www.cheektochic.co.za
ISSUE 17
THE CHRISTMAS ISSUE
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Cheek2Chic’s PeoplePlacesParties
@cheek2chic
cheek2chic2
EDITOR
FOOD WRITER
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
FASHION EDITOR
SARAH CANGLEY
ANNA TRAPIDO
KIMBERLEY REID
ROBERT BELL
High end South African influencer Sarah Cangley
Award winning food writer Anna Trapido is trained
Kimberley Reid is a creative director whose quick eye for
Robert Bell has extensive experience in fashion,
turned her social column, Cheek2Chic, into a luxury digi-magazine four years ago, all issues https://issuu. com/cheek2chic
as both a chef and an anthropologist and uses both disciplines in her work
illustration or photography transforms a page from mildly interesting to arresting
commercials, magazines and television. He has received several awards for his contribution to fashion
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COVER PICTURE BY IGOR POLZENHAGEN; CONTRIBUTORS SUPPLIED
Shopping over the festive season - whether for gifts for those you love or for yourself - should always be fun. Which is why Cheek2Chic has sourced some appealing pressies in our 28-page Christmas gift guide, all pure retail therapy. Whether it’s top watch and jewellery international brands you are after or divine perfumes, there is something for everyone. Local is lekker and Southern Africa has a wealth of talent and luxury available, including jewellery, fabulous ceramics, fabrics and homeware. Ardmore Designs showcases gorgeous ottomans, Ardmore Ceramics produces world renowned designs, Jean du Rand designs a range based on Cartier’s Juste en Clou collection, Porky Hefer shows his avant garde chair designs at Art Miami, Ronel Jordaan designs incredible felt furniture and rock cushions and Mr Wallpaper himself, Robin Sprong, captures hearts worldwide. There are new coin collections to invest in, beautiful diamonds and tanzanite, iconic wines and artwork to buy – and don’t forget about amazing South African brand Brother Vellies which has been taking the New York fashion scene by storm with their nguni and springbok accessories. Taunina makes enchanting teddy bears to accompany the adorable Bambino Collection from Dolce & Gabbana (D&G had a whole Christmas installation in Harrods!). Our Style Icon for this issue is the inimitable Patrick Mavros, whose new Pangolin collection was shot in Zimbabwe by the very talented Adrian Steirn, and whose designs feature prominently in these pages. Fashion editor Robert Bell produces a really beautiful Christmas fashion feature, shot at the renowned Soweto Theatre by Igor Polzenhagen. Anna Trapido explores the exploding world of South African boutique gins and rum, with a special focus on South African botanicals, and our By Invitation pages feature Bulgari and Cartier. Cheek2Chic wishes all its readers a dazzling and beautiful Christmas!
Is imagination really just for children? Embark on a DeLaneau made-to-measure journey to the timepiece of your dreams.
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This festive season visit the new Perrier-JouĂŤt champagne bar and garden at 54 on Bath, an elegantly understated boutique hotel in the heart of Rosebank
GIFT GUIDE
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DOLCE & GABBANA BAMBINO COLLECTION, PICTURES SUPPLIED
GIFT GUIDE CONTENTS
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THE CHRISTMAS ISSUE
ON THE COVER Celebrating the festive season in style at the iconic Soweto Theatre. PHOTOGRAPHER: Igor Polzenhagen. STYLIST: Robert Bell. MAKE-UP: Sarah Kaminiski. HAIR: Khosi Mthembu. MODEL: Bianca from Boss Models JEWELLERY: Frankli Wild, Norwood. Opal & diamond heart ring R63 500; Lapis and diamond ring R52 000; Citrine garnet & rose gold ring R15 700; Citrine & garnet ring R5 600; Citrine & garnet ring R11 200; Citrine, peridot & rose gold ring R13 200.
10. CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: Arresting and irresistible pieces of retail therapy, showcasing the best and most bespoke, both globally and from South Africa
38. STYLE ICON: Taking the world by storm is Zimbabwean brand Patrick Mavros, the definitive African luxury brand for jewellery and tableware. Go behind the scenes of his dazzling new Pangolin Collection with photographer Adrian Steirn
44. GINTONIC ANYONE? Anna Trapido investigates the unique botanicals used in South
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African gin and introduces rum, the spirited new kid on the block
50. FESTIVE FASHION: Stylist Robert Bell and photographer Igor Polzenhagen inspire our stylish readers to get all dressed up for the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s parties with a fabulous shoot at the Soweto Theatre
60. BY INVITATION: Bulgari Festa High Jewellery premiere in Beijing; Cartier RĂŠsonances de Cartier gala dinner in New York
GIFT GUIDE
Festive Shopping
Browse for the best and most bespoke brands from jewellery to homeware PHOTOGRAPHY: ADRIAN STEIRN AND VARIOUS BRANDS
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GIFT GUIDE
PATRICK MAVROS. Earrings and bracelet from the Pangolin Scale Collection for women. Prices available www.patrickmavros.com. The collection is in aid of the endangered pangolin.
PICTURES BY PATRICK MAVROS - ADRIAN STEIRN AND SUPPLIED; MARIAN GERARD. POR (CARTIER)
PATRICK MAVROS Junior’s astonishing Crocodile Skin designs bring high fashion to the range, with his extraordinary elegant Crocskin Cuff in shining silver. Price available on www.patrickmavros.com
CARTIER tradition menuki cufflinks with reclining horse and karbau motifs. Two menuki, yellow gold, 120 brilliant-cut diamonds for a total weight 1.69 carats. POR. www.cartier.com
PATRICK MAVROS Buffalo Silver Dress Stud five-piece set. In African culture, the buffalo is always given the greatest respect for its cunning and courage. Price available on www.patrickmavros.com
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GIFT GUIDE
BULGARI. A ruby, pearl and diamond necklace from the Festa High Jewellery collection. More than 100 jewels were created for this new collection. Available Bulgari boutiques worldwide. POR.
MONTBLANC men’s cufflinks from the Hannibal range, in agate and white crystal. Available from Montblanc boutiques worldwide. POR.
MONTBLANC. Petal Motif in white gold with diamonds for women, in white gold with diamonds, from the Princess Grace de Monaco collection. Available from Montblanc boutiques worldwide. POR.
KIRSTEN GOSS. Bang on Duo ring from the new collection The Full Fat Spend (“gifts from R4000 to infinity”). From R15 990. Available Kirsten Goss shops, also www.kirstengoss.com
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GIFT GUIDE
CARTIER. Part of the High Jewellery collection. Available from Cartier boutiques worldwide. POR.
GIFT GUIDE
BULGARI Serpenti Viper collection. Quartz movement. Lacquered dial. Double twirl Karung leather strap. Each watch comes with a second strap in client’s choice of colours. Available Bulgari boutiques. POR. www.bulgari.com
GIFT GUIDE
MONTBLANC Bohéme ladies watch, ExoTourbillon Slim 100 Years Anniversary with a sophisticated multi-layered dial inspired by Montblanc’s Rouge et Noir writing instrument collection. Available Montblanc boutiques, POR. www.montblanc.com
ROLEX classic woman’s watch, the LadyDatejust_28_279138RBR with a president’s bracelet, an aubergine dial set with diamonds and a Cyclops lens. Available Rolex worldwide. POR. www.rolex.com
TUDOR Claire de Rose with an opaline fabric strap and cabuchon, a refined and timeless watch reintroduced at Baselworld 2017. POR. Available www.tudorwatches.com.
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GIFT GUIDE
Discover the history and journey of SA diamonds and African tanzanites on a private guided tour at the exclusive showrooms of THE DIAMOND GALLERY in both Cape Town and Johannesburg.
THE DIAMOND GALLERY has been supplying a magnificent range of internationally certified loose diamonds that are cut and polished to perfection, as well as designer jewellery to clients since 1966.
Designer jewellery products include earrings, bracelets, rings, pendants and necklaces. Trusted throughout the global jewellery industry, their diamonds are sourced in accordance with the Kimberley Process and are conflict free.
Whether you’re looking for an investment piece, special gift, or a souvenir, THE DIAMOND GALLERY showroom diamond tours and viewings are by appointment only, ensuring exclusivity, safety and personal service.
