Your Luxury Africa - Dec 2022 / Jan 2023 issue

A lasting legacy

SIMPLY PUT, ZIZIPHO POSWA’S LATEST body of work is genius. For her latest exhibition, uBuhle boKhokho (The Beauty of Our Ancestors), Poswa created 12 different hairstyles that she wore over the course of five months while developing the 20 ceramic and bronze sculptures. Each hairstyle honours the art of styling by Black women across Africa and the diaspora and was documented in a beautiful portrait (as featured on the cover). Some of the magnificent sculptures, which are up to 2m tall, have been named after famous women from history – such as King Shaka’s mother, Nandi kaBhebhe – or groups known to wear their hair in specific styles. ■

Zizipho Poswa: uBuhle boKhokho is showing at the Southern Guild gallery, Cape Town, until 2 February 2023

TURNS HEADS WITH A NEW EXHIBITION

ZIZIPHO POSWA

Ababalwe Tshaka, South Africa, 2022 glazed earthenware 110cm x 68cm x 67cm, POR

WORDS THEMBALETHU ZULU

IN THE PAST, DEFINING LUXURY WAS perhaps a simpler pursuit, leaning solely to the abundance of material goods. But in a world that has changed drastically post the life-changing pandemic, how we choose to curate and live our lives has largely become a very personal experience. Luxury has taken on a new meaning that goes beyond the idea of excess and fine possessions, to reflect a more nuanced expression and experience of self – in essence, doing things your way, our own version of a golden era.

The Collins Dictionary defines a golden era as being “traditionally characterised by wisdom, contentment and useful leisure”. For many of us, this is the new meaning of luxury. True luxury has changed to reflect a focus on personal fulfilment, expression and the value of time.

LUXURY has taken on a NEW MEANING that goes beyond the idea of excess and fine possessions, to reflect a MORE NUANCED EXPRESSION AND EXPERIENCE OF SELF

It is with this re-defined understanding of the pursuit of happiness that we at YourLuxury Africa hope to be a part of the new expression of luxury. It is a state of being where the enjoyment of all the beautiful things that the world has to offer, from the material to the experiential, is shared within a community of like-minded individuals. By bringing you all the latest trends, alerting you to the finest finds, and giving you the stories behind the stories, we hope to be your go-to partners in curating a life that allows you to do things your way.

British novelist Pico Iyer once said: “In an age of distraction, nothing can feel more luxurious than paying attention.” At YourLuxury Africa, we will be paying attention: sharing world class content with you that is not only informative but also impactful and relatable.

Welcome to your new home of luxury, a new golden era, YourLuxury Africa.

JOIN US ONLINE

If you’ve enjoyed this month’s edition of YourLuxury Africa new website at yourluxury.africa. 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.

DISTRIBUTION

PRINT: DISTRIBUTION On the Dot, Media Support PRINTED BY Novus Print for have been taken to ensure the accuracy of information, neither the editor nor YourLuxury Africa the articles may not reflect those of the publisher. All prices correct at time of going to print.

OTHELLO SPEAKS OUR LANGUAGE

IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN!

For its special 10th anniversary edition, the Investec Cape Town Art Fair is celebrating with the theme “The Notion of Time”. The fair will showcase art relating to the past, present and future and provide a space for collectors, galleries, artists and curators from around the world to engage with likeminded peers.

From 17 to 19 February 2023

tickets from R150 webtickets.co.za

A WINNING FORMULA

The fastest-growing motorsport series on the planet, Formula E is making its way to South Africa. On Saturday 25 February 2023, the world’s leading all-electric racers will wind their way through the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town. Don’t miss out on what is expected to be one of the fastest circuits on the Season 9 calendar.

Tickets from R1 595 ticketmaster.co.za

DÜSSELDORF’S SCHAUSPIELHAUS IS home to a bold new take on a Shakespeare classic – with a distinctly South African twist.

Bongile Mantsai, one of Mzansi’s most talented actors, takes the stage as the titular character in Othello, which is being performed at the German theatre in three languages: German, English and Mantsai’s home language, isiXhosa.

The work is directed by his long-time collaborator and mentor, Lara Foot, CEO and artistic director of Cape Town’s iconic Baxter Theatre, where Mantsai worked for 12 years.

The South African Film and Television award-winning actor has earned acclaim for his roles onstage (Mies Julie), television (Showmax’s Blood Psalms) and film (Inxeba: The Wound).

The three-hour long spectacular at the D’haus, as the theatre is nicknamed, is about a Black army general whose life is muddied by racism when he marries a white woman. The production has not been without challenges. About communicating onstage in different languages, Mantsai laughs and says the German-speaking actors don’t understand him, and he doesn’t understand them. He’s only just started learning the language. “I’m always looking out for keywords, so I know when it’s my cue,” he chuckles.

Actor, dancer, musician and director, Mantsai says making an impact rather than an impression is what keeps him going as an artist.

“I used to impress people, but then I stopped. Now I need to make an impact in the industry: how do I touch people, how do I change things, how do I heal people? I can impress the audience, but what change does that make?” he asks.

Catch Othello at the Schauspielhaus in Düsseldorf until 2023. – Pearl Boshomane

Read the full-length feature on yourluxury.africa

SA ACTOR BONGILE MANTSAI HEADLINES IN THIS XHOSA-GERMAN PRODUCTION OF THE SHAKESPEAREAN CLASSIC

A POP OF COLOUR ON THE WRIST FOR SOME TOP-NOTCH MERRIMENT

FACETIME

WORDS SONY THOMAS

UNLESS YOU’RE THE GRINCH, chances are you are also a (closet?) fan of the time of Noël. One of the season’s strongest associations is the traditional use of green and red for adornment, a tradition that’s believed to have originated from the mid-December Roman festival of Saturnalia. The holiday continues to be dominated by red and green. Here’s our take of the best in class when it comes to a subtle Yule-time: a fancy-faced timepiece.

TAG HEUER

Carrera Red Dial Limited Edition

This is one timepiece that any watchlover with a passion for heritage would adore. The original 1960s Heuer Carrera is one of the most revered tri-compax dial watches. With this new limitededition piece, TAG Heuer infuses an unmistakably bold character into this sophisticated classic’s face. The deep red dial, the domed sapphire crystal, and the polished case all add to the Carrera’s remarkable look. The Calibre Heuer 02 chronograph movement also gets a few touches of red on the column wheel and engravings on the rotor. It’s a limited edition of 600 pieces, so a really special gift, and comes with a complimentary TAG Heuer travel pouch. tagheuer.com, for local enquiries, call Picot & Moss (011) 669 0500

NOMOS

Tetra Neomatik 39

If you’re looking for something bold, intense and edgy, the Tetra Neomatik in red is right up your alley. The almost square dial jumps out thanks to its bright, glossy hue, yet the thin profile and dark leather strap keep this timepiece acceptably formal. The white markers and lettering, along with the rhodiumplated hands, stand out against the striking dial. Powered by the ultra-thin DUW 3001 calibre automatic movement, it benefits from the Nomos swing system that boasts chronometric precision.

IWC

41 Mercedes-AMG Petronas

Formula One Team Edition

This partnership watch manages to please fans of IWC, Formula 1, and MercedesAMG all at once. The Swiss watchmaker has long been a partner of the MercedesAMG Petronas F1 team, and this is the first “team watch”, to be worn by designers, aerodynamicists, race engineers, strategists and mechanics. The IWC pilot’s watch dial gets the team’s signature Petronas green treatment and is cased in lightweight, corrosion-resistant grade 5 titanium. only available online, iwc.com

OMEGA Seamaster 300m

Ever since it burst onto the scene in 1995’s Goldeneye, the OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300m has become a firm favourite. The etched wave pattern dial, skeleton hands and helium escape valve combine to lend the Seamaster a distinctive character. This year, the Swiss watchmaker introduced a version of the diver with a green dial and bezel crafted in polished ceramic. The bezel features a diving scale filled with white enamel, contrasting with the forest green hue. It’s powered by the trusted Calibre 8800 movement with co-axial escapement and METAS Master Chronometer certification. omegawatches.com

nomosglashuette.com

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

What better perfume to caress your skin in summer than one from Acqua di Parma’s Signatures of the Sun collection? Magnolia Infinita EDP (from R4 199 for 100ml) not only epitomises the season with blooming florals and the citrus rays of bergamot, orange and lemon, but the key ingredient, magnolia, is given a fresh take by this Italian maison. This “olfactory epiphany” – which is a new experience of an age-old ingredient –could not be more fitting for new beginnings.

