Cheek2Chic Issue 15

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Is imagination really just for children? Embark on a DeLaneau made-to-measure journey to the timepiece of your dreams.

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delaneau.com


CONTENTS

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THE WATCH ISSUE

ON THE COVER Buzz Aldrin and George Clooney were guests of honour at the Omega “Lost in Space” event to celebrate 60 years of the SpeedMaster in London. Buzz Aldrin wears the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Chronograph while George Clooney sports the Speedmaster Moonphase in 18K gold.

PICTURE BY OMEGA

6. SHOW PIECES 2017’s horological showstoppers at the “big four” watch shows, the process behind making a decorative woman’s watch

18. BUILT FOR SPEED Wayde van Niekerk joins the

Richard Mille pantheon of sporting greats

22. EYE CANDY

38. CHAMPAGNE LIFESTYLE Win a bottle of Lanson champagne and join two new exciting Champagne and Wine Buyers Clubs

Fall in love with Andrew Grima’s 1970s works of horological art, be dazzled by the high jewellery at TEFAF and Rihanna’s collaboration with Chopard

44. WHAT’S COOKING

32. BY A NOSE: Niche

46. DELICIOUS EVOLUTION:

perfumes take the olfactory world by storm

Driving a Volvo is absolute luxury

34. SHOPPING: Retail therapy

Anna Trapido explores new culinary avenues

52. SEVEN-STAR PLEASURE: The Royal Livingstone

for the connoisseur in you

36. CUTTING EDGE:

60. BY INVITATION:

A bespoke cigar chest that includes Swiss savoir-faire with top technology

The Met Gala; Lost in Space with Omega, Cartier’s La Panthere party

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STYLE HOROLOGY ICON

JACOB & CO ASTRONOMIA SOLAR (BASELWORLD) Jacob & Co sets a new milestone in its representation of the Earth within the solar system with this first-ever reproduction of all eight planets on a dial around a majestic Sun, formed by a citrine displaying the 288 facets of the Jacob CutÂŽ.

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Which watch fairs have the most profound influence? SARAH CANGLEY rounds up the big four

Show pieces 2017


HOROLOGY

Baselwo r l d THE OMEGA 1957 TRILOGY LIMITED EDITIONS In 1957 OMEGA released three professional timepieces that became absolute classics: The Seamaster 300, the Railmaster and the Speedmaster. In 2017, OMEGA paid tribute to this trilogy of mechanical masterpieces by releasing special 60th Anniversary editions of each model, which can be acquired separately or as a beautifully presented trio.

‘Both SIHH and Baselworld showed continuing creativity and a willingness to adjust manufacturing processes in order to lower pricing structures of luxury watches to a more realistic level.’ - Elizabeth Doerr, editor in chief, quillandpad.com


HUBLOT’S CLASSIC FUSION ITALIA INDEPENDENT Hublot combines texture with watchmaking expertise in its Classic Fusion Italia Independent model. Hublot and founder Italia Independent Lapo Elkann uncovered a collection of tartans from the 1970s, which were incorporated into the Classic Fusion.

THE CELLINI MOONPHASE Rolex introduced the Cellini Moonphase, featuring an exclusive display of the lunar cycle. The moonphase is read via the indicator set at 12 o’clock on the subdial, as the full moon and new moon rotate through the lunar cycle.

PATEK PHILIPPE AQUANAUT TRAVEL TIME REF. 5650G Patek Philippe’s Aquanaut Travel Time Ref 5650 G, created in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Aquanaut collection, features two new innovations – the Spiromax balance sprint made of Silinvar and a compliant mechanism that’s used to set the second time zone in time-zone watches.

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HOROLOGY

TAG HEUER AUTAVIA The Autavia, the legendary driver’s chronograph, created by Jack Heuer in the 1960s and beloved of collectors has made an astonishing comeback in 2017 for the 55th anniversary. Modern yet faithful to its roots, the new Autavia channels the spirit of the golden age of motor racing.

WATCH HERE

CHOPARD L.U.C XPS TWIST QF FAIRMINED This year Chopard launched a new L.U.C watch made of ethical pink gold: the L.U.C XPS Twist QF Fairmined. The watch is crafted in the Chopard workshops where gold from “Fairmined” certified sources is rigorously separated from other alloys in order to guarantee complete traceability.

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PICTURE SUPPLIED BY WWW.SWISSTIME.CH

BULGARI OCTO FINISSIMO AUTOMATIC Bulgari set a new world record at Baselworld 2017 when it launched the Octo Finissimo Automatic, the slimmest ultra-thin self-winding watch on the market to date.

