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PHOTOGRAPHER: JUDD VAN RENSBURG. FASHION ASSISTANT: MPUMI SHANDU. MODEL: SANELE XABA @ BOSS
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Acquisition target P R O D U C E D B Y M P U M I S I N XOTO
A hands-on kind of guy knows it’s all in the detail I Leather gloves, R1 200, Stuttafords II Calibre de Cartier diver watch (stainless steel and rose gold), R127 000, Cartier III Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, R1 004 700
STOCKISTS: // Cartier, 011 666 2800, www.cartier.com // Mercedes-Benz, www.mercedes-benz.co.za // Stuttafords, 011 783 5212, www.stuttafords.co.za
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An exceptional man needs a stand-out colour. These four men show the way in this season’s richest shade – burgundy
20s
RULANI NEVHUFUMBA, FACILITATOR: MLAB SA
Tell us about your career so far. After matric, I qualified for a bursary and went on to complete a BSc in Computer Science and Statistics. I then joined the Limpopo Treasury, before moving to mLab SA, where I manage the new CodeTribe Academy, which provides innovators, entrepreneurs, developers and designers with office space, testing devices and hardware, as well as training and mentorship. In my spare time, I study Android development and help organise local Google Developer Group training and hackathons. What attracted you to a career in technology and innovation? I enjoy doing new things and the ever-changing environment with new possibilities was appealing. When did you know you’d made the right career choice? When I changed my degree from a general BSc to a BSc Computer Science. On my second day at mLab in 2013, I saw young people with brilliant ideas for making the world a better place. That was when I realised I’d made the right choice – and that’s why I still code and hack in my spare time. Why are technology and innovation so important to SA’s development? They’re fundamental aspects of humanity, from our cave-dwelling ancestors to the present generation. The capacity to solve problems is what defines a country and its place in the race for the future. If SA is to create shared prosperity and a better quality of life for all, technology and innovation must play a key role. What failure has been your most important lesson? The person I am today has been built on a series of trial and errors, colleagues’ issues and emotional wounds from criticism I thought I would never receive. Fortunately, my failures were not that terrible, but had it not been for these little setbacks, I would have never moved on with my life. The fact is that never failing or being too afraid to try something because of fear of failing simply means you are depriving yourself of a plethora of experiences. How do you ensure you make a difference in the work that you do? Everyone wants to feel valued and respected for who they are in the workplace – I help foster those feelings. I also make time to interact with, listen to and understand my clients. What goals have you set for yourself? I’d like to complete an MSc in Computer Science in the next four years. I’d also like to have developed and published a few apps. I need to do all these things before I get married. What skills do you want to master? I am honing my skills in Android development and management. How do you unwind? When I get the chance, I relax by playing soccer or PlayStation games with friends. Rulani wears a jacket, R1 999 and waistcoat, R799, both Zara Man. Shirt, R1 550, Ben Sherman. Pants, R2 500, La Rue. Shoes, R1 999, Europa Art Shoes
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1. Beanie, R169, Aldo 2. Suit jacket, R5 500, The Gallery Squared 3. Checked shirt, R799, Ben Sherman 4. Pocket square, R300, The Gallery Squared 5. Pants, R179, MRP 6. Laptop bag, R12 999, Tumi 7. Spectacles, R1 000, Von Zipper 8. Shoes, R2 500, Dune
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LEBO GUNGULUZA, GROUP CHAIRMAN: GUNGULUZA ENTERPRISE & MEDIA (GEM)
