Cheek2chic mag issue 2 January 2014 by Sarah Cangley

CARTIER THORNYBUSH YSWARA

NEW WAVE WATCHES February 2014

| www.cheektochic.co.za

2 | Editor’s Letter

Editor’s letter

t’s a watch and jewellery bonanza in the magazine this month! Cheek2Chic was lucky enough to be at one of the premier fairs in the world in Geneva, the SIHH, amid a whirlwind of creativity, red carpets events, celebrities and horological savoir faire second to none.

On the local front we catch up with Swaady Luke-Martin whose stylish company Yswara is taking the world by storm.

The new IWC Aquatimer graces the front cover but all the latest offerings from other superlative brands like Vacheron Constantin, JaegerLeCoultre and Baume & Mercier are covered in a 12 page feature.

The Christmas holidays were all about the perfect getaway and Thornybush’s Simbambili, with its abundant leopard population, gets a seven star rating.

Enjoy the interview with Marc Forster. Marc, who directed blockbuster World War Z, believes that, like a Swiss watch, a director eventually becomes a brand in his own right. Integrity is one of the rarest commodities in Hollywood but it is a quality that Marc possesses in abundance.

Spero Villioti’s talented students strut their stuff at their end of year graduation ceremony.

The social scene is By Invitation only, and these pages sees South African racing really getting into its stride, the most Stylish Person in the land at the SA Style Awards and top international red carpet events. Cheek2Chic has added video content this month so you really feel like you were there! So sit back, load up the wi-fi and enjoy!

Some of the most iconic pieces ever created by Cartier were on exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris and influences from some of these pieces found their way onto the fine jewellery watches displayed by Cartier at their booth at the SIHH.

Sarah Cangley Cheek2Chic Editor

3 | Contents

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

WATCH BONANZA

Diving watches, new materials, decorative arts, unique pieces ... fine watch making at its best at the Salon de la Haute Horlogerie 2014 in Geneva

FABULOUS JEWELS

Cartierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s zeitgeisty exhibition at the Grand Palais includes a glittering tiara carousel and iconic pieces from around the world

STYLE ICON

Meet a trailblazer in African luxury, Swaady Martin-Leke, whose innovative brand Yswara has earned her prestigious awards and accolades

RED CARPET MOMENT Marc Forster talks to Cheek2Chic

LUXURY LIVING

Leopard spotting and at the five-star Simbambili Lodge, part of the Thornybush Collection

FASHION

Spero Villioti Graduates show their talent at the end of year ceremony

BY INVITATION

Cover picture: The Aquatimer Deep Three. Courtesy of IWC

4 | Fine Timepieces

Ballon Blanc de Cartier watch. Picture: ÂŠ Cartier.

FINE WATCHES The annual Swiss trade fair, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), features some of the most elite watch brands in the world

6 | Fine Timepieces

Picture by: Baume & Mercier

The Clifton 30mm 10151 and the Clifton 41 mm 10141

Picture by: Getty images

round 12 500 retailers, journalists and brand representatives come from around the world to view what’s new in the world of fine watchmaking at the SIHH. This year new materials, greater technological advances and more decoration were the buzzwords in the luxurious booths belonging to each brand (A. Lange & Sohne, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Montblanc, Panerai, Piaget, Parmigiani, Richard Mille, IWC, JaegerLe-Coultre, Van Cleef & Arpels, Ralph Lauren, Piaget, Roger Dubuis and Baume & Mercier). Each booth was much more than an exhibition space - it was about how each brand wanted to be perceived. Roger Dubuis put together an avant garde space that deconstructed the cuckoo clock and introduced a cheeky element of steampunk chic. Viewers and celebrity Friends of the Brand were invited into an underwater world in the IWC booth, and were taken on a virtual expedition to the Galapagos Islands to discover the secrets of the world both above and below the water as IWC introduced their new Aquatimer watch collection. For the first time ever, IWC used bronze for a watch case in the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Charles Darwin”. An innovative diving watch was also on the Cartier menu but this famous Maison also dazzled onlookers with diamond-

faced Tanks and unique, rare pieces that spoke to an iconic past. Baume & Mercier banished the beach feel of former years and invited watch aficionados into a cosy beautifully appointed setting as the brand took a trip down memory lane with their new ranges of Clifton watches. One model contained a flying tourbillon which once featured in a Baume & Mercier pocket watch. “Do better when possible, and it is always possible!” is the slogan of prestige watchmakers Vacheron Constantin, and this year the brand raised the bar with their intricate open worked Malte Tourbillon openworked watches and exquisite range of women’s watches. Despite a one-year sabbatical Johann Rupert, the chairman of the Swiss-based luxury-goods company Richemont, attended the fair and was the guest of honour at the IWC “Inside the Wave” gala event. Dr Precious Motsepe-Moloi, who was in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum, also made an appearance. Christopher and Donald Greig of Charles Greig Jewellers and Oresti Mavrodaris of Elegance Jewellers attended the fair to buy new watches for their various clients. Four exciting days of viewing masterpieces in watch making were accompanied by a whirlwind of equally prestigious red carpet events, visits to manufacturers, interviews with designers, CEOs and brands and dinners at the many top class restaurants around Geneva.

