Your Luxury Africa - Special Edition November 2022

Brave & BOLD

The worlds of FINE WATCHES and HIGH JEWELLERY take craftsmanship and styling to a whole NEW LEVEL

CLASSIC FUSION

Titanium case. Self-winding chronograph movement.

A BRAVE NEW WORLD

Writing this note, I can’t believe that this debut edition of the YourLuxury Africa annual is about to go to print. It’s been a whirlwind few months of beautiful objects such as watches, gems and scents, as well as the more practical little things that must happen when a new publication is launched, such as font decisions, Zoom meetings, photo shoots – and many discussions about the meaning of luxury. We understand that everyone has a different interpretation of luxury. For one person, it might be enjoying special and exclusive things. For another, it may be the luxury of time. A Rolex or a retreat? A tennis bracelet or a game of tennis with friends? As the definition above says, luxury is the fact of enjoying special things, things that give you pleasure. What is your luxury?

JOIN US ONLINE

If you’ve enjoyed this special edition of YourLuxury Africa , please head to our brandnew website at yourluxury.africa. There, we’ll be sharing news and views about the ultimate modern luxury lifestyle – with carefully curated content from all over Africa and beyond. From travel to fashion, wine to watches, wheels to wings and fragrance to fine art – it’s all there in one exquisite online space. And follow us on Instagram @yourluxury_africa, and Facebook @YourLuxuryAfrica.

In our magazine, which is wrapped in colour and exuberance in keeping with our theme of a Brave and Bold New World, you can enjoy a colourful cocktail of dials and gems and delve into the aesthetic innovations that underpin wearable luxury. The brands featured continue to courageously revolutionise and customise their offerings to serve this brave new world, pushing technical boundaries, and never compromising on style. And no matter how technical a work of art may be – whether a car or a timepiece, eau de parfum or an exceptional wine – there is always that human touch, and we are proud to be able to highlight that craftsmanship.

We hope you get to luxuriate in a couple of hours reading this edition, because if there’s a luxury we all deserve, it’s me-time.

1 & 2. Image supplied. 3. Hoop earrings in 18kt gold, necklaces, bracelets and handmade dress rings with diamonds, Charles Greig. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Oyster 40mm in yellow gold. Model: Lisa Stofella at Boss Models. Hair and make-up: Krassi Toma. 4. Kamo Mafokwane wearing IWC Portofino Automatic 24. Makeup: Kelly Paitaki from GLOSS Artist Management for Chanel using the Chanel Les 4 Ombres Tweed Collection. Foundation: Ultra Le teint Foundation in BD 121. Le Correcteur de Chanel in BD 91. Cheeks: Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream in Soleil Tan Deep Bronze. Reflex blusher. Baume Essentiel Highlighter in Golden Light. Natural Finish Loose Powder 70. Eyes: Les 4 Ombres Tweed in 01 Tweed Cuivré & 03 Tweed Fauve. Ombre Première in 840 Patine Bronze. Stylo Yeux waterproof in Bois Noir. Noir Allure Mascara. Lips: Rouge Coco Baume in Natural Charm. Rouge Allure 182 Vibrate. Rouge Coco Gloss in 722M.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Graeme Wyllie

LUXURY (noun): the fact of enjoying SPECIAL and expensive things / a thing that is expensive but not essential, but that GIVES you PLEASURE

IF YOU WANT TO CRACK IT…

The watch industry is highly competitive. My advice if you want to join the industry is to be knowledgeable, prepared for job interviews and bold in your passion for watches.

WE LEARN AS WE GO. What has always been the most important is to buy and wear what I like, no matter what other people think. Part of what we do at Watch Curators is help clients to set up their collection.

BY KNOWING OUR CLIENTS AND BUILDING PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, WE CAN… identify together the kind of watches they like and nail the right piece.

MY CHOICE FOR 2022 IS VINTAGE. I often wear a 1965 Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner and a 1974 Rolex GMT Master. Vintage watches are slightly smaller and lighter than modern sport watches, and I find them perfect for everyday wear due to their style and comfort. For a more modern take in 2023, I recommend simplicity and timeless design like the manual winding Cartier Santos Dumont XL.

I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A VERY LONG TIME FOR A… Rolex GMT Master Pepsi, probably the most comfortable and stylish daily watch on the market. Rolex has this capacity to make versatile watches suited to every situation.

POSSIBLY MY REAL “DREAM” WATCH IS… an Audemars Piguet Royal Jumbo. This piece was a proper disruptive revolution at the time it was designed by Gerald Genta in 1972. Its design is even today still totally unique. Considering the value of these collectables, I might still dream for a while.

BORN IN FRANCE AND NOW HAPPILY ENSCONCED IN SOUTH AFRICA, Jean-Philippe Avenel has loved watches since the age of 16, when he was introduced to the Panerai Luminor owned by his Italian uncle. “I remember the design appealed as much as the story behind the watch. I realised I needed to know more,” he says. “That same year, I received a first book about watches and complications.” And so he became a watch afficionado.

After finishing business school, Jean-Philippe worked for six years in the media and advertising industry, and for two years applied for jobs with different luxury brands. “I finally the got the job of my life as area sales manager for Cartier watches in France, which gave me entry to the industry.” Three years later, the maison offered him the opportunity to manage the sole Cartier store in Southern Africa – the Cartier Boutique in Sandton City – which he did until 2021.

“My wife and I fell in love with South Africa, and in 2020 during Covid-19 lockdown, I had time to think about myself, my family and my career. I saw an opportunity within the pre-owned watch market in South Africa and knew I could do something different to the existing players, igniting the passion with the necessary touch of luxury.”

In 2021, Watch Curators was born in partnership with a childhood friend, Olivier Bodeau, who had also developed a passion for watch collecting over the years, particularly vintage Rolex and Tudors.

“Our ambition with Watch Curators is to share our passion about vintage and modern collectable watches with our clients in the French and South African markets. We curate the rarest pieces and aspire to build up the collecting culture amongst our clients and grow with them on their watch enthusiast journey.”

@watch_curators, info@watchcurators.com

TIME OUT...

IWC

Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN. Ref. 3891: Developed for the elite pilots of the TOP GUN aviation school, our TOP GUN Chronograph goes from success to success. Its secret? Functional design, ultratough, high-performance materials and the exhilarating

surge of adrenaline it delivers. Housed inside the rugged case made of ceramic is an automatic, IWC-manufactured 69380-calibre movement. All in all, a precision instrument for individuals destined to excel themselves. IWC. ENGINEERING DREAMS. SINCE 1868.

IWC Schaffhausen, Switzerland · www.iwc.com

FROM LEFT

BLANCPAIN Villeret women’s in 18kt rose gold with 29,2mm case, moon phase and alligator-leather strap R212 900

BLANCPAIN Villeret men’s in 18kt rose gold with 40mm case, moon phase and alligator-leather strap R370 300

THE YEAR IS 1957. THE SOVIET UNION has just launched Sputnik 2, the world’s first artificial satellite, and the space age is beckoning. Against this backdrop of possibility and modernity, luxury Swiss watch brand Omega debuts its very first Speedmaster, the Broad Arrow. The Speedmaster has always embodied ingenuity and considered craftsmanship. The Broad Arrow is designed for racing car drivers, with a tachymeter on the bezel as opposed to the dial, a novel invention way ahead of its time that’s perfect for logging average speeds on the racetrack.

Only five years later, Walter Schirra straps a Speedmaster to his wrist as he embarks

on the Sigma 7 mission of the Mercury programme, and from that moment on, the Speedmaster’s destiny is written in the stars. It is the only watch to pass NASA’s intense test and to qualify to accompany astronauts on the Gemini and Apollo missions in the 1960s. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin both wear a Speedmaster as they take “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” in 1969.

The Omega Speedmaster has always been a part of history. The newly updated Speedmaster ’57 Calibre 9906 collection offers devotees of this timepiece, as well as new fans, a slimmed down version of a classic, with a master chronometer upgrade and a sleeker profile. At just 12,99mm, this is Omega’s thinnest Speedmaster yet. All eight stainless steel models are powered by Omega’s co-axial master chronometer Calibre 9906, and new features include a manual winding movement that allows for a finer bezel and a thinner, more streamlined case.

The collection also profiles a “sandwich” black dial edition with retro “Vintage” SuperLumiNova (green emission) and a steel bracelet that pays subtle homage to the Apollo 11 tribute launched in 2019.

HUBLOT Big Bang Unico ceramic skeleton chronograph with 42mm case and a rubber strap POR

BREGUET

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT

ULYSSE NARDIN women’s diver 39mm with 40 diamonds, dial with 11 diamonds, stainless-steel/PVD case, rose-gold bezel and rubber strap R268 200

ULYSSE NARDIN diver 42mm with selfwinding mechanical Calibre UN-816 movement and recycled fishing-net strap R111 600

JAEGER-LECOULTRE Master Ultra Thin de Marche Réserve 39mm with rose-gold case and crocodile-skin strap R381 000

ALPINE EAGLE

With its pure and sophisticated lines, Alpine Eagle offers a contemporary reinterpretation of one of our iconic creations. Its 41 mm case houses an automatic, chronometer-certified movement, the Chopard 01.01-C. Forged in Lucent Steel A223, an exclusive ultra-resistant metal resulting from four years of research and development, this exceptional timepiece, proudly developed and handcrafted by our artisans, showcases the full range of watchmaking skills cultivated within our Manufacture.

FROM LEFT

GRAND SEIKO Snowflake Heritage Collection women’s 35,4mm with a stainless-steel bracelet and blue steel second hand R43 950

GRAND SEIKO Snowflake Heritage Collection Spring Drive men’s 41mm with titanium case and bracelet R118 950

Elegance is an attitude

Regé-Jean Page

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT FRÉDÉRIQUE CONSTANT Highlife automatic women’s with 68 diamonds in rose-gold-plated case R75 995

TAG HEUER Carrera women’s 36mm with mother-of-pearl dial encircled with 54 diamonds and polished steel bracelet R75 000

CHOPARD Happy Sport 36mm automatic with seven floating diamonds on salmon-pink dial and stainless-steel bracelet R175 600

TUDOR Black Bay GMT S&G 41mm with steel case on a yellow-gold bracelet R94 450

PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANT RAYMOND LEKALA SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE PEECH HOTEL THEPEECH.CO.ZA

FROM TOP

RADO Captain Cook high-tech ceramic automatic with vintage detail R76 300

RADO True Square automatic open heart with scratch-resistant monobloc ceramic case R47 500

MASTER OF MATERIALS

CAPTAIN COOK HIGH-TECH CERAMIC DIVER

GRAFF Butterfly chandelier earrings with marquise and pear-shaped white diamonds (total weight 22.57ct), $335 000 excluding tax Butterfly necklace with marquise and pear-shaped white diamonds (total weight 18.96ct), $260 000 excluding tax Wedding band with white diamonds (total weight 7.08cts) in platinum $76 000 excluding tax

OBSESSION

IT’S QUITE NATURAL TO BE ADDICTED TO ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL, PARTICULARLY WHEN THAT FIXATION IS ON SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL JEWELS IN THE WORLD.