From gossip columnist Shwashwi to an award-winning entrepreneur – tell us about your business journey? At 27, I became one of SA’s youngest self-made black millionaires, without any funding or tenders from government. Over the years, I’ve built a multi-million-rand empire and have had to overcome tremendous odds on my entrepreneurial journey. I am one of the founders of the South African Black Entrepreneurs Forum. I was rewarded for my efforts with the Africa Heritage Youth Entrepreneur Award. What have been your most significant high and low? I once lost three clients at the same time and I could not afford to pay my staff. Some of them took me to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration. This was a real low for me. On the upside, getting back on my feet and starting from scratch, showing my mettle, was a fine achievement. I got new clients and business began to boom. What goals have you set for yourself? I want to have an impact on the young entrepreneurs whom I mentor. I want them to avoid all the problems I encountered and let them know that they have a guide who has been through it all. As far as the business goes, I want to acquire more equity in the hospitality and media industry. What skills do you want to master? People skills. What books would you recommend for aspiring entrepreneurs? Start With Why by Simon Sinek (Portfolio), The Innovators by Walter Isaacson (Simon & Schuster) and The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg (Random House). What are the most essential skills and attributes for entrepreneurs? You need people, communication and leadership skills. What do you wear to a high-profile meeting? A suit – but no tie. What is your all-time favourite song? R Kelly’s Happy People. Lebo wears a blazer, R2 399, Topman. Shirt, R1 300, River Island. Pants, R799, Fabiani. Shoes, R1 299, Aldo. Watch, Lebo’s own
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1. Fedora, stylist’s own 2. Jacket, R 3 500, The Gallery Squared 3. Jersey, R400, The Gallery Squared 4. Lapel flower, R100, The Gallery Squared 5. Watch, R499, Aldo 6. Pants, R1 299, Ben Sherman 7. Brogues, R1 299, Europa Art Shoes
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40s
SELVIN GOVENDER, MARKETING DIRECTOR MERCEDES BENZ CARS
What are the rewards of your job? Mercedes-Benz is an aspirational brand in SA. It grew by more than 25% in 2014 – a fact that we are very proud of and determined to repeat this year. The acceptance of the brand by the growing middle class has been phenomenal. What part of your job do you find most challenging? I have a great job – in fact, I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing. I don’t believe in the idea of a work-life balance because work is part of life, but the job comes with a lot of travelling – mostly in the evenings and over weekends. This severely impacts on family time and one has to work extremely hard at ensuring it doesn’t destroy relationships. Is mentorship important to you? Very much so – I’ve had the privilege of having a few in my life and I’ve relished the opportunity to be a mentor to some wonderful individuals. Being a mentor is a huge responsibility, as you have the ability to help shape an individual’s career or life. The best part is being able to share my experiences – both good and bad – so that the mentee does not have to pay the same school fees and can learn from what happened to me. What do you wear to an important client meeting? It depends – if it is a client with whom I’m familiar, I dress casually, but appropriately. If I’m meeting a client for the first time, I prefer a business suit. How do you celebrate a major achievement? Besides yelling “whoopwhoop!”