prestigemag.co.za |
prestige magazine |
@PrestigeMag_SA
86
FA S H I O N | D ESIGN | J EW ELLERY | TR AV EL | BUSINESS | P RO PERTY New bmw 7-series • watches of sihh 2016 • the paradise of seychelles in milan with ermenegildo zegna • scottish beer in barrels R49.00
Issue 86 – 1/2016
Africa’s Premier luxury Lifestyle Magazine
Vehicle specifications may vary for the South African market.
Thrill instructor. The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 CoupĂŠ S. Visit www.everyterrain.co.za
A Daimler Brand
PRESTIGE
62.
contents
74.
34.
2
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag.c o. z a
88.
24. 10. PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
8. Upfront Ed’s Letter – Page 6
Inside
44.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag.c o. z a
Lover’s Rock – Omega has created a celebration of love from its iconic timepieces at the time of year when we celebrate our relationships – Page 8 Watch That Man – SIHH 2016 brought us a few highlights out of the Richemont Luxury Goods stable and offerings from Cartier and Piaget caught our eye – Page 10 Unique Proposition – Iceland is renowned for many things, but watchmaking isn’t one of them. JS Watch Co. is the country’s only watchmaker and we recently visited this interesting little outfit – Page 14 Habit Forming Success – Human behaviourist Dr John Demartini talks about his seven pillars of success and how you should ditch New Year’s resolutions – Page 20 Saving Up – Chris Buchanan attends the launch of the Investec GIBS Savings Index and the news is not good – Page 24 On The Water – Waterford Estate is a unique offering of Vaal river frontage and a golf course – Page 28 Islands on the Dam – Situated right next door to Pecanwood, this exclusive ultra modern double storey home has a stand on the canal in The Islands Estate – Page 32 Suited Up – Vivien and Carly Natasen experience Milan with Ermenegildo Zegna – Page 34
3
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
contents
84.
Getting Away from it all
70. 108.
Sunny Seychelles – The archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean is considered a piece of paradise and Carly Bailey-Natasen found just that – Page 44 Cruising with Sails – Cruising is a genteel way to travel, but cruising with sails taut up overhead is downright bewitching. Add to this an itinerary of Baltic capitals and the allure is irresistible – Page 50 Beside the Raging River – Gillian McLaren visits the wonder that is Victoria Fall at Wilderness Safaris Toka Leya Camp in Livingstone , Zambia – Page 56 Arabian Knights – Vivien Natasen experiences the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta in Dubai – Page 62
Food and Wine Craft Beer – Small batch beer is becoming increasingly popular in South Africa and there’s one from Scotland infused with spirits that are aged in wood – Page 70 Great scot! – Vivien Natasen samples specimens from the Balvenie stable in the heart of Johannesburg – Page 76 Indian Renaissance – From pariah to performer. Patrick Leclezio examines the two brands that are rehabilitating the image of Indian whisky – Page 80 Gindigenous – Hot on its heels - Patrick Leclezio tracks the local response to the global gin explosion – Page 84
Getting Around
4
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag.c o. z a
Little Prince – With its utilisation of indoor and outdoor space, innovative fly-bridge and deck design and an extensive outdoor entertaining area, it’s no surprise the Majesty 105 has already turned plenty of heads – Page 88 7-Up! – Experiencing BMW’s latest 7-series through luxury and technological innovation – Page 96 Give Us An “F”! – Early 2016 has seen the launch of one Jaguar F-Type derivative and the imminent showcase of another – Page 106 Horse Power – It’s been more than 50 years that one of the most iconic US automobiles burned rubber on South African soil – The Ford Mustang – Page 108
32.
Final Say From the Publisher – Page 112
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
UPFRONT
ED'S Publisher Vivien Natasen +27 11 484 2833
wealth building
6
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
J
ust as we were about to start the machines on this issue the New World Wealth South Africa 2016 Wealth Report came across my desk. “Stop the presses!” I shouted and re-wrote this editorial. This report is significant because it measures the performance of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) from 2007 to 2015 and we all know what happened to the world economy in 2008, so it’s a measure of resilience, if you like, of wealth through particularly tough times. The definition given of a HNWI is an individual with net assets of US$1million or more, sub categorised into: Low-Tier Millionaires – HNWIs with net assets between UD$1million and US$5million Mid-Tier Millionaires – with net assets between US$5million and US$30million or more Affluent Millionaires – with net assets between US$30million and US$100million Centimillionaires – with net assets between US$100million and US$1billion Billionaires – speaks for itself The report is 95 pages long and worth a read but here are some of the highlights. The 38 500 HNWIs in South Africa (less than point one percent of the population) own 31% - US$159 billion - of the country’s individual wealth. But the number is shrinking. South Africa’s HNWI’s decreased 10% by volume over the last ten years and by 18% in 2015 alone, a big exchange rate factor in that, as well as volatile equity markets and emigration. But the top bracket, UltraHNWIs, has done the opposite and grown by 18% over the ten years and remained static in 2015, so the ultrarich are getting richer and the rich are getting poorer.
The asset class allocation makes interesting reading and surprised me a little because I would have thought that HNWIs would be entrepreneurs. Most of the money is in cash and bonds (35%), followed by equities (26%), property (18%) and business interests a relatively low 15%. That’s not to say equities and property don’t count for entrepreneurship but these tend to be holdings rather than outright ownership. Alternatives in the mould of art, jewellery and vehicles account for 6% of assets. The clincher for me in the highlights of this report was the source of the wealth and where HNWIs acquired their fortunes. You’re probably thinking telecoms, IT, maybe minerals? Well it’s property and construction at 20%, financial services at 19% and basic materials 11%. The technology sector is the fastest growing source of wealth, together with insurance and healthcare but not there yet – the biggest opportunities. The financial theme in this issue of Prestige continues with the Investec GIBS Savings Index and this reading is not good. Our consumption-led, import focussed economy is not creating enough investment to sustain realistic levels of economic growth. Any HNWI will tell you, save as much as you’re able on your income, your future self will thank you for it. Dr Adrian Saville and his team at Investec and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), give South Africa 63.4 out of 100 for our savings performance – simply not good enough. You can read more on Page 24. 2016 holds challenges, of that you can be sure, but the world of luxury has a lot in store and we will bring them all to you between these pages of Prestige.
CHRIS
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
Editor Chris Buchanan chris@prestigemag.co.za Layout and Art Direction Daniel Jonathan info@danieljonathan.co.za Advertising Sales Carly Bailey-Natasen carly@prestigemag.co.za Operations and Circulation Farhana Suder farhana.suder@neoafrica.com Digital Chris Buchanan chris@prestigemag.co.za Contributors Juan Miguel Beco, Keri Harvey, Patrick Leclezio, Dieter Losskarn, Gillian McLaren Printing Paarl Media Subscriptions: To subscribe please go to www. prestigemag.co.za click on the Subscribe tab and submit the form. An invoice with banking details will be sent to you. Your first issue of Prestige will be despatched as soon as payment is made. Costs: 6 Issues = R350 per annum excl VAT, other countries are subject to a postage surcharge and will be calculated accordingly. PUBLISHED BY Neo Publishing (Pty) Ltd Tel +27 11 484 2833. Fax +27 11 484 2899 All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or any of its clients. Information has been included in good faith and is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information and reports in this magazine, the publisher does not accept any responsibility, whatsoever, for any errors or omissions, or for any effects resulting therefrom. No part of this publication may be used, or reproduced in any form, without the written permission of the publisher. All copyright for material apearing in this magazine belongs to Neo Publishing and/or the individual contributors. © 2014
PRESTIGE
lifestyle
Lovers rock While the commercial hype of Valentine’s Day has come and gone, the celebration of love should endure beyond the cheesy balloons and a Hallmark
8
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
comment. Omega has created a celebration of love from its iconic timepieces.
T
he Globemaster
Now the world’s first master chronometer has been tested at the industry’s highest level. This model features an 18K Sedna™ gold case with fluted bezel, and opaline silvery «Pie Pan» dial, inspired by the first 1952 Constellation model. Sedna™ gold is also used on the Constellation star; and on the hands and indexes, which have been filled with illuminous Super-LumiNova. The 18K Sedna™ gold central Observatory caseback medallion and brown leather strap enhance its good looks. And the Globemaster is just as beautiful on the inside. At its heart lies the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8901.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
The Ladymatic Sixty years on from its release in 1955, the Ladymatic has retained every ounce of its captivating style. In this model, the stainless steel case is enhanced by a brushed metallic bracelet with waved edges, crafted from 18K Sedna™ gold and stainless steel. Sedna™ gold also features on the polished alpha-shaped hands, as well as 11 indexes, which are set with diamonds. Radiating around the white pearled, mother-of-pearl dial, the bezel is also paved with snowset diamonds, and an extra «Brilliant OMEGA cut» diamond has been placed within the polished crown. Its beating heart is the OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 8520.
The Fine Jewellery Ladymatic Too beautiful to be contained, the seductive wave patterns of the Ladymatic watch case have spilled over into the design of this fine jewellery collection, with breathtaking pieces available in both white gold and red gold.
The Seamaster Aqua Terra It’s all about the love of the sea with its dramatic dial design that recalls the wooden decks of luxury sailboats. This model features a sun-brushed and lacquered grey dial decorated with the teak concept pattern and a date window at 3 o’clock, protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The 18K red gold bezel is mounted on a 41.5mm stainless steel casebody and presented on a stainless steel and 18K red gold bracelet. This certified chronometer is powered by the OMEGA Master Co-Axial calibre 8500 which can be seen through the transparent caseback.
Ladies The Seamaster Aqua Terra is aimed at those who enjoy an active lifestyle. This model features a mother-of-pearl dial with 11 diamond indexes in 18K gold holders. This 38.5 mm 18K red gold ladies’ wristwatch, with its diamondset bezel, is presented on a white leather strap with a mother-of-pearl effect. At its heart is the OMEGA Master Co-Axial calibre 8501, a movement that can resist strong magnetic fields.
Fine Jewellery Omega Flower For flowers that last a lifetime the Omega ‘Flower’ collection of fine jewellery is perfect. Available in both red gold and mother-of-pearl, these pieces feature the OMEGA symbol, discreetly interwoven to form a flower.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
9
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
10
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
lifestyle
W atch that man
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
SIHH 2016 brought us a few highlights out of the Richemont Luxury Goods stable and offerings from Cartier and Piaget caught our eye.
C
artier
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
11
Mechanical Legends Crash Skeleton watch calibre 9618 MC Case: 18-carat pink gold Dimensions: 28.15 x 45.32 mm Crown: Beaded set with a blue sapphire cabochon Hands: Sword-shaped in blued steel Strap: Grey alligator skin Buckle: Double adjustable folding clasp in 18-carat pink gold Crystal: Mineral glass Case back: Sapphire Case thickness: 9.62 mm Water resistance: 3 bar (~30 metres) Limited series of 67 numbered pieces
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
Mechanical Legends Crash Skeleton With the Crash Skeleton watch in pink gold, Cartier pushes experimentation with shape to its limits and continues its series of Mechanical Legends, the purest watchmaking expression of Cartier’s emblematic shapes. With the calibre 9618 MC, the case and movement become one so as to adapt to the legendary asymmetrical profile of the Crash watch. On the one hand is an aesthetic characterised by the extravagance of the Roman numerals. On the other, a fully skeletonised movement that is one of Cartier’s most striking signatures, here merging seamlessly with the curved shapes of the case. The Crash Skeleton watch is fitted with a transparent case-back that allows its wearer to admire the gearings of the manual winding calibre 9618 MC and its skeletonised plates that resemble a sculpture with surfaces that are bevelled, satin-finished and polished one by one. The effect of this spectacular example of watchmaking expertise relies both on its aesthetic and technical prowess and on the idiosyncratic aspect of the Crash watch, which first appeared in 1967 amid the effervescence of Swinging London. What are its origins? Where did the idea really come from? Legend has it that a client entrusted a watch damaged in an accident to the director of the London branch of Cartier. The latter was so struck by its startling appearance that he integrated its distorted design into his creative framework. Today a source of inspiration for Cartier Fine Watchmaking, this iconic watch is now available in a new pink gold version, following a previous platinum model.