Get your glow on

TURN HEADS THIS SUMMER WITH SOME OF OUR SEASONAL MUST-HAVES

WORDS INGRID WOOD

Founder Loris Azzaro brings his values to life in the Azzaro Wanted fragrances – they are all about celebrating life with confidence and elegance. The latest addition is for the man who wants to “release his burning energy”. Azzaro The Most Wanted EDP (from R1 600 for 50ml) is described as “ultraaddictive toffee accord mixed with sensual bourbon vanilla… raised by a spicy cocktail and incandescent woods accord for a fiery trail”. We interpret that as the scent to blaze your way into 2023.

Summer holidays call for glowing, dewy skin. Enter Chanel N°5 The Gold Body Oil (from R1 800 for 250ml). Part of Chanel’s 2022 holiday collection, inspired by the moon and stars (note: the whole collection is on our wish list), the body oil has pearlescent gold sparkles that leave a subtle shimmer and trail of N°5 on the skin. It’s a limited edition so we suggest you don’t wait for someone to buy it for you.

This is the month to let your guard down and relax, but still, never skimp on protection. Sun care remains non-negotiable and is probably the most important thing you can add to your festive trolley. Our choice is Heliocare 360° Age Active Fluid (R613 for 50ml), a light, hydrating fluid, with a lovely texture. It provides high-level broad-spectrum protection plus a triple anti-ageing complex. So, as it protects, hydrators help plump the skin and smooth lines, while a “soft focus” complex helps diffuse light, reducing the appearance of fine lines. Now that’s a multi-tasker. ■

BEAUTY DESK REPORT

POST-HOLIDAY RESET

Our beauty desk tried out these two rejuvenating products

Post-holiday blues come with their fair share of downers, but pepping yourself up and resetting this January just got one step easier.

Firstly, recovery starts from the inside out. Before you even start juicing those greens, a detox is in order. Dermaclinical Gut Cleanse and Repair (R1 498, for a monthlong treatment) is a natural, healthy gut cleanse to reset your microbiomes and gently detox your system. It kills unwanted parasites, flushes the colon and stomach, and reinstates healthy pre- and probiotics, vitamins and minerals. A healthy microbiome means all systems will operate better. As great as the cleanse is, note that some days may prove challenging for your gut. As it is a month-long process, it also does require some dedication. Once you are in the zone, the last three weeks are easy enough. This is when you reconstitute the gut, and all that’s needed is the daily commitment to taking the spray and supplement.

NOTE: It cannot be taken if you’re pregnant or have any underlying concerns. Consult your GP or dietician before embarking on a cleanse.

Secondly, for a skin boost with immediately visible results, an in-clinic treatment is best. We love the Dermaclinical Glow Peel (from R850). This mild lactic acid peel rids the skin of dead cells and reveals the fresh skin. Followed by non-invasive micro needling, it uses a concentrated blend of vitamins and amino acids to soothe and repair damaged skin. The treatment is wrapped up with a deeply hydrating hyaluronic sheet mask, so you will step out with a glow to go. Home care is a must – follow the therapist’s recommended post-treatment regime, including avoiding the sun, for lasting results.

dermaclinical.net

RUN WAY ROUND UP

HIT VA-VA-VOOM VOLUME

Bigger is better, as seen at Valentino (left) and Zimmermann (far left).

MEGA METALLICS

A throwback to the 20s, a sign of optimism and joy as seen at Chanel (right).

ON OUR RADAR

ARCHITECTURAL SHOES

Practical, perhaps not. Decadent, fun and interesting? For sure. In 2023, shoes are stepping into surreal heights – clunky blue footwear at Balmain (right top). See also: Versace’s powered-up Mary Janes and Iris van Herpen’s surreal shapes (right bottom).

THIS YEAR’S CATWALKS SHOWED A PLETHORA OF FRESH TRENDS. FROM THE WHIMSICAL TO THE ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNERS USHERED IN A SEASON OF FRIVOLITY AND DELIGHT TEMPERED WITH PRAGMATISM. TRENDS WERE ALSO MORE NEUTRAL THAN EVER BEFORE, WITH BOTH SEXES STEPPING INTO SIMILAR TEXTURES, COLOURS AND SHAPES. MORE THAN JUST LIP SERVICE WAS PAID TO SUSTAINABILITY AND DIVERSITY – LET’S HOPE IT BECOMES THE NORM AND NOT THE EXCEPTION

WORDS CHRISTINE VAN DEEMTER

MISS

DIY

The DIY denim trend showcased on both men and women’s runways – with its drapes, clips, and zips – is best left in the past.

Short patent-leather dress with puff sleeves, R43 456, black Marabou heels, R19 146, both DOLCE&GABBANA

POW ER hungry

TAILORING JUMPS OUT OF THE BOARDROOM AND STRAIGHT ONTO THE DANCEFLOOR

STYLIST KHOMOTSO MOLOTO PHOTOGRAPHY THEMBA MOKASE

Double-breasted electric blue jacket with embossed croc effect, R61 266 DOLCE&GABBANA

OPPOSITE Corset mini dress, R69 700, Greca Goddess bag, R56 000 mini Greca Goddess bag, R16 995, all VERSACE

‘

SCIENCE and structure –the dissection of TAILORING, DECONSTRUCTED and reconstructed…’

- The World of McQueen

Black blazer, R79 995, black Greca Goddess bag, R56 000, both VERSACE, Iconica earrings with diamonds in 18kt rose gold, R190 000, rings, POR, all POMELLATO

Slashed doublebreasted tuxedo dress, R49 042 ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Miss Dior shades, POR, PICOT & MOSS EYEWEAR necklace with pearls, onyx and diamond clasps, POR, CHARLES GREIG

Wishon a star

THERE’S A GIFT TO SUIT EVERY TASTE AND STYLE IN OUR EDIT OF FESTIVE FINDS. WHATEVER THEIR HEART’S DESIRE, THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

COMPILED BY LEIGH ROBERTSON

The New Luxury: High Snobiety R995, Pezula Interiors

Embellished sandals, POR, Country Road

The PARTY STARTER

IF IT’S GILDED OR IT GLITTERS, YOU’RE ALL SET WITH A LITTLE SOMETHING TO GIFT THE PERENNIAL GLAMOUR QUEEN IN YOUR LIFE, THE ONE WHO’S ALWAYS THE SPARKLING SOUL OF THE FESTIVE SOIRÉE. WHETHER NIGHT TIME OR FULL DAYLIGHT, THERE’S AMPLE ROOM FOR ANOTHER BAUBLE OR GLEAMING ACCESSORY, FROM SCENE-STEALING SEQUINS TO A CLASSIC PAIR OF DIAMOND STUDS. CALL IT REVENGE DRESSING – THEY’LL LOVE BEING BOLD IN GOLD AND DAZZLING IN PLATINUM, WITH A FLUTE TOPPED UP WITH THE FINEST FIZZ TO TOAST THE SEASON. AND THE PERFECT MATCHING BIJOUX, OF COURSE.

Ruinart Blanc de Blanc Champagne, R1 399,95, Norman Goodfellows

Atkinsons Her Majesty The Oud EPD, R3 800, Arc Store

Volt ear cuff in yellow gold, R53,000, Louis Vuitton

Volt studs with diamonds in white gold, R35 000, Louis Vuitton

Gold paper bag, R650, Babylonstoren

Been Ridley bag, R4 481, Plain Tiger

Paloma Germain Lavish turban, 582, Plain Tiger

Shimenawa earrings R1 750, Pichulik

IMAGES SUPPLIED. PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT.

