Pop Culture Deluxe London Calling

It’s impossible to be bored in London. It is my top city to visit, although with the current exchange rate, South Africans are lucky if they can afford a small coffee. My sister says I’m the best person to travel with because I do mega research on off-the-beaten-track bars, restaurants, exhibitions and shops. Museums in London are unbeatable, specifically the Victoria and Albert Museum, who currently have a glitzy OTT exhibition on called DIVA, which celebrates the power and creativity of iconic performers like Dolly Parton and Tina Turner. vam.ac.uk

Agent

I adore clothes and wear a melange of thrifted clothing, vintage hand-medowns and street fashion, mixed with the occasional higher-end item. I haven’t met a colour or pattern I don’t love, and my style icons are my mom, Princess Diana in the 1980s and a Wes Anderson aesthetic. My favourite designer was Allesandro Michelle for Gucci, and I’m heartbroken he stepped down, although I am excited to see what’s next. His work is a maximalist’s dream and unbelievably fun, especially the Gucci X Adidas collab, and his HAHAHA collection with Harry Styles. If anyone would like to gift me one of its vintage-inspired suits or leopard-print suitcase, I won’t say no.

Sole Mates

When in doubt, throw on a colourful sneaker. They up the cool factor of any outfit, whether you are going casual or chic. I’m loyal to New Balance, especially the 574 which has such a classic silhouette. That said, my current go-to kicks are Adidas Gazelles in light orange and blue. This shoe is huge right now and can be seen on many a famous foot. newbalance.co.za; adidas.co.za

Decor Delight

I surround myself with beautiful things, and my home, a mid-century yellow brick, is chock-full of art, antiques and family heirlooms. Everything has a story. Working on a decor magazine, I spend a lot of time writing about homes, architecture and design. It also means I have a long list of coveted items; these include edgy ceramics by Jonathan Adler, Pillar Candles by Hay at Crema Design and my all-time most-wanted item, a 1970s Michél Ducaroy Togo chair from Ligne Roset. cremadesign.co.za; lignetrose.com

Locally, my must-have decor piece is a Basotho blanket from Aranda. I have one in nearly every room. It’s a historic South African business, and the blankets Aranda produces are culturally significant to the Basotho people. In June 2022, Aranda released a Young Basotho Designers collection which celebrates the culture and its rich history of blankets, but also provides a platform to young creatives. It is, in a word, fab. aranda.co.za

Jo Buitendach is a freelance lifestyle and design journalist, as well as contributing editor of VISI magazine. She lives in Joburg with her five very spoilt rescue chihuahuas.

Buying Behaviours Have Changed

SINCE THE PANDEMIC, with the share of watches bought online likely to increase from about 15 to 30 percent by 2030, according to the Deloitte Swiss Watch Industry Study 2022. However, brick-andmortar monobrand stores were deemed to be the most important sales channel in the 12 months following the report’s publication, and 63 percent of the industry executives surveyed believe that offline sales will still dominate until 2027. “This demonstrates that the in-store experience remains supreme, if not as a pure sales channel, as an experiential one. Luxury purchases are emotional. You are not only buying a product, but also a brand’s story, personality and values,” states the report. Bonds built between specialist retailers and their clients are inherently stronger than what a single brand can achieve –something that Rolex acknowledges in its resolute avoidance of pursuing online retail themselves. Personal connections are crucial for the success of watch sales, and Rolex recognises the significance of both family and independent jewellers worldwide as partners. “Our Rolex agency is the oldest in the world. We have been selling Rolex watches since the 1920s and have a beautiful collection of doublesigned models we showcase to clients. Our name, Chas. Greig & Son, is on the dials,” says Richard Greig, the director at Charles Greig Jewellers, established in 1899. “To be a Rolex retailer today requires the Rolex shop-in-shop fit-out. They want people to come in discover the Rolex experience – look at the catalogues and admire the beautiful box and description if they buy one. They really push for that.”

Due to the strength of the Charles Greig name, Richard believes they have the ideal mix of brands, including Cartier as the top luxury brand, Jaeger-LeCoultre as the specialist brand, Breitling, IWC and Panerai, with Longines at the entry level. “The strength of our business is that we don’t do any online sales. People like to come in and see the store and have a direct consultation. You can’t beat a oneon-one experience to get extra knowledge about the watch,” he says.