Your Luxury Africa - March 2023 issue

MEET THE INNOVATORS

Regulars

16

UNCOVERING THE PIONEERS: The African innovators who are not afraid to query perceptions and shift boundaries

22

A NEW ERA FOR COCO MADEMOISELLE: Meet rising star Whitney Peak, the new face of Chanel’s iconic fragrance

24

FLIGHTS OF FANTASY: Heritage fashion brands are launching exciting campaigns to entice luxury clients

30

PARADISE ON EARTH: Climate change warrior Costa Rica is one of our top destinations for eco-tourism

INNOVATION IS NOT JUST A LUXURY, it’s a necessity. Without it, there would be no development and no advancement. And without creative minds, there would be no innovation. Ultimately, innovation leads to luxury – the luxury of time, the luxury of growth and the luxury of the products and services we need for communities to flourish and the planet to survive.

In this edition of YourLuxury, we celebrate the pioneers of change who are undaunted by limitations and thrive on opening up new horizons. These are people who see opportunity where others see problems and, as Richard Holmes says in his interview with Ben Peterson – one of Nairobi’s digital disruptors – “there is no shortage of opportunities looking for solutions”.

Another innovator on our radar is Nigerian engineer, Chukwuemeka Eza. He’s been shortlisted for the 2023 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, and says the goal isn’t about income, but about who it might inspire.

“We need to inculcate the mentality of neversay-never in young people, because that’s the best way to save society and leave a long-lasting footprint in the sands of time.”

We hope you’ll be as inspired by the pioneers peppered throughout this issue as we are, and we encourage you to harness your own power to innovate. It can be as simple as opening your mind and seeking new ways of finding answers.

1. MY TOP PICKS

2.

Chopard Imperiale rhodium plated and gilded metal table clock, bhhboutique.co.za

Path of Hope ring with platinum, gold and precious stones by Jane Merrifield of Tuesday’s Child Jewellery plat.africa

FROM THE EDITOR

EDITORIAL: ACTING EDITOR Ingrid Wood ingrid@yourluxury.africa

MANAGING EDITOR Matthew McClure matthew@yourluxury.africa

COPY EDITOR Tamlyn Cumings IMAGE EDITOR Coralie Elske BEAUTY EDITOR Ingrid Wood ingrid@yourluxury.africa

ADVERTISING & MARKETING: MD Yvonne Shaff +27 (82) 903 5641 I yvonne@yourluxury.africa

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kate Walters

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Rachael Akerman rachael@yourluxury.africa

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Tamara Nicholson +27 (83) 604 0949 I tamara@yourluxury.africa

ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR Yvette Mehl + 27 (21) 439 4907 I yvette@yourluxury.africa

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jacquie Myburgh Chemaly jacquie@yourluxury.africa

DISTRIBUTION & PRINT:

MANAGEMENT: MANAGING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Yvonne Shaff

DISTRIBUTION On the Dot, Media Support

PO Box 1053, Sea Point 8060, Cape Town. All rights reserved. Whereas precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of information, neither

PRINTED BY Novus Print for YourLuxury

Africa can be held liable for any inaccuracies, injury or damages that may arise. The opinions expressed in the articles may not reflect those of the publisher. All prices correct at time of going to print.

yourluxury.africa

Louis Vuitton Spirit Chapter ll Liberty diamond and Colombian no-oil emerald necklace, louisvuitton.com

Lancôme Maison Figues & Agrumes EDP, exclusive to Edgars Mall of Africa, Fourways and Clearwater

Sealand. Not just a bag. PHOTOGRAPHER: Paige Fiddes

3.4.

5.

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet lipstick, chanel.com

Elegance is an attitude

Jennifer Lawrence

Mall of Africa • Clearwater Mall • Canal Walk

IF YOU’VE BEEN ENJOYING OUR PRINT editions of YourLuxury Africa, head to our website at yourluxury.africa

There, we share news and views about the ultimate luxury lifestyle, with carefully curated content from all over Africa and beyond. From food to fashion, wine to watches, wheels to wings and fragrance to fine art – it’s all there in one exquisite online space. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook, too.

BREITLING NAVITIMER B01 CHRONOGRAPH 43

BOEING 747: A TRIBUTE FROM ONE ICON TO ANOTHER

THE LEGEND CONTINUES

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Born in Kenya and based in New York, Wangechi Mutu’s texturally layered collages and fantastical sculptures will already be familiar to followers of this culturally incisive artist. The upcoming solo exhibition of her recent work at New York’s New Museum this month promises to make compelling connections between her body of past work, and bold new developments in her practice. Wangechi Mutu: Intertwined will examine a future envisioned by the artist; one that is informed by notions of Afrofuturism and “interspecies symbiosis” and that is embodied across the full range of her talent: performance, collage, painting, drawing, film and sculpture. This is not to be missed and will be up until June.

newmuseum.org/exhibitions

LUXURY MEETS INNOVATION

The fifth edition of the Luxury Innovation Summit, organised by the Luxury Venture Group (LVG), runs from 18 to 20 September in Geneva, Switzerland. Industry leaders and innovators will gather to discuss ideas around promoting innovation in the luxury industry, with topics such as disrupting the luxury fashion industry, enhancing luxury beauty, timeless luxury (watches and jewellery), elegance in motion (cars, yachts and jets), luxury escapes of the future, innovating the art industry and luxury as currency. It’s sure to be an incredible meeting of minds, and we are rather partial to Geneva… luxuryinnovationsummit.com

HIGH SPEED, HIGH GLAMOUR

ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED and sought-after experiences of the Formula 1 season, the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix, takes place over 78 laps of Circuit de Monaco in Monte Carlo on Sunday 28 May. It has run since 1929 and is widely considered to be one of the most prestigious motorsport races in the world. It will no doubt deliver on adrenaline and glamour, so make sure your yacht is docked and the bubbles are chilled. monacograndprixticket.com

A GEN Z IMMERSION

Don’t miss the launch of the Flux Innovation Tour 2023, which is all about meeting “the solution-based future innovators defining the New World Order”. Dion Chang, founder of Flux Trends, started tracking Generation Z about eight years ago, before they started coming of age. “I knew that these digital natives would be very different. We now have eight years of research on them. The Generation Z Immersion Experience looks at how this generation, with its very high social justice barometer, is finding solutions to the different challenges we face in Africa.” Dion will host the full-day tour experience and facilitate conversations between delegates and young innovators, creatives and entrepreneurs that are building our future. The tour takes place on 15 June in Johannesburg, but kicks off the night before with a meet-and-greet cocktail event. Pay before 31 March to qualify for the early bird special. Bookings close on 31 May. fluxtrends.com/innovation

yourluxury.africa

TAG HEUER Connected Modular Calibre E4

The latest smartwatch from TAG Heuer is available in two case sizes, 42mm and 45mm, with both polished steel and titanium cases on offer. The reduced thickness of the case, prominent crown and two pushers, as well as a ceramic bezel, add to the Calibre E4’s mechanical-watch appearance. The batteries should last all day and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless standard helps with high syncing speed and fast data transfer. The watch comes equipped with a heart rate monitor, GPS and Accelerometer, and there are a host of TAG Heuer watch faces and straps to choose from. info@picotandmoss.co.za

CONNECTED TO

WE TAKE A LOOK AT HOW THREE SWISS BRANDS KNOWN FOR THEIR MECHANICAL WATCHES ARE BRIDGING THE GAP WITH THEIR SMARTWATCHES

WORDS SONY THOMAS

TRADITION

THE WATCH INDUSTRY has weathered many a storm in its centuries-old history, and it’s now mechanical watches that are under the pump, thanks to the smartwatch. While it will be difficult for smartwatches to dethrone high-end mechanical watches from their long-established role as a status symbol, statement jewellery piece or heirloom artefact, smartwatches do pose a threat to mid-level watch brands. This has prompted many traditional Swiss watch brands to have a smartwatch in their portfolio. If the idea of a smartwatch that carries a well-known Swiss watch brand’s name appeals to you, here are three that you should check out.

MONTBLANC Summit 3

Montblanc joined the smartwatch movement in 2017 with the Summit smartwatch, and the current iteration, the Montblanc Summit 3, is something to behold. It has a titanium case reminiscent of the brand’s mechanical watches and has been brushed and polished by hand. It also boasts a range of customisable watch faces that mimic mechanical dials, such as that of the Geosphere. Powered by Google’s Wear OS and a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ chip, it gets improved battery life, health-monitoring sensors, fitness aids and several apps. montblanc.com

yourluxury.africa

HUBLOT Big Bang e FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Being the official timekeeper of the FIFA World Cup, Hublot came out with a special edition for the 2022 World Cup. Limited to 1,000 units, the timepiece has a 44mm case and is made from micro-blasted and polished black ceramic and titanium. Under the case is a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 processor powered by Wear OS 3. It also has a dedicated smartphone app and an accelerometer, gyroscope, microphone and speaker, GPS and a heart-rate monitor. hublot.com

The iconic panther makes its mark with a black speckled strap on the latest Cartier Panthère calfskin bag R56 000, Cartier Boutique

VIVA Magenta!

