LE KAP - Autumn 2016 edition

SOUTH AFRICA’S PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

®

FABULOUS EMBETH ROMANÉE CONTI

‘living the legend’ STEPHAN WELZ

‘a legacy’

LE KAP LIFESTYLE FAIR

‘glitz & glamour’

DONALD J TRUMP

‘deal maker without peer’ A U T U MN 2 0 1 6 R45.00

JACQUES LAGRANGE

THE ALL-NEW BMW 7 SERIES. THE EXCEPTION RULES.

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Beneath the sculpted contours, inside an ultra-lightweight Carbon Core, lies an experience unparalleled in innovation, comfort and technology. Touch Command offers ďŹ ngertip dominion over the cabin. The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system and the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge caress the senses, while unprecedented Laserlight technology illuminates your vision of the future. Luxury is dead. Long live luxury.

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WINTER COLLECTION IN STORE NOW

Luisa Spagnoli Cape Town Shop 7249, V&A Waterfront Tel 021 418 1691

Luisa Spagnoli Johannesburg Shop UM 65-66, Hyde Park Cnr Tel 011 268 0859

Also available at Isabella Charlotte Boutique, Franschhoek Tel 021 876 2707 and Isabella Charlotte Boutique Brooklyn Mall Pretoria (opening May 2016)

Mall of Africa Shop 2117 (opening May 2016)

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FROM THE EDITOR As summer slips away we are pleased to present you with this ‘Autumn 2016’ edition of Le Kap magazine. As per usual, we have included a wide spectrum of editorial content in our endeavour to cater for each member in the households of our discerning audience.

We are extremely proud to feature Embeth Davidtz, one of the biggest Hollywood stars ever to come from South African soil, on our front cover. Embeth is notably famous for her iconic roles in movies, such as Schindler’s List, Matilda, Garden of Redemption and Bicentennial Man - to name but a few. Be certain to read about Embeth in this edition of Le Kap. On the other end of the spectrum, we are as equally saddened as we are proud to have been given the opportunity to feature the passing of Stephan Welz, who was, and will always remain a foundation block in the art and culture society – not only in South Africa, but also well beyond our borders. We share our deepest condolences with his family and associates. Rest in peace, Stephan.

We also write about our bespoke annual event, Le Kap Lifestyle Fair, which was hosted during December 2015. This event has recorded exponential growth during 2015 and has now firmly lodged itself as one of the most important luxury lifestyle events in South Africa. We will shortly be announcing the date for the 2016 Le Kap Lifestyle Fair. Please follow Le Kap Lifestyle Fair and Le Kap Magazine on all the regular social media platforms for updated information.

I ring off on this positive note and hope you enjoy the read.

Steve Swanepoel Founder & CEO - Le Mag Publications Group

TO BREAK THE RULES, YOU MUST FIRST MASTER THEM.

THE VALLﾃ右 DE JOUX. FOR MILLENNIA A HARSH, UNYIELDING ENVIRONMENT; AND SINCE 1875 THE HOME OF AUDEMARS PIGUET, IN THE VILLAGE OF LE BRASSUS. THE EARLY WATCHMAKERS WERE SHAPED HERE, IN AWE OF THE FORCE OF NATURE YET DRIVEN TO MASTER ITS MYSTERIES THROUGH THE COMPLEX MECHANICS OF THEIR CRAFT. STILL TODAY THIS PIONEERING SPIRIT INSPIRES US TO CONSTANTLY CHALLENGE THE CONVENTIONS OF FINE WATCHMAKING.

ROYAL OAK CHRONOGRAPH IN YELLOW GOLD

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editor-in-chief l Steve Swanepoel automotive lifestyle editor l Richard Webb creative l by Le Mag Publications Group proofreaders l Moira Theart l Marion Pfeiffer photographers l Various wine correspondents l Jean Vincent Ridon l Jörg Pfützner international research & correspondents Howard Linsee-Tutill l Liz Webber advertising enquiries l sales@lemagpublications.com

CONTENTS

editorial enquiries l info@lemagpublications.com event enquiries l info@lemagpublications.com website l Warren Richardson editorial contributors l Richard Webb, Liz Webber, Joy Scott Steve Swanepoel, Jean-Vincent Ridon, Cristopher Pfeiffer Sarah Woods, Moira Theart, Marion Pfeiffer, Nontando Mposo, Sean O’Toole, Grant Davison publisher l Le Mag Publications Group editor l editor@lemagpublications.com email l info@lemagpublications.com web l www.lemagpublications.com tel l 021 829 7120 l 021 829 7205 fax l 086 554 5580

FRONT COVER l EMBETH DAVIDTZ 04 FROM THE EDITOR 10 FABULOUS EMBETH DAVIDTZ 16 LE KAP LIFESTYLE FAIR 22 PROJECT OVD 919

COPYRIGHT © 2015 l 2016 - LE MAG PUBLICATIONS GROUP The opinions and views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Le Mag Publications Group. The publisher and editor regretfully cannot accept any liability for omissions or errors contained in this publication. The ownership of registered trademarks is duly acknowledged. No part of this publication or any of its content may be reproduced, digitally stored or transmitted in any format without the express and written permission of the publishing editor.

28 JACQUES LAGRANGE 32 STEPHAN WELZ - A LEGACY

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CONTENTS CONT ...

BY JEFFREY S. KINGSTON

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eft brain. Right brain. Sensible and functional or artistic and

emotional? How often do objects or designs fall into one box or the other? Almost always. This is why absolutely nobody waxes poetic on the subject of minivans or plans flower arrangements for a Navy Seals 38 THE STYLE OF THINGS TO COME training exercise.

72 5-STAR RIVER BOATING

44 DONALD TRUMP - DEAL MAKER WITHOUT PEER

78 ROMANÉE CONTI - LIVING THE LEGEND

But if there is to be an exception that proves the rule, guilloche

49 THE SEXY REVOLVER R42

decoration is the perfect example.

84 AN ERUPTIVE EXPERIENCE

54 SIR RICHARD BRANSON’S MISKITO ISLAND

88 LOUIS X111 - THE MASTERS OF TIME

62 SIXTO RODRIGUEZ

92 MINI DE CARTIER

68 ALPHA PREDATORS OF THE SEAS

94 KLEIN KAROO CHOCOLATE TREATS

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...Fabulous Embeth

BY MARION PFEIFFER

Recently, Le Kap magazine had the honour of speaking to Embeth Davidtz in Los Angeles to find out more about this American-South African actress who is one of South Africa’s most celebrated exports into the international movie world. Few in South Africa know much about her apart from her numerous acting roles in a career starting in 1986. Embeth was born in Lafayette, Indiana where her father, John Davidtz, was studying chemical engineering.

When she was nine years old, her parents moved with Embeth and her two siblings to Trenton, New Jersey before returning to their home in South Africa. She matriculated from The Glen High School in Pretoria and went on to study Drama and English Literature at Rhodes University in Grahamstown.

After completing her degree, Embeth started her theatrical career in 1986 as Juliet in Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet with the National Theatre Company at the Maynardville OpenAir Theatre in Wynberg, Cape Town and was applauded for this performance. Her first big screen appearance was in 1988 in Mutator, an American movie filmed in South Africa. This was followed by a couple of South African films, as the daughter of an interracial couple in A Private Life and a part in an Afrikaans psychological drama, Night of the Nineteenth, the latter winning the equivalent of the country’s Oscars.

In 1991, Embeth moved to Los Angeles to continue her career in the US. Her first American film was in Sam Raimi’s Army of Darkness in 1992. The same year, Embeth starred in Deadly Matrimony - a

breakthrough performance that was seen by Steven Spielberg, who then handpicked her for his next film, Schindler’s List. She played the Jewish maid, Helen Hirst, who survives the abuse and attraction of the sadistic commander ‘Goeth’ played by Ralph Fiennes. In this role, her acting skills were praised, as well as her formidable talent.

In a career spanning over two decades, Embeth has built up an impressive collection of work in a variety of roles. In 1996, she played Miss Honey, a caring teacher in the film Matilda, a darkly comic adaptation by Danny DeVito based on one of Roald Dahl’s children’s books, followed by a political drama in Garden of Redemption (1997) and Bicentennial Man (1999). More roles followed, including The Gingerbread Man (1998), a thriller directed by Robert Altman based on John Grisham’s novel. She was the low-rent caterer with more than her share of dirty secrets, co-starring with Kenneth Branagh. In the same year, she had a role in a similarly sly vein, as the conniving Mary Crawford in Patricia Rozema’s controversial version of Mansfield Park (1998). In 2001, she played Natasha in Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001).

Embeth starred in Junebug, which premiered to rave reviews at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival. Junebug is the tale of a dealer in ‘outsider’ art who leaves Chicago to meet her new in-laws in South Carolina and challenges the equilibrium of a middle-class Southern home. Her character in this film is one of her favourites and she said ‘I really enjoyed the character in Junebug, I enjoyed being her all the time, you know, she was quite selfish, but still charming and hard, and I loved her, I liked being her’.

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Other films include Fracture (2007), Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) co-starring with Daniel Craig. Her most recent film in 2014 is The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman II, where she reprises her role as the mother to Andrew Garfield’s character ‘Peter Parker’ directed by Marc Webb and the follow up to the previous year’s hit, The Amazing Spider-Man. She also recently played Dr Samantha Unger, one of the scientists travelling to the fourth moon of Jupiter in Sebastian Cordero’s The Europa Report.

Embeth has also worked extensively in television, including the critically acclaimed HBO drama In Treatment, the Showtime series Californication, in which she co-starred with David Duchovny, as well as the hit TV series Mad Men. Currently, she is working on the very well reviewed series Ray Donovan. She is loving working with Liev Schreiber and a stellar cast of actors.

In 2002, Embeth married Jason Sloane, an entertainment attorney.

The couple live in Pacific Palisades, California and have two children; Dylan aged 10 and Charlotte aged 13. Embeth continues to have strong ties to South Africa and one of her greatest pleasures is visiting her parents on their farm outside Potchefstroom. ‘The 168acre farm with an abundance of trees and ‘koppies’ is an ideal space for the family dog to run free and also for our children to experience

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a typical South African farm lifestyle. It is no longer a working farm as my father has retired, but there are still a few cattle’, says Embeth.

‘The farm has a big old Victorian farmhouse and to me, it’s just home, so I love spending time there. It just feels like a good old fashioned South African farm; I love the smells and the sounds and all of that’.

Apart from her illustrious movie career, Embeth was happy to share with us what she loves and enjoys, the pleasures and things that only a few know about her. Her family is most important to her, followed by the four-legged member of the household, Teddy, a Bichon Frise. Teddy, whom she considers to be ‘a special little soul’ is an adopted rescue dog and her constant companion. ‘When in South Africa, I love to be in the bush as nothing makes me happier and if I cannot be there then our home in Kauai is my next best choice. There I can swim in the turquoise water of the Pacific Ocean away from everything - it is almost like being in another world’, says Embeth. Her garden is another special place where she grows roses and mentions rather surprisingly, ‘I love mulching and I have a worm farm and a compost heap. I am really into my garden - it’s a place where I sort of ground myself’.

As she matures, she finds her work becoming one of the many facets of her being. For the past three years, meditation has become very

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FRONT COVER PHOTO Embeth at the world premiere of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ PHOTOS ON THESE PAGES 01 Embeth attending ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ premiere in 2011 02 Embeth and her family (2011)

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important and she adds, ‘I find that meditation has really helped the quality of my life because when you have that in your life, it makes you appreciate the smaller things much more, so I love my meditation. I do Pilates for exercise and take dance classes’.

Embeth likes to keep moving; she likes music and one of her favourite pastimes is hiking on a trail in a nearby park where she takes her dog Teddy for walks. It is also the place where she and her husband became engaged. She adores the outdoors, cooking and sourcing fresh seasonal products from the local farmers’ markets for the creation of delicious meals. She loves being a part-time ‘soccer mum’. She enjoys spending time with her children, and when she is not working, she loves driving her children to their events.

Embeth feels that bringing up a family is the hardest job she has ever done. ‘There are days that I love that job and there are days that I really struggle with the job and I will tell anybody, quite frankly, that child rearing is the hardest job I have ever done. My flaws! - let me think of some flaws - not just all the good things, I am an impatient person. My kids would say that I say it twice and then I yell. I really love chocolates, I love Cape Town, I just love South Africa in general, when I come back to South Africa, there is a part of me that comes alive again, that wakes up, and I love that part of myself’.

PHOTOS THIS PAGE 04 Embeth in’Feast of July (1995) 05 Embeth Davidtz as ‘Helen Hirst’ in Schindler’s List.

Her numerous roles in television and film have brought Embeth awards in recognition of her achievements as an actress and this talent is reflected in her latest films as she continues to work in roles further revealing her flair and ability. She simply charmed Le Kap magazine and it was a pleasure talking to her.

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Le Kap Lifestyle Fair

Fashion - Gourmet - Wine - Lamborghini

BY JOY SCOTT

Le Kap Lifestyle Fair is one of those events on the South African events calender that embodies all the elements synonymous with luxury and an opulent lifestyle, and certainly an event not to be missed. The exclusive and superbly organised lavish Le Kap Lifestyle Fair, in association with Lamborghini, was hosted at Webersburg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on the 6th of December 2015. This glamorous annual event, in a picturesque setting, has set a new benchmark for the ‘trend set’ in South Africa. The precursor to this extravaganza, the exclusive and private 5-course connoisseur’s dinner paired with perfectly selected wines for select VIPs, was held to great acclaim on the 5th of December 2015.

Lamborghini had a range of their latest supercars on display, as well as some of the great Lamborghini classics from years yonder.

Particular to the 2015 Le Kap Lifestyle Fair was the unveiling of the new ‘Lamborghini Huracan Spyder’ at the event. Great secrecy surrounded its arrival and it was flown into South Africa 48 hours before it was revealed on the day.

‘Royal Ascot-inspired chic’ was the theme for the day and once again, this occasion was designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life, offering fine wine, gourmet food, high fashion, artisanal drinks, superb equestrian show jumping and live music.