? I’m the first to acknowledge that I should celebrate successes more often. However, given that time is such a scarce commodity, it often comes down to the recognition and acknowledgement of the team members responsible for the success. Who do you turn to for advice and support? My first contact is the most practical and pragmatic person I know – my wife. I’ve also built a vast network of personal and professional contacts who are considered experts in their fields and I’m blessed to be able to call on them when necessary. What are you currently reading? I’m currently reading a book that I can recommend to anyone who doubts their creative ability: Creative Confidence by David and Tom Kelley (Crown Business) uses inspiring and entertaining stories to demonstrate that every one of us is a creative being. What song is guaranteed to put you in a good mood? Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars is my current “happy” song. I love music – everything from Queen to Swedish House Mafia. What are your future plans? The challenge that we face going forward is the dramatic change in media consumption. Everything we knew about marketing is being rewritten rapidly. Success lies in the ability of marketers to meet their consumers as they move seamlessly from device to device, consuming information as and when they need it. My challenge is to get our brand ready to meet those challenges and fully exploit the opportunities that will naturally arise. – Nazley Omar Selvin wears a jacket, R1 499 and trousers, R699, both Zara Man. Shirt, R299, Edgars. Pocket square, R349, Pringle of Scotland. Shoes, R1 999, Aldo
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1. Cardigan, R1 100, Polo 2. Shirt, R1 350, Ben Sherman 3. !vy hat, R249, Polo 4. Headphones, R5 999, Tumi 5. Backpack, R1 299, Ben Sherman 6. Boots, R3 299, Europa Art Shoes 7. Pants, R1 199, Fabiani
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50s
SIBUSISO GULE, CHAIRMAN: NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT SA
Tell us about your career so far. I did articles of clerkship prior to qualifying as an attorney at a large, predominantly white law firm in KwaZulu-Natal in the late Eighties. In 1990, I moved to Mathe & Zondo Incorporated, which specialised in employment and labour law. It represented a number of Cosatu-affiliated unions. I initially practised under current Constitutional Court judge Ray Zondo. In 2012, I was appointed the Chairman of Norton Rose Fulbright SA, which then led to my appointment as the Global Vice-Chairman. My current role is to ensure that our global legal practice implements the strategy the shareholders have agreed upon. What skill do you still want to master? Over the years, I’ve realised that all jobs and industries are about people. I’m able to work well with others, but there’s always room to improve. I’d like to develop so that I’m able to influence people to work cohesively towards improving the lives of those around them. Do you play a mentorship role? I’m passionate about mentorship because I sincerely believe in the development of our human resources. One of the ways in which I contribute is by mentoring both young and old. I mentor individuals in my organisation, both in SA and overseas, including countries such as the USA. I also mentor senior executives from other firms. How would you describe your leadership style? Inclusive. It is characterised by leading by example and listening to people to get different ideas and feedback on my leadership. What has made you such a formidable lawyer? I strive for perfection in my work and I’m guided by our firm’s principles of quality, unity and integrity. I don’t compromise on these principles, which provide guidance on how we behave in most situations. Also, I am not driven by money, but by doing the best I can for my clients – I know that if I satisfy them, I will be appropriately rewarded. How do you celebrate a major achievement? I hardly ever celebrate an achievement because I’m usually focused on the next one. I believe spending time celebrating could lead to complacency and delay the work required for the next achievement. However, if I were to celebrate, I would have a small prayer gathering and a low-key party with family and friends. What’s next for you? What occupies my mind daily is the legacy I leave behind. I’d like to be remembered as someone who made a difference to the lives of Africans by making a major contribution towards the economic development of the continent. I use the platform I have as part of a large organisation to create opportunities for people inside and outside the legal profession and I encourage business people to invest in Africa.