Trudon Le Diffuseur Ernesto, R3 600, Apsley House

Earrings

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 with an Eisenkiesel diamond-set dial, diamond-set bezel and president bracelet in 18kt Everose gold, R942 600

Night leopard scarf, R1 930, Lalela Scarf

Bleu de Chanel EDT, 150ml, R2 975, Arc Store

The SOPHISTICATE

WHEN CONSIDERING A GIFT FOR THE URBANITE IN YOUR MIDST, YOU’LL WANT TO ESCHEW ANYTHING FRIVOLOUS OR OVERLY FADDISH. THEY’LL WANT ONLY THE MOST COVETABLE AND CONSIDERED OF FESTIVE OFFERINGS LAID OUT BENEATH THEIR MINIMALIST TREE. IF IT’S NOT COUTURE, THEY MIGHT FORGIVE YOU IF IT’S THE “RIGHT” KIND OF CHIC. WHATEVER YOU DO, MAKE SURE IT’S ELEGANTLY MONOCHROMATIC, FROM WARDROBE TO WRIST, AND RIGHT DOWN TO THE FESTIVE TABLE. THEY MAY ADORE BEING WRAPPED IN LUXURIOUS LACE OR KITTED OUT IN THE SLEEKEST POWER PIECES TO SHOW EVERYONE WHO’S IN CHARGE. AND WE KNOW THEY ARE.

Petit bucket bag, R43 000, Louis Vuitton

Factor Ostro VAM bicycle, from R174 950, East City Cycles

Wallet

Sam

Silver

I McLaren Orbit small packing cube, R2 799, Tumi

Rosé Vintage 2008: Lady Gaga Limited Edition, R4 399.99, Norman Goodfellows

Bolero hat, Crystal Birch R1 380

Dom Pérignon

serving dish, R850, Babylonstoren

Linocut art from the Midnight range, from R4 295, Weylandts

with crystals, R699, Witchery

and iPad covers, from R299 each, Country Road

Ardmore napkins, R500 (pair), Plain Tiger

Throw by Something Good Studio x Mpumelelo Nyuswa, R2 850, Something Good Studio

House of Harhaz glass candlestick, R950, Always Welcome

The FREE SPIRIT

WE ADORE EVERYTHING ABOUT THE BOLD-SOULED SYBARITE WITH THE SARTORIAL EDGE, ALWAYS ON POINT – EVEN WHEN ON THE RUN. AND THEY MOSTLY ARE. THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS “TOO MUCH” WHEN PICKING THE PERFECT PRESENT FOR THE PERSON WHO VIEWS LIFE THROUGH ROSE-TINTED SUNGLASSES. THE BRIGHTER, THE BETTER. THE QUIRKIER, THE COOLER. AS LONG AS IT SPARKS DELIGHT AND THRILLS THE SENSES. YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH A WELL-CHOSEN SCENTED CANDLE FOR THEIR EVERY CURATED ROOM, A CUTE LITTLE CLUTCH FOR ALL OCCASIONS, OR A LUXE DESIGNER THROW FOR THEM TO SNUGGLE UNDER AT THE END OF A LONG DAY OF PLAY.

Loewe Earth EDP, R3 575, Arc Store

Komorebi candle, R490, Stokperd

OZBOB

Gunas

Melvill

Vase with rattan base, R2 000, Okapi

Living in Nature (book), R885, Pezula Interiors

Alicia

Deck chair, R4 190, Pezula Interiors

The CHIC-TAVIST

Cotton pyjamas, R1 449,

THE ACT OF GIVING BACK MIGHT REPRESENT A HIGHER AND THEREFORE PREFERABLE FORM OF CONSCIOUSNESS FOR THESE RESPLENDENT SOULS, BUT EVEN THEY WON’T BE ABLE TO RESIST A THOUGHTFULLY CHOSEN TOKEN OF APPRECIATION THAT SPEAKS TO THEIR SENSE OF PURPOSE. AS LONG AS IT HELPS TO BRINGS THEM MORE INTO THE MOMENT OR AT ONE WITH THE NATURAL WORLD. WHETHER THEY’RE SALUTING THE SUN, MEDITATING THE DAY’S CARES AWAY OR SIMPLY CHAMPIONING A GOOD CAUSE, WE KNOW THEY APPRECIATE DOING SO WITH A CERTAIN DASH OF STYLE. COOL KARMIC COLLECTIVENESS IS GUARANTEED. #GRATITUDE

Straw hat, R599, Trenery

Daydream

Carvela

Apple

Pet cocoon, R1 828, Plain Tiger

La Mer Concentrate, R9 200, Arc Store

Seagrass bag, R690, Pezula Interiors

STOCKISTS Adidas, adidas.co.za; Always Welcome alwayswelcome.store; Apsley House, apsley.co.za; Arrange Studio, arranagestudio. co.za; Arc Store, arcstore.co.za; Babylonstoren, babylonstoren.com; Country Road, woolworths.co.za; Crystal Birch, crystalbirch.com; East City Cycles eastcitycycles.com; Kirsten Goss, kirstengoss. co.za; Lalela Scarf, lalelascarf.co.za; Louis Vuitton, eu.louisvuitton.com; Mantua, mantua.co.za; Merchants on Long, merchantsonlong.co.za; Melvill and Moon, melvillandmoon.com; Norman Goodfellows, ngf.co.za; Okapi, okapi.com; OMEGA, omegawatches.com; Pezula Interiors, pezulainteriors.co.za; Pichulik, pichulik.com; Plain Tiger, plaintiger.com; Rolex, rolex.com; Something Good Studio somethinggoodstudio.com; Spitz, spitz,co,za; Stokperd, stokperd.com; Trenery, woolworths.co.za; Tumi, tumi.co.za; Weylandts, Weylandts.co.za; Witchery, woolworths.co.za

& Moon x Ardmore Bulawayo bag, R10 500, Melvill and Moon

Weekend multi-elastic sandal, R1 895, Spitz

silk kimono, R3 900, Mantua

Lalela Scarf

earrings with peridot and ruby, R2 990, Kirsten Goss

Sprankel 2017, R635, Babylonstoren

watch strap, R1 037, Plain Tiger

LIBRARY

SIT DOWN WITH MARK READ, even for a short time, and you’re immediately plunged into the natural world in all its complexity and glory. As the director of one of Africa’s oldest commercial art galleries, Everard Read, and its offshoot Circa, one would expect the art afficionado to have extensive knowledge of contemporary South African art, but it is his constant quest to understand nature that is unexpected.

His adoration for this realm is helped in part by an enviably large collection of books on nature. From birds to mammals, freshwater and saltwater life to even archaeology and palaeontology, his archive is comprehensive and varied.

But as Read is quick to point out, this isn’t just a bibliophile’s dream gathering dust. “It’s not for show. I am involved with the pages of all these books. They don’t just sit here. They get their spines creased as I tend to slowly go through them.” He sees his books as field guides and loves sharing them with others. “I relish going into my library. It’s very much a research facility for anyone who wants to find out about something they have seen.”

Read’s love of the world around us was influenced by his father, doyen of South African art, Everard Read. “My dad was a brilliant field naturalist and really read an environment to its grass roots,” he says. “I picked up so much from him.”

Read calls the late Professor Phillip Tobias, a renowned paleoanthropologist, his mentor. “He was truly one of the most profound South Africans whom I ever met, and we became so close. I spent so many lucky hours with him at Sterkfontein Caves,” he says. ■

Four best reads

1 There is a wonderful book by Charles Griffiths, Jenny Day and Mike Picker called Freshwater Life: A field Guide to the Plants and Animals of Southern Africa. It’s a paperback. I’ve bought about 10 copies that I tend to give to people I love. It’s one of my bibles. It’s about everything that lives in water in South Africa: from caddisfly larvae and dragonflies to tadpoles, frogs and bog plants. All the things that power the ecosystem of this amazing resource we call H20. It’s an amazing celebration of fresh water in Southern Africa.

2

A cornerstone of my interest in nature is Trees of Southern Africa by Keith Coates Palgrave and RB Drummond. It’s a thick book, dense and fabulous, with a completely useless key, but it does teach you botany in its own way. I read it so many times, I eventually knew all the trees, but it took many years. It’s always been my companion.

3

An ultimate favourite is my first edition of Roberts Birds of South Africa by Austin Roberts and illustrated by Norman CK Lighton. What Roberts is to ornithologists, Smiths’ Sea Fishes, edited by Margaret Smith and Phillip Heemstra, is to marine enthusiasts. It was my intro into what I saw in rock pools as a kid. I’ve always loved fish, and Smiths’ was the greatest international book on fishing when it came out. It still is an absolute bible for anyone interested in marine life. Every time a new edition has come out, I’ve added that to my collection.