PHOTOGRAPHER

GRAEME WYLLIE STYLIST KARIN ORZOL

OPPOSITE

CHARLES GREIG Portofino pendant earrings with blue topaz and peridot, POR Portofino charm necklace with egg-shaped pearls and gem-set crosses, POR

Three stone rings with green amethyst and blue topaz, POR

BULGARI Divas’ Dream pendant necklace with malachite and pavé-set diamonds in 18kt rose gold, R133 000

Divas’ Dream earrings with malachite and round, brilliant-cut diamonds in 18kt rose gold, R62 000

Divas’ Dream pendant necklace with pink pavé-set sapphires (0.55ct) and one diamond in 18kt rose gold, R92 000

FOPE Italian-made jewellery with diamonds in 18kt yellow and rose gold, POR

Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town 021 418 4515 Hyde Park Corner, Johannesburg | 011 325 4477

MORAGLIONE Cleopatra necklace with diamonds (0.21ct) and carnelian in 18kt rose gold, R61 900

Cleopatra earrings with diamonds (0.51ct) and carnelians in 18kt rose gold, R79 500

POMELLATO Nudo rings, from R50 000 to R80 000 each

CHRISTOFF Cluster earrings with mabé pearls, tsavorite and turquoise, POR Dress rings with turquoise, heliodor, aquamarine and diamonds, POR Anchor link bracelets with blue topaz and peridot in spectacle, POR

PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANT RAYMOND LEKALA MODELS LISA STOFELLA AT BOSS MODELS AND SHANNON BENTING AT ICE MODELS HAIR AND MAKE-UP ALEX BOTHA AT LAMPOST AND KRASSI TOMA

AMERICAN SWISS Ocean Splendour chandelier earrings with diamonds (1ct) in rose gold, R90 000

Ocean Splendour bracelet with diamonds (3ct) in rose gold, R200 000

Ocean Splendour necklace with diamonds (7ct) in rose gold, R480 000

A LUXURIOUSLEGACY

WHEN IT COMES TO INVESTMENTS, DIAMONDS REIGN SUPREME. A beautifully crafted or bespoke piece is a valuable treasure to pass down to future generations.

The American Swiss Masterpieces Collection is an expression of the trusted brand’s heritage of fine jewellery since 1896, elegance, craftsmanship and exclusive luxury. Each piece is a work of art, set by hand and crafted to perfection, designed to allow the brilliance of the diamonds to shine. All pieces come with the American Swiss Assurance of individually hand-selected diamonds according to the rarity criteria of cut, colour, clarity, carat and conflict-free mining and sourcing.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for one of a kind, the American Swiss head of design & innovation, in consultation with a master goldsmith and qualified gemmologist, will guide you through the journey of crafting your ultimate piece.

To experience the bespoke design service, email bespokedesign@tfg.co.za to schedule a private consultation.

americanswiss.co.za

NO TIME TO WASTE

Sustainable practices are no longer a riskmitigation topic for the watch and fine jewellery industries. They are a must-have for those intent on setting a new gold standard.

WITH THE FESTIVE SEASON ROLLING IN, CHANCES ARE YOU’RE CONSIDERING a gift of a luxe watch or piece of fine jewellery. Brand, price, colour and materials may have been the drivers behind purchasing decisions in the past – but today, sustainability is key.

Google searches for a combination of “fine jewellery” or “fine watches” and “sustainability” have skyrocketed, as per the 2021 State of Fashion: Watches and Jewellery report released by Business of Fashion and McKinsey. Sales of fine jewellery influenced by sustainability are expected to more than triple in the future, according to the report. “To show consumers that they are sincere about driving environmental and social progress, companies will need to establish more transparency and traceability in their supply chains and move beyond the performative marketing that has plagued the industry in the past,” states the report.

With combined annual sales of over $329 billion in 2019, as estimated by McKinsey, fine jewellery ($280 billion) and watches ($49 billion, excluding smartwatches) can get “some of their sparkle back” post-pandemic by taking on a new set of rules. Sustainable practices are high on the agenda. Says the report’s co-author Alexander Thiel: “If the brand doesn’t have a sustainability agenda or sustainability credentials, then for many consumers –millennials in particular – it will just not be viable.”

So which Swiss watchmaking brands are stepping up to the plate? In 2018, a WWF environmental rating and industry report rated the “environmental stewardship” of the 15 biggest Swiss watch companies. Richemont Group brands (Cartier, IWC, JaegerLeCoultre, Piaget and Vacheron Constantin) scored best. However, Chopard, TAG Heuer, Omega, Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Longines, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Swatch and Tissot did not participate in the survey, leaving researchers to rely on public information and report lacklustre findings. “Maybe this is a good part of the internet and all the communication we have – there is much more on sustainability than there was before, especially in our business. It was a closed subject, and nobody questioned anything. Now everybody is talking about it,” says Chopard co-president Caroline Scheufele.

SUSTAINABILITY SURGE

But just because they weren’t talking about it, doesn’t mean they weren’t doing anything about it. Chopard’s Journey to Sustainable Luxury, which led to a 2018 commitment to only source ethically produced gold for its watch and jewellery production, began with a conversation the year Colin Firth CBE accepted the Oscar for The King’s Speech with a Chopard L.U.C XPS watch on his wrist. His wife Livia Firth (the couple are now separated) was telling Caroline about her engagement in sustainable fashion (she is co-founder and creative director of Eco-Age, a consulting and creative agency specialising in integrated sustainability) and asked her where their raw materials originate. Caroline realised she didn’t have the answers. “This was the push button.

THIS PAGE

The OMEGA Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer tracks the rhythms of the red planet; CHOPARD Happy Diamonds pendant and CHOPARD L.U.C Quattro, both in ethical rose gold.

OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM LEFT BLANCPAIN Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe; Blancpain’s backing supports science-based marine management; straps of the ULYSSE NARDIN Ocean Race collection, including this diver’s watch, are made from upcycled fishing nets.

We were the first really to say, ‘Okay, we are going to engage in this journey.’ It takes you around the planet into different countries where these raw materials come from, but also because it is a journey in time – you can’t change something in one day. It takes education. You have to change the way you work; you have to convince people that this is the right way. Sometimes, governments block you because they don’t care. But we’ve come a long way because already all our gold is ethically sourced. Every year we’re tackling a little bit more of the coloured stones. We’re trying to add semi-precious stones to the map. It’s challenging,” she says.

The most recent commitment to positive change in the sector is the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 signed»

‘You have to CHANGE THE WAY you WORK; you have to CONVINCE PEOPLE that this is THE RIGHT WAY.’

– Caroline Scheufele, Chopard co-president

PREVIOUS PAGE: With BLANCPAIN’s support, 1.2 percent of the world’s marine protected areas and 3.7 percent of global marine reserves are protected; Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is a ROLEX Mission Blue Hope Spot, a breeding ground for migratory animals; CHOPARD uses 100 percent ethically produced gold.

SUSTAINABILITY is more than SURFACE LEVEL at IWC.’

– Christoph Grainger-Herr, IWC CEO

earlier this year by Cartier, delegated by parent company Richemont, and Kering, the owner of Boucheron and Pomellato. The initiative is guided by the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Members include Chanel Horlogerie, Chanel Joaillerie & Bijoux, Montblanc, Rosy Blue, Swarovski, Gucci watches, Boucheron, Pomellato, Dodo and Qeelin.

IWC, the first in the industry to publish a sustainability report, has set 25 sustainability targets for March 2023. Achievements to date include purchasing 100 percent renewable energy globally, being the first industry brand to be RJC chain-of-custody certified, and attaining equal-salary certification in Switzerland. “Sustainability is more than surface level at IWC. We don’t throw around pledges of progress without backing them up or asking ourselves the tough questions,” says IWC CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr.

The release of Breitling’s second annual sustainability report coincides with the launch of the Super Chronomat Automatic 38 Origins – the beginning of Breitling’s mission to source Better Gold and diamonds and the introduction of end-to-end traceability. By 2025, Breitling’s entire product portfolio will feature artisanal gold and lab-grown diamonds, sourced

from accredited suppliers. “Breitling is on a mission to create beautiful products with better materials and manufacturing,” says Georges Kern, Breitling CEO. Breitling uses watch boxes made from upcycled PET plastic and works with sustainable clothing brand Outerknown to make watch straps from upcycled nylon.

Meanwhile, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry notes that Switzerland exported a total of 13 780 million watches in 2020, more than half made of steel. The need to reduce the ecological impact of sourcing and transporting the metal from China led Panatere, a watch-component manufacturer based in Switzerland, to recycle steel locally via a solar-powered furnace in France.

According to The New York Times, the world’s first block of recycled steel –composed entirely of chips collected in Watch Valley and melted down by Panatere last year using solar energy – will be displayed at the town’s Musée International d’Horlogerie, all “alongside watchmaking memorabilia and vintage timepieces by legends like Antide Janvier and AbrahamLouis Breguet”. ■

HER DEEPNESS ON A MISSION

Sylvia Earle’s mission is simple: to have 30 percent of the planet’s oceans protected by 2030 through the network of protected Hope Spots.

The remarkable ocean explorer and conservationist – who famously became the first person to walk untethered on the ocean bed in 1979 – launched her foundation Mission Blue in 2009 and has so far created 140 of these Hope Spots. Such is Sylvia’s iconic status when it comes to the preservation of the planet’s oceans that she is often referred to as “Her Deepness”.

The oceans represent nearly threequarters of the earth’s surface and harbour most of the world’s biodiversity, but they are in trouble, Sylvia says. Many commercially exploited species of fish have

declined by 90 percent, about half of the coral reefs have disappeared or experienced serious decline, and hundreds of coastal “dead zones” have developed.

Mission Blue is unique in that it is a network of ocean protection projects, created by local communities. Sylvia understands that it is only with the involvement of these communities, who rely on a clean ocean, and through education that the conservation of these ocean reserves can become sustainable.

To date, Mission Blue covers more than 57 million square kilometres of ocean. Among its supporters is Rolex and its Perpetual Planet initiative. Sylvia has been a Rolex Testimonee since 1982. “With

support from the Rolex Perpetual Planet initiative, Mission Blue continues to expand its network of Hope Spots,” Sylvia says. “Since 2014, support from Rolex has also enabled us to lead 31 expeditions. The expedition programme has allowed our champions, scientists and partners to showcase their work in the field. These stories have inspired people to care and act to protect these precious habitats.”