PRESTIGE
lifestyle
Heavenly Rings This watch is illuminated by a striking, vivid and powerful brilliance, a precious allusion to the rings of Saturn. Black ring: jade, a stone rich in history and symbolism, a finetextured and vividly-coloured material that is both deep and fragile, cut to measure. White ring: shagreen paving, in which brilliant-cut and rose-cut diamonds alternate. Dialogue, exchange or competition... for this creation, movement and stability enter into a dialectic that is crystallised into the dynamic form of the ellipse. On the diamond-paved ring, the watch’s crystal has been faceted, a jewellery technique adopted by Cartier to house the legendary calibre 101, which is considered to be the smallest manually wound mechanical movement in the world. Produced in only very small numbers each year, it has been an essential feature of luxury watchmaking for eighty years. There are strong contrasts at play: the black and the white, the smooth surface of the jade, the material effect of the shagreen paving, the paving of minuscule brilliant-cut diamonds and the row of rose-cut diamonds – a balance achieved only after over 600 hours of work. The rings of Saturn motif watch inscribes the infinitely small in the heart of the immensely large, in a convergence that mingles elegance and virtuosity.
12
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
Rings of Saturn motif watch White gold, diamonds, black jade. Mechanical movement with manual winding, calibre 101. Unique piece.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
Piaget An Anthem for the Rose The ultimate ultra-thin icon, Altiplano 38mm, is for the fifth consecutive year highlighting the artistic crafts. Their mission is to magnify the captivating beauty of the Yves Piaget rose portrayed on the dial. Setting a perfect stage for all manner of possibilities, but also and above all for apparent impossibilities, it epitomises the encounter between two worlds that share a wealth of similarities. A passion for the exceptional, the quest for absolute precision, patience and meticulous care dedicated to excellence. For the SIHH 2016, the Piaget rose garden proudly welcomes two new techniques – wood/ mother-of-pearl & wood marquetry and gold engraving – serving to grace three new Altiplano models. A contemporary yet timeless anthem to femininity, these three new creations splendidly embody the Piaget vision of allurement and elegance.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
13
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
lifestyle
14
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
Unique proposition Iceland is renowned for many things, but watchmaking isn’t one of them. JS Watch Co. is the country’s only watchmaker and we recently visited this interesting little outfit. by: Juan Miguel Beco
15
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
J
ude Law, Tom Cruise, Vinnie Jones, Quentin Tarantino, Viggo Mortensen, Tobey Maguire and the Dalai Lama: you would be forgiven for thinking that this is part of the invite list for a Hollywood bash – well apart from the Dalai Lama that is – but these famous names have more in common than their celebrity status. You see, each of the abovementioned is the proud owner of a timepiece from the JS Watch Co. It might not be as well-known in the horological world as Omega, Breitling, TAG-Heuer or Patek Phillipe but it is perhaps more desirable than those giants of the watch industry as the firm isn’t as large or celebrated. JS Watch Co. was established in 2005 by master watchmaker Gilbert Guðjónsson, technical director Sigurður Gilbertsson (the latter is the son of the former), Grímkell P. Sigurþórsson director of design and marketing, and Júlíus S. Heiðarsson director of product development. It is Iceland’s first and, to date, the country’s only watchmaking firm. In their own words: “Our idea of engineering classically inspired designs to modern precision, using finely constructed traditional mechanical calibres adjusted by hand, respecting the watchmaking traditions of the past has proven successful. Our customers instantly appreciated the personal attention given to them by us, their fellow watch enthusiast. The idea of purchasing a watch from a watchmaker had been forgotten in the era of big brands.”
PRESTIGE
lifestyle
16
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
Situated in the trendy downtown section of the capital city Reykjavik, you could walk straight past the front of JS Watch Co. without giving it a second glance, that is, if you didn’t know what you were looking for. Step inside this unassuming small shop and you are greeted by the impeccably dressed Gilbert Guðjónsson. That Guðjónsson is proprietor and watchmaker but still greets you as you walk through the door makes this firm even more unique in the world of high-end timepieces. Passion both for his brand and watchmaking in general can clearly be seen in the way Mr Guðjónsson talks about his craft, his enthusiasm is palpable. The relatively new outfit uses these premises as showroom, consulting area and workshop, making this, in all likelihood, the smallest watchmaker in the world. Guðjónsson will walk you through the premises proudly showing off the workshop where his creations are intricately crafted and then ever-so bashful when asked about the many pictures of him taken with celebrities that adorn the wall across from the display cabinets. All timepieces are designed and assembled by hand at this “facility” utilising the highest quality Swiss movements and European made parts and components. Small scale production means that every timepiece has a personal character not to mention the exclusivity afforded by limited
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
The stainless steel case is completely hand engraved in the Viking Urnes style of ornamentation.
numbers. The passion Gilbert, as he is affectionately known, clearly has for this field was underlined when he was nominated Icelandic craftsman of the year in 2009. This accolade was affirmed when the JS Watch Co was awarded Shop of the Year in 2013. On offer from this interesting, if littleknown brand, are various ranges. The very first is the 101 Reykjavik, named for the postal code of the oldest part of the city. There are male and female options in either 32 or 38mm steel cases. Each watch is handcrafted, is water resistant to 50 metres and features an automatic movement with a power reserve of up to 42 hours. The Islandus range was named after a self-proclaimed genius, the vagabond
Solvi Helgason, who gave himself the moniker Solon Islandus. The timepieces in this range are also automatic and feature Roman or Arabic numerals. The Islandus Pilot is particularly striking with its contrasting white script on black dial. A see-through case back gives a clear view of the 25 jewels automatic movement. Interestingly, the Sif range is the official watch of the Icelandic Coast Guard. The name is the same as that of a famous rescue helicopter, which was christened after the wife of Norse god Thor. In keeping with the utilitarian needs of Coast Guard member all the watches in this range feature an antireflective coating on the sapphire crystal, large Arabic letters, functional straps and
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
17
www.jswatch.com
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
are water resistant to 1 000 metres. For me, the Frisland range is the most interesting. Firstly, it is named after a mythical island that suddenly appeared on maps in the 14th and 15th centuries. Rumour has it that Venetian explorers forged documents and maps to be able to claim discovering the “New World” before Columbus did. Ultimately it was proved to be a hoax, though the name lives on in this range of 42mm steel timepieces. Crowning the line-up is the Frisland Goð Special Edition. Beneath the antireflective curved sapphire crystal the dial features a rough, uneven finish because it has been created from volcanic ash ejected by the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. This is the same volcano that halted air traffic to and from Europe in 2010. The stainless steel case is completely hand engraved in the Viking Urnes style of ornamentation. Ancient Icelandic Höfðaletur (meaning head letters), initially used to adorn wood, horn and later metals has been used to adorn the bezel and lugs. Around its flank the word ‘Ísland’ has been engraved in the traditional, decorative font. As the script was difficult to understand it was employed to keep secrets. All Frisland Goð pieces are hand made to order which gives buyers the option to replace ‘Ísland’ with any short word on request. JS Watch Co is interesting for many reasons not least of all its humourous, in-house created advertising campaign, which shows a lighter side to Iceland’s first and only watchmaker. If you ever find yourself in Reykjavik we highly recommend a stop at this unique store, if not to admire these distinctive timepieces so popular among travelling celebrities but then just to meet the genial members who make up the team.
business
20
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
habit
forming success So how are things with those New Year’s resolutions?
Well you shouldn’t have bothered says Dr John Demartini because they’re kneejerk reactions to areas of neglect in your life. He spoke to Chris Buchanan about the pillars that support success, and they’re habit forming.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
21
All these are parts that make up the whole and if you neglect one of the paths, the others will suffer. Dr Demartini says you’re typically blind to things lower on your values and you’re able to see things higher on your values, so if you are astute on your business path there’s the possibility of being blindsided by the neglect of your love and family path, as an example, which will hamper your ability to excel in the higher value area. He says you need to cross reference the paths to see the value of putting energy into all of them, in other words ask yourself, “how is whatever I’m doing on my family path and my social path going to help me in my business path or vice versa? By linking the paths you’re able, more effectively, to bring some balance and bring empowerment to those areas. It’s like juggling seven balls and concentrating on one ball instead of the central purpose which is to keep all seven in the air.” And this brings us back to the overall mission statement you have set for your life.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
T
he late Steven R. Covey is best known for his ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ published in 1989 and most pertinent about the message was to ensure you prioritise each of the habits equally. His message was to see them as spokes in a wheel – too much or too little emphasis on one area puts the wheel out of shape and your life on a bumpy journey. Dr Demartini has seven paths he identifies as areas that make up your journey through life and measure your success. What inspires you – spiritual path; Waking up your genius – mind development path; Vocational pursuit – successful business path; Financial independence – money path; Relationship – love and family path; Social influence – legacy path; and Good health and attractiveness – beauty and wellness path.
PRESTIGE
business
“I have included all seven areas in my mission statement”, he says, “knowing full well that if I don’t put energy into a certain area, that will eventually get me blindsided”. One thing Dr Demartini believes is when you lose control of one of the paths in your life, it leaves your sphere of influence and becomes dominated by outside influences. He says by not empowering the seven areas of your life, you leave them open to external influences, for example, losing the power over your health will make you vulnerable to the pharmaceutical trade, or losing power over your spirituality will open you up to the influences of other religious or spiritual dogmas. He calls it the sheep mentality where you lose your influence to lead in an area and become a follower. “You need both (leaders and followers), it depends on where you want to play.” The original Master Planning for Life programme that Dr Demartini instituted consisted of a giant poster board, 6ft x 6ft, centred on your overall life’s mission and then included sub-mission
statements for each of the seven areas. These were broken down further into sub-mission statements until the entire board was like a mind map, coloured in with pencils, and a visual reference to fulfilling each goal for each of the seven areas of your life – your master plan. Priority shows itself in this exercise because, according to Dr Demartini, as you fill in the areas, those which take priority are the easiest to fill in but those of lower priority take a lot more thought and processing to expand upon. “You get an insight and feedback by doing the exercise, into what’s really important to you and what’s less important in your value structure.” He says you should do this every year and refine it daily. The Demartini Master Planning session which has just taken place, comprises 2000 questions on a flash drive, that relate to your seven areas, giving you a 350 page document at the end of the session which is effectively your master plan for you to tweak and refine every day. It’s the beginning of
2016 and if you haven’t refined your master plan then you should spend time doing so. Dr Demartini says it’s the best time to look at your goals and refine them for the year ahead. So what about those New Year’s resolutions that you might have adopted to stop the neglect in one of the seven areas? “If it’s really important to you, you would already be doing it. People have a temporary idea because they’ve overeaten, overspent, drunk too much and not exercised. Once you get back into the routine and the pattern, the void that drove those excesses goes away and you forget about them.” He says New Year’s resolutions are futile but setting goals is meaningful and the beginning of the year is the best time to do it.