WATCH HERE




HOROLOGY

This small but intimate show over three floors doesn’t show the big hitters, preferring Zenith, Tudor, Bell & Ross and the more niche avant garde brands John Galt, watch writer (UK)

Watch shows SALON QP WATCH SHOW (LONDON) The UK’s premier watch show, which opened its doors in 2010, is held in the Saatchi Gallery every November. An abbreviation for Quantième Perpétuel, the French term for “perpetual calendar”, this carefully curated fair features over 80 exhibitors, including talented British watchmakers. The three-day show includes luxury brand experiences, craftsmanship demonstration, watchmaking classes and more. Salon QP, the brainchild of James Gurney, editor in chief of QP Magazine, is a must for lovers of fine watches.

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WATCH HERE GPHG WATCH SHOW (GENEVA) Hosted in the Grand Théâtre de Genève, the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie has for the past 16 years convened influential players in the watchmaking, political and economic arenas. The ceremony is a celebration of watchmaking excellence and creativity which is broadcast live to watch aficionados around the world. The prestigious international jury in 2016 announced the winners of 15 prizes and awarded the “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix to Ferdinand Berthoud for the Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1 model.

Energy and charisma juxtaposed with utter femininity. That’s how I’d describe the highlights of the launches at this year’s SIHH – Debbie Hathway, watch writer (South Africa)

PICTURES SUPPLIED BY GQHD; IWC; SALON QP

SIHH (GENEVA) In its 27 years the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie has expanded to include 30 exhibitors, 17 historic Maisons and 13 independent artisan-creators in the Carré des Horlogers. Previously by invitation only, this year the SIHH opened its doors to the public on its last day. Highlights this year included the launch of two new models – the Da Vinci Automatic 36 and the Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36 – created for women from IWC.

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HOROLOGY

Geneva-based independent watchmaker DeLaneau creates timepieces designed to take women’s timepieces to new heights, and the idea of jewellery watches into a new realm, continuously seeking new and creative ways of mastering this precious art.

Ode to femininity The brand created eclectic, colourful and mesmerising jewellery designs, which earned it the title ‘the jeweller of watches’ enamellers keep alive the great tradition of this technique, a very demanding craft that requires the utmost precision. The art of enamelling is in permanent evolution and subject to meticulous research, and testing is carried out for various innovative techniques. This enabled Delaneau to recently develop the pointillisme d’émail (pointillism in enamel) method, reminiscent of the technique used in the paintings of Paul Signac and Georges Seurat. Because DeLaneau is independent and focuses on creating made-to-measure ladies’ timepieces, each client is involved in the “co-creation” process. The latest addition to the range is “Intimate Conversations”, a black miniature painting on a base of semi-opaque enamel with golden powder decorating the tree leaves on the dial, perfectly complementing the gold hand engraved foliage. Each DeLaneau timepiece is a work of art and tells its own inspiring story.

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PICTURES SUPPLIED BY DELANEAU

DeLaneau was founded in 1949 in Biel, by a Swiss couple who wanted to offer women sophisticated timepieces of exquisite quality. The brand created eclectic, colourful and mesmerising jewellery designs, which earned it the title “the jeweller of watches”. A focus on artisan craftsmanship has subsequently evolved, in particular the art of Grand Feu enamelling. DeLaneau follows the long tradition of Email de Genève, a process that preserves the colours of an enamelled dial for decades. Each timepiece is handcrafted in Geneva using only premium quality materials in cooperation with hand-picked local experts. Continuing the brand’s ascension into the realms of haute horlogerie, the DeLaneau enamel workshop was established in 2001. In 2002, the maison created the first tourbillon complication made especially for women and in 2013, the DeLaneau Rondo Translucent Champagne was awarded the Prix de la Montre Dame at the annual Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. In the heart of Geneva, Delaneau’s


CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Patience and great care are required when all the parts are being brought together. The enamelling process starts with the selection and hand grinding of the base elements. The dial is fitted with the perfect mechanical movement, exquisite casing and a matching strap. The artisan enamellers work under the magnification of a binocular.


STYLE ICON

Van Niekerk

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WORLD RECORD Last year at the 2016 Olympics Wayde van Niekerk blitzed his way through the 400m tape in a world record time of 43.03 seconds, making him one of the fastest men in the world. His gold medal win brought acclaim from around the world and a huge hug from world champion Usain Bolt. Wayde was the only man to have won the Olympic 400 metres from lane eight, which usually puts runners at a disadvantage, due to the staggered start. Is it any wonder that watch brand Richard Mille is proud to officially welcome into its sporting pantheon one of the greatest athletes of his generation, keeping company with the likes of Rafael Nadal and “Le Patron” of Indycar, Simon Pagenaud?