8 | Fine Timepieces

The new Malte tourbillon open worked model for 2014

Pictures provided by: Vacheron Constantin

VIDEO FEATURE

CLICK TO VIEW MAKING OF THE CLOCK VIDEO VIDEO FEATURE

CLICK TO VIEW MAKING OF THE CLOCK VIDEO

Methods of engraving and watch making in the Vacheron Constantin manufacture

10 | Fine Timepieces

GRANDE REVERSO NIGHT & DAY Jaeger-LeCoultre

CLICK TO VIEW 180 SKILLS

Pictures provided by: _Jaeger-LeCoultre

VIDEO FEATURE

GRANDE REVERSO ULTRA THIN 1931 CHOCOLATE DIAL Jaeger-LeCoultre

Pictures & text supplied by: IWC

IWC Aquatimer Split Minute Chronograph

12 | Fine Timepieces

Bronze likewise makes its debut as a metal for the case. The Swiss watch manufacturer is also launching four special editions in support of the work of the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Cousteau Society. “The Aquatimer is a distinctively masculine, dynamic and professional sports watch line, with a tradition dating back to 1967,” explains Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen. “The influence of legendary design elements and colours of the Aquatimer heritage is unmistakable. The design of the new generation, however, is more purist than that of its predecessors. It makes a powerful overall impression, effectively accentuated by the new, innovative rotating bezel, the hallmark of the IWC Aquatimer watches.” The fact that the new Aquatimer watch collection is being launched against the stupendous backdrop of the Galapagos Islands is no coincidence. “Very few regions on Earth are home to such a fascinating diversity of species, both on land and in the ocean, as this unique archipelago,” continues Georges Kern. “Our Aquatimer watches are the perfect companion for demanding expeditions above and below water, and are entirely in their element in this natural paradise. But the massive extent of the threat posed

to this World Heritage Site is also clear to us.” IWC Schaffhausen pledges itself to ecologically responsible behaviour and pursues a corporate strategy based firmly on sustainability. As a manufacturer of top-quality watches that stand for lasting value, the Swiss company feels a very special obligation to help preserve the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands. It therefore supports and sponsors the Charles Darwin Foundation and its research organization, which adopts a scientific approach to the challenges on the Galapagos. IWC brings the same commitment to the Cousteau Society, which dedicates itself to continuing the research work of Jacques VIDEO FEATURE Cousteau (1910– 1997) and the preservation of the world’s seas. With his unique photography and film work depicting the rich diversity of CLICK TO VIEW INSIDE marine life, the THE IWC BOOTH French deep-sea diver brought “The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau” to the homes of millions of people worldwide. A passionate engineer, inventor, researcher and film-maker, he heightened awareness of the need to protect the blue planet as no one else has done.

Aquatimer Deep Three

he evolution of the diver’s watches from IWC continues. The 2014 Aquatimer collection from IWC Schaffhausen comes with inspired technical features, even more in-house calibres and a patented IWC bracelet quick-change system. For the first time ever, a haute horlogerie complication in the form of a perpetual calendar with a large digital date display appears in this watch family.

14 | Fine Timepieces

HAUTE HORLOGER

“The Aquatimer is a distinctively masculine, dynamic and professional sports watch line, with a tradition dating back to 1967.”

RIE

Pictures & text supplied by: IWC

16 | Cartier

GRACE KELLY’S ENGAGEMENT RING Vincent Wulveryck © Cartier

TRINITY RINGS Cartier Paris, 1924

10.4 CARAT EMERALD CUT © Cartier

18 | Cartier

PANTHERE AJOUREE DE CARTIER WATCH L Heure Envoutée de Cartier

SANTOS-DUMONT WRISTWATCH Cartier Paris, 1912

HIGH JEWELLERY SECRET WATCH L Heure Envoutée de Cartier

LES INDOMPTABLES DE CARTIER CROCODILE1 L Heure Envoutée de Cartier

Secret watches in a shape of a swan L Heure Envoutée de Cartier

20 | Cartier

A FABLED AND BEJE

s a brand Cartier has always been able to tap into the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history, whether the maison produced chimerical creatures, precious tiaras and mystery clocks or bespoke pieces for stylish clients.

by the crowned heads and aristocrats of Europe, which pirouette in a “tiara carousel”. No photograph could ever capture the dazzle as the turning diamonds catch the light; it has to be seen to be believed and truly captures the essence of the Belle Epoque.

This zeitgeisty ability is most apparent in the recent “Style and History” exhibition held at the Grand Palais in Paris, as well as the timepieces presented at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie 2014 in Geneva.

Light projections and fantastical creatures are streamed onto the walls and ceilings of the exhibition, the prevailing motif being the tutti frutti patterns that Cartier is so famous for.