PANTONE’S COLOUR OF THE YEAR, VIVA MAGENTA, IS DESCRIBED AS “VIBRATING WITH VIM AND VIGOUR”. A MIXTURE OF VIOLET AND RED, MAGENTA IS ALSO RECOGNISED AS A COLOUR OF HARMONY AND BALANCE. WE LOVE HOW THIS HAPPY HUE ADDS VIBRANCY TO OUR LIVES!

The radiance-boosting Gatineau Perfection Ultime skin perfecting cream-serum, R1 295, combines the potent anti-ageing ingredients of a serum with the comfort of a cream, orleanscosmetics.co.za

Bright and vibrant, Versace Dylan Purple 100ml EDP, R2 325, is a fresh, juicy blend of bergamot, orange and pear, together with freesia, cedarwood and musk, available at selected beauty retail outlets

We’re swooning over the Chopard Haute Joaillerie necklace in Fairmined-certified 18-carat white gold set with 18-carat rubies and diamonds, POA, bhhboutique.co.za

With its rose bouquet and a blast of popcorn, Lancôme Idole Nectar 100ml EDP, R2 360, is a reinvention of the sweet and floral fragrance, available at selected beauty retail outlets

A luxurious texture, the delicate scent plus hydrating and plumping ingredients make Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream, R3 350, a beauty icon, Woolworths

The deliciously sensual milk-in-oil texture of Nuxe Very Rose creamy make-up remover milk R395, makes cleansing a pampering affair, orleanscosmetics.co.za

yourluxury.africa

COMPILED BY INGRID WOOD

PANTONE® 18-1750 TCX Viva Magenta

Ciao , B e l a

CULTURAL ICON KIM KARDASHIAN SERVES AS MUSE AND CURATOR FOR CIAO, KIM, DOLCE & GABBANA’S NEW SPRING/SUMMER 2023 COLLECTION

DOMENICO DOLCE AND STEFANO GABBANA are known to delve deep into their archives in search of inspiration for their new collections. This season sees the dynamic duo partnering with fashionista Kim Kardashian as they revisit some of their collections from the 90s and 00s, reigniting understated palettes of camel, charcoal and ivory with metallics and animal print. Kim drew from her own life in addition to the Dolce & Gabbana archives to bring the sleek silhouettes of the late 1980s and early 2000s to life through shapely bustiers, corsets and the glitter of jewels.

Kim’s avant-garde taste has given an entire generation the courage to establish their own identity, and her assertive, feminine independence embodies the Dolce & Gabbana spirit and aesthetic. Following the curation of the anticipated Spring/Summer 2023 collection in Milan last year, Kim was photographed by fashion photographers Mert and Marcus in a classic Italian Villa, wearing garments and accessories from the line. The shoot pays homage to sensual elegance in black and white, with Kim as the centrefold. Dolcegabbana.com

Step out in style in these super comfortable and versatile Versailles Croc sneakers, R24 500, available in a variety of trendy colours, versaillesluxury.com

MAN ON THE MOVE

Gentlemen, start your engines! The Acqua di Parma car diffuser R2 229, is easily attached to your car’s air vents, triggering the diffusion of your favourite fragrance, Woolworths

The stylish and innovative Fendi Sky round pilot-style sunglasses, R7 800, are an interpretation of the best-selling shape, featuring a metal frame, double metal bridge and lenses with the classic Fendi logo, bhhboutique.com

MAKE EACH MOVE A FASHIONABLE ONE WITH THE RIGHT SCENT AND ACCESSORIES

COMPILED BY INGRID WOOD

The Isvakashi – The Visitor Weekender Bag, $590 by Inga Atelier, is handcrafted by local leather artisans in Johannesburg. It has an underside of nickel-plated brass feet to prevent scuffing of the soft Italian leather, ingaatelier.com

Assouline’s The Race of the Gentlemen R2 145, provides a front-row seat to the action of the annual celebration of American hot rod culture, skins.co.za

The automatic, self-winding IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team”, R138 000, has a titanium case and green rubber strap with EasX-CHANGE system, allowing you to change your strap with complete ease, iwc.com

yourluxury.africa

The Dr. Vranjes carparfum, R705, offers a wide variety of scented refills, R530, so you can stock up on different fragrances to suit your ride, skins.co.za

REDEFINING LUXURY

WHO SAYS YOU CAN’T HAVE IT ALL? THE LEXUS LX OFFERS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND SUPERB PERFORMANCE ALL WRAPPED UP IN ONE LUXURIOUS DRIVE EXPERIENCE

AS A WORLDWIDE LEADING motoring brand, Lexus is all about the luxury of choice. The LX range offers drivers a variety of options to suit their diverse lifestyles, whether they’re navigating the concrete jungle or hitting dirt tracks.

COMFORT AND CLASS

While the design of LX is clean, it certainly isn’t simple. The vehicle’s proportions are all about accentuating functionality and imparting gravitas. Much of the LX design mission rests on the shoulders of the so-called golden ratio – the optimal wheelbase length to ensure exceptional balance between ultimate comfort and competence. Driving the car makes it clear that Lexus has perfected the art of accomplishing both.

WELCOME HOME

Inspired by the ancient Japanese ethos of omotenashi (hospitality), the Lexus twotiered human-centred Tazuna cockpit provides hospitality for both the driver and passenger, imparting a luxurious sense of space and comfort. Everything you might need has been included: think USB Type-C ports, cup holders in the fold-away armrest, wireless charging, 12V outlets, toggle switches for climate control and an impressive 25-speaker Mark Levinson® premium surround sound system – the most comprehensive in

any Lexus model to date. The cushioned seating with a dimpled leather finish is luxury at its finest.

VIP TREATMENT

The top-of-the-range Lexus LX 600 VIP has an opulent four-seat cabin layout – a world first in this segment. The front passenger seat features an extra front slide mode, which allows increased rear seat space. The VIP grade also masters climate control like never before... ceiling vents deliver a fresh “air shower” on hot days, while winter chills are banished by a so-called warm “air curtain”. Passengers sitting in the rear enjoy a multi-information panel equipped with an 11.6-inch touch screen, allowing the user control of all the rear comfort features. Those late-night board meetings stressing you out? The VIP grade features extended massage options, including full-body, shoulder and lumbar massage settings to ease away the pains of the day.

The line-up comprises the LX 500d, LX 500d F Sport, LX 600 seven-seater, LX 600 F Sport and LX 600 VIP. All models come as five-seaters, except for the LX 600 petrol grade, which boasts seven chairs and the ultra-luxurious four-seat VIP grade. Every Lexus LX comes with the Lexus Warranty Experience featuring an industry-leading seven-year/100 000-kilometre warranty. For more information, visit lexus.co.za.

UNCOVERING THE PIONEERS

WITHOUT INNOVATION, THERE WOULD BE NO PROGRESS – AND THERE WOULD BE NO CHANGE. MEET THE AFRICAN INNOVATORS WHO ARE NOT AFRAID TO QUERY EXISTING PERCEPTIONS AND SHIFT BOUNDARIES

INTELLIGENTLY WASTED

JASPER EALES IS THE CO-FOUNDER and creative director of Cape Town-based gear and apparel brand, Sealand Gear. He speaks of responsibility over sustainability, as it’s a term many may dwell over considering the unrelenting use of the latter. He explains, “The word sustainable is misused and overused, and has become broader spectrum.”

The term ‘responsible’ isn’t quite as easy to throw around, he says. “It’s about considering all the elements at play and making a difference in a positive way, while ‘sustainability’ feels less focused.”

It’s with this ethos that he unpacks Sealand Gear’s new innovation, Econyl® regenerated nylon. If you think you’re buying a bag – the utilitarian and functional type – from them, guess again. “In its simplest form, Econyl® is a regenerative nylon,” says Jasper. Invented from nylonbased waste, he adds that its primary waste

source is ghost-fishing nets from the ocean and industrial carpet excess. However, it’s not as simple as morphing these polluting discards into an amazing bag.

By seeing the potential beyond that process, Sealand Gear – the first bag and accessories brand in Africa to use Econyl® – put this material through its paces for quite some time. With careful research and development, the material advanced into something that could be a regenerative nylon, meaning it can be broken down over and over again, details Jasper.

You may have actually read about or even seen Econyl® before. Previously used in swimwear, over time it’s become suitable for bags. A fabric that never loses its structural integrity, it follows a highly responsible four-part creation process. Starting with landfill rescue to nylon

waste regeneration, purified Econyl® is remade into a particular type of Econyl® fabric. Lastly, it’s reimagined into a bag or accessory thanks to Sealand.

Back to the idea of responsibility in production over brand catch-phrasing, innovation really does mean amazing things for Mother Nature. It’s all in stats; Econyl® reduces the impact of global warming by 90 percent if compared to standard nylon. It’s also beating fibres like canvas in the green stakes. Carbon specialist, The Green House, reports that a virgin canvas bag has 19,7kgs of CO2 emissions versus an Econyl® one, which sits at 3,1kgs emissions per bag. Ready to invest in something very modern that’s made from something very old – and unwanted? It’s time to buy responsibly.