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SA MINT. Launch of commemorative coins to mark the 100th anniversary of Oliver Tambo’s birth (above). The world’s first heart transplant (below). Visit http://www.samint.co.za/ collectable-coins/2017-range/#tab-id-3
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GIFT GUIDE
MONTBLANC. A vintage Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition, 100 pieces. The watch reinterprets the famous Minerva chronographs from the 1930s. POR. www.montblanc.com
BULGARI. The Octo Maserati Mono Retro Gransport Granlusso. Released at Frankfurt Motor Show. An exclusive Octo with a dial design based on a Maserati car’s rev counter. POR. www.bulgari.com
JAEGER-LECOULTRE. A new edition of the Geophysic True Second watch, in a spirited blue. A series of 100 pieces, to be launched exclusively in the Jaeger-LeCoultre online boutique. POR. www.jaeger-lecoultre.com.
ROLEX. Cosmograph Daytona calibre 4130. Oyster, 40mm, steel and yellow gold. Perpetual mechanical chronograph. Black dial, Oyster bracelet. Triplock triple waterproofness system. R217 500. Available Rolex retailers. www.rolex.com
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TUDOR. Official Tudor ambassador David Beckham wears the Black Bay Chrono, a COSC certified chronograph, with column-wheel manufacture caliber, drawing upon Tudor’s diving and motorsports heritage. www.tudorwatch.com. POR. 21
GIFT GUIDE
DAVIDOFF. Celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dog with exclusive limited edition cigars with light peppery, wooden and nutty flavours with additional notes of caramel. POR. www.davidoff. com
MONTBLANC. The Luciano Pavarotti Limited Edition 888 “Dragon Pen” in black and white lacquer. Iinspired by the opera “Turandot”, which made Pavarotti world famous. Available Montblanc boutiques. POR.
RÉMY MARTIN XO gift box, with two Riedel crystal glasses. Appreciate neat, on ice, or in a classic cocktail. Exclusively available at Makro Liquor stores nationwide. R2 449.
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FRIENDSHIP HUMIDOR. 18ct Gold, diamond encrusted edges and decoration, Spanish Cedar interior, with lock and key, hygrometer, three dividers, humidification with capacity of 120 cigars. US$885 000. www.friendshiphumidor.co.uk
GROOT CONSTANTIA VSOP Cape Brandy 375ml. The brandy lights up the nose with toffee, caramel, vanilla and a hint of rum and raisin icecream. Very limited edition. R750.
XFLASK LONDON luxury hip flask. Comes in gold, silver and rose gold as well as a black edition flask. £49. www.xflask.com
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GIFT GUIDE
GREAT DOMAINES. Coravin Model two Elite Cherry Red. R 6 495 www.greatdomaines.co.za
GREAT DOMAINES. The Great Domaines Of Burgundy by Remington Norman and Charles Taylor MW. R 795. www.greatdomaines.co.za
GREAT DOMAINES. Zalto stemware Burgundy (Twin Pack) R 1 470; Zalto stemware Bordeaux (Twin Pack) R 1 390; Zalto White (Twin Pack). R 1 320; Zalto stemware Universal (Twin Pack) R 1 378. www.greatdomaines.co.za
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BARREL ART COLLECTION curated by South Hill vineyards, Elgin. For sales or to commission your own custom artwork contact Christina@southhill.co.za. Artist: Laurel Holmes Price R18 240 incl VAT (negotiable)
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GIFT GUIDE
BROTHER VELLIES. Springbok Wallflower pouch. Brother Vellies creates boots, shoes and sandals in styles that maintain the spirit and durability of their ancestral counterparts. www.brothervellies.com
BROTHER VELLIES. Elevator OTK boot in disco dust glitter. Perfect for that glitzy night out! $1350.00. www.brothervellies.com
BROTHER VELLIES. Honey Calf Bianca Mule, heel height 3.5 inches. Crafted in Italian dyed calf hair with a wooden heel. This supple vegetable-dyed leather absorbs elements from its surrounding environment. $550. www.brothervellies.com 26
TAUNINA BEAR “Adeline�. An iconic hand embroidered teddy bear, designed and embellished by a single artist over seven days at the flagship atelier in Cape Town. R4920. www.taunina.com
