20 SELF INVENTION IN THE AGE OF AGELESSNESS: Celebrating timelessness with four boundarybreaking women
A MUSICAL MAESTRO IN THE MAKING: Twelve-year-old Nayima Ndlovu proves age is no barrier to excellence
OF TRAINS AND TREEHOUSES: A unique African journey on a train to an island
FLAIR
THE COMPLICATED NATURE OF SIMPLE THINGS: Hermès seamlessly blends traditions and innovation
A FRENCH & AFRICAN CONNECTION: Balmain and The Lion King come together in a magical collection 38
FORCES FOR GOOD:
We attended the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards in China to celebrate female entrepreneurs 42
PALACE HOTEL PAR EXCELLENCE: The luxurious French charm of Le Bristol Paris
At the height of our generation’s lived experience is the idea of ‘glocal’ (global + local) consciousness, viewing the world as vast and yet so interconnected that it feels like a small pond. How we experience the world is made even more village-like thanks to the internet, and over time we begin to feel like we know the people we follow, like, and subscribe to as we do our own friends and family. A person that I’ve been following for many years, who I feel like I know personally, is USA-based, Grammy-nominated rapper Tobe Nwigwe. I started following him when he was a littleknown entertainer with a cool aesthetic, loud personality, and powerful messaging. Most entertaining, however, were his interactions with his Nigerian parents who often made cameos on his social media. Tobe’s inclusion of his elderly parents on a platform that was very much for the young and savvy at the time was refreshingly endearing, and a great reminder of that crucial African value of honouring our living ancestors even as the world evolves. You can imagine the sheer joy I felt when Tobe surprised his mother with a trip to Paris last month to attend Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton show. It was a real awakening moment for the culture where, instead of the usual plus one, Tobe walked the red carpet and sat front row with Mama Igwe. Seeing those visuals of her in a flowing white dress, a magnificent gele headwrap, sunglasses, and a set of custom all-gold dental grills (usually reserved for the edgiest of rappers) made me realise happily that Africa has truly entered the chat. Our parents and grandparents being given the portal to experience the height of opulence they dreamed up for us, is incredible to witness.
We’ve themed this issue ‘Timeless’ in celebration of varied human achievement across the age spectrum. Our remarkable 82-year-old cover icon Margaret Chola became a viral internet sensation when her granddaughter, much like Tobe Nwigwe, had the idea to style the octogenarian in a fashion shoot for Instagram, making @legendary_glamma an instant and unlikely fashion muse. Twentythree-year-old Amonge Sinxtoto is a dynamic youth activist who’s been setting global stages ablaze since the age of 16, having been invited to a round table with Michelle Obama and other young leaders when she was just 17. Amonge, who is now a published author, holds inter-generational court with Margaret, her granddaughter, and 58-year-old Mia Mauge, who became a professional model at the age of 54 (page 20). We also feature the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra’s youngest and award-winning trumpeter Nayima Ndlovu, who at age 12 is already showing signs of excellence that defies age (page 28).
Meanwhile, 30-year-old Sithasolwazi Kentane is building a formidable future classic leather goods and handbag label (page 48).
Aside from turning anti-ageing on its head and rooting for pro-ageing instead, this issue also celebrates brands and experiences that are as timeless and classic as the diamonds and pearls featured in our jewels story (page 14). Our travel pages feature a Rovos Rail journey into Zimbabwe for a unique stay at Kandahar Island, and our special section themed French Flair spotlights the enduring timelessness of French luxury from Hermès to Cartier, and more.
MY TOP PICKS
Piaget’s Limelight Gala, a glamour icon from 1973, has been reinterpreted. Case in 18kt white gold set with 60 brilliant-cut diamonds and lapis blue leather strap
Formulated with 92 percent natural-origin ingredients, Guerlain’s KissKiss Bee Glow Oil’s formula tints the lips and coats them with high 3D shine. Available at Arc Stores and Edgars
Grammy-nominated rapper Tobe Nwigwe warmed our hearts by surprising his mom with a trip to Paris for the Louis Vuitton Spring/ Summer Collection 2025
Yoko London’s Aurora collection features naturally coloured pearls set in 18kt white gold and a mesh of diamonds. The Australian South Sea, Tahitian, Golden Indonesian, and Freshwater pearls are all hand selected. yokolondon.com
THE TIMELESS ISSUE
EMBRACING
The timeless dark notes of patchouli in Montblanc’s Collection Pathouli Ink EDP recall the perpetuity of ink on paper. Available at Edgars
EDITORIAL: EDITOR Ntokozo Maseko Ntokozo@yourluxury.africa MANAGING EDITOR Rizwana Variawa rizwana@yourluxury.africa CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kate Walters BEAUTY EDITOR Ingrid Wood ingrid@yourluxury.africa COPY EDITOR Tamlyn Cumings CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Leigh Herringer IMAGE EDITOR Coralie Elske DIGITAL EDITOR Norma Young norma@yourluxury.africa ADVERTISING & MARKETING: ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Yvonne Sha +27 (82) 903 5641 I yvonne@yourluxury.africa ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR Yvette Mehl + 27 (21) 439 4907 I yvette@yourluxury.africa ACCOUNT MANAGER: NATIONAL Gina van de Wall I gina@yourluxury.africa MANAGEMENT: MANAGING DIRECTOR Yvonne Sha PUBLISHER Ingrid Wood
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jacquie Myburgh Chemaly jacquie@yourluxury.africa DISTRIBUTION & PRINT: DISTRIBUTION On the Dot, Media Support PRINTED BY CTP Printers, Cape Town for YourLuxuryPO Box 1053, Sea Point 8060, Cape Town. All rights reserved. Whereas precautions have been take n to ensure the accuracy of information, neither the editor nor 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
For Women Who Design Their Lives
A LIFESTYLE OASIS WHERE LUXURY AND CONVENIENCE MEET THE NEEDS OF THE MODERN WOMAN
In today’s fast-paced world, we’re often overstretched and running on empty with endless meetings, appointments, and school pick ups, and running a home. This is why there is no better time to invest in Steyn City’s extraordinary lifestyle options, allowing you to slow down and optimise your wellbeing. Whether it’s dining out with friends, playing padel or golf, or watching your children run freely in a safe and secure environment, the options at Gauteng’s award-winning residential lifestyle estate are endless.
TO DINE FOR
In the mood for a long, lazy lunch with family and friends, arranging a business lunch, or looking for a dinner spot? At Café Del Sol Steyn City, savour authentic Italian cuisine made with the finest fresh ingredients or enjoy a sunset tipple from the new cocktail menu. Located in the piazza at City Centre, browse the high-end retail offerings including art and the finest cookware. You can also enjoy seasonal family-style fare at The Farmhouse, which also makes a perfect venue for a milestone birthday, baby shower, or children’s party with its rolling lawns and play area. For drinks or dinner in a classic setting with an exquisite view, 19 by Michael at the Clubhouse Precinct is a Steyn City favourite.
A BLUE LAGOON
Located opposite City Centre – Steyn City’s flagship apartment development – is a 300-metre lagoon with a Mediterranean-inspired ‘The Family Table’ eatery. You can also place your order in advance and use one of the braai pods for effortless outdoor entertaining. The lagoon area has water slides and various activity options, such as paddleboarding or kayaking. Alternatively, you can explore several pools within the estate.
FIT FOR LIFE
A holistic and active liftestyle is a top priority at Steyn City, and the options are endless. Padel courts with shower facilities are located at the lagoon precinct and fitness clubs come with state-of-the-art equipment. There are also yoga and pilates classes as well as outdoor workout stations, floodlit tennis courts, an indoor aquatic centre, and a equestrian centre with an Olympic-sized show-jumping arena. Runners can enjoy 45km of floodlit promenade that’s ideal for safe before-and-after-work walks and jogs, while 50km of MTB track is also on offer. Golfers can also enjoy the 18hole Nicklaus-design championship golf course with an award-winning clubhouse.