‘

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40

A NEW ERA

OF LUXURY

THERE IS SOMETHING SO INHERENTLY ATTRACTIVE ABOUT luxury We all strive for the luxurious, and why wouldn’t we? Being surrounded by beauty, comfort and elegance brings us a sense of prestige, an aura of success. The notion of luxury, however, is changing. There is a new movement underway. It’s personal. It’s not about being the best in the world – it’s about doing the best for the world.

This is the joy of seeing a better tomorrow before it’s even here. This is Forwardism.

IN THE 45 YEARS OF THE MODEL’S existence, the 7 Series has signified ultimate luxury. The BMW i7 takes the luxe one step further. With its innovative interior and bold new exterior design, plus an all-electric powertrain, you’re safe in the knowledge that you’re driving a car that is kind to the environment. One of the interior highlights is the 31.3 inch Theatre Screen for the rear passengers boasting crisp resolution. It works with the i7’s Bowers & Wilkins sound system or Bluetooth headphones. Sunblinds and light dimming make for a cinema-like experience. The Theatre Screen folds into the roof. The i7’s progressive character is further accentuated with the latest BMW Operating System 8, as well as the BMW Curved Display and the Manoeuvre Assistant for automated parking.

A COMMANDING PRESENCE

As impressive as the interior of the new i7 is, the exterior ensures that those observing from the outside are also not left out. All around the vehicle are visually prominent surfaces, from the imposing front design to the striking rear of the sedan. The i7 exudes prominence from the front end, with a highlight being the illuminated iconic BMW kidney grille standing in tandem with two-piece split headlight units creating a presence on the road that is difficult to ignore.

ENERGY IN MOTION

While the pursuit of Forwardism and sustainability is reflected in both the interior as well as the exterior of the BMW i7, it is arguably reflected most of all under the bonnet, in internal combustion terms. What makes the i7 different from any 7 Series in the past is, of course, the source of energy that is used to set it in motion. Located within the car is a set of batteries that offer up to 400kW and 745Nm of torque at the command of the driver’s right foot. Subsequently, the i7 can reach 100km/h from a standstill in as little as 4.7 seconds. Through BMW’s innovative eDrive technology, the occupants can experience luxury and performance in silence and with zero emissions emitted by the car, emphasising that this is the most advanced and innovative vehicle in the luxury segment.

‘The new BMW i7 is all about an EXCLUSIVE driving experience and the ultimate feeling of ONBOARD WELL-BEING, with an unwavering commitment to SUSTAINABILITY.’

The X7 continues BMW’s advanced digital interior environment through the likes of its Operating System 8, and the latest generation of the iDrive control/operation system and the arrival of the BMW Curved Display. All this allows for the X7 to be more customisable in its driving dynamics, interior features and infotainment. Accompanying the X7, for the first time on any BMW model, are 23-inch diameter light alloy wheels to emphasise the power and drama that the luxury car presents while stationary or on the move. Various other high-quality exterior details – such as the three-dimensional rear lights, the eye-catching blades in the front apron with their aluminium satinated finish and illuminated BMW kidney grille – demand attention in any setting. It fascinates from the very first encounter with its combination of uncompromising power, luxurious comfort and expressive design language.

Sustainability, however, is at the heart of the new X7. It is a vehicle that is designed and built with tomorrow in mind, albeit with the materials used to produce the vehicle itself or the technology utilised to create an efficient powertrain. On the note of the powertrain, BMW has made an active effort to reduce the carbon footprint in the production of the X7 through rigorous updates that have been applied to its powertrain technology. ■

‘As BMW’s most luxurious SUV, the extravagant new X7 will envelop you in a sense of COMFORT and LUXURY.’

DOLCE&GABBANA’S 2022 ALTA MODA COLLECTION, PRESENTED IN JULY ON THE ISLAND OF ORTIGIA, WAS A TRIUMPHANT CELEBRATION OF 10 YEARS OF ALTA MODA.

THE ALTA MODA STORY HAS always played out against the backdrop of the beauty of Italy, as Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana paid homage to the country that has inspired their work. Join us as we take you on the Alta Moda journey for the last decade, and celebrate la bella vita.

2012

The San Domenico Palace in Taormina plays host to the debut of Dolce&Gabbana’s first Alta Moda collection. The delights of a Mediterranean lifestyle inspire 73 looks that are paraded in front of a star-studded audience including Monica Bellucci and Naomi Campbell.

2013

Late January sees Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce return to the city of their beginnings as they present the Alta Moda show in the rooms of the Saloni dell’Alta Moda di Via Senato 19 in Milan. The architecture of the classic Lombardi capital is the inspiration behind the early 2013 Alta Moda collection.

Six months later, the romance of Venice is the backdrop to Dolce&Gabbana’s third collection, unveiled in the Palazzo Barbaro. The masked balls of the city are the theme for 400 guests.

An Italian Tale

2014

Early January, and the Saloni dell’Alta Moda in Milan is again the backdrop to the fourth Alta Moda collection reveal, inspired by the glory of flowers in the works of Van Gogh, Klimt, Renoir and Manet. Exuberant colour and detail is emblazoned across romantic princess, hourglass and mini dresses.

Later in 2014, La Fontelina beach club in Capri is the perfect location to reveal the fifth Alta Moda collection. Big, billowy hand-painted ballgowns offset with sparkly gems and the yellow and blue of Majolica ceramics bring the setting to vivid life.

TAORMINA 2012

CAPRI 2014

MILANO 2013

2015 Milan’s Teatro alla Scala has hosted some of Italy’s greatest opera singers, and this inspires the designs of the newest Alta Moda collection at the end of January. Italian danseur Roberto Bolle choreographs the runway show, and models display embellished leotards and ballgowns printed with vintage opera posters. Later the same year, Domenico Dolce opens his private garden in Portofino to debut the 94 looks of the seventh Alta Moda collection in an evening of pure Shakespearean fantasy. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is the basis for the collection at Domenico’s Villa San Giovanni, with princesses and fairies taking to the runway.

2016

It’s back to the opera at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan for the early January unveiling of the latest Alta Moda collection. Operatic heroines provide inspiration for the collection, which is also an ode to Giacomo Puccini and his fashion designer granddaughter Biki.

Sophia Loren has long been a muse to Dolce&Gabbana. She is Neapolitan, which is why the label launches the July edition of the Alta Moda collection in her home town of Naples. Signora Loren is seated as the guest of honour as all 30 Alta Moda looks are paraded past her in a festive atmosphere.

2017

Dolce&Gabbana goes behind the opera curtains into the evocative backstage area of the Teatro alla Scala for the premiere of the 10th Alta Moda collection. The laboratories are set inside the old Anasardo Steelworks, a perfect location for a show inspired by the crafters of Lyric Opera. The island of Sicily has always held a special place in Domenico and Stefano’s hearts. The statues of Piazza Pretoria are the backdrop to a collection of Alta Moda looks drawing on the traditions of Sicilian society.

2018 The majesty of Lake Como speaks for itself. This, along with Alessandro Mansoni’s 19th century novel I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed), forms the basis for the Alta Moda collection displayed in Parco Teresio Olivelli in Tremezzina. Looks are adapted to suit the models; Eva Herzigová and Naomi Campbell, among others.

2019 The Tempio della Concordia in Agrigento, Sicily, is a well-preserved Doric architectural feat, and in its shadow Dolce&Gabbana pays tribute to the enduring myths of ancient Greece with its July Alta Moda collection. The greatest operatic works of our time are the inspiration behind the Alta Moda collection presented to guests at the end of 2019. Turandot, Madame Butterfly, Tosca, Aida and La Traviata come to life through fashion in the halls of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan.

2020 Hundreds of years ago, Florence supplied silks, spices and luxurious exotic items to European royalty and nobility. What better place to present La Rinascita (The Rebirth), the latest Alta Moda collection, in September? The show is dedicated to Giovan Battista Giorgini, and is set against the Villa Bardini’s massive staircase.

2021 Imagine models arriving on gondolas for Dolce&Gabbana’s new Alta Moda collection show, dressed in fashion inspired by the unique creativity of Venice. The exceptional craftsmanship of this city on the sea forms the basis of the newest collection in the Piazza San Marco.

2022

This Alta Moda collection carries this venerable legacy into the contemporary moment, in celebration of 10 years of Alta Moda. The Piazza del Duomo on the island of Ortigia in Siracusa, and Pietro Mascagni’s operatic masterpiece La Cavalleria Rusticana, are the backdrop to a collection that draws its creativity from the realms of heaven and earth. This is a story about timeless Italian history as much as it is about Dolce&Gabbana.

altamoda.dolcegabbana.com

ALTA GIOIELLERIA AND ALTA OROLOGERIA

The Dolce&Gabbana Alta Gioelleria (2015) and Alta Orologeria (2017) men’s and women’s high jewellery and watches are the ultimate expression of Dolce&Gabbana’s creativity and precision in watches and jewellery. Once again, Dolce&Gabbana aims to preserve and highlight Italian crafts and heritage, embodied by one-of-a-kind pieces of art profiling the artistic excellence of Italian artisans.

A Brighter Future

TEXT DEBBIE HATHWAY

ALL THAT GLITTERS

As anticipated, yellow gold has continued to gain popularity this year. Lighter and prettier than the brassy shade you might associate with your gran’s jewellery, yellow gold is reclaiming market share from white gold. It featured strongly at both Vicenzaoro in Verona, where the best of Made in Italy gold and jewellery producers gathered, and Jewellery and Gem World Singapore, the world’s biggest B2B fine jewellery and gemstone event, in September 2022.

METAVERSE MYSTIQUE

If you’re a jewellery maven who is also one of the so-called “first citizens of the metaverse”, with a burning desire to be permanently connected, you’ll be pleased to learn that NFJ Labs revealed the world’s first platform to digitalise actual jewellery for the metaverse at Vicenzaoro. Developed in partnership with high jewellery designer Alessio Boschi and Vicenzaoro, the platform will host 10 Boschi pieces that can also be admired in virtual reality via the Oculus viewer. The platform is connected to a blockchain-based NFJ (non-fungible jewellery) marketplace, where you can bid on and buy non-fungible tokens as well as the original physical jewellery.

Greenland Ruby is also celebrating its unique gems forged from Arctic ice and the community at the source by offering tickets to win the original artwork entitled Rubies from Greenland – Fire Under Ice by Reena Ahluwalia as well as a free limited-edition animated NFT. This campaign honours their fifth anniversary and proceeds will go to the Pink Polar Bear Foundation. »

FROM BOLD GOLD TO BRIGHT GEMS, GEOMETRIC PATTERNS TO ORGANIC SHAPES, THESE TRENDS SHOULD INSPIRE YOUR JEWEL JOURNEY OVER THE NEXT 18 MONTHS.