4

A magnum opus – Trees and Shrubs of Mozambique, written by John Eric and Sandie Burrows. Those two extraordinary botanists – along with Ernst Schmidt, Mervyn Lotter and Edward Wilson – set out to understand the biological biodiversity of Mozambique. They took on a vast unknown stretch of East Africa, and they nailed it with this amazing book. This giant goes with me everywhere, and I read it deciduously.

EVERARD READ DIRECTOR MARK READ INVITES US IN

WORDS JO BUITENDACH IMAGES ROELENE PRINSLOO

THE

RACER

TH E FABRICOF A CIRCULAR CAR

WORDS SONY THOMAS

ELECTRIC VEHICLES ARE NO LONGER just a curiosity driven around by an affluent few seeking to make a fashionable green statement. They are here to stay, and they are set to revolutionise motoring as we’ve known it for over a century now. Pressured by aggressive emissions standards set by a collective conscience that requires less of a carbon footprint, major carmakers have pledged a monumental shift towards electric vehicles. While EVs do generate less pollution compared to diesel and petrol ones, battery electric vehicles account for much higher production emissions. Even before they roll out of the assembly line and hit the road, these cars consume a significant amount of energy. Add to this the lifetime environmental impact of materials such as steel, plastics, glass and paints, and reducing the carbon footprint becomes an incredibly more complex journey for automakers than just switching to electric powertrains. This challenge has led to yet another revolution, albeit a subtler one – the quest for eco-friendly materials to replace conventional ones used in the interiors of a car.

In line with the objectives of the “Circular Cars Initiative” launched at the 2020 World Economic Forum in Davos – automakers have identified headliners, carpets, seat foam and door and dashboard panels as key areas in a car where recycled materials could effectively be used. The term “circular car” refers to a hypothetical vehicle that maximises materials efficiency, producing zero waste and pollution during manufacture, use and disposal.

TOP

MERCEDES-BENZ EQS cabin

ABOVE, FROM LEFT

BENTLEY EXP 100 GT Vegea seat

JAGUAR I-PACE Kvadrat interior

RANGE ROVER Velar Kvadrat interior

IN THE DRIVE AGAINST CARBON EMISSIONS, CAR INTERIORS ARE THE NEW FRONTIER – AND SOME OF THE WORLD’S LEADING LUXURY AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS ARE STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE

BMW GOES VEGAN

At its “Sustainability through Innovation 2022” event held in September, the BMW Group gave the world a glimpse of concepts and technologies that will be incorporated into its future sustainable mobility strategies. The Munich carmaker plans to launch its first vehicles featuring completely vegan interiors in 2023. This will be achieved through the development of new materials with leather-like properties. The brand’s “Grown Innovation” seat concept combines synthetic textiles made from 100 percent recycled material with natural fibres and biomaterial taken from bacterial nanocellulose. Created in a laboratory over several weeks, this biomaterial forms the basis for a plastic-free, non-animal textile material with a high-quality surface finish and long service life. The wood on the upper section of the seat backrest will be replaced with a composite material made from fast-growing plant fibres, which can be processed efficiently and has a high-quality grain.

Replacing leather will result in reducing the CO2 emissions along the value chain for the respective interior components by up to 85 percent. The brand’s Neue Klasse models set to be launched in 2025 will feature trim parts made of plastic with raw material that contains around 30 percent recycled fishing nets and ropes. These maritime waste materials will be used to make components in the BMW iX and the BMW X1, so their carbon footprint will be approximately 25 percent lower than that of their counterparts made from conventionally manufactured plastics.

THE ECONYL ERA

Meanwhile, BMW’s main rival, MercedesBenz, has also started using recycled waste in its cars. Having set itself the target of increasing the share of secondary raw materials in its car fleet by an average of 40 percent by 2030, it uses Econyl – regenerated nylon – for the floor coverings in its latest models. This material is manufactured from nylon waste that was destined for the landfill, such as fabric remnants from mills and carpets. These are transformed into a new thread with the same properties as nylon from new raw materials. According to Aquafil, the company that produces the yarn, for every 10 000 tons of raw material, 70 000 barrels of crude oil can be saved – and 65 100 tonnes of carbon emissions prevented. Those are hugely impressive figures.

British luxury automaker JLR has also announced that next-generation models from Jaguar and Land Rover will feature floor mats and trims made from Econyl. This is part of Jaguar Land Rover’s move towards a circular economy through its Destination Zero initiative. Some JLR cars and SUVs already boast a eucalyptusbased textile and a sustainable woolblend cabin material supplied by Danish textile brand Kvadrat. The new Range Rover’s interior also has materials from Ultrafabrics, a manufacturer of “socially conscious materials”.

GRAPE SKINS AND RICE HUSKS AT BENTLEY

These changes are also making their way into the ultra-luxury segment, which has been known for its unapologetic use of calf leather and sheep wool for interior trims. British über-premium carmaker Bentley is experimenting with Vegea, vegan leather made from grape skins. The EXP 100 GT, Bentley’s vision of the future and benchmark for sustainability, showcased Vegea as the future of luxury eco-materials. Made using a by-product

of the wine-making process, this fully plant-based raw material consists of grape skins, seeds and stalks that remain after crushing grapes. Apart from this organic leather-like textile, Bentley also used recycled rice husks to make the pigment for the EXP 100 GT’s paint.

While it may not have garnered as much attention as the electrification of vehicle powertrains, this growing trend of choosing eco-friendly materials over

traditional carbon-intensive ones will go a long way in significantly reducing the emissions impact that mobility will have on our environment. Better still, it will have a positive effect on the wider marine and terrestrial ecosystems. In a few years from now, while your emissions-free car whizzes autonomously along a net zero carbon city, you can sit back and take in the haze-free views, knowing that each part of your “circular car” is doing its bit to make the world a better place. ■

OVER THE YEARS, WE HAVE SEEN AN influx and the rapid adoption of various technologies that have, in many ways, changed how we communicate with others – from finding partners to keeping friends and families up to date with our personal and professional lives right up to how we access information in a simpler and faster way.

Today, many of these platforms, because of their lax privacy policies, have opened doors to extremists, terrorists, conspiracy theorists, trolls, fake news spreaders and unwelcome advertisers.

It doesn’t help that immediately after Elon Musk took over Twitter and promptly made unsettling remarks about the possible relaxation of some of the privacy rules, we witnessed a glut of global influential figures heading for the exit door.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

To understand how the world of social media networking got to where it is today and how we’re already talking about the beginning of its end, we need to understand where it all began.

Computers were primarily used to store, retrieve and process data. These machines evolved to enable us to type documents, send emails, play games – and browse the Internet.

According to the history books, the first ever recorded or recognised social network service website was called sixdegrees.com, based on the web of contacts model of social networking. It lasted from 1997 to 2000.

This prompted a number of social media networks to mushroom everywhere: from

IS IT TICK-TOCK TIME FOR THE SOCIALS?

THE ERA OF SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKING CAME SWEEPING IN LIKE A WHIRLWIND IN THE LATE 1990 s. FAST FORWARD TWO DECADES, AND WE’RE ALREADY TALKING ABOUT THE BEGINNING OF THE END

WORD ITUMELENG MOGAKI

Friendster, a game-based social network, through hi5, based in San Francisco, California to XING, a Hamburg-based career-oriented social networking site and the more popular MySpace and Skype.

In 2004, Facebook was launched and became the most popular social networking service to date that now features a voice and video calling service, as well as a very widely used instant messaging service.

Facebook dominated the social media market for a decade, but five other platforms now also have more than half a billion users each.

The commercial availability of hand-held devices certainly played a huge role in the growth of social media networks and, with the first mobile phone with internet capabilities introduced at the end of 1996 in Finland, the numbers skyrocketed.

TROUBLE IN PARADISE?

Even though social media has made communication and access to information relatively easy, it’s now perceived by some to have “ruined” the world.

The most obvious is how social media has broken down interpersonal communication and made our society an impersonal one.

There is no privacy, there are cameras everywhere, and anyone can write and post whatever they like without facing any serious repercussions.

“The Internet allows us all the dubious luxury of anonymity, behind which a lot of people find it easy to say and do things to others that they ordinarily would never dare to – especially not face to face,” says Jørgen Pallesen, a social media analyst.