The 600 pieces of jewellery, bejewelled accessories and timepieces accurately reflect over 167 years of history and are complemented by more than 300 documents from the Cartier archives. These include notebooks, drawings, order books, inventories, plaster casts, autochromes and photographs; all providing insight into the jeweller’s creative process. Visitors to the exhibition are greeted by tiaras commissioned

In the early 20th century it became evident that Cartier eschewed Art Nouveau, heading straight towards “le style moderne” - the streamlined look of Art Deco - instead. As commissions from royalty dwindled (except for the British royal family, whose jewellery was also on loan for this astonishing exhibition) wealthy socialites and movie stars became the new royalty and Cartier’s bespoke pieces reflect this. Princess Grace’s elegant jewellery contrasts with

EWELLED HISTORY

the flamboyance of, say, Elizabeth Taylor’s diamonds or Wallis Simpson’s famous gemset flamingo brooch and the opulent taste of Mexican actress María Félix, whose taste for the reptilian reveals itself in a glittering snake necklace and her famous crocodile necklace.

the High Jewellery Secret watches from the L’Heure Envoutée Jewellery collection, which sparkle with diamonds and fabulous cut gems. Cartier debuts 12 unique pieces at the watch fair, 5 new movements and three new techniques.

Cartier cleverly incorporates the inspiration from these very same iconic pieces into a part of their new watch collection for 2014 presented at the SIHH fair.

The highlight of the high-end luxury watches is a Ballon Bleu de Cartier limited edition piece depicting a parrot, using flower petals in a marquetry-style manner on the dial. The petals are created to emulate the look of feathers.

María Félix would have enjoyed the Les Indomptables de Cartier Brooch watch which separates into a watch and a brooch and Wallis Simpson would have snapped up the watch with a pink flamingo brooch. The famous Art Deco motifs of the past adorn

With such astonishing skill and artistry behind the maison it is easy to see why Cartier has played such a pivotal role in the history of the decorative arts.

22 | Style Icon

THE WARMTH OF AFR W

ith its range of beautiful contemporary lifestyle goods “based on centuries old African craftsmanship” luxury brand Yswara has extended its reach from Johannesburg across Africa and into the European market.

Within the secluded courtyard area, with lush plants and chirping birds, she has set up a living space which will be a mix of culture and retail. Yswara will hold monthly events here with different artists and a gourmet caterer.

The brand is already so successful that Yswara’s founder Swaady Martin-Leke has been named one of the youngest power women in Africa by Forbes.

February is the month of love so there will be a singer and candlelit concert for Valentine’s.

Stylish power player Swaady started off with what she loved – teas - then expanded the business further into the homeware and accessories market. Today her thriving business in Parkhurst stocks a range of African teas beautifully packaged in new dusty-pink boxes and glossy black and gold tins bearing the Yswara logo. The logo and the name was derived from the ty wara, which is an ancient symbol from Western Africa shaped like the curved neck and head of an antelope. The logo also resembles the sun. Yswara’s teas include the Seven Wonders of Africa Collection from the Malawian Shire Highlands to the African Queens Health tea, the Kingdoms of Africa and the African Values collections. In pride of place is the Sanfoka tea set collection, mainly in black glazed African earthernware rimmed with gold detailing, but in other colours as well. The home fragrance range, Johari la Africa, consists of soy wax massage candles, each bearing the names of poetry - Marrakesh, Yaoundé, Abidjan, Addis Ababa. Each African city carries its own evocation and personal memory for Swaady, who was the “nose” behind the project. Homeware includes metal spoons with handles moulded in the shape of rooibos twigs or honeydrippers shaped like poppyheads and a striking collection of Kra bowls and the accessories include jewellery pieces, each with their own history and meaning. Swaady’s aim is to create “luxury that is not intimidating”, incorporating African warmth and culture.

The aim is to create â&#x20AC;&#x153;luxury that is not intimidatingâ&#x20AC;?, incorporating African warmth and culture

Or des Anges, Malawian peony white tea and 22-carat edible gold petals with a Sanfoka tea set

RICAN LUXURY

24 | Style Icon

KRA BOWLS

ARTISAN TEA COLLECTION Showing the Yswara Logo

ROOIBOS WICK TEASPOONS Wake Mia Spoon Collection

Pictures supplied by: Yswara

DANFANI Jewellery

SMALL CANDLE GIFTSET

26 | Film

MARC FORSTER

Pictures by: Getty Images

wiss-German filmmaker Marc Forster talks to Cheek2Chic about his concept of time, fame, the 21st director as a brand and his signature

style.

I THINK PEOPLE FIRST STARTED TO SIT UP AND TAKE NOTICE OF YOUR WORK IN AROUND 2000 WHAT’S THE JOURNEY BEEN LIKE?

I think every journey for everyone is always challenging if you share your work with people. It’s a challenge to get there, it’s a challenge to keep creating, it’s a challenge to not repeat yourself and to stay connected. Because time has seemed to speed up, everything is moving faster. Because of our technology and communication devices we communicate faster, but we communicate less. At the same time as a storyteller it is very exciting because there is so much happening. It’s important that you keep on connecting with what we call the “zeitgeist” because the stories I tell are related to the human condition.

IS IT EXCITING TO NOW BE FAMOUS?