Sealandgear.co.za

IN AN ERA OF PURSUING MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY WAYS OF LIVING – AND PURCHASING – INNOVATION SHOULD MAKE A GREATER IMPACT... ESPECIALLY WHEN REIMAGINING AND REGENERATING WASTE WORDS HELEN CLEMSON

MAKER OF DEVICES AND DREAMS

A 31-YEAR-OLD NIGERIAN ENGINEER IS DETERMINED TO CREATE A BETTER, BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR AFRICA

WORDS NORMA YOUNG

WHEN HE REALISED that the pleas and punishments weren’t actually working, Chukwuemeka Eza’s father finally relented and bought them a second radio. His son would repeatedly fiddle with the small family transistor, no matter how many times he was implored to leave it alone. “I kept trying to see who spoke inside it,” recalls Chukwuemeka. The desire to understand the workings of the device was consuming, so he persistently tried to take it apart. “I kept on doing this until I succeeded and discovered there was no one inside.”

The second radio was spared from his curiosity as he moved on to other explorations. Chukwuemeka soon taught himself how to repair cassette players, started building lighting systems and tinkered with any electricity-powered items he could find. Breaking apart and building

things was so fascinating that when he discovered that engineers “make stuff”, he was determined to make it his career. That dream has come true – and in a spectacular way. Chukwuemeka recently garnered the attention of the Royal Academy of Engineering when he was shortlisted for the 2023 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation because of an e-mobility product he created. This has given him access to expertise and sectorspecific mentoring, an eight-month long tailored training programme, as well as the opportunity to win prize money of up to £25,000.

After graduating from the University of Nigeria with a Bachelor of Engineering, Chukwuemeka worked for a technology company before starting Revive Earth Limited in 2021. Here, he developed Electric Mobility, a service that converts gas-powered three-wheel motorbikes to run on batteries. For drivers, this can result in cost savings of up to 60 percent.

Being a business owner has been an ideal outlet for Chukwuemeka. “I do enjoy the fact that entrepreneurship is the engine that can make everything useful. It’s not technology that creates a sustainable society, but entrepreneurship, because it encourages inclusiveness and equality. It’s the only tool in the key development of society that can sharpen and clean itself.”

Inclusion is an important consideration for Chukwuemeka because he was almost unable to pursue tertiary studies due to financial limitations. His father arranged him an apprenticeship after high school. There was no money for university, but

plenty to be learnt while working for the mechanic in their town.

Overcoming hurdles and obstacles has been a theme for most of Chukwuemeka’s life, and he’s often had to look within for solutions and motivation. This happened when the team at Revive Earth Limited was making good progress with product development and, out of nowhere, their mechanical engineer decided to leave the company. There was doubt about whether they’d get the product from its current stage to breakthrough, but by focusing on delivering the core value proposition – reduction in cost and building a rugged product – the team succeeded.

Determined to continue this trajectory, Chukwuemeka is clear on the goals Revive Earth Limited is chasing over the next 10 years. He intends for them to “create a supply chain of e-mobility transport systems for all of Africa which can adapt the technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution, such as Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things.”

Revenue-wise, he hopes the company can reach around 10 million dollars in the decade ahead. This goal isn’t just about income, but about who it might inspire. “This is important to me because it’s the most effective way to show the younger generation that it is possible to actualise a dream, no matter how big it is. We need to inculcate the mentality of never-saynever in young people because that’s the best way to save society and leave a long-lasting footprint in the sands of time.”

Reviveearth.com

PATTERNS IN GLASS AND METAL

FINE ARTIST BRIDGET MODEMA’S SCULPTURAL WORKS BRING EMOTIONS TO VIVID LIFE

WORDS MATTHEW MCCLURE

YOU KNOW WHEN YOU BUMP into a stranger and have an unshakeable feeling that you’ve met them before? Or that disconcerting prickle on the back of your neck when you enter a room for the first time? It’s these mysterious yet undeniable networks of energy that fine artist Bridget Modema explores through her innovative three-dimensional mixedmedia sculptures.

I learn quickly during our interview that there is more to her than meets the eye. Her names are ones that she assumed for herself; they convey deep personal significance connected to her beliefs in the power of universal energy and the call to create. She chats to me from Johannesburg’s Melrose Gallery, where she’s recently exhibited as part of a group show. “I was 13 when my father passed away. I’ve always been guided by the universe and was brought up to be very independent. The universe guided me and my father would appear when I had a decision to make.”

Bridget’s interest in the energy of the natural world and spiritualism sparked early on and forms the bedrock of her career. She laughs as she tells me about the many difficult lessons she’s learned about emotional release. One in particular, she chuckles, involved throwing a precious sculpture of hers off a mountaintop during a retreat. “A quote that really summarises my practice would be from Nicola Tesla,” Bridget says, reciting what are perhaps some of the American inventor and engineer’s most celebrated words “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and

vibration.” Making these universal energies and frequencies visible and recognising that they bind humanity together despite our differences is the essence of Bridget’s practice. She’s interested in discovering the healing abilities of energetic frequencies and vibrations through the practice of cymatics, or as she terms it, “the visual study of sound… how the intangible can become tangible. These worlds can have a visual component.” Bridget, in a real sense, makes what we feel, visible.

Perhaps the best way to get a true sense of how Bridget does this is through her recent work exhibited at the Nirox Sculpture Park, commissioned by the Claire and Edoardo Villa Will Trust. She recorded the ambient sounds present at the space while noting the ebb and flow of energies she encountered. Using a Chladni device (a machine designed to make sound patterns visible in sand), Bridget sketched out the ambient energies in three dimensions and translated them into a complex, mixed media mobile work. Bridget’s art registers and records the accumulations of energies and experiences that rub off on spaces over time as they are navigated by different bodies, even as they constantly change. Of course, what Bridget is visualising is not new. Cultures across the world have attached importance to divine energies and understanding how they can be apprehended. The ancient Egyptian priests called it Sekhem. The Eastern philosophy of Taoism imparts a deep respect for the ebb and flow of natural rhythms and teaches us how to live in accordance with them, and many of us would have experienced a deeply relaxing Reiki session

at least once. But Bridget’s innovative approach is blending these ancient systems with the world of fine art, making them discernible and understandable, perhaps even sometimes uncomfortably so.

As we end the interview, one question seems to remain. How does Bridget locate herself as an artist exploring such intimately human issues in a country that labours under a burden of deadly daily violence?

“I struggled with my emotions. I struggled with a sense of belonging. I wanted to find a language of self-expression,” she tells me. “At the end of the day, spirituality comes down to how you find meaning. How can you find a way of moving on?

If we can find a way to understand that we are chemical beings, we can identify our trauma and work with it.”

Modema.co.za

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

DRIVING AN ELECTRIC CAR to work, powering appliances with solar energy and riding an e-bike for exercise. This is the life 27-year-old Gibson Kawago intends to have in the CITI of WAGA. “Only green solutions will be utilised,” he muses. This dream town he plans to build will be vastly different from the Tanzanian village where Gibson was born. Kerosene lamps and firewood were used for light as they had no electricity. Seeing his father, a mechanical engineer, hard at work was both inspiring and informative as Gibson began to experiment by crafting torches from batteries. By the time he finished high school, he knew this was more than a passing hobby, and enrolled for an engineering degree at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology. While studying, he became fascinated with lithium-ion

batteries. He built prototypes, took extra online courses through Coursera, and volunteered at a STEM-focused company.

In 2019, Gibson founded WAGA, a company that specialises in battery solutions. Their flagship product is the WAGA Power Pack, which uses recycled lithium-ion laptop batteries to provide affordable and reliable power for electric bikes, power banks, solar lights, businesses and homes. The packs are available in 12, 24 or 48 volts, making them suitable for different needs. This innovation is in response to the absent or unreliable electricity supply that frustrates many citizens.

“I am motivated by the problems in my society, and I feel like I need to find a solution,” says Gibson. Starting a business has been a “trying experience requiring resilience, persistence and a strong work ethic,” but it comes with rewards. “I love being an entrepreneur as I meet different people daily. I love that people are happy when I provide them with lithium-ion batteries. Their smile gives me a trillion reasons to keep doing what I am doing.”

Gibson was recently shortlisted for the 2023 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation by the Royal Academy of Engineering. In 2022, he was named a National and Global Winner in the Climate Launchpad competition, was recognised as a Young Leader for SDGs by the United Nations for 2022-2024 and, in the same year, the United Nations Development Programme awarded him the title of Sustainable Development Goal Champion in Tanzania for his work in advancing the goal of affordable and clean energy.

This acknowledgement is meaningful as Gibson hopes it will fuel business growth. “Innovation is important, but success in entrepreneurship requires more than just great ideas, and sometimes even the most innovative concepts can fail to gain traction due to resource constraints.”

The biggest challenges he faces include securing the resources, time and funding necessary for prototyping, R&D and other early-stage business needs. A bespoke answer to one of the problems has been harnessing the realities of their local community to find suppliers. WAGA has devised a system in which it buys old batteries from informal waste collectors. It sources across Tanzania and then tests the batteries. Corroded ones and those with dropped voltages are sent for electrochemical recycling.

WAGA Power Packs are good for the planet as they have no carbon emissions. They’re also beneficial to entrepreneurs as they allow businesses to remain in operation after sundown, and thereby increase income opportunities.