STILL UNVANQUISHED At the beginning of last year, Wayde van Niekerk competed in the 100-metre dash for the first time in five years at Bloemfontein,

Wayde was wearing his Richard Mille watch when he crossed the finish line fifteen hundredths of a second faster than the world record set in 1999 by Michael Johnson

South Africa. He completed the race in 9”98, becoming the first sprinter to hold a personal best under 10 seconds in the 100 metre, 20 seconds in the 200 metre and 44 seconds in the 400 metre sprints. In June, the still unvanquished athlete set a new record for the African Is it any wonder that watch continent and the world’s brand Richard Mille is third-best time proud to officially welcome ever in the 300 into its sporting pantheon metre dash. He one of the greatest athletes also became African of his generation

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STYLE ICON

champion in the 4 x 100 metre relay with a time of 38”84. But the young sprinter from Potchefstroom’s most glorious day was when he crossed the finish line fifteen hundredths of a second faster than the world record set in 1999 by Michael Johnson. A native of Cape Town, Wayde is a multidisciplinary sprinter, who feeds on competition and a diversity of playing fields as an essential means to progress and surpass himself. So what watch does a champion of this calibre like to sport on his wrist? A special Richard Mille watch is on the cards just for Wayde, but for the meantime he has chosen to wear an RM 27-02 for its comfort, technical sophistication and its dynamic lines.

Wayde is a multidisciplinary sprinter, who feeds on competition and a diversity of playing fields as an essential means to progress and surpass himself

It was in junior school, playing rugby, that Wayde discovered his aptitude for sprinting. And it was in October 2012, at the University of Bloemfontein where he was enrolled, that he signed up for a training group with Anna-Sophia Botha, who still coaches him today. Only 24 years old, Wayde van Niekerk is swiftly becoming a dominant figure. With his watch on his wrist, the South African track star has just begun making history.

WATCH HERE 20


PICTURES SUPPLIED BY RICHARD MILLE

For the meantime he has chosen to wear an RM 27-02 for its comfort, technical sophistication and its dynamic lines

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HIGH JEWELLERY

Best bijouterie The 21st century is celebrating jewellery design as a serious art form like never before, from art fairs to retro exhibitions and celebrity collaborations

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HIGH JEWELLERY

Sculptural art

Renowned jeweller Andrew Grima’s “About Time” watch collection for Omega featuring wristwatches, ring watches and pendant watches - with every dial submerged beneath a gemstone - set a benchmark for avant garde futurist designs in horology

GEMSTONE DIAL The collection of watches summarised the aesthetic of a whole decade: bold, architectural and striking. “Utopia” bangle watch in white gold with a crystal glass (left).


ANDREW GRIMA FOR OMEGA, “ABOUT TIME” COLLECTION, PICTURE SUPPLIED BY GRIMA JEWELLERS

CLOVER PENDANT WATCH (1970) Yellow Gold pendant Watch from the collection. The time is seen through a hexagonal peridot suspended on a chain of kite-shaped links

WINTER SUNSET PENDANT WATCH (1969) Yellow gold pendant watch set with diamonds from the “About Time” Collection. The time is seen through a smokey quartz, by Andrew Grima

Today Andrew Grima is recognised as one of the great modernist jewellery designers of the 20th century. Some of the watches from the “About Time” collection will be exhibited at the Grima Jewellery stand at Masterpiece London from 29 June-5 July. 25


HIGH JEWELLERY HOROLOGY

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS From timeless classicism to a subtle Oriental influence, the pieces on display bear witness to the constant creative renewal that is a feature of Van Cleef & Arpels, while revealing some of its most cherished themes.


CASTELLANI ARCHAEOLOGICAL REVIVAL NECKLACE

PICTURES SUPPLIED BY VÉRONIQUE BAMP, MONACO; VERDURRA BELPERRON; VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS

This gold, natural pearl and diamond Castellani piece was created in Rome, circa 1880. The necklace is monogrammed “CC”. A similar necklace that belonged to Augusto Castellani’s granddaughter is in the collection of the Capitoline Museums in Rome.

Gemophiles were dazzled by this year’s selection of pieces presented by seven international fine jewellers at the world’s leading fine art and antiques fair, TEFAF Maastricht. All the pieces shown were astonishing examples of craftsmanship and artistry

T E F A F Maastricht BELPERRON SADDLE SERIES CUFF NO. 4 This carved snowflake rock crystal “saddle” cuff, set with a vintage flexible platinum and diamond bracelet, is a unique and bold design illustrating Madame Belperron’s adaptability, incorporating and reimagining traditional art deco jewellery into a bold new statement.

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HIGH JEWELLERY

OTTO JAKOB ‘XUANAS’ Earrings with yellow gold casts of St. John Wort’s petals (Hypericum perforatum). The pistils of white gold are micro pavé-set with diamonds and surrounded by stamens and pollen grains covered with matte red enamel.