Dr. John Demartini is a human behaviour specialist, educator, author and the founder of the Demartini Institute.
www.drdemartini.com
w w w.aegirper formanceyachts.co.za | info@aegirper formanceyachts.co.za frederic@neoaegir.co.za +27 (0)21 554 1743 | john: 072 683 2660 | frederic: 072 244 1982 Head office: Cape Town – South Africa | Service points: France & Italy
Authorised Dealer
investments
savingup
24
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
Dr Adrian Saville PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
The crash of 2008, sparked by the Sub-Prime fiasco, highlighted the damage a lack of consumption spending could do to an economy. Chris Buchanan attended the launch of the Investec GIBS Savings Index where the concept of spending your way out of a recession was found wanting.
D
r Adrian Saville is one of those academics whose lectures would have been those you looked forward to at university, where you never fell asleep or drifted off but stayed focussed on riveting content while being entertained. He tells economics and investing as they are, often contrary to accepted thought but never boring. Dr Saville co-authored, together with Kelly Firth and Thulani Madinginye, the research behind the Investec GIBS Savings Index and shared with us how, in the early nineties, R20 000 bought him a Golf GTi – consumer spending on a car that is now likely to be recycled parts of other new cars or rattling along a dusty rural road billowing smoke and held together with piano wire. Compound interest would put that R20 000 close to R5million today. Two friends of mine, one a selfmade HNWI out of the mobile texting space and the other a Computer Science Masters graduate who builds banking software, both live by this philosophy. Their TT cars are Toyota Tazzes and their modest lifestyles and image defy the amount of wealth they possess – most of it tied up in investment savings. Their “future selves” as Dr Saville puts it will be very happy with their “present selves” because they’ve avoided the trap of flashy, short-term reward and will probably retire early with plenty of disposable income when they have the time to enjoy it.
In a simplified scenario this is no different from a macroeconomic perspective. Sustained economic growth in the world’s successful economies comes from investment-led fundamentals, and personal savings plays major role. According to the Investec GIBS report, domestic savings in South Africa – that’s personal, government and corporate savings – has declined from an average of 24% of GDP between 1960 and 1990 to 16.5% of GDP between 1991 and 2014. If South Africa’s economy is to grow by the proposed 5.5% as set out in the NDP, domestic savings needs to double to over 28%. To lay a marker, the research team identified the world’s savings stars Botswana, Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, Oman, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand whose economies have measured a sustained 7% growth or more uninterrupted over 25 years. A score of 100 represents SA’s passmark for national savings measured against these countries. Our current score for 2015 = 63.4 The index measures the following three pillars of investment: • The extent of SA’s stock of savings or savings pool: to fund the economy’s installed investment base; • The savings rate, represented by the flow of savings into the savings pool; and • The changes to environmental factors that influence savings. And the scores for the different pillars are: • The stock of savings – 74.8 • The flow of savings – 58.7 • The environmental factors – 56.8
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
25
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
investments
The comments from teacher on the report card would definitely say “not good enough!” for two of them and “could do better if it applies itself” for all three. Acting CEO and Chief Strategist for the South African Savings Institute (SASI) Gerald Mwandiambira, said he often comes across the excuse that South Africans are too poor to save. But he says they’re not too poor to spend, with household debt/income ratios sitting at 80%. He believes we’re too quick on the draw when it comes to a clothing store card, but not so enthusiastic when it comes to putting
R200 away for retirement. With most of our citizens living below the breadline, is this realistic? “A piggybank is a good start for young children to learn the benefits of saving”, he told the audience at the index presentation. Even 50c a week will be R26 at the end of the year… I know what you’re thinking. You’ve worked hard, earned your money, so what’s wrong with the luxuries that come with being a HNWI? Chances are, you’re able to afford the luxuries while devoting a large percentage of your income to savings at the same time and there’s nothing wrong with
that. If the equation has you flashing fancy clothes, jewellery, cars and free rounds of drinks at the nightclub on your credit card, and using your income to pay the debt, you’re not helping yourself or the economy. Luxury as defined within the pages of this publication, is the privilege of few and comes at a price. To afford such luxury, and I’m preaching to the converted here, is to work hard and look after your money. If there’s one lesson you teach your children or those within your employ, it has to be one of saving and earning your luxury – it will be the best advice they can get.
26
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
If there’s one lesson you teach your children or those within your employ, it has to be one of saving and earning your luxury – it will be the best advice they can get.
Gerald Mwandiambira PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
property
on the
Nestled on the banks of the Vaal River, Waterford Golf & River Estate features a unique private family golf course, panoramic 180 degrees river view, unlimited water sports and sophisticated contemporary architecture.
28
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
water
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
T
his unique lifestyle development provides an unparalleled gateway experience in a secure hassle-free country environment, 5km downstream from Millionaires ‘Bend’, an hour from Johannesburg. Waterford offers a number of home options to suit the requirements of its upmarket clientele. House prices range from R2 950 000 to R10 000 000 and stand can be acquired from R1 350 000 to R2 495 000, with no transfer duty. Waterford exhibits some of the finest golf estate architecture in South Africa, featuring sophisticated Quinton/ Warburton African Contemporary designer homes with superior finishers and features. Golf fanatics can enjoy a 30 hectare Augusta style Par 3 golf course which is a new trend in golf course developments and is uniquely designed
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
29
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
property
to enable all homes to enjoy golf course frontages and river views – a fresh new perspective to ‘country living’. The golf course becomes an extension of your open “garden”, affording this unprecedented feeling of space, while each property enjoys golf course views. The estate, situated on a gently sloped river bank ensures that all homes have north facing panoramic river views and easy access to the river. All houses features a unique indoor/outdoor living opening onto expansive covered entertainment patios, while most houses on the river bank have their private mooring.
30
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
The estate, situated on a gently sloped river bank ensures that all homes have north facing panoramic river views and easy access to the river.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
Situated on the widest and lowest traffic section of the Vaal River, Waterford Estate offers a safe haven for the water sport enthusiasts, with a navigable distance of 60km of uncongested water sports playground. Boat garages are available to all owners who enjoy boating, Jet Ski, wakeboarding, water-skiing and other water sports using various watercraft such as Mastercraft, Tige, Seadoo and Yamaha. Sheltered by three river banks and the positioning of Waterford near the Barrage guarantees no river flooding. While a constant level of good quality, calm water and low wakes, offers cleaner water than many dams, this newly policed section of the river ensures safety. To organise an exclusive viewing, contact Gert Nieuwoudt on 072 100 0158, or email Gert on gert@neoestates.co.za.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
31
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
property
32
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
islands on the dam Situated right next door to Pecanwood. this exclusive ultra modern double storey home has a stand on the canal in The Islands Estate.
T
33
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
he views stretch across the Magaliesburg mountains with locks to the Hartebeespoort dam and comes with your private jetty leading to the entrance to the dam. The infinity pool incorporates the outdoor living area with glass enclosed patios and a braai pit. This is outdoor living at its best, where you can relax after a hard week in this carefree living style. The airy and spacious open plan double volume lounge with fireplace and dining room leads to the state of the art kitchen with a separate scullery and pantry. Upstairs rakes you to a pyjama lounge with kitchenette maximising scenic views of the water and the mountains not to mention the glorious sunsets. There are three luxurious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a walk in dressing room in the main bedroom and a fireplace complete oasis feel in this stunning home. The fourth bedroom is downstairs. There is garaging for three vehicles as well as a parking bay for the boat and full en- suite domestic quarters. Lanseria airport is only a short distance away and there are plenty of sights to visit not to mention craft markets, wildlife sanctuaries and the Cradle of Humankind.
PRESTIGE
fashion
up 34
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
Vivien and Carly Natasen experience Milan with Ermenegildo Zegna
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
well as a visit out to its factory in Trivero. Fashion weeks always intrigue me, as the accountant in me struggles to reconcile the clothing normally on display at such events with practical every day wear. Thankfully, Zegna’s clothing ranges generally meet the practicality requirements so I could easily envisage a lot of their pieces forming part of my wardrobe.
35
T
he Ermenegildo Zegna brand is synonymous with quality suits and apparel, which is a reputation it earned for itself as far back as the 1930s. We were fortunate to have a first-hand experience of Zegna at both its Milan Fall/Winter fashion week as
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
fashion
36
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
For this piece I did some research into the Zegna story and I must say I was genuinely impressed by what I found. The founder, Ermenegildo Zegna founded the company in 1910 when he convinced his father to implement looms, as he had a vision for where he could take the men’s clothing and tailoring industry. Within a short space of time, by the 1930s, the brand was established as one of the finest manufacturers of quality fabrics for men’s suits. Zegna himself entrenched the brand in the United States. Now, four generations down, the business is run by Paolo and Gildo Zegna and is still family owned and managed. During the 1980s the brand held 30% of the world market share of luxury mens clothing. Their 2014 revenue was in the region of 1.3 billion euros and has successfully maintained its reputation for quality and design.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
Within a short space of time, by the 1930s, the brand was established as one of the finest manufacturers of quality fabrics for men’s suits.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
37
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
fashion
38
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
The visit to the factory at Trivero was inspiring. Solid evidence exists of intervention that the Zegna family has had in the area, pretty much lifting the town and region through employment as well as the sponsoring of a community centre and hospital. The presence in Trivero is the culmination of the vision of the founder which has grown substantially over its 100 year history. The factory is set against the mountains which form the pre-alps to Switzerland on the north western area of Italy and is just over an hour’s drive out of central Milan. The entire factory is powered from sustainable energy sources of solar and hydro-electric power and is integrated into the mountainside in an environmentally conscious manner. One cannot even hear the bustle of what’s going on in the factory whilst in the tranquil gardens outside. The Zegna business model is a very scientific and even more socially and environmentally conscious on the sourcing the materials such as wools as input to its production process. They are very proud of their interventions in the value chain including development of farmers in many countries worldwide such as Australia, South Africa and Peru. They even have a competition amongst producers for the finest quality of wool with an annual trophy at stake. The judging of the winners is surprisingly scientific with detailed calculations on quality of output from each qualifying farmer. The Zegna brand was directly involved in the intervention of breeding the National animal of Peru, the vicuña, which was previously hunted to near extinction. Through the breeding programmes the animal population has been restored to sustainable levels.
39
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
40
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
fashion
Ermenegildo Zegna has also entered into strategic partnerships with brands such as Tom Ford and with Maserati with a special limited edition Quattro Porte. There are also partnerships in place with Estee Lauder on the development of Zegna fragrances and with Marcolin Group for eyewear. Having just purchased a suit from their Su Misura (Made to measure) division, I was curious to see what goes into the fabrication of their bespoke clothing. The factory visit shows the extensive use of skilled labour for quality control, three times over during the production process. Every inch of fabric is scrutinised in detail and re-done if not to the highest standard. If one considers the man hours and global reach of the organisation is seeking out the highest quality sustainable materials, it is not surprising that this translates into cost. Fabrics are produced in limited runs thereby maintaining exclusivity for clients. Knowing what I know now about the Ermenegildo Zegna brand, I am now a loyal fan, not just from the quality of what they do, but also from the way they do it. The world will be a much better place with more visionaries with the ability to implement like they have demonstrated.
www.zegna.com PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
Knowing what I know now about the Ermenegildo Zegna brand, I am now a loyal fan, not just from the quality of what they do, but also from the way they do it.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
41
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
fashion
42
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
made for
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
walking Founded on the idea that jewelry could be more than an accessory, the Superga Jennifer Meyer collection is designed to become an extension of the woman wearing it – a symbol of luck, celebration & love – a way for every woman to reflect on the important milestones in her life.