SAVING TIME
Designed with every detail in mind, Steyn City ensures that everything you need to make life more convenient is on-site so you can spend more time doing the things you enjoy. Think co-working office spaces and quick highway access, as well as a private helistop with its own business centre and charters. There’s also Steyn City School, which provides a future-focused education for learners from Grades 000 to matric with the added bonus of bus shuttles to and from the campus.
WHAT’S NEW
A convenient new conferencing and coworking space will be available later this year, and a magnificent Saxon Spa will open in early 2025 so you literally have luxurious pampering and time-out on your doorstep.
MORE THAN A HOME
Whether you’re a top executive, newly married, or a want to invest in a new lifestyle, Steyn City offers a secure range of home options, from luxury apartments and freehold homes to lock-up-and-go clusters. It’s time to start living your best life. steyncity.co.za
STANDS | HOMES | APARTMENTS
Book your exclusive viewing sales@steyncity.co.za | steyncity.co.za
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ONLINE NOW:
Activist, speaker, and author, Amonge Sinxoto, shows no signs of slowing down since becoming a global leader at the age of 17. Read what’s new and next for the age-defying 23 year old on yourluxury.africa.
MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS
AMONGE SINXOTO
(Pictured left)
Amonge is an author, social entrepreneur, activist, and public speaker. She co-founded Blackboard Africa, a non-profit company at the age of 16, driving the narrative of the next generation of African youth towards empowerment and excellence.
“My personal tastes are influenced by innovation and timelessness. Classic timelessness is transcendent, and I love how it is consistently relevant. I also embrace the necessary changes of edgy innovation.“
See: p20
INNOCENT
NDLOVU
Innocent is a fashion expert and journalist with more than a decade of experience. In 2022, he established Renoch Group, a multifaceted PR and wholesale agency dedicated to fashion and design.
“Mixing the classical with the edgy guides my personal taste in style and life in general. I’m naturally drawn to classic and timeless pieces, with a dose of edgy innovation.“
See: p18
DEBBIE HATHWAY
Debbie is a passionate journalist with an eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. She is dedicated to uncovering memorable tales and sharing diverse perspectives, while championing integrity and empathy in journalism.
“Growing up in a family that values artistic and creative expression, I’ve been deeply influenced by the classics in music, dance, art, and style. This grounding shaped my appreciation for enduring elegance and timeless beauty in all aspects of life and luxury.“
See: p12, p14, p34, p42
JARED RUTTENBERG
Jared is a full-time adventurer who was born with a healthy dose of wanderlust in his veins. This sends him around South Africa and abroad as an experience-chaser and storyteller.
“My tastes are influenced by the beauty that happens when timelessness and innovation cohabit in creative spaces.“
See: p30
CONQUEST
BARBARA PALVIN
CULTURE DIARY
MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
Since its 1986 debut on London’s famed West End, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sensational musical, The Phantom of the Opera, has captivated audiences around the world with its haunting tale set in the Paris Opera House. The iconic romantic tragedy, now with a new cast playing at His Majesty’s Theatre, will bring audiences renewed energy and emotion while captivating them with the timeless love story, the ghostly chandelier, and the familiar iconic songs. For tickets and more information, visit londontheatre.co.uk.
CALIFORNIA DREAMING
On 18 August, start your engines and head to the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, one of the world’s leading classic car shows. Set on the picturesque 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links in California in the USA, the event showcases some of the finest collector cars. Visitors can explore an array of vintage and contemporary luxury models, many of which have been meticulously restored. It’s all about celebrating craftmanship and heritage, and the timeless allure of the classic car. Visit pebblebeachconcours.net for more info.
ON POINTE
In its inaugural season, Cape Ballet Africa will debut SALT from 21 – 28 September at Cape Town’s Baxter Theatre. This triple bill of ballets features new works by acclaimed South African choreographers Kirsten Isenberg, Mthuthuzeli November, and Michelle Reid, coming together in a dynamic and visually captivating performance. Reverie Chapter Two, and Smoke display the best of classical and contemporary ballet, while highlighting the immense talent of the company’s dancers. For tickets and more information, visit webtickets.co.za.
IN GOOD COMPANY
On 15 August, the annual #ThatsWhatSheSaid Celebratory Dinner takes place at the Johannesburg home of iTOO ArtInsure – the iconic Arcadia Villa in Parktown. The event honours a South African female artist with an impressive contribution to the local contemporary art landscape. This year, the reward is reserved for visual artist Mary Sibande, known for her beloved alter-ego character, Sophie. Mary will also nominate two artists she’s mentored over the last few years to receive a portion of the proceeds raised on the night. Tickets are R1 500 per person. For more info, go to webtickets.co.za
THE ARTS IN JOBURG
While art lovers anticipate the 17th edition of FNB Art Joburg at the Sandton Convention Centre from 6 – 8 September, its Open City programme will run for 16 days alongside the prestigious art event. Activations throughout Johannesburg include art, music, performance, food, and fashion, and are on from 29 August until 13 September. To kick off Open City on 31 August, the BMW Art Generation offers dynamic exhibitions, performances, and culinary delights. Visit artjoburg.com for the full programme and tickets.
TRANSCENDING
trends
DISCOVER WATCH DESIGNS WITH ENDURING ELEGANCE AND STYLE, DEFYING FLEETING FASHION
WORDS DEBBIE HATHWAY
URBAN CLASSIC
Combining round and square shapes, the case lines evoke the geometric figures that define the Bell & Ross brand. The dial of this BR 05 Chrono Grey Steel and 18ct Rose Gold model has a ruthenium sunray finish. Its rose gold-gilded appliqué indices, numerals, and skeletonised hour and minute hands are filled with white Super-LumiNova® (green glow). R198 000 for rubber strap, R291 000 for steel and rose gold bracelet, bellross.com, bellagiojewellers.co.za
JOURNEY BEYOND TIME
NEO-VINTAGE STYLE
The Cap Camarat Square Skeleton by French family-owned watchmaker Herbelin is inspired by the Cap Camarat in Saint-Tropez. The 39mm steel case with rounded corners, vertical brushing, and polished facets o ers a captivating view of its Swissmade automatic movement. The FKM cobalt blue strap complements the dial and bezel. Limited to 500 pieces. R55 000, luxco.co.za, (011) 448 2210
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Escale collection, Louis Vuitton introduces a new three-hand model. The dial, inspired by the metallic pieces and lozine nails of its eponymous trunks, features gold indexes and studs. Models include one with a blue dial in rose gold and a meteorite dial in platinum. POA, louisvuitton.com
COLLECTOR’S DREAM
Classic Fusion Essential Grey: Volume III extends this ever-popular vintage from Hublot. The collection encompasses the Big Bang Unico Essential Grey and the Spirit of Big Bang Essential Grey. The new Classic Fusion models have pure titanium cases and bezels, and are available in 42mm and 45mm case sizes. R180 950, hublot.com, murdocks.co.za
TALK ABOUT AN EVOLUTION
Independent French watchmaker Hegid® has extended its Mirage line to include the Soleil, with a radiating textured dial and a satin-finished steel case. Staying true to Hegid’s evolutionary principle, the Mirage Soleil’s components are available separately and can be adapted to other Hegid watches. Mirage capsules and cases are designed, manufactured, and assembled in France and near the Swiss border, where the movements are made. The Virage straps are crafted in French workshops from Napa leather. POA, hegid.com
WILD BEAUTY
Gra draws inspiration from the outline of a flower for its Wild Flower Collection, symbolising their strength and determination to grow and bloom as Gra diamonds emerge, forged from adversity. The collection comprises necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets, bangles, rings, and timepieces in four distinctive flower styles. POA, gra .com, delaire.co.za
SUBLIME CLASSIC
The Fabergé x James Ganh transformable pearl, diamond, and yellow diamond necklace in 18kt white gold features a Fancy Intense yellow diamond (7.89ct), round brilliant-cut white diamond (13.16ct), and Akoya pearls (53.92ct). The Fancy Intense yellow diamond can be worn separately. POA, faberge.com, murdocks.co.za
NATURAL GRACE
The De Beers Dignity Tassel Bracelet from its Forces of Nature Collection celebrates the animal kingdom using polished white, Fancy-coloured, and rough brown diamonds to reflect the patterned coat of a gira e. POA, debeers.com
Diamonds Pearls
&ARE FOREVER
THE AGELESS BEAUTY OF THESE PRECIOUS STONES UNDERSCORES THEIR ALLURE AND ADDS VALUE, NATURALLY WORDS DEBBIE HATHWAY
HALOES
OF LIGHT
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Perlée diamond earrings comprising round diamonds set in 18kt gold are framed by golden beads, enhancing the halo e ect on either side of the face. POA, vancleefarpels.com
WHIMSICAL WORLD
This dragon ring from Chopard’s Red Carpet Collection, Fairy Tales – ‘Contes de Fées’ – is set in ethical 18kt white gold, featuring a golden pearl (18.83ct), brilliant-cut diamonds (5.30ct), black diamonds, and emerald cabochons. chopard.com, bhhboutique.co.za
A ForeverStory
FOR MORE THAN HALF A CENTURY, THE HOUSE OF GRAFF HAS BEEN DEDICATED TO DISCOVERING AND TRANSFORMING NATURE’S RAREST DIAMONDS INTO SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST FABULOUS JEWELS
The Graff story is one that unfolds over six decades. It’s a tale driven by passion and the pursuit of perfection, fixation with detail, and obsession with innovation. It’s about creativity and craftsmanship, and it’s about family.