If you are not famous you are under the radar. There’s no pressure, nobody is paying any attention. The moment you are famous the pressure increases because now people have expectations. As an artist the more pressure and the expectations increase the more you have to dissociate yourself. You always have to start with a clean canvas and you don’t have that anymore, you really have to create it for yourself.

3 4

WHAT HAS BEEN THE INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION IN YOUR LIFE?

My stories are my inspiration.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED?

We all have emotional ups and downs in our personal life and your work. As a storyteller or any artist, when you share your work you will be judged. Ultimately the more honest the work is the more open you are, the more vulnerable you become - and the more it hurts. You start reading reviews. On one

extreme people say: “He’s a genius”. On the other they say: “He’s a dilettante and his work is empty and meaningless”. Ultimately neither side can be trusted. You have to trust yourself and believe that what you are sharing with the world is your vision and the best you can do.

HAVE THERE BEEN OBSTACLES IN YOUR PATH?

Pretty much with every movie, except Quantum of Solace. You have a book like The Kite Runner which sold 8 million copies worldwide - it was a big bestseller and Dreamworks wanted to make it in English. I don’t want to cast Tom Cruise as Baba; it doesn’t make any sense. The film is about the Afghan people. It’s not about what you see on CNN, it’s about the people in the background. To respect the story it is essential to tell it with authentic people. I had to make compromises on budget and there was no actress to sell the movie so the sales were relying on the book and my name and it was much harder to market. It was similar with Monsters Ball: three people die in the first half of the movie, including an obese child and a man on an electric chair - it’s not the commercial tagline. Finding Neverland was also a tricky sell because of JM Barrie’s background. You have to imagine a movie with children, then the press writing that he was a paedophile. He was actually an asexual but people will spin whatever they want. Every subject I walked into was a tricky one. With World War Z zombie movies don’t make that much money and people had a lot of issues with it. Stranger Than Fiction was also this absurd and abstract film.

MY OWN COUNTRY HAS WONDERFUL STORIES THAT ARE UNDER THE RADAR. WE LOOK FORWARD TO POTENTIALLY HAVING A MARC FORSTER MOVIE SET IN SOUTH AFRICA ... SO, NO PRESSURE!

I did shoot in South Africa, when I made Machine Gun Preacher. Even though the movie was set in Sudan we shot some scenes outside Joburg. I really like South Africa and think there is something very special about the country, and the countryside. I would love to go back there.

Pictures by: Getty Images

28 | Film

Q&A 7

WOULD YOU CONSIDER USING SOUTH AFRICAN ACTORS, USING THEIR OWN ACCENTS? WE LISTEN TO MOVIES AND WE GO: ‘OH, THE ACCENT ISN’T RIGHT!’ I always try to cast authentic and I did use one South African actor twice. Fana Mokoena, he is pretty well known.

YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED AN “INVISIBLE DIRECTOR”, DESPITE MAKING SO MANY AND SUCH VARIED FILMS. WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE AS A DIRECTOR? FOR EXAMPLE, WOODY ALLEN HAS HIS SIGNATURE MUSIC OR TYPE FACE FOR THE CREDITS. I think they are all about the human condition and mortality. If you start looking at them closely they do connect but I like to have the story dictate the approach to the visualisation. I think the story chooses you versus you choosing the story. If you look at the movies of Billy Wilder or Howard Hawks they make films from comedies to thrillers. But it doesn’t happen in this day and age because we live in an age of branding. Someone like Quentin Tarantino has become a brand. I think the more movies I make, because they are so invisible, that becomes a brand.

WHEN IT COMES TO FIGHT SCENES IT’S A TRICKY ONE. I WATCHED A FILM ON THE PLANE AND IT TURNED INTO WHAT SOUTH AFRICANS CALL A “SKOP, SKIET AND DONNER” MOVIE. TELL ME ABOUT THE THOUGHT PROCESSES THAT GO INTO YOUR ACTION MOVIES. Every action sequence has to be clear and have discipline. Some people think the bigger the better, I think less is more.

DO YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO YOUR INDIE AND ART HOUSE MOVIES?

I grew up in a country that has emotional restraint. That is true of most German speaking countries. In America you say “I love you”, but in Switzerland if you say I love you, you really mean it. It’s all about the unspoken moments. What is interesting about cinema is that it captures the emotion that’s not expressed with words. Dialogue is secondary. It’s your action that expresses.

THAT MAKES ME THINK OF “THE LONG GOOD FRIDAY” WITH BOB HOSKINS WHERE AT THE END OF THE FILM HE SAYS

NOTHING, BUT ALL THESE EMOTIONS PLAY ACROSS HIS FACE. That’s interesting. I made this movie Stay and Bob Hoskins was in it, when he has this moment with Ryan Gosling. It was not a critical and commercial success but I really loved the movie.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE ACTOR/ACTRESS TO WORK WITH TO DATE AND WHY? I think the actor I have really learnt a lot from is Dustin Hoffman. He is like a father figure to me, he is in his 70s and he is still like a child. He has made some of the great movies of film history; at the same time you meet the guy and he is just this beautiful artist and soul. He suddenly plays it upside down, and does another take. He told me this lovely story about when he did Death of a Salesman with John Malkovich and made a double meaning out of the word “play”. When I worked with him in Finding Neverland he and Johnny Depp started to “play” and the dialogue found itself.