These systems and solutions are just the beginning of Gibson’s ambitions. In the future, he plans for WAGA to make its own electric bikes and to fully manufacture its own battery packs inhouse. His dream is for Africa to have reliable, clean and affordable energy. “This is important to me because I really want to let Earth remain green as it is the only home for our future generation of sons and daughters.”

Wagatanzania.com

A YOUNG TANZANIAN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER AIMS TO GET SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES TO AS MANY CITIES AND SETTLEMENTS ACROSS AFRICA AS POSSIBLE WORDS NORMA YOUNG

NAIROBI’S DIGITAL DISRUPTORS

BYTE-SIZED

SOLUTIONS FOR AFRICA

WORDS RICHARD HOLMES

WHERE OTHERS SEE PROBLEMS, Ben Peterson sees opportunity. And with two decades of experience working with startup ventures across the continent, it’s now Africa’s tourism industry that he sees as ripe for innovation.

With an MSc from the London School of Economics, Ben is a former senior partner at AHL Venture Partners, one of Africa’s largest early-stage investors. He saw many problems begging for solutions, and not enough start-ups to find them.

“There are literally a handful of start-ups in the third-largest sector on the continent, which is tourism,” says Ben. “So there’s clearly a mismatch between the start-up community and this important sector.”

Cue the formation of Purple Elephant Ventures (PEV) in January 2020. “Of course, that was the best time to start a business in tourism,” he says wryly. But he and co-founder Jan van der Does de Willebois, a start-up funder and investment banker, bided their time, and by August 2022 they’d raised some seed funding. Nairobi-based PEV is, by design, a venture studio. “We design and build start-ups in-house, from scratch. We are builders. We are founders. At the moment we start three or four businesses in the tourism sector each year,” says Ben.

For PEV, creating a start-up is a five-step process, from identifying the problems facing the tourism industry to market research, recruiting a co-founder and competitor analysis. Crucially, all the startups in the PEV stable are built on a Venn diagram of climate change, sustainability and technology.

“We’re not building bricks-and-mortar businesses, and our start-ups are driving the tourism industry towards a greener future. Sustainability and climate change are parts of the way we look at every business opportunity,” says Ben. “We start with a problem – every good startup provides a solution to a problem. And the more acute or bigger the problem, the more successful the start-up is.”

Alongside Nomad Africa, a flagship media venture with a symbiotic tourism offering, the current focus of PEV is to help African hospitality businesses control, manage and monetise their clients through a dedicated digital platform they’ve dubbed Elephant Bookings.

While still in development and testing with a handful of pilot clients, Ben sees the platform as a full SaaS (Software as a Service) business that can manage the needs of a hospitality operation.

“It’s about building digital infrastructure to support every aspect of a lodge’s needs, allowing them to maximise efficiencies and revenue and really own their end customer,” says Ben. “It’s creating an endto-end digital platform that’s simple and powerful, from website to booking.”

Kijani – or ‘green’ in kiSwahili – is another PEV business offering a solution to a headache faced across the East African tourism industry: sourcing eco-friendly products and amenities in an age of heightened impact awareness.

“With a focus on sustainable and local products, Kijani provides everything a hotel or lodge needs to operate within a carbonneutral supply chain,” explains Ben.

But while he’s quick to enthuse about these successful start-ups, he’s just as open about the handful that have been launched, only to fail. What seems to set PEV apart is its ability to kill off a venture as quickly as it creates one in what Ben calls a “Darwinian system of start-ups”.

“One mistake often made with start-ups is that people think with their hearts and can’t always see the problems,” explains Ben. “Because we are a venture studio, we can be dispassionate about the opportunities, and we are looking for the problems from day one. If a business doesn’t perform, we move on.”

And there’s no shortage of opportunities. From destination management to linking carbon markets with tourism, PEV has a long list of sectors ripe for innovation. ■

Purpleelephant.ventures

A NEW ERA FOR

Coco Mademoiselle

UGANDAN-BORN CANADIAN actress and model, Whitney Peak, has only just turned 20, which I say to Thomas du Pré de Saint Maur, head of global creative resources for Chanel Fragrance, Beauty, Watches and Jewelry, seems very young for the starring role of a brand with such heritage and legacy. But he reminds me that long-time ambassador Keira Knightley’s relationship with Chanel started when she was just 22, and the founder of the brand, Coco Chanel, was only 19 when she arrived in Paris to pursue her dreams.

Keira has become synonymous with the fragrance thanks to a 16-year association (having taken over from Kate Moss in 2007), but Thomas believes the time is right to refresh the campaign. “There’s a moment where the whole thing becomes a bit too expected,” he explains. “I felt we needed to go further – not because it didn’t work anymore, but I just had the feeling that we could get more out of it if we changed things; if we started a new chapter. So, we started asking questions: Is it time for a new face? Time to have a dialogue with somebody new?”

After the iconic faces of Kate and Keira, it couldn’t have been easy to find a muse who can do the brand justice, but Whitney ticks all the boxes.

She is no stranger to Chanel, having served as the brand ambassador for the

US market and muse of the 22 handbag campaign. And she is, obviously, beautiful. “Physically, she is graceful. She has this sense of harmony in her face, which is quite extraordinary,” marvels Thomas. “When somebody photographs very well, let’s just say it makes everyone’s job easy!”

Thomas also believes Whitney brings an authenticity to the role. “An actress is a role of composition, but if the role is already in the blood, it’s more credible. The generation we’re addressing are great believers, but they have the capacity to detect when it’s genuine or not.”

Add to that a common desire to work together – a key consideration for Thomas – and then of course, Whitney has that ‘X’ factor. “It was just obvious to me that she was the right one. She has that contagious, positive energy. She’s disarming. There’s no way you can resist her positive way of engaging with you. It’s the ability to force without a plan, the ambience of a room, a discussion, a relationship… I guess the real Coco Mademoiselle was like that.”

Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel herself was not yet 20 when she first arrived in Paris, inexperienced but with a disarming charm and an appetite for adventure and new experiences. It’s this ‘arrival’ in Paris and encounter with newness that is the story of the new commercial, where you will see Whitney interacting with people and

embracing the moment. Her infectious spirit is the embodiment of today’s youth, and it is this young-adult life that is the core of the story, explains Thomas. “It’s about that time when you still have everything ahead of you. You have no experience in life, but you have a fierce belief that destiny is on your side, and you embrace life with an appetite. This is what Coco was about, what Keira was at her time and what Whitney is now.”

The print campaign is usually a still image from the film, but in this case it is totally different, says Thomas, other than the model and styling. “I tried to work on the iconisation of her in the print campaign –her confidence, in a serene way, related more to who she is rather than the moment she is living.”

Ultimately, the message behind the Coco Mademoiselle story hasn’t changed. It’s the story of a young woman who was adamant that the only person who could decide for her, was her. She refused to accept that society would decide on her behalf or that somebody else could understand her better than she could. What has changed in 2023 is the way the story is being told. “It’s a beautiful story that still applies today, an amazing legacy to the world,” says Thomas. “And that is the legacy I wanted to feature.” ■

THOMAS DU PR É DE SAINT MAUR, CHANEL’S HEAD OF GLOBAL CREATIVE RESOURCES, SPEAKS TO US ABOUT THE NEW COCO MADEMOISELLE CAMPAIGN, FEATURING WHITNEY PEAK

WORDS INGRID WOOD

A FRAGRANCE FOR THE BOLD AND FREE WOMAN

Coco Mademoiselle Parfum captures the confidence of Coco Chanel in a bottle – a woman who is comfortable with who she is and where she wants to be.

Classed as an amber floral fragrance, the fresh top notes include bergamot, radiant orange essence and grapefruit. The juicy floral notes of rose, litchi and jasmine are embraced by a wave of patchouli, vanilla, musk and vetiver. Its essence is in the words of the House of Chanel, “Both strong and subtle, youthful but confident, seductive yet not provocative, modern but classic.”

Whitney is a fan of layering the fragrance. (A Hair Perfume and The Body Oil join the line-up of the EDP, EDP Intense, Extrait and L’Eau Privee, so you can too.) “When I get out of the shower, I put my moisturiser on, I do my oil, I put my fragrance on my body and my clothes and hair. Without [my fragrance], I am incomplete,” she says. “When I’m complete, I can fully give myself. My fragrance is the perfect ‘complete’.”

yourluxury.africa

‘Without my FRAGRANCE , I am INCOMPLETE ’

Flightsof Fancy

LUXURY CLIENTS ARE ON A SPENDING SPREE AGAIN, AND HERITAGE BRANDS ARE LAUNCHING EVER MORE CREATIVE INNOVATIONS AND EXCITING CAMPAIGNS TO ENTICE THEM

WORDS CHRISTINE VAN DEEMTER

WHEN THE MET GALA OPENS its gilded doors for the select few on the first Monday in May, it will again enthral the world with glamour and ostentation. This year’s theme will celebrate one of fashion’s most extraordinary icons: the late Karl Lagerfeld. While the event will honour the legacy of the once-in-a-generation talent, it’s also a multifaceted way to get people talking about Chanel and Fendi, the luxury brands he served for decades as creative director. And while talking about brands helps move product, in 2023, innovation is needed. “Most countries have made it through the pandemic and, as such, sentiment is starting to look up,” says Giselle Hon, director of luxury communications and PR firm, Hon. Gone are the days of getting attention through some blatant shock campaigning. A United Colors of Benetton billboard would barely raise an eyebrow today, nor would a Gucci logo shaved into pubic hair excite more than a few tut-tuts from the grey-haired establishment. In a world filled with choice and more luxury than ever before, brands must take advantage of their reservoirs of talent to get customers to open their wallets.