As a young East End boy, Laurence Graff’s mother took him to his first job as an apprentice in Hatton Garden. She asked the owner, a Mr Schindler, “How far can he go?” The answer came back, “The sky’s the limit.” Yet, after three months, young Graff was told he would “never make the grade”.
With his innate entrepreneurial spirt, Laurence became even more driven to pursue his love for diamonds and fascination with the emotional power of gemstones. “I come from a family of hard-working people, and I was born with a will to succeed,” he says.
master artisans, diamond mounters and setters, goldsmiths and polishers work alongside the latest technology and software to create incomparable jewels that are globally recognised for their perfect balance, deceptive simplicity, and sensuous power.
“It’s about creativity and craftsmanship, and it’s about family”
Founded by Laurence Graff OBE in 1960, the company remains a family business with Francois Graff as CEO. To this day, the journey of every jewel is overseen by a member of the Graff family with passion, experience, and uncompromising attention to detail at every stage. With over 60 stores worldwide, Graff has ambitiously grown from its foundation in the UK to achieve a global presence.
At Graff’s headquarters in London’s Mayfair, bold jewellery designs are created by a masterful team within the atelier and each piece is brought to life in the workshop under the same roof. With decades of experience,
It's often been quoted that Laurence Graff OBE has handled more important diamonds than any other diamantaire of our time, possibly any time. The 1.109 carat Lesedi La Rona, for example, joined the prestigious Graff collection after a year of painstaking analysis by leading gemmologists. Perhaps Graff’s most significant achievement to date, this sensational 302 carat diamond is the world’s largest square emerald-cut diamond, and a global hallmark of rarity and craftsmanship.
While Laurence Graff OBE continues to honour the heritage of the diamond, the legacy he has built goes even deeper. “Graff is a family business and the people who enter our boutiques and buy our jewels become part of our family,” he says.
Each generation of the Graff family also has the expertise to personally select every stone and preside over its journey, striving to offer jewellery pieces –and a legacy – that lasts forever. graff.com; delaire.co.za
The ageless approach behind Estée Lauder’s Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Crème SPF 25 works on the skin’s strength and radiance with its indulgent texture. From R2 260, esteelauder.co.za
Created in 1930, Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant has stood the test of time. The famous miracle product soothes, moisturises, heals, and has anti-inflammatory properties. R430, elizabetharden.co.za
POWER HOUSES ANTI PRO-AGING
EMBRACE THE INEVITABLE CHANGES OF TIME WITH SELF-LOVE AND SOME CLASSICS, DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU LOOK AND FEEL YOUR BEST AT EVERY AGE COMPILED BY INGRID WOOD
The luxurious Clarins Precious La Crème Yeux Age-Defying Eye Cream contains a cryoextract of the Queen of the Night flower, which has the remarkable capacity to reactivate the skin’s longevity. R2 710, clarins.co.za
Now a cult classic, Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask packs in a ton of hyaluronic acid to heal and hydrate for irresistibly smooth lips. arcstore.co.za
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate boosts the skin’s radiance and gives it a fresh glow, while also improving its resilience, texture, and hydration. R2 385, Woolworths, ARC, Truworths and Edgars
is all about feeling your best without compromising on performance and indulgence. The Regenerating Serum combines the patented FutureBlend, proteins, vitamins, and minerals to revitalise skin cells. R12 500, futuremeworld.com
Created in 1921 and forever a classic, Chanel N°5 continues to reinvent itself. The limited-edition N°5 L’Eau Drop Bottle is a spirited and youthful reinterpretation of this iconic scent. R2 905 for 50ml, Chanel Fragrance & Beauty Boutique
Sisley All Day All Year is like your skin’s bodyguard, providing a protective shield that activates its daily self-defence system. R7 600, sisley.com/za
FROM STAPLE FAVOURITES TO NEW BRANDS WITH A GROWING FOLLOWING, UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE WITH THESE FOREVER STYLES WITH A TWIST COMPILED BY INNOCENT NDLOVU
MODERN CLASSICS
Rajah multilayered mesh skirt with snakeskin-print lining, R7 999, gavinrajah.com
Adele Dejak barine small gold-plated earrings, $140, adeledejak.com
Gentleman The Luckson single button jacket, $495, kentegentleman.com
MLDR46.1 dress, R19 500, shop.maxhosa.africa
Port Tanger Luna sunglasses, $325, porttanger.com
Auralee hard twist denim 5p Pants, POA, auralee.jp
Loewe toy rug pumps, €2 200, mytheresa.com
Saint Laurent Loulou small bag in quilted leather, $2 650, ysl.com
Ahluwalia Ongoye cardigan, $655, ahluwalia.world
Kente
Gavin
MAXHOSA
Self invention in the age of
Agelessness
UNDER THE THEME ‘TIMELESS’, AWARD-WINNING YOUTH ACTIVIST AMONGE SINXOTO DISSOLVES THE LIMITING BELIEFS AROUND AGE AND EXCELLENCE THROUGH CROSS-GENERATIONAL CONVERSATION WITH THREE BOUNDARY-BREAKING WOMEN IN ZAMBIA, NEW YORK, AND LONDON
WORDS AMONGE SINXOTO
Iknow this sounds absurd but hear me out. I recently turned 23 and on the eve of my birthday, I was overwhelmed with a dark cloud of angst and fear about approaching 25. After all, 23 is basically 25, and 25 is basically 30. I know that this downward spiral is fuelled by societal norms telling me to desperately hold onto my youth, yet I can’t help but feel the looming pressure to mourn the loss of everything that goes along with age; beauty and time. I’m glad to say however, that hearing from these incredible women from three different generations put many of those fears to rest.