The diamonds in this GRAFF jewellery set have been custom-cut into innovative shapes and combined with rare gemstones in a never-beforeseen level of intricacy and myriad layers of detail.

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“The African Monarch butterfly is iconic within Africa, a continent close to our heart,” says Céline Assimon, CEO of DE BEERS Jewellers.

VINTAGE VITALITY

Vintage jewellery is imbued with memories of relationships and special occasions when handed down through generations, and it says something about the wearer. Jenna Katz, who loves the soulful combination of antique or coloured stones set in high-karat gold, makes modern heirlooms by resetting vintage stones in recycled 18kt or 22kt gold in her Los Angeles studio. The result is classic, whimsical fine jewellery that references contemporary symbols, colours, textures and patterns. Meanwhile, London designer Sarah Ho is the perfect representation of Trendvision’s circular vision trend noted in the recently launched The Jewellery Trendbook 2023+ Forecast. She makes a limited number of creations annually, each one a masterpiece incorporating elements from one, two or more old jewels.

MINDFUL LUXURY

Conscious consumers who prioritise sustainable practices in sourcing and making jewellery will gravitate to suppliers such as Greenland Ruby and jewellers such as Chopard. The house uses only Fairmined gold as well as responsibly and ethically sourced gemstones. New York City-based jeweller Ana Khouri takes it a step further by incorporating vintage rosewood recycled from an antique chest at her family home in São Paulo into her new collection of one-off high jewellery pieces for The Row. Meanwhile, New York-based designer Alexandra Mor has created what Trendvision calls “mindful and spiritually connected high jewellery rooted in eco-conscious practices” for the past decade.

‘The world is TURNING again. People want SPECIAL things, and they’re buying QUALITY.’

– Richard Greig, Charles Greig Jewellers

ABOVE

BULGARI’s Divas’ Dream necklaces celebrate nature through vibrant gemstone inlays. Part of the chain can be detached to become a bracelet, and the necklace can be worn in two different lengths.

OPPOSITE LOUIS VUITTON’s Spirit high jewellery collection by Francesca Amfitheatrof, the maison’s artistic director for watches and jewellery, expresses vitality and adventure through triangle shapes and Vuitton V’s. It’s the maison’s most extensive high jewellery collection yet.

COLOURED GEMSTONES

Rainbow hues are still coming through in whimsical pieces featuring the full range of coloured gemstones, often in different sizes mixed together. This trend is gamification, according to Trendvision, which states: “Optimism is on the horizon. There is a new sense of excitement and joy supported by jewels in neon and chrome-coloured metal, pop-art aesthetics, candylike gemstones and playful shapes. A pure kind of lifestyle and a more sustainable and organic approach to designs are elements of a new form of minimalism.”

Meanwhile, Richard Greig from South Africa’s Charles Greig Jewellers was drawn to mainly tanzanites, tourmalines, emeralds and rubies on his buying trip to Jewellery and Gem World Singapore. “The world is turning again. People want special things, and they’re buying quality. Rubies from Mozambique have become popular, and we’ve been selling a lot of tanzanite jewellery – you can get a sizable stone at a good price. Tourists wanting an African stone also go for tourmalines,” he says. Richard highlights the demand for green stones, noting “lovely mint green tourmalines” that caught his eye. »

SIMPLY EXTRA

Colourful, fun, powerful statement pieces play on the distortion of organic shapes, voluminous flowers and coral formations drenched in otherworldly chrome colours. Trendvision writes about upbeat energy, and a time to embrace shimmering finishes in full metallic effect. “Kaleidoscopic jewels have evolved towards a ‘meta-palette’ in digital neon shades. The party mood calls for chunky gold chains, gargantuan stones, loud logos, earrings and chokers in enormous proportions.”

SENSUAL MINIMALISM

Pearls have ongoing classic appeal and make a statement of independence and resilience when combined with liquid white gold. Pair them with white gold and diamonds, and they create balance in a minimalist yet sensual design.

GENDER FLUIDITY

Gender-fluid jewellery pieces take on a liquidness that Trendvision notes as “smooth rigidity” because of their unusual shapes and silhouettes. This trend features gold that is tangled and encrusted with gems in fun and bold styles.

ORGANIKA

Designers are redefining the concept of fine jewellery by incorporating gemstones and organic materials in their natural form for the Organika consumer who wants a closer connection to Earth’s natural beauty, opting for semi-precious and genuine gemstones with inherent flaws that honour the beauty and diversity of nature. “Irregular and bold silhouettes recall the Earth’s crust, along with uncut and rough gems,” writes Trendvision.

ITALIAN CONNECTION

Bulgari, one of the most iconic jewel makers, has taken its trademark Roman opulence and boldness and applied it more in the creative aspects than in the aesthetics of the products, Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bulgari product creation executive director, explains. The new Divas’ Dream high jewellery pendant necklace with pink sapphires, rubies and diamonds exudes the inimitable flair of the house, a virtuosic display of Roman exuberance that makes the natural colours appear even more intense.

Meanwhile, Manuel Vaccari, owner of Ofir S.r.l., avoids fashion trends, instead favouring collections of unusual shapes, stones and pearls produced with ancient techniques and cutting-edge creativity. They are modern classics rooted in the tradition of the best Valencian craftsmanship. His signature line of original antique coin jewellery in 18kt gold is particularly popular. ■

shorter version features a prominent link set with more than 400 diamonds that can be worn asymmetrically on the neck. Inspired by the guilloché technique traditionally used on watches, PIAGET’s signature adornment is manually engraved into each one-of-a-kind Décor Palace piece in the Possession collection. The set includes seven rings incorporating one or two pavé-set turning rings and half-moon-set diamonds in white or rose gold and one triple rose-gold earring.

CHOPARD’s lucky dancing diamonds feature in a new family of bracelets in ethical gold decorated with natural stones. The spherical agate, lapis lazuli, onyx, rhodochrosite or diamond inspires the collection’s name: Happy Diamonds Planet.

FABERGÉ’s Colours of Love collection features a mix of multicoloured gemstones that aligns with its philosophy, “a life in colour”. It combines coloured gemstones, artistic ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship.

Enjoy Responsibly. Not for sale to persons under the age of 18.

The Best of Africa

DON’T ALWAYS BELIEVE WHAT YOU read in school history books. Our diverse and colourful continent has been leading the way in fashion, art, literature and music for thousands of years. The Africa Fashion exhibition at the V&A Museum in South Kensington is a homage to this often disregarded yet powerful historical legacy. Curated by Dr Christine Checinska, the exhibition comprises more than 250 objects ranging from record covers and political manifestos from the age of African liberation in the 1950s, through to historic commemorative cloth featuring the face of Nelson Mandela, and portrait photography from the mid to late 20th century depicting African nations on the cusp of independence.

New voices have not been excluded. The Minimalism, Mixology and Artisanal sections are devoted to young African designers who are celebrating their history and heritage by blurring the boundaries between past, present and future in their designs. NKWO is a Nigerian fashion designer who has pioneered a hand-loomed fabric she calls Dakala, incorporating traditional cloth weaving techniques with upcycled textiles in an effort to reduce fashion waste.

IAMISIGO’s Bubu Ogisi draws on West African performance art and masquerade costumes to tell a uniquely African story through her garments.

Don’t worry, South Africa hasn’t been excluded. Local favourites Thebe Magugu and Sindiso Khumalo are flying the SA flag high at their respective shows in the exhibition. “It’s so often that our story has been told by other people,” Thebe says. “I feel like now, more than ever, African designers are really taking charge of their own narrative and telling people authentic stories and not imagined utopias.”

The Africa Fashion exhibition isn’t about letting the continent have a place at the world table. Rather, it’s a vociferous declaration that Africa has always been at the head of it.

The exhibition is showing at Gallery 40 at the V&A Museum in London until 16 April next year. Tickets are £16 each, with a discount for under 26s.

www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/africa-fashion

Aqua Aura

Superocean Slow Motion. In addition to the modern bright colour palette, it has two strap options: rubber or a threerow metal bracelet. Shock-, sand-, and saltwater-resistant, it’s your must-have waterside accessory whether you’re surfing, swimming or hitting the beach bar.

POMELLATO NUDO RIVIÈRE NECKLACE (POR) has a dazzling mix of seven sky blue and London blue topazes and more than 300 white diamonds in rose gold.

CLOCKWISE

FROM TOP LEFT

When The Banyan Tree Group opens BANYAN TREE ILHA CALDEIRA in Mozambique’s idyllic Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago marine reserve in 2023, it will not only be bringing its philosophy of effortless, sustainable luxury to the Mozambican shores but will also highlight our neighbouring country’s reputation as one of the continent’s finest coastal destinations for wellheeled travellers.

With SKIN CAVIAR HARMONY L’EXTRAIT (R13 505), LA PRAIRIE’s scientific pursuit to restore the harmony of youth culminates in a breakthrough centred on skin’s vertical pillars – pillars essential to the structural stability of the skin yet that weaken with age. The House’s scientists unveil a milestone in caviar science: a new era in lifting and firming is initiated.

The NEW BREITLING SUPEROCEAN AUTOMATIC 36 (R91 600 with rubber strap) is a redesign of the classic sporty

A modern twist on Issey Miyake’s signature aquatic note, A DROP D’ISSEY EDP FRAÎCHE (R1 215 for 30ml, R2 415 for 90ml) is all about capturing the journey of a raindrop in springtime. Think damp petals, a touch of lilac and Damask rose, crisp cedar and creamy sandalwood beautifully wrapped up in a raindrop-inspired bottle… It really is an ode to nature.

JONATHAN ADLER FISH VALET TRAY (R1 230). Enjoy posh porcelain in seaside hues with glittering gold accents from this celebrated US ceramicist. It’s the prettiest catchall for your jewels.

WE LOVE THE CERULEAN VIBE BECAUSE IT REMINDS US OF BLUE SKIES AND SEASCAPES – WHICH CONJURE UP THE ULTIMATE IN LUXURY. TAKE US TO THE BEACH!

FREEDOM OF FORM

A world leader in furniture design and interiors, Roche Bobois is famous for its iconic Mah Jong modular sofa, which was created in 1971. Whether as a corner sofa, straight sofa, armchair, bench seat or extra bed, the Mah Jong was intended to adapt in function and form. Fifty years on, and it is still as relevant as it was then. Today it is dressed in fabric by some of the world’s finest couturiers – the one pictured here is by Missoni Home.