Sibusiso wears a jacket, R1 899 and pants, R999, both Zara Man. Shirt, R1 550, Ben Sherman. Tie, R450, pocket square, R300 and lapel flower, R100, all The Gallery Squared. Shoes, R2 500, Socrati. Ring, Sibusiso’s own
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STOCKISTS: • ALDO, 011 784 6546, WWW.ALDOSHOES.COM/ZA • BEN SHERMAN, 011 784 1019, WWW.BENSHERMAN.COM • CALL IT SPRING, 011 784 1597, WWW.CALLITSPRING.COM • DUNE, 011 685 7055, WWW.DUNELONDON.COM • EDGARS, 0860 334 277, WWW.EDGARS.CO.ZA • EUROPA ART SHOES, 011 447 4109, WWW.EUROPAARTSHOES.COM • FABIANI, 011 783 0066, WWW.FABIANI.CO.ZA • LA RUE, 011 784 1271 • MARKHAM, 011 685 1414, WWW.MARKHAM.CO.ZA • MRP, 011 784 8469, WWW.MRP.CO.ZA • POLO, 011 883 6126, WWW.POLO.CO.ZA • PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND, 011 444 2270, WWW.PRINGLESCOTLAND.COM • RIVER ISLAND, 011 214 7781, WWW.RIVERISLAND.COM • SOCRATI, 011 784 1174, WWW.SOCRATI.CO.ZA • THE GALLERY SQUARED, 011 079 6980, WWW.THEGALLERYSQUARED.CO.ZA • TOPMAN, 011 685 7070, WWW.TOPMAN.COM • TUMI, 011 783 4636, WWW.TUMI.COM • VON ZIPPER, 042 200 2600, WWW.VONZIPPER.COM • ZARA MAN, 011 302 1500, WWW.ZARA.COM
PHOTOGRAPHER: JUDD VAN RENSBURG. FASHION ASSISTANT: MPUMI SHANDU. GROOMING: RUTH MAEPA
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FADE TO BLACK Black-on-black is winter’s most dramatic look. For maximum impact, keep it simple and understated, with tailored, clean-cut pieces
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SUIT, R38 500, 69 BELMONT. SHIRT, R599, ZARA MAN. SHOES, R1 999, EUROPA ART SHOES. IPAD COVER, R599, TED BAKER
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SHIRT, R1 995, HUGO BOSS @ LEVISONS. PANTS, R5 500, THE GALLERY SQUARED. CUFF, R1 200, HACKETT. SOCKS, R149, STUTTAFORDS. BAG, R13 499, TUMI. MONTRE PILOT AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH BLACK, R84 995, ZENITH @ PICOT & MOSS
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STYLE
JERSEY, R599 AND KNITTED SCARF, R459, BOTH ZARA MAN. SUNGLASSES, R2 799, G-STAR. PRIMERO CHRONOMASTER AUTOMATIC, R99 995, ZENITH @ PICOT & MOSS
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DOUBLE-BREASTED SUIT, R11 000, THE GALLERY SQUARED. KNITTED JERSEY, R599, ZARA MAN
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CELEBRATE THE DISTINGUISHED LIFE DOUBLE-BREASTED COAT, R9 999, STRELLSON. SUIT, R11 500, PAUL SMITH. TIE, R459, ZARA MAN
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PHOTOGRAPHER: JUDD VAN RENSBURG. FASHION ASSISTANT: MPUMI SHANDU. GROOMING: RUTH MAEPA. MODEL: ADAMBO @ BOSS
JACKET, R3 399, STUTTAFORDS. SHIRT, R1 995, PAUL SMITH. PANTS, R10 500, HUGO BOSS @ LEVISONS. SHOES, R1 999, EUROPA ART SHOES. SLING BAG, R1 999, FABIANI. GLOVES, R2 400, HACKETT
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HUGO BOSS LEATHER JACKET, R22 150 AND ARMANI SHIRT, R2 500, BOTH LEVISONS. CARRERA AUTOMATIC MG STEEL GREY DIAL, R95 000, TAG HEUER @ PICOT & MOSS
PHOTOGRAPHER:
STOCKISTS: • EUROPA ART SHOES, 011 447 4133, WWW.EUROPAARTSHOES.COM • FABIANI, 011 783 0066, WWW.FABIANI.CO.ZA • G-STAR, 011 784 0321, WWW.G-STAR.COM • HACKETT, 011 784 0342, WWW.HACKETT.COM • LEVISONS, 011 783 7425, WWW.SURTEEGROUP.COM • PAUL SMITH, 011 447 1074, WWW.PAULSMITH.CO.UK • PICOT & MOSS, 011 669 0500, WWW.PICOTANDMOSS.CO.ZA • 69 BELMONT, 011 883 1476 • STRELLSON, 011 883 4983 • STUTTAFORDS, 011 783 5212, WWW.STUTTAFORDS.CO.ZA • TED BAKER, 011 450 1156, WWW.TEDBAKER.COM • THE GALLERY SQUARED, 011 079 6980, WWW.GALLERYSQUARED.CO.ZA • TUMI, 011 883 4983, WWW.TUMI.COM • ZARA MAN, 011 302 1500, WWW.ZARA.COM
THANKS TO MERCEDES-BENZ FOR THE USE OF THE AMG C63. THE RETAIL PRICE (INCLUDING VAT AND EXCLUDING CO2 TAX) IS R1 004 700.