THE MAKINGS OF AN 82-YEAR-OLD ACCIDENTAL FASHION MUSE
I’m someone who spends way too much time on social media, consuming everything from mysterious facts about the depths of the ocean to content of a young mom making bubblegum from scratch. These days, it’s rare and wonderful to experience something that stops you in your tracks altogether. For me, it was the sight of a magnificent mature woman seated in the stillness of a farm in Zambia, donning bright-red athleisure wear, layered gold chains, orange sunglasses, and a crown to top it all off. Not even the most advanced AI could generate this moment. This is the legendary and very real Margaret Chola, known as @legendary_glamma on the internet streets.
Before her explosion onto the fashion scene, Margaret Chola’s life was the epitome of simplicity on a farm in 10 Miles, an estate in Central Province, Zambia. Born in a Zambian town called Chinsali in 1942, she’s 82 years old this year, though her exact birth month and date remain a mystery because there’s
no record of what happened to her birth certificate. Affectionately known as Grandma Chola or Mbuya, which means grandma in her native language Bemba, she raised eight children and now lives on a farm owned by one of her three surviving children. “I didn’t know anything about fashion really,” Grandma Chola explains. “I had a very normal everyday life, doing chores, just living and thanking God for each new day.”
This all changed when her New Yorkbased granddaughter, 41-year-old Diana Kalezhi (known as Dee), came up with an idea. “I was visiting Zambia and had planned my looks for the trip. Near the end of my stay, I realised I wouldn’t get the chance to wear some of my outfits. I thought to myself, ‘I should put this on my grandma’,” she recalls. After a fair bit of convincing, Grandma Chola agreed, and that’s how the first images in the now-famous series were born. “The shoot was impromptu and very low stakes as these images were simply meant to live on my Instagram page.”
Little did she know that those posts would not only transform Grandma Chola’s profile, but also leave a lasting impact on the collective conversation around fashion, age, and what’s possible with the internet.
Diana, a freelance stylist and creative consultant, inherited her love of fashion from her father. “He once hired a designer all the way from Hong Kong to come and custom make his suits,” Dee shares. Her world opened up even more when the family moved to New York City after her father was transferred by the Zambian diplomatic mission. Her eye for style sharpened, and an appreciation for the quality of high-end fashion and a love for the uniqueness of vintage looks were born. Inspired by this, the “Grandma Series” features Grandma Chola in avantgarde fashion looks, set against the rustic backdrop of the farm. This unique blend of high fashion, an elderly model, and everyday life struck a chord with viewers worldwide. “I sought to challenge and break down stereotypes about Africa,
MARGARET CHOLA AND DIANA KALEZHI
Established in 1972, Cape Cobra Leathercraft is a third generation family business and Africa’s longest standing Luxury leather goods atelier. Our name, inspired by the Cape Cobra snake native to Cape Town, South Africa, symbolises strength and represents our connection to the land's natural beauty.
With a commitment to sustainability, we meticulously handcraft locally sourced Nile Crocodile and Ostrich skins, transforming them into timeless yet contemporary investment pieces. As a pioneer in exotic leather goods, Cape Cobra leads by example, adhering to best practices across the entire value chain.
What gives Cape Cobra Leathercraft's pieces their elegance and depth is the poetry of the past, honoring our heritage and craftsmanship, combined with the embrace of present moment's creativity. Utilizing only the finest raw materials to craft one-of-a-kind pieces with enduring quality.
www.capecobra.com
often seen through a lens of poverty and lack of development. I wanted to showcase the beauty, creativity, and advancement of the continent, using my grandmother as the focal point.” Diana has not visited Zambia since last year, so their styling sessions are done online with the help of local photographer Luxury Photography Zambia (@luxuryphotographyzambia on Instagram) and two Zambian-based assistants, who source the clothes from Diana’s own local showroom.
The photo series has not only brought Grandma Chola into the limelight, but also nourished the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter. With deteriorating health, Mbuya doesn’t know what kind of aches and pains she’ll wake up with on any given day. Despite this difficulty, her biggest joy is connecting with her granddaughter. “We now talk regularly and I have a newfound love for her. I call her my small boss… Now I have something to live for and she’s given me a job. I’m her muse,” Grandma Chola says fondly. Asked what the most thrilling aspect of her newfound life as an internationally talked-about internet personality has been, Grandma Chola says, “To see prints of myself in people’s homes has been very overwhelming; I never imagined I would be loved that much.”
“I call her my small boss… Now I have something to live for and she’s given me a job. I’m her muse,” Grandma Chola says fondly”
Compounding the series’ success, Diana and Grandma Chola are set to release a new book, Accidental Fashion Icon. This coffee table photo album will feature iconic prints from the series accompanied by short anecdotes about Grandma Chola’s life, together with comments from social media followers. Also in the pipeline is a photo exhibition at a black-owned New York mansion in the year’s final quarter. Becoming a symbol of timeless fashion has allowed them to break stereotypes about age, showing that life and style don’t have to stop as you get older. “You are as old as you feel, and just because you are old doesn’t mean you should stop living,” says the 82-year-old accidental fashion muse.
THE ULTIMATE SELF REINVENTION
HOW MIA MAUGÉ BECAME A PROFESSIONAL MODEL AND PRO-AGEING ACTIVIST IN HER 50S
Mia Maugé is a walking, posing, real-life beacon of timeless beauty and purposedriven living. At 58, Mia’s career as a model, which began at the age of 54, defies convention and celebrates the rich tapestry of ageing. Her entry into modelling came at a time when many might feel their best years are behind them. Yet, for her, it was a moment filled with profound purpose. Mia is of Afro-Caribbean descent but lives in the UK, and began her writing career back in the ’90s as a music journalist when she interviewed the likes of Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and D’Angelo. Since then, writing became a consistent theme in her work in PR, marketing, and social media. Not once did she imagine she’d pivot into modelling – let alone while in her 50s.
Ageing, particularly for women, often comes with immense societal pressure. While men are revered and often described as “silver foxes,” women face scrutiny over their appearance and relevance. “There really wasn’t anything aspirational about being middle-aged or over 40, so I had a deep-rooted fear of ageing,” says Mia. Encouraged by her two teenage daughters, Mia started to address this disparity head-on, beginning with a small act that would eventually unlock a whole new identity and career. “I’d been dyeing my hair dark for 20 years, and my daughters encouraged me to let my roots grow out, thinking that it would be cool. Although I agreed, I was hesitant because of what I felt it meant for society,” she says. Mia started her transition, which she admits was not the easiest journey. “My daughters were
“She’s made history as the first model over 50 to be booked by the major, multinational British retailer Marks & Spencer for a lingerie campaign”
supportive and encouraged me through that period. By 2020, I was fully grey.”
Then came the next small act of the domino effect. “I decided to go public with my previously private Instagram page. I had transitioned to letting my grey hair grow, and at this point was a full silver fox.” In 2020, many found themselves unable to get to hair salons to colour their roots due to the pandemic. Forced to start the transition, they looked to Mia for encouragement and inspiration. She was scouted by a modelling agency that same year. Excluding a shoot she did at four years old for Biba, a London fashion store that was popular in the ’60s and ’70s, her first real fashion shoot as a 54-year-old model was for Vestiaire Collective, a retail company that lets users buy and sell pre-loved luxury brands. Since then, she’s made history as the first model over 50 to be booked by the major, multinational British retailer Marks & Spencer for a lingerie campaign. Modelling also led to her being cast as a mermaid in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, which was released in 2023. She’s done modelling work with high-end beauty brands like Vichy, among others, is a content creator and public speaker, and is set to release a new book about her story.
By making her journey a public one, the 58-year-old model joins a movement that is a worldwide call-to-action for her generation to be visible and vocal. For Mia, beauty transcends age, and in her view, there’s only one kind of beauty, and that is timeless beauty. “It’s about the confidence you exude and the contentment you find within.” ■
Asilky AWAKENING skin
INSPIRED BY NATURE AND MASTERED BY SCIENCE, THE HOUSE OF SENSAI EMBODIES THE SPIRITUAL ESSENCE AND BEAUTY OF JAPAN
Sensai is not just a skincare brand; it’s a way of life based on the unique spirituality of Japanese beauty. It’s also about celebrating life and feeling enlightened from within.