Mastery of Artistry

A POP OF PLETT

Indulge in art and all things beautiful in Plett this season.

British-born, Cape Town based artist Richard Scott trained himself. His works – semi-nude women, trees and animals – are playful and colourful. He describes his unique take as “naive meets pop art”. His work can be seen at Junction Cafe, 17 Main Street, Plettenberg Bay.

Look out for the vibrant colourful works of Alexander Krenz, who is exhibiting at tten BAZAAR, 29 Main Street, Plett. Grandson of Professor Alfred Krenz, one of South Africa’s abstractionist masters, Alexander is one of the top-selling artists in the country. His more recent works are acid neon abstracts. “I feel the need for radical, punchy colour to help inoculate ourselves against the post-Covid blues,” he says.

BRONZED BEAUTIES

The first collaboration between acclaimed sculptor Marco Olivier and his daughter Lisa and curated by Leigh Rein, will take place at Roche Bobois in Cape Town’s De Waterkant from November.

“Since the first day I saw my father’s incredible designs, I knew with my heart and soul this was where I belong,” Lisa says. “We created this piece together, titled The Two of Us, to represent our love for design.

Top of our wishlist are these limited edition iconic figurines, beautifully presented by curator Leigh Rein and artist Lisa G. Each one is handmade from a quality resin and then painted and suitably dressed. Tom Ford, Frida Kahlo, Dolce&Gabbana… It’s a growing family of famous faces and local designs, and utterly collectable. Exclusive to tten BAZAAR and ELEVEN.

WE LOVE A CELEBRATION OF LOCAL TALENT. ON OUR RADAR RIGHT NOW IS AN EXPLOSION OF COLOUR AND BEAUTIFUL OBJETS.

Bold Brights

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT CHOPARD HAPPY HEARTS TOTE in natural red calf leather, is fitted with two handles and a shoulder strap in gilded metal and has a removable inside pouch (R42 000).

Based on a watch from a 1978 collection, the Tissot PRX range has an authentic retro 1970s feel. The P stands for precise, R for robust, and X references the superior water resistance of up to 10 bar. Unisex TISSOT PRX 35MM BRACELET WITH QUARTZ MOVEMENT (R7 500).

TAG HEUER’S FORMULA 1 CHRONOGRAPH (R32 500) comes in three vibrant colours evocative of the racetrack – green, yellow and red – and captures the spirit of the first TAG Heuer Formula 1 pieces from the 80s.

The fruity and ambery CHYPRE OF AMOUAGE INTERLUDE WOMAN (R5 995 for 100ml) – an exotic bouquet of succulent grapefruit and bergamot, spiced up by fresh ginger – is the perfect partner for the woody and deliciously warming AMOUAGE INTERLUDE MAN (R5 995 for 100ml).

A celebration of summer, this RADO TRUE THINLINE X GREAT GARDENS OF THE WORLD (R40 900) is like a ray of sunshine on the wrist. It’s part of The Four Seasons series that highlights the brand’s expertise in coloured high-tech ceramics.

From the LONGINES MASTER COLLECTION, THE WOMEN’S MOONPHASE 34MM (R55 300) has a red alligator-leather strap and mother-of-pearl dial. Understated elegance….

This bold geometric acetate model presents a new addition to the CELINE sunglasses collection. The shape comes in bold tones, including transparent violet (R5 400).

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL… BASIC BRIGHTS EVOKE FEELINGS OF HAPPINESS, OPTIMISM AND ENERGY. BRING ON THE COLOUR!

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

The Peech Hotel is a blissful retreat in the middle of urban bustle.

The Peech is located in a 1950s family home. It was bought by James Peech in 2002 and developed into a boutique hotel, opening in 2004. Over the last 18 years, it has not only built up a name as one of the best boutique hotels in Joburg but has also cemented this reputation with a string of awards: 2021 Country Winner Luxury Small Hotel and 2022 Regional Winner Luxury Design Hotel at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, and listed in the Top Ten “best” at the Luxe 100 Best in South Africa awards. Its restaurant, Basalt, scooped the Service Excellence Award and chef Candice Philip the Culinary Innovation Award at the 2022 Luxe Hosco Restaurant Awards as well as two plates at the 2023 Gourmet Guide Awards. It’s tempting to want to kick off your heels on entering. It could have something to do with the “garden urbanity” concept, which integrates the rooms into the landscaping, and with the abundant birdlife and indigenous plants, you literally are surrounded by nature. Or perhaps it’s the laid-back but professional and eagleeyed staff who discreetly appear before your query is out of your mouth. Or it’s the inviting decor that is both luxurious and comforting, spacious yet snug, edgy yet homely. It’s likely also the attraction of Basalt, which is so rich and warmly appointed that it’s quite easy to settle in for a few hours and lose track of time. And then there’s the villa… Over the years, The Peech has grown enormously –but without losing its intimate and personal touch. It now offers 14 classic rooms (expect an exciting refurb by early December), 14 luxury rooms, two suites and the ultimate splurge – a two-bedroom 75m2 villa. The villa rooms and living area all face onto the outdoor space with its shaded pergola and water feature. Whether you’re a leisure traveller, a family, a group of friends or a couple, The Peech really is a delicious escape from the world.

thepeech.co.za

AMONGE SINXOTO

Writer, speaker, social architect, 2019’s Global Teen Leader and author of children’s book My Big Name, 21-yearold Amonge Sinxoto is a creative with a burning desire to represent what it means to be young and African in the 21st century. Amonge is also the new local Cartier Talent.

WHAT DOES #THEBEAUTYOFTIME MEAN TO YOU? The beauty of time is that it’s a gift. As soon as it arrives, it is gone. It is precious because it is everchanging. It’s important therefore to appreciate its beauty by being present, active and in the now. For me it’s about giving everything I have, the best of myself, and maximising every single moment. It’s also about timely actions – planting seeds and creating opportunities.

WHAT DISTINGUISHES THE CONNECTED GENERATION? The connected generation expresses serious concerns about global issues and our shared future. Being connected means being affected: the access to information that we have allows us to not just know about what is happening, but to feel it. The connected generation encourages global youth to participate as equal partners alongside the leaders of today’s digital change. We are able to walk in each other’s shoes, which allows us to engage and make a difference.

HOW CAN ONE EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF THE CONNECTED GENERATION? Stop debating the differences exhibited by the ages. Encourage all ages to do good, be good and become better humans. Embrace being tech savvy… easy, right?

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? The seeds of change we plant today are not necessarily going to bloom tomorrow. Even if I don’t see the immediate material products of my labour, it is worth it because I’ve made my contribution. I am aware that the work I am doing is bigger than me.

WHAT DOES LEAVING A LEGACY MEAN TO YOU? It’s not about leaving a legacy but living a legacy. You can only leave a legacy if you adhere to the values you wish to leave behind. Legacy is often attributed to one person who has achieved something, but leadership is a collaborative effort. I want to live and leave a legacy of leadership.

Honor VSOP added another accolade to its already impressive list when it took a master award at the Cognac Masters 2022 held recently in London, making it the best VSOP. The Honor VSOP combines Grande Champagne, Fin Bois and Bons Boix eaux de vie and was applauded for its notes of pear and oak both on the nose and the palate. It can be enjoyed neat or made into a bespoke cocktail.

SECRET PROJECTS

The R4 900 Swatch-produced version of OMEGA’s Speedmaster MoonSwatch is not a limited edition, but it’s a waiting game for most consumers who have their heart set on this wrist candy. The MoonSwatch is not retailing online, but searches spiked by more than 256% on eBay UK when the 11-piece collection launched in March. The battery powered MoonSwatch was developed under the codename Galileo as a nod to the chronograph worn by NASA astronauts on the Moon. The aim was to boost the historical connection for OMEGA and promote Swatch’s proprietary eco plastic alternative, Bioceramic. The MoonSwatch remains true to the brand collaboration model that Swatch pioneered in the 1980s. Central to its identity, says Swatch Group Chief Executive Nick Hayek Jr., is “joy of life and positive provocation”.

I am woman The Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation (JCAF) in Parktown is currently showing Kahlo, Sher-Gil, Stern: Modernist Identities in the Global South. Featuring rare photographs of the artists and the objects that inspired their work, the exhibition explores the complex ways that Frida Kahlo, Amrita Sher-Gil and Irma Stern used their work to understand and deconstruct their identities and the environments they lived in. You’ll need to book a viewing slot on the JCAF website, but entrance is free. The exhibition runs until February next year, so don’t miss it. jcaf.org.za

BAREFOOT LUXURY

Caroline Scheufele, Chopard’s co-president and artistic director, says it was her mother, Karin, who came up with the name for the Happy Diamonds collection. “She said, ‘When people are free, they’re happy. When diamonds are free, they’re happy.’ That’s where the name comes from.”

Chopard is as much about encouraging joyous self-expression as celebrating the freedom of its signature swirling diamonds.

“I was always fascinated by these moving diamonds,” says Caroline, who admits she is “in awe”

of incredible gems, and respectful of their source in nature. “Definitely the most beautiful ones come from Africa, at least the big ones. They stand out, even in my career.”

The Queen of the Kalahari diamond sourced from the heart of a deposit mined in Botswana, and Insofu, the second-largest emerald discovered at the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia, are two of the best known Chopard finds. No matter how magnificent they might seem, rough or cut, when selecting gems, Caroline says she is sensitive to their energy. “Sometimes my team says, ‘Why do you not buy that?’ And I say, “Tsk, it’s not speaking to me.”

A CHARMING CHARDONNAY

Franschhoek Boutique wine and lifestyle destination Terre Paisible attracted high praise when its Vigne d’Or Chardonnay 2021 scored 91 points in the latest Tim Atkin South Africa Report, the authority on South African wine by the renowned British Master of Wine. And this was barely three months after making its first appearance on the global wine scene.

Vigne d’Or is created from two selected vineyard parcels: the foundation is the chardonnay vineyard on Terre Paisible’s Franschhoek property, which is the “opulent part of the wine”, while the vineyard in the Stellenbosch Berg imparts an austere element. “Terre Paisible is seeking ways of to make the best chardonnay possible, as we see this noble variety as having all the features of excellence and distinction with which the name Terre Paisible wishes to be associated,” says Terre Paisible winemaker Adam Mason.