STYLE
BOOTS & ALL Whether dressed up or down, the dress boot is a versatile winter wardrobe essential FROM TOP: DERBY BOOT: R1 499, ZARA MAN CHELSEA BOOT: R3 490, EUROPA ART SHOES ANKLE BOOT: R2 299, TED BAKER BROGUE BOOT: R3 600, REPLAY STOCKISTS: • EUROPA ART SHOES, 011 447 4133, WWW.EUROPAARTSHOES.COM • REPLAY, 011 783 1233, WWW.SHOP.REPLAY.IT/EN • TED BAKER, 011 450 1156, WWW.TEDBAKER.COM • ZARA MAN, 011 302 1500, WWW.ZARA.COM
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PHOTOGRAPHER: JUDD VAN RENSBURG. FASHION ASSISTANT: MPUMI SHANDU
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Keep it functional and fashionable with our pick of the season’s best hats Flat cap, R249, Woolworths
PHOTOGRAPHER: JUDD VAN RENSBURG. FASHION ASSISTANT: MPUMI SHANDU
Pork pie hat, R220, Markham
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Furry aviator hat, R299, Woolworths
Heavyweight snapback, R279, Polo
Fedora, R999, Fabiani
Knitted cap, R110, Markham
STOCKISTS: • FABIANI, 011 783 0066, WWW.FABIANI.CO.ZA • MARKHAM, 011 685 1414, WWW.MARKHAM.CO.ZA • POLO, 011 883 6126, WWW.POLO.CO.ZA • WOOLWORTHS, 0860 022 002, WWW.WOOLWORTHS.CO.ZA JULY 2015 • WWW.DESTINYMAN.COM • 83
GROOMING W R I T T E N B Y N I CO L A P O P P L E W E L L
THE GENTLEMEN’S CLUB Givenchy recently launched the newest addition to its men’s fragrance range, Gentlemen Only, with a more laid-back version called Casual Chic. We caught up with International President of Parfums Givenchy, Thierry Maman and the face of the range, actor Simon Baker
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GIVENCHY MEN’S FRAGRANCES – A TIMELINE
PERFECT GENTLEMAN Maman talks to DESTINY MAN about choosing Baker and the latest addition to the range Why did you choose Baker? He epitomises the idea of a gentleman. We could have gone with a fashion model or a sports icon, but then we would have had to explain to our customers exactly what makes this person a gentleman. With Baker, it’s inherent – even his character on The Mentalist, Patrick Jane, simply exudes that special characteristic that defines a gentleman. Tell us more about Gentlemen Only fragrances. There are now three variants in the Gentlemen Only range: the original, Intense and Casual Chic. We started with the original and developed Intense as a bolder, more mature version. Casual Chic is the most relaxed one in the range
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Baker shares his thoughts on style and seduction What, for you, defines being a gentlemen? For me, it’s not about the old-fashioned concept of chivalry; it’s more about being considerate of those around you. If I hold the door open for a woman, why shouldn’t I hold it open for a man? It’s those little things in life that you can do for other people to make their lives easier. And it’s about
It’s not about the oldfashioned concept of chivalry; it’s more about being considerate of those around you.
Insense
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Gentlemen Only To win one of three 50ml bottles of Givenchy Gentlemen TE I W W IT H US A N D Only Casual Chic, worth R890 each, SMS the word GIVENCHY, together with your full name, address and ID number, to 34589 before 15 July 2015. Terms and conditions apply. Visit: www.destinyman.com Y
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a connection with one another. We all need to live on this planet, so we might as well be nice to each other. Who is your style icon? This is going to sound strange, but I really admire French women. They always look so well put together. There’s a simplicity that they’ve mastered – I don’t know how they do it. It’s not an overdone look, but rather a simpler focus on one thing, highlighting a specific feature or two. They really know how to focus on their best assets and look classy. I try hard to emulate that – but I’m not sure if I always get it right! How do you seduce a woman? I honestly have no idea. I managed to do it once 17 years ago and I’ve never done it again. You’ll have to ask my wife how I did it! DM
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– it’s perfect for daytime, the golf course and weekends. It has notes of cardamom, ginger and juniper for a clean, fresh feel and dries down to a spicy, woody fragrance. The range is meant to complement your look – there isn’t one fragrance for one man and another for someone else. The Gentlemen Only man can use all three of the fragrances at different times or for certain occasions. What grooming items are you never without? I love our Le Soin Noir skincare range. The new formula contains black and brown algae sap that makes your skin glow. I always use a little just before going out in the evening to make my skin look healthy and radiant. I wouldn’t wear it during the day because the glow is almost too much, but it’s perfect for nights.
The first men’s fragrance, Monsieur de Givenchy, is launched
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The range is meant to complement your look – there isn’t one fragrance for one man and another for someone else.