At the heart of Sensai are two Japanese treasures: Koishimaru, the most precious of silks once reserved for the Imperial family, and the ritual of Saho, a discipline found in traditional tea ceremonies.
Koishimaru silk is exceptionally light and has the ability to promote the production of hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the skin. It is essential to increase the skin’s moisture content, allowing it to nurture and rebuild – a thread that runs through all Sensai products.
The Sensai skincare ritual, inspired by the etiquette of Saho, highlights the importance of a routine. The three-step process of double cleansing (cleanse and purify), double moisturising (hydrate and nourish) and double application (massage and press), practised the same way, every day, is the secret to having flawless, silky skin.
The Ultimate range is Sensai’s most advanced and luxurious anti-ageing skincare line and features the Koishimaru Silk Infinite and Sakura Eternal Complex – a
potent blend sourced from the Sakura or cherry blossom. These work together to target ageing at its source, optimising cell regeneration to reveal revitalised skin.
New to the range is Ultimate The Mask, a rich, overnight leave-on cream mask that transforms into a silky oil, leading to radiant skin thanks to the Silky Glow Layering Formula. The sensorial e ect is heightened by using the specially crafted massage plate along the facial contours and neckline. Also new is the Awakening Eye Essence, which combines the potency of a cream with the lightness of an essence, sealing in moisture and redefining the eye contour area.
Every detail of the Sensai experience, from the texture and fragrance to the packaging, is carefully considered for the ultimate feeling of indulgence.
Sensai is available at all leading beauty outlets nationwide
A MusicalMaestro in the making
Twelve-year-old Nayima Ndlovu has already accomplished what many only dream of in a lifetime, yet her story is not one of individual glory. Hers is an incredible tale of lineage – a profound generational gift and legacy passed down her bloodline. As we chat, Nayima’s mother, Dr. Lezanne Ndlovu, is on hand to connect the dots for us, explaining how their family’s remarkable history has led to Nayima’s flourishing musical talent.
AT ONLY 12 YEARS OLD, NAYIMA NDLOVU IS AN AWARD-WINNING TRUMPETER AND PIANIST WHO BECAME THE YOUNGEST MEMBER EVER OF THE JOHANNESBURG YOUTH ORCHESTRA, PROVING THAT AGE IS NOT A BARRIER TO EXCELLENCE
WORDS MONALISA MOLEFE
This year, Nayima was selected as the youngest person to ever join the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra. She shares with us her journey, current achievements, and her goals. WHO OR WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START PLAYING THE TRUMPET AND PIANO? My mom used to accompany my brother when he played trombone, and when I went to Cape Town on holiday, all my cousins played brass instruments. I started with piano, and then later learnt how to play the trumpet.
“I grew up in Wupperthal, a charming town in the Cederberg mountains of the Western Cape. Founded in 1830 by German missionaries, our village had a unique musical history, where playing brass instruments, a tradition taught by German settlers, was passed down through generations. My great-grandfather, Paulus Wynand, and grandfather, Jurie Wynand, were pivotal in instilling a love for music within our family,” she says. That love now spans five generations and counting. Dr. Ndlovu, a neurologist, also played the piano, inspired by her forefathers. In 2018, Wupperthal was devastated by a wildfire, but the town’s effort to restore its cultural heritage reflects the resilience and enduring musical legacy of the family. To honour this legacy and the town’s recovery, South Africa’s most-performed classical composer, Hendrik Hofmeyr, created a special piece for young Nayima.
In the Ndlovu household, music is more than a hobby; it is a way of life. Nayima, one of four siblings, has always been surrounded by the melodies of the piano and brass instruments. Her older brother, Manqoba, plays the trombone; Nayima plays the piano and trumpet; her younger brother, Shaka, plays the piano; and the youngest sibling, Zuri, at three years old, plays the violin. In such an environment, Nayima’s passion for music was inevitable.
“If she wants to be a doctor, she’ll thrive because music teaches you soft skills that are needed. If you look at where the world is going, the CEOs of the next 10 years will be the right-brain people – the creative people. The Nayimas of the world,” says her mother.
The Ndlovu family’s story highlights the significance of generational blessings. It shows how skill and passion can be inherited and nurtured over time, creating a legacy of talent and achievement through generations.
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU BECAME THE YOUNGEST MEMBER OF THE JOHANNESBURG YOUTH ORCHESTRA, AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE SCHOOL WITH YOUR MUSIC PRACTICE?
I was really happy when I was selected. I had practised a lot the year before I auditioned. I follow a schedule every day. For example, if I have a big test on Thursday, I study on Wednesday. Then, I make sure to get extra practice done on Tuesday. I can’t miss practice, but I make sure to fit it in with extra hours on another day.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE OR AWARD YOU HAVE RECEIVED SO FAR? My favourite performance was last year at the Victoria K Bennett competition when I played a piece that made my mom cry. The song I played was called The Glistening Snow. My favourite performance with the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra was this year at the movie night.
WHAT ARE YOUR LATEST AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS? I made it into the Victoria K Bennett competition again this year. Another achievement of mine is when I performed at the Eisteddfod and received a diploma.
DO YOU HAVE ANY MUSICAL ROLE MODELS WHOSE MUSIC YOU ENJOY? My favourite artist is probably Tyla. But in terms of people who play and are involved with orchestras, my favourite is Ofentse Pitse [the first black South African woman to conduct and own an all-black orchestra].
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME? I like doing a lot of things, such as crocheting, knitting, waterpolo, and baking.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE? When I grow up, I want to be a doctor – probably a radiologist like my dad. But I also want to continue being a trumpeter and work with orchestras. ■
TRAINS AND TREEHOUSES OF
EXPERIENCE A UNIQUE AFRICAN JOURNEY, FROM THE LUXURIOUS TRAVELLING HOTEL THAT IS THE ROVOS RAIL TO A BOUTIQUE TREE-TOP HOTEL ON KANDAHAR
ISLAND
WORDS & IMAGES JARED RUTTENBERG
Although it was only the second morning of our journey, the procedure already felt like muscle memory. After a lazy yawn, I’d pick up the telephone beside my bed and order a glass of sparkling wine. Moments later, there’d be a knock on the door and the steward would enter with the bubbly. While this may not seem unusual for a five-star hotel, it was somewhat different as I was in a train carriage traversing the African countryside.
It was my 40th birthday and my mother was accompanying me on a grand adventure. There was also a deeper meaning to the trip: she was returning to her native South Africa for the first time without my father. We had tragically lost him during the pandemic, and this mother-and-son sojourn was one of both geography and the heart.
Our starting point was Capital Park, Rovos Rail’s headquarters in Pretoria. For more than 35 years, the family-run company has
offered passengers the opportunity to explore Africa by rail, and we were embarking on the hero trip: an incomparable five-day journey to Victoria Falls. Owner Rohan Vos bid us a personal warm welcome.
Our Deluxe Suite was a remodelled wood-panelled sleeper coach and surprisingly spacious. Ten square metres included a lounge area with a writing desk and an en-suite bathroom. There are also two impressive Royal Suites with an extra sixsquare-metres and Victorian clawfoot bathtubs. The train features a lounge car and, at the rear, an observation car with a bar and an open-air viewing deck.
Dining on the Rovos is an elegant affair and we could choose to have our silver service meals in either a 1920s dining carriage with teak pillars, or a slightly more modern 1930s model with large windows. The formal evening dress code gave us the rare opportunity to don a dress and suit daily.