M
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
aking jewelry has been a part of Jen’s life since learning to make pieces from enamel at the age of six from her grandmother, California Artist Edith Meyer. Jen worked in communications for visionaries such as Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani and in 2005 took the plunge to start sharing her creative vision and telling her unique story. She began with simple shapes in the best materials, making pieces that shared her philosophy on life – be authentic, be unique and always sparkle. In 2012, Jennifer Meyer was awarded runner-up in the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund, and in 2013, she was nominated for the CFDA Swarovski Award for Accessories Design. Jen believes in the creative power of supporting fellow artists, and continues to foster community and collaboration in the industry. Sharing a similar aesthetic of classic simplicity and quality materials, Superga naturally merged with Jennifer Meyer to create a collection under one vision. Jen’s classic pendants and details were paired with resembling prints and rich materials to create unique designs for exceptional women. The range consists of four styles which come in an array of colours and textures all true to Jen’s classic sophisticated tastes.
43
www.superga.co.za PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
44
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
travel
sunny PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
P
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
45
The archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean is considered a piece of paradise and Carly Bailey-Natasen found just that.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
ersonally a holiday is only truly a holiday when there is some sort of rest and tranquillity involved. White sandy beaches, the blue ocean, tropical forests form an ideal recipe for connecting with Mother Nature and can truly reset the mind, body and soul. As much as I love travelling, especially to big buzzing cities, shopping destinations and night life, if you want to escape and switch off, an island destination is the perfect getaway. Seychelles is free of mass tourism, which makes it easy to take time out all to yourself, making it an ideal setting for an exotic island retreat. Free of cameras snapping away and torturous queues, which I find highly annoying anywhere.
PRESTIGE
travel
It is easiest to hire a bicycle to enjoy the charm of the island and discover the vanilla plantations, huge granite and coral reef, with panoramic views, all preserved over time.
46
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
Even though the people of the island are more than eager to share with you all their activities available (diving, fishing, sailing) and very proud of their tiny town, Victoria, where you can find exotic fruits and fresh fish in a very quint and friendly market. The stall holders are also not intrusive, but very eager to show you how to eat or peal an unfamiliar fruit. But for me, I found my peace in their exotic forests, powdery beaches and crystal clear water.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
Seychelles has plenty of beautiful resorts to choose from, all highly rated and most built right on its virtually unspoilt beaches. These resorts are beautiful and there is no need to ever leave them, especially if you’re just in need of a relaxed time by the pool or sunbathing on a beach. Some exploring though is recommended. I enjoyed visiting the famous beaches (Anse Source d’Argent, Lazio Beach, Grand Anse Beach) that is on every to do list, since Lazio has
been voted best beach in the world on sites like Trip advisor in 2015. However, the special thing about Seychelles, if you don’t like sharing, is that you can find hundreds of deserted beaches completely isolated. They are set on small secluded coves and some are wide spread open bays. This can be arranged through a travel guide. For the more inquisitive traveller, it’s easy to find a hiking trail and find your own little beach. The tropical lush forests are famous for beautiful hiking
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
47
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
48
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
travel
trails with magnificent views that lead onto these beaches. Seychelles offers the opportunity for a lone traveller to find peaceful solitude or for a couple, especially newlyweds, to seek out quiet beaches and explore together. The main island is Mahé, but for a more authentic Seychelles experience, it’s good to do some island hopping by staying a few nights on Praslin too. Praslin is home of the famous Coco de Mer Palm tree, and for nature lovers, there is a whole environmental protected jungle – Vallée de Mai National Park to explore –where one can find interesting birds, frogs and the largest leaves in the world (6m2) and of course the history of the phenomenal coco de mer fruit. Praslin is also surrounded with
beautiful inhibited islands that can easily be reached by helicopter or ferry. La Dique is a very quaint little island, more of a harbour town, just a short ferry trip from Praslin. There are no privately owned cars allowed, only a few pick-up trucks and tractors for maintenance. It is easiest to hire a bicycle to enjoy the charm of the island and discover the vanilla plantations, huge granite and coral reef, with panoramic views, all preserved over time. “Another Grain of Sand” is the title of a book by Brendon Grimshaw. He was one of the few people that ever lived on an island – with the help of his “manFriday”. This British banker bought Moyenne island in the 1960s for 10 000 pounds. He lived on it for 35 years
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
before it was turned into a National Park in 2008. He always welcomed visitors, but decided not to develop the island and kept it undisturbed. He passed away in 2012 and presumably the island has been handed back to government which in turn created the national park. It is a beautiful island to explore, and it will only take you 45min to walk around it and view some of the most beautiful untouched beaches – well worth the visit. The infrastructure of Seychelles is well suited for tourism, and is easily accessible for European and other visitors from the East with flights from Dubai, South Africa, India etc. The
tourism authorities are focused on making the country a destination of choice for travellers seeking a more tranquil experience than the bustle of Mauritius or Zanzibar, for example. As the pace of the world accelerates and people’s connectedness through the pervasiveness of the mobile world gets more intrusive in our personal lives, the islands of the Seychelles may offer a unique opportunity to get away from it all and rejuvenate.
http://www.seychelles.travel http://www.savoy.sc http://www.edenbleu.com http://www.masonstravel.com
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
Seychelles is free of mass tourism, which makes it easy to take time out all to yourself, making it an ideal setting for an exotic island retreat.
49
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
travel
50
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
with sails words and pictures: Keri Harvey
Cruising is a genteel way to travel, but cruising with sails taut up overhead is downright bewitching. Add to this an itinerary of Baltic capitals and the allure is irresistible.
51
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
W
e saw her yesterday, standing regally at the edge of the old town of Gamla Stan. Even as we passed in a hurry, she stood out from the crowd, unmistakable with her tall white masts piercing the Stockholm summer sky, as she waited patiently for us. Now the wait is over and we are aboard WindSurf, ready to depart in the late afternoon. We’ll pick our way through the magnificent Stockholm Archipelago of 30 000 islands, out into the Baltic Sea for a full day of sailing, before docking in majestic St Petersburg, Russia, for three days, and then on to modern, glassy Helsinki in Finland and magical old-world city of Tallinn in Estonia. It’s an evocative route that’s as diverse as it’s enchanting. Everyone’s aboard by 5pm and Captain Peter Harris welcomes passengers and gently guides the ship away from the dockside. It’s a small harbour in the Stockholm old town, so he pivots WindSurf and turns her bow seaward. There’s a pilot on board too, just to help navigate through the archipelago that looks like it was sprinkled with islands by a heavenly hand.
PRESTIGE
travel
52
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
The colourful flat facades of Stockholm’s quayside buildings grow smaller in the distance, and the elegant city – considered one of the most beautiful in all Europe – slowly recedes. It’s built across 14 islands and it thoroughly enchanting. Gamla Stan has steep cobbled streets and tiny antique shops to explore, Sodermalm is dotted with art galleries and nightclubs, Ostermalm is arty and trendy – and those are just the immediate surrounds. There are over 80 museums – including the famous Nobel and Vasa museums, and the long-awaited, interactive Abba Museum, where you can follow the journey of Swedish sensation, sing and dance with them too. In Stockholm, there is so much to see and do and explore, it’s so easy to get around by metro and bus, and the city is so well organised, so clean and so efficient, it makes for carefree and enjoyable exploration. We’re out on deck, along with almost everyone else on board, gazing out over the archipelago in absolute amazement at the surrounding natural beauty. For
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
For two hours in softly setting sun, we weave through the sprinkling of islands that are the Stockholm Archipelago. the fitness centre, being pampered in the WindSpa, or gambling in the casino. There are also various lounges, bars and discreet private spaces to sit back and watch the ocean – or you could go for a dip in the pool. Cruising is soothing for the soul, what true holidays are really about. Sailing in to St Petersburg is spectacular; it truly is the Venice of the North. The city is stately and the renowned onion top domes of churches dot the skyline – there are 300 Russian Orthodox churches in the city. In the communist era these iconic domes were painted grey and the churches repurposed as mortuaries, ice rinks and theatre store rooms. Now everything is restored to its opulent best and the gold domes again glisten in the sun. “Your timing is perfect,” says guide Elena Mikalchuk, “we only have 60 sunny days a year here and you have one of them. From November to April is frozen solid and ice slides off the church onion domes, which look like permanent flames.”
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
53
two hours in softly setting sun, we weave through the sprinkling of islands that are the Stockholm Archipelago. Most are covered in green forests, many have little lighthouses and wooden homes painted butter yellow or blood red. Other islands are deserted. In the Scandinavian summer you dine in daylight with the sun only setting around 11pm, and it never really gets pitch dark. Tonight we’re dining open air at Candles Restaurant, aft of the ship – though there are four different dining venues to choose from. A perfectly calm evening, there’s hardly a breeze even though the ship is now in open waters and under full sail. The experience is unique, as we sit comfortably enjoying delectable rare fillet and accompaniments, surrounded by endless ocean. Tomorrow is a sailing day, all the way to St Petersburg in Russia. It’s a chance to kick back and enjoy everything aboard WindSurf. Options are plentiful from shopping for clothing and keepsakes, to relaxing in the library, working out in
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
54
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
travel
Imagine three million priceless art pieces in the Hermitage collection; Catherine’s Palace is over the top in turquoise and gold; grandiose buildings are everywhere. Stalin even turned the metro stations into ‘palaces for the people’, and had them adorned with tons of marble, granite, mosaics, sculptures and chandeliers. Yet, it’s Peter the Great’s summer palace – Peterhof – that really takes your breath away for it’s opulence on a massive scale. Inside is more gold than you can imagine, outside are cascades of fountains and perfectly manicured gardens as far as you can see. If you only visit one church in St Petersburg make it the Church on Spilled Blood. It’s a symbol of iconic and elaborate Russian architecture, built to resemble St Basil’s cathedral in Moscow. Outside looks like a colourful fairy castle; inside is 7 000 m² of mosaics so intricate they look like paintings. A pilot is aboard WindSurf again to guide us down the Neva River – out of St Petersburg and into the Gulf of Finland. More tiny islands dotted with lighthouses and red wooden homes welcome us to Helsinki. This is a tiny capital of just half a million people, grassy parks, trams running down the middle of the street and people on bicycles everywhere. Today is sweltering at 37C and the Finns are loving it. Everyone is out in skimpy clothing and eating ice-cream to cool down; the parks are full and so are the cafes. We’re captivated by the city’s most unique attraction: the Church of the Rock, a circular copper domed church set into a rugged rockface with natural light streaming in from above. Senate Square is of course stately, and in its shadow a market where we buy fresh raspberries and souvenirs of aromatic juniper wood. PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
Tallinn in Estonia is also a capital city, yet completely different. It’s a city within a city with its old town of cobbled streets and beautiful turret buildings at the heart of it. It feels ancient here, and it is – dating back to 1154. There are touches of Russia and Sweden in the architecture, but the culture is unique
Yesterday Russia, today Finland, tomorrow Estonia - and now it seems so long ago we danced with Abba in Stockholm.
and the people friendly. Beautiful wool and linen goods are for sale, many hand crafted with obvious care. We spend a day walking the old town and stepping into ancient churches, monasteries and medieval restaurants selling reindeer stew. Tallinn is a glorious blend of Europe old and new, east and west – completely different to Helsinki, just 70km across the Baltic Sea. This is one of the great attractions of cruising, enjoying snapshots of countries and cultures, savouring the very best of places and then boarding the ship for the smoothest of journeys. With only around 300 passengers on WindSurf, it’s a personalised experience where the superbly friendly staff remember your name and favourite tipple. This attention to detail, on board care and utter ease of travel between enchanting destinations are still more reasons to cruise. Yesterday Russia, today Finland, tomorrow Estonia - and now it seems so long ago we danced with Abba in Stockholm.