Today, creative directors no longer shun collaborations, tapping into the genius of artists, streetwear labels and off-kilter creatives. Dior x Birkenstock, Adidas x Gucci and Stüssy x Dries van Noten are but some of the left-field collaborations released in the last few years, while Louis Vuitton’s reunion with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is expected to break sales records. The brand’s recent appointment of Pharrell Williams as men’s creative director is another indication that they see the value in bringing an A-lister on board. Pharrell isn’t new to the fashion world. In 2015, Lagerfeld brought him on board as one of Chanel’s only male ambassadors. The relationship flourished and spawned the Chanel x Pharrell capsule collection and a sneaker collaboration with Adidas. Pharrell also urged Lagerfeld to consider Africa as a destination for the brand. This culminated in December last year when Chanel showed its 2023 Métiers d’Art collection in Dakar, Senegal. Heritage purveyors of luxury are at the vanguard of innovative ideas to keep customers engaged, from bringing retro trailers filled with product to your door (Louis Vuitton) to tapping into social issues (Nordstrom curating a dedicated shop by and for Black brands). And while luxury label Hermès has never needed to chase eyeballs, its whimsical Instagram campaigns have become must-follows. People are hungry for experiences and something rare, new or outrageous… or preferably all three. Just witness Dior’s 3D-printed derby shoes and boots, a feat of cutting-edge technology. Created from durable thermoplastic polyurethane, the shoes were meticulously crafted and designed – and are only available in black. Says the brand, “The aim was to produce footwear that was wearable and comfortable, while maintaining the ideal balance between new technology and traditional craftsmanship.”

OPPOSITE: Stüssy x Dries van Noten collab

LEFT & BELOW LEFT: Adidas x Gucci collab

BELOW: Dior 3D printed shoe

Around the world, luxury brands are hoping for a resurgence in post-pandemic shopping by means of some innovative connections. Louis Vuitton has opened its first restaurant in China – a 60-seater in Chengdu – helmed by Michelin-star French chef Olivier Elzer. The maison announced its restaurant with further inter-genre fanfare by commissioning a song from local rapper MaSiWei and launching a game on WeChat, China’s most popular messaging app. The restaurant launch followed the opening of a Louis Vuitton flagship store across the way a few months earlier, which was heralded by a giant tiger’s tail curling through the building in honor of the Year of the Tiger. Closer to home, Giselle cites the Zeitz MOCAA Gala + Dinner, which was held in Cape Town and supported by Gucci, as “unforgettable.”

It’s not just luxury fashion getting in on the action. Iconic shopping destinations such as Selfridges and Liberty in London have avoided the fate of so many other stale department stores by being creative and out-of-the-shoppingbag. Selfridges created a self-care event called Superself which featured stressreducing, multisensory pods that people could step into to awaken their senses by means of temperature, airflow, sound, light and smell. Liberty launched online craft

RIGHT: Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama

BELOW: Louis Vuitton restaurant in Chengdu, China

BELOW RIGHT: Nordstrom concept store

LEFT: Chanel x Pharrell Williams

BELOW LEFT: Dior x Birkenstock

INSERTS: Tiffany & Co. x Nike Air Force 1 Low 1837; Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama shoe

workshops where customers could learn to sew dresses (in Liberty fabrics, naturally). The London store also hosts tours of its Grade II* listed heritage building, which are sold out months in advance.

While an unexpected collab or extravagant gimmicks can move the social media dial to viral, the audience sometimes bites back. Such was the case of the Chanel advent calendar created in celebration of the brand’s centenary. The $825 advent calendar was pilloried online for containing items such as stickers and flimsy tree ornaments, resulting in Chanel’s president of fashion, Bruno Pavlovsky, defusing the backlash by saying, “In future, we will certainly be more cautious.”

Tiffany & Co. also stung from the feedback to its Nike collaboration – the plain black Tiffany & Co. x Nike Air Force 1 Low 1837 shoes featured no real design chops and a single Nike swoosh in Tiffany blue. Sneakerheads were savage online, calling it out as a cynical marketing ploy with no authentic synergy. Yet it got people talking and will no doubt have a stellar second life on the cult resale market. As Hon points out, a triumphant campaign is ultimately one that is both “memorable and surprising to clients – but also translates into commercial success.” ■

‘An unexpected collab can move the social media dial to viral’

A LITTLE CAN GO A LONG WAY

GLOBAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY FIRM, MCKINSEY AND COMPANY, PREDICTS THAT WOMEN WILL CONTROL $30 TRILLION IN FINANCIAL ASSETS BY 2030 –ALMOST THE VALUE OF THE ANNUAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF THE UNITED STATES

4

IT IS A WELL-KNOWN FACT that even today, women are on the backfoot when it comes to finance. According to a report by United States-based financial services firm, Fidelity, women earn $0.82 for every dollar men earn. On top of that, South African risk insurer Liberty found that in 2021, most retrenchment claims were from women between the ages of 21 and 34, when their careers should be flourishing.

In addition, a 2019 World Economic Forum report says that, statistically, women live longer than men but earn 30 to 40 percent less over their lifetime.

WHY WOMEN INVEST DIFFERENTLY

When it comes to maximising a woman’s ability to successfully invest, it is important to understand that they invest differently to men as their priorities are different. Seanagh Fannin, managing director at Carrick Athena, a financial advisory service aimed at women, says, “Women have been socialised to nurture, so we want to take care of our people and our lives. This means women need a different approach to investing.”

The McKinsey report highlighted some of the ways women investors are different:

• They are more likely to seek advice as they are less confident in their financial decision-making abilities.

• They are more conservative in their investment approach.

• Their financial priorities are based on life goals, not outperforming the market.

• Women are looking for a secure retirement.

• Women worry about long-term planning and their priorities are healthcare, retirement savings, lifestyle maintenance, and covering day-to-day expenses.

Despite their lack of confidence when it comes to investing, research shows women earn better returns than men because they are more consistent and conservative investors. In 2020, Goldman Sachs found that 43 percent of mutual funds run by women outperformed their benchmark.

PRIORITISING THEIR FINANCIAL FUTURE

Seanagh says her firm is seeing an upsurge of women between 25 and 35 becoming active investors. This is also true for the 65-plus age group, where widows are looking to grow their wealth after their spouses have passed away.

“Money is the number one stress for women,” says Seanagh, “but they often do nothing about it.” As such, she urges women to start saving and suggests having an emergency fund to cover at least three months’ worth of expenses. “This might be for

new car tyres, or the freedom to leave a bad relationship.”

Find a wealth specialist who you relate to, and make sure it’s someone who doesn’t leave you feeling like you are in the dark.

Identify your life goals, put a number to them and, with your advisor, set out a plan to get there.

Your financial plan must support you during the ups and downs in life.

WORDS GAYE CROSSLEY SEANAGH’S FINANCIAL PLANNING TIPS

LG impressed with its Signature OLED M television, featuring the world’s first “zero connect” technology. The sleek 97-inch tv has a One Wall Design from an integrated bracket, allowing it to sit flush against the wall, giving that art-gallery aesthetic. It feeds audio and video signals wirelessly through a transmitter box that can be placed up to 10m away, transmitting in 4K at 120Hz. The transmitter box can be easily installed without any cables thus ensuring a wire-free living area, and has additional HDMI ports for multimedia such as gaming consoles, satellite set-top boxes or soundbars. lg.com/za

Known for vacuums, hair care and bladeless fans, Dyson has now ventured into the wearable tech and audio space. They showcased the Dyson Zone air-purifying headphones at CES, and admittedly, we are intrigued. There aren’t many air purifiers for the face, but Dyson went a step further with their futuristic headphones that also address noise pollution. They feature a contact-free visor around your mouth to filter through purified air, advanced noise cancellation and low sound distortion, and pair with an app for real-time environment updates. The headphones retail for $949 abroad, with global availability still to be announced. dyson.co.za

LOOKING TO STREAMLINE YOUR LIFE? HERE ARE SOME OF THE HOME TRENDS AND GADGETS THAT CAUGHT OUR EYE AT CES – FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW – IN LAS VEGAS THIS YEAR WORDS

NAFISA AKABOR

OH MY GADGET!