“Our world has become disposable. From music to film to literature and love relationships, everything has become digitised and artificial. I grew up in the 80s and 90s, so I’m not particularly old. But the last 20 years have made me feel like the oldest man in the world. I don’t want to live in a world where no one cares about anything or anyone,” Pallesen says.

Pallesen’s sentiments are held by many the world over. As much was evident from the recent reaction to Musk’s Twitter takeover, with many celebrities – Whoopi Goldberg, Toni Braxton, Kristen Stewart – expressing their dissatisfaction and the intention to quit Twitter, citing cyber-bullying as the main issue.

Another indication that may be of less interest to social media users, but is very telling about the possible end of social

media networks at the business level, is that of revenue loss.

Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta revealed its first-ever decline in revenue of 4 percent (from $29 billion to $27.7 billion) in the three months from July to September 2022 compared to one year earlier.

The decline is said to be partly because Meta faces strong competition for advertising money and users in the social media market, from start-up apps such as TikTok and Snapchat.

Another reason why social media will most likely change significantly from being the friendly neighbourhood block party is the rapid and more obvious commercialisation of the product – the users. From being an easy-go-lucky sharing of daily life occurrences, many of the platforms have become one big marketplace, often interrupting viewing with unsolicited advertising and sponsored content.

On almost all social media apps, the text and the video comments section are unrestrained, sometimes resulting in homophobia, cyber-bullying, hate speech, religious and political extremism, misogyny and so forth.

In March 2022, SimpleTexting surveyed 1,018 social media users in the United States across various demographics to analyse insights by gender and generation with the aim to uncover which social media apps Americans deem least or most toxic. Twitter ranked the highest at 7.82 out of 10, closely followed by Facebook and Reddit at 7.63 with TikTok coming in third at 6.83.

TO QUIT OR NOT TO QUIT?

Despite the above-mentioned dissatisfaction by users around the globe, the numbers continue to increase.

Analysis from Kepios, a consultancy that helps organisations make sense of evolving digital behaviour, reports that more than 4.74 billion people were using social media worldwide in October 2022, equating to 59.3 percent of the total global population.

The staggering number, which is projected to increase to almost 6 billion in 2027, is attributed to several factors, not least of which is social’s seamless integration into our daily habits, including news consumption, socialising (video call anyone?) and shopping.

It’s also not always about leisure, with apps such as LinkedIn now making it easier to create professional profiles and networks to appear visible to HR professionals and recruiters.

With the daily changes we are seeing on these platforms, one thing is for certain: the social media love/hate relationship continues, and it will be interesting to see where the next few years of the ever-changing beast will lead to. ■

‘Everything has become DIGITALISED and ARTIFICIAL.’

– Social media analyst Jørgen Pallesen

The INTERNET of things to come

IN THE WORDS OF JOHN F KENNEDY, “When written in Chinese, the word ‘crisis’ is composed of two characters – one represents danger and one represents opportunity.” We currently find ourselves in a world filled with uncertainties and negative headlines – from geopolitical tension and an energy crisis in Europe to rising interest rates and slowing growth. As a result, we are witnessing huge dislocations in markets and currencies. After many years of wonderful returns in global stock markets, this year posted some of the worst numbers in history.

There is no doubt that change usually happens because of a crisis. Consider the countless times when crises have forced us to face problems head-on to produce innovative solutions for the benefit of humanity. The outbreak of Covid-19 accelerated the trend for forward-thinking businesses to adopt cutting-edge technology. World War II paved the way for the birth of the United Nations and Bretton Woods institutions, while the 2008 global financial crisis led to major economies working together to fix the economy. Thanks to Covid-19, we are all able to live in a time of accelerated innovation and progress.

With the confluence of tail risks around the world in 2022, there are reasons to be optimistic about future opportunities. Investment markets across multiple asset classes and industries are offering deep

SUPERSEDING COVID’S CHALLENGES

We believe that IoT will continue to grow and become more dominant and overcome cloud computing and next generation security.

In addition, there are exciting developments around the Metaverse and blockchain technology, which are sure to revolutionise the way we interact with each other and established institutions.

This is a very lucrative opportunity for investors in years to come.

The world is increasingly recognising the looming climate disaster as a greater challenge than anything we have experienced in more recent

decades, and this will supersede the challenges Covid posed. This means investors and consumers are now looking for businesses with responsible environmental, social and governance credentials, and buying trends are being driven by conscious consumers. We expect this trend to continue, increasing opportunities for businesses that prioritise ecological impact and sustainability.

Renewable energies will continue to play a significant role in the future, especially during times of fuel shortages and inflated costs for fossil fuels.

Renewables such as solar, wind and hydropower have been proving their

discounts, and the sage investor should welcome this opportunity to generate above sized returns over the longer term.

It is important to note that technology has improved our lives in countless ways, but the pandemic showed us all how much we need the physical world to function.

I never really thought much about the logistics of supply chains, manufacturing, the movement of goods around the globe, food production and energy storage. This all happened behind the scenes. In the modern world, everything is connected. Every product, every sale, every mile travelled is fuelled by an intricate network of suppliers and manufacturers. With just a few clicks, you can connect with the people who made your product. You can see where it was produced, how it was transported and who is in possession of it now. We call this the modern supply chain: an invisible web of merchants, workers, and technology that drives progress.

Covid-19 kickstarted a wave of innovation in many key areas, from the development and higher adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) to increased use of mobile technology. IoT covers four key elements, including sensors, networks, the cloud and numerous apps. With so much happening, 2022 was an innovative year for technology – and enhancements keep getting better and better, opening an attractive investment opportunity set.

worth by capturing a larger portion of the market.

Renewables are the key mainstream energy source in the face of increasing concerns over drought, flood and storm.

Therefore, they offer excellent longterm prospects, with most experts believing in continued growth in the renewables sector.

As Warren Buffett said: “The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient.” ■

Alan Botha is a director and wealth manager at Jurgens Group in Johannesburg

WORDS ALAN BOTHA

THE YEAR 2022 WAS AN INNOVATIVE ONE FOR TECHNOLOGY –OPENING ATTRACTIVE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES. WHAT WILL 2023 HOLD?

IMAGINING EDEN

WORDS VÉRONIQUE SAVIGNÉ

KENYAN FASHION DESIGNER

Anna Trzebinski does nothing in half measures. Her luxurious suede coats are one of a kind, handbeaded and adorned with delicate feathers by Kenyan crafters.

Her 200-piece art collection includes works by her late husband, Tonio Trzebinski, two of her children and American artist and photographer Peter Beard and adorns every inch of wall space at Eden.

Part boutique hotel, part cultural retreat and part philanthropic project, Eden is a fully immersive, unique Trzebinski creation.

When Covid turned the world upside down, Trzebinski returned from Aspen, where she had opened a luxury boutique, to rescue her family home. Situated in the chic Nairobi neighbourhood of Langata, Eden the hotel was born partly out of necessity after a long-term rental contract was cancelled, but also out of Trzebinski’s determination to preserve a unique space that she and her late husband had created together.

Eden is very close to the Nairobi National Park and adjacent to 140 acres of indigenous forest. It remains very much part of the city, however, and is close to some of Nairobi’s most fashionable shops and restaurants. A spacious deck is the heartbeat of Eden, overlooking a lake, and nine unique rooms are decorated in Trzebinski’s signature style.

A TRANSFORMATION

Trzebinski says creating Eden has been a transformative experience. “I might be much better at doing spaces than I am at clothes, even though there is a definite creative thread running through it all,” she says.

“I love to share what I’ve learnt in life, but also the authentic connections that I have in Kenya. My experiences are linked to very specific places. I have a really deep connection to Nairobi. I think part of the magic is weaving the authentic and the indigenous experience together.”

Building Eden has been about creating a unique hotel experience for a traveller seeking a deeper experience than the norm. “There are travellers looking for spaces that incubate them from the rest of the world. Some people want to travel to leave their world, not to find the same thing wherever they go.”

An important part of Trzebinski’s journey has been to empower those she employs. She believes the most important contribution that someone with her experience can do is uplift others. She wishes someone had done that for her when she was a young woman.

TRANSFORMATION OF HER NAIROBI HOME INTO A HOTEL AND CREATIVE RETREAT WAS A DEEPLY STYLISH AND VERY PERSONAL JOURNEY. SHE SHARES HER VISION WITH LONGTIME FRIEND AND CAPE TOWN ART COLLECTOR VÉRONIQUE SAVIGNÉ

Her vision is for Eden to play a transformative role in guests’ lives. Trzebinski’s own life has been coloured by both tragedy and inspiration, and she hopes that Eden reflects all that she is.