DOLCE & GABBANA Bambino collection. Spring/Summer 2018 Collection. Available all Dolce & Gabbana stores. www.dolcegabbana.com
DOLCE & GABBANA TOYS. The D&G Family, Stefano, Milanese designer, Domenico, Mimmo, Labrador puppies Toto and Rosa and Bengal cats Zambia, Congo, Mali and Togo. Available D&G stores. www.dolcegabbana.com 27
GIFT GUIDE
DOLCE & GABBANA. The One. Duo Set eau de parfum 50ml and body lotion 100m. R1395. wwww.prestigecosmetics.co.za
LA PERLA. La Mia Perla 100ml eau de parfum. Available from La Perla, Hyde Park and La Perla stockists. www.laperla.com
ELIE SAAB. Girl of Now 90ml Eau de Parfum, 75ml Body Lotion, 75ml Shower Gel. R1795. www. prestigecosmetics.co.za 28
COACH. Eau de parfum gift set 50ml and body lotion 100ml. R1650. Available Clicks, Diskem, Woolworths, Red Square. www.prestigecosmetics.co.za
FERRAGAMO. Emozione Rosa Orientale eau de parfum 92ml. R1760. www.africansalescompany.co.za
NARCISO RODRIGUEZ. For Her 50ml Eau de Toilette, 75ml Shower Gel, 75ml Body Lotion. R1110. www.prestigecosmetics.co.za 29
GIFT GUIDE
DOLCE & GABBANA. Light blue trio set. Eau de toilette 50ml, 50ml body cream, 7.4ml rollerball. R1140. www.prestigecosmetics.co.za
FERRAGAMO. UOMO Salvatore Ferragamo Casual Life. 100ml, R1380. www.africansalescompany.co.za
NARCISO RODRIGUEZ. For Him Bleu Noir 100ml Eau de Toilette, 10ml eau de toilette spray, 75ml Shower Gel. R1200. www.prestigecosmetics.co.za 30
BURBERRY. MR.BURBERRY Eau de Parfum 100ML + Travel spray eau de parfum. R1650. www.prestigecosmetics.co.za
GIVENCHY. Gentleman. Eau de toilette 100ml R1400. www.africansalescompany.co.za
COACH. Eau de Toilette Christmas set: 100ml, 100ml ASB, 100ml shower gel, R995. Available Clicks, Diskem, Woolworths, Red Square. www.prestigecosmetics.co.za 31
GIFT GUIDE
ROBIN SPRONG bespoke wallpaper/wall surface. Franco Moz design. ‘Tropical Leaf Jamaica’. R560 p2m at retail. www.robin.sprong.com
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ARDMORE DESIGN. Monkey Paradise Swamp Cushion Cover from the Zambezi Collection. R1000. Shop online at www.ardmore-design.com
PATRICK MAVROS Silver ‘Fari’ acacia tree candelabra which can stand alone or with candles. Giraffes or other animals can be added to make a fabulous table tableau. POR. www.patrickmavros.com
ARDMORE CERAMICS. A South African success story featuring unique works of art created in KwaZulu-Natal. Available at stockists in South Africa, Australia, the UK, the US. POR. www.ardmoreceramics.co.za
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GIFT GUIDE
ARDMORE CERAMICS urns show the exuberance of the brand and celebrate African wildlife. Ardmore has also done a collaborative collection, the Pangolin Collection, with Patrick Mavros. POR. www.ardmoreceramics.co.za
PATRICK MAVROS Sterling silver sculpture, meerkat female looking left. 8cmx6cm. One of the young mothers in the medium meerkat family group of six sculptures. ÂŁ540. www.patrickmavros.com
PATRICK MAVROS. The Monkey Lamp in sterling silver (hallmarked) with guinea fowl feather lampshade (not included in price). Comes as a pair or single lamp. POR. www.patrickmavros.com
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ARDMORE DESIGN. Zambezi River Chase Moonlight Velvet Screen from the Zambezi Furniture Collection. R15 500. Shop online at www.ardmore-design.com
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GIFT GUIDE
PORKY HEFER has shown his outstanding avant garde chair designs together with the Southern Guild who have showcased South African designers at Design Miami, The London Design Biennale, the Christie’s Auction and Design Days Dubai. Contact theguildgroup.co.za
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JEAN DU RAND. The Fibonacci sofa comes from a range created for Cartier at the 2017 FNB Joburg Art Fair. Price R63 300 or R42 200 excl fabric. www.durandinteriors.co.za
RONEL JORDAAN. Pebble cushion made of felt. Shop online for size, finish and colours at www.roneljordaan.com. POR.
