Wanted December 2022 | The Gifting Issue

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EDITOR Siphiwe Mpye (mpyes@arena.africa)

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Anna Lineveldt (lineveldta@arena.africa)

MANAGING EDITOR Suzy Josephson 072 598 9282 (josephsons@arena.africa)

JUNIOR DESIGNERS Carike de Jager and Manelisi Dabata

DESIGN INTERN Simphiwe Mbana SUBEDITOR Iolandi Pool

FASHION DIRECTOR Sharon Armstrong (armstrongs@arena.africa)

FASHION EDITOR Sahil Harilal

BEAUTY EDITOR Nokubonga Thusi (thusin@arena.africa)

DÉCOR DIRECTOR Leana Schoeman (leanas@sundaytimes.co.za)

GROUP MOTORING EDITOR Denis Droppa (droppad@arena.africa)

FINAL EYE Elizabeth Sleith

DIGITAL EDITOR Yamkela Mdaka (mdakay@arena.africa)

BUSINESS DAY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexander Parker

HEAD: ADVERTISING SALES Eben Gewers GROUP CEO Mzi Malunga

MANAGER: LUXURY BRAND PARTNERSHIPS Celeste Khumalo (khumaloc@arena.africa)

ACCOUNT MANAGER Western Cape Samantha Pienaar 082 889 0366 (pienaars@arena.africa)

ACCOUNT MANAGER Joburg & Durban Gina van de Wall 083 500 5325 (vdewallg@arena.africa)

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What dreams are made of

It may be a close call — and I think here of perhaps the various fashion issues and the Art issue in particular — but we have the most fun when preparing this issue. We allow ourselves an unrestrained collective fantasy — doing the hard work of window shopping and curation, so all you have to do is click “add to cart” — at a time of the year when gifts mean so much more than the sum of their function.

The thoughts of what will go into the Gifting issue start early and, for me, that means cryptic DMs from our Fashion Editor Sahil Harilal from September. The result of these and various WhatsApp exchanges with references (and perhaps too many emojis) is a restrained, moody, and gorgeous collection of

objets, from a special bottle of single malt to a dazzling bracelet with a blinding price tag (p. 16-21).

In the rest of the book, we haven’t forgotten about tech fiends (p. 38) and — in her much-anticipated annual roundup of the season’s best reads — Michele Magwood has laid out a list of juicy page turners from home and afar (p. 36).

We have again tapped the entire team for their coveted stocking fillers and, because the design geek that is Creative Director Anna Lineveldt takes personal charge of this page, there is always bound to be a chair (or 10) on the list (p. 26).

As one with a much-improved relationship with gift giving and receiving, I also have a few delights I have my eye on, if only to trick the universe into manifesting the impossible. Wishing you boundless dreaming and an overflowing stocking this festive season.

01.

1. Leica Q2 Camera:

For the price tag of over a hundred grand, one could certainly acquire a more powerful professional instrument with accessories fit for a Wanted fashion shoot or a National Geographic photo essay, but for the sake of beautiful design, efficiency, heritage, and plaudits from the tribe previously known as hipsters, this amateur lensman could do no better

2. A farm:

I have been commuting between Joburg and the Eastern Cape for close to two years now and much as I love our current home (see cheeky ocean-view shot in last month’s issue), I really want a farm. You know, land, connection, off-the-grid, growing your own, that sort of thing? There is one for sale a few minutes from us: 80ha of lushness; domestic and wild animals; multiple established income streams; and (cough) R16 million all in. It’s all absurd, really, but the category for this assignment is DREAM, and so it shall be.

3. Triumph Bonneville Black T120:

Bar a few perilous twirls around a farm on a scrambler in high school and a breakfast run on a Vespa that nearly ended my life over a decade ago, I have not been on a motorcycle. That doesn’t mean I haven’t been bike curious. Recently, our contributing writer Kojo Baffoe took me on a tour of the Triumph motorcycle flagship showroom and I fell deeper in love with the brand, vowing to be a bona fide rider before the end of 2023. Now I just need to find that elusive slot to do my licence.

04. 02. 03.

4. Barbados:

My first and last trip to the Caribbean confined me to the otherwise fun French/Dutch Island of Sint Maarten, while my passport really lusted after stamps from Jamaica and Barbados. With the latter, there is, of course, the beach and the beautiful people, but in recent times, a politician, of all things, has been the biggest attraction. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley — the first woman in that seat — has done a fair bit since assuming office, but formally divorcing the Queen some months before her passing and promptly appointing a pre-“Johnny DeppGate” Rihanna as the nation’s “Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary” stand out.

Cotterell is Wanted’s Watch Editor

QUALITY TIME.

Targeted gifting

Panerai

The Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali Experience Edition (PAM01238) is the gift for someone to whom the idea of lazing in the sun and summoning piña coladas is complete anathema. As if leopard-crawling through the past decade hasn’t been enough, each of the 50 limited deals comes with a muscular 47mm Submersible in army-green DLC-coated titanium with matching ceramic bezel — and

a rendezvous with the Italian Special Forces. These robust survival tools with built-in shock resistance and waterproofness to 300m already meet the demands of the elite military units, but being ordered about on a boot camp by these troops is guaranteed to test the mettle of every new owner. This edition is powered by the in-house automatic calibre P.9100/R with a three-day power reserve and features a chronograph with flyback function that also incorporates

a “Time to Target” function for split-second accuracy. But in this season of sharing and caring, let’s not forget that while living your selfindulgent best life comes at a substantial cost to pocket, it also has a detrimental cost to the planet.

In a more conscious approach to consumption and proof that playtime can be a win-win for all, Panerai continues its commitment to sustainable luxury and a circular economy with the 40mm Luminor Quaranta Razer Special Edition (PAM01353). This Quaranta novelty is part of the new downsized — quaranta means 40 in Italian — Luminor Marina collection launched last year. The familiar cushion-shaped case and crown guard of this Luminor are made of eSteel coated with matte-black DLC and was conceived in partnership with Razer, a well-known lifestyle brand in the esports and global gaming arena. Developed through the Panerai Ecologico Programme, eSteel is a recycled-steel alloy that has the same chemical behaviour, physical structure, and resistance to corrosion as a non-recycled alloy. Watch straps feature a quick-release system and are woven from recycled PET with stitching

in Razer electric green, to match the colour of the small-seconds hand. Packaging is made from 72% recycled material, which is also half the weight of previous versions. Through this collaboration, both parties highlight their focus on mitigating environmental damage and supporting crucial ocean-preservation programmes led by Conservation International. This is part of the “Panerai Ocean Conservation Initiative” in alliance with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of Unesco and has links to a global education drive through 100 universities.