Created by Steve Swanepoel, the editor of Le Kap Magazine, this event is his baby and the occasion in December 2015 was extra special, as it celebrated the debut of the ‘associate sponsorship’ between Lamborghini, the Italian Supercar manufacturer and Le Kap Lifestyle Fair.

Veuve Clicquot French champagne flowed and refined canapés, carefully prepared by some of South Africa’s finest chefs, were served. These chefs included Gregory Czarnecki from ‘Waterkloof Restaurant’ in Somerset West, Chris Erasmus of the ‘Foliage Restaurant’ in Franschhoek, Herman Steyn from ‘Café Franschhoek’ and Nadia Roux from ‘Webersburg Wine Estate’, all of whom are renowned for their specialist menus offering fine food of superb quality with international standards. Furthermore, there was a demokitchen where each chef prepared and offered their signature dish >

PHOTOS: DAVE NUTTER & JEAN MARC LEDERMAN

For the third year, this bespoke lifestyle event brought celebrities and VIP guests together in a dedicated ‘VIP and Celebrity’ lounge area, previously by invitation only, but during 2015 a limited number of tickets were made available for sale to the public.

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to discerning gourmets, delighting food lovers with their beautifully designed and tasty dishes.

For equestrian lovers, the 6 bar show jumping competition was a huge attraction where riders on their beautiful and athletic thoroughbred horses competed for the R5 000 cash prize for first place, second place a R2 500 shopping voucher from Luisa Spagnoli and R1 500 cash for the third position. Kerry Durston and her horse, Finola, reigned supreme when they were victorious for the second year running.

For the first time at the Le Kap Lifestyle Fair, a live band performed.

The all-woman instrumental pop group, Sterling EQ, provided live entertainment throughout the day. This group won a South African Music Award in 2011, only the second all-girl band to achieve this.

They perform at more than 120 shows annually, sharing stages with global music icons and enjoying international media coverage.

A series of wine tastings from some of our premium wine estates were available and guests had the option to sample, compare and decide on their favourite and purchase wine by the bottle or case. Producers such as Le Bonheur, Tokara, Chevallerie, Montpellier, Uitkyk and Neetlingshof, among many others, presented their wines to ecstatic wine lovers. Speciality cocktails were on offer from the various bars, as well as a variety of craft beers. Another attraction was the opportunity to sample some of the Glenmorangie famous single malt whisky, produced by their distillery, which has a history dating back to 1843 while learning about the art of enjoying great whisky.

Of course, for many guests, the opportunity to enjoy the worldclass fashion show was another delight. Some of South Africa’s most successful couturiers and fashion designers were there to showcase their latest collections on the purpose-built stage shared with three of the latest Lamborghini supercars. Creations from some of the giants of the fashion world, Craig Port, Thula Sindi and Jacques LaGrange did not disappoint and presented a feast for any involved in the world >

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of style and fashion. LaGrange’s custom-made delicately detailed designs are popular among trendsetters here and internationally, and are, for instance often seen at the Cannes Film Festival in the South of France. LaGrange stated, ‘for this event, we have created something specifically for Le Kap Lifestyle Fair; very easy, very chic, racy and elegant with lots of sex appeal, as that is very much my brand’. Adding to this impressive line-up was the bespoke Italian fashion house, Luisa Spagnoli, presenting their latest Summer fashions.

Couturier Jacques LaGrange and Ilsje Crots de Beer from Luisa Spagnoli, offered style tips, particularly as the event was held in the Winelands on a very hot day. Hats, lots of sun block, be sexy, smart and comfortable and a must-have, in this instance, stunning headgear – this particularly because there are not many occasions where a hat is appropriate and this elegant gala is one of them.

The dress theme encouraged clean looks and smart detailing as the order of the day. The Spring/Summer collection ‘15/’16 presented

by Luisa Spagnoli included fashion wear for the event, such as their 70s inspired dresses or another favourite for the season, the jumpsuit. Dresses with beads in ice cream shades and cool whites with or without black accessories for a classic look are always a winner.

Le Kap Lifestyle Fair was once again a resounding success and has established itself as one of the leading annual events on the ‘A-list’ celebrity social calendar, an event ‘extraordinaire’, attracting multimedia recognition and identified with luxury, fashion and style. Distinguished South African and International personalities attend in their numbers, including corporate executives, fashion designers, leading chefs, socialites, internationally acclaimed models and celebrities, and those who simply enjoy the bespoke Le Kap Lifestyle Fair offering.

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IMAGES BY ADAM LETCH

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ARCHITECTURE

PROJECT OVD 919 ‘An Architectural Marvel’

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BY JOY SCOTT

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estled below Lions Head in Bantry Bay, Cape Town the mandate to SAOTA in 2014 was to construct a spectacular home which would capitalise and highlight its indigenous surroundings, as well as the expansive 360-degree mountain and sea views while still carefully preserving the privacy of the home from within.

The design of the open plan living areas was meticulously planned to enhance everyday life. Tamaryn Fourie, senior associate and project team manager, stated, ‘the architecture needed focus on creating a contemporary, uncluttered and structural building’. The site alone is astonishing, positioned on the mountain ridge below Lions Head, with views of Robben Island to the North and Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles to the south.

SAOTA is an international firm of architectural designers and technologists, including in-house CGI and marketing teams, as well as a strong support staff. This, paired with both an innovative and dedicated approach, has seen SAOTA become sought-after, receiving numerous awards and commendations from some of the most respected institutions in the world.

Capitalising on their distinctive understanding of an ever-evolving industry and past experiences, SAOTA offers expert services to the corporate, institutional, commercial and residential marketplace.

For this project, ‘Project OVD 919’ (the SAOTA in-house reference code), they were the obvious choice for this discerning client.

Reducing of carbon footprint in design methodology and dedicated to Energy efficient design, all SAOTA projects are designed with this in mind. Their approach to sustainability is continually refined while implementing these changes in new projects and introducing policies to strengthen this commitment. For instance, the recently completed New Engineering Building at UCT achieved a 4-star green rating.

Designing this home was not without its challenges as the site is relatively steep and shares its southern boundary with a National Park, the recently established Sea Farm Private Nature Reserve.

Therefore, the approach had to be sensitive to both elements.

The secondary areas on the lower levels were designed to limit excavation and be concealed by a large North facing landscape wall with its customised angular design, achieving a natural result.

Strategically placed, penetrations within this wall allow natural light and ventilation to the rooms beyond, but the glazing has been set back and thereby concealed. ‘ On arrival at a mid-level, one is lured through the main garage with its double volume and graffiti walls towards the shaft of light and splash of landscaping emanating from the glazed Entrance Area beyond. Sculptural timber clad stairs wrap themselves around a

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centrally positioned glass lift and take one to the upper levels of the house,’ says Philip Olmesdahl, SAOTA director and project team member.

The building viewed from above the ridge appears to be limited to only two storeys. The main living areas, pool terrace and garden are below, with the family bedrooms strategically positioned at the uppermost level for privacy. This ‘layering’ of the home allows for different experiences in each different space. From the main stairs, the linearity of the customised cast bronze coffee bar leads one into the ‘heart of the home’, the kitchen. The kitchen, in turn, flows into the dining room and the summer lounge, which has a high ceiling of ribbed concrete. The winter lounge, situated next to the kitchen, has a lower ceiling that frames the view and at the same time, with a centrally positioned fireplace has created an intimate space for relaxed and casual get-togethers.

‘Throughout this level boundaries are blurred and there’s a wonderful continuity between internal and external living – it’s a house for all seasons and plays off the mood of the climate and surrounding landscape,’ said Tamaryn Fourie. The allure of this stunning site with its ever-present backdrop of the mountains and the sea is emphasised by the large open plan gallery type spaces.

The courtyard ‘cuts’ into the main living areas with a water feature and the delicately weathered Cor-Ten screen creates a tranquil and

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sheltered space. This water feature is glazed so that it collects refracted light and redirects it into the main garage below. The screen, made from woven Cor-Ten, reflects light internally while still providing privacy to the bedroom level above.

‘The aesthetic of the top two storeys – when viewed externally – is of monolithic white concrete beams. Their weight is accentuated as they seem to ‘float’ on light glazed facades,’ says Joe SchützerWeissmann. This beautiful home is all about making the most of the views with its limited walls and columns, and the clever use of glazing reduces mullions wherever possible.

A ribbed pre-cast concrete soffit from the eaves establishes continuity between the living spaces with all services meticulously co-ordinated so as to disappear into the recesses of the home. All off-shutter concrete was cast using a customised white concrete mix. Once cured, this was sandblasted to reveal a fine – carefully selected – aggregate resulting in a robust and unpretentious look.

The thin eaves of the zinc roof form a delicate contrast to the massive beams below and appear to almost hover above the upper level. The architecture draws strength from the concrete finish used to create monumental forms which contrast with the copper roof.

The utilisation of elements such as glazed facades, water feature, shutters, ceiling point and post-tensioned beams has allowed for the creation of a home that is quite extraordinary.

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Polished concrete floors in the internal and external living areas emphasise and ensure the seamless continuity of these spaces.

The timelessness of natural oak is celebrated and combined with feature brass insets for bedroom floors and all internal joinery, using sandblasting or staining to creature unique attributes.

Bush-hammered granite tiles can be found in all the bathrooms.

All the raw materials used were chosen specifically for their varying textures to accentuate the uncluttered, sculptural and contemporary nature of the inspired architecture in designing this house. These include the custom-designed white concrete sandblasted to highlight the unique style and the lightweight zinc roof with its slim eaves hovers above the monolithic building.

Another unusual aspect is the Cor-Ten screen suspended in the central courtyard and reflecting dappled light into adjacent living areas.

On the uppermost level, the master bedroom is set back from the boundary line to increase privacy from the mountain paths. ‘An expansive planter off the main bedroom reiterates the importance of the natural surroundings and their connection with the sea views beyond,’ noted Philip Olmesdahl.

Photographs of this home in its breathtaking setting, overlooking some of the most beautiful views in the Cape, are simply jawdropping. The expanse of space within the house seems to reflect the panorama around it, with the use of light and space and structure combining to make this luxurious home seem to be almost a vision – and of course, one cannot ignore the rather elegant garage with gleaming floors to match the style of this magnificent home.

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PHOTOS : ABRI KRUGER

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Jacques LaGrange

BY NONTANDO MPOSO

Jacques LaGrange needs no introduction. If you move in the fashion circles or are a socialite, there is little doubt that you have gazed in awe at one of his creations.

Over the years, his meticulously created and glamorous garments, usually with a touch of drama, have earned him the title of the ‘king of couture’. And he has a personality to match – flamboyant and vivacious – so, it is no surprise that his client base includes both the Who’s Who of South Africa and international trendsetters.

Describing himself as a ‘farm boy who happens to be in the fashion world’, LaGrange, who grew up in Paarl in the Cape Winelands, credits his mother for his creativity and fashion sense. ‘My love for fashion was there from a very young age.

I remember during bath times I used to enjoy draping a towel around me in a fashionable way. I also use to swathe myself in my mother’s curtains... I always had a thing for draping things,’ says LaGrange. ‘When I was a little boy I played with dolls instead of cars. I had a love for art, nice things and my mother loved to dress up.

During those years, there were a lot of parties and she used to dress up in beautiful dresses. People don’t dress up like that anymore; I would tell her what looks good with what, which shoes and earrings go together....I guess I always had it in me,’.

A graduate in Fashion Design from the South African Academy of Clothing Technology, La Grange cut his teeth in the world of fashion by working with renowned couturier Errol Arendz as his personal assistant, before venturing out with his label in 1999 named Jacques LaGrange Couture.

‘Couture came later, but I always knew that I wanted to work in the creative field and fashion was my choice. Working for Errol was nice. People often ask me, did you learn something from Arendz? But I don’t really think I learned that much. I learned how to work with people because there was a lot happening on a daily basis, but I always had a flair for fashion.’ says LaGrange. >

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Wikipedia describes Haute Couture, a French word for ‘high fashion or high dressmaking’ to the art of creating custom-fitted clothing.

The online free Encyclopedia describes Haute Couture as ‘high end fashion that is constructed by hand from start to finish, made from high quality, expensive, often unusual fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail and finished by the most experienced and capable sewers, often using time-consuming and hand-executed techniques’. Jacques’ whimsical designs are constructed with luxurious and quality fabrics sourced from internationally respected fabric manufacturers such as Jakob Schlaepfer in Switzerland and Solstiss in Paris. Valentino, Chanel and Dior are some of his favourite Haute Couture masters. LaGrange states; ‘Haute Couture is a way of putting a garment together, techniques, fabric choices, styling, proportions... it’s like being an architect at the end of the day. You get fashion and you get couture, and I always say, couture is a lifestyle’.

‘Couture is made for the body, the fabric, workmanship and proportions are key. Not a many people do couture because it’s very expensive. I could afford to do things differently when I started out because I had high-end clients. Newer designers struggle, because they have not really found themselves and their signature,’ he explains. ‘I started with couture and even when I do ready-to-wear it looks like couture. I call it ‘wearable couture’. I love a woman to look like a woman. Every woman is beautiful and I just make them more beautiful. And I think that it is a gift I have and I love it,’ asserts LaGrange. ‘Real couture takes months to create if everything is done by hand, it can take up to six months for couture which makes it very expensive. The word ‘couture’ today is so widely used and most people don’t understand it. Again, it is a lifestyle because you can’t wear couture every day. Couture is not a party dress, it’s a lifestyle.’

Jacques remembers the very first dress he made – a wedding dress with a panelled corset and the neckline encrusted with beads.

The Jacques LaGrange Couture client is an elegant, confident and powerful woman who knows who she is, what she wants and is not afraid to draw attention to herself. ‘I am a very simple and plain designer, but I am over the top at the same time. Sometimes we have to work quickly to produce a garment which is not really proper couture, but it’s the illusion. Also, if you do proper couture, the dress may appear outdated, so we cheat here and there to make it more modern,’ he says.