SIMPHIWE NDZUBE

A DIFFERENT WORLD

Simphiwe Ndzube is a name you should already be familiar with. This talented Cape Town based artist has exhibited in both solo and group shows from New York to Mexico City, Los Angeles to Cape Town, Bucharest to Shanghai. His work is included in the collections of Zeitz MOCAA, the Musée d’Art Contemporain de Lyon in France and the Rubell Family collection in Miami. Listing his accolades isn’t enough though, because what’s most captivating about Simphiwe (and the reason why he has such a cult following) is his ability to capture hearts and imaginations through the cosmologies he creates through sculpture and paint. Simphiwe’s work acts as a vehicle for rewriting his own complex histories and the environments that played a formative role in his life through the revisioning of people, places and spaces. Occasionally, this methodology veers off into the realm of the unreal and surreal. The artist takes on a godlike status as strangely dreamlike figures and creatures are painted and sculpted into an otherworldly existence that is dominated by Simphiwe’s set of rules. In these worlds, that which in reality cannot exist together shares a cosmology that adheres to no known logic. These places are at once strange yet oddly familiar and comforting.

Simphiwe’s most recent exhibition at Stevenson Gallery, Masemola Road, takes a deeply personal look at his childhood and the role that women played in raising him in the absence of a father figure. His star is on the rise.

simphiwendzube.com

Inside the artist’s mind

Strauss & Co has always enjoyed a reputation for bringing William Kentridge’s finest works to market, but they also regularly run educational webinars and panel discussions that include fine art experts from their stable, such as Wilhelm van Rensburg, speaking to the life and practice of this prolific South African artist.

The auction house also partners with local and international galleries and museums on exhibitions featuring William’s work. One such exhibition at The Warehouse Art Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened in April this year (and runs until 16 December), and gives incredible insight into the artist’s working methods. Titled William Kentridge: See for Yourself and curated by Melanie Herzog, this exhibition features two and three dimensional works on paper.

Printmaking occupies a central role in William’s practice. It is through his prints that he, in a very real sense, registers his working process. Melanie has done a fantastic job of curating the show in such a way as to encourage the viewer to experience the works in a similar way as to how William makes them: in repetitive and cyclical motions, much like life’s ongoing cycles of growth and decay.

Many of the prints on display allow us to more fully appreciate the time and effort that go into the printing process. The exhibition also includes viewing equipment that is incorporated into the works and through which we’re intended to interact with the prints.

straussart.co.za/William-kentridge thewarehousemke.org

BEAUTIFUL CRAZY

Roger Dubuis’ new international marketing and communication director, Sadry Keiser, is described as daring, entrepreneurial and driven by a fierce determination to achieve excellence. Gregory Bruttin, the product strategy director, comes across as the quieter one. Balancing opposites and contrasts is part of the brand’s DNA.

Gregory has worked for the maverick brand in the Richemont group for 20 of its 26 years. He’s contributed to the development and marketing of 20 movements and 15 patents.

“Sometimes I see him with a white paper and a pencil, trying to restart or reshape things because he has the expertise, but at Roger Dubuis, the philosophy is that everyone has the possibility to contribute to the product,” Sadry explains.

Gregory cites the Knights of the Round Table collection as the perfect example of collaboration. The designers and the technical experts challenge each other, creating a piece of art that’s better than the original design. “In terms of engraving, it’s very traditional craftsmanship; in terms of feeling, it’s very emotional. It’s a very modern design, but we didn’t lose the story behind it. That’s why this product is so successful today.”

The Knights of the Round Table limited editions reinterpret the legend through the lens of Hyper Horology™. The result is the epitome of rare artistic mastery, horological craftsmanship and contemporary design. The 12 knights are microsculpted by hand, cast in pink gold with medieval armour, plates, shield and helmet. “We must take care of each detail to have a very interesting design effect but also to find a technical solution to create the piece. Even the crown protector looks like a sword protector,” Gregory says.

Beneath the face of the watch is a manual winding calibre, the central flying mono-tourbillon manufactured in the Roger Dubuis workshops and certified by the Poinçon de Genève.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT J.H. PIERNEEF THAT keeps art collectors coming back for more? Could it be that he captures a uniquely Southern African sentiment and pathos that is symbolised by his evocative landscapes? Or perhaps, with global financial markets becoming increasingly bearish, investors are looking for alternative places to squirrel away their hard-earned cash, and quality fine art has always been a safe bet?

“Nostalgia has played a massive part in the resurgence of Pierneef’s market. We’ve had enormous interest from South African expats around the world,” says Dr Alastair Meredith, head of Strauss & Co’s Johannesburg art department, as he talks to me about the auction house’s last sale. For two years in a row, Strauss & Co has seen works by Pierneef fetching staggering prices. One work, depicting a building in Mbweni in Zanzibar, sold for a jaw-dropping R3,2 million, but Dr Meredith isn’t surprised. “People see him as a spectacular South African landscape artist.”

Last year, Strauss & Co’s historic white glove sale of Pierneef works saw 100 percent of the lots finding buyers, so this year’s sale, titled JH Pierneef: En Route, only further confirms that the artist is, and continues to be, a perennial favourite among serious, seasoned art collectors.

PERENNIAL PIERNEEF

PREMIER AUCTION HOUSE STRAUSS & CO ’S JULY SALE OF WORKS BY SOUTH

AFRICAN LANDSCAPE

The recent record sales of Pierneef’s works by Strauss & Co demonstrate that this artist is currently experiencing a major resurgence in popularity, with an entirely new generation of art buyers. Pierneef is increasingly being seen as a creative whose sphere of influence extended beyond South Africa’s shores, and this is challenging the historically dominant notion that his practice and style is parochial, outdated and synonymous with Afrikaner nationalism. Dr Meredith thinks that this swing is partly a result of a major Pierneef exhibition at the Standard Bank Gallery in 2015, which began to recontextualise this narrative. Titled J.H. Pierneef: A Space for Landscape, the retrospective was curated by Wilhelm van Rensburg in an effort to explore Pierneef’s legacy.

“This landmark retrospective was hugely popular,” Dr Meredith says. “So many people went to visit it. When they realised that Pierneef was also a specialist printmaker, that also generated interest in the market.”

Strauss & Co always endeavours to educate buyers on the artists that fall under its gavel. Last year, the auction house conducted a talk focused on linking Pierneef and his output with the Canadian Group of Seven, an informal association of artists who believed distinctive art could be created through a close interaction with nature. These kinds of recontextualisations of Pierneef and his oeuvre undoubtedly make him more of a popular investment and addition to a collection.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Pierneef is also seen as an instantly recognisable status symbol. Hanging one of his landscapes in your dining room is a clear indication that you’ve achieved a certain level of success. So what of investors wanting to hedge their bets in the art market? “If you look at the trends at the onset of Covid, there were many of our clients who were actively buying art as a hedge. There’s no doubt about that. I think that’s extended into the Pierneef market. I think a lot of people feel art is a safe haven, and I would agree,” Dr Meredith says. “I can’t imagine what could ever happen to the Pierneef market that would damage it. Pierneef has had everything thrown at him in terms of politics, so I think he’s weathered that storm.”

What’s particularly lovely about Pierneef is that you don’t have to have millions of rands to add him to your collection, and perhaps that’s why a recent report on the African art market (issued by Londonbased research firm ArtTactic) has ranked the artist among the top 10 African artists sold at auction between 2016 and 2021. An original Pierneef linocut will set you back anything from R10 000 to R15 000.

Whatever the reason, it’s clear that Pierneef’s star is set to continue rising. Get one of your own immediately while you still can.

straussart.co.za

PAINTER J.H. PIERNEEF CONFIRMS THE ARTIST’S ENDURING ATTRACTION.

JH PIERNEEF, Lowveld, Eastern Transvaal (1928), painted in casein, sold at Strauss & Co for R5,9 million.

EGOLI

“Our focus is to create intriguing perfumes of extraordinary quality, where the raw materials are the vessels for your experiences,” says Steyn Grobler, Founder of Aqualis London. The latest creation is Egoli (R5 170 for 50ml), inspired by Johannesburg, the City of Gold, and is a modern exploration of oud, one of the most prized fragrance ingredients.

TEXT INGRID WOOD

OUTCAST BLUE

Niche Parisian perfume house Ex Nihilo describes itself as an “alternative to stereotyped luxury products” and “aims to give true luxury, in bringing to the fore the pinnacle of savoir-faire and the most splendid raw materials”. Outcast Blue EDP (R5 415 for 100ml) draws on the best: patchouli, vetiver and sandalwood, with hints of tobacco adding a rebellious twist.

PATCHOULI MAGNETIK

French haute parfumerie house Maison Crivelli’s Patchouli Magnetik (R4 305 for 50ml), is a new unisex extrait de parfum which combines notes of electric patchouli, sandalwood and gardenia. The experience is described as “a motorcycle ride through patchouli fields during a tropical storm”.

MADURAI

With all Memo fragrances, the journey is the destination.

Sambac jasmine and sandalwood drive Madurai EDP (R4 850 for 75ml), a fragrance

“that stirs the senses with vibrant notes of citrus and turmeric, like a colourful market stall”.

AS LUDWIG MIES VAN DER ROHE ONCE SAID, LESS IS MORE. MODERN SCENTS ARE PARED BACK AND TAILORED TO MATCH THOSE THAT WEAR THEM.

ON THE NOSE

PERFUME HAS BEEN PERCEIVED AS A LUXURY FOR centuries, from when the ancient Greeks, Persians and Egyptians distilled flowers, oils and plants to create scents. Over the centuries, the art of perfume making has evolved, with a wider selection of essential oils and other raw ingredients and improved technology to make the scent last longer on the skin. While modern perfumers attract attention and new customers with clever packaging and artful flask design, it is ultimately the juice that determines its long-term success.

“In my opinion, packaging and bottle design have become secondary to composition and ingredients,” says Anthony Wray, Skins Cosmetics senior trainer. “Designer collection fragrances or niche perfumes have taught us it’s not the bottle that matters, but what’s inside. We buy what we like to smell like, and it’s the lasting ability that we buy for and the compliments that we crave. This is no easy journey, as everyone’s skin is unique, and the chemical reaction to perfume is unique.”

Our sense of smell is particularly important due to its link to emotions. Although each of our five senses contribute to the recollection and reconstruction of memories, scents are the most significant, shows a study of smells and emotion undertaken by Dr Silvia Álava, a psychologist. The study shows that we remember 35 percent of what we smell, but only 5 percent of what we see. This explains why a whiff of a scent can have such a profound effect on us and our perception of things around us.

Perfumer Gaël Montero was inspired by his trip to South India when he created Memo Madurai. “I remember one morning, sitting on a small terrace drinking tea. All my senses were alert. In the warm air, the intoxicating perfume of the flower sellers, the power of the spices and the sweetness of the mangoes… the rich and airy Sambac jasmine of the offering necklace and the creamy scent of sandalwood around the temples.”