While referencing its military heritage, the design of the modern Luminor dates to 1993, when Panerai launched its first watches for the general public. Usually available in case sizes upwards of 44mm, the Quaranta responds to the growing trend for more “wearable” sizes and features a slimmer case profile while retaining Luminor characteristics and a sandwich dial, presented here in black with grey Super-LumiNova on the hour markers and hands.

Quality, reliability, and rugged performance have not been compromised in the downsizing. The automatic P.900 calibre features Panerai’s Incabloc anti-shock device and has a power reserve of three days. With waterproofness to 100m, there’ll also be no compromise to your holiday playtime. All POA, panerai.com or RLG Africa 011 317 2600

01CHIME KEEPER

While Omega’s Speedmaster Moonwatch receives most of the attention, these Olympic 1932 Chrono Chime editions remind us of the manufacture’s impressive history. The numbered edition references the world’s first minute repeater wristwatch by Omega from 1892 and its pocket chronographs used at the Los Angeles 1932 Olympic Games. The minute repeater of this extraordinary new Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 1932 chronograph chimes the elapsed time on golden gongs, which can also be heard in the 45mm 18kt Sedna Gold Speedmaster Chrono Chime edition, for “everyday wear”. POA, omegawatches.com

TO THE EXTREME

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge is inspired by the experimental 2012 watch that was attached to the manipulator arm of James Cameron’s submersible during his descent into the Mariana Trench. Crafted from RLX titanium and featuring a helium escape valve and Ringlock system, this commercial release can withstand dives to skullcrushing depths of 11 000m. This may seem extreme, given that the deepest scuba dive has been recorded at 332.35m. However, it is this sort of R&D that filters through to make recreational divers’ models even more dependable. POA, rolex.com Rolex Watch Co SA 011 784 9230

CHAIN OF CUSTODY

The Breitling Super Chronomat Automatic 38 Origins is a statement in style and sustainability: it’s the first “traceable watch” that is fully transparent about the source of its precious materials. The supply chain of materials, including the 18kt red gold from Swiss Better Gold Association-accredited artisanal mines and the 32 labgrown diamonds, is detailed on the blockchain-backed NFTs of each watch. Inside beats the COSC-certified Breitling Calibre 17 with 38hour power reserve. Presented on a natural-rubber rouleaux bracelet and water resistant to 100m. R370 000, breitling.com Breitling Boutique 011 883 2286

Gary

is unfazed by boot camps and the demands of going green

Panerai Luminor Quaranta Razer Special Edition

Panerai Submersible Forze Speciali Experience Edition

IWC TOP GUN.

Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition“Lake Tahoe”. Ref. 3891: Lake Tahoe is a training area used by pilots at the TOP GUN aviation school. The stunning natural beauty of the landscape, with its snow-capped mountain peaks and scarped rock faces,

inspired the high-contrast, purist design of this TOP GUN Chronograph in white ceramic. A stylish timepiece fitted with the IWC-manufactured 69380 calibre, it makes an equally striking impression both inside and outside the cockpit.

IWC. ENGINEERING DREAMS. SINCE 1868.

IWC Schaffhausen, Switzerland · www.iwc.com

DOWNLOAD THE NEW IWC APP FOR VIRTUAL TRY-ON

IWC-manufactured 69380 calibre · 46-hour power reserve · Day & Date display · Stopwatch function with hours, minutes and seconds · Water-resistant 6 bar · Diameter 44.5 mm

The Nudo pendant 000) is based on Pomellato’s simple yet chic ring design. Available in a rainbow of coloured-stone options — white topaz, rose quartz, vermarine, amethyst, and blue topaz — with the addition of diamonds and 18kt rose gold. London blue topaz, pictured here, is the birthstone of those

PRECIOUS GIFTS

This is something I’d

delighted to discover

of Bulgari’s “I Believe in Wonder” Holiday collection, the Serpenti Viper bracelet (POA) is made up of two 18kt rosegold coils set with pavé diamonds and is beyond exquisite. Available to Bulgari Boutique

text Suzy Josephson

Many women would agree that a piece of jewellery is the ultimate present. Here are a few guaranteed to get the right reaction

text Nokubonga Thusi & Debbie Hathway

A tale of two cities

Travel to Buenos Aires and Las Vegas through the eyes of acclaimed fashion photographers Sofia Sanchez, Mauro Mongiello, and Jeff Burton, as two new editions join the Louis Vuitton Fashion Eyes collection of photography books. In keeping with Louis Vuitton’s celebration of the art of travel, these city guides take an unfiltered look at various cities and regions to showcase their nuances, nostalgic references, contradictions, and each photographer’s personal perspectives. Each book explores city trends and makes must-see recommendations. Book your next bucket-list trip and savour these visual feasts. louisvuitton.com

02.

THEBE MAGUGU X DIOR

We love fashion that gives back, especially if it gives in the form of a ground-breaking collaboration between local LVMH Prizewinning designer Thebe Magugu and French maison Dior. In support of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, which supports the health, education, and safety of Southern African youth, Dior and its creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, not only made a generous donation to the initiative but also joined forces with Magugu to create a collection that merges a reinterpretation of Dior’s New Look with Magugu’s contemporary feminist design aesthetic.

Santa,Bulgari please

I n a nod to the brand’s high-jewellery heritage, the Bulgari Allegra fragrance collection takes inspiration from the coloured gemstones used for the glass bottles’ vibrant sculptural designs. The collection encapsulates Italian life in five opulent eau de parfum scents — Riva Solare, Fiori D’Amore, Dolce Estasi, Rock’n’Rome, and Fantasia Veneta. Make them truly your own with magnifying essences that can be layered over each scent. Bulgari Allegra Collection 100ml, R4 320 each; Bulgari Allegra Magnifying Collection 40ml, R3 240 each

The six-piece capsule collection features a cotton T-shirt, entirely produced in South Africa, and iconic Dior designs such as the Diorcamp boot and Dior Book tote fashioned in Dior Oblique fabric paired with Magugu’s signature sisterhood logo and bright-yellow accents. dior.com

04.

A legend reinvented

After a two-year renovation, Cartier’s flagship store in Paris, 13 Paix, has reopened with a subtly enhanced façade and beautifully transformed interior. It is remarkable for its black-marble exterior with gold detail, a ground-breaking treatment when the boutique opened in 1899. This is where the Cartier style was born. Inside, each floor is a theatrical encounter achieved through exceptional décor and objets reminiscent of Cartier’s Garland style and Tutti Frutti design, as well as the symbolism of the Trinity collection and the emblematic Panthère. “We wanted a visit to these spaces to be an enticement to come back, each time savouring new delights,” said interior designer Bruno Moinard of architecture firm Moinard Bétaille.