ALL IMAGES SUPPLIED
ARDMORE DESIGN. Zambezi feather river green occasional chair from the Zambezi Furniture Collection. R12 000. Shop online at www.ardmore-design.com
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GIFT GUIDE STYLE ICON
Mavros Touch Everything Zimbabwean jeweller Patrick Mavros touches turns to exquisite silver (and sometimes gold) creations inspired by the African bush 38
The Patrick Mavros story started in 1978 when its founder, a young Patrick Mavros, who was recovering from polio, began to study and draw the birds of prey that he saw around him in his native Zimbabwe. Like any self-respecting southern African he had an immense respect for his environment and was enchanted by the wild life that he saw around him daily. One day, while recovering, he carved a pair of earrings in the shape of rosebuds for his wife Catja out of bone and suddenly customers were clamouring for more. He turned his hand to the jewellery making business, using silver as a medium, and expanded the brand to tableware, objets d’art and desk accessories. Making sterling silver objects has been a European tradition for hundreds of years but Patrick Mavros silver sculptures are uniquely African, capturing the movement and likeness of the continent’s land and marine life with startling realism and creativity. Each piece is hallmarked and polished and uses Zimbabwean silver, the byproduct of the gold refining process which has taken place in the country for 500 years,
LEFT: THE HEAD OF THE ORGANISATION: Patrick Mavros favours a bush hat and big cigar. ABOVE: ALL ABOARD THE ‘MAVMOBILE’: Patrick Mavros’s four sons are all involved in designing and marketing the beautiful jewellery, tableware and objets d’art. The business is very much a family concern and all family members share in a love for Africa and its wild creatures.
Making sterling silver objects has been a European tradition for hundreds of years but Patrick Mavros silver sculptures are uniquely African 39
STYLE ICON
The sophisticated London office is favoured by high profile wealthy clients who love to possess a beautiful Patrick Mavros piece.
The company logo of an elephant reflects an abiding love for these creatures after the family rescued a baby elephant called Zozo
and uses Zimbabwean artisans who are highly trained in the art of silversmithing. The sculptures are made using the ancient technique of lost wax casting, refined over many years in the workshop to yield exceptional results. If clients do not feel as though silver is precious enough the items can also be made in 18 carat gold or set with gemstones. Today the Patrick Mavros brand is internationally recognised, stretching from the family homestead, studio and workshops on the family estate in the wild hills outside Harare in Zimbabwe, to Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa, the US, and a magnificent flagship store in Chelsea, London, which dazzles onlookers with its giant silver date palms in the store frontage. The latest Patrick Mavros collection features the pangolin, a species of African anteater and the most trafficked mammal in the world. Ten percent of all sales from the collection go towards a charity protecting them. Photographer Adrian Steirn was commissioned to capture the collection on film during an incredible shoot in the
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dryAfrican savannah. It’s a family owned jewellery business, As sixth generation Zimbabweans the Mavros sons, Alexander, Forbes, Patrick Junior and Benjamin, are all trained in jewellery design and passionately involved in the business and well as in environmental conservation (there is a wildlife sanctuary on the family estate). Forbes Mavros, who focuses on production and design for the company, is based in Mauritius and his home has inspired many of the company’s nautical items. With a name like Mavros, there is obviously a Greek connection, which explains such strong familial bonds, and the family spends a great deal of time bonding while enjoying their homeland from the vantage point of the famous “Mavmobile”, a game drive vehicle that is capacious enough to fit all the family members. The company logo of an elephant reflects an abiding love for these creatures after the family rescued a baby elephant called Zozo who got stuck in the mud on their farm, where he was being rehabilitated before being released into the wild. This baby elephant has subsequently been immortalised in the Zozo silver collection. Pachyderms feature prominently in the Patrick Mavros collection of tableware, desk accessories, and jewellery, including the traditional
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Examples of fine sterling silver craftsmanship: A giraffe wineholder, a dancing frog bonbon holder and the iconic monkey swizzlestick which is a personal favourite of its creator.
The romance and mystique of Africa have been perfectly captured in this magical southern African brand, which is so proudly Zimbabwean
STYLE ICON
African elephant hair bangle, cufflinks, coffee spoons and candelabra. The brand has seen the creation of a bespoke Patrick Mavros jewellery range to support elephant and conservation charity Space for Giants, at a dinner held at Kensington Palace. In addition, in 2015 Patrick Mavros launched a London taxi and delivery service called the #Elemobile which
Animal lovers will adore the range of Mauritian sea urchins, the silver monkey lamps, the giraffe wineholders and the men’s crocodile belts.