1959:
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alvin Klein’s Platinum for Spring 2015 collection is simple, elegant and modern. Featuring lightweight fabrics with hidden details like laser-bonded invisible seams and hems, each piece is a spring staple that will leave you looking great without even trying. It’s available at the Calvin Klein V&A Waterfront store in Cape Town until August 2015. Tel: 021 418 0727.
outh African lifestyle and accessory brand, Houdt, has released a limitededition range of wooden cellphone covers in collaboration with top independent artists, including Kronk, Hanno and Merchant. Each artist was commissioned to produce 50 hand-crafted rosewood units bearing their signature styles. Houdt then took it a step further by creating specially designed packaging. The covers retail for R499 for the iPhone 5/5S and R599 for the iPhone 6 and can be purchased at the iFix store in Cape Town. Visit: www.ifix.co.za
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his contemporary, monochrome store in Braamfontein, Jozi, has a wide selection of brands such as Ben Sherman, Palladium Boots, K-Swiss and Toe Porn. The Heritage has recently collaborated with urban taste-makers Muzi, Jeffrey Rikhotso, Boys
of Soweto and Beatenberg to create four limited-edition carrier bags for shoppers to choose from when making their purchase this season. A collector’s item not to be missed! Available in small and medium sizes. Shop 20, cnr De Korte & Melle Sts. Tel: 011 339 1074.
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ho says comfy slippers have to be dowdy and ugly? Bedroom Athletics’ AW15 men’s collection is a stylish solution. We love the short, quilted boots with drawstring detail, while the checked black and white flannel boots will have you looking good in the comfort of your home. Priced from R549-R899, they are available at Poetry and Cape Union Mart stores nationwide. Visit: www.bedroomathletics.co.za
TREND ALERT:
he ‘90s are back on the fashion radar, but with the scruffiness toned down. The best way to pull off the trend is to borrow elements from the era, as opposed to looking like you’re still living in it. The Hugo Boss Autumn/Winter collection managed to do this by combining red plaid with clean silhouettes and black hues. Available at Boss Stores nationwide in August. Visit: www.hugoboss.com
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PHOTOGRAPHER: JEFFREY RIKHOTSO
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Driven by his passion for all things Italian, Renzo Scribante’s businesses range from Remo’s restaurants and Fratelli Foods to his latest venture, Old Town Italy. He talks to DESTINY MAN about the importance of quality and authenticity What has been the driving force behind your business strategy? With an Italian heritage, I’m extremely passionate about all things Italian and the authentic way things were done in the “old days”. Heritage is extremely important, as well as the premium quality of the products we sell in our delis and bakeries and the food we serve in our restaurants – it’s all about the time and effort that have been put into the food to give you the best result. But the true success lies in the people I work with, as they are just as passionate about Italian culture. How does your latest initiative in Umhlanga, Old Town Italy, fit in with this? It’s allowed us to work in a space that truly expresses who we are. There was a time when a visit to your local grocery store was more of a social event than a chore – the butcher knew your preferences and the baker greeted you by name. These were places where product knowledge, a hearty smile and sound advice were given freely. Old Town represents an authentic Italian market, with quality products and passionate people all under one roof – a space where you can shop, talk, eat and learn. It’s about slowing things down, celebrating ethics, preserving standards and rediscovering the quality of the past.
How do you keep a balance between respect for Italian tradition and new culinary trends? When it comes to the food, we generally stick to the old Italian ways of cooking, as this is what makes the cuisine a leader. It’s about keeping it simple and using the best ingredients. But trends in restaurant technology are very important for us – they help us keep an edge on the floor or in the kitchen, but still maintain authenticity in what we proudly produce and serve. How do you see the South African restaurant and food scene evolving over the new few years? We believe things are going back to simplicity. You have to be honest in everything you do, from the service and the menu to where you get your products from. But it’s tough and quality products are becoming expensive. Restaurants are going to become more expensive, especially those that serve the real thing.
GALLO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO
The true success lies in the people I work with, as they are just as passionate about Italian culture.
Visit: www.port2port.co.za email: info@port2port.co.za
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BELLISSIMO!
magine having easy access to a curated catalogue of both South African and international wines. Port2Port is a bespoke online wine retailer that aims to create a community of knowledgeable wine-lovers. The brainchild of Vincent Bührer, owner of Saxenburg Wine Estate and Nicolò Stortiglione Pudel, MD of Pier2Pier, the platform offers a variety of features such as in-depth tasting notes and pairing suggestions for each wine, user-built mixed cases, farm profiles, user rating and a review system. “What makes Port2Port one of the most progressive platforms in the South African wine industry today is its merger of digital know-how with the age-old appreciation of wine,” says Pudel. – Fiona Davern
SCRIBANTE’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS • Be honest from day one. • Be prepared to work harder than anyone else.