“This is no ordinary hotel. It’s a deeply personal story of our family’s life. People respond to that when they come and see the bravery, the vulnerability and the honesty. What is all around you is a true expression of who we really are.”

The concept and aesthetic of Eden means it will attract creatives, will resonate with women and is an inspiring space as much as it is a hotel.

A LIVING MUSEUM

Eden is also something of a living museum, housing art and objets that reflect the journey of Trzebinsky and her family. In addition to the vast collection of works by her late husband, there are ceramics by her daughter Lana Trzebinski and bronze sculptures by her son Stanislaw Trzebinski. A collection of photographs was taken by friends – the artists Mirella Ricciardi, Peter Beard, Fisher & Beckwith, Alexandra Penney as well as signed and personalised books by Wangechi Mutu, Peter Beard and Dale Chihuly among many others.Trzebinsky’s vision is that Eden will always be a retreat for creative souls, offering an opportunity to reconnect with themselves. “A lot of kids

really struggle to connect with who they are because of social media.

“I really want to make sure that especially Kenyan creatives find a place where they can go and don’t have to live up to the demands of a modern, urban life, and just actually tap into the creativity. It’s time for all of us to tell our stories here, and those stories are complex.”

Trzebinski says Kenya used to suffer from a culture of discouraging domestic tourism, but her dream is for Eden to be an inclusive space where international visitors should feel privileged to find themselves on the deck alongside Nairobi locals.

“As someone who is deeply political, I think that there are so many complex conversations to be had around recent colonialism on this continent.

“Through art, you can defuse those conversations, and you’re able to have them in a more productive and a less confrontational way.”

She also believes that tourists are no longer going to be flying in and out of Nairobi en route to a Masai Mara safari. As Nairobi emerges as one of Africa’s most vibrant and stylish cultural hubs, there is more reason than ever to linger longer and discover the diverse experiences this city has to offer.

Eden itself is definitely the type of hotel where visitors will prefer to stay for more than one night. She hopes that the hotel attracts long-term residents who want to immerse themselves in the Nairobi experience. And for artists and creatives, there’s a residency programme offering extended accommodation.

Trzebinski speaks proudly of the philanthropic initiatives that Eden supports. A percentage of the hotel funds are channelled to Rhino Ark, a charitable trust that protects Kenya’s mountain forests and other wildlife habitats.

Eden also invites residents to experience grassroots humanitarian projects, as well as the country’s vast conservation and arts and culture initiatives through the Eden Project.

“I want people to travel and have an impact,” she says. “If you travel, and the place changes you and you change the place – that’s a success story.”

Trzebinski has been content to hand over the management of Eden to leading Kenyan luxury boutique hotel group Hemingways. “From one family-owned establishment to another, Eden will retain its unique character,” she says. ■ eden-nairobi.com hemingways-collection.com/eden

KENYAN FASHION DESIGNER ANNA TRZEBINSKI’S

OH SHUCKS!

WORDS JESSICA SPIRO

WHILE THE BEST OYSTERS NEED little more than a squeeze of lemon and a splash of Tabasco, restaurants now give the molluscs the same consideration they would any other dish. We spoke to the chefs behind some of the South Africa’s best-dressed oysters to find out what makes them so special.

NEVERMIND, CAPE ST FRANCIS

The Randles run the show at Nevermind, which just won the 2022 Eat Out Best Destination Restaurant gong. The menu comprises clean, considered flavours and locally sourced ingredients. The large West Coast oysters come dressed in Nahm jim, a Thai dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, fresh chilli, coriander, ginger and garlic. It’s bright and punchy yet doesn’t overpower. “This dressing just works the best because you can still taste the oyster,” Wesley Randles says.

In your glass: “A negroni spritz,” Randles says. “The bitterness works really well with the spicy dressing.”

WE’LL NEVER SAY NO TO OYSTERS... ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ARE DRESSED TO THE NINES BY THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS

SHORTMARKET CLUB, JOHANNESBURG

The Shortmarket Club might have moved from its namesake street in Cape Town to Joburg’s buzzing culinary scene in Rosebank, but it holds true to the unmistakable flavours owner Luke Dale-Roberts is known for. Here, Namibian oysters come with a pina colada dressing and are topped with crispy ginger. “We serve them on a bed of spekboom and, in the centre, we pour a seawater broth over dry ice for some drama,” says head chef Taryn Smith.

In your glass: “We like to pair our oysters with a cocktail made with cucumber muddled with vanilla syrup, which we top with MCC.”

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT

Shortmarket Club; Chef’s Warehouse; Thali; Nevermind

A HEAD FOR RAMEN

It’s been quite a year for Cape Town chef Peter Tempelhoff (above left). Still beaming after his Japanese finedining restaurant FYN was named number 37 in the world and number one in Africa by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in July, he and his team are set to open a casual ramen concept, Ramenhead.

TELL US ABOUT RAMENHEAD… We’re super excited to launch just downstairs from FYN. We’ve played with the idea of a street-food concept for years, and people were constantly telling us they craved authentic ramen. Chef Ashley Moss (above right) and I returned from an epic ramen-tasting trip to Japan full of techniques, ideas and equipment.

THALI, CAPE TOWN

Thali serves its oysters freshly shucked with a coconut and tamarind dressing, lime-compressed apple and topped with saffron-pickled onions and chilli – a mix of heat, cool notes and a perfect crunch. Head chef Nate Coe says this dish is all about maintaining the freshness. “I once had a similar dressing served with a line fish sashimi that blew my taste buds away,” he says. “The coconut and tamarind are best suited to the oysters. It’s fresh, tangy and just divine.”

In your glass: “Either a brut rosé or a brut reserve MCC,” Coe says.

CHEFS WAREHOUSE, BEAU CONSTANTIA

Head chef Ivor Jones is known for his clever use of unapologetically bold flavours. He serves his oysters dressed with a burnt lemon and apple dressing, roasted garlic and smoked paprika oil, topped with pickled jalapenos, crispy onion, fresh cucumber, fennel fronds and flowers and finishes them with lime and lemongrass jellies. They’ve become a mainstay at the restaurant. “We plate them in a way that you get fresh acidic flavours in the front, then the warming, comforting notes of the paprika oil,” Jones says.

In your glass: Jones suggests a refreshing caipirinha or negroni. ■

WILL RAMENHEAD SATIATE ALL THE CRAVINGS? Absolutely! The integrity of ingredients and how they’re treated are of utmost importance. We’re applying fine-dining techniques to casual, satisfying dishes. We imported a Yamato Richmen 2, the rockstar of Japanese ramen-making machines, so the noodles are spot-on. Our traditional broths are deeply flavoured and complex. But we’re keeping the menu simple: four or five variations along with some Japanese snacks like fried chicken karaage and gyoza.

WHAT WILL THE VIBE BE LIKE?

Tristan du Plessis has created an entertaining, high-energy indooroutdoor space that encourages you to slurp your noodles with abandon. Chef Julia du Toit (above middle) and her team assemble the final dishes in an open finishing kitchen, and there’s a cool ramen lab behind glass. Jennifer Hugé curated a tight selection of wine, spirits and craft beers. It’s a fun Japanese street vibe with a South African twist.

– Tiffany Figueiredo

TIKTOK IS NOTHING IF NOT THE SINGLE greatest platform for throwing the obscure, half-forgotten into the limelight.

While a negroni remains a classic, its lesserknown cousin is now having its moment in the sun.

While we can do without the resurrection of the whale-tail, we definitely can get behind the sudden popularity of some unconventional cocktails.

That’s right, we’re talking about the negroni sbagliato, which shot into the public eye when House of the Dragon star Emma D’Arcy cited it as her favourite tipple during a recent interview.

Quicker than you could google “WTH is a sbagliato?”, by cocktail hour, orders for it were inundating bars, baffling many a drink-

slinger. We say “baffle” not because the bartenders didn’t know what it was, but on account of the fact that until then, the drink was relegated to the clandestine domain of cocktail geekery. You see, the sbagliato is an uncommon interpretation of another niche cocktail, the negroni, which in itself is a twist on the Americano, said to be inspired by the Milano-Torino, that in turn was born out of the Torino-Milano…

That’s a lot to unpack, but suffice to say, these are all bitter-sweet Italian drinks, with the negroni being made with equal parts sweet red vermouth, Campari and gin, stirred over ice and served with an orange slice.