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aimed to raise awareness for The Elephant Family Foundation, which is the UK’s largest fund for the endangered Asian elephant. Following on the heels of the Pangolin Collection the brand’s next project was to launch an elephant heart collection, also inspired by Baby Zozo. Browsing through the website, www. patrickmavros.com, it is hard to decide on a favourite piece as every sort of animal is represented, from hippos to cheetah, crocodiles to African buffalo, guinea fowl to giraffes. And all of them are conceived with such dazzling
LEFT: Shooting the Pangolin collection against the Zimbabwean bush.
PICTURE BY ADRIAN STEIRN AND SUPPLIED
ABOVE: Patrick Mavros displaying his artisanal creativity on a silver sculpture in his workshop outside Harare.
virtuoso, from the showstopping acacia tree tableau with its elephant and giraffe families nibbling on the leaves, to the whimsical monkey swizzlesticks. The texture, realism and detail on each piece are enchanting. Animal lovers will adore the range of Mauritian sea urchins, the silver monkey lamps, the giraffe wine holders and the men’s crocodile belts. Because the Patrick Mavros brand is so bespoke, most of its business is based on commissions, including large commissions for yachts. One of the largest was a 24-foot-long table piece consisting of a set of flying manta rays interspersed with sea urchin candlesticks,
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all cast in silver. Patrick Mavros has come to be seen as the definitive African luxury brand. Its star studded clientele encompasses Hollywood stars such as Denzel Washington, the Sultan of Oman, the King of Spain and JK Rowling. Even the Duchess of Cambridge has been photographed wearing a pair of silver crocodile earrings which are instantly recognisable. The romance and mystique of Africa have been perfectly captured in this magical southern African brand, which is proudly Zimbabwean, and which has redefined the art of luxury on the continent.
FOOD
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New wave gin
GIFT GUIDE FOOD
Remember when gin meant mother’s ruin or uncool colonial colonels and their matronly memsahibs, asks ANNA TRAPIDO? Not anymore. In the past decade gin has climbed out of the gutter and achieved global gourmet greatness. Served as creative cocktails, classic G&Ts or simply by itself with ice, gin has overtaken all other spirits in the style stakes. South Africans have enthusiastically embraced the re-gin-eration of gin. Five years ago gin seekers would have been hard pressed to find more than a handful of local gin distilleries; now there are now more than 50 local gin distillers dotted all around the country. The number of gin bars and dedicated events is growing exponentially. Whether you want to hustle and bustle with hipsters at Cape Town’s
Mother’s Ruin (www.mothersruin.co.za) or to linger over lunch in the rural tranquillity of Almost Orange Gin Bar in Hartbeespoort (www.silverorangebistro. co.za) there is an Mzanzi liquor location for every possible lifestyle. For Gauteng’s see and be seen set the saloon at Maboneng’s Time Anchor Distillery (www. timeanchor.co.za) is the place to be. For Pretoria’s epicurean aficionados there are DIY evening classes with Distillique (www.distillique.co.za). Most local boutique gins are made in a style Prefer to quench your thirst at home? Try www.theginbox. known as London Dry Gin (LGA), which is a world co.za. Sign up and each month respected, legally binding definition. However, a carefully curated collection SA gin makers are using indigenous flora to create of locally produced, craft gins unique, regionally specific offerings and tonics will be delivered for
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domestic drinking. Like craft beer, new-wave gin appeals to millennial drinkers who crave artisan originality in all aspects of their lives. Where once there was a one size fits all massproduced approach, this generation of gin drinkers favour micro-distillery diversity. Most South African boutique gins are made in a style known as London Dry Gin (LDG). LDG is a world respected, legally binding definition. It does not have to be made in London – in fact very few British LDG’s are produced in London - instead the term refers a neutral spirit which derives its flavour by being re-distilled with a non-negotiable juniper base (and an assortment of other botanicals