Jacques LaGrange Couture has a team of four people, including Jacques, and there is high demand for his designs. ‘Sometimes we create simple wedding dresses and at other times over-the-top extravagant gowns. I enjoy the entire process - from the beginning to seeing the end product. It gets frustrating sometimes, but I love doing things such as the beading by hand; I have dressed a lot of people over the years, sophisticated people who embrace the couture lifestyle. From the outset I never planned on being a wedding dress designer, but I did one wedding dress and everyone loved it and they kept calling. I always say, if you dress a bride and you don’t get clients afterwards from that wedding, you are doing

something wrong; all my referrals are by word of mouth. I am fully booked and I don’t even have a website. I am active on social media but I don’t really believe that’s how you get business. It’s nice to be out there, but that is not how my clients work. My clients live the couture lifestyle, a very high-end lifestyle. They fly in and fly out for consultations, from Paris and all over Europe....we create beautiful garments that people sometimes assume have been done by a European designer.’

‘They come here wanting one dress, but they leave with three. It is cheaper to produce garments in South Africa and hence cheaper for clients to buy clothing in South African than in Europe. A lot of people ask me ‘what awards have you won?’ I have won numerous awards, but it is not these accolades that make one famous, it is the clients. One can have people write about you in magazines and do television interviews, all of which is positive for a brand, but at the end of the day, one still needs one’s clients because ultimately they finance your lifestyle and pay your bills,’ he adds.

EDITOR’S NOTE - model: Darien Jenna Hensberg - Photos: Abri Kruger - Hair: Kevin Epstein (Yazoo for Hair) - Make up: Tarmin Fick Pita

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Stephan Welz - A legacy

BY SEAN O’TOOLE

Stephan Welz, the renowned art auctioneer who passed away on 25 December 2015, at age 72, was distinguished by his tall, ‘rugby player’ physique and air of unforced confidence around art. Welz’s assured and charismatic manner, coupled with his wideranging knowledge of South African painting and sculpture, saw him rise to the top of his profession. Central to Stephan’s decades-spanning success as South Africa’s go-to expert and auctioneer was his longstanding association with the world of art and artists.

Born in 1943 in the Breede River Valley town of Worcester, Welz was the third of five sons born to émigré parents Jean Welz and Inger Christensen. A family photograph included in Elza Miles’s 1997 monograph devoted to Welz’s father, an Austrian-born architect who in later years excelled as a painter, shows the future auctioneer, aged three, with his father in the Hugo Naude Art Centre where his father offered lessons.

Stephan’s aesthetic education, the foundation of his professional achievements, was decisively influenced by his proximity to artists. This fact is beautifully illustrated in a 1948 oil painting by Jean Welz entitled Bathers, White River, Ceres. The painting depicts fiveyear-old Stephan playing next to a river in the company of his younger brother, Martin (best known as the publisher of Noseweek), his Danish-born mother (a journalist who in South Africa turned her hand to running a gallery) and Free State-born expressionist painter Cecil Higgs. >

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Speaking decades later, in 2007, Stephan warmly recalled Higgs and her gift of a budgie to him as a child. He also remembered an overnight stay at painter Gregoire Boonzaier’s home, an early champion of his father’s austere but lyrical paintings. Irma Stern – who, along with JH Pierneef and Maggie Laubser, Welz once described as ‘names to conjure with’ – was also a frequent house guest. In an aside typical of Welz in his later years, he once smilingly recalled his mother remonstrating with painter and mischief-maker Walter Battiss when his fondness for nudity got the better of him during a visit to the Welz family home.

Stephan’s formal education in the art business began in earnest after his decision to move upcountry. During the late 1960s he held an administrative position in UNISA’s fledgling art department in Pretoria. He worked alongside Battiss. Welz was a first-hand witness to his mentor’s transformation from respected modernist painter to Fookian trickster when, in 1967, he attended Yes-No, Battiss’s landmark happening in Pretoria. The exhibition included cellophane-wrapped drawings and watercolours displayed in a darkened venue.

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Welz’s decision to pursue a career in the art business coincided with two notable trends: the professionalisation of the local marketplace for art, and the uptake of influential Euro-American changes in the form of art. Painting and sculpture, his metier, were increasingly challenged by new modes of expression. It prompted a bemused smile from Welz, who in 2010 quantified the changes: ‘Feathers, newsprint, animal carcasses, found objects etc. stuck to anything which comes to hand, embalmed in formaldehyde or carefully scattered about a room.’ Despite his reservations, Welz was nonetheless supportive of new art and successfully presided over record achieving sales of key works by contemporary artists, notably in 2015 sculptures by Jane Alexander and Ed Young.

In 1970, shortly after obtaining a commerce degree from UNISA, Welz joined Sotheby Parke Bernet, a new auction house established

by Reinhold Cassirer and Jane Harraway in Johannesburg. It was a decisive move. Cassirer, a German émigré married to novelist Nadine Gordimer, is remembered for overhauling the image of auction houses locally. Welz, his key protégé, inherited the mantle when, in 1980, Cassirer retired to pursue other interests.

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Stephan held the reins until 2006, when he sold the company, which since 1987 had been named Stephan Welz & Co, following a management buy-out from Sotheby’s. During this 26-year period Welz presided over the incredible growth in interest and value of South African art at auction. In 1981, Welz for example knocked down sculptor Anton van Wouw’s 13cm bronze Mineworker with Machine Drill (1926) for R80 000. It was a record price for a South African artwork sold at action. During 2015 he sold a rare early Van Wouw bronze, Mineworker with Hand Drill (1911) for R4.2 million.

The 1980s saw Stephan’s affable manner as head auctioneer at Sotheby’s gain him increasing public notice. His reputation as a charismatic man of art, someone able to speak about his trade in a jargon-free manner, later also earned him a slot on the popular television programme ‘Trommel’, and more recently on ‘Antikwaar’.

These promotional asides did not in any way interfere with Welz’s commitment to the job at hand: connoisseurship, and the pursuit of this core value through the organisation of benchmark sales, offering handpicked collectables. He also intermittently published.

His debut book, Cape Silver & Silversmiths (1976), is now regarded as an authoritative study of silversmiths operating in the

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Cape from late 17th to mid-19th century. It was followed by two book-length reviews of the art auction market, published in 1989 and 1996.

The new millennium witnessed a distinct shift in the art market, both globally and in South Africa. ‘More people are collecting art now than at any other period in history, and from a wider spectrum of artists and mediums,’ observed Welz in a 2003 press interview. The increasing popularity of art – and by inference demand for it – saw Welz preside over yet another record when, in 2006, he knocked down a painting by Maggie Laubser for R4-million. It was a record sum paid for a South African artist at auction. Welz was stunned by the result.

In 2007, while supervising the sale of works from the estate of Cape Town collectors Jack and Helene Kahn, another landmark sale in his career, Welz questioned the misleading salesmanship underpinning the current boom in art. ‘Art is not an investment,’ he stated. “To my mind it doesn’t meet the criteria or the definition of an investment. It doesn’t pay a dividend. It doesn’t bring you rent; it in fact costs you money to keep. It is not easily transactable. I prefer to call it a store of wealth and forget about the investment aspect completely.’ >

PHOTO PREVIOUS PAGES 01 Stephan during an auction at Strauss & Co - Cape Town 02 Stephan at Sotheby’s Amsterdam in 1975 PHOTOS THIS SPREAD 03 Stephan & his wife Carmen on honeymoon 1965 04 Stephan & his brother Martin in 1952 05 A recent photo of Stephan PHOTOS NEXT SPREAD 06 Stephan during his last auction 05

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As always, hawkish rivals debated and contested his opinion. Welz was however now happily involved with his herd of Tuli cattle on his farm Blomvlei at Tonteldoos, near Dullstroom. His expertise in these hardy, drought-resistant cattle is somewhat overlooked in appreciation of Welz’s cosmopolitan character. He was also a man of the soil. ‘There are no second acts in American lives,’ wrote the novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald. The same is probably true of South African lives, although not of Stephan Welz.

establishing a new auction record with the sale of an Irma Stern painting for R7.57 million, Welz gave an impassioned speech at the Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch. The occasion was the unveiling of painter JH Pierneef’s well-known Station Panels. No wallflower, Welz nailed his colours as a patriot to the mast. His 3500-word speech, which was reprinted in its entirety by an Afrikaans daily, celebrated both Pierneef and the people who had been the bulwark of Welz’s entire career: art collectors.

In 2008, Stephan came out of retirement to head up the new auction house, Strauss & Co. His leadership of the company, which is owned

by Elisabeth Bradley, Dr Conrad Strauss and his colleagues, was marked by a new series of career successes. In a mere half dozen years, Strauss & Co has emerged as the largest fine art auction house in South Africa and the global leader in the South African art market. The company holds the records for nine of the ten most expensive paintings ever sold at auction in South Africa. Shortly before Welz’s death, he knocked down painter Alexis Preller’s oil and gesso work, The Creation of Adam I (1968), for R8.5 million. It set a new auction record for the artist.

Looked at retrospectively, Stephan’s speech in honour of Pierneef, offers a telling insight into its author. ‘He associated freely with people of different cultural, language and religious persuasions,’ said Stephan of Pierneef, ‘and counted many highly respected and cultured people amongst his closest friends.’ The same was true of Stephan Welz, a colossus of a figure who throughout his life embodied the spirit of artistic cultivation and fellowship, learnt so early on from his parents. He will be remembered for his integrity, humility and brilliant sense of humour.

However, Stephan was far more than a bottom-line businessman. He was a popular speaker at public events. In 2010, a few months after

Stephan Aage Welz, born 13 April 1943, died 25 December 2015, is survived by his wife Carmen, with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage in June last year, his son Konrad, daughter Tanya, and two grandsons.

Victor Vasarely, Cube R350 000 – 500 000

Auction of Important South African & International Art Monday 23 May 2016, The Wanderers Club, Illovo 011 728 8246 | jhb@straussart.co.za | www.straussart.co.za

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The Style of things to come!

BY GRANT DAVISON

IMAGES: SIMON DEINER

‘There’s a brand new dance, but I don’t know its name.

That people from bad homes, do again and again,’ proclaimed the late David Bowie in one of his iconic songs from the 80s. During the third South Africa Menswear Fashion Week Autumn/Winter collections in Cape Town, these words echoed in my mind.

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Recently, we have seen a trend in collections in Europe, North America and the Far East, in that what it takes to be worthy of acclaimed street photographers such as Bill Cunningham, Scott Schuman and even my friend, Trevor Stuurman, seems ignored by the crowds who push their own agendas on what is and is not ‘fashion’.

Perhaps I am a purist by heart; that is, when the invitation says MENSWEAR, those attending should wear exactly that. In 1994, journalist Mark Simpson coined the term ‘metrosexual’ to describe contemporary, city-dwelling men who emphasised personal grooming and fashion.

At the time, the well-moisturised modern dandy directly contrasted the traditional notions of masculinity. Two decades on, this archetype has become commonplace.

It is not only socially acceptable, but desirable for men to care about (and spend money on) their personal appearance, driving a veritable boom in the men’s fashion market. (In fact, Simpson has just coined a new term the ‘spornosexual’ - to describe the current even more extreme, body, image and style-obsessed version of the metrosexual). On the back of this exploding industry, a record 37 designers displayed this year’s Autumn/Winter collections to an enthusiastic audience.

Though it would be unfair to dismiss the creativity and hard work that went into these collections, some should be mentioned for their consistent well-crafted and creative designs. They say a picture is worth a 1 000 words, however, it was the headline on CNN’s website that truly encapsulated the AKJP Collective – ‘Asylum seekers walk runway at Pitti Uomo in Italy’ referring to the International Trade Centre’s Ethical Fashion Initiative.

A few weeks ago, AKJP participated in Pitti Immagine Uomo 89 for the Generation Africa show alongside favourite, Nicholas Coutts, demonstrating again that fashion truly knows no gender, race or nationality. >

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The 12 designs shown at Pitti Uomo formed the basis of the 36-piece collection put together for SA Menswear Week 2016, particularly the new parka/raincoat designed for the Cape winter.

AKJP surprised many by including 12 styles for women. ‘We want to expand our range of outerwear for women and since most of our clothes are unisex, we thought why not?’ stated Keith Henning and Jody Paulsen, ‘Call it our tomboy look.’ These attractive designs illustrated a wealth of textures and visual interests with clever combinations of fabrics such as jacquard, cashmere, silk, wool, cotton, mohair, linen, twill and impala leather, which speaks for the duo’s obsession each season in finding the right materials for their collections. With a reference to artist, Georgina Gatrix’s provocative paintings infused with fun aesthetics and a sense of deprecating laughter, Paulsen added, ‘we translated her art into fashion with textures such as jacquard and warm colours. What’s more, Georgina’s personal style is very spirited and idiosyncratic’.

wearing Vans since we were students and are in love with their black and white skater-style sneakers – we wear them to work every day says Paulsen. The oversized bags and clutches are AKJP designs and will be available at their Kloof Street store in Cape Town along with once-off appliquéd versions. This collection is true to AKJP’s signature take on classic and utilitarian menswear and uses layering, asymmetric detailing and styling, which approves comfortable ready-to-wear pieces and Durban’s beach culture.

Extending the majestic icons of traditional art canons, contemporary pop-culture and the artist herself, ‘IT’ fashion model, Eden Classens (who is the darling of ‘A-List Fashion Editors’), joined fellow models wearing layers of make-up and decoration mimicking Gatrix’s almost excessive application in her paintings. Reworked prints inspired by a jungle landscape in muted pistachio and shades of blue and red dominated the range.

Kim Gush, true to her minimalistic and monochromatic fetish-esque streetwear designs, delivered her strongest signature collection to date using staple PVC, cotton and faux-fur. Kim presented a powerful and original compilation, provoking controversy. ‘Know what you stand for, and know your brand from the get go. If you cannot embody that in every collection or garment you put out there, then who are you doing it for?’ stated Kim previously and this collection spoke to my current sartorial choices although it took many to a much darker place where fame, terrorism, family and politics could be inextricably linked and sometimes

In collaboration with other cultural influences, the designers worked with Vans footwear and Gisele Human of Waif Design. ‘We’ve been

‘Historically, fashion has related to womenswear. Menswear has always abided by some trends, but they were slow moving, with very conservative changes and had very little to do with the cycle that we think of when we consider runway shows and fashion magazines,’ comments Yati Khumalo, deputy-editor of GQ magazine and editor of GQ Style. ‘But at some point, fashion culture started to move over into menswear in a big way.’