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DISTINGUISHED DRIVE W R I T T E N B Y M ZO W I T B O O I
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When it comes to automotive prowess, more is more – and nowhere is this more obvious than with Merc’s powerful S63 AMG
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ercedes-Benz has marketed its überluxurious S-Class as the world’s best car and there has been very little contestation from other manufacturers. The latest generation is more than just a cocoon of luxury; it also offers an arsenal of cutting-edge gadgets. This is expected of a model that has served as the brand’s flagship for more than five decades. There’s also no doubt that the S-Class has been designed with the rear passenger in mind, offering the kind of comfort levels that can only be rivalled by first-class airline seats. But what if you wanted “the world’s best car” for your personal driving pleasure, rather than being chauffeured around? Look no further than the S-Class Coupé – which has all the sedan’s ridiculously extravagant attributes. The S63 AMG, which I became acquainted with over the course of a week, is a breathtaking thing to look at – a long coupé oozing copious amounts of charisma and elegance. The design is so grand that if you tried to convince a five-
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year-old that it could both sail and fly, they’d fall for it. While it shares a lot of design elements with the bigger sedan, it’s definitely the more flamboyant of the two. Our S63 AMG screamed opulence long before we even opened its doors. The AMG grille, with metallic trim, makes a bold statement, while chrome strips in the front and rear, door handles and side skirts give it a contemporary twist. The standard panoramic roof adds a touch of class too, but it’s in the cockpit that the magic really happens. Slip into the driver’s seat and it immediately hits you that the design brief to the creative team was simple, yet challenging: “Build the world’s best car.” They certainly didn’t disappoint.
S P E C I F I C A T I O N S even need to roll down the windows for fresh air because of the innovative Air Balance system, which filters cabin air and emits a fresh fragrance. There are a host of other luxuries that aren’t usually associated with cars, including the built-in wifi network and the hot stone massaging front seats. The latter is almost too sensual for a mechanised feature and would put many masseuses to shame.
Power: 430kW/900Nm Acceleration: 0-100km/h in 4,2 seconds Top speed: 250km/h (limited) Fuel consumption: 10,1l/100km (claimed) CO2 emissions: 237g/km Price: R2 499 100 By the time we arrived in Margate at 10pm, I was convinced that this car’s gadgetry is unparallelled. One of the coolest features – which came in handy when driving in the dark – was the Night Vision Technology. It uses infra-red to detect animals and pedestrians. This is in addition to every safety feature you can think of, including the standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus, which uses radar to apply automatic braking to either prevent or mitigate collisions, Parktronic with Active Parking Assist and the optional Driver Assistance package, which includes Distronic Plus adaptive cruise with Steering Assist, BAS Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist, Pre-Safe automatic braking with Pedestrian Recognition and Active Lane Keeping Assist. In fact, the list is so long, it makes one dizzy. As we drove to Mthatha and Grahamstown the next day, I couldn’t help thinking that there could be no better road trip companion. The S63 AMG’s 5,5-litre V8 BiTurbo engine is keener than bees on jam toast. It savages the road like a wind-propelled inferno, but with so much poise and grace that even at high speed, it’s comfortable and goes exactly where it’s directed. Wherever we stopped, it attracted many admirers, some of whom went as far as taking selfies with it. But the most amazing thing for me was that I got to my destinations feeling more relaxed than I’d felt when I left Jozi. The S63 AMG is everything Merc claims it to be. DM
CELEBRATE THE DISTINGUISHED LIFE
THE GRAND TOURER The details of my road trip may not be that important in trying to persuade potential buyers that this is an exceptional grand tourer, but suffice to say, after driving more than 3 000km in three days, I still wanted more. I had three important engagements in the Eastern Cape: a friend’s thanksgiving event in Mthatha, a visit to a Grahamstown hospital to see my bedridden mother (who has since recovered) and an in-law’s funeral in Queenstown. We had left Jozi in the late afternoon so we could stay overnight in Margate in KwaZulu-Natal. With the province notorious for its average speed prosecution system, I switched on the cruise control and let the outstanding Burmester in-car entertainment system work its magic. This is the quietest Merc I’ve ever driven too, which leads me to conclude that it’s all about escapism. In fact, you don’t