YOU ARE AS “PROUDLY SWISS” AS THE IWC WATCHES. DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE FACETS OF YOUR

PERSONALITY THAT DOVETAIL WITH THE PRECISION OF A SWISS MADE WATCH? One is very disciplined in Swiss or German culture. Always “on time”, you could say. For instance Quantum of Solace was the first Bond movie that finished in time in the history of Bond. I would say that usually apart from World War Z I was always on time. Even on set I love my watch.

CAN I SEE WHAT YOU ARE WEARING TODAY?

A big Pilot. IWC make great watches with vision behind them, I believe time is essential so it’s important how you spend your time and who you give your time to. That’s one of the reasons I like watches.

What is interesting about cinema is that it captures the emotion that’s not

expressed with words.”

Pictures by: The Thornybush Collection

30 | Luxury Living

LEOPARD SPOTTING T

here is a hunger and thirst for the bush bred in the bones of anyone who has grown up in Africa. Wide open spaces, grass the colour of bone, the sharp acrid smells of territorial urine and dung, the taste of the dust, the sweat of the high midday sun and the bush quiet. I remember crossing the Zambezi as a child and hearing “flick-flickflick” past the car windows as we drove across the great steel bridge from Zambia to the Kruger Park. We drove with our windows wound tight in those days, in a sun-drenched car and no air-conditioning. What excitement when I spotted the first animal of the trip: an enormous giraffe. We stayed in bush chalets in Skukuza which had curtains patterned with the animals which we had seen that day. So when the chief officer of The Thornybush Collection, Nic Griffin, said to me: “When are you coming to stay with us?” I couldn’t wait to pack my safari bag. My Irish-Australian cousin Siobhan was coming out from Cologne and what could be a better opportunity to introduce her to the real Africa, with all the trappings of a five-star lodge? Nic organised a weekend for us at SIMBAMBILI GAME LODGE, two private suites with their own plunge pools and, wait for it, a daybed. The drive down was torrid as the heavens decided to open and poured liberally. I took the Dullstroom road, thinking it would be prettier but you couldn’t see much through the rain-smeared windows. After lunch in the town I dodged potholes like a seasoned Grand Prix driver until we got past Lydenburg. Then I decided to go on to Ohlrigstad, thinking it would be quicker, but I found myself driving for ten hours and now it was dark. Finally the Gowrie Gate appeared in the darkness. In the Park we “hugged the fence” until the lodge appeared before us, the lamps and candles lit in the driveway and entrance hall to welcome us in. The young couples who ran the place were waiting with glasses of port and a roaring fire as the rain mizzled down. We were shown to our rooms by our guide, Amos, who went ahead with his torch flicking through the dark and along the pathway. The water buffalo found the grass at chalet no 3 the sweetest in the world, we were told, and a leopard sometimes passed through the camp like a shadow.

Pictures by: The Thornybush Collection

32 | Luxury Living

Then he stopped and told us to listen. “Lion,” he said, with the faintest smile. The roaring was coming from ten kilometres away and there were no fences. The males were moving to the next camp, we found out in the morning. The lodge is renowned for being one of the most romantic spots in the Kruger and did not disappoint. My room had a mosquito net pulled around the bed, gauzily tied on bamboo canes hung from the ceiling, which was lit softly from within by two bedside lamps. Outside the plunge pool was lit and beckoned seductively. The bath was enormous and stone, with a big saucer of crystal bath salts. Siobhan and I were starving after the long drive and decided to drop our bags in our rooms and brave the pathway back. Supper was glorious: kudu for her and a lamb curry served in a poppadum with sambals for me. Siobhan had a chat at the fire with a couple from Dusseldorf but it was time for my head to hit the pillow. Why is it that pillows at a five-star lodge are always plumper and enticing and the linen whiter and crisper than anything you could ever buy? And the mattresses softer and more sleep-

inducing? Especially after a long hot soak in that bath tub. Only one problem ... “We’ll knock on your door at 5.30am for a game drive,” said Karen at reception. Oh no, you won’t! Siobhan went off early in the morning with the Dusseldorfers but I died until 8 the next morning when I found it very difficult to get up. After finding out that the doors to the bedroom and bathroom folded up completely, opening up the whole space to the heavenly smelling air, I staggered off in a big fluffy robe to my daybed, overlooking a dried-up river and waited for the monkeys to try to steal my sunglasses. Perhaps they were watching me quizzically from the trees waiting for me to snooze off again. Closing my eyes I succumbed to the absolute quiet. Not quiet really, but completely different sounds from those in the city. The sounds layered one over another and all seemed so far away. The fan whirring in the room, a little fountain playing at the next-door spa, the staff going about their business in the distance with armfuls of linen, the sound of the wind in the trees and a fine rain falling, a door shutting and, best of all, the different birds singing liquidly, their tunes overlapping like a fine choir. Something barked in the trees down below. I went up for breakfast , wielding a Burberry umbrella against the mizzly rain. A little duiker was grazing tamely near the