Highlights from Verdura included jewels from the “Out of This World” Collection, celebrating the Duke’s 1941 collaboration with Salvador Dali. This collaboration explored themes of love, loss and faith amidst the atrocity and devastation of WW2

Created in Aquamarines, sapphires, aluminium, silver and white gold this beautiful bracelet was created in 2016.

Van CLEEF & ARPELS Chrysanthème clip in Mystery Set rubies, 1937. This Mystery Setting Chrysanthemum clip features curved petals set with rubies and diamonds, in platinum and yellow gold. Chrysanthemums are huge in Chinese mythology and are believed to have the power of life.

PICTURES SUPPLIED BY OTTO JACOB; WWW.TEFAF.COM; WALLACE CHAN; VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS

HEMMERLE BANGLE


WALLACE CHAN APSARA BROOCH (CELESTIAL MAIDEN) This ethereal brooch, composed of a fancy intense 4.04ct yellow diamond, emeralds, pink and green diamonds as well as crystal, depicts the female spirit of the clouds and waters, Apsara, who is celebrated in many Asian cultures.

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STYLE HIGH JEWELLERY ICON

, Rihanna s rocks Swiss luxury jewellery and watch maison Chopard has announced a collaboration with global superstar, Rihanna, blending urban chic with classic glamour 30


and spirit. Rihanna and Chopard co-President and creative director, Caroline Scheufele, worked closely together to combine their creativity and passion to develop the Haute Joaillerie and Joaillerie collections. “Rihanna and I collaborated closely on the collections so you can feel her unstoppable energy, strong creativity, and inherent sense of design in every piece,” says Caroline Scheufele. “With her unique style, she redefines the way people see and wear jewellery.”

The limited edition RIHANNA ♥ CHOPARD Joaillerie Collection is defined by minimalist geometry and sharp, clean lines

RIHANNA ♥ CHOPARD HAUTE JOAILLERIE COLLECTION

PICTURES PROVIDED BY CHOPARD

A JEWELLERY LOVE AFFAIR The love story between Rihanna and Chopard has been developing on global red carpets for the past few years. Now, this bedazzling duo has partnered to push Haute Joaillerie beyond conventional limits to create a modern collection inspired by Rihanna’s island roots – the lush gardens of Barbados and the electricity of Carnival time. As a style icon known for her bold and modern choices, the RIHANNA ♥ CHOPARD collections capture Rihanna’s unique vision

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This vibrant collection debuts in May 2017 to help commemorate the 70th anniversary of the most spectacular red carpet in the world, the Festival de Cannes, and celebrate Chopard’s 20th year as the official partner of the Cannes Film Festival. However, Rihanna has already been giving fans a sneak peek of the capsule collection. At the recent Grammy Awards, she dazzled in a one-of-a-kind pair of floral inspired multi-coloured chandelier earrings and marquise-cut diamond solitaire ring. The limited edition RIHANNA ♥ CHOPARD Joaillerie Collection is defined by minimalist geometry and sharp, clean lines.


BEAUTY

BLOOD CONCEPT A unique entry into niche artistic perfumery Blood Concepts produces shared perfumes based on human blood types: “deep as primeval Africa in O”, aromatic as the scent of familiar land in A, brave as unpredictable itineraries in B and sharp as a Tokyo skyline in AB” .

A LAB ON FIRE Lab on Fire® collaborates with the brightest talents in the industry to create original fragrances of the highest ingenuity, unexpected mixes of contrasting scents.

PICTURES SUPPLIED BY VARIOUS BRANDS

ROADS The Africa Collection is an exciting collaboration of culture. Inspirational ingredients are combined with the evocative influences of literature, art and dance to create fragrances that evoke feelings of sensual sophistication, radiance and warmth. The process is creative - using photos, colour, textures, music and books as a starting reference 32


OLO I think niche perfumery is allowing artists to express themselves through scent. It’s also being sold in small boutiques and galleries more and more, reaching consumers that may have never thought of themselves as ‘perfume people’

Niche perfumes AUPHORIE As one of the few niche fragrance brands from South-East Asia, we have the opportunity to present our unique heritage and cultural background. By combining our Eastern DNA and Western fine perfumery skills, we evoke unique images and depictions of personal nostalgia and memories, resulting in fine fragrances that are modern in composition, yet rich in cultural roots


BEAUTY

PICTURES SUPPLIED BY ALOF PARFUMS

‘Fragrances come from so many different inspirations - visual memories, olfactive memories, emotions and experiences. South Africa evokes strong senses of colours, natural landscapes, people, places, feelings, sounds, besides scent’ - Karin Mugnaini, head of global communications Intertrade Group





SHOPPING: CIGARS

The 24 exceptional Grand Cru cigars, which are wrapped in four gold leaves and arranged in individual glass tubes around the Emperador, is protected by a personal secret code.