AARON RODGERS

Khumalo is Wanted’s Luxury Brand Partnerships Manager

The gift of dreams coming true

text Celeste Khumalo

In the year of my Jupiter return, I turned 30. If you know a bit about astrology, you’ll recognise it as a most challenging cycle, intended to produce growth, apparently. But not to worry, this isn’t about star signs. It is about how my stars aligned and how the gift of dreams coming true is one that should always be celebrated.

I grew up goal-orientated, but, my daydreaming teenage self had only planned to the age of 25. And while by then I had achieved a few things, I fell way short

of being a self-made millionaire, driving an Aston Martin, taking private jets, and living in LA. Reaching all of that by the age of 25 had not been written in the stars for me.

Thirty, to me, was an age that lent itself to arbitrary contemplation over the years, and then it happened, last month. A supermoon in Scorpio (stay with me, this is still not about star signs) portends a potent time for change and immense psychological breakthroughs, and there have been six such major, lifealtering moments in the past year. The prepared-for near-loss of a loved one and the blindsided loss of another, living in Paris and Florence, graduating with another MBA, getting my dream job, and turning 30. Some say life gets more colourful and clearer, others say their body clocks start ticking — for all genders, by the way — and some become sure about their commitments, but the rest of us take it a day at a time.

I waited until the last week of my twenties to decide on having a celebration. Looking back on the decade and even this year, I had experienced so many “arrival fallacies” that I just wasn’t prepared to celebrate another one. It was only after a lot of encouragement — and the promise of a Cartier watch from a kind someone, but only if I had a small party — that I agreed. A selection of friends that had made the odyssey of my twenties worth the journey, my family, and a couple of

shots later, it became evident that the biggest gifts of the night were the people who came to celebrate with me. Against my explicit wishes, one friend, who has been the most constant in a world where friends drift apart and find each other again, made a speech.

I’d never heard about my life from anyone else the way he spoke about me. He touched on moments that were big, small, and somewhere in-between. He mentioned the bond I have with my mother and sister — we are truly like three sisters — and listed my accomplishments as though they were some of the greatest ever. I felt infinite.

Each of the friends I’ve had over the years, 12 true ones to be exact, hold their own space in my life, and each get a different aspect of me. No one at the table was friends with more than two others and had only heard of the rest. Even my astrologer had pointed this out in my chart. Yet each one had played a significant role in my life, orbiting near or far at different times and speeds. What gifts they’ve been to me.

I am a self-proclaimed material girl in a material world, but that depends on the matter of the material. People matter to me; how they show up in my life and how I show up in theirs matter to me. I always dreamed of having a life in which I felt supported and seen, and that I would in turn do that for those around me. On my 30th birthday, at the hour I’d been born, I felt that dream come true.

DOWN TO BUSINESS.

Celeste

A selfproclaimed “material girl” finds unexpected, priceless joy

“Some say life gets more colourful and clearer, others say their body clocks start ticking… some become sure of their commitments, but the rest of us take it a day at a time”

MASTERPIECES

COLLECTION

Hand-set, unique and expertly crafted to perfection. A work of art.

OF CONFEDERATE FLAGS AND VEGAN SOUL FOOD

We hadn’t planned on being around for the long holiday season in the US, but when I was invited to spend four months writing in a beautiful building in North Carolina, I allowed myself to believe that the “North” in the name meant it wouldn’t be Strange Fruit territory. We renounced loadshedding and the blustery Cape winter and alighted from our plane a day later to find ourselves inside a Southern tumble-dryer. The heat made everyone party to some common joke, with the locals only mildly inconvenienced by living in a furnace. Even though autumn was promised and spoken of with great fondness, there seemed little sign of it, initially. The trees were steadfastly green, and the sun shone obstinately until someone turned it off at 9pm.

There is something profoundly escapist about being on the other side of the world. Everyone you know is asleep while you’re awake, and awake while you’re asleep, so your phone rarely rings. You know you’re leaving at some point, so you’re free to gawk at the oversized bakkies, free to wonder what grits are and whether barbecue is an object, a place or a concept (all three, often at once, as it turns out). You have to be from elsewhere to properly grasp the outsized scale of everything in the US, particularly in the South. It rewards all the banal inconvenience of long-haul travel by being so profoundly different from what we know. And yet, while it is different, it is easy to slip into. The US is a land whose conventions take up real estate in every other culture, so you recognise

When scratchyou the surface of the seemingly familiar, be prepared to face the profoundly strange

everything without ever having seen it before. That’s a Five Guys. That’s an Escalade. That man is holding an assault rifle as he orders his venti caffé latte (with almond milk) in Starbucks.

The latter half of the year is a time of overlapping celebrations, and so it quickly begins to feel as though we’re drifting from one party to another. Homecoming, with its swing bands on green lawns and its endless festivities, segues into collegefootball season, which is celebrated with unusual fervour by people of all ages. There is also softball, a game that nobody seems able to explain satisfactorily, and college basketball, whose participants are all unfathomably tall. There is Halloween, where we quickly learn that if you walk around on “trick-or-treat” night without a child by your side, you look like a wouldbe kidnapper.

The seasons change like the reels of those old View Master toys. One day it is interminably humid, and the next, the leaves are golden and everyone is breaking out the pumpkin-spiced everything. We’re in a campus neighbourhood where people live in large timber-frame houses that look as historically significant as they are, with rainbow flags and pro-Ukraine posters and “Thank You, Dr Fauci” signs on their lawns. Voices on the radio (the radio stations sound, uncannily, exactly like they always do in the movies) tell us that we’re in the fastest-growing county for young, upwardly mobile types. Big Tech is moving in. There is much talk of it being the Southern Silicon Valley. Teslas are everywhere. “This is a great place to live,” we’re told time and again. “Everything is happening here.”

apparition stands preparing to cross the street in a robe straight out of The Seventh Seal. As I watch, he strides across the road and disappears from view. Nobody pays him much attention.

Phones occasionally screech a heartfailure-inducing warning of bad weather or stolen children, both invariably false alarms. One day, the phone doesn’t screech, and we get caught in a diluvial downpour that feels like the end of the world. In the grocery stores, the Halloween-themed treats vanish and their place is taken by turkeys and tofurkeys (yes), which in turn are just as mysteriously replaced by Christmas trees and Bing Crosby music, as though some secret sign has been given.