LEFT & PREVIOUS:
The stunning scenery and luxurious finishes make time aboard the Rovos Rail so much more than a five-star train trip
RIGHT & BELOW RIGHT:
Victoria Falls River Lodge allows guests to stay in treehouses on a private island – a once-in-a-lifetime experience
VICTORIA FALLS RIVER LODGE
After five days navigating northwards, we arrived at the mighty Victoria Falls. What my mother thought was a mere boat ride on the Zambezi transpired into a little surprise I'd arranged. Passing a small island while on our river cruise, she delighted at the unexpected treehouses hovering over the water's edge. I simply smiled and as we approached the jetty and announced: “Welcome home”. A little disbelief and some tears later, we entered the magical island.
For a cultural leg-stretch, our Rovos journey included two stops. First, an outing to Matobo National Park where our guide, Henry, introduced us to aspects of early African life, like ancient rock art. The park’s unique granite rock formations punctuate the skyline, and on one of the massive intrusions lies the final resting place of controversial figure Cecil Rhodes, marked by an imposing monument.
Our second outing came two days later when we exchanged a carriage for a game viewer to embark on a threehour safari in Hwange National Park –Zimbabwe’s largest conservation area. Within minutes of our drive – and still in sight of the train – we encountered two hungry lions feeding on a giraffe. A sobering reminder that we were truly traversing the wild African continent.
The allure of train travel is that there’s little one can do. Instead of an actionpacked vacation itinerary, there’s time to pause and allow the world to slowly pass by. Nothing is rushed –including the train, which only reaches a maximum of 60km/h, gently exploring the rail lines both intersecting and crisscrossing countries.
This go-slow provided the soul space we needed. Rather than cell signal or Wi-Fi, we were gifted with the present moment. A chance for stories to flow along with the opulent wines, while my beloved continent’s landscapes slowly drifted by.
Victoria Falls River Lodge offers a variety of luxury boutique accommodation options all hugging the river’s edge – from private villas to small intimate camps, and then the utterly unique Kandahar Island. On this island, the lodge and its six treehouses are all connected by elevated walkways, offering safety from the game that roam freely below, as well as an ideal vantage point. Included in the stay are daily sunset boat cruises and terra-firma safaris in Zambezi National Park.
On our first evening, I noticed some movement through the bathroom slots. Calling my mother, we walked quietly through our front door to find hippos grazing directly below – less than a metre away. Enjoying the exclusivity of the island as much as us, a herd of elephants swam daily across the river to the island to feed; a thrilling safari experience on our doorstep.
Upstream we could often hear the water roar and see the billowing clouds from The Smoke That Thunders – sometimes as high as 400m. When seeing the falls for the first time, explorer David Livingstone uttered the now-famous words: “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” Anyone privileged enough to have seen the Falls in person knows the sentiment is accurate.
“Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”
Now 168 years later, we traced the angelic flight in our 13-minute ‘Flight of Angels’ helicopter flip over the falls and Zambezi National Park. Our pilot from Wild Horizon gave fascinating insight as he whirled us along an aerial figure of eight high over the falls. And at 1,7 kilometres wide and 108 metres high, they are indeed the mightiest in the world.
Retiring to our private island after the activities was simply sublime. Two of the treehouses on the island sport star beds – an additional level with an openair bed for a fully immersive night under the African stars. It was here I drifted off peacefully each evening, lulled to sleep by the soundtrack of the wild. On our final evening, I imagined how much my father would have enjoyed being here. He had introduced me to the wilderness to educate me on sacred things long before I could even put words to them. And when those sacred sights include swimming elephants and majestic falls, it is a sight to behold. ■ rovos.com; victoriafallsriverlodge.com
flair FRENCH
Style BALMAIN X THE LION KING’S MAGICAL COLLECTION p36
Events THE 2024 CARTIER WOMEN’S INITIATIVE AWARDS p38
Spotlight HERMÈS SEAMLESSLY BLENDS TRADITION AND INNOVATION p34
Travel A LUXURIOUS STAY AT THE CHARMING LE BRISTOL PARIS p42
The complicated nature of SIMPLE THINGS
THE BALANCE BETWEEN TRADITION AND INNOVATION IS A CORNERSTONE OF THE HERMÈS PHILOSOPHY, DRIVING THE BRAND TO EVOLVE WHILE HONOURING ITS ILLUSTRIOUS
WORDS
DEBBIE HATHWAY
Hermès, the French luxury brand renowned for its heritage in leather goods and craftsmanship, has consistently bridged the gap between tradition and innovation, ever so important to maintain in its increasingly significant watchmaking endeavours. Laurent Dordet, CEO of Hermès Horloger, encapsulates this ethos in his vision for the brand’s timepieces. Hermès, he explains, is committed to avoiding becoming a mere museum of its legacy. Instead, the brand emphasises the creation and mastery of craftsmanship as a dynamic, evolving process. This approach, which has been pivotal since the brand got serious about watchmaking in 1978, is a testament to the brand’s commitment to continuous evolution. “We always say that Hermès is creating craftsmen,” he adds.
From the beginning, Hermès has pursued a patient, step-by-step strategy, integrating and enhancing its watchmaking expertise. This meticulous approach mirrors the brand’s historical progression in other areas, such as silk in the 1950s.
Jean-Louis Dumas, who created the La Montre Hermès S.A in 1978, had a clear foundational directive: Hermès should match the quality of the world’s best brands while distinguishing itself through creativity, design, and innovation. This principle is vividly reflected in its watches, which often feature unique shapes, graphics, colours, and functions that set them apart in the traditional Swissdominated industry. The new Hermès Cut, launched at Watches and Wonders
PAST
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP:
Hermès Cut with opaline silver-toned dial, with a satinbrushed and polished steel and rose gold bracelet; Hermès Arceau Chorus Stellarum in white gold with pearl grey leather strap; Hermès Cut with opaline silver-toned dial and satin-finish steel case; Hermès Arceau Chorus Stellarum in white gold with matt abyss blue leather strap; Hermès Cut with opaline silvertoned dial and steel case, with white rubber strap
Geneva, is a prime example. It reimagines the conventional round dial by slicing o edges to create a squarish look, with a crown between one o’clock and two o’clock to better present the shape.
The Hermès philosophy extends to the functionality and simplicity of its designs. Laurent recalls the stringent criteria for the brand’s leather goods and luggage, a category he steered for four years before moving to the watchmaking division in 2015, where every component must have a practical use, eschewing unnecessary decorations. This principle of purity as well as functionality is equally applied to Hermès watches. It reinforces the dedication to creating timeless, contemporary products that are both innovative and rooted in a rich heritage. This dedication to creating products that stand the test of time while pushing contemporary design boundaries is at the core of the Hermès brand. And if anyone needed reassuring about the quality of the products, the distinguished GPHG watchmaking awards honours list makes the point. Arceau timepieces feature prominently among the winners.
“The second point Jean-Louis made was that in all other matters – creativity, design, colours, style, shape – Hermès must be as di erent to competitors as possible because the Swiss brands are perfect. They do what they have done for centuries, and brilliantly. Let’s not play on the same playground. We are here to bring some fresh air, some di erent things that people will like or dislike. Our reason is to bring something new. That’s why, from day one, we have brought new shapes, graphics, colours, materials… new complications where time is suspended. We try to follow our own path.” ■ hermes.com; bhhboutique.co.za
PRECIOUS BEYOND WORDS
A New Era of Luxury
Clarins Unveils its Precious Skincare
Range in South Africa
Clarins, the renowned premium skincare brand has launched its exclusive luxe skincare range, Precious, online at Clarins.co.za and at select Woolworths stores in South Africa. Known for its natural ingredients and plantbased solutions, Clarins has set a high standard in the beauty market.