Robot vacuum cleaners are an absolute game changer, and iRobot’s latest model, the Roomba s9+, is its most powerful unit yet. It has smart mapping, voice controls and personalised scheduling so that you can set those clean-ups to take place while you’re out and return to a dust-free home. The dock also automatically empties itself in iRobot’s Allergen Lock bags and holds 30 bin’s-worth of dust, dirt and hair, thus operating with no human intervention. Its anti-allergen system promises to trap 99 percent of pollen and mould allergens. A robot vacuum is a no-brainer if you have pets, allergies or kids. R18 599 from Yuppiechef

Amazon-owned Ring has released its new Video Doorbell Pro 2 with a plug-in adapter. This home-security product is the latest in its video doorbell range and comes with more precise alerts. The 1536p HD camera gives you get a headto-toe view of your visitor through the Ring app, and 3D motion detection covers speed, distance, size and trajectory perception. It supports two-way audio with noise cancellation, motion alerts and colour night vision. And for that extra peace of mind, you can access the camera anytime from the app. R5 699 from Builders Warehouse

Smart home appliances are aplenty, but General Electric’s Smart Mixer caught our eye for its innovation in the baking industry.

The GE Profile Smart Mixer has an auto sense feature, ensuring amateurs and professionals perfectly whip, mix, cream, and emulsify with every use. Over- and undermixing is a thing of the past as the machine automatically switches off when it completes a task. Other features include voice capabilities, accessing recipes via an app and a built-in scale that measures both wet and dry ingredients, accounting for what’s already in the bowl. While South Africans may not be able to purchase this $1 000 mixer on local shores, we’re excited to see how it shapes future appliances from local favourites like KitchenAid and Kenwood. ge.com

PARADISE ON EARTH

IN 2020, PRINCE WILLIAM and The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge launched an incentivised decade-long campaign – the Earthshot Prize – to find solutions for protecting and restoring nature, cleaning our air, reviving our oceans, building a waste-free world and fixing our climate. The prize centres on these five Earthshots which, if achieved by 2030, will improve life for generations to come. By then, there will be at least 50 solutions to the world’s greatest environmental problems. Each year, five Earthshot Prize winners receive money (more than $6 million) to support various agreed upon environmental and conservation projects.

Since winning the coveted 2021 Earthshot Prize to protect and restore nature, Costa Rica continues to drive the global environmental agenda, now legalising

an extension of its marine reserves to increase its protected area from three percent of its ocean territory to the High Ambition Coalition target of 30 percent. This follows three decades of work by Costa Rica’s government to save the country’s vast forests that have been devastated by unregulated exploitation. Almost all of the country’s energy is renewable, and the aim is to achieve 100 percent by 2030. Seventy percent of all buses and taxis are expected to be electric by 2030, with full electrification projected for 2050. According to the Earthshot Prize, the government’s plan to compensate Costa Ricans for planting trees and restoring ecosystems resulted in the forests doubling in size to more than 53 percent cover, enabling flora and fauna to thrive and leading to a boom in ecotourism that injected $4 billion to the economy. This with a population of just over five million.

WHERE THE JUNGLE MEETS THE SEA

Located on the Isthmus of Panama between North and South America, Costa Rica entrenched a sustainable tourism model in the public and private sectors decades ago to mitigate its vulnerability to climate change. Costa Rica makes up 0.03 percent of the world’s landmass and around half a million species are known to live there, equal to about five percent of the estimated species on Earth. Sustainability, innovation and inclusivity are priorities to attract global travellers ready to adapt and do their bit to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to conservation and cultural heritage.

WORDS DEBBIE HATHWAY

AN INNOVATOR IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE, COSTA RICA IS ALSO ONE OF THE BEST DESTINATIONS FOR ECO-TOURISM

The influence of the beautiful local landscapes is evident, and the property seamlessly integrates into the environment. Rock was quarried and wood was harvested in the area to minimise embodied carbon in the project. Indigenous tribes, who live in settlements in the Costa Rican mountains, produced the natural fibre ceilings. Even recycled wine and spirits bottles were used as decorative and insulating materials on the facade.

According to David, “Many think true five-star luxury can’t be obtained by strictly following ecological and low-carbon initiatives, but I disagree. From the locally made botanical and organic spa and bath products to the impossibly soft and velvety sheets on our beds made from recycled plastic bottles, we take green to the limit without sacrificing the quality of the experience.”

While each of the magnificent villas can be rented individually, when combined they become the basis for an exclusive-use resort for events and special celebrations. Both villas are fully staffed, offering a butler, bartender, housekeeping, driving services and gourmet breakfast daily. A concierge handles transportation bookings, tours, spa treatments and dining. Most guests favour a farm-to-table menu and can hire a personal chef for lunches and dinners at the villa.

Villa Punto de Vista estate promises an extraordinary experience rather than an ordinary adventure, exceeding expectations among global luxury travellers focused on wellness, ecotourism, sustainability and developing meaningful human connections. The upshot of an indulgent stay here is a reconnection with oneself and another and a journey to self-discovery most of us are looking for, even if unknowingly. ■ villapuntodevista.com

EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE

The eco-conscious Villa Punto de Vista estate (right) is a relaxing, nurturing environment and provides a transformative experience through authentic and genuine service and hospitality, organic and artisanal food and a spellbinding location. The 2.5-acre private seaside retreat, perched over the golden sands of Costa Rica’s pristine Manuel Antonio Bay, comprises two luxury villas: the 10-bedroom Villa Punto de Vista and eight/ninebedroom, Villa La Isla. The design by co-owner and architect David Konwiser, a Costa Rican native, reflects an ingrained commitment to the planet and sustainable initiatives, from the choice to go vertical to minimise the impact of the building’s footprint to the use of elements that are organic, recyclable and biodegradable. The estate incorporates green practices, from energy-efficient systems and solar power roofs to using rainwater and compostable plates, cups and straws.

‘People can achieve GREAT THINGS. The next 10 years present us with one of our greatest tests – a decade of ACTION TO REPAIR the Earth’ Prince William at the launch of the Earthshot Prize

LOCAL ARCHITECT BRIAN MCKECHNIE’S COLLECTION

JEWEL BOX OF JOBURG GEMS INSIDE MY...

IT’S NOT IMMEDIATELY obvious that the Johannesburgbased architect collects anything. Brian’s home is a late modernist 1990s stunner in Northcliff and is tastefully paired back. Yet if you look closer, you will notice his living space is a carefully curated cabinet of curiosities. The items speak volumes of their owner, whose passion for life and his city has manifested in this space.

Brian has been collecting his whole life, starting with toy cars – a passion which has grown into owning a small fleet of classic cars as an adult. But it’s his much-loved collection of items centered around the City of Gold that has a special place in his heart.

“My Joburg collection probably comes down to me being a little obsessed with the city,” he says. “These are things that remind me of the places I love.” They include an apartment in the CBD’s grand dame of art-deco, the Anstey’s Building, that he has owned for some years.

He is, however, very aware of the complexities of the city. “I don’t love the inner city at the moment, and I really resent that it’s being managed so badly. The citizens of Joburg have been let down. But I suppose however disappointed I am in Joburg, we will always have a lovehate relationship.”

Brian gathers his treasures from all over – including on auction and in antique or bric-a-brac stores. He notes, “To me the meaning or story of the object is just as important as its aesthetic beauty.”

Four great finds

1

“This small blue plate is from Joburg’s famed Carlton Hotel. It dates back to the 1960s and has a midcentury design with a fun graphic of people arriving at a party. Although I’m interested in the history of the hotel, my real passion is the later 1973 building and wider Carlton Centre complex. I love how the office tower was the tallest building in Africa for over 50 years. Celebrities like John Lennon and Yoko Ono stayed there, and Nelson Mandela lived in the hotel. The ANC’s 1994 election victory celebrations took place there too.”

3

“The photographic print was taken by friend and photographer, Brett Rubin, from a set he did with fashion designer Marianne Fassler. They reimagined some iconic images of Joburg, and you can see the Fassler fabric in front of the building. It’s of the Anstey’s Building, and is displayed as you walk in my front door. It makes me feel like there is always a bit of the building with me.”

2

“This electroplated silver tea set was a real auction find. It’s embossed with the insignia AAC, which stands for Anglo American Corporation. Dated to around the 1940s, I can imagine it being used at the company’s 44 Main Street head office for tea in their legendary boardroom. For me, the story of Joburg and the story of Anglo are intertwined. Ours is a city built on gold, and Anglo was the biggest gold mining company. The shape and design of the set was a popular one. My grandparents, who lived in Linden, had one in the same style and I remember having tea and biscuits with them, so I also have a nostalgic connection to it.”

yourluxury.africa

4

“The small gold key is a real treasure. A gift from actress and friend Jay Anstey, great granddaughter of Norman Anstey – the former mayor of Johannesburg and owner of the Anstey’s department store and building – it is the actual key to the Johannesburg Town Hall and now the Gauteng Legislature. It was presented to the mayor when he opened the building in 1915. It is such an important part of the historical fabric of Johannesburg. I’m actually amazed that it isn’t in a museum. The question still begs though: would it still open the doors of the building today?”

WORDS JO BUITENDACH

PHOTOGRAPHY ROELENE PRINSLOO

IS AN ODE TO THE CITY OF GOLD

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Emirates Business Class. Treat yourself

WHY WE LOVE HER: Candice is Africa’s first water sommelier and has worked with different brands around the world, sharing her love and knowledge of water. She also consults for brands that wish to make a suitable water choice, assisting with legal requirements, best bottling practices, branding and positioning within different markets. “I have the privilege to represent various water brands and filtration companies and speak with other entrepreneurs about what it takes to succeed at something people said would never actually become ‘a thing’,” she notes.