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indistinguishable. Those who did not appreciate her vision could not escape, but no one can disagree that her #AW16 collection matches her ambition in artistic maturity.

PHOTOS PREVIOUS SPREAD

The rise of the Internet has also played a critical role. ‘Growing up, my idea of style was limited to what I saw in magazines, but today anyone can go on the Internet and see how people dress all over the world, see what brands they are wearing, and, of course, buy them,’ said Stuurman. He referred to the fact that in April, Prada, once predominantly focussed on fashion for women, announced that it hopes to double menswear sales over the next few years.

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As a result of this rapidly growing market demand, fashion brands have expanded introducing broader product ranges and, in some cases, dedicated menswear stores.

(Hermès, Lanvin, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana and Prada are amongst those who have launched men’s-only flagships). When British Nigerian super stylist and fashion editor, Iniye James - better known as Tokyo James - launched last year one could see that he had refined his craftsmanship over the past 15 years of conceptualizing, dreaming, and practising and learning the ropes. Bringing a level of detail to his fashion brand, seldom seen by newcomers to the industry, Iniye managed to infuse his eclectic personal sense of style while maintaining a commercial appeal. Everything that came down the catwalk on Saturday night looked photo-ready for the editorial pages of Le Kap magazine, GQ Style, Gaschette Magazine or The Rake. ‘I design for the man who loves simplicity with a bit of edge; the man that is a go getter and creates the reality he wants to live in; the man who believes anything is possible with determination and sheer confidence,’ said Iniye of his creative process and this is evident. Strong combinations of textures were fascinating, jackets of faux-crocodile and wool tailored to perfection, embroidered shirts and fur finished three-quarter jackets ensured this collection catered for the more traditional dresser, but with elements for those fashionable blokes.

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This was the first collection I have seen presented by Tokyo James and I certainly hope not the last. According to a 2013 luxury goods study, since the economic downturn in 2009, growth in the market for men’s ready-to-wear fashion has outpaced womenswear, increasing between 9 and 13 per cent year-on-year. A recent HSBC study noted the rise of the ‘Yummies’ (young urban males), high earners poised to drive luxury fashion sales further, as they marry and raise families later in life. Last month, National Purchase Diary (NPD) Group reported in the US that sales of menswear increased by 5 per cent in 2013 to over 60 billion USD, outperforming womenswear.

When one of South Africa’s most prolific fashion directors produces a collection, people take notice. Reported in the media last year and known for his unique sense of style and love for prints, Chu’s third CHULAAP by Chu Suwannapha collection was everything I expected.

This collection took the horrific 2013/2014 trend of pattern clashing and merged it with others to create something that could have been seen in one of Laduma Ngxokolo’s MAXHOSA shows. Chu’s latest collection merely updates his love of bold, bright patterns with a military bias and graphic prints layered in traditional styling.

Though this collection, our Prince of Pattern recycled old into new and addresses the mise en scène bubbling under the consciousness of South Africa; another form of cultural appropriation difficult to translate into mainstream commercial viability. One could be forgiven for imagining some wearing CHULAAP to SONA (State of

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the Nation Address), but even with accessories by Pichulik, this is not something that has appeal outside the Fashion Elite.

Anyone walking through the recently expanded Sandton City will notice rival luxury goods conglomerates, Kering and LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (LVMH) have significantly invested in their respective luxury menswear brands, Brioni (purchased in 2011

by Kering, then called PPR) and Berluti. LVMH has invested about 135 million USD in transforming the bespoke cobbler Berluti into a men’s luxury brand under the direction of Antoine Arnault, son of LVMH chairman, Bernard Arnault. Even our own South African owned ‘Richemont’, rumoured to be selling some of its ailing fashion brands, is now planning to double its fashion portfolio, particularly in menswear, with a significant investment in Dunhill.

As to whether these brands will prove successful, co-founder of South African Menswear Week (SAMW) Simon Deiner said: ‘If the product is spurious, it will not work, because although men have become used to expanding their wardrobes, they are not stupid,’ adding, ‘focus on the integrity and the usefulness of the goods. That is what we hope to achieve with being the only representative fashion week in South Africa for menswear designers. Our aim is to bring fashion to that growing, and might I add, discerning market that demands high quality, desirability and world view that comes with having the disposable income to support this crucial, and often forgotten industry.’

WINTER COLLECTION IN STORE NOW

Luisa Spagnoli Cape Town Shop 7249, V&A Waterfront Tel 021 418 1691

Luisa Spagnoli Johannesburg Shop UM 65-66, Hyde Park Cnr Tel 011 268 0859

Also available at Isabella Charlotte Boutique, Franschhoek Tel 021 876 2707 and Isabella Charlotte Boutique Brooklyn Mall Pretoria (opening May 2016)

Mall of Africa Shop 2117 (opening May 2016)

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Donald J Trump ‘deal maker without peer’

BY LIZ WEBBER

For many, Donald J Trump defines the American success story, setting standards of excellence while expanding his interests in real estate, sports and entertainment - the archetypal businessman - a deal maker without peer.

Donald Trump also developed the former West Side Rail Yards, now Trump Place. Facing the Hudson River, this 100-acre property is comprised of 16 buildings and the largest development ever approved by the New York City Planning Commission.

Trump started his career in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York working with his father and has been quoted as saying, ‘My father was my mentor and I learned a tremendous amount about every aspect of the construction industry from him.’ Likewise, Fred C Trump often stated that ‘some of my best deals were made by my son, Donald...everything he touches seems to turn to gold.’ Donald then entered the very different world of Manhattan real estate.

Other acquisitions include The Trump Building at 40 Wall Street, a 72-storey building in Manhattan’s Financial District. In addition, Trump built 610 Park Avenue, formerly the Mayfair Regent Hotel, converting it into super-luxury condominium apartments. Further east sits the spectacular Trump World Tower, a 90-storey luxury residential building and one of the tallest towers. It has received rave reviews from architectural critics, with Herbert Muschamp of the New York Times calling it ‘a handsome hunk of a glass tower’ and is one of the most successful condominium towers ever built in the United States of America.

Internationally, the Trump signature is synonymous with prestigious addresses. These include the world-renowned Fifth Avenue skyscraper, Trump Tower. and the luxury residential buildings, Trump Parc, Trump Palace, Trump Plaza, 610 Park Avenue, The Trump World Tower (the tallest building on the East Side of Manhattan) and Trump Park Avenue.

Donald constructed the Jacob Javits Convention Center, formerly known as the West 34th Street Railroad Yards, and restored the exterior of the Grand Central Terminal while converting the neighbouring Commodore Hotel into the Grand Hyatt Hotel. This development and restoration earned him an award from Manhattan’s Community Board Five for the ‘tasteful and creative recycling of a distinguished hotel.’ Over the years, he has bought and sold many properties, including the Plaza Hotel (restored to its original grandeur), the St Moritz Hotel (now the Ritz Carlton on Central Park South) and until 2002, the land under the Empire State Building (merging the land and lease together for the first time in over 50 years).

In 1997, the Trump International Hotel & Tower opened its doors on Manhattan’s West Side. This 52 storey exclusive hotel and residential building was designed by the world-famous architect, Philip Johnson. It is one of only three hotels in America to have received a double Forbes Five-Star (2009–2015) for both the hotel and its superb restaurant, Jean-Georges.

In 2001, Donald announced the building of the 2.7 million square foot, 92-storey Trump International Hotel & Tower on the banks of the Chicago River. The hotel opened in 2008 to great acclaim and has received a stream of awards for excellent service, including Five-Star ratings for the hotel and restaurant in the Forbes Travel Guide Awards in 2014 and 2015, and the AAA Five Diamond Hotel award winner since 2011.

In 2002, Trump purchased the fabled Delmonico Hotel in New York and re-developed it into a state-of-the-art luxury 35-storey condominium, Trump Park Avenue. Mr Trump also co-owns the iconic 555 California Street Tower, an office building on the West Coast, as well as the prized 1290 Avenue of the Americas Building, which is one of New York’s biggest buildings.

The Trump Hotel Collection was created as a new standard for international hotels defined by elegance and attention to detail.

One of the most stylish additions to the Las Vegas skyline is the 5-star Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, a super-luxury 60-storey hotel condominium tower. Current and future developments include towers in Soho/New York (opened 2010), Chicago (opened 2008), >

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Waikiki/Hawaii (opened 2009), Panama (opened 2011), Toronto, Trump National Doral Miami (completed in early 2015) and Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland.

As of 2015, international hotel developments include Baku, Azerbaijan, Vancouver, BC and Rio de Janiero to open in 2016.

Trump Towers, Istanbul, Sisli, combines two towers (one residential and one office) and is located in the vibrant Mecidiyekov district.

In February 2012, The Trump Organization was selected to develop the famous Old Post Office Building in Washington DC. Plans included a 300-room luxury hotel, a museum gallery and retained the original exterior façade and interior features. When completed, this hotel will be one of the most luxurious and is seen as a generational asset by the Trump family. Trump International Hotel Washington DC is slated to open in 2016.

Apart from his real estate acquisitions, Donald Trump and the NBC Television Network are partners in Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants. Also, Trump Model Management founded in 1999, is one of the leading modelling agencies in New York.

The project to rebuild the Wollman Skating Rink (now the Trump Rink) in Central Park was particularly special to Donald. Attempts had been made for seven years, when he interceded and completed restoration in four months at a fraction of the anticipated cost. With similar success, he rebuilt Lasker Rink, in Harlem, also located in Central Park. In addition, Mr Trump is given credit by many and reported in Mark J. Penn’s book Microtrends for a major and favourable impact on the economy of the city by creating the condominium boom versus the co-ops of the past.

Mr Trump has written a number of best-selling books applauded by many. These include Mr Trump’s 1987 autobiography, The Art of the Deal - selling in excess of three million copies, Surviving at the Top and The Art of the Comeback. The America We Deserve is a departure from his past literary efforts and focuses on political, economic and social problems in the US. These were followed by How to Get Rich: Big Deals from the Star of the Apprentice; Trump: The Way to the Top; Trump: Think Like a Billionaire (2004); Trump: The Best Golf Advice I Ever Received (2005); and Trump: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received (2006). He partnered with Robert Kiyosaki to make publishing history with Why We Want You to Be Rich: Two Men, One Message, followed by Trump 101: The Way to Success (2006) and Think Big (2007), his book with Bill Zanker. Never Give Up (2008) was followed by Think Like a Champion (2009). Midas Touch (2011) was authored in collaboration with Robert Kiyosaki and Time to Get Tough: Making America #1 Again was published later that year.

A native of New York City, Donald graduated from The Wharton School of Finance and in 1984 he won the Entrepreneur of the Year

award. Involved in numerous civic and charitable organisations, he is on the Board of Directors for the Police Athletic League and Chairman of the Donald J Trump Foundation and Co-Chairman of the New York Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Fund.

In 1995, he served as the Grand Marshal of the Nation’s Parade, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. He also hosts the annual Red Cross Ball at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach and received the American Cancer Society Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. In 2015, Mr Trump was given the Commandant’s Leadership Award from the Marine Corps—Law Enforcement Foundation.

Mr Trump is a founder member of the Committee to Complete Construction of the Cathedral of St John the Divine and The Wharton School Real Estate Centre. He is a committee member of the Celebration of Nations and UNICEF, and named ‘The Developer of the Year’ by the Construction Management Association of America and Master Builder by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreational & Historic Preservation. In 2000, he was honoured as the Hotel and Real Estate Visionary of the Century from the UJA Federation and in 2003 was added to the Benefactors Board of Directors by the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. In 2007, he received the ‘Green Space’ Award by the friends of Westchester County Parks, donating 436 acres of land in Westchester creating the Donald J Trump State Park.

By 2004, Trump had joined forces with Mark Burnett Productions and NBC to produce and star in the television reality show, The Apprentice. The first season finale had the highest ratings on television that year after the Super Bowl with 41.5 million viewers, as well as three Emmy nominations. Mr Trump will continue in this role in the 2015-2016 season. In 2005, he hosted Saturday Night Live, resulting in their highest ratings of the year. Moreover, he produces network and cable television programming via his Los Angeles based production company, Trump Productions LLC. In 2005, Donald launched the ‘Donald J Trump Signature Collection’, which includes tailored clothing and accessories. ‘Trump Home’ was introduced offering furniture, bedding, home décor and bath accessories. In 2012, he partnered with Parlux to launch his fragrance, ‘Success by Trump’ and his second fragrance, ‘Empire’ was launched in 2015.

In the August 21-28 2006 Business Week magazine, Donald Trump was voted as ‘the world’s most competitive businessperson’ and as one of the Top 10 most competitive businesspeople internationally.

The ongoing success of the Trump Organization was recognized by Crain’s New York Business List 2012 as being the largest privately held company in New York. Forbes ranked Donald number 14 on their top 100 celebrity list in 2012.

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He is also a highly paid public speaker, often drawing thousands of people. In 2007, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2008, ‘You’re fired!’ was listed as the third greatest television catchphrase, led only by ‘Here’s Johnny’ and ‘One small step for man’.

In 2013, Donald was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in front of 25 000 fans at Madison Square Garden. The reasons were that he held two of the most successful WrestleMania events, but more importantly, he and Vince McMahon were involved in the WrestleMania 23 ‘Battle of the Billionaires’ in 2007 at Ford Field in Detroit–the highest rated show in wrestling history.

The New York Observer named Trump as number one in its Power 100 Readers Poll in 2013 and in that year, he spoke at the annual Lincoln dinner in Michigan, which was the largest dinner in their 124-year history. It was also the biggest Lincoln event where a US President was not the speaker. In 2013, Mr Trump received the T. Boone Pickens Award from The American Spectator and the respected writer, Joe Queenan notes that the 30 million USD he was paid for his appearances may have been an underpayment.

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During 2008, he sold 515 South Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach for a record price of 100 million USD and in 2010, the penthouse apartment at Trump International Hotel & Tower sold for 33 million USD. In 2011, he purchased the Kluge Estate and Vineyard in Charlottesville, VA, now the Trump Vineyard Estates and the largest vineyard on the East Coast.