The finest fragrances in the world use the most renowned ingredients, but it’s also the concentration of these ingredients that contributes to the price. “Perfumers are attempting to break new ground with technologies and new smells. Concentrations are becoming more intense to

achieve the longevity needed in this competitive market,” Wray explains.

Ingredients have evolved over time, but there are still many that dominate modern fragrances as they really are the epitome of the exotic, the smell of luxury. “Patchouli has to be the star ingredient,” Wray says. “Patchouli was popular back in the age of discovery and trade where silk trade with China brought luxury to Europe. The leaves were used to keep the silk fabric dry and as a bug repellent in barrels destined for dress making for royalty. As it travelled, the silk became impregnated with patchouli, and the scent was soon assocated with wealth and luxury. Today again, that trend takes us into the exotic world with its mysterious smell of luxury.”

Chypre (meaning Cyprus in French) is another ingredient that’s made a comeback and been given a contemporary twist. It is associated with fragrance preparations that date back to ancient times when the island of Cyprus was at the heart of the perfume trade.

But it was Francois Coty that established Chypre as a fragrance family – a classical feminine scent constructed with a citrus top note (often bergamot), a floral heart of flowers like ylangylang, jasmine and rose, and a woody, earthy dry down. “The original Chypre created by Coty in the early 1900s and called Coty de Chypre was said to have been the inspiration for great classics like Chanel N°5 and Dior’s Diorissimo,” Wray says. More recently, Paco Rabanne – known for breaking the rules of luxury – introduced a modernised version of Chypre in Fame, its latest fragrance for women. Here the floral heart is energised with a fruity mango twist, and the dry down is creamy sandalwood with a mysterious incense accord.

Ultimately, when it comes to luxury goods, it’s all about the experience. They are designed to make us experience pleasure and feel special by appealing to our senses, be it subtle aromatherapy in an elegant hotel lobby, the feel of a soft leather bag against your skin, the texture of a heavy crystal decanter in your hand, a plated visual feast or a bespoke fragrance caressing your skin. These sensory experiences are what set the high-end brands apart and, in a sense, allow us to craft and define our own luxury. ■

‘Designer collection fragrances or niche perfumes have taught us it’s NOT THE BOTTLE that matters, BUT WHAT’S INSIDE .’

THE MOON WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE HOLIDAY 2022 COLLECTION FROM THE CHANEL MAKEUP CREATION STUDIO.

LaMagiedelaLune

THIS GUARDIAN OF THE NIGHT HAS DICTATED THE EBB AND FLOW OF LIFE SINCE time immemorial, and ancient cultures from the Babylonians to the Egyptians have venerated this celestial body and paid homage to its eternal secrets.

For its Holiday 2022 Collection, the CHANEL Makeup Creation Studio has drawn on the Moon to inspire the Demander la Lune makeup range, which will have you shimmering and sparkling in beguiling tones of amber, red and gold. You’ll look like a star as you go from day to night this holiday season in a range of shadows, lip and nail colours that light up the evening, just like the Moon does.

CONTOUR, SCULPT & ENHANCE

Look no further than that perfect face powder for a subtle evening glow. Packed in a sophisticated black compact and embossed with the emblem of the house, CHANEL ÉCLAT LUNAIRE OVERSIZE

ILLUMINATING FACE POWDER finishes with a satin feel and contains just a hint of bronze sparkle.

CREATE DETAIL

Really bring out your eyes with the LES 4 OMBRES – OMBRES DE LUNE set of four eyeshadows that captivate in shades of pearlescent copper and amber gold. We love the matte brown for a deep, smoky and mysterious eye.

ADD COLOUR

If the eyes are truly the windows to the soul, then CHANEL’s DUO LUMIÈRE set of transparent gel gloss eyeshadows are the magic touch to lend them that extra flair. Accent your lids, lashes and brows with flecks of rich gold and copper for that effortlessly classic look.

LIP INFUSION

Decorate your lips in the warm tones of the holiday season with the ROUGE ALLURE L’EXTRAIT refillable lipsticks. Cherry and orange-red notes can be offset with warm, soothing rosewood browns. For a punchier look, use the ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE, which also locks in hydration for moisture. Try letting the first coat dry and applying a second for a real showstopper.

THE FINAL TOUCH

Every woman knows that the perfect outfit isn’t complete without the little details, like a pop of nail colour. The LE VERNIS range takes its inspiration from the minerals of the earth. Hues of lacquered brown-red and glittery gold-khaki evoke holiday celebrations. Finish your preferred colour with a top coat of pearlescent amber to give your nails that extra punch.

A SIGNATURE SCENT

Who wouldn’t recognise the unfailingly classic scent of Chanel N°5? Dedicated to the shining lights of the night sky, CHANEL’S signature fragrance, CHANEL’s N°5 THE GOLD BODY OIL showers the skin with little flecks of gold while keeping it hydrated and scented. The COCO MADEMOISELLE PEARLY BODY GEL soaks effortlessly into the skin, leaving behind the delicate fragrance of the house. chanel.com

THE GOLDEN HOUR

Your skin recovers while you are at rest at night, as this is when the body’s regenerative processes are at their optimum. However, if your skin is devitalised, it can’t supply the energy needed for recovery. Enter La Prairie Pure Gold Nocturnal Balm (R21 040 for 60ml), a two-step approach that includes delivery of an energy-rich nutrient to the skin, while the exclusive Pure Gold Diffusion System not only deposits gold on the skin’s surface for instant radiance but also amplifies the conversion of the potent nutrient into energy by activating an energy sensor. We are equally in love with the ritual that accompanies this top product. Using the Nocturnal Massage Stone, Pure Gold Radiance Nocturnal Balm is applied with special massage strokes to stimulate microcirculation and lymphatic flow, allowing a free flow of energy, an exchange of nutrients and oxygen in the skin. It also increases lymphatic drainage and soothes facial muscles. It gives new meaning to getting your beauty sleep.

A PRECIOUS ELIXIR

Chanel’s Sublimage formula has been crafted like a piece of fine jewellery. Sublimage L’Extrait (R12 505 for 15ml) is a concentration of powerful botanicals, Vanilla planifolia grown at the Chanel laboratory in Madagascar being the star of the show. L’Extrait is also enriched with Swertia, a plant with restorative properties native to the Himalayan mountains. In its active molecule form – where it’s 40 times more concentrated than in the plant material itself – the vanilla basically helps your continuously ageing skin cells talk to each other to encourage renewal. The Swertia extract helps reduce inflammation, which ages the skin, and repairs.

A FLORAL INFUSION

A global bestseller and largely considered a cult favourite, the indulgent Lancôme Absolue Soft Cream is full of exotic ingredients. Included in the blend of grand rose extracts is the Absolue Perpetual Rose™, a flower grown exclusively in the South of France that is said to impart vitality. Another key ingredient is proxylane, which is said to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and firm and tone the skin. It also contains shea butter, which moisturises and is also an anti-oxidant. The surprisingly light yet luxurious cream delivers up to 24 hours of hydration, which equates to a luminous, plump appearance. Over time, signs of ageing are visibly reduced, and skin looks radiant and revitalised, with an improvement in overall skin concerns, from lines, dryness and dullness to texture and tone. Take advantage of the festive season giftset: Absolue Soft Cream 60ml, Soft Cream 5ml, Rich Cream 5ml, Eye Cream 5ml and Eye Serum 5ml, R4 680.

Extravagant Beauty Gems

GIFT YOUR SKIN WITH A DOSE OF GLAMOUR FROM THE CREAM OF THE CROP IN ADVANCED SKINCARE.

A SPOIL AT A STEAL

Founded in 1990, the plant-based Origins range only recently landed on SA shores, amid much excitement among those familiar with the brand and fans of cosmetics with a conscience. The premium range, which comes at a very affordable price tag, is the Mega-Mushroom series. The brain behind it is integrative medicine specialist Dr Andrew Weil, who believes inflammation is the root cause of visible skin irritation, and that mushrooms have the power to fight irritation and inflammation. Reishi – the “mushroom of immortality” – is the key ingredient and a powerful skin-soother. Fermented Chaga also helps to calm and soothe. Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Cream (R950 for 50ml) is a skin-loving treat, calming redness and sensitivity. All ingredients are naturally derived and non-toxic, and the products are free of parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, formaldehyde, SLS, mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin, DEA, polyethylene beads and animal ingredients (other than the cruelty-free honey and beeswax).

LUXURY LIVES HERE

FEEL LIKE ROYALTY ON YOUR OWN PRIVATE ISLAND, MARVEL AT UNTAMED BEAUTY IN THE BUSH OR REVEL IN A COASTAL SANCTUARY… THREE AFRICAN ESCAPES WHERE LUXURY ABOUNDS BUT COMMUNITY COUNTS.

BAREFOOT LUXURY

Imagine your own private island with all the paradise trimmings. Located off the Tanzanian coast (a 45-minute helicopter flip) in the largest marine protected reserve in the Indian Ocean, Thanda Island is an idyllic, pristine haven.

Wellness and happiness are behind the Thanda ethos, and there is no shortage of amenities and activities to ensure that those two things are taken care of. The accommodation consists of a large five-bedroom villa and two beach chalets (bandas) on the other side of the 8 hectare island. There’s a magnificent rim-flow pool, tennis and volleyball courts (lit for night games), a gym, yoga and spa treatments (which you can enjoy in the privacy of your room or on the beach, if you prefer).

Then there’s an adventure zone right on your doorstep. Thrilling water activities include scuba diving, swimming with whale sharks, snorkelling, big game fishing or exploring the ocean in the catamaran or cruiser provided – with a dedicated skipper, of course. Then there are leisurely walks and jogs, exploration adventures, snoozes under the brollies and indulging in the finest seafood. One of the highlights is taking a bath in the copper tub on the beach as the sun sets. It really doesn’t get better than this!

Passion and purpose Thanda Island partners with the Tanzania Marine Parks and Reserves and Sea Sense, a leading non-governmental organisation that is involved with various marine conservation and education programmes in the region, including the preservation and rehabilitation of the Shungimbili coral reef. The island team also participates in social empowerment programmes on nearby Mafia Island.

thandaisland.com »

INTO THE WILD

While Africa has no shortage of incredible safari experiences, Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site, remains an unparalleled spot for both its beauty and wildlife encounters.

Wilderness Safaris Vumbura Plains, which reopened earlier this year after an extensive refurbishment, undoubtedly has one of the prime positions in the heart of the Delta.

Made of wood, glass and canvas, the 14 suites are perched on raised decks under tree canopies overlooking the grasslands (melapo). Each suite has an indoor and outdoor shower, private plunge pool and an outdoor sala (living room). Inside, the green and blue hues reflect the Delta, and the furniture is designed to echo the landscape, while artwork screens and installations pay tribute to the Okavango Community Trust, displaying the heritage and culture of the local people.