at the whim of the distiller). No other flavourings may be added post distillation. Occasionally the term Cape Dry Gin (CDG) is applied but the term is recent and used in such a variable manner that it is impossible to tell how the liquid in the bottles came to be there. London labelling not-withstanding, South African gin makers are increasingly using indigenous flora to create unique, regionally specific offerings.Cape Town’s Hope on Hopkins is home to distiller Lucy Beard who makes her own malted barley spirit base and infuses it fynbos to produce superb Salt River Gin (www. hopeonhopkins.co.za). Paarl’s multi-award winning Wilderer gin is made with spring water from the Franschhoek Mountains and contains 27 local plants including wild dagga, honeybush and devil’s claw (www.wilderer. co.za). Nic Janeke and Andri du Plessis run a carbon-neutral distillery, New Harbour distillery in
A RUM DEAL Rum is emerging worldwide as the fashionable craft drink du jour. And South Africans are taking to the trend like mint to Mojitos. Sea Breeze Fish and Shell (on Cape Town’s ultimate hipster highway, Bree Street) has a dedicated rum bar with a glorious global offering. Whether you want Mount Gay Black Barrel from Barbados or Guatamala’s Ron Zacapa there is a rum to suit every palate and wallet (www.seabreezecapetown.co.za) In Johannesburg Chef Coco Reinardhz’s new Afro-politan eatery, Epicure, opens in December with an attached rum bar, Epic. Chef Reinardz says that his bar will “brings the African Diaspora home in style. We have Haitian rhum agricole and the best of Brazilian cachaça. “South Africa is beginning to produce some great artisan, small batch rums too so there will be Time Anchor from Maboneng (who make a magnificent, versatile product ideal for cocktails), “Inverroche Blackstrap rum (made with African Blackstrap treacle molasses) and I love it for its zest and caramel notes. “Rum makes me think of sunshine and happiness which I think we all need in the year to come.”
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Woodstock. Summer 2018 belongs to Spanish-style Their superb spekboom“gintonic”. Iberian fashionistas are encouraging scented gin (www. newharbourdistillery.co.za) is us to drop the “and”, change glassware and eco-epicurean heaven. Lorna deconstruct this classic cocktail to display the Scott’s Inverroche, made in full potential of the new generation of premium Stillbaai, comes in Classic, Verdant gins and tonics and Amber. The main feature of each is indigenous flora such as Aloe Ferox, Koeigoed, Bietou Bossie, Buchu, Noem Noem and Pelargonium. Brewery is perfumed intense with apple Amidst the fossil rich Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng aromas (www.redstonecraft.com). Flowstone Gin makes celebrates the Kalkheuwel Inspired by earthy notes? N’abbas (aka bushveld with wild cucumber, marula and “Wag-‘nKalahari truffles) deliver rich, redolent Northern bietjie” berries. (www.flowstone.co.za) Cape-inspired notes to KWV’s multi-award Those favouring spice adore the piquant profile winning Cruxland gin (which unusually uses of Simone Musgrave’s premium gin is made from 11 neutral grape spirit as the base alcohol). botanicals, with top notes of aromatic cardamom and Simon Von Witt uses water from Albion indigenous, African ginger. Spring in Newlands. His High Tea infusion is The exquisitely packaged Musgrave Pink Gin is scented rich and redolent with rooibos and honeybush and seasoned with rose water. (www.woodstockginco.co.za). (www.musgravegin.co.za). Mayine Premium Rooibos Gin, South Africa’s The smooth warming palate of D’Urban Durban Dry first black owned gin brand, is produced in the Gin is created with African rosehip and orris root Cape’s Khayelitsha township. Intriguingly the (www.distillery031.com/our-spiritsgin/gin/) while the company is currently working on an impepho ethereal top notes and crisp complexity of Wellington(traditional Xhosa incense herb) offering distilled Jorgensens gins are a result of the addition of (www mayinegin.co.za). naartjie peel and West African Grains of Paradise Locally produced boutique tonic water has (www. jd7.co.za). also morphed out of all recognition. Some Fruity flavours abound. Citrus enthusiasts adore Pierre tonics use hand-picked quinine and fresh Strydom’s Bloedlemoen London Dry style zest botanicals, different levels of carbonation; (www.bloedlemoengin.com). some are sweetened with agave nectar rather Red Stone