Donald is also regarded as the foremost golf developer in the world and the Trump Golf portfolio incorporates 18 world-class properties, his first acquisition being Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach, Florida in 1999.

In 2002, he acquired The Trump National Golf Club in Westchester, New York, a signature Fazio golf course and residential development and a 250-acre estate, known as the Mansion at Seven Springs, was developed into a world class luxury housing estate. The Tom Fazio designed Trump National Golf Club/Bedminster, New Jersey, (2004) had been built in Lamington Farms on the 525-acre Cowperthwaite Estate and an additional 18-hole course was opened recently. >

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He also purchased a large parcel of land in California, fronting the Pacific Ocean and the Trump National Golf Club/Los Angeles was completed in 2004 and is voted the top golf course in California.

Seventy-five luxury estates will follow. In 2008, Mr Trump also purchased a golf course in Colts Neck, New Jersey, now named Trump National Golf Club/Colts Neck and in 2009 he bought an 800acre parcel of land and club near Washington DC on the Potomac River, now known as the Trump National Golf Club/ Washington DC. Two more golf courses were added to his portfolio in 2009, Trump National Golf Club/Philadelphia and Trump National Golf Club/ Hudson Valley. In 2010, a new celebrity reality series, ‘Donald J Trump’s Fabulous World of Golf’ debuted on Golf Channel.

The Trump International Golf Links/Scotland, located in Aberdeen, opened in 2012 and a second 18-hole course has been approved. In 2013, Golf Week Magazine named Trump International Golf Links, Scotland ‘The Best Modern Day Golf Course in the World’. The Trump International Golf Club/Rio Grande, Puerto Rico has 1250 acres and two 18-hole championship courses. In Palm Beach, Florida, Trump converted the historic Mar-a-Lago Estate, owned by Marjorie Merriweather Post and EF Hutton into the ultra-luxury Mar-a-Lago Club, which was awarded the ‘Best Club Anywhere in the World’.

The property was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1980 and is often referred to as ‘The Jewel of Palm Beach’.

Just seven minutes from Mar-a-Lago lies the Trump International Golf Club, acclaimed as one of the best in the US, with its magnificent tropical landscaping and water features.

In 2012, Mr Trump purchased the iconic 800-acre Doral Hotel &

Country Club in Miami, which includes five championship golf courses, the renowned Blue Monster championship golf course, spa and a 700 room hotel, and this is home to the Cadillac World Championship of Golf. In 2012, he acquired the Point Lake & Golf Club in North Carolina, now Trump National Golf Club, Charlotte, and the Ritz Carlton Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida, now Trump National Golf Club, Jupiter. In 2013, Trump International Golf Club, Dubai was announced and The Trump Estates, comprised of more than 100 luxury villas overlooking the golf course went on sale in 2014. Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point, New York City opened in the Spring of 2015. As Jack Nicklaus said, ‘Trump has been very, very good with getting things done with the city. I think he pushed it over the edge. He did a really good job of getting it to the finish line’.

In 2014, he purchased the Doonbeg Golf Resort in Ireland to be known as Trump International Golf Links Ireland. This 450-acre property, designed by legendary golfer Greg Norman, is being redeveloped. In 2014, he secured the famed Turnberry Resort in Scotland, home of the Open Championship. In addition, in 2014, the PGA of America announced that the 2022 PGA Championship would be hosted by Trump National Golf Club/Bedminster, and the 2017 Senior PGA Championship would be held at Trump National Golf Club/Washington DC. The Trump World Golf Club/Dubai, an 18-hole championship course, will be designed by Tiger Woods.

Donald Trump has been recognised by Golf Digest Magazine as ‘Golf’s Greatest Builder Today’ and by Sports Illustrated as ‘The Most Important Figure in the World of Golf’. Brian Morgan, leading golf photographer, has stated, ‘Donald Trump has the greatest collection of golf courses and clubs ever built or assembled by one man’.

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The Sexy Revolver R42 ‘Gran Turismo’ of the sea’

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BY STEVE SWANEPOEL

T

he stunning Revolver R42 is a 12.8 m ultra high-performance Italian designed power boat, reminiscent of the ‘Grand Tourers’ of the motoring world.

The all Italian design concept of the Revolver R42 was produced to incorporate the qualities of a grand tourer sports car into a power boat. What this enterprise resulted in, is a very efficient rather snazzy high-performance vessel with exciting sporty lines, without compromising its ample space for comfort. She has a variable deep stepped V hull and both sides of the structure are flat, without spangle.

The R42 has distinctive sports car features, including deployable rear air vents reminiscent of high-end grand tourer cars from the 60s and LED lights that are built into the fender rail of the bow, which effectively define the boat’s external motoring profile.

The R42 offers cruiser-style amenities, unique among performance boats and is well suited to overnight excursions. The cuttingedge Italian style interior, with its surprising 2 m headroom is fully air-conditioned and includes a luxurious galley and sleeping quarters for two guests. The stylish seats and cushions are ‘sports’ upholstered with Alcantara™ EXO, a specific waterproof covering

that guarantees resistance to the effects of weathering and salt water.

Central to the interior design and layout is the large structure that houses the control panel and helm station. The custom-designed shock absorbing seats of the captain and co-pilot have a hightech appearance and are both comfortable and functional. The ergonomic central console between them houses the control panel and latest-generation Garmin GPS touch-screens for ease of navigation. The helm station has an integrated monitoring system, which interfaces with the navigation screen.

An iPad dock station controls the multi-zone audio system for the different areas of the boat. Behind the helm, in keeping with the theme of the grand tourer concept, the boat sports a remote controlled glass sun roof and a rear glass door that neatly tucks away in the engine room when in an open position. Another key feature of the R42 is its superior air conditioning.

Below deck, in the bow, one finds a large seating area that can be converted into a double bed by folding down the table. A kitchen and minibar are also located here, as well as a surprisingly spacious bathroom and shower area with unusually high ceilings for this class of power boat. >

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The sporty look is perfectly mirrored by the powerful performance of this grand tourer of the sea. The Revolver R42 is powered by two 700 HP Mercury Racing 700SCi supercharged engines with sequential injection, each paired with stern drive NXT transmissions. This fantastic combination results in an impressive display of power and a cruising speed in excess of 65 knots. The Revolver R42’s impressive accelerations and explosive pace are evident when the 1,400 HP engine rages out of her rear pipes.

The hull, the roof and all the structural elements (floor, struts and bulkheads) are vacuum moulded. The resin is vinyl ester, the lamination is a sandwich of Corecell® with E-glass biaxial glass-fibre fabric and stiffeners placed along the major structural members, constructed of unidirectional and multi-axial carbon fabric. The hard top is made from structural carbon with exposed bulkheads, similar to those found in cars.

Technology and aesthetics are also carried through in the flooring, where the use of Esthec® enables innovative and dynamic designs.

The material was chosen because it is environmentally friendly and is almost maintenance free.

Last but not least, the Revolver R42 is fitted with an electrically operated swimming platform, which folds away in the stern, and allows for easy access to the sea.

A world of luxury and performance that you can call home.

Your Leopard catamaran.

40 | 43PC | 44 | 48 | 51PC | 58

+27 21 200 1825 www.leopardcatamarans.com southafrica@leopardcatamarans.com

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Richard Branson’s Miskito Island

BY MARION PFEIFFER

For those who dream of not just an island, but one with every possible luxury available, The Branson Estate on Moskito Island in the British Virgin Islands is the ultimate getaway and tops the list of resorts that are featured in The Luxury Travel Bible, the World’s Ultimate Destination Guide.

Richard Branson’s love affair for many years with the British Virgin Islands prompted his purchase of Moskito Island in 2007, only two miles and in clear view of Necker Island, which he bought in 1978. Inspired by Necker Island, Moskito Island has been transformed into an exclusive and unspoiled paradise, consisting of 125 acres and surrounded by the tropical waters of the Caribbean, surpassing conventional villa rentals offering luxurious personal services in lavish private and secluded settings. It is the perfect playground. Recently, Virgin Limited Edition has welcomed The Branson Estate to its collection, which includes Necker Island, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa, The Roof Gardens and Babylon Restaurant in London and the Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco, amongst others.

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Sir Richard Branson commented: ‘It’s well known that I adore the beautiful and unspoiled British Virgin Islands and I’m thrilled that the new Branson Estate on Moskito Island is joining the Virgin Limited Edition collection. I’m confident that this stunning estate will be a fantastic addition to the rest of the portfolio.’

The island was initially referred to as ‘Musketa’ during the midnineteenth century. The name was subsequently changed and it became known as Moskito Island. During the 1960s, a small sail-in and dive resort and restaurant were operated by Bertie Kilbride until the end of the last century. The current development began in 2010 with the ownership of the island shared by individual homeowners selected to be neighbours by Branson. Originally constructed for the use of Sir Richard and his family, The Branson Estate is available for hire on an exclusive-use basis for at least 22 guests in three villas.

This eco-resort is nothing less than spectacular and includes Sir Richard’s cliff top residence, the restored dock, restaurants and beach bars, as well as an organic garden and orchard, swimming pool and tennis courts. All developments are eco-sensitive, using wind turbines and solar panels. No diesel power is being used as

part of his plan to ‘green’ the islands and provide a working example to other islands in reducing costly diesel imports. ‘We know that islands will suffer the most from climate change and sea level rise’ Branson says, ‘Reefs will be devastated and wildlife decimated. It’s realistic to think that whole islands could be 75-80 per cent clean energy in four to five years.’

The Branson Estate is comprised of three villas, Headland House with three bedrooms and Beach and Mangrove Villas, each with four bedrooms; naturally each villa includes an expansive and stunningly designed master suite with extensive views. The design of the villas has been carefully created to put a refined contemporary spin on the traditional Caribbean look making the most of the sea views, natural light and tropical climate.

Every ‘resort-style’ bedroom is en-suite with beadboard-panelled walls offering a charming touch and private balconies, all in keeping with the rest of the estate. Light, fresh colours in cream and grey in the rooms set off the pale wooden floors and high vaulted wooden ceilings and the fold-away glass walls provide an atmosphere of airy ease. ‘Beachy accents’ such as decorative shell ornaments and

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turquoise pillows complement the dĂŠcor while the wooden verandahs, equipped with loungers, offer space and tranquillity away from the beach. Each villa has a freshwater infinity pool with a hot tub set within it, a dining area and a private fully-equipped kitchen.

On the eastern side of the island a Recreation area has been created, offering a variety of activities and the perfect setting for socialising and meeting friends. The well-designed and beautifully furnished Beach House, located in the centre of the Recreation area, has several lounge areas, television, bar and coffee station and offers direct access to the beach. Guests can enjoy the wraparound infinity pool, swim up to the bar and enjoy a refreshing drink of their choice, sample the hot tub or just recline on a lounger and enjoy the views and summer breezes, or in the evening gaze up at the stars in the temperate climate.

Days could be spent relaxing on Moskito Island Beach, Manchioneel Beach, Honeymoon Beach or exploring the island on foot or by bicycle. For more energetic guests, the nearby Tennis Pavilion looks across the two tennis courts. Its terraced steps are convenient for spectators and are also used for movie nights.

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A well-appointed gym and wellness centre, for fitness enthusiasts, are located below the pavilion. The nearby Watersports Centre is a major attraction for any enterprising guest, offering activities such as stand-up paddle boarding, kiting, Hobie cat sailing and snorkelling. All of these are included in the rates unless they involve leaving the island or require a boat with a motor.

This exclusive retreat also caters for the whims of gourmet lovers in an informal or formal setting, on the beach or by the pool, themed or traditional, indoors or outdoors under the stars. Meals and events can be organised and arranged to suit different tastes and preferences by the competent Moskito Island team. Three individual dining areas are available. The Boat Pavilion is closest to the waterfront and seats 26 guests; the Round Pavilion is located between the Salt Pond and beach for up to 20 diners and the Flamingo Pavilion is the most protected and situated some distance from the beach. Another option is the Beach House kitchen offering a grill and dedicated pizza oven.

For those deciding to embark on a luxurious holiday on Moskito Island the rates for accommodation include all meals and drinks and

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a constant supply of healthy snacks and fruits, as well as sustainably produced wines that await one in the villa’s fridge. For additional services such as a private chef, spa treatments and motorised water sports such as water skiing, wakeboarding and off-island boat excursions, there is a supplementary charge. Transfers from the Virgin Tortola airport, the closest international airport, and access to all facilities on the island are available.

During 2016, The Branson Estate can be booked for 22 guests at a rate of 47300 USD per night, although extra charges will apply over holiday seasons, (2 150 USD per night). If necessary, an additional number of guests can be accommodated upon request.

Children are welcome on Moskito Island and arrangements such as special meals and activities can be organised. The island is an exciting environment for them to enjoy. For very young guests nurseries leading off the master suites are available in both Mangrove and Beach villas and babysitting can be pre-arranged on request.

EDITOR’S NOTE: For further information and details, please visit: www.virginlimitededition.com/moskito-island

BMW Motorrad

bmw-motorrad.co.za

The Ultimate Riding Machine

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Sixto Rodriguez

‘Sugarman returns from the grave’

BY CHRISTOPHER PFEIFFER

An enigmatic and somewhat elusive figure, Sixto Rodriguez is a Mexican-American folk musician from Detroit, Michigan and perhaps one of the strangest rock ‘n roll stories of all time. In the 1970s, he produced two albums, Cold Fact (1970), a psychedelic folk album seen as a classic, high Sixties and early Seventies pop, and Coming From Reality (1971).

His first album is considered by many as a combination of mellifluousness, soul and honeyed tones with hauntingly catchy and heart-breaking lyrics relating to the Sixties essence of anxiety, paranoia, social realism and druggy escapism, although he asserts that he preferred wine and only tried marijuana once in his 30s. Rodriguez has a particular style of playing the guitar that he describes as sloppy and percussive, partly because half of his middle finger is missing as the result of an injury in a work-related incident. Neither of the albums appeared to be well received, particularly in the US, and sales were few. One reason could be because personal politics have always played a significant role in his life and when his albums launched on to the music scene, he remained, perhaps, uncommitted. Also, his fans did not like the fact that he often performed with his back towards his audience and would sometimes sound off about inequality in the middle of a concert. He did himself no favours.