main lodge. No sign of the water buffalo, although one guest said he looked out of his window at 4am and saw one right outside the chalet. In the breakfast room the staff shivered dramatically, saying it had been 45 degrees a week ago. Twenty degrees seemed cold for them. Everyone was back from their game drive and boasted of the leopard they had seen, courtesy of Grant the ranger and Mumps the tracker. The group, who consisted of a jolly couple from New Zealand, a quieter duo from the UK and the Dusseldorfers, seemed disappointed that there were no lion, but for a southern African the thought of leopard was excitement beyond measure. And I was in for a treat. The Sabie Sands Game Reserve, where Simbambili is situated, is home to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest leopard population. Leopard are my favourite animal, and up till now something I had only glimpsed in half-shade or in a tree on a night drive. Their allure is due to their gorgeous markings, exquisite elegant shape, the white tuft on their tails which they carry always erect like a weapon, their silence and stealth, their grace and endangered status. How could anyone kill such a beautiful animal for sport or even wear its fur?

After lunch overlooking a well visited waterhole and a wonderful neck massage at the spa it was time to see the leopards for myself. We were given green blankies with rain ponchos to match, and after a few hours on the trail looked very much like a bunch of lappet-faced vultures huddled bedraggled in the game drive vehicle.

The water buffalo found the grass at chalet no 3 the sweetest in the world, we were told, and a leopard sometimes passed through the camp like a shadow.

Pictures by: The Thornybush Collection

34 | Luxury Living

But we did see leopards, three of them, one after another, walking openly in the road, looking as at home in the attention as Mandela used to at a state banquet, but flinching a little at the constant flashlights. Our first was an 18-year-old female, a Grizabella of the leopard world who had lost one eye and sustained various injuries over the years. Still beautiful with her one milky eye she stared in bored fashion at the game drive vehicles which pulled up for a better look. After we went off road onto a dried-up river bed, thorn tree branches whipping at our eyes, hooking our ponchos and making us lie flat on our seats, our tracker Mumps found fresh paw prints in the dust and told us he was off to find the next leopard, armed with a slingshot. Before we knew it he had disappeared into the thick bush while Grant swung the vehicle round and went round back on to the road. I was terrified. “Oh he’s mad,” shrugged Grant who was explaining all the deadlooking trees to us. They were called leadwood trees and were kind of tough as they just refused to keel over, or let the termites eat them. Fortunately we picked Mumps up again safe and sound after ten minutes and we saw our second leopard, a young male with much paler markings this time.

Leopard number three was not far behind and we followed him for a short distance, trying to get the guests not to stand up in their seats (leopards recognise the “man shape”, but see the game drive vehicle as one big animal). I asked Grant if there were hyenas around and he said, yes, and they were his favourite animal. Not mine though, and the sworn enemies of leopards. The hippos were yawning pinkly in the river bed as the rain made ripples in the water. The waterbuck huddled under a tree, the distinctive markings on their rear “looking like a toilet seat”, said the Kiwis and Poms. We saw elephants moving through the bush, their trunks snapping at branches. Time for sundowners, and more snacks, biltong and nuts with liberal gin and tonics. It was getting dark and Mumps had disappeared again. For a wee break, this time. We set off for the lodge, a hot bath and dinner, followed by yet another deep sleep. I thought of how my grandparents lived and how the things which were necessities in the bush have become part of luxurious bush life. The hurricane lamps, the mosquito nets, the open verandas, the sundowners, the rifle in the vehicle, the anti-malaria tablets, little cool breezes that play over hot skin at night ...and was glad that modern living has improved the human lot while allowing us to still enjoy Africa.

36 | Fashion

SPERO VILLIOTI STUDENT Spero Villioti is one of the few South African designers worthy of being called a couturier. With 25 years as a luxury fashion brand and many awards under his belt he believes in giving back, and started up the Spero Villioti Elite Design Academy in 2004 to teach the art of couture to young designers. The Academy teaches students “design flair and entrepreneurial ability that equips graduates with the expertise to thrive in the fashion industry”. Only a gifted few are chosen for their creative flair, passion and talent. As Spero says in his website: “Fashion commands invention, diligence and ingenuity. Prestige within the industry depends on a solid foundation; a predisposition for excellence. Since opening its doors Spero Villioti Elite Design Academy has offered an education of distinction. Emphasis is placed on what the fashion industry requires, creating a winning formula. Our international benchmarking practices as well as relationships with industry experts ensure that the education received at Spero Villioti Elite Design Academy equips its graduates with an added advantage when entering the professional market.” Last year’s graduation ceremony, “Future Fashion Leaders” was held at Vodaworld in Midrand and 21 budding fashion designers’ work was showcased in front of an enthusiastic audience. Media personality Ashley Hayden was the master of ceremonies and looked super glamorous in a gorgeous and feminine Spero creation.