The Emperador chest from Imperiali Genève is one of the most prestigious cigar chests in the world, and is available at the price of one million Swiss francs.

Imperiali Geneve

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PICTURES SUPPLIED BY IMPERIALI GENÈVE

THIS PAGE: The Emperador chest is crowned by a tourbillon timepiece made up of 323 parts and a “Clous de Paris” guilloché dial – the work of a master watchmaker from the Swiss Jura. LEFT: The Emperador has three exceptional accessories, which perfectly combine technology and mechanics. These devices are arranged in a drawer seamlessly incorporated into the front of the chest. The cigar cutter enables the cigar to be either mechanically cut or perforated in the manner of a punch. The table lighter and its three nozzles offer a perfect flame. Lastly, the ashtray opens by the magic of mechanics whenever a cigar is brought near.

www.imperiali-geneve.com/fr/home.html#movie

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FOOD/DRINK

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CHAMPAGNE

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Advantage, Champagne Lanson

PICTURES SUPPLIED BY GREAT DOMAINES

Champagne Lanson celebrates its 40th year of associated partnership with the world’s favourite tennis tournament, Wimbledon, says Christine Lundy of Great Domaines

Champagne Lanson, the 257-year-old Champagne house, has been Wimbledon’s official supplier since 2001 but has supplied the Championship since 1977. Every year one of the highlight of this relationship, especially for the unlucky ones outside of the UK, is the limited-edition Wimbledon – themed neoprene jackets. This year the 40th anniversary neoprene bottle cooler jackets are green with white stripes to resemble a tennis court, which will resonate with the club’s heritage and Lanson’s 40th anniversary celebrations. Paul Beavis, managing director, Champagne Lanson International, says: “We are delighted that Champagne Lanson has reached such an incredible milestone through our partnership with The Championships, Wimbledon. Once our unique style of Champagne is tried by visitors to The Championships, we hope they will become advocates.” The house insists on using the traditional [non malolactic] method of production. In the words of educational wine blog Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine: “The process of malolactic fermentation is a winemaking process that gives both red and white wines a richer and creamier texture. Oddly enough, malolactic fermentation isn’t technically fermentation at all.” In contrast, Champagne Lanson is uniquely

fresh and zesty - literally mouth-watering. The house of Lanson and its expert winemakers have been crafting fine Champagne using this traditional method. As one of the oldest existing Champagne houses they have carefully perfected their craft since 1760. If you pop into a store or google them you will discover Lanson’s diverse range from the Classics to the Extra Age and the latest, the most special Cuvée, the “Clos Lanson”. Champagne is often a family affair which is why the “recipe” has been passed down from generation to generation following the long-standing tradition, including ageing for at least three years ensuring that every bottle is aged properly and shows the unique Lanson style. Every bottle has a crisp, fresh and zesty taste with exceptional fruit purity. Although Lanson recommends their Champagne as an aperitif, like other Champagnes, it can also be paired throughout the dinner. Champagne Lanson is careful to use the words “The Perfect Start” throughout their marketing campaigns.

COMPETITION TIME: #LETSPLAY Champagne Lanson encourages you to experience and taste their unique style. Describe Champagne Lanson’s style in 3 words in a tweet tagging @ GreatDomainesSA and @cheek2chic to stand a chance to win one of three bottles of Classic Champagne Lanson.

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WINE

THE WINE BUYERS’ SOCIETY All the what, where and why of wine buying made easy, at great prices and with delivery to your door

made easy, at great prices and with delivery to your door The Wine Buyers’ Society Movie Nights brings the wine world to life with the most interesting and compelling films and documentaries of the best wine regions of the world. Understand the layouts and the architecture of famous chateaux, live and feel the history of the greatest wine regions and their estates, and learn directly from the producers and the world’s leading wine experts about what makes these wines so special. To get involved as a private buyer email shaun@javelintv. co.za and we will do the rest.

PICTURES SUPPLIED

The vast and confusing world of wine can leave us clueless about what to buy, and where and why to buy it? With so many food and wine fundis around we would all love to know more about what makes France such a wine powerhouse, what delicious wines come from Italy and Spain as well as the rest of the world, and some help in knowing which of the producers to buy and how to acquire them. The Wine Buyers’ Society has been developed to do just that and launches soon. With an initial base of around 100 wine lovers, this wine buyers club invests annually into a private buyers’ fund, and ships directly from France, Italy and Spain for great value everyday private cellars or for collecting and investing - all at three price points. Our team of knowledgeable wine buyers can advise on what wines you should have in your collection and help to plan it for years ahead. The Wine Buyers’ Society ships without the retailer mark ups, and by having a reasonably large war chest, we can buy well, and ship whole containers, generally reducing costs even further. Delivery is to your door in South Africa. In addition to this, there are great value French, Spanish and Italian wines imported locally, which we can co-ordinate for you and advise, after having regular tastings. All the what, where and why of wine buying