Rodriguez was born in 1942 and was the sixth son in the family, hence the name Sixto. His family emigrated from Mexico in the 1920s and faced the intense alienation and marginalization of the time, often reflected in the political viewpoints taken in his music. He started his career in small unknown locations in Detroit and his >

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music was largely influenced by other musicians of the time, such as Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and the Beatles. He holds a Bachelors degree in Philosophy, completed in 1981. After the apparent failure of his music career in the 1970s, he purchased a derelict house in Detroit for 50 USD. He still continues to live in the same house in the historic neighbourhood of Woodbridge and was employed in demolition and production line work for most of his life, earning a low income. For many years his home was heated by a woodburning stove. He had no television, no computers and did not believe in the gas or electric company. He has three daughters and is separated from his second wife. He also remains politically active and has run for public office, without success to date.

However, in South Africa, he was considered to be a major artist and his music inspired us and pop music for generations, as his lyrics were also relevant to the anti-apartheid struggle of the time, including oppression, prejudice and corruption. Despite remaining relatively unknown for his music in the US, his music was popular in the mid-1970s in South Africa,

Botswana and Zimbabwe, as well as Australia. Rodriguez was completely unaware of his success and his obscurity added to the myths and mystery of this music creating rumours and stories about his whereabouts. After his disappearance from the music scene at the time, it was believed for many years that he had committed suicide – one story stated that he had killed himself during a concert in the 70s!

In 1994, some determined and long-term South African fans, journalist Craig Bartholomew and former jeweller Stephen Segerman embarked on a mission to seek out the truth of his fate.

A website called ‘The Great Rodriguez Hunt’ was created and in addition they had his details and picture printed on milk cartons.

At the same time, Brian Currin had established ‘Climb up on my music’, a site dedicated to his life and work. Nine months later, after many phone calls, emails and faxes, they received a response.

In 1998, his daughter had spotted one of the milk cartons and South Africans were made aware that the man, believed to have died, was now planning a tour of South Africa.

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Rodriguez, who did not even have a telephone at this time, was working as a construction labourer in Detroit. The two websites were combined and continue to be a source of information about Rodriguez. For Rodriguez, this led to the realisation that his lost artistic dreams could be achieved, but for many the fear was whether he would be able to perform and cope with the strains of touring at the age of 57, as he had not performed on stage for about 20 years. The first step for Magnus Erickson, in charge of the tour management, was to buy Sixto a guitar as he did not even own a guitar at the time.

His re-discovery by enthusiastic South African fans in 1998 allowed him to retire from the construction business and he started performing again. The first tour was six concerts in March 1998 in South Africa; the first appearance was equally nerve-wracking for him and his managers. Initially stage fright caused him to hesitate before going out on stage while his fans waited impatiently in the Bellville stadium. These performances were filmed by SABC TV in 2001 in a documentary titled Dead Men Don’t Tour:

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Rodriguez in South Africa 1998. Since then, he has returned to tour SA several times and most recently, in February 2016. He also performed in Australia, Namibia, Sweden and Holland.

His signature song to this day remains Sugar Man, which was re-recorded in 2003 with a large orchestra and in 2009, he performed at the Barbican in London. In 2012, an Academy Awardwinning documentary, Searching for Sugar Man reinstated his fame and renewed his popularity in the US, as well as opening some options to him that have been closed for nearly 40 years.

This film also suggests that he may have been cheated out of royalties over the years and this is currently under investigation.

Since then he has been interviewed on television by various popular hosts and appeared in concerts at selected venues all over the world.

At present, he has 30 shows booked internationally and although American appreciation of his talent has been slow to develop, the documentary has changed all of this bringing him an unimaginable level of fame in his country. However, he continues to live a very >

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Spartan life in the same home and his daughter Regan says that he states: ‘there’s three basic needs – food, clothing and shelter. Once you get down to that level, everything else is icing’.

Rodriguez, now 73 years old, suffers from glaucoma which is limiting his vision causing him to shuffle slowly when he walks and usually clutching someone else’s arm. Unusually for touring singers, Rodriguez travels without a regular group of musicians and works with bands in the countries where he performs, most of which are notable musicians themselves. Rehearsals are usually for only a few hours before the show as he does not enjoy rehearsing.

The music business is an industry which is littered with artists who have not succeeded and there are very few who are lucky enough to have enjoyed a third-act resurrection.

‘All my life, I never gave up on music and though there was a lot of disappointment for some that the commercial thing never happened, it has never been a disappointment for me,’ he says.

‘I’m an old man now and I belong to the old century. It’s been 40 years since I made those records. For the music to have survived at all, let alone for anyone to care about it, well, I feel overwhelmed,’ says Rodriguez.

The question of what he will do next remains intriguing. He appears as an old hippy radical, who will do everything in his own time, and his voice has a soft, slightly stoned drawl with an occasional hint of 1950s patois. In 2013, it was announced that he is in the process of producing a new album. Evidently, he can move well between his unassuming neighbourhood and the concert stages with their glittering lighting and admiring fans. He is modest and reticent, confident without conceit and often seen as a centred zen-like figure. When asked about his greatest extravagance, he said that he enjoyed being able to have room service at any time of the night, that it was the nice little things that counted and he feels his seniority has helped him to deal with the ramifications of his relaunched career.

‘This is what I always wanted, to make something of myself through music,’ he reflects. ‘Has it changed me? I divide it in certain ways. It started out with wanting personal success, but now it’s much larger than that. You can’t see it the same way. But it certainly is success, undeniable success, and so that in itself is what I was searching for, so there it is and it’s great to enjoy it, share it. In music, I think if I put another thing out and it has a value, I’ve achieved. If it can make them dance and sing, it’s good, I can feel that.’

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The Alpha predators of the seas

BY JOY SCOTT

Orcas are fascinating and impressive. These stunning black and white goliaths, also known as killer whales or Orcinus Orca, are the largest class of the dolphin family. Highly intelligent and well organised, these giants with their remarkable abilities (and second largest brains among marine animals after the sperm whale) take their place at the top of the food chain, in other words, they are the apex or alpha predators of the oceans.

Although their normal pace is about 5 km/h, their sheer strength, size and ability allow them to achieve speeds in excess of 55 km/h in furious bursts when hunting. Also, an extraordinary skill that they use is known as echolocation and is a type of sonar to detect their prey under water. This

enables them to gather information about the location and size of prey by making sounds under the water that then bounce back when they encounter objects. As the no. 1 predator, the Orca is beautiful, deadly, mightier and smarter than most, and if you exclude humans, they are the most diverse mammals on earth adapting to every known biome in the seas.

For most of us, the size of these creatures is formidable and hard to envisage. The males reach lengths of 9.6 m and weigh up to 9 tons (almost the length of a school bus) and females are approximately 8.2 m long, weighing up to 4 tons. Their body shape is roughly cylindrical or aerodynamic, tapering at both ends and this fusiform shape is extremely >

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efficient in swimming, creating less drag. Their movement through the water is assisted by their flukes or two-lobed tails, which may measure in a large male up to 2.75 m. The fluke is a flat pad of dense connective tissue without bone that is moved up and down by onethird of the muscles of the body closest to the tail. The dorsal fin is huge. In males, this tall and triangular body part reaches up to 1.8 m and is proportionally less in the females. This helps to stabilise the whale at high speed, but is not crucial to its balance. They will often leap out of the water when moving and this is known as porpoising.

Other common behaviours include breaching, which is leaping out of the water, landing back on its side or even upside down, spy hopping which means emerging upright so that its head is exposed and lob-tailing, dorsal fin slapping or pec-slapping, all of which produce large sounds, both in and above the water. The Orca breathes through a single blowhole that has a watertight flap in a relaxed position and it contracts to open the blowhole. Surprisingly, the eyes are only about the same size as that of a cow.

Another striking feature of these whales is their distinctive black and white pigmentation, although pure white killer whales have been occasionally spotted. There is no standard colouring among Orcas and it is believed the varied patterns, particularly around the eyes and saddle patches, usually a lighter grey, assist in managing social interactions, hunting and formation. Their colouring is known as ‘counter shading’, as the dorsal or upper surface is darker than the ventral/underneath. This is another one of nature’s amazing designs as, when viewed from above, the animal merges into the darker

surface of the water, but seen from below the lighter underside blends into the brighter sea surface. Orcas are extremely protective of their young who may remain close to their mothers for all of their lives and also, the adolescent females in the group often assist in their care. The pregnancy lasts 17 months and a female may reproduce every three to ten years. The lifetime of a whale can be up to 90 years.

Orcas live in coastal waters and open oceans all over the world, although most frequently found in the Artic or Antarctic, and it is believed at present that the population in total amounts to not more than 50 000. They can cover vast distances up to and more than 2 000 km at times. Their visits can be unexpected – in December 2015, a pod of 14 Orcas was seen outside the Knysna Heads – most probably due to the large shoals of bait fish in the area at the time attracting dolphins followed by the whales. These intelligent animals move in groups known as pods, which usually consist of up to 30 whales, although pods of 100 or more have been recorded. Within the group, there are distinct social hierarchies and the leaders are typically female. Only humans and elephants live in social structures that may be compared to that of the Orcas. Communication within groups is believed to be extremely complex with slightly different, but distinctive dialects within each pod. The groups also differ in characteristics; a resident pod is typically less aggressive and mainly eats fish while a transient pod will hunt in an aggressive manner, similar to wolf packs, working together in pursuit of larger marine mammals, even including adult whales. Furthermore, groups of Orcas in different parts of the oceans may have characteristics

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specifically adapted to living in those circumstances, which are learned behaviours and reflect their intelligence.

There are no predators that hunt these killer whales. Their diet consists mainly of most species of marine mammals such as seals and dugongs, and includes whales, sharks, fish, squid and octopuses, but this also depends on the areas where they live. They require about 230 kg of food per day. One unique behaviour pattern carried out by hungry Orcas in the Antarctic and not recorded anywhere else, or by any other creatures, is the approach of creating waves to wash seals off floating ice to catch them. Fish travelling in shoals are forced into a tight ball as the whales release bubbles and then, using their tails, they slap the ball, stunning or killing numbers of fish each time which they then consume.

According to Sea World, captive Orcas have reportedly been fed on moose by the trainers! They have 40–50 large, interlocking pointed teeth (about 7,6cm in length), which are used mostly to capture and tear their prey and not to chew. When hunting, their combined techniques make them a deadly force for their unfortunate quarry and mothers have been seen teaching their young how to beach themselves to hunt seals.

Without a doubt, these are sophisticated and successful killers.

One fascinating fact, which has been acknowledged by scientists, is that the killer whales have apparently figured out that sharks must keep moving to breathe and have developed a technique for killing them. The whales hold the shark upside down, so that it cannot move, slowly suffocating it until it is dead.

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Furthermore, its intelligence, ability to be trained and playfulness have made it popular as an exhibit in aquaria and theme parks, such as Sea World in the United States of America. Being a social animal, a single Orca in captivity on its own will probably not survive for many years. Despite outcries about protecting the whales from captivity in the future, it has to be recognised that their being seen in these places has contributed to the growing interest to protect them in the wild and prevent whaling in general. Since the captive animals do not live as long as those in the wild, this may create problems for scientists wishing to study them in captivity to better understand their biology and health.

Orcas are not naturally a threat to humans, although there have been incidents at some marine parks, and of course, myths in indigenous cultures have caused their reputations to range from being humanlike by some to merciless killers by others.

Luckily for the Orcas, there is growing appreciation among people as to the value of ensuring that these animals do not remain on the endangered species list and some whales in captivity have been successfully returned to the ocean after human intervention.

However, historically the Orcas have never been the subject of targeted hunting by the whaling industry. Although they have never been hunted, they have suffered severely from the effects of pollution, particularly from chemicals making them more vulnerable to disease and possibly causing reproductive complications. There are fortunately many conservation groups actively involved in protecting this magnificent species and they will hopefully ensure that their future is never threatened.

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5-STAR RIVER BOATING ‘Luxury river boating on the scenic waterways of Europe’.

TRAVEL

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BY SARAH WOODS

Today, one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry is that of river boating the scenic waterways in Europe. For instance, figures reflect that river cruising has grown at an annual rate of 16 per cent in the last five years while traditional touring on large cruise ships has only increased by 4-5 per cent.

In terms of luxury river boat cruising, for many years, the problem has been that the advertised four or five-star luxury cruises complete with a crew, gourmet cuisine and wines, entertainment and lectures have not always achieved expected standards. However, the stylish new riverboats entering the travel industry now are overturning the traditional perception of river cruises. There are countless numbers of companies offering tours of different lengths, activity levels, lecture themes, special interests, Christmas markets and it is a voyage in itself to explore and select one to suit your requirements.

The most significant advantage of a river boat holiday is that no additional travel is typically required to see interesting places because one is almost always in sight of land. River boats ply the rivers alongside local traffic, cruising past people living their lives in full view. It is a far more intimate experience than a traditional cruise ship vacation. For most, this is considered as the single most

important benefit of this mode of travel in comparison, for example, to a traditional cruise ship, travel by air or other forms of transport.

Guests can step off their floating hotel to visit a city or charming hamlet along the way, frequently unknown to most travellers. Some of the old-world villages offer delightful experiences of rural life in the countryside, well removed from the well-known and overpopulated tourist locations.

There seems to be natural camaraderie amongst those who join a river boat holiday. The element of sightseeing, while on a river boat, is the significant difference between a cruise ship holiday surrounded by water and European river cruising in the heart of Europe. Cruise ships tend to stop in larger ports, which are big enough to handle their particular requirements. Finally, river boating is usually a semi-inclusive vacation option with shore excursions included in every port of call. The following describes one of the best cruise companies at this time and what they offer to discerning travellers.