is distilled in Eastern Free State’s Clarens than cane sugar are increasingly popular. Symmetry Tonics add a proudly South African element with their buchu botanicals. (geometricdrinks.co.za/symmetry-botanicaltonics). So where to from here? Spain apparently. While G&T may seem like a quintessentially English sip, summer 2018 belongs to Spanishstyle “gintonic”. No, that’s not a typo. Iberian fashionistas are encouraging us all to drop the “and”, change glassware and deconstruct this classic cocktail so as to display the full potential of the new generation of premium gins and tonics. Modish gin boutiques (such as Johannesburg’s Workshop 55) now offer huge, wide ‘copa’ goblets which allow ginthusiasts to savour the botanicals in all their glory (www.workshop55.co.za). Individual elements are presented separately. Drinkers become their own mixologists and an assortment of novel garnishes (think peppercorns, thyme, fynbos or cinnamon sticks) mirror individual gins’ botanicals. So what are you waiting for? A fish bowl full of fabulousness awaits…
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PICTURE SUPPLIED
GIFT GUIDE
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GIFT GUIDE FASHION
Amp up the drama in your party wardrobe this festive season and grab the spotlight with these stunning looks
Scene stealers FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Bianca wears embellished T-shirt R7 500; Cropped leather jacket R49 000; Floral printed skirt R14 000. Tommie wears white cotton shirt with leopard embroided collar and cuffs R9 000. Black trousers R8 500. Samuel wears white cotton shirt with butterfly embroided collar R9 000. Black trousers R8 500. All available from Dolce & Gabbana, Sandton City. Masks VivaShe Party Masks, mobile: +27 82-858- 1326.
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GIFT GUIDE FASHION
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THIS PAGE: Coat R88 995. Red sandals R12 750. Giorgio Armani, Sandton City. OPPOSITE: Sheer corseted ruched floral dress R55 000. Neck piece R8 000. Earrings R5 500. Dolce & Gabbana, Sandton City.
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GIFT GUIDE FASHION
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T-shirt R3 795. Jacket R14 995. Gold jeans R8 595. Belt R6 100. Versace, Hyde Park and Sandton City. Mask VivaShe Party Masks.
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GIFT GUIDE FASHION
Tommie wears Zebra printed T-shirt R1 150. Bomber Jacket R12 895. Navy trousers R2595. White trainers R5495. Paul Smith, Hyde Park. Bianca wears embellished dress R11 600. Black wedge sandals R5 250. Striped socks R350. Paul Smith, Hyde Park.
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HAIR : KHOSI MTHEMBU; MODELS: BIANCA RENTZKE – ICE MODEL MANAGEMENT, TOMMIE – BOSS MODELS, SAMUEL – BOSS MODELS. SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE SOWETO THEATRE.
PHOTOGRAPHER: IGOR POLZENHAGEN – INFIDELS AGENCY; FASHION EDITOR: ROBERT BELL; FASHION ASSISTANT: BARRY KOEKEMOER; MAKE-UP: SARAH KAMINSKY;
Tommie wears printed striped shirt R6 795. Blue jeans R4 250. Belt R6 100. Versace, Hyde Park and Sandton City.
Samuel wears printed T-shirt R4 100. Black jeans R7 195. Versace, Hyde Park and Sandton City.
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BY INVITATION
Gala dinner
PICTURES SUPPLIED BY CARTIER AND BULGARI
Cartier presented their new Résonances De Cartier collection at a gala dinner at Governors Island in New York. Guests who were ferried across to the VIP black tie event included Sofia Coppola, Jessica Hart, Diane Kruger, Carey Mulligan, Jason Wu, Martha Stewart and Nicky Hilton Rothschild
TOP: Models present a jewellery moment. MIDDLE: Entertainment performer Andra Day. BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT: Sofia Coppola; Jill Kargman and Nicky Hilton Rothschild; Jessica Hart at the trolley arrival.
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Festa premiere
The premiere of Bulgari’s Festa High Jewellery Collection was held at the Bulgari Hotel Beijing. Nearly 200 unique jewels and high end watches were created for the collection. Bulgari Group CEO Jean-Christophe Babin, Bulgari Brand Ambassadors Lily Aldridge, Shu Qi and Kris Wu attended.
TOP: The Festa model show. LEFT TO RIGHT: Brand ambassadors Shu Qi, Lily Aldridge and Kris Wu
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GIFT GUIDE
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