ON WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A WATER

SOMMELIER: “A water sommelier is an individual who specialises in the taste of water, sharing unique attributes with the consumer while driving interest in the liquid. One of my goals as a water sommelier is to build trust within the water industry for both bottled and tap variants, driving the understanding that there are differences in water. In fact, no two water brands taste the same.”

HOW HER INTEREST CAME ABOUT:

“If you ever meet me, you’ll immediately know that water is my passion. Advocating for water in a different way has been a major driving force in my life. There isn’t a day that I switch my ‘water mode’ off. I fell in love with it, having an affinity to the way it moves, and I was saddened by how little it was valued. Finding ways to give water value motivates me daily.”

WATER VS. WATER: “There is a difference between water and water There is so much to consider, such as balance, orientation, minerality, virginality, source and taste profile. Some waters have higher or lower minerals, giving the liquid its taste. Boiling tap water may kill bugs, but it doesn’t remove heavy metals, which is why filtering tap water is recommended. Purified water has no nutritional value, and so filtering your own tap water is often the better option. Having said that, not all filters are the same and it’s important to allow minerals to pass through. Tap water is not the enemy, and not all bottled water on the shelf is ‘safe’ and within global standards for water quality. It’s important to buy reputable brands that are regulated, accredited, tested and audited to ensure they are trustworthy. These are just some of the misconceptions and interesting facts about water.”

WORDS THEMBALETHU ZULU

HOW WATER CAN ELEVATE A DINING EXPERIENCE: “Much like wine, there is a taste profile to water that is elevated when paired with certain wines, cuisine or cocktails. The sober bar experience has grown massively over the last couple of years and mixology with natural water is a highly sought after experience. Water is the first beverage to arrive at the dining table and the last to leave, yet no consideration has been given to it. Water should be served in dedicated stemware to elevate the drinking experience, much like any other beverage. The water-menu concept is a fantastic means to introduce education into the dining space, while offering something unique.”

ON HER COMPANY, ORIGIN FLOE: “We specialise in water for taste and our collection is made up of unique tasting waters from around the world. Our collection is all natural; we offer water that is not only beautiful on the inside, but exceptionally designed for the epicurean table. We are Africa’s first importer and distributor specialising in water for taste, and we believe that water should have a dedicated channel – not simply offered as a by-product with the sauces.”

For more information, visit originfloe.com

yourluxury.africa

WATER SOMMELIER CANDICE JANSEN IS A PIONEER, ENTREPRENEUR AND ADVOCATE FOR WATER, AND SHE’S ON A MISSION TO CHANGE THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT THE ELIXIR

FOUR EMERGING TRENDS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY ARE POISED TO GROW EXPONENTIALLY IN 2023

WHAT DRIVES MOBILITY?

ELECTRIC MOBILITY IS NOT a thing of the future anymore. It is the present, and it’s here to stay. It is also growing at an unprecedented pace, gaining momentum with every passing year. Battery technology is advancing faster than anticipated and all major global manufacturers are rapidly expanding their electric vehicle line-up, with several of them committing to go all-electric by 2025. The focus is now shifting to other currently nascent trends that are on the brink of exploding into the mainstream in the next year or two.

AUTONOMOUS DRIVING

This is by far the most important mobility trend that has the potential to revolutionise the way humans travel. While tech-driven autonomy promises to do away with the dangers of human negligence and errors, legislation roadblocks have so far slowed the industry’s effective progress towards level-five autonomous vehicles. But 2023 has begun with the hope that the real-life implementation of these technologies will be expedited in the coming months. In January, Mercedes-Benz announced that it has become the world’s first automotive company to certify the SAE Level 3 system for the US market, with Nevada being the first state to confirm the system’s compliance with state regulations. The German automaker has stated that the system, known as Drive Pilot, will be available in the US market as an option for the model year 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS Sedan, with the first units delivered to customers in the second half of 2023. This paves the way for such systems from other manufacturers to be given the green light by government bodies around the world.

CONNECTED MOBILITY

Connected mobility enables different modes of transport, such as cars, buses, trucks and motorcycles, to communicate seamlessly and exchange real-time traffic data. This technology will make transport safer, more convenient and more efficient. An example is Connected Horizon from Bosch which provides vehicle electronic control units with updated map data and up-to-the-minute cloud information for the route ahead. This kind of predictive information helps electric vehicles optimise their energy management and reduce accident risk, thanks to real-time information about possible road hazards and upcoming traffic jams.

Among carmakers, Audi recently demonstrated its Connected Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X) technology in Oceanside, California. The German carmaker showcased C-V2X’s potential to reduce the chances of collisions between cars and cyclists and believes C-V2X-connected mobility will go a long way in making roads safer for all road users. In Sweden, Volvo Cars has teamed up with the city of Gothenburg to create new urban zones that will be used as testbeds for future sustainable technologies, such as connected infrastructure. Volvo believes using a real city as a testing ground will accelerate the development of technologies and services like connected mobility.

WORDS SONY THOMAS

3D PRINTING

From fast-tracking the process of prototyping with printed models and printing spare parts to creating composite materials that produce lighter and more robust automotive parts, 3D printing has the potential to be one of the most important technologies of the near future. Bugatti was among the first to 3D print functional metal automotive parts when it printed a water pump console for the Chiron. In 2018 it also used the world’s largest 3D-printed titanium component, a titanium brake calliper. Bugatti’s parent brand, Volkswagen, has invested millions of euros over the past few years to use additive manufacturing to support digital transformation in vehicle production. By 2025, VW aims to produce up to 100,000 components each year by 3D printing in Wolfsburg. Meanwhile, the BMW Group have been additively manufacturing metal and polymer parts for its Rolls-Royce-branded luxury cars since 2020 and has even established an Additive Manufacturing Campus outside Munich for prototype component production.

BIOMETRIC VEHICLE ACCESS

The global market for biometric vehicle access systems is estimated to grow to $2.5 billion by 2027. Of the various types of biometric access systems, Fingerprint Scan is projected to be the clear favourite in the auto industry. Biometric access to vehicles isn’t something new, with Hyundai claiming to have used it for the first time in a vehicle when it introduced fingerprint technology in the 2019 Santa Fe SUV. The technology allowed drivers to unlock and start their vehicles without using physical keys – just a finger on the door handle sensor was required. The ignition button in the car was also equipped with a fingerprintscanning sensor, allowing the driver to start the vehicle by simply touching the button. Such biometric technology can also provide a customised driving environment by matching driver preference with their fingerprint data to adjust seating positions, connected car features and even side-view mirror angles to pre-set points. In 2022, Japanese premium marque Lexus introduced a fingerprint recognition system in its latest LX 600 flagship SUV, ensuring only registered users can drive it. Meanwhile, Korean luxury brand Genesis has gone a step further, launching its Face Connect feature that uses a face recognition sensor with a deep-learning image processing controller to lock and unlock the car. ■

‘Autonomous driving has the potential to revolutionise the way humans travel.’

RESTAURANT IN THE NETHERLANDS

WORDS MALU LAMBERT

COMING HOME

SAAM (SOUTH AFRICA–AMSTERDAM) is housed in a glass-canted building on the Amstel River. With the tagline “We unite South African and Dutch gastronomy” and the translation of the Afrikaans word ‘saam’ meaning ‘together’, this project is all about collaboration.

On the opening team is one of the Netherlands’ most celebrated sommeliers, Koen van der Plas, Henk Jan Beltman of confectionery brand Tony’s Chocolonely, celebrated Dutch chef Jasper Hermans and, of course, multi-award winning South African chef, Margot Janse.

Margot has called South Africa home for over three decades. Born in the Netherlands, she came to South Africa in 1989 after working in Zimbabwe as a news photographer, then carving her way down to Johannesburg where her restaurant journey began at Ciro Molinaro in Parktown North. Chef Ciro took the young talent under his wing, encouraging her to try and experiment beyond the traditional food boundaries.

In 1995 she took on the role of sous-chef at Le Quartier Français in Franschhoek.

Fate then pushed its hand when Margot was thrust into the role of executive chef; the incumbent had abruptly vacated his post. During her 21 years in Franschhoek, The Tasting Room consistently ranked in S.Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants, was a forerunner on Eat Out’s Top Ten awards. She can add yet another award to the list with the recent acknowledgment of SAAM as the highest newcomer of the year in the 2023 Gault & Millau Guide

It was at The Tasting Room that Margot first crossed paths with Koen. A year later they had a chance encounter while she was in Holland filming a television show. A few more years passed while Margot focused on her charity, Isabelo, consulted and was the head Eat Out judge. And then, out of the blue, Koen called her with “a great idea”. Cue many meetings punctuated with trips to South Africa by the Dutch contingent to soak up inspiration – and plenty of food and wine.

“Right from the start, Koen and I were on the same page. We didn’t want smoke and mirrors anymore,” Margot explains with a smile. “I said let’s do something because we want to, not to chase awards. There is great camaraderie between us.”

Margot will continue living in South Africa running Isabelo and consulting. She has a good system in place with the SAAM team: regular catch-ups online with scheduled visits to the restaurant throughout the year.