It certainly is. Hurricane Ian wanders in from the coast and we are faced with having to stock up on “emergency provisions”, a vague category which, to judge from the empty shelves, means large bags of crisps and bulk bottles of Coca-Cola. Everyone we know seems inclined to treat the matter very calmy, so we follow their lead and go to dinner and watch massive branches plunge from the sky. It all seems distinctly uncanny, evoking a sense of the disorder running just beneath the calm surface. All the great old oaks and elms and firs are in their terminal stages, and the damp, yellowing leaves form piles that harbour upsettingly unpredictable spiders. In traffic one afternoon, an impressive

We drive down to see a plant where they assemble BMW SUVs. The plant is modern and newly built, and it could be anywhere in the world. And yet the thing that stays with us is how often the workers seem to be adjusting or fitting or checking things with rubber mallets. It seems like a metaphor. We wander past houses where Confederate flags swing limply in the breeze, and we find a Black-owned food truck selling vegan soul food, and the close contrast of these things doesn’t seem at all strange. On the way back, we’re speculating on whether we would want to drive across this great land, like everyone thinks they do, when we spot a blue-and-yellow flash in the trees. Without thinking twice, we dive down the offramp and a few short minutes later we are standing before a majestic quasi-Swedish warehouse that sells flatpack living. We wander around for two hours, speculating on whether a chair too closely resembles the Arne Jacobsen it’s clearly parroting. Getting lost in an Ikea is probably the most satisfying tourist activity of the whole trip. It’s tourism in a nutshell, complete with strange names, fake snow, intriguing food and drink (the vegan meatballs are better than the er, meat meatballs), and the feeling that you are somewhere utterly strange and utterly serene. It seems to sum up the otherworldly nature of a place that draws the rest of the world into its powerful orbit.

The culture of digital knowledge fostered by social media and the internet at large has created the illusion that all places are digestibly easy to understand. The US is hardly the land of the strange, but even it retains a power to surprise and confound that is oddly compelling. The lesson of our plotless holiday is that defamiliarisation is the best thing that can happen to you. You don’t need to go as far as we did. Pick somewhere you’ve tended to dismiss and go there with different eyes. You may surprise yourself.

illustration Carike de Jager text Dr Wamuwi Mbao

Just surrender to temptation

photography Judd van Rensburg

production Sahil Harilal

bad habits

Alma BB Bubblegram bag, R49 5OO, Louis Vuitton

Opposite page Comme des Garçons Floriental eau de parfum, from R1 8OO, Skins Cosmetics

Glenmorangie Signet whisky, R2 999, Norman Goodfellows

Opposite page Fendi sunglasses, POR, Picot & Moss Eyewear

Supercar sales have soared worldwide, with the wealthy splashing out on exotic rides more than ever. Despite the challenges posed by a semi-conductor shortage and the Covid-19 pandemic, high-end brands such as Ferrari and Lamborghini are posting record sales. With well-heeled car enthusiasts spoilt for choice, here is a rundown of some of the most eagerly anticipated sports machines to hit the roads in 2022.

WHY, HELLO THERE…

text Denis Droppa

The most seductive supercars launched in 2022

FERRARI 296

A V6 Ferrari? And a hybrid one, nogal? Yes, but if you think a Ferrari can’t be a real prancing horse without eight or 12 cylinders, it’s time to park your prejudice.

The 296 isn’t just fast — and we mean really fast, with a 330km/h top speed — it’s also one of the most agile and driver-pleasing Ferraris yet to emerge from Maranello. The lightweight, mid-engined coupé flicks through turns like a thoroughbred racer, and its lap time around the company’s Fiorano test track is just two seconds slower than that of the Ferrari flagship, the much more powerful 736kW SF90 Stradale.

As thrilling as it is, in both GTB coupé and open-top GTS Spider configurations, the 296 is also remarkably civilised and easy to drive, with a ride quality that doesn’t leave you punch drunk. And it can drive up to 25km on purely electric power.

MASERATI MC20 CIELO

Another Italian muscle car launched this year is the Cielo, the eagerly awaited drop-top version of the MC20 coupé that landed in 2021.

The Cielo (which means “sky” in Italian) features a retractable glass roof that can be stowed out of sight in just 12 seconds. The glass is electrochromic, so it can go from clear to opaque with the quick touch of a button. Butterfly doors provide easier access into the cabin and show off the carbon fibre cockpit. A mid-mounted 3.0l twin-turbocharged V6 sends 470kW to the rear wheels, allowing it to do the 0-100km/h dash in 3.0 seconds and hit a hair-ruffling 320km/h top speed.

Maserati hasn’t announced the Cielo’s local price, but you can bet on its retailing for more than the R6.7million coupé.

KOENIGSEGG JESKO ABSOLUT

“I feel the need, the need for speed.”

Named after company founder Christian von Koenigsegg’s father, Jesko, this Swedish road rocket is the fastest Koenigsegg yet made and the company says it will never try to make a faster road car.

How fast, you ask? Powered by a 1 193kW twin turbo 5.0 l  V8 engine, the two-seater should theoretically be capable of 530km/h.

With styling inspired by a fighter jet, this R50-million Scandinavian supercar will allow its 125 owners to indulge their wildest Top Gun fantasies.

RIMAC NEVERA

This Croatian cruise missile started rolling off the assembly line near Zagreb this year, with only 150 to be produced at about R36million apiece. The hand-built hypercar unofficially holds the title of world’s fastest-accelerating production car with its 8.6-second quarter-mile run.

With 1 427kW produced by four electric motors, the battery-powered twoseater accelerates from 0-96km/h in just 1.85 seconds and to 160km/h in 4.3 seconds, and has a reported top speed of 412km/h.

MCLAREN SOLUS GT

Many cars make the journey from the physical to the gaming world, but it’s not often that it happens the other way around. McLaren has created a real-life version of the Solus GT, a futuristic concept car from the 2017 Gran Turismo Sport game.

Only 25 units of the single-seat, closedcockpit track car will be built at R52-million each.

The lightweight car has an incredible 1 200kg of downforce and McLaren says it delivers a Formula One-like driving experience. Power comes from a naturally aspirated 5.2l V10 that revs to more than 10 000rpm and produces outputs “in excess” of 618kW. This gives it the ability to scorch the 0-100km/h sprint in about 2.5 seconds and top out at 320km/h.

LOTUS EVIJA

Lotus has unveiled its Evija electric supercar in final production form with 1 500kW, making it the world’s most powerful production car.

It gives the Evija (pronounced “ee-vaya”) the ability to scorch the 0-200km/h sprint in under 9 seconds, while top speed is electronically restricted to 350km/h.

The Evija isn’t just about mind-boggling numbers, and the factory says it should handle like a proper Lotus thanks to its race-inspired suspension, weight-saving magnesium wheels, and carbon-fibre body.

Only 130 units will be built at R50-million each.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Pearly Body Gel 250ml, chanel.com

Louis Vuitton long-sleeved graphic shirt, eu.louisvuitton.com

NAVIGATOR

travel culture books column

A carnival in the Jozi jungle, the new eatery by the team behind Proud Mary is set to bring plenty of flavour when it opens this month. Mamasamba draws inspiration from Latin America, delivering a visual and sensorial delight from the moment you walk in the doors. Spanning two levels, the space has been designed by interior architect du jour Tristan du Plessis and Studio A.