Pictures supplied by: Simon Denier Photography

38 | Fashion

Each graduate worked with a theme, with their respective inspirations included in the programme. The collections were: Cleo’s Toys: Yadi da Silva Lemos Print Exploration: Binita Mancha Miti: Sekai Sandamu Careless Whisper: Amber Ham Nerds Squared: Sue-Anne le Roux Dripping in Gold: Andri Spies Creatures of the Sea: Marilize Esterhuizen Shades of Grey Mandie Labuschagne Mermaid: Candice Moss Autumn in Winter: Alannah Jones Dandelion: Bianca de Agrela Egyptian Queens: Mabel Sutherland Shades of Aqua: Lynn-Marie du Plessis Amaya & Amayha: Ponatshego Diale The Blues: Marie-Noelle Menzene Scarlet Orient: Tamsin Craddock

Leopardess: Malinda McIntyre Papillon: Karina van der Merwe Pop Out: Beauty Urhobo The Blue Dragon: Shaazya Khan Hallelujah: Elisma van der Merwe New Beginnings: Alyssa Pateul Midas: Ellen Kondowe Mint Warrior: Lizaan Zondagh You can’t fail in fashion if you put cute fashion-forward youngsters on the ramp and there was special applause for the “Nerds Squared” models, who strutted their stuff in geeky glasses. Parsons New York has a special collaboration with the Elite Academy in terms of the New York International Programme and students received certificates from Parsons New York before the graduation ceremony itself. Fashion is about leading, not following, and Spero’s rising young stars certainly had the talent to become the Future Fashion leaders.

Only a gifted few are chosen for their creative flair, passion and talent.

Pictures supplied by: Simon Denier Photography

40 | By Invitation

Pictures supplied by: Zebra Square

AND THE MOST STYLI

“

eing stylish is having an innate sense of style in every aspect of your life, your lifestyle, the way you clothe both yourself and your surroundings, the way in which you conduct your career, the destinations you travel to, what you drive, where you dine and what you sip on. Our winners each year are chosen because they have made a mark in their respective fields in South Africa.”

The SA Style Awards have seen South Africans from every walk of life honoured over the past 17 years and every year the judges’ panel gets bigger and bigger (and more argumentative). Various meetings and lunches finally resulted in a winner! Over 200 guests were treated to red carpet predrinks in Hyde Park Corner’s Centre Court where, like Wimbledon, heads turned from left to right as each new guest arrived.

ISH TITLE GOES TO ...

The winners for 2013 were:

• • • • • • • • •

Most stylish Performing Artist in Music: Chiano Sky Most Stylish Performing Artist in Film or TV: Minnie Dlamini Most Stylish Media Personality: Simba Mhere Most Stylish Designer Interior: John Jacob Zwiegelaar Most Stylish Model – Female: Thando Hopa Most Stylish Model – Male: Masego “Maps” Maponyane Most Stylish Business Personality – Wanted/Jameson: Connor Mccreedy Most Stylish Couple: Kerry McGregor and Neil McKenzie SA Style Awards Marie Claire Street Style Award: Anthea Poulos (quirky blogger and author of “Anthea Knows Best”)

42 | By Invitation

THE RACING ROUND UP T

he track at the 2013 Sansui Summer Cup was awash with brightly coloured outfits as guests arrived in every bright colour of the rainbow, proof of the “Colour to Conquer” theme for this prestigious day-night raceday at Turffontein. One of the highlights of the day was the human race - literally. It was racing driver Gennaro Bonafede who took the honours in the 2013 SANSUI Summer Cup Celeb Charity Dash. His win provided a cheque of R120 000 to nominated charity, The Rainbows and Smiles Foundation, which provides emotional, social and financial support to families of children with lifethreatening diseases, and in particular cancer. In the women’s department Jacinda Louw-Schutte won the

female leg of the race. The Face of the Sansui Summer Cup Azania Mosaka made a grand entrance in a chopper which hovered over Turffontein in a flurry of dust. She was in a scintillating yellow and blue outfit from JJ Schoeman and a fascinator from The Little Hattery, who have been named the official milliners of South African racing. A different kind of hat trick followed when champion trainer Geoff Woodruff trainer Geoff Woodruff saw three of his horses placed first, second and third in the main race, Yorker, followed by Master Sabina and Tellina. The party continued until well into early hours for those who had strong constitutions .

The Face of the Sansui Summer Cup Azania Mosaka made a grand entrance in a chopper which hovered over Turffontein in a flurry of dust Pictures by: Peter Morey

44 | By Invitation 1

The interesting thing about the race is that it was called the Queen’s Plate only when a Queen was on the throne

any race days have a traditional dress code, for example Derby Day in Melbourne (black and white) or Royal Ascot.

a large crowd. The first Queen’s Plate race first began on African soil in 1861 when Queen Victoria donated a silver plate and 500 sovereigns to the winner.

The L’Ormarins Queens Plate at Kenilworth has one of the most elegant race day dress codes in racing. Blue and white photographs well and looks cool in the sizzling summer heat. The 53rd Queen’s Plate kicked off the year with a bang and

The race was called the Queen’s Plate when a Queen was on the throne. After Queen Victoria’s death the race resumed as the King’s Plate. This lasted until 1953 when Queen Elizabeth 2 was crowned.