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TECH WRIT TEN BY BRET T HAGGARD
CYBER SUPREME You’ve worked hard, so you deserve the best. But there’s a big difference between getting yourself the technological equivalent of a new Montblanc watch and a limited-edition piece of Ed Hardy couture. We guide you through some of today’s top options
BIG-SCREEN BEAUTY: SAMSUNG 88” SUHD TV
CELEBRATE THE DISTINGUISHED LIFE
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ot on the heels of its launch at the Consumer Electronics Show, Samsung’s SUHD range has arrived in SA and it’s every bit as spectacular as the manufacturer claims. As is the trend today, these sets are curved and offer a stunning 4K resolution. They’re also powered by Samsung’s eco-friendly nano-crystal technology, which is said to produce the highest colour purity and light efficiency available today – around 64 times more colour expression than conventional TVs. In case you were wondering, the “S” in “SUHD” doesn’t stand for “Super” – Samsung encourages you to use your imagination here. We’re going with “Sony-killing”. Price: About R250 000 Visit: http://samsung.co.za
WATCH ME: LIMITED-EDITION APPLE WATCH
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ETHEREAL AUDIO: DEVIALET PHANTOM
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evialet’s Phantoms are smaller than other 750W, 99dB and 3 000W, 105dB speakers. They are also completely wireless and designed to deliver highdefinition sound from streaming services. The magic that makes the Phantom tick (or kick) is a combination of three things. The first is its spherical shape, which is ideal for omnidirectional sound emission. The second is its cybernetic intelligence, courtesy of a powerful microprocessor that purifies and magnifies the audio signal. The third is its “heart bass implosion”, which produces ultra-deep sounds by high-pressure beating of its lateral “wings”. Sound impressive? There’s more: you can link the speakers together wirelessly for an even better aural experience and the microprocessor constantly upgrades
itself free of charge, as and when the company releases new firmware. This is one impressive premium sound system. Price: From €1 690 (about R22 560) Visit: http://en.devialet.com
earables, with their fitness tracking capabilities and easy access to information, are a big deal. Like most of Apple’s devices, the newly-arrived Watch doesn’t hang its hat on doing much more than its competitors. It does, however, claim to do all of those things much better, while looking absolutely gorgeous in the process. A combination of a touch-screen and digital crown gets users around the operating system, which is a slightly re-imagined version of the iOS software that drives the iPhone and iPad. The screen is sensitive enough to tell the difference between a swipe, a press and a tap, while the crown offers a fluid way of zooming in and out. Users can also choose to issue commands to Apple’s digital assistant, Siri, verbally. Apart from feedback on the Watch’s screen, Apple has also debuted its Taptic engine with this timepiece. It’s the part of the watch that taps you on the wrist whenever you receive an alert or notification. There are plenty of models to choose from, but, as a tech aficionado, you’re not interested in the 18ct gold one, right? Price: From $10 000 (about R119 330) Visit: www.apple.com
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ocker-activist Neil Young is one cool mofo and he’s hoping that his coolness will permeate into his new lossless digital audio player and codec called Pono (Hawaiian for “righteous”). When you sweep all the hippy, esoteric descriptions and diatribes aside, it’s nothing more than an extremely hi-res audio player (that’s admittedly cheaper than others on the market), a store that sells hi-res digital
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albums and an ecosystem that allows artists and record labels to put music out in the format the player supports (FLAC). The delivery of audio is definitely technically better than anything else. But whether your ears will thank you for it is another story altogether. Price: $399 (about R4 760) Visit: http://ponomusic.force.com
GALLO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO
EMPEROR’S NEW MUSIC: PONO PLAYER
Handcrafted by Racers. Your destiny is a life well distinguished. Navigate your way in a car built from a legacy of ultimate performance. The Mercedes-AMG GT. Visit www.mercedes-amg.co.za Vehicle specifications may vary for the South African market.