The aesthetic of the restaurant is pared back and the sand-coloured canvas is punctuated with the bright, bold colours

yourluxury.africa

CHEF MARGOT JANSE CELEBRATES THE MERGE OF HER COUNTRY OF CHOICE AND HER COUNTRY OF BIRTH WITH THE OPENING OF SAAM

of Africa. “We want people to feel at ease from the moment they step into SAAM,” says Margot. “We’ve eschewed the formal atmosphere without making concessions to the experience. All the materials used – from the glassware to the furniture – are of the highest quality, presented in a modest way.” Some South African imports include chairs from David Krynauw and Vogel Design, wall and floor tiles from Wolkberg, ceramic art by The Butchery and hand soap and lotion for the bathrooms from Fyn Botanicals. Hung on the walls is art by Abé Opperman, as well as a selection from the Spier Arts Trust – an altruistic endeavour to uplift emerging African artists.

The menu is peppered with African ingredients and techniques, and Margot’s beloved baobab, suurvygies (sour figs), sorghum and buchu feature regularly. Among many other endemic ingredients is the mystic heerenbone from the West Coast of South Africa.

Wine has also been given head billing. Sommeliers Koen and Max van Bockel have diligently curated an extensive wine list weighted heavily to South Africa, complemented by a range of French and German selections.

Margot, who is on her way back to the Netherlands again soon, is looking forward to the round table with the team. “We use the time to connect as people over some great food and wine. I didn’t want a restaurant where I felt guilty for not being there every night, like I was when at The Tasting Room. That absorbs everything. I'm enjoying the freedom of being able to do more than one thing.”

She has recently moved back into her Franschhoek home and spends plenty of time in the kitchen with her 18-year-old son, Thomas. It has taken them five years to move back after an oak crashed into their home one stormy night. Now, with a print of the oak’s heartwood hanging on her lounge wall, there’s a feeling of calm, opportunity and togetherness.

You’re welcomed into the Janse’s home just like you would be at SAAM. With warmth. “It’s our mission to make people feel welcome the moment they enter the restaurant. This is due to South African hospitality; especially after the team has experienced it for themselves. In a way, I think we have managed to export that feeling into the restaurant itself.” saamrestaurant.nl ■

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A CHEF? “It was never a conscious decision, it just happened with time. It was something that grew.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR OVERALL COOKING PHILOSOPHY? “My way of expressing myself through food is about integrity and gratitude. It’s the philosophy of my life.”

NAME THE THREE KITCHEN TOOLS YOU CAN’T DO WITHOUT. “A knife is pretty handy! I also enjoy my microplane – and a lighter for when loadshedding hits in South Africa.”

WHICH CHEF DO YOU ADMIRE?

“Mmabatho Molefe of Emazulwini

Restaurant who heroes her Zulu roots through the celebration of African cooking. She was also recently named ‘hospitality pioneer’ on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, 50 Next list. When the SAAM team was here, we were lucky to enjoy her tasting menu.”

IF YOU HAD TO HAVE A RENOWNED CHEF COOK FOR YOU, WHO WOULD IT BE?

“I have been fortunate enough to have Alex Atala cook for me. He put Brazilian ingredients on the map.”

WITH GLOBAL WARMING THREATENING TO WREAK HAVOC ON LOCAL CULTIVARS, WINEMAKERS ARE LOOKING ABROAD FOR INNOVATIVE AND CREATIVE SOLUTIONS

WORDS RICHARD HOLMES

NEW VINES

PONTAC. AGLIANICO. Rombolà Prieto Picudo. Catarratto. Unless you are a dedicated vinophile, chances are you won’t have any bottles of these less common cultivars stashed in the cellar. But that might change over the next decade as forward-thinking winemakers look to reshape their vineyards with new cultivars that can survive – and thrive – in an ever-warming climate.

Unfortunately, this threat is all too evident for winemakers along the west coast of South Africa. “For the fourth year in a row, we’re down to just 30 percent of our usual harvest from our vineyards there,” laments Eben Sadie, one of South Africa’s most celebrated winemakers. “A lot of people talk about global warming, but few take it seriously.”

Eben certainly is. Over the last 20 years he’s poured energy, innovation and investment into importing new varieties of Vitis vinifera (grape vines), seeking cultivars from wine regions with a similar climate (spoiler: hot, dry and windy). He’s planted Alicante Bouschet from the Languedoc region, Xinomavro from Macedonia, Counoise and Piquepoul from the Rhône Valley and Viura from Rioja.

But there are no shortcuts on the path to innovation. The process of applying for vine imports, quarantining the new material, multiplying the cuttings and nurturing the new vineyards until they bear fruit can take up to 15 years. And only then cellarmasters like Eben actually start making wine.

“We want to keep making great wines, but we recognise that we are in a warm region that will only become warmer. So, how are we going to do it?” asks Petrus Bosman, managing director of Bosman Family Vineyards. One answer – after an analysis of climate data and comparing heat units in Wellington against other regions of the world – led Petrus to the Italian island of Sicily, a corner of the Mediterranean where a grape called Nero d’Avola thrives.

TOP LEFT: Winemaker Eben Sadie

TOP CENTRE: Bosman Adama Nursery manager Ivan Thomas and Anzél in die Boland’s Anzél Stofberg

ABOVE: Winemakers Gary and Kathy Jordan

RIGHT: Winemaker Petrus Bosman with actor Thapelo Mokoena

FOR

FOR WARMER TIMES

Mediterranean islands make a lot of sense for winemakers looking for a more extreme version of the Cape’s hot and windy terroir. Bosman Family Vineyards released the first ever South African vintage of Nero d’Avola in 2014, a decade after the first vine material arrived, and this Sicilian émigré has quickly grown a strong following amongst local wine lovers.

Looking for ways to future-proof his vineyards against global warming, geologist and winemaker Gary Jordan recognised that the mineral-rich soils of a windswept hilltop site on his Stellenbosch property were a perfect fit for Assyrtiko, a drought-tolerant variety native to the Greek island of Santorini. The first vines were planted in 2019 and have been trained to grow in the traditional basket-weave style used on Santorini to protect the ripening fruit from summer winds. The first wines were released in 2022, and while volumes are small, it’s the sharp end of a growing trend.

While the likes of heat-sensitive cabernet sauvignon and merlot certainly won’t disappear anytime soon, our vineyards are definitely changing. And in a few decades when the global mercury is rising, we’ll have these winemakers to thank for a chilled bottle of white wine on an (extremely) hot summer’s day. ■

AEROPLANE MODE

STANLEY THAPELO GABRIEL, CEO OF MOMENTUM INVESTO AND

FOUNDER

OF

THE GABRIEL INSTITUTE, TELLS US ABOUT HIS FAVOURITE PLACES AND THE LUXURIES HE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT WORDS THEMBALETHU ZULU

Go-to leisure outfit: A kikoi. Your happy place: Salsify at The Roundhouse restaurant in Cape Town. Hidden gem you love: Mr Pants in Joburg; it’s the smallest wine bar I’ve ever been to. A hobby you’d like to get into: I have the desire to become a mountain biker, but I have no intentions of ever making it a reality! To go through the bush and the dirt, swerving over rocks and avoiding trees… I’d love to do that, but I never will. One luxury that’s actually a necessity: Bubbly, whether it’s Champagne or MCC. I have it on tap at home. It’s the thing I buy the most – and what I run out of the most! Favourite luxury under R500: It’s actually under R50… gourmet popcorn. I live for it and I don’t even eat junk food.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF LUXURY? “Having some space to myself and being in a place where I feel like I’ve got an expanse of experience and don’t have to contend with being prioritised. It’s actually because I don’t like crowds and small, confined spaces so when there are less people around, it feels like luxury to me.”

IN A WORLD WHERE WE’RE TECHNICALLY ALWAYS AVAILABLE, HOW DO YOU SEPARATE YOUR WORK AND PERSONAL LIFE? “I don’t – that’s the simple answer. I have the privilege of doing something I love, so my work flows into my life and sometimes my life flows into work. I call it work-life integration rather than work-life balance.”

WHAT’S THE LONGEST TIME YOU’VE MANAGED TO STAY OFFLINE? “I’m generally offline from Saturday morning to Sunday morning. On Friday nights I like catching up on social media, so it won’t be before that.”

IS THERE ONE THING YOU DO AFTER A LONG DAY AT WORK TO HELP YOU UNWIND? “Oh, there’s only one thing –I go straight to the kitchen and start cooking. Within 30 minutes, whether it has been a great day or a bad day, I start thinking about the flavours and how I’m going to change the recipe I have in my mind. That helps me relax.”

OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME, WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPACE?

“There are two: Franschhoek and Karen in Nairobi. I often go to Kenya, and whenever I’m there, I feel like I can switch off.”

ON A SUNDAY, HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR THE WEEK AHEAD?

“I play tennis on Sunday morning and cook lunch if I’m home, or I’ll go to my family. I spend about two hours catching up on the things I didn’t manage to do and make a rough to-do list so I can make sense of what the week is going to look like.”

THE BEST REASON YOU LAST SWITCHED YOUR PHONE TO AEROPLANE MODE?

“It was when I decided to go on leave in the last, most hectic and productive week of the year. It felt so good. I went to Jordan on a solo trip (pictured below) as a gift to myself for my birthday.”