Legend has it that in 1972 one Mirko Stocchetto inadvertently invented the sbagliato when – on a busy night at Bar Basso in Milan – he mistakenly added sparkling wine to a negroni in place of the gin.

The happy accident resulted in other guests calling for the negroni sbagliato, “sbagliato” meaning “bungled” in Italian.

According to the bar – where it remains its signature drink – the sbagliato was very much a site-specific concoction for the next 20 years or so, before it spread across the nation… and finally trickled down into the tumblers of cocktail connoisseurs worldwide.

Indeed, while it may not always be on the menu, any good cocktail bar worth its bitters would be delighted to make you one, if only you were to request it.

THE NEGRONI SBAGLIATO HAS CERTAINLY TAKEN OVER OUR WORLD

IS THIS THE COCKTAIL OF THE SUMMER?

LOCAL SLINGERS ON THE SBAGLIATO

So now what? Can we expect the sbagliato to be the cocktail of the summer? We posed the question to some of South Africa’s best bartenders, and this is what they had to say…

Joburg

Julian Short, SinTax: “Of course we have it. It’s all the rage right now. So funny how TikTok changes the world around us. I love that it’s shining a light on cocktails.”

Misha Chinnah, Mesh Club: “One of our negronis this year is a cherry’gliato. Topped with cherry-vanilla sorbet. It’s hopefully going to be our hit for the summer.”

Cape Town

Joshua Sarembock, Fable: “It’s been on our menu since day one.”

Nicholas Crouse, Café Noir & Talking to Strangers: “We absolutely have them. I’m a long-standing fan. I have been waiting for the day it takes over the Aperol spritz.”

Justin Shaw, Art of Duplicity: “We always offer the sbagliato. You can have one if you can say it!”

Vlad Klaic, Ariel: “I certainly think it’s the cocktail of the summer, and yes we will most definitely be offering it.” ■

TEXT LEAH VAN DEVENTER

Mthandazo Mweli making a sbagliato at The Drinkery, Cape Town

MILAN AFRICA

OUR CONTINENT SETS THE PACE AT 1930, A UNIQUE SPEAKEASY HIDDEN AWAY IN ITALY’S FASHION CAPITAL

TO GAIN ACCESS TO 1930, YOU NEED to befriend the venue’s creators, either by becoming a regular at the other establishments in the Farmily Group – MAG Cafè, Backdoor43, Barba and Iter – or through your own industry acclaim. Either way, entrance is strictly by invite only.

Those lucky enough to get inside will soon understand why 1930 has made the World’s 50 Best Bars list for the last four years running; it’s currently sitting at 35.

“In recent years, 1930 has reinterpreted its cocktail list as a real journey to discover every continent and get in touch with the heart of different human cultures, capturing the essence and history of the nations as an anthropological reportage,” says Fabio Benjamin Cavagna, the bar manager (above).

The ultra-high-end establishment, set in one of the most luxurious cities in all the world, is now celebrating our continent.

“Storytelling is the common thread that connects all the 1930 cocktails and drink lists. Each of our menus follows a long process of exploration through continents. From Latin America, we have now decided to discover Africa,” he says.

Getting the menu right was challenging, Cavagna says. “The research to discover Africa was exciting but difficult at the same time, because of the availability of products and the vastness of the continent,” he reveals.

A lot of thought has gone into the stories to be told and the ingredients to be used.

“The new drink list celebrates strong emotions, bright colours and unforgettable tastes. Boswellia incense, banana, sandalwood and clay are just some of the ingredients featured in this new scented and unexpected drinks list,” he says.

The African theme doesn’t end with the cocktails (and food); the bar got an African makeover too. With a dedicated search at several Fairtrade shops for tools, clothing and decorations, 1930 has transformed its aesthetic to reflect its celebration of Africa.

“We wanted to create a sensorial experience that turns into an almost mystic atmosphere,” Cavagna says.

Masks form a large part of the decor, representing multiple cultures and traditions that coexist on the continent.

“Africa is the continent of myths, tribal rituals and the connection between the world of the living and the dead,” he tells us.

The Africa menu will be available for a limited time before Cavagna and his team take their next voyage of discovery.

“We are the explorers of the world, looking for new directions and influences, curious to discover new flavours and colours, new paths and unexpected combinations,” he says.

“We transfer our vision and knowledge through the most diverse creative ways: new places, new cocktails, new ingredients.

“Our strength lies in always being together to create inclusion and social values.” ■

AN AUGMENTING ANTHROPOCENE

ARTIST ANDREA DU PLESSIS COMBINES CLASSICAL LANDSCAPES IN OIL WITH NEW FORMS INCLUDING ALGORITHMIC ART, AUGMENTED REALITY, SONIC INTERVENTIONS, VIRTUAL REALITY AND MORE

WORDS NTOMBENHLE SHEZI

AGE: 41

HOMETOWN: Pretoria

CURRENT RESIDENCE: Cape Town with her two pet rabbits, working from her studio as a freelance integrated designer, illustrator and multimedia artist.

CLAIM TO FAME: 2021 Sasol New Signatures winner Andrea du Plessis’ work brings us to contemplate questions of nature, specifically in relation to our existence, and the need for a greater reverence of nature, to ensure that we do have a world to live in as we move into the future. Du Plessis’ solo exhibition Supernature: Simulacra explored these themes – it just wrapped at the Pretoria Art Museum.

HOW HER INTEREST CAME ABOUT: “I enjoy learning techniques and trying new things. Modern technology excites me. In my final year as a multimedia student, I became interested in the idea of taking art that looks like it’s from the 18th century and making it futuristic –familiar yet alien. It was challenging but so rewarding! I always keep an open mind about the different techniques I use. Each practice has its own limitations and strengths. It’s about discovering how they can complement each other. The Covid-19 pandemic and being in lockdown has genuinely triggered a reverence for nature’s power and intelligence. I’m intrigued by the sublime

experience – connecting to something greater than oneself, through nature. It is this feeling that I try to recreate in my art. I definitely reference alien or unusual plants and hybrid trees. In the animated versions, the plants often leak a light coded effect – resembling the energy present in all living things.”

HER INSPIRATION: “My love for 18th and 19th century landscapes means I have many favourite artists, but since I work with the sublime, I find the atmosphere of Caspar David Friedrich’s work captivating. I also really love the work of Martin Johnson Heade and Asher Brown Durand. As for new media artists, I hugely admire Memo Akten, Anna Ridler and Refik Anadol. My work deals with the Anthropocene and our relationship with technology. My work is less of a representation of what’s been lost and more a utopian vision. With all the new scientific research in fields such as biomimicry, for example, I’d like to offer a new vision for the future – in which our relationship with nature is symbiotic, using the new technologies and research to restore balance and create awareness.”

LAST WORD: “As a digital artist, it would make sense for me to think about my work in non-fungible token, or NFT, terms. I’m taking my time to suss out the market. I’m hesitant, as there’s a risk of my work getting hacked or stolen. Cryptocurrency mining is very

high in energy consumption. Getting involved with NFTs will contradict my message. I believe there are more ‘green’ cryptocurrencies available now, but the market isn’t performing well at the moment either. We live in an augmented age. Our daily lives are mediated through technology. Algorithms and AI are curating our choices – from where and what we shop, watch and engage with on social media. This is why I became interested in using AI-generated art as an enquiry into its creative potential and commentary on its presence in our modern lives. Immersive, virtual reality gaming made me aware of how our access to, and experience of, nature is changing, as we will most likely end up spending more time in virtual spaces soon. This inspired me to create digital art for these virtual platforms, with the hope that we can find a new way of connecting to nature." ■

Follow Du Plessis on Instagram @andrea.dp.art

TheBlueSultan

WORDS JACQUIE MYBURGH CHEMALY

EGYPTIAN BLUE, THE FIRST COLOUR TO be synthetically produced, was invented in Ancient Egypt around 2200 BCE.