Founded in 1976, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is a Californiabased company offering luxury European river cruises and operating a fleet of13 ships or deluxe floating boat hotels. If you are considering exploring some of Europe’s unique destinations,

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Uniworld offers exceptional experiences on any one of their cruises lasting from 7 to 30 days. The five-star Red Carnation Hotel Collection is Uniworld’s sister company and using the expertise from over 50 years of operating in the luxury boutique hotel business, combined with several decades of river cruising experience, enables Uniworld to offer an exclusive experience aboard their ships. Furthermore, Uniworld is committed to implementing sustainable business and travel practices in supporting the natural environment and cultures, placing effort into environmental, social and economic responsibilities so that the places visited will endure for future generations.

Every aspect of the river cruise boats has been carefully designed to appeal to your aesthetic taste with thoughtful touches and superb artistry to make your experience unforgettable. Each vessel is unique in its stylish décor offering a variety of styles, colours, fabrics and textures. This company combines unrivalled luxury, outstanding service, gourmet cuisine (recognised as ‘Top in Dining’ in the industry) and nautical excellence. Meals often exceed expectations and with table settings and menus borrowed from the founder of Red Carnation’s kitchen, Mrs Beatrice Tollman, the dining experience can feel more like being a guest in someone’s home. Fresh ingredients are sourced from local markets on shore.

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For all guests, there is an invitation to the Captain’s Welcome Gala and Farewell dinner. Breakfasts and lunches are buffet style while dinners are a la carte from a daily menu, offering a variety of specialities. The elite Epicurean Adventurer Program offered to wine and food aficionados is complimentary with certain departures and allows guests to increase their knowledge about food and wine pairing and to savour many varietals in the course of the meal.

Subdued entertainment is the norm, with pianists in the lounge and, on occasion, local cultural shows offered on board. There are brief lectures on the history of the region and the proposed itineraries.

Programmes submitted by this award-winning company include the magical destinations in Europe, Russia and Asia and offer a sixstar experience to guests embarking on any one of their voyages.

Six stars include expertise, service, luxurious ships, distinctive design, cuisine, choice and are truly all inclusive, creating a new and exciting category of indulgent river cruising. Most of the ships have 24-hour reception, lounges with panoramic views, open dining and handcrafted beds from Savoir of England, with fine linen and a variety of pillow options. Bathrooms vary on different ships, becoming more elegant in the newer vessels, but most include marble clad furnishings with sophisticated features, L’Occitane en Provence amenities and deluxe towels. The ships have an average capacity of 140 guests with the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the industry. Experienced managers in every area are there to orchestrate each journey so that a dedicated individual is available to respond to every request and expectation.

Uniworld specialises in personalised travel, not only for adult guests, but also for the younger passengers. A range of on-shore and on-board activities has been tailored to suit every age. Land excursions include ‘Choice is Yours’, ‘Go Active’ or ‘Go Gentle’ according to your choosing and may include access to museums, home-hosted lunches, concerts and elegant receptions, as well as the ‘must sees’ in each place. Their belief in making the degree of personalisation a top priority has led them to provide this extensive range designed to ensure you will find the experience you seek during your voyage. Multiple choices are available in every destination to please the most seasoned traveller. Activities, such as hiking or biking with experienced guides or solo self-guided expeditions with complimentary equipment, are available to guests and gentler walking tours provide a more relaxed pace with time to admire artistic beauty and architecture, or to enjoy a meal at one of the picturesque cafés along the way. Specialised ‘Do as the Locals Do’ trips allow participants to explore the reality of local citizens, including cultural experiences, favourite meeting places and of course, the cuisine in the region.

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ROMANÉE CONTI

Living The Legend

BY JEAN-VINCENT RIDON

(Vice Best Sommelier of South Africa 2016)

It all started with a rumour. At first, I could not believe it, as I have been in the wine industry for long enough to avoid wasting time on urban legends. However, when reliable sources started spreading the word, the level of excitement could no longer be ignored.

An improbable event might take place in a few months time; a Romanée Conti tasting in South Africa!

once-in-a-lifetime opportunity there will be no half measures and I was ready to do anything to secure a seat at this dinner – even though it was not going to be cheap. The current vintage of Romanée Conti sells for around 10 000 euros per bottle, but the announced 2009 vintage is often traded at over 15 000 euros per bottle, pricing a 60ml tasting sip at R20 000.

Great Domaines, the sole importer of the wines from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) in South Africa, confirmed the incredible news that not only a tasting, but a ‘pairing dinner’ would take place at the Mosaic Restaurant in Pretoria. Furthermore, Monsieur Aubert de Villaine, the co-owner and co-director of the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, the most prestigious wine estate in the world, will be present.

Joining de Villaine for the tasting of 12 wines from the DRC paired by celebrity chef, Chantel Dartnall, might be the equivalent of the cost of a human kidney transplant, but for a wine lover, it would be similar to becoming a Jedi master.

My excitement at the prospect of joining a Romanée Conti dinner could be compared to a Buddhist meeting the Dalai Lama. At this

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Once my ticket was confirmed, memories reminded me of why the mere name of Romanée Conti creates so much anticipation.

Romanée Conti is the name of one of the first wines that I remember from my childhood. It was spoken about almost religiously, with admiration and reverence. Many wines can inspire respect, but the

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Romanée Conti attracts worship. This wine attracted so much passion that the Heir to the Kingdom of France renamed it with his noble title. The 1,81 hectare Romanée Conti estate eventually became the property of the de Villaine family who also manages other Grand Cru estates. With Romanée Conti’s legacy of 500 years of documented history, de Villaine regards himself as the custodian of this legacy rather than just a winemaker. At the age of 77, de Villaine fully appreciates his responsibility of protecting this terroir, recently classified as a UNESCO Heritage Site.

PHOTOS THIS PAGE

De Villaine is concerned by the recent trend whereby his wines have become investment vessels for collectors and bankers. Romanée Conti is extremely rare and very famous, so collectors around the world aspire to own a bottle. For some, it is an ego trip, but for others it is an investment, as they are confident that such rare wines can only increase in value, as will a Picasso or a rare Lamborghini.

The last sales achieved for the most sought after bottles reached >

PHOTOS NEXT PAGE

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01 Wines tasted 02 Aubert de Villaine during the tasting 03 Jean-Vincent Ridon at the Romanée Conti Vineyard in France

04 Romanée Conti Vineyards 05 Jean-Vincent Ridon at the tasting 06 La Romanée Conti 2009 presented

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astonishing heights, with many good vintages being auctioned at over 20 000 euros each and sometimes even more. ‘The first reason for this wine’s existence is to be drunk,’ he says and, ‘this applies to all the Grand Cru, including the Conti.’

Due to the rarity and demand for Conti, the number of forged bottles has skyrocketed. Despite efforts from DRC to control the market, copies are regularly offered to gullible buyers. As an example, the 1945 vintage only produced 620 bottles, but more than 3 000 are found in different wine listings. With a price of $123 899 paid at auction for a 1945 Conti in Geneva, it is very tempting for criminals to take a chance.

With an average production of only 5 000 bottles, the key is the rarity factor. If you want one bottle, you have to dig deep into your pockets. Compared to other famous wines, the numbers of Romanée Conti produced are tiny. In comparison, ‘Chateau Lafite Rothschild’ or ‘Chateau Margaux’ produce on average of over 300 000 bottles while a world famous luxury brand like Dom Perignon bottles millions of each vintage. Therefore, the 5 000 Romanée Conti numbered bottles are the ultimate collector’s dream.

It has not always been this way. When I was a young wine broker, a bottle of Romanée Conti sold on average for a price similar to that of the French minimum wage earned in two or three weeks. In 2015,

a bottle cost about one year of minimum wages, if you could find one. The wine is sold only to selected importers or distributors, such as Great Domaines in South Africa and all clients are on waiting lists. So, any bottles becoming available on the open market are snapped up at the seller’s price.

For all these reasons, a tasting comprised of genuine wines from the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is an extremely rare occurrence and 12 wines from the Domaine served on the same evening is unique.

And I was going to be part of it. As these wines are so precious, the venue also had to be extraordinary.

Located a few kilometres west of Pretoria, the Orient Hotel provided the perfect setting for this extravaganza. Some might compare it to Xanadu, a palace surrounded by zebras, giraffes and antelopes.

The Mosaic Restaurant, run by Chantel Dartnall, arguably the most talented chef of her generation at The Orient Hotel, has one of the most comprehensive wine lists in Africa. So it was the natural choice that their in-house sommelier Germain Lehodey would supervise the event together with de Villaine.

I talk about legends, about money, about dreams, about men… but what about the wines? The anticipation shared by the 20 guests can be compared to children eager to open gifts under a Christmas tree. Entering the tasting room was like crossing the threshold of a

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refined perfume shop. The wines from DRC are made from pinot noir, considered as the most delicate, elegant and fragrant grape.

The first wine to be sampled had already been decanted into expensive Zalto glasses and its perfume was tangible in the air.

The wines from DRC are not just legends because they are rare or expensive. They are awesome wines, mind-blowing archetypes of the diversity of Burgundian terroirs. Every Grand Cru embodies a unique soil expression and similar pinot grapes grown a few metres apart will deliver very different wines. This is the reason that, since the Middle Ages, each vineyard has been demarcated to small walled blocks, sometimes less than one hectare.

Most of the Grand Crus produced by DRC are from the village of Vosne-Romanée in Burgundy. Vosne Romanée soils are the most sacred for exclusive wine lovers. All year round, wine connoisseurs gather in the narrow paths between the vines to worship the ground that creates wines that many of us will never drink. The last time I escorted the South African wine tasting team, we had to wait our turn amidst Chinese and American tourists to take pictures in front of the Conti vineyard. It is as busy as the Eiffel Tower!

All the Grand Crus poured at the tasting were from the 2009 vintage, as that year produced one of the best vintages of the last 20 years, along with 1995, 2000, 2003 and 2005. Following the Burgundian

tradition, the white Chardonnay is served after the red pinot noir, so the subtlety of pinot noir is not overpowered.

The Corton is a new addition to the DRC stable, as well as being the only red Grand Cru from the Cote de Beaune. De Villaine explained that it was not the policy of the estate to increase at any cost. However, the opportunity to take over the historic old vines from the Prince Florent de Merode estate was not to be missed.

The Corton 2009 was surprisingly appealing. The Corton terroir is known for producing very austere wines that require a few decades of cellaring to mature. The 2009 is velvety, with intense black fruits and blueberries on the nose, followed by the typical earthy palate of Corton. For the first time in my life I enjoyed a young Corton, a true revelation!

Grands Echézeaux 2009 and Echézeaux 2009 are perfect examples of how the soil differences affect blocks of vines grown literally touching each other - two wines with very different identities. The deeper ground of the Grand Echézeaux gives silky tannins more elegance than the powerful Echézeaux growing on poorer rockier soil and offering more texture on the palate.

The Romanée Saint Vivant 2009 is perfumed! This wine is a woman, a fascinating woman displaying multiple layers of lace, hiding a delicate body and hints of violet. The lingering palate with a >

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coarser texture reminds me of the power of the wine as I was misled by its elegance.

The Richebourg 2009 is even more perfumed than the Saint Vivant with a massive structure while the La Tâche 2009 is very shy with tobacco leaf, pencil shaving, graphite tones and an impressively textured palate.

When the King of Pinot and the Pinot for the Kings was finally presented, a religious silence came to pass in the room. La Romanée Conti 2009 is a wine with multiple layers, sheer complexity placed in a bottle. Not an impressive body compared to La Tache or Richebourg, but a symphony of perfumes, delicately fading and coming back onto your palate. The persistence on the palate lasts minutes, with roses, wild strawberries and Spanish Jabugo ham, all guests understood the passion this wine can spark. This is the Holy Communion.

At this level of sensual fireworks, it seems very vulgar to talk about money, because these wines ignite philosophical discussions. After drinking the 60 ml of the most expensive red wine in the world, the guests were served with another 60ml of very costly white wine, a Montrachet 2009, which produced only 4079 bottles. This intense lemony, flowery powerful Chardonnay sells for approximately 4000 euros per bottle.

The 2009 wines were followed by a flight of older vintages, paired with chef Chantel Dartnall’s food creations. Besides La Tâche 2005 that can be labelled as the perfect wine, I had the privilege of tasting the Batard-Montrachet 2000. Only one barrel is produced every year (300 bottles) and never offered to the market. A dream that no money can buy - courtesy of Monsieur de Villaine - in his crusade to demystify the wines and remind us of the difference between value and price.

Aubert de Villaine succeeded in making us forget the cost of this evening and enjoy the value of the emotions we shared in savouring these wines and these will hopefully overcome the speculators drive to put these bottles into vaults. At his age, de Villaine understands more than anyone the value of sharing moments. A moment like this one will accompany me into the next world, with a smile.

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MOTORING

An Eruptive Experience Jeep brings new meaning to experiencing

a blast on a volcano, writes Richard Webb Often, when a car brand invites me to do a bit of off-roading they mean they have found a dusty track that would scarcely trouble a family crossover. But when I got a call from Jeep, I expected more.

The call came through unexpectedly early in December. Jeep asked if I’d be keen to go and drive a Jeep up Mount Etna in Sicily, just off the Italian coast. ‘But wait a minute, isn’t that currently a live volcano,’ I asked, incredulously. ‘We’ll be in Jeeps so it’ll be fine’, Jeeps’ PR countered breezily. Needless to say I was up for some ‘dewy-eyed’ nostalgia, especially since that old war-horse – the Jeep Wrangler – is about to be completely phased out.

Mount Etna was smouldering as we flew over it, adding to the sense of adventure. Upon arrival in Sicily, I made a beeline for the Wrangler, purely out of deference and to give a snappy GI salute to this old soldier one last time.

Starting off with the Wrangler in two-wheel drive, I eased through suburbia towards the first obstacle course. Almost immediately, I was confronted with a rocky river. The car scrabbled up the muddy bank with little drama, but the rock-strewn crest of the bank looked very daunting, so I eased the transfer box into four-wheel drive. >

‘My eyes widened at the sheer scale of the natural obstacles the Wrangler was expected to clear.’

Piazza del Duomo - Catania

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Donnafugata Golf Resort & SPA

My eyes widened at the sheer scale of the natural obstacles I was expected to clear. I smashed through undergrowth seemingly made of impenetrable bamboo arched to create a natural tunnel, which was just about the only indication of where I was supposed to point the bouncing Wrangler.