There’s something to be seen around every corner — the fires of the robata grills in the open kitchen, the graffiti by artist David Brits, the spirals that snake through the space. The restaurant cheekily leans into the idea of Jozi’s urban jungle, with magnificent results.

Downstairs is the more casual space and where the main restaurant and most of the seating can be found. An all-day eatery, it offers both a brunch and a lunch & dinner menu with touches of Mexican, Peruvian, Chilean, and Brazilian influences weaving their way throughout. Think piña-colada breakfast bowls, filled quesadillas, Peruvian-meets-Japanese takes on sushi, and flame-cooked dishes from the parrilla grill and Josper.

A spiral staircase winds its way up to bar area that ushers in a transition from “carnival in the jungle” to “trouble in paradise” with a somewhat sexier and moodier aesthetic, but still with plenty of fun — the centrepiece here is a massive gorilla sculpture. Upstairs is tailored to a more cocktail-centric experience, with libations created by expert mixologist George Hunter of Copper Monkey.

With its bold flavours and the rhythm of samba culture, it is sure to be the place to be this summer.

Opening early December. The Zone @ Rosebank, mamasamba.co.za

Sarah Buitendach on gifting pitfalls

faux

text Steve Steinfeld

UPPER UNION: CAPE TOWN

For the creative and curious, this exciting new project by the More Family Collection, a renowned hospitality group, will open its doors in the bustling Kloof Street neighbourhood this month.

An eclectic and eccentric space, the heritage building has been magnificently reimagined, with the design playfully merging Victorian design with a contemporary twist. Shades of black, white, and emerald green along with textures of oak, marble, slate, and brass come together with dramatic effect. There’s even a cabinet of curiosities — a curated art installation filled with a menagerie of interesting and unusual objects. But on to the food.

The kitchen is in the expert hands of chef Amori Burger, who previously oversaw culinary offerings at the group’s luxury Lion Sands properties. Here she brings an elevated take on a shared dining experience to life, drawing inspiration from cuisines the world over. Look forward to a selection of big and small plates meant to be mixed, matched, paired, and shared.

These include the likes of fynbos-honey and rose-harissa fired lamb rump; figand-onion bhajis, and candied summer squash with a chermoula and chardonnay vinaigrette, among much more. The menu,

while concise, is well considered and the option to pair a selection of small plates with big plates means every experience can be tailored. Complementing the food offering is an incredibly well-curated wine list and a host of cocktails specially conceptualised for the restaurant by the award-winning mixologists at Just Short cocktails.

Upper Union is all about encouraging connection and sparking curiosity. It’s set to become a space to meet, a space to explore, and, most importantly, a space at which to spend just a bit more time — talking, laughing, eating, and drinking together. Opening mid-December. 3 Upper Union Street, Cape Town, upperunion.co.za

TANG WATERFRONT: CAPE TOWN

High energy, Asian-inspired dining comes to Cape Town straight from one of Joburg’s hottest eateries. Restaurateur Nicky van der Walt’s second dining destination by this name, Tang, has found a home at the iconic V&A Waterfront, with breathtaking views of both the functioning harbour and Table Mountain.

The establishment, like its Jozi counterpart, has been brought to life by Tristan du Plessis of Studio A. The design principles that guided the inception of the original space have been retained, but the minimalist-meets-modern-tropical feel is given a lighter, brighter, and airier ambience better suited to its ocean-side locale. That’s not to imply it’s short on glamour, though, with oak and black-veined white marble used to spectacular effect.

“The two Tangs are very much yin and yang. We’ve almost inverted the colour scheme, while still sticking to a predominantly black-and-white colour palette,” says Van der Walt. Running along one side of the new eatery is a cocktail and sushi bar — a culinary theatre of sorts where guests can pull up a seat and watch their cocktails being shaken, stirred, and poured while their sushi is expertly crafted.

When it comes to the menu, expect the same dining experience as in Joburg.

Chef Vixa Kalenga, now promoted to group executive chef, will oversee both cities’ culinary offerings, while chef Moses Gumede will helm the Cape Town kitchen on a day-to-day basis. You’ll find all the big, bold, and exciting flavours so typical of Tang. Highlights include Japanese izakaya favourites such as miso black cod and flamecooked wagyu, as well as classic Cantonese dishes. The wine list will also be kept the same, offering up a selection of top South African wines (with a few international gems too).

Tang Waterfront is set to merge the energy of Joburg with the beauty of Cape Town in a space that is simply sensational.

Opening the second week of December. 19 Dock Rd, Cape Town, tanghospitality.com

Wanted gets an exclusive first look at three of the most exciting eateries opening soon

Thanks to Pendry West Hollywood’s iconic location on the Sunset Strip, coupled with the eye-catching design of Swedish architect Martin Brudnizki, you’d be hard-pressed to find more stylish digs in Los Angeles right now.

The immersion into the glamour of Hollywood begins in the lobby — pause a moment to admire 70’ Icosahedron, a striking light-bending artwork by Anthony James. Upstairs the hotel boasts 149 luxury rooms, all of them gorgeous, but honestly, you’ll want to spend more time out in the hotel, seeing and being seen.

Start at signature restaurant Merois, which marks the return of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck to West Hollywood, and a menu that combines elements of Japanese, French, and modern Californian cuisine. And the views? They’re not too bad from up on the rooftop.

The same goes for the pool deck, where pastel shades bring a strong Slim Aarons aesthetic. If you’re planning to make Pendry West Hollywood your regular “Out West”, ask the concierge about the hotel’s private club, The Britely. pendry.com

Safari lodges — a little like the landscapes that surround them — move in cycles. They are built, refurbished, age under the African sun, and are refreshed again. But every now and again, a lodge takes the opportunity to reinvent itself.

That’s precisely what acclaimed design agency Fox Browne Creative did in revitalising &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge, trading in the somewhattired trope of under-canvas suites for a bold new look and feel that sets the lodge apart in this game-rich corner of Tanzania’s Serengeti. Expanded suites are awash in natural light to offer a more immersive experience, while the addition of private plunge pools offers a welcome respite after a day of game drives. Look, too, to the use of local kitenge fabrics, banana-fibre ceilings, and slatted mukwa in a nod to the local vernacular. andbeyond.com

Planning a trip to India? You may want to make Rajasthan, the land of royalty, painted palaces, and tiger reserves, your first stop. But you’re worried about the heat, the crowds, and the food? Then make Six Senses Fort Barwara your bolthole.

Six Senses Fort Barwara is the luxury brand’s first opening in India, set in a 14th-century royal fort and channelling the architectural heritage of India’s “Golden Triangle” into a thoroughly contemporary destination hotel.