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FOOD CHAMPAGNE


On the plate

The term “food trends” is not a favourite with celebrated food writer/author Anna Trapido, but she does celebrate the rise of the virgin cocktail, “posh offal”, indigenous and heritage ingredients and the “fast slow food” movement! INDIGENOUS FOOD PLANTS ENTERING SOUTH AFRICAN SUPERMARKETS The health and pleasure benefits of indigenous and heritage fruit and vegetables are increasingly apparent. This is gradually impacting on the purchasing patterns of buyers for major food retailers. Imifino (“wild spinach”) of various varieties increasingly sits on the supermarket shelves next to the rocket and celery. Suburban garden shops sell Thepe and motsukubele seeds in packets next to the lettuce and cabbage seeds. Equally exciting is the rise of our home-grown ancient super grain sorghum (amabele) which the UK Guardian recently declared to be “the new quinoa”.

PICTURE SUPPLIED BY LA TETE RESTAURANT, CAPE TOWN

GLAMOROUS OFFAL Anyone who has ever eaten chicken mala or beef inhloko at a taxi rank knows that nose to tail eating has always been a feature of South African diets but it is increasingly making its way into the posh nosh space. Restaurants such as La Tete in Cape Town (http://latete. co.za) are offering the likes of poached beef tongue, deep fried lamb tails and pork cheeks galore.

GROWN UP NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND ALCOHOL-FREE PAIRING MENUS More and more people worldwide are abstaining from alcohol. South Africa is no exception. There is an increasing realisation that just because you don’t want a beer doesn’t mean that you want to be stuck with the cold drinks you consumed as a kid. Beverages such as Breva (a lightly carbonated, non-alcoholic malt potion) are aimed at those who want to be stylish and adult without

alcohol. (www.breva.co.za). Chefs (such as Martinus Ferreira at Johannesburg’s DWeleven-13; www.dw11-13.co.za) are offering sophisticated alcohol-free pairings in addition to their standard food and wine menus.

REINVENTING THE DINNER RITUAL WITH FAST SLOW FOOD Slow food might be the flavour of the month but the reality is that our households are ever more hectic. Time-starved types are sick of microwave ready meals so chefs such as Andrea Burgener of the Leopard Food Company (www. leopardfoodcompany.com) are increasingly offering classy ‘home cooked-style’ comfort food as take home and warm up options. Soups and stews like mum used to make them when mum had the time to do so. Meal kits are a subset of this phenomenon whereby pre-preparation is done by a professional and the home cook gets to explore their inner domestic goddess by engaging in a little light assembly.

THE DEATH OF FOOD REVIEWS When was the last time you saw a real restaurant review? With an actual analysis of the food served. Media companies, especially South African media companies, are broke. There is no money to pay reviewer restaurant bills. PR companies have inveigled themselves into the gap. With free lunches comes an ever increasing sense of entitlement amongst PR people and chefs. Woe betides any reviewer who dares to write anything other than a puff piece, cut and pasted from the press release!

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MOTORING

Volvo power Swedish luxury car manufacturer Volvo releases two new models in South Africa in 2017, the new V90 Cross Country and the S90


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MOTORING

SVELTE LUXURY 142 The Volvo S90 is a continuation of the new look, new feel and new luxury Volvo brand. Marking Volvo’s return to the large executive sedan segment, the new S90 offers unprecedented Swedish luxury, supreme comfort and space, modern Scandinavian design, Drive-E efficiency and semi-autonomous driving as standard on all models. Longer, wider and lower than competitors, the sleek design is actually reminiscent of a sports coupe rather than a large sedan, and commands attention on the road. All S90 derivatives are semi-autonomous up to 130 km/h as standard. Working handin-hand, Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot

Assist enhance the S90’s driveability and allow drivers to hand over control to the car in varying degrees of engagement. All engines are part of the Drive-E engine family – designed by Volvo, for Volvo. The modular, aluminium engines are all 2.0-litres in capacity and all feature forced induction.

TURBO-CHARGED Diesel power is provided by either the D4 or D5 engines. The D4 is twin-turbocharged to produce 140 kW at 4 250 rpm, with 400 Nm of torque on hand between 1 750 and 2 500 rpm. The quiet and smooth-running engine is mated to the front wheels only and brings excellent efficiency to the table. Consisting of a serial, sequential, low- and high-pressure

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The new Volvo S90 is available with a range of petrol and diesel engines, as well as front- or all-wheel drive. All models feature the silky-smooth 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission.