Branches kept scratching the bonnet and roof, making a sound akin to scratching your nails down a chalkboard. But the Wrangler relentlessly made forward progress in everything from moss-covered rock, to mud and gravel in wheel-top deep flowing water. What it lacked in refinement was made up for in its ability to just keep going.

And going. In a terrain where Wranglers get a workout, it makes it even more impressive that the little Jeep Renegades behind me kept up.

It was time to hit the tarmac for a while and I chose a Jeep Renegade ‘Night Eagle’ and headed North on the A19 towards Sicily’s second largest city, Catania – with its Grandiose monotone baroque style palazzi, hundreds of bars, clubs and eateries – all under the watchful gaze of Mt Etna.

I pressed on, taking the winding Strada Provinciale, leading right up to the largest active volcano in Europe. Although the first eruptions at Mt Etna were 500,000 years ago, it did occur to me that it might not be wise to goad this nest of strato volcanoes too much. After all, this mountain has the longest period of documented eruptions in the world.

Mt Etna has been pretty unpredictable recently and it has just started to splutter up lava again. My Renegade made serene progress up, challenging ancient tracks – pock-marked with millennia aged solidified magma– as I ascended to a summit crater.

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We passed numerous fissures and vents on the flanks of the volcano. The lava enriched soil is extremely fertile and as much as I was tempted to make a gastronomic circular tour of all 21 towns encircling the volcano, I stopped at the first available restaurant for a quick Arancine – basically a risotto shaped into a ball, filled with ragù and deep-fried – followed by Sicilian Cannoli – that mouthwatering dessert that is a crispy brown shell filled with fresh sweet sheep milk ricotta and chocolate chips, garnished with candied fruits.

Suitably refreshed, I swapped over into a new Cherokee, for a dash of luxury. I headed away from Mt Etna on an anti-clockwise route from Catania, passing Acireale and Giarre before turning inland to Linguaglossa, Randazzo, Bronte, Adrano, Paterno and Belpasso. I passed an abundance of orchards – oranges, mangoes, peaches, kiwi and lemons, as well as pine nuts, pistachio, and almonds.

As I eased back South West on the two and a half hour journey along the Strade Statale 514 towards Donnafugata and on to the luxury five-star Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa, which lies 17 km from Comiso International Airport and is a short drive from the historic centre of Ragusa, Modica, Noto and Scicli, which are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

After many hours of travel, from Cape Town via O.R. Tambo International Airport, via Istanbul Atatürk Airport and on to Catania Fontana Rossa and then a tough day’s driving, I wearily contemplated whether Jeep truly had a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ persona.

Jeep certainly is not the world’s biggest maker of SUVs without good reason, and that whirlwind trip had me convinced that Jeep has a range of vehicles for all terrains – including active volcanoes.

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ore than 600,000 Willys Jeeps were made during World War II for use as light reconnaissance vehicles in war theatres around the world. That the Willys ever saw the light of day as a civilian production vehicle is incredible, since the design brief was urgently written by the military with very little planning for comfort. It simply was required to be of lightweight construction, have fourwheel drive and a short wheelbase; they were rushed almost immediately into full production. The G.I.s adored the Willys and it has endured its 75 years born out of necessity, but was also nurtured with a nations gratitude.

The Wrangler, which is the direct descendant from those Willys, is at its finest when facing off-road challenges, but it is not as primitive as you may expect on the tarmac – certainly no more so than a Land Rover Defender. It is comfortable enough in the cabin, with heated seats and tinted windows, and you can roll back the roof and treat yourself to driving the only current 4x4 convertible. (However, Range Rover’s Evoque is about to take that crown).

To mark their 75th anniversary, Jeep is celebrating with even more product launches with its seven-slot signature grille and legendary off-road ability.

There will be a new Wrangler-type of vehicle and another new SUV, which is intended to be in between the Cherokee and the Renegade, with Trailhawk models in all line-ups.

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LOUIS XIII, THE MASTERS OF TIME

BY STEVE SWANEPOEL

In essence, the story of LOUIS XIII Cognac is a tale about the mastery of time as each decanter of LOUIS XIII Is a century in a bottle. The deep amber liquid is the result of a careful blending of up to 1,200 Eaux-de-vie, the youngest of which is at least 40 years and the oldest 100 years old. The name Eaux-de-vie is derived from a French expression meaning water of life and is a is a raw distillate obtained by a double distillation of a wine made out of white grape called ugni blanc. This liquid has no colour, is bone-dry and around 80 per cent proof.

In 1874, Paul-Émile Rémy Martin first created this exclusive Cognac in honour of his regent, LOUIS XIII. Today, LOUIS XIII remains the most prestigious Cognac’s, a best-selling luxury priced spirit and this King of Cognacs is the pride of every respected collection in the world.

‘Cognac is the product of human genius, nature, and time - Baptiste Loiseau - LOUIS XIII Cellar Master’. With more than a century of history and expertise, LOUIS XIII Cognac is created with careful and meticulous attention to detail. In a sense the cellar masters can be compared to past cathedral builders who began construction, knowing that they would not live to see the result of their labour.

Each LOUIS XIII cellar master selects the most promising Eaux-de-vie, which they carefully nurture in the knowledge that the next master, or even the one after that, will finally craft a singular Cognac from their innovation. Typically, four cellar masters will work together over the span of a few decades to produce a single batch of LOUIS XIII. >

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An extraordinary amount of time is required to produce LOUIS XIII Cognac and it also takes years to train a new cellar master. To ensure an in-depth transmission of knowledge of LOUIS XIII from one cellar master to the next, it is essential for both the current and new cellar master to work together for an extended period. Baptiste Loiseau, the current cellar master (and also the youngest master in the world) took over the mantle from Pierette Trichet in 2014, becoming the fifth cellar master at the House of Rémy Martin.

Baptiste Loiseau now supervises the blending and aging of more than 140 000 Eaux-de-vie, housed in 29 different cellars. Only the very best of these carefully nurtured Eaux-de-vie will eventually be blended to craft this unique Cognac.

For most, it is difficult to imagine working on something for 100 years at a time where everything is almost and often instantly available.

So, LOUIS XIII, in collaboration with John Malkovich and director Robert Rodriguez, has created ‘100 Years: The Movie You’ll Never See’. The film imagines what life will be like a century from now and is inspired by the craftsmanship and time it takes to produce LOUIS XIII. This film will only be released in 2115.

On the forefront of history LOUIS XIII Cognac has travelled throughout the world; in 1875, the

first casks of the Cognac were shipped as far as Scandinavia and Australia. By the end of the 1880s, LOUIS XIII was distributed to most countries in the Far East, such as India, Indonesia, Japan and China.

In 1881, there was some business with Algeria, South Africa (Cape Town, Durban), Egypt (Cairo, Alexandria) and Tunisia. There is not much information available about shipments from that time, but one case in 1881 mentioned ‘Decanters LOUIS XIII’, which were delivered to a Mrs James Scaright in Cape Town.

During its illustrious past, LOUIS XIII had been present at some pivotal moments such as in 1929, on the Orient-Express journeying across Europe, en route to Constantinople. In 1935, during the maiden voyage of the SS Normandie (the fastest ocean liner of its time), this luxury Cognac was served to wealthy Americans on their way from France to New York in the liner’s first class cabins.

Furthermore, LOUIS XIII Cognac was on board the inaugural flight of the Concorde in 1984.

An unforgettable experience Jörg Pfutzner, ‘Private Client Director’ of LOUIS XIII in South Africa, says that Louis XIII is a spirit that encourages reflection and to truly value LOUIS XIII one should take a moment and let time stand still to appreciate the rich aroma and complexity of this King of Cognacs.

SSBR/448979/1

BUSINESSMAN

PHILOSOPHER

FOODIE

REMYMARTIN.CO.ZA

Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18.

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Mini C DE CARTIER

A baby-doll style in sharp, bright tones, the XS version of the C de Cartier bag electrifies any outfit with a vibrant pop of colour. Adorable and lightweight, this bag offers a fresh addition to an exquisite collection, adding a level of fun plus the ability to surprise!

COLOUR BLOCK Utterly unique charm – popping pigments make a statement full of energy and sumptuous vitality: shimmering gold, jonquil yellow, morganite pink and peridot green.

ULTIMATE KNOW-HOW With its pint-sized dimensions, two cheeky handles and a strap, this mini bag cultivates the chic know-how of its bigger counterpart. Finish off your look with tone-ontone or contrasting saddle topstitching, a silver-coloured Cartier signature and hemmed leather lining.

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Klein Karoo Chocolate Treats ...

BY MARION PFEIFFER

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n unexpected pleasure in Oudtshoorn, in the heart of the Klein Karoo! Visitors will discover a world-class chocolate shop, La Chocolaterie Rococo, where the very special and master chocolatier, Marita Lamprecht, creates and sells her Belgian chocolate treats. Inspired by the decadent 18th century French period, the exclusive flavour combinations are a delightful surprise for Oudtshoorn visitors, who relish decadent delights and most certainly will not have expected to find Belgian chocolates of this quality in a small Karoo town. The assortment of wildly different flavours, created from a variety of essences or plant infusions, is sure to suit chocolate enthusiasts, as well as sceptics who do not have a sweet tooth. La Chocolaterie Rococo defines the ultimate in chocolate indulgence. Handcrafted from finely selected ingredients, it's a sinful pleasure that brings heaven one step closer.

Marita Lamprecht’s passion to work with chocolate was the drive to establish Rococo and she travelled to Bruges in Belgium to receive intensive training from a master chocolatier. To ensure the finest quality, all of her chocolate is imported from Belgium to her business in Oudtshoorn and the chocolate confections are hand crafted to ensure attention to detail. Also, she produces seasonal chocolate ranges created from imported Belgian couverture - so,

chocoholics can enjoy floral pralines in summer and spice-spiked truffles in winter.

She has a fervent passion for the science and art of making the perfect praline. ‘I only use infusions - no flavourants, essences or preservatives, which dry out the chocolate and affect the taste,’ she says. ‘No vegetable fat either - only 100% cocoa butter’.

Over time, Marita has perfected her abundant expertise and talent to complement her passion for this rare art form. She challenges herself to meet the discerning palettes of chocolate connoisseurs, resulting in her marvellous combinations not found anywhere else.

There is no doubt that Marita can be described as a chocolate artist and this is apparent when you view her extravagant collections and she is applauded for her chocolate stilettos, hats, Easter treats, wedding cakes and chocolate and wine pairings. For chocoholics and connoisseurs alike, or simply someone who appreciates a smooth, velvety sweet occasionally, you will be sure to find that irresistible something.

The words excess and indulgence define these chocolate creations.

The exquisite and tantalising chocolates are carefully arranged

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behind glass panels. There are pralines with traditional fillings like caramel and nuts; mouth watering dark chocolate; and the more exotic flavours like raspberry; dark chocolate with black pepper and lavender and one created from different spices, including cinnamon and nutmeg; and the amazing reserve port and gorgonzola truffles; or strawberry and pink port truffles. Also available, of course, are the more conventional chocolates and truffles, such as chocolatedipped brandied cherries, as Marita makes certain that everyone will find a treat that they will enjoy.

The flagship chocolate here is the lavender-infused praline, created from plant infusion and not essence. Other intriguing flavours include pecan and cinnamon; lemon (from the garden); fig and port; honey (from the Karoo); caramel and rooibos; white chocolate with rose petals and pansies; and blue cheese. Each chocolate has its own unique form and one could say ‘character’ – from hearts to bunches of grapes. In fact, she offers a variety that is hard to imagine until you have visited her at Rococo. Furthermore, for larger orders, Marita packages large chocolate orders in chocolate vessels, so that not only the contents, but also the containers, can be devoured with glee.

Marita’s specialty is her flair for matching chocolate and wine, a pairing which is notoriously difficult to get right. A chance of attending her educational and entertaining chocolate and wine/

champagne/brandy pairings, together with Cape Wine Master, Junel Vermeulen, at various festivals, should not be missed. Her ability in this arena has led to her being in demand by wine estates seeking to entice visitors with wine and chocolate pairings. These have included the Port Festival, George Cheese Festival and Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK). The La Chocolaterie Rococo makes its appearance at festivals in the Oudtshoorn area, as well as further afield. At the inaugural Winelands Festival held in July 2015, showcasing some of the finest artisan chocolatiers in South Africa, La Chocolaterie Rococo did not disappoint. Marita’s gorgeous and detailed sculptures complemented the festival’s décor and there was no doubt that her high heeled shoes were the prettiest and tastiest ever seen by many. The unusual confections produced at these festivals are extremely popular in her Chocolaterie in Oudtshoorn.

‘The handmade Belgian chocolates of Le Chocolaterie Rococo are more than exquisite delights of the finest quality. They are the culmination of my lifelong journey into chocolate and selfexpression. Each piece of sensual decadence of my chocolate is made from the freshest ingredients and is constituted of the finest imported raw materials from Belgium. Every batch is a balancing act of skill, technique, artistic flair and appreciation for the process of chocolate making. Amongst my many satisfied clients are guest houses, boutique hotels, wine cellars and, of course, the individual connoisseurs for whom only the best will suffice.’

THE MORE YOU USE IT THE BETTER IT LOOKS www.kitchenaidafrica.com facebook.com/KitchenAidAfrica • twitter.com/kitchenaidsa • instagram.com/kitchenaid_africa • pinterest.com/KitchenAidAfri

Lamborghini South Africa

LAMBORGHINI HURACĂ N LP 610-4 SPYDER

Lamborghini Cape Town Authorised Dealer

Lamborghini Johannesburg Authorised Dealer

10 Hospital Sreet, Harbour Edge Building Phone 021 419 0595 Fax 021 419 0596 www.lamborghini.com

Corner William Nicol and Bryanston Drive Phone 011 361 6500 Fax 011 361 6547 www.lamborghini.com

Fuel consumption* (l/100 km): urban 17,5 / extra urban 9,2 / combined 12,3. CO2 emission: 285** g/km * In line with the directive EU 80/1268/EEC ** With COD (Cylinder On Demand)