s own city. Firstly, you will need a really good hotel to check into, followed by a tiptop spa treatment to sort you out after the rigours of the year.
My personal favourite is the Hyatt Regency, currently enjoying its first 20 years in the City of Gold. Very popular with upmarket business men and women, the Hyatt is beautifully situated, close enough to the Gautrain to get to the airport or the hip and happening inner city vibe, yet secluded enough to enjoy some much needed downtime. I have access to the Regency Club, the private lounge available to only the 8 and 9th floors as well as the suites. A pre-dinner drink and snacks always leads to enjoyable chats with the wide variety of people passing through this busy, vibrant city of mine. I get chatting to a Dutch tourist who laughs when I compare South Africa’s birth rate to that of Europe. “We are like the Serengeti, just teeming with young,” I tell him over a chilled glass of South African Sauvignon Blanc. The Hyatt ticks all the boxes in the nicest way. Wi-fi? Tick, and yes, even though it is complimentary throughout the hotel the Regency Club has the high-speed variety so there is none of that infuriating buffering.
YOUR OWN CITY
What are the best things about hotel rooms? The fact that there is room service and no matter what you order, it always comes with a flourish of white starched napkins under a big silver dome on a wheeled-in trolley, which folds out into a table. (Also, there is housekeeping and lots and lots of big fluffy towels). I get chatting to the resident concierge Morris, called “The Voice” due to his healthy vocal chords, who is one of the best people to know in the city. Want to go hot air ballooning in the Magaliesberg in a big orange balloon from Bill Harrop’s Balloon Safaris? Need to visit one of the city’s many fine dining establishments? Speak to Morris for the hottest tips in town; every guest should have him on speed dial. But it’s spa treatment time … time to pamper my toes, face and poor sore shoulders and neck (“long time office worker” I was once told by a Chinese masseur on the South Bank of the Yarra in Melbourne). I wander through the pleasant walkway shrouded by its white curtains to the spa and relax completely. The Amani spa is deliciously secluded, scented and quiet and my treatment is absolute bliss.
The heated pool beckons after my treatment, with its azure blue water and beachy feel. The curvilinear changing rooms with their frosted glass have a retro nautical 30s vibe, there are white chaise lounges and lifejackets bob on the pool surface. The only drawback is the towering cranes dominating the Rosebank landscape which obliterate the view. My city is growing so fast that it is running out of space for its people, an unfamiliar feeling for someone who grew up surrounded by lots of veld and space. The next day it is time to be op en wakker … after a huge breakfast it’s off to explore the nearby Rosebank area, which is turning into an art hub, with new fine dining establishment Marble, plenty of shopping and the chance to walk in my own city. I just enjoy how the warm air feels on my skin and, unlike Europe or the UK, people smile so readily here. At times like this Johannesburg really is a lovely city - I would not want to live anywhere else in the world!
Picture supplied by: .Hyatt Regency
68 | Title
The Amani spa is deliciously secluded, scented and quiet and the treatments are absolute bliss
Pictures provided by: Mercedes-Benz
70 | Motoring
THE NEW LU
UXURY SUVS
The trend towards the luxury SUV proves that it is possible to travel in comfort while still looking sharp. The challenge for the car designers is to create a larger car that still retains the DNA of the brand, but many of the blue-chip models from Jaguar to Bentley have risen to the challenge, bringing out supersized, sleek models that are being snapped up off the assembly line.
The whole range of SUVs released by Mercedes-Benz in 2015
Pictures provided by: Jaguar
72 | Motoring
T
he trend for the luxury SUV began in the 1990s with the BMW X5 and other luxury car brands have followed suit, from quintessentially British cars like Jaguar, which launched its brand-new F-Pace in 2016, and Bentley, to big name Italian brands like Maserati.
The interior is a perfect blend of premium materials and finishes, exquisite detailing, luxuries such as heated, electrically reclining rear seats, and cutting-edge technologies including the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system and 12.3-inch HD virtual instrument cluster.
JAGUAR F-PACE The All-New Jaguar F-PACE is a performance SUV which was launched in South Africa in 2016. Designed and engineered to offer the agility, responsiveness and refinement that all Jaguars are renowned for, it combines with unrivalled dynamics with everyday versatility.
The Lightweight Aluminium Architecture gave the design and engineering teams the ideal starting point. It was created from the outset as a modular structure, so the wheels can be positioned exactly where they are needed to deliver the proportions, dynamics, and practicality essential for a performance SUV.