The brand’s story began in 1954 when Jacques Courtin-Clarins founded the company, emphasising natural ingredients and the healing power of plants. Notable Clarins products include Double Serum, utilising 21 active plant ingredients to firm skin and reduce the signs of ageing, and its signature Eau Dynamisante fragrance, loved worldwide since 1987.
Clarins ventured into make-up in 1991 with products that blend skincare and cosmetics, such as the Tinted Oleo-Serum, which combines plant oils to improve skin quality over time and provide a daily complexion coverage.
Today, Clarins’ commitment to product innovation and customer satisfaction extends to its retail and online experiences, and it’s reflected in its new Precious skincare range.
There’s a significant appetite for Ultra Luxe Beauty among our customers. “ ”
Marketing and Digital Executive Bronwen Olivier discusses the launch of the Clarins Precious range in South Africa.
Q: What excites you most about bringing the Precious range to South Africa?
The Precious range encapsulates rarity, indulgence and the art of the sublime. “ ”
Bronwen: Clarins is confident in our strong position in the South African beauty market. With a growing demand for ultra-luxe beauty, the timing is perfect to introduce the Precious range.
Q: Can you tell us more about Precious?
Bronwen: The Precious range combines topnotch 21st century skincare ingredients with Clarins’ expertise. It features six products, including the Precious Cream, a luxury face cream powered by the rare Moonlight Flower cryoextract. The cryoextraction process of this Moonlight Flower offers benefits for tired, dehydrated skin, reducing wrinkles and boosting resilience against stressors.
Q: What makes the Precious range stand out in the luxury skincare market?
Bronwen: The Precious range represents the modern luxury experience, merging biological innovation, scientific efficacy, rare active ingredients, exclusive perfume from Grasse, and sleek, recyclable packaging. These create an extraordinary sensory experience and remarkable results such as younger-looking skin and enhanced resilience.
Q: How does Precious reflect Clarins’ legacy?
Bronwen: The Precious range continues Jacques Courtin-Clarins’ legacy of prioritising the best our skin deserves - rarity, indulgence, and the art of the sublime.
Lerato Kampi-Sesoko, Commercial Head of Beauty Brands, Woolworths:
“Our 18-year partnership with Clarins reaches a new pinnacle with our exclusive launch of the Clarins Precious range. Aligning with Woolworths’ values of sustainability, crueltyfree practices, and inclusivity, Precious embodies our shared commitments to responsibility and authenticity. Anticipation is high, promising to excite the category and solidify Clarins’ iconic status within Woolworths Beauty by delighting customers who value exceptional quality, inspired innovation, and brilliant results. After all, in skincare, nothing is more precious than feeling your best.”
Discover your very own Precious. Explore the Precious range at Clarins.co.za or Woolworths.co.za and select Woolworths flagship stores: V&A Waterfront, Sandton City and Gateway. Indulge in a transformative experience that combines rarity, luxury, and well-being for exceptional skincare.
While designing for Balmain for the last 13 years, Creative Director Olivier Rousteing has always considered three things: respect for Balmain’s heritage, a passion for the savoir faire of Parisian couture, and a willingness to build and reflect upon his own life’s journey. These key ingredients have come together to create Balmain’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of The Lion King. It’s been three decades since the Academy Award-winning classic was released, and with the upcoming release of Mufasa: The Lion King in December, the Balmain collection finds inspiration in Africa’s artisanal traditions, while celebrating a new generation of talent from our continent.
For the limited-edition offering, Olivier and his team have created a collection of ready-towear items and accessories. The eye-catching designs centre around the storytelling, themes, and characters that make The Lion King the classic that it is. “Working on this collaboration was a dream come true,” notes Olivier of the first collaboration between Disney and the French fashion house. “I was only nine years old when The Lion King was first released, but still today, almost three decades later, I only need to close my eyes to replay that incredible mix of music, images, and emotions. The lessons that I absorbed, as I sat, absolutely transfixed by what was happening on the giant screen in front of me, have remained with me for my entire life.”
& A French African CONNECTION
DESIGNED BY CREATIVE DIRECTOR OLIVIER ROUSTEING, BALMAIN PRESENTS READY-TO-WEAR DESIGNS THAT CELEBRATE THREE DECADES OF DISNEY CLASSIC, THE LION KING
COMPILED BY NTOKOZO MASEKO
The line boasts the signature silhouettes, embellishment, and perfect tailoring skills one would expect from the house of Balmain. But there’s also a very personal element for Olivier who, since discovering that his birth parents were originally from Somalia and Ethiopia, became fascinated with the brilliant creativity that sets apart African craft and artistry. He used this to highlight the film’s aesthetic using weavings, patterns, embroideries, and silhouettes that are African inspired.
This collaboration also shines a spotlight on a new generation of young African creative talent. South African artist Nika Mtwana created an Afrofuturistic portrait, incorporating a scene from The Lion King that can be seen through a reflection on the lens of his subject’s sunglasses. Olivier adapted the design into the colourful prints that cover some of the tees, tops, and dresses. Cameroonian painter Enfant Précoce focused on Simba, showing him navigating a dreamlike landscape
filled with African wildlife. Enfant’s design covers totes, coats, suits, tees, and gowns. South African painter Cassius Khumalo relied on a mix of vivid blue, deep black, and gold-foil to create an eye-catching portrait of Nala. Cassius’ powerful image has been adapted for a series of totes, tees and hoodies.
Bringing the tale together, the collection is also showcased in a short film directed by Femi Oladigbolu, produced by Disney in collaboration with Balmain. Shot at various locations around the Western Cape, the film weaves together natural beauty and striking silhouettes, as well as patterns and colours of the new collection as it follows a Balmain Army, composed of 30 models from all across Africa and led by Olivier himself. The film was screened in July during a Lion King In Concert evening held at London’s Royal Albert Hall, featuring the Chineke! Orchestra conducted by Sarah Hicks. It celebrates the power of community
and, as Olivier notes, underlines the inspiration behind his designs for the collection. “By celebrating where we come from, we can clearly see where we are headed… That statement really says it all for me. It is, of course, a key theme of The Lion King. It also explains my design process at Balmain, where I constantly reference the house’s extraordinary history. But, more personally, it reflects my own long search for answers about my origin. And that’s why returning to Africa to work on this film was such an incredibly moving experience for me.
As you can imagine, watching that solitary lion cub construct his own unique and chosen family, while searching for truth about his heritage, hit me, an adopted child, particularly hard.”
Pop-up boutiques opened in July in locations around Los Angeles, Hong Kong, London and in Paris. For more information on the collection’s pop-up locations, visit balmain.com. ■
YOURLUXURY AFRICA WAS INVITED TO THE CARTIER WOMEN’S INITIATIVE AWARDS IN SHENZHEN, CHINA. HOSTED BY THE LUXURY FRENCH MAISON, WE SPOKE TO WINGEE SAMPAIO, THE INITIATIVE’S GLOBAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR
WORDS NTOKOZO MASEKO
FORCESforGood
of the CWI fellows, celebrated for female entrepreneurial excellence
It’s lunchtime in Shenzhen, the startup friendly city that links Hong Kong to mainland China. It’s taken almost 20 transitory hours for me to get here, and the grand, triple-volume lobby of the Conrad Hotel with its largerthan-life indoor sculpture and warm staff is welcomed by my travel-weary body. As soon as I walk into my suite, the curtains and block-out blinds part as if on cue, revealing a magnificent view of Shenzhen Bay. It becomes as clear as the blue skies I’m looking at that I’ve travelled to the future. With South Africa six hours behind China Standard Time, not only are we ahead in time zone, but seeing that Shenzhen is the Silicon Valley of China, I find myself living in a bubble of automated bliss and luxury over the next three days. From watching clouds casually float by while enjoying drinks on the 79th floor of the Mandarin Oriental to zipping around the polished, skyscraperfilled city, very little requires my manual input – not taxi doors nor taps, loo seats or curtains, which leaves me free to focus fully on the reason I’m here.