PICTURES SUPPLIED BY QUICKPIC

The seats, which are exceptionally comfortable, have been designed around the human spine and are covered in highquality leather in all models.

two-stage twin-turbo system, advanced boosting on the D4 engine is based on a refined version of the boosting technology first introduced in Volvo cars in 2008. Average fuel economy is 4.4-litres per 100 km on the combined cycle, with corresponding carbon emissions of 116 g/km coming in below the national taxation threshold. Performance figures are respectable, with a 0-100 km/h time of 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h. The D5 engine which features PowerPulse technology is a game-changer. Powering all four wheels and featuring a two-stage, series-sequential twin-turbocharger system with variable geometry, the engine is further augmented by a 2.0-litre tank of compressed

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air. Available on demand, the compressed air is fed through to the high-pressure turbo on pull-away and under light throttle inputs for instant spool-up, effectively removing the turbo lag that tends to characterise high-output diesel motors. Volvo is the only manufacturer currently using this technology. Outputs are impressive – 173 kW is produced at 4 000 rpm, while a meaty 480 Nm of torque is on hand from 1 750 to 2 250 rpm. Below this rev range, PowerPulse ensures a smooth driving experience, with the results making the engine actually feel more normally-aspirated rather than turbocharged.


MOTORING

The new Volvo V90 is the perfect car for South African terrain. Continuing a legacy of Cross Country models that spans 20 years, Volvo Cars’ latest Cross Country is the ultimate culmination of form, function and absolute lifestyle appeal. The new Volvo V90 is the perfect car for South African terrain. Continuing a legacy of Cross Country models that spans 20 years, Volvo Cars’ latest Cross Country is the ultimate culmination of form, function and absolute lifestyle appeal.

ALL IN THE CHASSIS Many vital parts of the V90 Cross Country’s chassis have been recrafted and refined. Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Car Group, says, “It’s not just a ‘plastic job’. With our new Cross Country you can go where a normal sedan or wagon cannot go. Capability in challenging road, track and field conditions, is the essence. So it all starts with the chassis. “We raised the ground clearance, not just by a few millimetres, but a substantial six centimetres. The tyre diameter has grown by up to 42 mm, providing us with a stable and rugged platform for our design work. To accommodate the bigger

wheels, we designed wheel arch extensions. Together with a silk cover and the new front bumper, they protect the new V90 Cross Country in rough terrain.” A major part of the development work involved reprogramming the car’s electronic chassis systems all-wheel drive, hill descent control, continuously controlled damping (CCD), electric power steering and electronic stability control - to handle the tougher challenges and unpredictable nature of off-road driving

DRIVEABILITY The V90 Cross Country is also available as standard with Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving up to 130 km/h, on all models. Working hand-in-hand, Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist enhance the V90 Cross Country’s driveability and allow drivers to hand over control to the car in varying degrees of engagement. As with the XC90 and S90, the new Volvo V90 Cross Country models are all powered by Volvo’s modular 2.0-litre Drive-E diesel and petrol engines. Four power plants are available: the D4 and D5 diesels, and the T5 and T6 petrols. All engines are mated to the latest all-wheel drive system and the familiar 8-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox.

The car’s designers raised the ground clearance by six centimetres, grew the tyre diameter by up to 42 mm, designed wheel arch extensions and added a silk cover and a new front bumper, to protect the new V90 Cross Country in rough terrain

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TRAVEL

Royal Livingstone

The Royal Livingstone Hotel, overlooking one of the wonders of the natural world, the Victoria Falls, combines modern luxury with old world charm BY SARAH CANGLEY


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The cobalt blue skies and red earth of Zambia are embedded in my DNA and stepping off the plane at Livingstone Airport makes this Kitwe-born girl feel she has come home, to a balmy 26 degrees. I am part of a glamorous entourage of “hunks” who are taking part in a Top Billing shoot at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. The spirit of explorer David Livingstone permeates this premium Sun International hotel, which is named in his honour. The colonial past of Zambia has been resurrected at the Royal Livingstone where the necessities of early settler life are part of a sevenstar lifestyle: sipping G&Ts on the deck watching a molten gold sunset slip into the river; whirring fans in the rooms as the mighty Zambezi flows by like a watery lullaby; candlelit dinner tables under the monkey trees; sleeping under white-draped mosquito nets; and wide verandas.

ABOVE LEFT: The zebras grazing on the lawn are a feature of the hotel. ABOVE RIGHT: The airy façade of the Royal Livingstone. RIGHT: Staff in colourful national dress greet guests. RIGHT BELOW: Steaming through the night in the magnificent Livingstone Express.