Almost 5 000 years later, SA-born artist Conor Mccreedy has made the colour blue his own and paints only in this shade. He’s known as the Blue Sultan. He’s even registered his own shade, naturally called Mccreedy Blue – or Mccblue.

The 35-year-old Mccreedy grew up in Johannesburg and went to Hilton College in KwaZulu-Natal before heading for university in North Carolina on a golf scholarship. He soon decamped to Zurich, where he lives and works in a medieval building that used to house a bank.

The reclusive Mccreedy prefers the discreet lifestyle Europe offers. He regularly travels home where he is inspired by the Botswana and Mpumalanga bushveld and spends time in Clifton, where he swims in the icy Atlantic in the early mornings.

Mccreedy says he relishes the discipline of making art with one colour and, while oil is his primary medium, he’s also created several daring installations that have caused some consternation.

In addition to painting a blue bath and a blue bed – both of which hit the headlines – Mccreedy recently surprised residents of St Moritz with the installation of three oversized blue park benches – the #MCCBENCHES that had to be scaled with the help of ladders. The benches were created out of fallen trees in the Engadin valley and had to be installed with the help of helicopters. The local authorities were not impressed initially but ended up liking them so much they put in a request for a Mccreedy bench to be placed in front of the local culture board offices. His latest blue project has been a Mccreedy blue Steinway piano, which is currently for sale at just under US$1 million and has two collectors bidding against one another.

When he was approached by Prosper Assouline, the founder of the eponymous publisher, to create a coffee table book, Mccreedy collaborated with some collectors to put the work together – and it became a 17-month Covid project.

HRH Princess Astrid of Liechtenstein has written the foreword to Conor Mccreedy: The Blue Sultan, which also includes testimonials from collectors including

Cheetah Plains luxury game lodge owner Japie van Niekerk and South African-born British investor Julian Treger.

Mccreedy’s next project is to complete the preparation for his first solo show in March 2023 in the small economic powerhouse Swiss town of Zug. He is also planning a portrait exhibition at next year’s Venice Biennale. Mccreedy does not only create art. He is also an avid collector of contemporary work and is planning to add a gallery in the building where he lives in Zurich to exhibit his growing personal collection.

So, does the Blue Sultan ever tire of the colour blue? Never, he says, although he doesn’t discount one day working in red and green. One collector has persuaded Mccreedy to paint a series of green palm trees for his Middle East home, but these works have never been seen in public, and the owner had to commit to never revealing them outside of their home. ■ conormccreedy.com, assouline.com

For each copy of Conor Mccreedy: The Blue Sultan sold, a tree will be planted, in partnership with One Tree Planted.

LUXURY PUBLISHER ASSOULINE RECENTLY RELEASED A COFFEE TABLE BOOK ABOUT SOUTH AFRICANBORN CONTEMPORARY ARTIST CONOR MCCREEDY – YET THE SWISS-BASED RECLUSIVE ‘BLUE SULTAN’ REMAINS ASTONISHINGLY UNKNOWN IN THE COUNTRY OF HIS BIRTH

The Melrose Gallery is a leading Pan African Contemporary space located in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The gallery represents established and emerging artists whose voices speak to issues of significance to the Continent of Africa on a global basis.

We are passionate about ensuring that the elders who have made a valuable contribution to African Contemporary Art are recognized and that their important voices continue to be heard. Our stable includes iconic names of the likes of Dr Esther Mahlangu, Professor Pitika Ntuli, Mam Noria Mabasa, Dr Willie Bester, Paul Weinberg, Arlene Amaler-Raviv and Regi Bardavid.

These stalwarts provide a stable foundation to an exciting young guard of artists who are swiftly emerging from the African Continent and Diaspora to establish themselves globally. These include the likes of Ronald Muchatuta, Christiaan Diedericks, Philiswa Lila, Mederic Turay, Gerald Chukwuma, Senzo Shabangu, Restone Maambo, Papytsho Mafolo, Clint Strydom, Aza Mansongi, Denis Mubiru and others.

Telling African stories in contemporary ways

We run a curated programme of exhibitions, participate in respected art fairs, support many of our artists in their participation at Biennales and conceptualize and implement significant non-commercial exhibitions in association with leading museums.

THE MELROSE GALLERY (JOHANNESBURG)

The Melrose Gallery Johannesburg is a large, modern contemporary space located in the Melrose Arch urban precinct. We host regular solo and group exhibitions with wellattended openings. We coordinate SculptX, the largest annual sculpture fair in South Africa at Melrose Arch every September, featuring over 290 sculptures created by more than 90 artists from all over the country.

THE MELROSE GALLERY (CAPE TOWN)

The Melrose Gallery Cape Town is an intimate space located at One&Only Cape Town, one of the most exclusive hotels in South Africa situated at the V&A Waterfront. We curate 4 exciting exhibitions per year that work to expose our talented stable of artists to international and local art collectors and enthusiasts. www.themelrosegallery.com

WORDS THEMBALETHU ZULU

DO NOT DISTURB

Go-to out-of-office outfit: Swimwear. I’m a water baby. Your happy place: Underwater in the ocean. Favourite bar or restaurant: My new favourite is Acid, a wine bar in Parktown North in Joburg. A booking you’d recommend: Lunch at Chorus at Waterkloof Wine Estate in Somerset West. Hidden gem you love: I want it to remain hidden… a wine bar in Blairgowrie. Literary recommendation: Deepak Chopra’s Daily Breath podcast and his book Metahuman A hobby you’d like to get into: Surfing and snowboarding. I live in Johannesburg, so it’s taking me a while to get going… One luxury that’s actually a necessity: Time with and for yourself. Favourite luxury under R500: A coffee date (or otherwise wine-free meet-up) with someone I love.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF LUXURY? A life of ease and enjoyment – the ability to take time off from a job I love, which also provides the abundant means to, whenever I want, hop on a business class (or better) flight to a destination on my wanderlust list.

IN A WORLD WHERE WE’RE TECHNICALLY ALWAYS AVAILABLE, HOW DO YOU SEPARATE WORK FROM PERSONAL LIFE? It’s very tough. In short: strong boundaries. This has been something I’ve worked on over the years since I entered the workplace and, like everything else you keep doing, you get better at it. But this is predicated on prioritising what’s truly time-sensitive and important, and therefore “urgent”. It also hinges on communicating and managing the expectations of colleagues, clients and anyone else competing for your attention – and “paying yourself first”. Every day, carve out time to do something for yourself: meditation, prayer, exercise, responsible scrolling on socials, conversation with a loved one. Whatever sets you up for the day.

WHAT’S THE LONGEST YOU’VE MANAGED TO STAY OFFLINE? I wish I could say that I’ve been intentional about being unplugged for more than 24 hours, but it’s probably stretches of time when I’m engaged in an enjoyable activity such as a game of golf with my family, scuba diving, hiking, or just hanging out with friends.

IS THERE ONE THING YOU DO AFTER A LONG DAY AT WORK TO HELP YOU UNWIND? If for some reason I didn’t exercise before work, then definitely a workout. Otherwise, cooking a healthy meal, having a glass of wine, and then obeying my “wind down” reminder to turn off screens at least 30 minutes before bed. I don’t always nail it, but progress is better than perfection.

WHAT ACTIVITY RELAXES AND REFOCUSES YOU AFTER A STRESSFUL WEEK? My personal mantra (or hashtag) is #RunSquatWineDineRepeat. I incorporate some form of physical activity. Then, being the extrovert that I am, my foodie and wine-loving friends and I will hit the newest bar/restaurant – or an old favourite – for a day-long brunch. Is there any other way to do it?!

OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME, WHERE ELSE IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPACE? In a business class cabin off on some adventure.

ON SUNDAY NIGHT, HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR THE WEEK AHEAD? I try to be home for dinner, watch a feel-good movie or show and then obey my wind-down reminder and read my book before bed. I’m obsessed with getting a full eight hours of sleep.

BEST REASON YOU LAST SWITCHED YOUR PHONE TO AEROPLANE MODE? For my birthday honeymoon – a big party and a three-week tour of Portugal and Spain with my besties. It was a milestone birthday. ■

TYMEBANK PARTNERSHIPS AND PLANNING EXECUTIVE EL-SHEBAH MIGWALLA TALKS ABOUT LIFE AWAY FROM THE OFFICE, WHAT HELPS HER DECOMPRESS AND HER IDEA OF LUXURY