Developed using Jaguar’s Lightweight Aluminium Architecture, the All-New F-PACE combines purity of line, surface and proportion with F-TYPE-inspired features such as the powerful rear haunches, fender vents and distinctive tail light graphics.
The wheelbase and track are not shared with any other Jaguar. At 4,731mm long and with a 2,874mm wheelbase, the AllNew F-PACE offers the sleek profile and short front overhang characteristic of Jaguar design together with an exceptionally spacious interior.
The bold front grille and the muscular bonnet hint at the performance potential of engines like the 280kW supercharged V6. Elements such as slender full-LED headlights, forged 22inch wheels and short front overhang carry the design vision of the C-X17 concept through to production.
MASERATI LEVANTE Making a Maserati that is also an SUV was a challenge but the first Italian SUV has incorporated the same high-end design as the rest of the Maserati stable. The engineering and exclusivity
Pictures provided by: Range Rover South Africa remains the same. The new Levante, which is tipped to launch in South Africa by the end of 2016 has an aggressive front end, the trademark Maserati triple side air vents on the front wings, and the streamlined pencil sharpener shape typical of a high-performance sports car. THE BENTLEY BENTAYGA The Bentley DNA has not been lost both inside and outside the new Bentayga. This quintessentially British brand pays the same attention to the wood, leather and metal detailing as it does in all its vehicles and the Bentayga cabin is considered to be one of the finest ever created. THE 2016 RANGE ROVER EVOQUE Land Rover’s stylish Range Rover Evoque has redefined perceptions when it comes to compact luxury SUVs, combining elegant design, class-leading technologies and Land Rover’s award-winning breadth of capability. For 2016 the Range Rover Evoque gains Land Rover’s InControl Touch infotainment system. Through a new, eightinch touchscreen, drivers can instantly access audio files stored
on mobile phones or USB storage devices, enjoy hands-free telephone calls using Bluetooth, and make use of satellite navigation to get directions anywhere in South Africa – as well as certain neighbouring countries. In addition to a striking new design for its LED daytime running lights, the 2016 Evoque also boasts LED-based headlights. In Evoque models with the powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine drivers can now make use of All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC). Just as cruise control lets them effortlessly maintain a set speed on highways, ATPC will maintain a set speed while off-roading. To ensure that drivers don’t get distracted, the Range Rover Evoque now boasts a laser-based head up display. This system projects important information on the windscreen, in the driver’s line of sight. When approaching their 2016 Evoque with hands full of shopping, drivers can simply waving a foot under the rear bumper, activating the motorised tailgate which will automatically open.
Pictures provided by: Range Rover South Africa
74 | Motoring
76 | By Invitation 1
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Jaeger-LeCoultre hosted a gala dinner to celebrate the 85th anniversary of its Reverso watch at the 73rd Venice Film Festival. CEO Daniel Riedo greeted over 200 guests, including Carmen Chaplin, Zhao Wei, Cristiana Capotondi, Daniel BrĂźhl, Jorge Viladoms, Eva Riccobono, jury panel members Chiara Mastroianni and Gemma Arterton as well as godmother of the festival, Sonia Bergamasco, and Christian Louboutin. 1. Carmen Chaplin 2. Presenting a watch to the winners. 3.Jeremy Renner. 4. Jury panel member Gemma Arterton, Jaeger-LeCoultre CEO Daniel Riedo and jury panel member Chiara Mastroianni 5. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One High Jewellery watch adorned with Couture strap by Christian Louboutin Pictures by: Getty Images
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“Chefs who Share – The ART of Giving” moved to Johannesburg this year, raising over R2million in aid of Youth Development. The series of collaborative art and culinary events included dinners at the Four Seasons Hotel with Dom Pérignon, The Maslow with Moët et Chandon, and at the Saxon Hotel with Ruinart, and concluded with a Grand Gala and live auction. Pictures by: Chefs Who Share
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After a long renovation Cartier’s Fifth Ave maison celebrated its new look with a lavish cocktail party, during New York Fashion Week. The stars, from Katie Holmes to Iris Apfel, came out to play, many sporting vintage and contemporary pieces from Cartier. The house honoured the late Princess Grace and Elizabeth Taylor with a space dedicated to its famous patrons. 1. Sofia Sanchez de Betak 2. Taylor Schilling 3. Hailey Clauson & Jourdan Dunn 4. Kate Foley & Max Osterweis 5. Olivia Palermo & Johannes Huebl 6. Bianca Brandolini d’Adda 7. Lewis Hamilton Pictures by: Cartier
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