Travel tips: South African passport holders require a Schengen visa for entry to Sweden, Finland and Estonia. A Russian visa is necessary to disembark the ship independently. For more information on cruising this route on Windstar, as well as many other cruise options contact Cruises International on 011 327 0327 and see www.cruises.co.za
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
55
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
travel
56
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
beside the
raging
river Gillian McLaren visits the wonder that is Victoria Falls at Wilderness Safaris Toka Leya Camp in Livingstone , Zambia. pictures: Dana allen
57
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
T
here is no water at all spilling over the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-tunya as it is know locally. Water still rages over the precipice viewed from the Zimbabwean side, but only covers a small percentage of its 1,7 km edge. Plumes of spray above the falls –reaching hundreds of meters high in the wet season - can only just be seen from the plane as I fly into Livingstone. The flow of the Zambezi River, mostly mighty and tumultuous, is low during the dry season – uncharacteristically so now after a drought across Africa - yet remains powerful. Always an impressive African river, one of the advantages of visiting when waters are low is that layers of black, volcanic rock that are normally submerged or obscured by spray are now revealed. Waiting for rain, the earth groans. Vegetation is dry, with hardly any grass for zebras, rhino and other grazing animals and many of the trees have a clear browse-line where branches and twigs have been eaten. What a fascinating time to be visiting this magnificently wild and beautiful area.
58
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
travel
For adventurers and daredevils, it is the perfect opportunity to swim in the Devil’s pool, situated on the edge of the falls on the Zambian side, next to Livingstone Island. For most of the year, water cascades from the rushing Zambezi, through the pond and directly over the abyss down into the gorge hundreds of meters below, so it is way too dangerous to swim or even sit in this natural armchair. As it is only safe to do this while the waters are low - when a rock barrier forms an eddy with a mild current - there is a very limited time when it is permitted and you have to book a place. Toka Leya Camp edges the Zambezi River in the central part of Mosi-oa-
Tunya National Park, overlooking some of the islands. Each of the 12 permanent tents has a perfect view of the mighty water, riverine trees – like waterberry and mangosteen – and the changing light casting its magic on the scene. At midday when the heat causes a shimmering haze and animals hunker down where they can find shade, the tents are an oasis of cool elegance and comfort. From here you can sip superior iced white wine while watching courting red-billed hornbills on a knobthorn tree next to the tent, a bushbuck family hunkering under a mopani tree, or you can gaze at the clouds drifting in the sky, bearing a promise of rain.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
When you are ready for lunch, you can saunter to the communal area – along a raised wooden walkway - to sit on the sun-deck under a spreading jackalberry tree, where kind waiters will serve you a meal from the gourmet a la carte menu and lavish you with drinks and care. Linger in the surprisingly cool swimming pool, to escape the soporific heat and enjoy your fare on the pool’s edge, or sit on the pool deck if you please. Flexibility is a key word here, which is possible because of the high staff to guest ratio.
Stay at Toka Leya Camp for as many days as you can, as there are several tantalising activities available in the area. My favourite adventure is an early morning and an evening cruise on the river, in a private motorised skiff, when you have a good chance of spotting an abundance of waterbirds including the elusive African finfoot, white-crowned night heron, black–crowned night heron and even the elusive Pel’s fishing owl. My guide is a delightful companion, as well as a hawk-eyed bird spotter. We motor slowly along the river’s
Almost as quickly as it has begun, the storm is over and Toka Leya is bathed in soft light.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
59
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
travel
spectacular and iconic photographs, with the silhouettes of trees backlit by dramatic reds and oranges. Catch and release fishing is available for those who would like to try for the unforgettable challenge of a famed tiger fish –some of the biggest in Africa - or to bag the local tilapia. Game drives into the National Park
60
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
edge and see iridescent half-collared kingfishers, a breeding herd of elephant drinking lustily, mean-looking crocodiles basking in the sunlight and sigmoid water monitors sliding into the water. Expertly shooting the rapids, we then dodge the pods of hippos that gather in areas of slightly shallower water. Here, African sunsets make for some
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
are richly rewarding with sightings of buffalo, giraffe, entertaining vervet monkeys and chacma baboons. Because of the ongoing problems with poaching of rhinos, Zambian Wildlife Authority scouts closely guard the white rhino 24 hours a day. Accompanied by a guard, guests may track these precious animals on foot and carefully approach for close observation. Besides the game viewing, it is absorbing to view the scenic Zambezi from the road and to spot some of the special birds in the region, like collared
palm thrush, or rock pratincole nesting on small protruding rock islands. As if from nowhere, dark clouds scud across the sky. Strong winds begin to blow and branches bend, leaves are ripped up into the air, as big drops of rain begin to darken the soil. Staff dashing around to secure covers over the open-sided lounge area - begin to sing enthusiastically in their expressive languages. Thunder is cacophonous. Lightning streaks across the heavens. Almost as quickly as it has begun, the
storm is over and Toka Leya is bathed in soft light. Within days green shoots appear above the dust of the ground. A few more storms here and upstream and the Zambezi River will rise up to 3m, swathe the charcoal-coloured rocks, destroying crocodile eggs in the soft sand, submerge the ground under the stilts of the raised tents and furiously roar over the Zambian rock face into the gorges below; in the cycle of nature which has existed for millennia.
For adventurers and daredevils, it is the perfect opportunity to swim in the Devil’s pool, situated on the edge of the falls on the Zambian side. w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
61
Wilderness Safaris Toka Leya Camp www.wilderness-safaris.com/ camps/toka-leya-camp PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
travel
arabian
knights 62
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
Vivien Natasen experiences the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta in Dubai
I
am sure in the motoring world, driving around in Dubai in a super car must rank right up there in any petrol head’s bucket list – I am no different. When Ferrari Dubai volunteered to provide me an F12 Berlinetta during a recent visit, I was ecstatic. I was staying at the Downtown Address adjacent to Dubai Mall when the vehicle was delivered. Despite super cars being an everyday occurrence, when we arrived at any major hotel we found that a well-appointed Ferrari, especially one of the V12 front-engined models always attracts admiration. In my opinion, the F12 is one of most beautiful Ferraris ever produced and it has the performance to match, if not better, its looks.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
63
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
travel
This particular iteration was black with a deep red leather adorned interior, not a combination I would have selected myself but in the flesh, it was extremely beautiful, so much so that I would consider this combination on my next Ferrari. The base specification of the F12 is a whopping 6.3litre V12 rear-wheel drive sport coupe capable of a 0-100 sprint in 3.1 seconds topping out at 340kph. That’s impressive for a normally aspirated monster defying today’s trend of turbo and super chargers. This is achieved through an output of 740hp and 690Nm of torque. The interior is luxurious. Ferrari has maintained its new vision of placing all primary controls as buttons on the steering wheel which allows the driver to always keep full control without leaving the wheel for any reason. The two multi-functional displays on the fascia surrounding the rev counter can scroll through the relevant information screens to provide the driver with required information all the time.
64
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
The F12 is one of most beautiful Ferraris ever produced and it has the performance to match, if not better, its looks.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
65
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
travel
66
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
Is the F12 in my garage wish list, definitely yes!
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
Driving the F12 out on the streets is an experience in itself, firstly to ensure that one of the UAE taxi drivers doesn’t crash into you, as substantially all of them are budding racing drivers and secondly because this amazing vehicle champs at the bit to get going. Thankfully, the normal driving mode is reasonably tame on the power, however, once the more aggressive driving modes are activated, the engine roar under acceleration is music to one’s ears. We drove out to Atlantis for dinner on the one evening, choosing the most roundabout route I could find, just to get the car onto some open road. Flipping the now generally accepted Manettino dial into the friskier driving modes, such as sport and race, immediately changes the dynamics. The F12 truly is one of the few vehicles that can serve equally well as an everyday car and as a true sports car. There is “clunkiness” that one gets from other sports cars that try to be everyday cars is non-existent in the F12. Is the F12 in my garage wish list, definitely yes!
67
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
beer
70
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
craft
beer I
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
71
nnis & Gunn’s lengthy maturation sees the beer sleeping over the oak that used to mature other spirit like Bourbon or infused with blend of rums or slightly toasted. This allows the golden liquid to gradually assimilate the subtle flavors from the oak and produces a delicious, refreshing beer deftly balanced and light in texture, soothing and warming in the finish. Innis & Gunn was launched in South Africa in 2014 and since then has been gradually gaining popularity and dedicated fans across the country. Currently available in three key variants Innis & Gunn constantly extends its range with new interesting products that are recognisable with their depth of flavours and rich taste.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
Small batch beer has gained significant traction in South Africa recently. It’s often confused with craft beer but is more widely distributed and uses unique brewing techniques to differentiate individual brands. Innes & Gunn is one such brand.
PRESTIGE
beer
Its fresh hop character comes from a brewing technique unique to Innis & Gunn where bundles of hops are added at 3 different points in the process to build layers of zesty flavour and aroma.
72
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
Innis & Gunn Original was the first variant launched in SA. It is matured in the barrels made from white American oak heartwood, previously used for ageing Kentucky bourbon. The result of this careful and lengthy maturation process that lasts 77 days is a refreshing beer with aromas of vanilla and toffee, hints of citrus, with a malty, lightly oaked, palate. Innis & Gunn Original is the most awarded Scottish beer with a very impressive accolades under its belt including coveted Grande Gold at the Monde Selection Awards - the food and drink equivalent of a Michelin star. Innis & Gunn Toasted Oak Ipa is a special product. Its fresh hop character comes from a brewing technique unique to Innis & Gunn where bundles of hops are added at 3 different points in the process to build layers of zesty flavour and aroma. The beer is then matured for 41 days over toasted oak to give it rich, rounded character reminiscent of classic British IPAs from the 1800s. Gold winner at the 2014 Monde Selection Awards, Innis & Gunn Toasted Oak IPA is a light gold beer with a fresh nose of cut grass and clean grapefruit. Its refreshing taste is full of rich vanilla from the oak with a heap of zestiness and light bitterness from the hops. Full-bodied but crisp it’s a great accompaniment to spicy curries, salty pork and delicately roasted chicken. PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
Rich and full bodied, Innis & Gunn Rum Finish is matured for 57 days over American oak heartwood. Infused with a blend of specially selected rums it is bursting with fruit and warming spiciness. Grand Gold winner at the 2014 Monde Selection Awards Innis & Gunn Rum Finish is ruby red in colour with a fruity mulled spice on the nose. It is surprisingly light with delicious soft fruit and rich malt flavours, balanced by the rum’s aromatic spiciness. Warming and mellow in finish it’s a great match for lamb or venison, mature cheese and green fig preserve.