Here you’ll find 44 expansive suites, each decorated in a modern Rajasthani aesthetic. As you’d expect from Six Senses, the spa experience is outstanding, while the flagship restaurant, Roohani, takes its cue from the resort’s organic gardens, along with regional cuisine. It’s a three-hour drive from Jaipur, so best for an extended bout of downtime during your Golden Triangle adventure. sixsenses.com

THE MOST WANTED STAYS

Gleneagles has long been synonymous with both worldclass golf and civilised country living, and with the opening of its first urban address it brings that same sense of urbane style to St Andrew Square in Edinburgh.

Across the hotel’s 33 suites and public spaces the décor is not as dour as you might expect: less dusty country squire and more dashing Scottish gentleman. To dine, The Spence offers a modern take on classic plates — with no shortage of Scottish produce — but the real gem is the rooftop bar, Lamplighters. Open exclusively to hotel guests and members, the bar offers a seasonal cocktail menu alongside an impressive selection of malt whiskies. It’s worth booking a room just to bag a seat there. gleneagles.com/townhouse

TRAVEL / text Richard Holmes

Need a break and don’t mind splurging? These new destination hotels around the world offer an intoxicating blend of style, luxury, and a sense of place

&Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class. A way of life.

Never compromise on the life you want. The Mercedes-Benz V-Class gives you access to more of life’s finer moments. Its luxurious design and advanced driver-assistance features make the journey as pleasurable as the destination. The interior space sets a new bar for superior comfort, ensuring that friends and family will love every second of the journey.

For more information search V-Class online.

Experience the luxury of a life well lived.

The City Centre at Steyn City is the ultimate comfort cocoon

SEAMLESS

LIVING, 24/7

There is nothing more luxurious than having the time to enjoy your space with complete peace of mind.

When you consider life, pure luxury is really about living life to the absolute full — and without any interruptions.

THIS IS PRECISELY WHAT THE CITY CENTRE AT STEYN CITY OFFERS:

It’s all about the best of urban living, offering convenience and comfort with an undeniable overlay of luxe.

That’s because the City Centre has made a concerted effort to give residents the best of everything, from unbreachable security (think triple-biometric access backed by a round-the-clock front desk, 24-hour foot patrols and a fully equipped nerve centre) to piped gas, a back-up generator, and reservoirs so that your day can continue as normal, even in the face of load shedding or water shedding.

THEN THERE’S THE FULL ARRAY OF FACILITIES THAT MAKE LIFE AT THE CITY CENTRE A BREEZE:

There is a Nicklaus-design championship golf course with clubhouse, an equestrian centre and indoor aquatic centre, a 50km floodlit promenade, a 45km mountainbike trail and floodlit tennis courts, a fully equipped gym, fishing dams, outdoor workout stations, and a choice of eateries. With these amenities right on site, it’s easy to plan your day, and the commute is kept to a minimum — especially since the City Centre also offers a forward-thinking campus in the form of Steyn City Schools and AAA-grade offices at Capital Park. Other outstanding features include the 300m lagoon — ideal for family time — children’s play nodes, and the Ultimate Helistop, helping you reach your destination in minutes.

THE DESIGN OF EACH LUXURY HOME AT THE CITY CENTRE IS EXQUISITE:

Integrated blu_line kitchens with Gaggenau appliances and Kohler sanitaryware throughout combine with double glazing, climate control, high ceilings, and wide passages to create a perfect cocoon.

These luxury residences are available for purchase, with a selection now available for rental. Apartments are priced from R2.6-million to R35-million and rentals are available from R15 000 per month.

www.celliniluggage.co.za

2.

ith its brave design and intense taste, Martell XO Cognac embodies the audacious spirit of the original Maison Martell. A bold black-pepper and coriander nose leads to a rounded and fruity fig flavour on the palate, followed by the characteristic strength and finesse of Grande Champagne. Ideal for special occasions, have it neat, on ice or with a dash of water. Retailing for R2 779 per 750ml bottle.

1. MARTELL XO COGNAC

CHEERS TO 2022!

Here’s a festive collection that will brighten up any drinks cabinet this season...

03. 02. 04.

KI NO BI KYOTO DRY GIN

A

4.

PRIVATE CUVÉE 2014

Retailing for R799.95 per 500ml bottle.

Rich in hue, approachable in taste, and memorable in character, The Sexton Single Malt is made from 100% Irish malted barley that’s been triple distilled in copper-pot stills. It is aged for four years in Oloroso-sherry butts, and notes of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and honeyed oak linger like smoke after a fire. As smooth as they come, this whiskey is best enjoyed on the rocks. R529 per 750ml bottle.

Expertly aged in the depths of Groot Constantia’s famed Vintage Vault, this red beauty celebrates the timeless consistency of the oldest wine-producing farm in South Africa. Merlot grapes matured for 13 months in a range of French-oak barrels have created a multi-layered delight for the senses. Berries and hints of spice lead to finely structured tannins and a festively lengthy finish. Pair with rare fillet or a slow-roasted leg of lamb. R500 per bottle. 05.

A LIVING LEGACY IN EVERY DROP

True luxury is immaterial, because true luxury is about spontaneity. It is all about our experiences and with whom we share them. And it is with this in mind that Louis XIII, the iconic cognac, introduces The Drop — a pristine blend of Louis XIII cognac in a breakthrough product built for nomadism and the new generation’s attitude to life.

The Drop is available by the unit or in an exclusive box of five bottles, each of which reflects a

spontaneous mood and mindset: loud, glow, bold, smooth, and bright. Pick and match a bottle with the mindset that best resonates with you, then live the experience together with your tribe.

FOR THE BEST OF FRIENDS

Klipdrift is an easydrinking, unpretentious brandy crafted for genuine moments with true friends. Deeper, more meaningful connections between consumers and their friends are at the core of this ethos, ensuring Klipdrift is there in the moments that matter. As one of South Africa’s iconic brands, it offers a range of products, such as Klipdrift Premium, Klipdrift Export, and the “ready-to-drink” range Klipdrift and Cola, plus a bonus new variant — Klipdrift and Cola Zero Sugar.

A BLACK-TIE EVENT SHARE THE GOODNESS

Make it count this festive season and spoil that special someone in your life with the one-of-a-kind Gentleman Jack Tuxedo Box. Double mellowed for exceptional smoothness, Gentleman Jack has a delicately balanced flavour profile of oak with notes of caramel and vanilla.

Perfect for raising a toast to life’s sweet surprises and extraordinary moments, the Gentleman Jack Tuxedo Box is the perfect gift that needs no wrapping.

Give your loved ones a gift to savour this festive season from Spier’s online shop. Choose from a range of delightfully indulgent gifts in a fuss-free shopping experience. Items are beautifully wrapped and can be delivered nationwide. Go to shop.spier.co.za

02. 03.

READ ALERT.