PICTURES SUPPLIED JAMES FOX & SUN INTERNATIONAL

WARM WELCOME


TRAVEL

The colonial past of Zambia has been resurrected at the Royal Livingstone where the necessities of early settler life are part of a seven-star lifestyle 57


TRAVEL

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TRAVEL At the porte-cochère guests are given a hand massage and greeted by staff clad in colourful national dress. Two of the features of the hotel are the zebras who greet all arrivals on the front lawn, and the ubiquitous monkeys who have been known to make off with a Rolex or two. The hotel employs “monkey police” armed with catapults to deter these four-legged thieves - who A heavenly work from Mondays to Saturdays but massage under take Sundays off. a white marquee While the hunks are bungee-jumping in “No Man’s Land”, the Victoria Bridge right next to the between the Zambian and Zimbabwean water leaves me borders, hurling themselves off the sleepy and happy, bridge with a harness attached to their although the sound legs and swinging upside down over the raging gorges of the Zambezi, the ladies of the electric in the party decide to enjoy an elephant fence hissing as safari, followed by a decadent spa the river laps at it treatment on the banks of the river. makes me a little “Afterwards you will walk like John jumpy, imagining a Wayne,” my guide warns me before I hippo lumbering on straddle my pachydermatous mount, who is called Mary. Mary knows exactly to the grass. when her teatime is and keeps on passing me little gifts of stone and twigs as the clock strikes three. Otherwise she is wonderfully well behaved and I feel very safe perched on her rolling hind quarters. On the way back to the hotel we visit a cheetah farm and hear these beautiful beasts purring like V8 engines, then drive through the town of Livingstone which boasts some fine Art Deco buildings.

HOTEL HEAVEN A heavenly massage under a white marquee right next to the water leaves me sleepy and happy, although the sound of the electric fence hissing as the river laps at it makes me a little jumpy, and I imagine a hippo lumbering on to the grass. Because of its ideal situation, 10 minutes’ walk from the eastern cataract of the Victoria Falls, the hotel has prime position in the area, so I try a walk to the nearby market through the rain forest where a perpetual rainbow shines, hanging on for dear life to a slippery little bridge. We laugh about crazy Swedish tourists posting YouTube videos of themselves playing in the Devil’s Pool in the dry season, the ultimate infinity pool. The friendliness of the Zambian people is evident at the market where haggling is the order of the day, and they are happy to trade curios for toiletries or pens. I am touched when I am given a hand carved zebra as a memento. Dressing for dinner is very much part of the colonial experience and our dinner takes place on a magnificent old choo-choo called the Livingstone Express which steams through the Zambian night as the children come out and wave at us. Staying at the Royal Livingstone is as close to hotel heaven as you are likely to find. From the moment you enter the airy reception area, and walk to where high tea is held in the afternoons - soft sugar peaks of meringues topping exquisite carrot cake, plates of crustless sandwiches and cakes of every mouthwatering variety on dainty china dishes - every attention to detail is taken care of, and the area around the hotel is regularly sprayed to deter mosquitoes.

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Belles of the ball

The theme at this year’s 2017 Met Gala was Comme des Garçons’s Rei Kawakubo and some guests arrived appropriately clad in outrageous outfits and avant garde jewellery while others took the classic route.

ABOVE: Michelle Monghan in a Cartier vintage necklace.

ABOVE LEFT Allison Williams in Cartier diamond earrings. ABOVE RIGHT: Alexander Skarsgård looked dapper in a white dinner jacket.

PICTURES SUPPLIED BY CARTIER AND VERSACE

ABOVE: Kate Bosworth, in vintage Cartier jewellery, is helped up the stairs.


LEFT: Abel Tesfaye in a custom-made Valentino tuxedo and a diamond and yellow sapphire pin from the Cartier Collection. RIGHT: Kylie Jenner was breath-taking in a custommade, Atelier Versace gown and Lorraine Schwartz earrings.

ABOVE: Blake Lively and Ryan Gosling opted for Versace. BELOW: Dakota Johnson in Cartier emerald and diamond earrings.

ABOVE: Naomi Watts, Stella McCartney and Kate Hudson.


Lost in Space WATCH HERE

ABOVE: Pixie Lott LEFT: Liv Tyler

PICTURES SUPPLIED BY OMEGA

OMEGA celebrated the 60th anniversary of its iconic Speedmaster watch with a star-filled event in London. George Clooney and Buzz Aldrin were the guests of honour at the “Lost in Space” evening, a theme which paid tribute to the Speedmaster’s unrivalled legacy in space exploration.


Panther party

Cartier celebrated the launch of its Panthere de Cartier watch at Milk Studios in Los Angeles. The evening was hosted by Cyrille Vigneron, the president & CEO of Cartier International. Guests enjoyed special performances by Alicia Keys, Lion Babe and DJ Mark Ronson.

PICTURES SUPPLIED BY CARTIER

ABOVE: Poppy Delevingne ABOVE LEFT: Brooklyn Sudano BELOW: Dita von Teese


ANDREW GRIMA “ABOUT TIME” COLLECTION FOR OMEGA


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