73
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
spiral PRESTIGE
Wine
74
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
staircase
The Krone Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2013 was launched as a still version of their successful MCC. Now, two years later, Krone introduces a new unexpected twist with the release of their Krone Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2015. Enter the Helix Concept. PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
H
elix, meaning spiral, is the world’s first twist-openand-close cork closure for wine, combining the heritage of cork with the convenience of a screw cap. The result of a fouryear collaboration between the world’s leading cork and glass manufacturers, Amorim and O-I (Owens-Illinois), Helix opens and closes, with a simple twist of the wrist, thanks to a matching thread finish found inside the neck of the bottle and on the cork itself. The Krone Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2015 is elegantly packaged with a navy blue foil very similar to a Cap Classique foil, giving it distinction on the shelf and bringing it into line with the range of Krone Cap Classiques. The 2015 vintage is fragrant on the nose and has a well-rounded mouthfeel. The Chardonnay contributes crisp acidity and elegance whilst the Pinot Noir brings intensity and richness coupled with delicate red berry fruit flavours. Combined in perfect proportions, these two noble grapes create a wine which is full of appealing flavour, yet, remains balanced and refreshing. The Krone Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2015 is a perfect partner for Mezze and Mediterranean dishes, seared tuna, smoked salmon, seafood, Thai curries, ham or veal.
Merits of the Helix Concept Prestigious packaging awards (in Italy and France), as well as extensive market research, rigorous testing and global media interest, have highlighted the many merits of the Helix Concept: • Helix combines the premium image of traditional cork with the convenience of a screw cap; • Helix is enjoyable to open, with the classic ritual of cutting the foil and uncorking the bottle, and the hallmark ‘pop’, triggering pleasant associations; • Helix offers user-friendly, re-sealable convenience; • Helix offers excellent preservation of taste, aroma and colour; • Helix presents no risk of cork taint since all the granules in the agglomerate cork are passed through stringent preventative and curative measures during production; • Helix is 100% natural, sustainable and eco-friendly; • Helix provides distinction and recognition in the market place. The Helix Concept was launched at Vinexpo in Bordeaux in 2013, igniting global media interest across four continents. From prestigious specialist magazines, such as Decanter, to mainstream media, Helix went viral. Journalists loved the new ‘twist and pop’ solution, declaring it to be a “game changer” that will “shift the wine paradigm”
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
75
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
Whisky
great
76
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
scot!
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
Vivien Natasen samples specimens from the Balvenie stable in the heart of Johannesburg.
77
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
I
think in my old age I am starting to appreciate whiskies more and more. So when the opportunity arises for a tasting, it generally is a bun-fight between our editor and myself as to who gets to go. Thankfully I have been winning those battles more and more. This particular event was held in Braamfontein in Johannesburg, in the quickly refurbishing central business district where northerners of Johannesburg brave every so often so that they can boast to their friends that they ventured into the inner city. That being said, the area is now safer than ever with strong security and upliftment of the area through renovation of its many old buildings. This particular venue was the top floor of a recently refitted building with a quaint, industrial feel even set with used aviation parts like aircraft turbines forming part of the dĂŠcor.
PRESTIGE
Whisky
Starting off the evening with Balvenie based cocktails, I took to these like a duck to water, especially as I have been dabbling in some alcoholic alchemy myself in my own home bar, with guests as guinea pigs. There are whisky tastings and there are whisky tastings, so making these events interesting presents a challenge nowadays. This one was tastefully done for the introduction of the Balvenie 12 year DoubleWood, the 14 Year Caribbean Cask, and, the 17 year DoubleWood. Balvenie was founded in 1883 by William Grant who had learnt the trade by working as a bookkeeper at Mortlach distillery and decided to establish his own. This activation was centred around artisan craft with a specialist engraver, leather craftsman and a specialist carpenter explaining their trades in tune to each tasting. This was clever alignment with the precision that is critical yet not that visible in the art of distillation of whisky and that can only be determined from the final taste, with a few clues from the nose and the colouration of the liquid.
78
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
Starting off the evening with Balvenie based cocktails, I took to these like a duck to water, especially as I have been dabbling in some alcoholic alchemy myself in my own home bar, with guests as guinea pigs.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
The Balvenie 12 year DoubleWood is a 12 year old single malt which gains its distinctive character from being matured in two wood types. Over the period of maturation it is transferred from a traditional oak whisky cask to a first fill European oak sherry cask. Each stage lends different qualities to the resulting single malt. The traditional casks soften and add character, whilst the sherry wood brings depth and fullness of flavour. The taste is a bit nutty with hints of cinnamon and sherry, obviously from its time in the sherry cask. The Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask is derived from traditional oak whisky casks for 14 years, and then ‘finished’ in casks that previously held Caribbean rum. To create the ideal finish Malt Master David Stewart, filled American oak casks with his own blend of select West Indian rums. When he judged the casks to be ready, the rum was replaced with the 14 year old spirit and the wood was put to work adding the final touches. The result is an exceptional single malt whisky with the traditional smooth, honeyed character of The Balvenie, married with notes of toffee and a hint of fruit, with a warm, lingering finish. The DoubleWood 17 Year Old is an elder sibling to DoubleWood 12 Year Old and shares its honeyed, spicy characteristics, but it is distinctly different, with deeper vanilla notes, hints of green apple, creamy toffee and a striking richness and complexity. The taste is sweet with tones of dried fruits, sherbet spice, toasted almonds and cinnamon, layered with a richness of creamy toffee notes and traces of oak and deep vanilla.
79
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
whisky
indian
80
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
renaissance
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
From pariah to performer. Patrick Leclezio examines the two brands that are rehabilitating the image of Indian whisky.
A
head of a recent trip to India I had it in my mind to secure some samples for a report on Indian whisky. Unfortunately this proved difficult; I was informed that transporting liquor across certain state borders – in this case from Goa and Bangalore to Delhi - is prohibited. The problem was eventually resolved using a more circuitous route (via the UK!), thanks to the gracious people at Paul John and Amrut, but it gave me a little bit of first-hand insight into the contorted nature of Indian liquor legislation. Their complicated system of national and state regulations has engineered a situation where the majority of people in the world’s largest whisky drinking market don’t actually drink whisky.
India consumes some 1.5 billion litres of “whisky” per year, hugely in excess of any other country. I quote the word whisky for the fact that most of it isn’t actually whisky – anywhere other than in India. A look at South African law for instance would reveal the stipulation that for whisky to be sold as whisky in our country it would need to “be produced from a mash of grain”. Whisky by historical tradition, by overwhelming convention, and by regulatory definition in most countries – as we’re seen with our local example, must be made from grains. In India the bulk of local whisky is made from molasses, which is subsequently blended with various proportions of grain whisky, depending on the particular brand and its level of quality and premium-ness. "You will get the alcohol but none of the flavours," said Bill Lumsden, an industry pioneer and the master distiller at Glenmorangie, of
These malts ranging, from three to five years old, would not have been ready to bottle if matured in Scotland, or in most other whisky producing climates.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
81
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
82
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
whisky
the molasses spirit in Indian whisky. This is a simplistic analysis of course - there are other concerns, maturation for instance -but it’s sufficient to make the point that Indian whisky by any objective measure is for the most part substandard. The buttress that keeps these whiskies afloat, and protected from the redress of healthy competition, are the regulations to which I’d earlier alluded, primarily a set of exorbitant tariffs which violate World Trade Organisation rules, and without which this local industry would collapse. This scenario is bleak for many reasons. It’s costing the country both economically in lost revenue and blunted potential, and socially in that whisky lovers are being deceived and short changed. I don’t think I’m being dramatic in suggesting that this is probably the single biggest issue in PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
the whisky arena today. Negotiations have been ongoing for some time, but I would imagine that the scale of entrenchment makes progress difficult. It might seem like a horse-before-cart, pie-in-the-sky prognosis but things will probably change only if India cultivates quality brands that can stand up to their international peers. This kind of a solution is some way off for the mainstream, but faint ripples have started to appear. In Bangalore based Amrut first, and now Goa based Paul John, India has two distilleries producing world class, genuine whisky. This is exciting not only for India – primarily at this stage as an affirmation of their ability to go toe-to-toe with the best - but also for us, for whisky drinkers globally; with their emergence we have access to an exciting, dynamic new style of whisky. My first experience of Amrut was
In Bangalore based Amrut first, and now Goa based Paul John, India has two distilleries producing world class, genuine whisky.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
83
single malts – abundant with the vanilla and honey typical of bourbon casks. Mostly I was surprised by their poise and balance. Surely, I thought, there’s got to be a cost to the speed; but if there is it’s not apparent in these two whiskies. They may not be the fullest and richest, or the most complex, but they’re well-executed and interesting…and well worth exploring. The Paul John Edited, like the Amrut Fusion, is peated, although more lightly peated, but it’s travelled a different and imaginative road to get there. Fusion uses Scottish peated malt, Paul John uses Indian barley malted using Scottish peat. I can’t say that I could ascribe a difference to the influence of each – noting that the peat used may be different too - but it’ll be fun spending some time with both to try to identify it. Regardless, the added dimension introduced by the peating propels this variant from solid to superb, as gentle smoke wisps amongst streaks of chocolatey sweetness. If ever a country needed a whisky redemption, there’s no doubt that it is India – because of its diabolical rotgut (I say this relative to what it should be) and because of its importance. In response Amrut and Paul John have delivered and delivered decisively. For the country’s whisky drinkers the road may be long and hard, and the destination uncertain, but the potential is quite conclusively there. Whatever happens it seems that the rest of us can look forward to some fine Indian single malt, and who knows what else, in the years to come. May the dram be with you and all.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
the ground-breaking Fusion – arguably the whisky that made its name. A fusion indeed, of Indian grown malt, with Islay peated malt, it is a delightful whisky, explicitly smoky but not overpoweringly so, leaving plenty of space for a plethora of other rich, spicy, fruity flavours. I made the mistake of serving my first bottle some five years ago at my birthday party. It was smacked out of its brief existence in short order, such was the immediate rapport that it struck. This time I intend to savour the new bottle in more fitting tribute to its indisputable merits. The style of Fusion, and indeed the others that I examined, the Amrut Single Malt, the Paul John Brilliance, and the Paul John Edited, has been cast in the mould of Scotch single malt, with a similar-ish palette of flavours. The critical point of difference is maturation. Both Amrut and Paul John are produced in the oven that is Southern India – resulting in an intense, accelerated ageing process. These malts ranging, from three to five years old, would not have been ready to bottle if matured in Scotland, or in most other whisky producing climates. It’s a benefit and a hindrance though, the bonus of good whisky fast tempered by the unlikelihood (or, dare I say it – impossibility) of turning out anything old and superpremium. Quick to cook, quick to burn (and evaporate!), with a much reduced sweet spot. This though is the distinctive feature which will define Indian whisky as style of its own amongst aficionados. The Amrut Single Malt and the Paul John Brilliance are solid, quaffable
spirits
84
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
gindigenous Hot on its heels Patrick Leclezio tracks the local response to the global gin explosion.