Joy to the world (and all the books for me)

text Michele Magwood

1. The Light We Carry

Michelle Obama

How we miss the grace and leadership of the Obamas. In this follow-up to her bestselling memoir Becoming, the former First Lady invites us to reflect on some important questions. How do we build strong communities, and how do we banish self-doubt, selfishness, and depression? When we light up for others, she believes, we can experience the richness of the world.

(Penguin Random House)

2. Climb Your Mountain Ranulph Fiennes

Keep going, whatever life throws at you. That’s the central message from “Ran”, one of the greatest explorers of all time. Looking back over his staggering achievements, he extracts some forthright lessons on mastering fear and developing iron self-discipline. (Quercus)

3. What Writers Read Pandora Sykes

Any ardent reader would want to find this under the Christmas tree. Sykes asks 35 authors which books have shaped them; which they return to again and again; which they lend to their friends. It’s a scintillating lineup, with Nina Stibbe, Damon Galgut, Elizabeth Strout, Ruth Ozeki, Elif Shafak, Taiye Selasi, and many others. A sort of literary word-ofmouth. (Bloomsbury)

4. Inside F1 Lee McKenzie

5. A Heart Full of Headstones Ian Rankin

The past few years have seen interest in Formula One rocket, not least in South Africa. McKenzie is an experienced and highly respected F1 commentator with unique access to the stars of the sport. The highs and lows of the careers of a select seven of them make for fascinating reading and a fascinating view of the circuit. (Black & White)

Inspector John Rebus, far and away one of the most beloved characters in crime fiction, rides again in Edinburgh. Retired and feeling the creaks and grumblings of age, the cranky detective is himself in the dock this time, facing charges of murder. Rankin’s nimble plotting has readers hooked from the get-go. (Orion)

6. The ANC Billionaires

Pieter du Toit

Fresh from the runaway success of The Stellenbosch Mafia, investigative journalist Pieter du Toit goes after the moneyed fat cats who benefited from their relationship with the ANC — both before democracy and afterwards. He shows that the die was cast when big business reached out to the ANC in exile and shaped the political change on the horizon. (Jonathan Ball Publishers)

Michele Magwood is an awardwinning literary critic

7. The World: A Family History of Humanity Simon Sebag Montefiore

Only a writer of this stature and sensibility could pull off such a dazzling project. Montefiore tells the history of the world through the diverse stories of great dynasties: the Medicis and Mughals, Bonapartes and Zulus, Castros and Kenyattas. It is epic, enthralling storytelling, and a whole new way of looking at the human condition. (Orion)

8. Faf: Through Fire Faf du Plessis

No need to explain whose autobiography this is. The former cricket captain, known for his charisma and flair on the field, recalls his youth — at times misspent — and development into a notable leader. Du Plessis pulls no punches in revealing the machinations of changing room and boardroom at the highest levels of international competition.

(Flyleaf Publishing)

9. Demon Copperhead Barbara Kingsolver

Kingsolver transforms her fury at contemporary America into a clever, powerful novel that has critics and readers raving. With a nod to David Copperfield, she unspools the story of a young boy nicknamed Demon, born in a trailer park in Appalachia to a teenage addict and then dumped into foster care, poverty, and abandonment. It’s pure Dickens, compassionate and wise. (Faber)

10. Junx Tshidiso Moletsane

11. Return to the Wild James Hendry

12. The Complete Chinese Takeaway Cookbook Kwoklyn Wan

He was a long shot in the recent Sunday Times Fiction Prize, but the judges loved Moletsane’s blistering debut and handed him the award. The story is set over one night, careening across Joburg and Soweto, blazing with drugs and desperation. A startling new writing talent. (Umuzi)

James Hendry is back, stirring up a whirlwind of hilarity in the exclusive Sasekile Private Game Reserve. His own experiences as a ranger and safari guide salt this fictional story with behind-the-scenes mishaps and misadventures, and his deep affection for the animals shines through. (Macmillan)

Shelves might be heaving with Jamie Olivers and Yotam Ottolenghis, but this is the cookbook I’m going for. Wan grew up under the tables of his dad’s Cantonese restaurant in the UK and has become a star chef and restaurateur. Here he presents 200 of his most popular dishes, such as Crispy Duck Salad and Sriracha Lo Mein. Irresistible. (Hardie Grant)

SUBWOOFER 1. Sonos Sub Mini

SMART TRACKER

2. Apple AirTag

JINGLE ALL THE WAY

03.

SMARTWATCH

3. TAG Heuer

Inspired by the Porsche Taycan, TAG Heuer’s latest Special Edition Connected watch with Wear OS has all the hallmarks of a precision-crafted luxury watch and all the convenience of a smart wearable.

What makes the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4Porsche Edition stand out are the exclusive Wear OS features for Porsche owners, which allow information from their car to be displayed on the watch face, such as car battery percentage and total mileage. Various features evoke Porsche’s blue Taycan, from the 45mm case in black titanium highlighted with details in the Taycan’s distinctive frozen-blue metallic to the black ceramic bezel with a dedicated scale going from zero

to 400 (referencing the Porsche’s top speed) that can be used to read functions relating to the car. Compared to previous TAG Heuer Connected watches, the Calibre E4 - Porsche Edition has a brighter screen, better contrast, and a 30% longer battery life. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0 also allows improved data transfers. R50 300, tagheuer.com

01. 04.

Having a great TV is one thing, but having great audio takes your viewing experience into the stratosphere.

Sonos recently launched its new Sub Mini, a compact subwoofer that boosts your films, music, and games with added bass. The ideal companion for a Sonos Beam or Ray, the Sub Mini provides more immersive TV content and greater depth and clarity for music when paired with a Sonos One, One SL, or Symfonisk speaker.

As with all Sonos products, setup is a breeze. Once you have

If you’re planning on travelling anytime soon, you’d best stock up on Apple’s AirTags, compatible with iPhones and iPods running iOS 14.5 or later, as well as iPads running iPadOS 14.5 and later. AirTags tap into Apple’s global Find My network and can help locate a lost item by pinging off compatible Apple products in the area, all while keeping location data private.

Each AirTag is small and lightweight; IP67 water- and dust-resistant; and has a built-in speaker and

cantly impact battery life. The Backbone App, which ensures that the controller is mapped with the PlayStation moniker within games, also supports 1080p 60fps recording on iOS 15 and unlimited cloud storage.

If you’re an Android gamer, fear not — the company also makes Android-compatible controllers. R2 999, takealot.com

Want to spoil the tech enthusiast in your life? Here’s how

text Brendon Petersen

When it comes to TVs, bigger is undoubtedly better. TV maker TCL, a new entrant to the local market, has brought along its phenomenal 98-inch, 4K, IMAXenhanced QLED TV.