1. Cindy Nell (Best Dressed Women Competition Winner) & Siv Ngesi (Best Dressed Man Competition Winner) 2. Nicci and Beezey Bailey with Aldo Domeyer 3. Ilca Jonker, Brett Roux & Karlien de Wet 4. Chester Williams & Rob Louw 5. Anna Bowzyk & Ross du Jour 6. Janez Vermeiren, Jacob Wiese & Nicky van der Walt Pictures supplied by: CSA Communications

7. Tracey McGregor with Jackie Wiese and Tara Osborne 8. Josh Pinn & Tasmin Montgomery 9. Chloe Norgaard & Kristian Schmidt 10. Careen Truter and Marla Bryan 11. Johan Fourie and Liesl van der Westhuizen

46 | By Invitation 1

Full fancy dress at the Met

he theme of this year’s J&B Met was “Made to Conquer” and the fanciful theme saw fancy dress reign supreme once again, after a few years of understatement. Various Cleopatras, Tutankhamuns, Roman gladiators and Boadiceas (or a combination of all four) came out of the woodwork in glittering attire. Some guests even went as Vegas showgirls. Guests at the J&B VIP marquee were brought into the venue via a maze where a luxurious experience awaited them. An array of Marie Antoinettes (she who said: “Let them eat cake”) came out after the mid-morning braai with trays of delectable puddings. Meanwhile the horsey set on the other side of the track were celebrating the win by Marcus Jooste’s horse, Hill Fifty Four. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Christia Visser and Armand Aucamp Zizo Beda and Uyanda Mbuli Tana Boshoff and Kevin Ellis Jodi Deering & Sibongile Nlambo with Anneline Schweitzer Tumelo Thekiso & Krayzi Modisane with Mahlatse James & Siyamthand Mtshemla 6. Bonang Matheba and Somizi Mhlongo 7. Lunga Tshabalala Pictures supplied by: J&B Met organisers

48 | By Invitation

INSIDE THE WAVE

Pictures supplied by: IWC

VIDEO FEATURE

CLICK TO VIEW INSIDE THE WAVE GALA EVENT VIDEO FEATURE

CLICK TO VIEW BEHIND THE SCENES

wiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen launched their new Aquatimer diver’s watch at the SIHH, one of Switzerland’s premium watch fairs in Geneva, and hosted their Friends of the Brand at a very special red carpet “Inside the Wave” gala event. Helicopters whirred overhead, gleaming black limousines purred up and photographers lined up tendeep as Kevin Spacey, Susan Sarandon, Swiss-born director Marc Forster, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Roseberg, Ronan Keating, supermodels Karolina Kurkova and Adriana Lima and many other A-list celebrities arrived on the red carpet in a dazzle of publicity. Over 1500 guests were invited into a phantasmagoric underwater world simulating the Galapagos Islands as they descended through a layer of smoke to the venue where giant frilly jellyfish hung suspended from the ceiling. The elegantly black-clad guests were enthralled by the magic of the Cirque du Soleil and seduced by the burry Scottish accent of master of ceremonies for the evening, Ewan McGregor. A retro 70s element was introduced with a performance by Supertramp who played all their old hits for the guest of honour, Johann Rupert.

50 | By Invitation

RED CARPET AT THE GR

Pictures provided by: ÂŠ Cartier

RAND PALAIS

VIDEO FEATURE

CLICK TO VIEW GRAND PALAIS EVENT

week before last month’s retrospective Cartier Style and History exhibition a gala dinner was held in the Salon d’Honneur of the Grand Palais, where guests were able to enjoy an exclusive preview of the exhibition. The guests, who included famous designer Hubert de Givenchy, Prince Albert of Monaco, Kristin Scott Thomas, Juliette Binoche and Monica Bellucci then dined in the Galerie Courbe on a dinner prepared by chef Jean-Pierre Vigato.

52 | By Invitation

STEAMPUNK CHIC

Pictures supplied by: Roger Dubuis

C IN GENEVA VIDEO FEATURE

CLICK TO VIEWROGER DUBUIS’ EXCEPTIONNAL SIHH 2014

series of “Roger Dubuis Hommage dinners” were held at the minimalist Centre d’Art Contemporain in Geneva. This followed the launch of the brand’s special Hommage Flying Tourbillon tribute watch as well as the Hommage Double Flying Tourbillon with handmade guilloché. Whimsy and elegance reigned supreme from the combination of the crystal chandeliers and antique tableware with the steampunk uniforms of the waiters, to the live painting performance by artist Frank Bouroullec who speed painted the face of the founder of the brand, Roger Dubuis himself. Musicians Sophie Besson and Jim Cherrak set the mood while Michelin-starred chef Michel Roth delighted guests’ palates with his extraordinary menu. Sculptor Nicolas Momein’s gigantic ‘woollen canopies’ hung in the background together with “Back to the Future” photographs by Irina Werning.

Artist Frank Bouroullec who speed painted the face of the founder of the brand Roger Dubuis himself

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