I
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
85
flavoured vodka. It’s a classic conflict between innovation and tradition. In fairness this was a regulation that was crying out of be trampled. How do you legislate flavour? Action may need to be taken though to tighten things up, such is the pace of developments - a subject for another time. Our local legislation is less prescriptive, simply calling for the presence of juniper amongst the botanicals, but not specifying anything further. The result is a whole new style of “African” gins – based on the use of indigenous ingredients – in which juniper is either receded into the background, or in fact entirely undetectable. I’ve had my nose in a big pot of juniper extract on more than one occasion so I’m confident that I’m familiar with its pine-y flavour – enough to identify its reticence. Anyhow, despite this departure, these gins are nonetheless is unmistakeably gin, in the nature and composition of its other botanicals. The two most long established brands are the well-tractioned Inverroche, which has entrenched itself as the country’s flagship craft gin, and the more reclusive Jorgensen’s. The three variants of the former - Classic, Verdant and Amber – and two variants of the latter – its eponymous gin and saffron gin, were assessed for this review. The Inverroche Classic sets
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
f there was even a slight hint of doubt about how searingly hot gin has become in the last few years it would be persuasively quelled by the extent of the local craft gin industry. I’d set out late last year with preparations for a review, which I’d hoped would be comprehensive, but my ambitions were thwarted by sheer numbers, and by what seemed like a constant stream of new entrants. My selection was eventually limited to nine, resulting in a mix of the more established, the new, and the brand new - in practical, manageable proportions; but keep in mind that there are a lot of others out there, with more joining by the day. There’s a gin heaven manifesting itself in South Africa and the gates are wide open. Join me for a quick tour. It can be difficult to make any kind of systematic sense of gin. There are so few objective rules, and so much potential for variation. Juniper is ostensibly intended to be the dominant flavour – the word gin is in fact a derivative of juniper - but this has become doubtful (and somewhat controversial) in recent times, as new gins have been increasingly pushing the boundaries in attempts to carve out distinctive niches for themselves. Resistant purists claim that without the strong juniper a gin is simply a
PRESTIGE
spirits
86
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
the benchmark for the profile of a fynbos based gin. Its base of cane spirits redistilled with limestone fynbos botanicals imparts peppery and savoury flavours – creating an interesting, edgy drink that’s likely to find favour with those who prefer their gins in the Beefeater mould. Jorgensen’s by comparison has a fuller, richer flavour – with hints of its grape base peeking through. I used it in a martini on whim, yielding impressive results, the only detraction being that it maybe lacks the “sessionability” (the dubious advisability of sessionable martini drinking is noted) of something softer. But that’s a question of personal taste.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
It’s safe to say I’d venture that you can look forward to a persisting and varying injection of quality liquid for your gins and tonic, and your martinis.
I found them to be little spirity, with flat flavours, but this may be unfair, especially since they were evaluated alongside more premium priced gins apples and oranges. The one is made from barley spirit and the other from a grape spirit – but both from the same recipe, offering fascinating insight into the influence of that base spirit. Worth checking out on that basis alone. This burgeoning story of local gin is vibrant and inspiring, and hopefully it’ll continue to instil interest and gather momentum. The scene has been set, and the narrative has been populated with an expanding cast of compelling characters – refer to the handy table adjacent for a plot summary. It’s safe to say I’d venture that you can look forward to a persisting and varying injection of quality liquid for your gins and tonic, and your martinis. May the botanicals be with you. PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
87
by the well-crafted depth of flavour in these two gins. The other bookend comprises newcomers to the scene in the form of Musgrave and Blind Tiger gins, the latter yet-to-be-launched. Musgrave is a bold gin that is African in both theme and flavour. Its broad and pronounced ginger flavour is derived from its use of African ginger as a prominent botanical. Less pronounced but discernible nonetheless is the cardamom - I’m a big fan of Earl Grey, so I was particularly pleased with its inclusion. Blind Tiger occupies what seems like a separate space from its local peers, and from the defining local style. It is softer, sweeter, and more classical, more international. It also packs some additional value at 46% ABV, which shouldn’t be overlooked. The in-betweeners are two variants from the Woodstock Gin Company.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
The other Inverroche variants use different recipes of botanicals, mountain fynbos for Verdant, coastal fynbos for Amber, whatever these might mean, as well as undisclosed fynbos infusions, resulting in gins that are substantially contrasted to the Classic and to each other. Most important, both combine astoundingly well with tonic – not something that I say lightly. Jorgensen’s Saffron is a more subtle deviation from its parent – likely because the distillate used is the same, or very similar. Distillation is a dark art, one which I don’t pretend to fully understand, but what knowledge I have has made me partial to copper pot distillation - the method used by both Jorgensen’s and Inverroche - as a superior attributor of flavour. Whether this is justified or not it’s a preconception that’s certainly borne out
yachting
Little
88
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
89
T
he Majesty 105 has proved highly popular since its global premiere in 2012, with several Majesty 105s already delivered to date and others in production.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
With its utilisation of indoor and outdoor space, innovative fly-bridge and deck design and an extensive outdoor entertaining area, it’s no surprise the Majesty 105 has already turned plenty of heads.
PRESTIGE
yachting
The ample space is a distinctive feature throughout the yacht-starting from the crew area, passing through the main saloon and guest staterooms and ending up on the fly-bridge.
90
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
The Majesty 105 is a superyacht created with a Mediterranean lifestyle in mind. It favoured a form that followed functionality. The ample space is a distinctive feature throughout the yacht-starting from the crew area, passing through the main saloon and guest staterooms and ending up on the fly-bridge. The yacht was conceived to maximise on-deck lounging and entertaining areas. The Majesty 105 has been designed to fulfill the evolving yachting aspirations of the region’s passionate seafarers, offering sweeping views of the sea through its panoramic large windows, expansive outdoor entertaining and lounging areas, including a spacious aft deck and a large hard-topped sun deck. The Majesty 105 is the perfect superyacht for those who relish spending time admiring the coast while islandhopping, or for holidaymakers looking to catch all the action moored alongside the waterfront. It has five en-suite staterooms that accommodate up to ten guests, and two crew cabins, as well as the latest technology in navigation, electronics and safety.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
91
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
yachting
92
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
Length Overall 107 ft (32.68 M) Beam 23 ft 3 IN (7.13 M) Draft 5 ft 10 IN (1.78 M) Displacement 96t approximately Fuel capacity 4,000 US GAL (15,141 L) Fresh water capacity 800 US GAL (3,028 L) Black water capacity 150 US GAL (567 L) Grey water capacity 150 US GAL (567 L) Generators 2 x 50 kW, 50 hz Engine 2 x 1,925 hp, 2 x 2,400 hp
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
Options List:
93
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
•H ydraulic Swim platform transformer. • Jacuzzi system. • Stern thruster 25HP. • Crane capacity 800 Kg. • TRAC 370 Stabilizer system. • Spare Propellers. • Spare Shafts. • Teak decking at fly-bridge. • Intercom telephone system. • THURAYA Satellite Phone/Fax. • 12 x Under water lights. • Marble flooring and counter top in kitchen, bath cabins and bar. • Multi zone Audio/visual + Automation system. • Dinghy and Jetski. • Upgraded Navigation system (customer request). • Night vision camera monitoring system.
-Up!
PRESTIGE
motoring
Experiencing BMW’s latest 7-series through luxury and technological innovation.
96
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
by: Vivien Natasen
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
T
he new 7 series was released to media in Cape Town in January 2016. This is the 6th iteration of the 7-series which has a forty-year history as the flagship model of the marque. Like with its competitors, BMW has elected to introduce its best innovations through this model. This model is no different with the most prominent new feature being the BMW display key with automated selfparking. With the race being on for autonomous driving vehicles, the new seven stops short of exactly that. The active cruise control with active steering is capable of pretty much handling the vehicle with little or no attention from the driver, however, it does require the driver’s hands on the wheel. Other features include gesture control, touchscreen display, significant use of
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
97
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
98
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
motoring
lightweight materials, adaptive driving modes that change the vehicles set-up to the driver’s and road conditions. In the flesh, the new 7-series is unmistakably drawing from the current design philosophy of the brand, in fact, some to the journalists on the launch felt too much so. However, the lines are crisp and neat, coupled with the almost minimalist interior, this creates a sense of calm almost Zen feel to the occupants, especially rear passengers. The debate normally on this category of vehicle is whether the owner is the driver or is being chauffeur driven. I, as an existing owner, am quite often the driver myself, however, with traffic congestion in today’s times, have been getting more used to being a passenger, working in the back whilst my chauffeur takes cares of driving duties. So the BMW strategy of addressing the increased probability of the client being a rear-seat passenger appears to the on the right track. As an existing owner of the current 760Li, I was extremely curious to compare the new model to the current one. Unfortunately, the new 760Li is only scheduled for launch in late 2016. In fact there were no long wheel-base vehicles at the launch as these are only now entering production. From a look and feel perspective, the new model does appear fresh and inviting. BMW had included quite an extensive drive experience for the launch encompassing almost 300 kilometres of various types of roads to showcase not only the open road comfort but also the dynamic abilities of the vehicle. I had the 730d first, also this vehicle was packed with several options, including the “laserlight” package with adaptive laser lighting that illuminates up to 600 metres ahead. The 730d is the entry model in the range, pushing out 195kW at 4000rpm, with a maximum torque of 620Nm at 2,000–2,500rpm. Acceleration is listed at 6.1s in 0–100kph with a top speed limited at 250kph. With a reasonably frugal claimed consumption of 4.9 litres /100km this should suit the needs of any environmentally conscious buyer. PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
There is a 740e electric vehicle on the horizon as a full plug-in hybrid, which is powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, which together generate total system output of 240kW. The BMW 740e claims a combined fuel consumption of 2.1 litres per 100km as calculated in the EU test cycle for hybrid vehicles and a combined electric power consumption of 12.5kWh per 100km. CO2 emissions are claimed at 49 grams per kilometre. The range on electric-only power is around 40 kilometres which should suit most short haul type-applications. The BMW 740i comprises a sixcylinder in-line petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The three litre pushes out 240kW with a claimed acceleration time of 5.5 seconds also with a limited top speed of 250 kph. Fuel consumption claimed at 7 litres
The debate normally on this category of vehicle is whether the owner is the driver or is being chauffeur driven.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
99
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
motoring
per 100km on mixed cycle. The 750i is powered by an updated 4.4litre V8 petrol engine pushing out 330kW and a maximum torque of 650Nm at 1,800–4,500rpm. It claims a 0-100kph time of 4.7 seconds and is also limited to a 250kph top speed. Not that many of the buyers
of this car would be interested in fuel consumption, but BMW claims an average of 8.3 litres per 100km. I got a stint in the 740i on the more dynamic portions of the route and I must state I was impressed with its responsiveness and handling. The one point around noise levels was
100
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
The new 7-series is an expected evolution of the model packed with technology and innovations.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
console which is quite intuitive and easy to use for the functions that would be required by rear passengers such as climate control, rear entertainment etc. Pricing-wise, the new 7-series is priced similarly with its competitors. The launch team was quick to point out that a more effective comparison of the features, where the BMW has several features that are standard where its competitors consider these to be options. The new 7-series is an expected evolution of the model packed with technology and innovations. I predict that it will be a welcome addition to fleets of loyalists to the marque. It’s pricing may also make it a viable option for VIP and luxury fleet owners.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
101
that this vehicle is one of the quietest cabins I’ve ever been in, much quieter than many of its competitors. I also found the new touchscreen to be very useful. The gesture control is funky but most often I found it easier to use the buttons on the steering wheel, like volume control etc. more out of habit than anything else. I guess younger customers will take to the technology a lot easier. Our final leg of the launch was a chauffeur drive experience back to the airport. The shorter wheel base vehicle available at the launch was generous in rear legroom, more so than the outgoing model. A “Samsung looking tablet” forms part of the rear centre
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
motoring
for away
102
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
Vivien Natasen tries out the facelifted Mercedes Benz A Class.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
I
t’s not often that we include entry level vehicles in our reviews, however, we had to make an exception when it came to the refreshed A Class from Mercedes Benz. It’s a very relevant model from the marque as the statistics show that 67 percent of the model’s sales are from buyers who have never owned a Mercedes Benz before. Further, 80 percent of these buyers made their purchase decision on the design elements. In a tightening market with heightened competition, this model becomes very strategic for customer retention and for familiarising younger buyers with the brand. Further, as global recessionary factors have negatively impacted volumes, this means that Mercedes Benz has attracted buyers from other brands and this has clearly reflected in the over one million units sold of the various A Class variants. Coupled with superior quality, fresh design and large servicing reach and reliability, the Mercedes Benz ploy to attract and retain a younger base of clientele appears to have paid off.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
103
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
motoring
I must also admit a bit of bias towards this car, having purchased a “pocket rocket” version in the A45 AMG a few years ago, just as a last ditch attempt to hang onto my youth. I fell in love with this car as it holds its own on the road and on the track. The original A45 pushed out 265 kW and boasted a 0-100 kph sprint time of 4.6s whilst the face-lifted one is now on 280kW and does the same
sprint in a claimed 4.2s. However, there are several other mechanical changes in the top of the model range such as a front differential lock and better active damping. Controls have been modified to be a bit more intuitive –mostly refinements in line with latest developments from customer feedback and from innovations passed down from other models recently developed. On the outside the styling changes
104
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
On the outside the styling changes are subtle drawing from the success of the vehicle it was clearly a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
decent performance with frugal fuel consumption, for those who are interested in that aspect. In fact, I firmly believe that the A Class is perfectly positioned as the ideal entry into the marque. I have many colleagues and friends who have opted for this vehicle for their children entering university, whilst in the past many of these would have started with other brands. With new technology solutions on the horizon integrating your vehicle using mobile applications to create lifestyles, I suspect that the brand will further entrench itself into its customer base. PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
105
Class models include two diesel models, A200d and A220d and two basic petrol models A200 and A250 sport. The range is topped off with its A45 AMG flagship. I was curious to see how new car this performed against my own current vehicle. The new car has more precision with a lot less turbo lag in low gears than in my current vehicle. The new model also includes a race option which activates more track focused active damping and the diff locks. My personal favourite drives other than the AMG was the A250 sport. However, the two diesel variants were great to drive as they coupled
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
are subtle drawing from the success of the vehicle it was clearly a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The changes were more focused on aerodynamics and modernising the look. If one could recall, this A Class model (introduced 3 years ago) was a major shift away from the “mommy wagon” that it replaced and Mercedes Benz appears to be extremely proud of this achievement. The launch of this face-lifted model for South African media was held in picturesque Cape Town and entailed driving out on some famous Cape Town roads as well as some laps around the famous Killarney Raceway. The new A
PRESTIGE
motoring
GIVE
US AN
"F"!