Given the exceptional location and horizon-wide views – you can expect to see predators, antelope, elephant, hippo and many of the 600 bird species from the comfort of your deck – you might not want to leave your large, airy suite. But you will be missing out on the opportunity to see even more. Vumbura Plains experiences include day and night game drives, walks, meanders along the water channels in mekoro (dugout canoes) or a zippy boat, hot-air ballooning and scenic helicopter flights.

Passion and purpose The 60 000-hectare Vumbura Plains

Private Wilderness Area is leased from five villages, through the Okavango Community Trust, a participation plan that generates revenue and creates jobs. Vumbura’s menus also draw on seasonal ingredients purchased from local farmers to reduce food miles and provide neighbouring communities with an additional revenue stream.

wilderness-safaris.com

COASTAL INDULGENCE

Located in the De Hoop Nature Reserve on the Southern Cape Coast, Morukuru Ocean House is an exclusive-use, five star eco retreat for those who want beach and bush, as well as privacy, which in our mind is the ultimate luxury.

The Ocean House is perfectly positioned for everything from whalewatching – the entire length of the De Hoop coast is a marine protected area and home to the Southern Right Whale nursery – to stargazing (and, yes, telescopes are provided), thanks to its seclusion, rooftop terrace and vast double-glazed glass doors. The interior is inspired by the surrounding dunes and fynbos vegetation – think soothing palettes of blues and greens, a quiet nook with tranquil views for a Zen moment, open plan lounges, fireplaces for cooler evenings and a wine cellar. The outdoor area is a wind-free design (essential in the Cape!), with a huge swimming pool, rooftop terrace and sun deck with sofas. Ocean House is fully serviced and comes with a private butler and chef.

If you’re keen to burn some calories, take your pick from guided bush or marine walks, mountain biking, sandboarding and snorkelling. Boat as well as helicopter trips can be booked during whale season (from June to November).

Passion and purpose The entire beach house is off the grid; even the underfloor heating is solar. Water is filtered and bottled on site. The Morukuru portfolio has supported Cape Nature since 2010, as well as Ouplaas Primary, Elim House and Nuwerus Nasorg. Morukuru also backs Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travellers to participate in community projects.

morukuru.com

ENTER Email your answer along with your name, surname, email address and daytime contact number to competitions@yourluxury. africa. Or enter on our website, yourluxury.africa, where you will also find more news on watches and jewels.

QUESTION

Who designed the Twilight Time ring for Veronica Anderson Jewellery?

CLOSING DATE

Competition closes 31 January 2023

For a list of jewellers in your area, call 011 484 5528, visit jewellery.org.za or email

TERMS & CONDITIONS: The competition starts at 8am on 22 November 2022 and ends at 8am on 31 January 2023. The prize must be taken up (or rejected) as awarded and cannot be transferred to any other person, sold or converted to cash. The competition is open to all residents of South Africa over 18 years of age, except employees of Your Luxury Africa or The Jewellery Council of South Africa. Your contact details will be kept private and not used for any marketing purposes.

POPI DISCLAIMER: We respect your right to privacy and therefore aim to ensure that we comply with the legal requirement of the POPI Act, which regulates the manner in which we collect, process, store, share and destroy any personal information you have provided to us.

American Swiss americanswiss.co.za jewelcustcare@tfg.co.za

Amouage Skins Cosmetic Stores skins.co.za Arc Store Sandton City arcstore.co.za selected high-end boutiques & perfumeries

Aqualis London Available at Skins Cosmetics skins.co.za

Blancpain blancpain.com Available at Tanur Jewellers V&A Waterfront 021 418 5524 and Elegance Jewellers ejewels.co.za 011 784 0047

BMW bmw.co.za 0800 600 555

Breguet breguet.com Available at Tanur Jewellers V&A Waterfront 021 418 5524 and Elegance Jewellers ejewels.co.za 011 784 0047

Breitling breitling.com info@breitling.co.za 087 822 2195

Bulgari High jewellery, watches & accessories available from Picot & Moss picotandmoss.co.za 011 669 0500

Bulgari Boutique Sandton City 011 883 1325

Celine Available at Microtel 011 669 0796

Chanel

Fragrance and Beauty Boutique, Sandton City, V&A Waterfront and Menlyn Park

Charles Greig charlesgreig.co.za 011 325 4477/ 021 418 4515

Chopard

Available from Architects of Time 011 669 0790

Boutique Haute Horlogerie bhhboutique.co.za Hyde Park 011 325 4119 V&A Waterfront 021 418 1889

Christoff Fine Jewellery 021 483 1765

Dior

Available from Boutique Haute Horlogerie bhhboutique.co.za Hyde Park 011 325 4119 V&A Waterfront 021 418 1889 Architects of Time 011 669 0790

Dolce&Gabbana Sandton City 011 326 7808

ELEVEN 072 962 0131

Ex Nihilo

Available at Skins Cosmetics skins.co.za

Fope charlesgreig.co.za 021 418 4515 / 011 325 4477

Frédérique Constant Picot & Moss picotandmoss.co.za 011 669 0500

Graff graff.com

Delaire Graff Estate has a Graff Boutique on the property in Stellenbosch.

Grand Seiko seikoboutqiue.co.za

H. Moser & Cie

Available exclusively from Architects of Time 011 669 0790 Boutique Haute Horlogerie bhhboutique.co.za V&A Waterfront 021 418 1889

Honor Cognac honorcognac.com Hublot Murdocks 021 419 0302

Issey Miyake Woolworths stores nationwide

IWC

Elegance Jewellers Sandton 011 784 0012 Melrose Arch 011 684 1380

Charles Greig V&A Waterfront 021 418 4515 Ntinga Duty Free 011 390 15 00

Jaeger-LeCoultre jaeger-lecoultre.com

Charles Greig V&A Waterfront 021 418 4515

Elegance Jewellers Sandton 011 784 0047 Melrose Arch 011 684 1380

Jewellery Council of South Africa jewellery.org.za 011 484 5528 admin@jewellery.org.za

Jonathan Adler

Available at Skins Cosmetics skins.co.za

Lancôme

Select Edgars, Woolworths, Foschini, Truworths stores, and Superbalist

La Prairie

Selected Edgars and Woolworths woolworths.co.za edgars.co.za

Longines longines.com

Maison Crivelli

Available at Skins Cosmetics skins.co.za

Memo

Skins Cosmetic Stores skins.co.za Arc Store Sandton City arcstore.co.za

Messika

Available from Boutique Haute Horlogerie bhhboutique.co.za Hyde Park 011 325 4119 V&A Waterfront 021 418 1889 Architects of Time 011 669 0790

OMEGA omegawatches.com

Origins Beauty Available at Woolworths

Patek Philippe by GMT 011 784 2595 patekphilippe@gmtafrica.com

Pomellato

Available from Picot & Moss picotandmoss.co.za 011 669 0500 Boutique Haute Horlogerie bhhboutique.co.za Hyde Park 011 325 4119 V&A Waterfront 021 418 1889

Rado rado.com

Roche Bobois roche-bobois.com/en-ZA/ Roger Dubuis The Vault, Melrose Arch 011 864 2023

Rolex rolex.com

Sanlam Private Wealth 021 950 2770 info@privatewealth.sanlam.co.za

Shemer Jewellers Shop U9/10 Bedford Centre Bedfordview 011 622 4735/6 shemer.co.za

Strauss & Co straussart.co.za 011 728 8246 / 021 683 6560

TAG Heuer Available from Picot & Moss picotandmoss.co.za 011 669 0500

TAG Heuer Boutiques Sandton City 011 784 7422 V&A Waterfront 021 421 8539

Tissot tissotwatches.com

tten BAZAAR ttenbazaar.com

Tudor

Available at Shemer Jewellers shemer.co.za Shop U9/10 Bedford Centre Bedfordview 011 622 4735/6

Tudor tudorwatch.com

Ulysse Nardin

Available from Architects of Time 011 669 0790

Boutique Haute Horlogerie bhhboutique.co.za Hyde Park 011 325 4119 V&A Waterfront 021 418 1889

Veronica Anderson Jewellery 082 881 0359/ 011 268 2021 vajewellery.com roni@vajewellery.co.za

Vigne d’Or terrepaisible.com Zenith

Available from Picot & Moss picotandmoss.co.za 011 669 0500

Boutique Haute Horlogerie bhhboutique.co.za Hyde Park 011 325 4119 V&A Waterfront 021 418 1889

Fashion by Thebe Magugu at the Africa Fashion exhibition. Photographed by Aart Verrips and styled by Chloe Andrea Welgemoed.

IT WAS THE ANCIENT

GREEK PHILOSOPHER

Theophrastus who famously said that time is the most valuable thing one can spend, and time has inspired some of the greatest art of the past few centuries, from Salvador Dali’s iconic melting clocks to Paul Cezanne’s black timepiece.

Alex Eisenzammer is a French artist who takes his love of watches to the next level by blurring the line between haute horology and fine art. Alex began by immortalising one of the first watches he owned through a Photoshop illustration, and his watch art career has since grown in leaps and bounds, as brands like Maximilian Büsser & Friends (MB&F) have asked him to work with them. We caught up with Eisenzammer to find out what inspires him.

THE ART OF TIME

WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN MAKING ARTWORKS OF WATCHES? My father had one or two Seiko chronographs, but I can’t say that my family has any special interest in watches or horology. But I always knew I wanted to buy a proper watch. So I started with a lovely Longines Legend Diver, which I bought for a good price with my first pay cheque –this was back in the days when they didn’t cost too much. When social networks started to gain popularity around 2010, I started to get curious about how people were sharing their watches through platforms like Instagram.

WHO DO YOU MAKE YOUR ART FOR? I make around 70 percent of my artworks for private watch owners, and the rest for microbrands or watch companies.

ARE YOU A COLLECTOR? I am. I have a special love for vintage watches, gold cases and small dress watches. Give me a Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse, and I can die peacefully.

OUT OF ALL YOUR WORKS, WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE? Well, the obvious answer is always the next one! I love when I’m able to connect with my audience and they understand what I wanted to create and appreciate the creativity that goes into each work. Generally, the crazier I’m able to go in terms of treatment, the happier I am. The works I’ve done for MB&F are among my most creative, in addition to the series I did for sale to the public.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR DESIGNS? I guess the universe that surrounds each model, or the way that a watch model inspires me by its shape or the complexities of its movement. It all speaks for itself when I study what the watchmakers wanted to communicate when crafting the watch.

Follow Alex on Facebook and Instagram @watchoniste to see his latest work.

WE FOUND OUT WHAT MAKES ARTIST ALEX EISENZAMMER TICK.