The largest Google TV in the range with a 120Hz refresh rate is the C735. It and the rest of the CSeries lineup feature Google TV and Google Voice Search. Complementing its IMAX Enhanced certification is Dolby Atmos, to

unlock multi-dimensional audio; Dolby Vision IQ, to enhance the appearance of Dolby-exclusive content; and HDR10+. There’s also a built-in light sensor to intelligently optimise content based on the brightness of the room.

If 98-inches is a tad large for you there are also 55-, 65-, and 75-inch versions available that boast a 144Hz variable refresh rate, making them perfect for gaming. R79 999, tcl.com

WIRELESS BUDS 6. LinkBuds S

Sony introduced the LinkBuds as doughnut-shaped wireless buds that allowed the outside world in when wearing them. The latest additions are the more traditionallooking LinkBuds S, which do away with the doughnut-hole design in favour of one that allows noise cancellation.

06.

the most comfortable inear buds to wear for hours at a time.

In addition to the existing white, black, and ecru versions, Sony has released the buds in a new “Earth Blue” colour that uses resin materials generated from recycled water bottles. R3 699, incredible.co.za

07. 05.

Billed as “the smallest and lightest noise-cancelling truly wireless headphones”, the LinkBuds S will provide you with the best of both worlds, thanks to their ultrasmall and lightweight design with natural ambient sound. The headphones also integrate Adaptive Sound Control, a smart feature that adjusts ambient sound settings depending on where you are.

MAKER 7. Cricut Maker 3

Not quite a 3D printer, the Cricut Maker 3 is a handy device for anyone serious about computer-driven crafting. It has a wider range of tools than the Cricut Joy and is compatible with over 300 materials, including fabric, leather, wood, and even soft metals.

Boasting speeds twice those of its predecessor, the Maker 3 is

compatible with Smart Materials for super-long, super-precise cuts of up to 3.6m without a mat. You can choose from 13 tools to cut, score, write, deboss, engrave, or add a number of other decorative effects.

The device includes a USB-Ato-USB-B cable, while pairing over Bluetooth is as simple as plugging in the cable. R11 957, loot.co.za

COLLABORATION

INTO THE WOODS WITH

C

reated by Hermès perfumer Christine Nagel, H24 Eau de Parfum reveals an intense strength as the signature of a new energy.A woody aromatic, H24 Eau de Parfum draws on the generous, botanical power of enveloping sage, dense, hi-tech moss, and warm and vibrant sclarene.

HERMÈS H24

TWILLY EAU GINGER PUTS A BOW ON IT

T

willy Eau Ginger Eau de Parfum embodies the sparkle of the Hermès girls.This dazzling creation is woven from three essences — floral, spicy, and woody: a generous, vibrating peony, a bright candied ginger, and a supple and lively cedarwood.

text Sarah Buitendach

For Christmas in 1964, my late dad, Gerald, was given that year’s edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica

Since it was his 18th birthday four days later, my grandparents rounded up and announced that it was his present for that milestone too.

And because he was a twin, they informed him and his sister, LesleyAnne, that this single set of tomes was actually a joint Christmas and birthday present for them both.

This meant 24 cream-coloured, leather-bound books would be divided up between two teenagers on the verge of entering the adult world who, it would turn out, would never live under the same roof again.

Had my grandparents thought this through? “Lesley-Anne, you were born first by a couple of minutes, you get ‘A to Jeremy’.” “Gerald, ‘Jerez to Zygote’ are all yours!” It’s like something out of a Monty Python skit.

Such a compendium would be an especially peculiar present in 2022. Does anyone under the age of 30 even know what an encyclopaedia is? In our internetsaturated world, have kids heard of the once-venerated Britannica? Ironically, I googled it — the World Book is now the only

one still in print. Talk about publications that got generations of South African kids through school projects.

In the spirit of research, I had a leaf through my dad’s still-pristine midcentury Britannicas — yes, he ended up with the entire set, my aunt was not heartbroken.

They are charming in their heft, with microscopic text on wafer-thin stock and sporadic glossy sections adorned with black-and-white photos.

If you’re looking for information about

something that happened before, say, the moon landing, you could be in luck. My dad said Britannica remained far superior to his new books apropos information about ancient Rome. The account in it was written not long after that epoch, after all.

A friend asked whether such reference books had been the gold standard of coming-of-age gifts in the 1960s. “No,” said my mother, raising an eyebrow when I posed the question. “I’m sure your grandparents were just

hoodwinked by a roving encyclopaedia salesman,” she added.

That, 58 years later, we’re still discussing this curious present says something of the power of gifts. In fact, it says something of the power of bad and weird gifts. Those are the ones we remember.

True, being given a Maserati is probably something you won’t forget easily (unless it’s your 10th Maserati). Likewise, a ticket to the Seychelles should stand out.

But what about the Kiki de Montparnasse tufted boudoir chaise (otherwise known as a sex chair)? It screams both “this gift will be etched in your mind forever” and “eat the rich”. As just over R500 000 worth of black leather and brass, combined for maximum precarious pleasure, is wont to do. I don’t understand how the chaise, Dali-elephant-like on its surreal spindly legs, works. I do know it’s the standout item in this year’s Goop gift guide.

Goop is actress Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellness and lifestyle brand, and its yearly gift guides make great material for columnists like me. There are lovely but instantly forgettable items such as sleep masks and lip balms. Then there’s the aforementioned chaise, almost R7 000 worth of black-satin baguette bag (as in, it carries bread), and 4kg of free-range compost for roughly R1 300.

At least the latter qualifies as useful shit.

For my tenth birthday I was given Blue Grass Dusting Powder. My mother stands by the fact that it was a gift bought in desperation – on holiday in a tiny village with no shops. I’ve never forgotten it.

I’m turning 40 in January. I hope this time she surprises me with an outlandish tote in which to carry my bread. I know where she can get one.

The price in dollars for which a Cartier Cheich watch sold at auction this year, smashing its estimate of $400 000. The watch was created specifically for whoever won two consecutive Paris-Dakar races.

The number of years Puma’s iconic Clyde sneaker celebrated this year. It was made famous by NBA champion Walt Frazier.

The percentage of Americans polled in a survey who had received sweets as a gift, making them the most popular present.

The year the first iPhone debuted. Recently, a factory-sealed iPhone 1 sold for 50 times retail at $39 000.

The euros’ worth of stock in LVMH that was traded for the Bulgari family’s 50.4% stake in the Bulgari jewellery business. The 2011 share swap made them the secondbiggest family shareholder in LVMH next to CEO Bernard Arnault.

Taylor Swift’s Midnights that were sold in the first week of its release. Vinyl sales globally reached over $1 billion this year, for the first time in 35 years.

Sarah Buitendach is contributing editor to the Financial Mail.