106
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
Early 2016 has seen the launch of one Jaguar F-Type derivative and the imminent showcase of another.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
T
he anticipation of the Jaguar F-Type was palpable and the result was a distinctly British coupe with design references to the E-Type combined with contemporary Jaguar signatures. The British Design Edition is intended celebrate the car’s British heritage and does so in limited numbers with the aesthetics as its most obvious British design cues. Based on the F-TYPE S Coupé and Convertible, and featuring a range of visual enhancements and additional equipment, the British Design Edition is offered in a specially-selected colour palette inspired by the Union Jack: Caldera Red, Glacier White and – new to the F-TYPE range – Ultra Blue. Ultimate Black is also available. Further enhancements to the F-TYPE design come from the Sport Design pack and discreet British Design Edition badges front and rear, with unique branding on the centre
console, headrests and the stainless steel tread plates. Behind the 20-inch Cyclone wheels with unique Satin Grey finish is an uprated braking system featuring red calipers (black is available as an option). Complementing the range of exterior colours is a crafted premium Jet leather interior finished with contrast stitching in a choice of three colours. The driverfocused theme of the ‘one-plus-one’ cabin is heightened by carbon fibre trim around the centre console. Jaguar’s InControl Touch and InControl Touch Plus infotainment systems are offered with upgraded audio equipment developed together with leading British experts Meridian. InControl Touch and InControl Touch Plus support a range of apps which make it easier than ever for the driver to stay connected. The Jaguar F-TYPE British Design Edition will be available in Coupé and Convertible body styles. Power comes exclusively from the 380PS/ 460Nm supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, matched to the eight-speed Quickshift
transmission all-wheel drive. And then there’s the F-Type SVR which will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show and will go on sale in summer 2016. Capable of 200mph, the new F-TYPE SVR is the first Jaguar SVR and is developed to exploit the two-seat aluminium sports car’s full potential while retaining its day-to-day usability. Lighter, faster and more powerful, the new F-TYPE SVR takes performance, dynamics and driver involvement to a new level yet retains the comfort and duality of character inherent to all Jaguar cars. Jaguar says, “The new F-TYPE SVR is the first series production Jaguar to be developed by Special Vehicle Operations and benefits from everything we know about precision engineering, performance and design. “The result is a 200mph, allweather supercar that you can drive every day – we even made a Convertible version so that enthusiasts can revel in the sound from the new titanium exhaust system.”
107
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
horse PRESTIGE
motoring
power
108
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
It’s been more than 50 years that one of the most iconic US automobiles burned rubber on South African soil. Now officially - for the very first time, Yank tank owner Dieter Losskarn takes the new Mustang GT for a ride in and around the Mother City.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
T
he mighty V8 is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. It rumbles and roars. The exquisite engine and exhaust sounds are reverberating from the rock walls of Chapman’s Peak, glowing in a warm reddish afternoon light. I am in the brand-new Ford Mustang GT 5.0l V8 and I am happy. I love American V8s and I am fully aware of their shortcomings. After a couple of tight turns, I realise this one is different. It is still rough and alive, but it sticks to the road and the brakes are working astonishingly well. It pays tribute to a lineage of a legendary model range, created in 1964. This one is the sixth generation of one of the most iconic and well-known cars on earth. First time in right-hand drive, first time officially in South Africa. But how can an American car handle that well? With some outside help and German engineers were an integral part in the performance set-up of the new Mustang. And instead of testing on quarter mile stretches in the States, they raced the pony through the tightest, twistiest country road bends in Europe – from the Alps to Norway.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
109
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
110
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
PRESTIGE
motoring
The chassis is now significantly more sophisticated than that of any of its predecessors. Especially efficient is the new integral-link fully-independent rear suspension. The new Mustang is a better driving machine, but still a hands-on driver’s car, retaining its American character and heritage. There are different driving modes to choose from, enabled with attractive retro toggle switches in the dash, inspired by those of old aeroplane cockpits. ‘Mode’ controls throttle, steering and stability control. ‘Sport’ is fun but ‘Race Track’ gives you even more tail happiness with the traction control off. And the brilliant Brembo brakes instil all the confidence you need. The perfect set-up for the Chapman’s Peak sprint. And while other manufacturers are adding all kinds of driver assist programs to their cars, Ford decided to assist their customers in burning some rubber. Two apps will help you with this visually spectacular feat. Internally dubbed hooligan buttons, there is the ‘line lock function’ to
warm up your rear tyres for the quarter mile run. Dragsters feature similar devices. By pushing the buttons, the front brakes lock, resulting in 15 seconds of free wheel-spinning in the rear. This controlled burn-out leaves curious onlookers in fat white clouds of vaporised rubber. Then there is launch control. Choose the rpm for the start, between 3000 and 4500. 3500 rpm feels just right. Enough eye watering action, but still
some swift forward movement at the same time. And while the V8 is definitely the powerplant of choice in any Mustang, Ford is offering something else as well - something purists will initially frown upon. They implanted their twin-turbo 2.3l, 4cyl. EcoBoost engine into the new Mustang. EcoBoost and Mustang that sounds like pork-free bacon. The smaller engine works surprisingly well and it doesn’t sound too bad either.
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
And what about the price? The initial calculations were based on an exchange rate of R8.70 to the dollar. When the new Mustang was launched it was at R14.50. Starting at R699 900, Ford managed to keep the price surprisingly low. The Mustang looks so much more expensive than it is. Competitive V8 performance cars in South Africa are hundreds of thousands of Rand more expensive. The Mustang is the most American car you can own in South Africa right now, if you are fortunate enough. The waiting list is long. At the beginning of 2016 there was a draw, where 15 lucky potential South African buyers won the chance to move up the long waiting list. The icon is sold out until 2018. This is Ford South Africa’s most important car. By being present here, it is lifting the whole brand. May the Ford be with you.
Ford Mustang
From the outside the entry-level version of the pony car looks at first glance exactly like the proper 5.0l V8 GT. If you want to save a bit of travel money for your road trip and still desire to show off an icon, the 2.3l is actually a good choice.
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
The new Mustang is a better driving machine, but still a handson driver’s car, retaining its American character and heritage.
• Engine 2.3-l. twin turbo 4cyl./5.0-l. V8 paired with 6-speed manual of auto • Power 233kW/306kW and 430Nm/530Nm • 0-100km/h 5.8/4.8 seconds • Top speed 239/263km/h • Price 2.3 Eco Boost Fastback manual R699 900, auto R719 900, convertible auto R779 900; 5.0 GT Fastback manual R819 900, auto R839 900, convertible auto R899 900. • metallic paint R750 (only item in option list) ford.co.za
111
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
PRESTIGE
last word
Finding a
Silver lining Vivien Natasen looks for positives in these times.
112
w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a
O
ur editor, during our last operations meeting, mentioned to me that I have been quite critical in recent publications about the state of the economy, in fact, almost negative about the state of affairs globally and on the home front. That turned out to be true, we have had little to be positive about. So with that in mind, I resolved to find something positive to write about in this piece. Most true entrepreneurs emerge in such times as it forces innovation. The Great Depression and the notorious Wall Street crash proved that in tough economic times, people are compelled to find ingenious ways of making ends meet. Retrenchments and job losses then provide a catalyst for small businesses who are more agile and responsive to market conditions, to innovate and fill gaps that formal businesses may not see. I have repeatedly stated that entrepreneurship requires an all-in scenario. Very few have been able to make it by not devoting all their time and effort to the cause and those who have, would mostly attribute their success to luck. In the last few months, I have been approached by several people looking for guidance on new business ventures. For me, the biggest litmus test is – “Is this person all-in on their idea?” Granted, certain risk mitigation must be in place, it would be reckless to resign from a good career and focus on a cause that has no traction yet and there are many who make that mistake. We all dream of having the flexibility of being our own bosses and not having to account to anyone. That is the Holy Grail I’m afraid. Even as business owners,
we are always accountable to staff, clients and stakeholders. It is a fallacy to presume otherwise. Yes, there is a degree of flexibility but one has to always watch cash flows and ensure that there is the highest quality of product and service. In this world of rapid globalisation, it is easy to become obsolete if you take your eye off the ball. A useful strategy that I use to stay ahead of the pack is to be on the forefront of technology innovation in our core service areas. A considerable amount of my time is spent researching on the internet, coming up with leaner, more innovative ways of doing things. Thankfully, my business has a degree of skilled resources, that allows me to bring whatever we postulate into a working system and that innovation is homegrown. We are generally resistant to merely importing products and solutions without bringing any enhancement to such as we believe that no value is added that way. So, through innovation, and possessing the skills in-house we are able to develop credibility with our clients without fear of being upstaged by anyone else. Our own strategy is to try and stay two years ahead of any possible competition, which at the rate of change in the technology space is a tough ask. Thankfully, our team is up to the challenge. My advice to budding entrepreneurs out there is to seek out those gaps where market demands are not being serviced and to position yourselves for them. With the pervasive nature of technology, this may be easier than you think! To the Prestige team, who got out the gates this year champing at the bit already with great progress over last year, we are in for a successful 2016 with all the new ideas that are being implemented this year! Vivien Natasen
PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury
Earrings by Dominic Jones
Mila Kunis wears Zambian emeralds from Gemfields, the world’s leading producer of ethically-sourced coloured gemstones. Beauty, set in stone. www.gemfields.co.uk +27 (0)21 794 2488