YourLuxury Africa has been invited to China to attend the 17th annual Cartier Women’s Initiative (CWI) Awards, and in the two days building up to the ceremony, we are given an opportunity to get to know the 33 fellows from across the globe. Under the theme ‘Forces for Good’, reflecting the programme’s ambition to foster a more just and equitable world, these awards emphasise the importance of collective action to deliver change. Most impressive for me are the female entrepreneurs from Africa, whose interventions range from affordable and healing nutrition
for hospital patients in Rwanda, to gamified learning for school kids in Nigeria, among others. I also have the opportunity to sit down with Wingee Sampaio, the Global Program Director of the Cartier Women’s Initiative.
“At Cartier, generosity is one of our maison’s key values. Bold is also another key value of ours, and for the Cartier Women’s Initiative, these two values are closely related to the women impact entrepreneurs in our programme,” she says. On the topic of generosity, I’m curious to know what the tangible and intangible benefits of being a CWI fellow are. “I think oftentimes when womenimpact entrepreneurs apply to our programme, they feel it’s a source of financial capital, but almost immediately, once they join the programme, they realise there’s so much more. First and foremost, there’s the relationships with peer fellows; the sisterhood is very strong.” Aside from the monetary benefit that sees the first-place awardees receiving USD $100 000 in grant funding, and second and third place awardees receiving USD $60 000 and USD $30 000 respectively, fellows also formally join a global network of more than 700 women, which includes current and previous fellows, mentors, jury members, coaches, and other programme partners. This year’s fellows completed the INSEAD Women Impact Entrepreneurship Program. Ultimately, many can attract further grants and support as a result of being CWI award winners.
Wingee knows the need for such an initiative all too well. Having started her own career in capital markets, with
her last role being a corporate venture in fintech in Silicon Valley, she recalls, “I observed that all the founders were male, all the investors were male, all the solutions had men in mind. Women, who generally live significantly longer than men, were not considered in all these fintech products. It really opened my eyes to the fact that the entrepreneurial ecosystem is not very representative, and this is what led to me working towards creating greater access for women, especially impact entrepreneurs who stake their very livelihood on doing business for the good of humanity.”
The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards finally arrive on a mild Wednesday evening. It’s fitting that people from varied corners of the globe should gather at Shenzhen’s beacon of culture, the breathtaking Bay Opera House. Hosted by Danish-British writer, comedian, and gender-equality activist, Sandi Toksvig, the ceremony opened with an evocative performance by the dance department of the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music. Highlights of the evening included keynote addresses by supermodel, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Karlie Kloss, alongside Olympic diving champion Guo Jingjing. After winners from each region were announced, Cartier revealed its plans for the 2025 edition of the awards, which will focus on celebrating past fellows, showcasing their growth and impact at the World Expo in Osaka, Kansai, Japan in May next year. Calls for women-run and women-owned businesses from any country and sector that aim to have a sustainable social and/ or environmental impact on society, will resume for the 2026 edition. ■
FAR LEFT: Wingee Sampaio, Global Program Director of the CWI LEFT: Some
is the NEW BLACK LA DAME
GRANDE
“La Grande Dame is the reincarnation of Madame Clicquot,” says Pierre Casenave, Senior Winemaker for Veuve Clicquot. “It is a tribute to her spirit, her creativity, and her love for pinot noir.”
We are at Chefs Warehouse at Maison in Franschhoek for the launch of the premium champagne. ‘La Grande Dame de la Champagne’, as Madame Clicquot was known, has left a formidable legacy. Widowed at just 27, she took over from her late husband at the Reims’ maison and promptly revolutionised the champagne industry. More than two centuries have passed since then and her influence still resonates.
In 1810, she created the first vintage champagne, something which is very much in vogue today. This was quickly followed by the invention of riddling – a technique used in the traditional production method of all sparkling wine, from Champagne to Cava in Spain and to Cap Classique in South Africa. She’s also credited with creating the first known blended rosé champagne in 1818.
WE SAT DOWN WITH PIERRE CASENAVE, SENIOR WINEMAKER FOR VEUVE
CLICQUOT AND THE BRAINS BEHIND LA GRANDE DAME – RECENTLY LAUNCHED IN SOUTH AFRICA – TO TALK ABOUT THE PRESTIGIOUS PINOT NOIR LED CUVÉE
WORDS MALU LAMBERT
While the famous house has produced La Grande Dame for the last 50 years, it’s the 2015 vintage that has finally landed on our shores. “2015 was a sunny, generous vintage,” remarks Pierre. “The grapes were harvested in mid-September in the cool autumn. The vintage reveals the spirit of verticality and precision of the pinot noirs from our historic crus.” These are among the most prestigious crus in champagne; namely Verzenay, Verzy, Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Ay. The final cuvée is 90 percent pinot with a component of energising chardonnay.
The 2015 vintage offers that perfect balance between ripe fruit, freshness, and toasty notes from a longer ageing period. “It’s a surprise on the palate – people smile when they sip it. It’s the impact of the pinot noir fruit combined with its very delicate, pure, and silky structure.”
Chef David Schneider, Liam Tomlin’s partner at Chefs Warehouse, had been given the task of pairing the champagne with a multi-course meal at the launch of La Grande Dame in the Cape Winelands. And David does it with aplomb with his clever choice of high-quality, champagne-friendly ingredients. Oysters and snow crabs catch the mineral thread of acidity; truffles, duck, artichokes, and chestnut purée mirror the earthy tones of the pinot. Shaved Parmesan from an aged wheel is served with local prosciutto, magnifying the complexity of the champagne’s long lees ageing. “South Africans love wine,” Pierre explains when asked about bringing the champagne to the country. “While we know you are familiar with our Yellow Label, we wanted to give you a new experience and a reflection of the grand lady, Madame Clicquot.”
One visionary inspires another, and in celebration of Veuve’s upcoming 250th anniversary, the house approached Italian artist Paola Paronetto to collaborate on the packaging design of La Grande Dame 2015. Inspired by the ‘audacious spirit’ of Madame Clicquot, Paola has created a collection of six boxes, which are available in colours ranging from pastels to more earthy tones and bold primary colours. Paola used a technique that she calls ‘paper clay’ that combines clay, cellulose fibre, and water. The creations resemble corrugated card and the shifting prism-like nature of the fine champagne. The gift boxes are sustainably made in France from hemp, cotton, and non-wood fibres. The box is also reusable.
“Every bottle of champagne tells a story of passion and resilience,” Madame Clicquot once famously stated, and La Grande Dame with its elegant yet powerful structure is testament to the indomitable spirit of the woman it’s named after.
La Grande Dame 2015 (R3 999.95) is now available at select stores and online ■
of A renewed ‘SCENTS’ SELF
CHANEL IN-HOUSE PERFUMER OLIVIER POLGE REVEALS THE SPIRITED SIDE OF COCO CHANEL WITH GABRIELLE L’EAU, A FRESH AND SPARKLING INTERPRETATION OF THE ORIGINAL FRAGRANCE
Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel is as famous for her fashion house as she is for her free spirit and approach to life. Coco expressed her individuality. She changed the rules and lived with passion, once famously saying, “I decided who I wanted to be, and that is who I am”.
Gabrielle, the fragrance, is designed to reflect the rebellious, passionate nature of Coco Chanel. It embodies her desire to break free from conventions and encapsulates her bold spirit through its intense floral notes. Now, a new side of Gabrielle has been revealed.
The fresh and fruity floral composition still revolves around four flowers: radiant orange blossom, intense and enveloping jasmine, radiant ylang-ylang, and creamy Grasse tuberose. The latter, however, has been given a new spin that brings out elements which provide a burst of freshness that gives Gabrielle L’Eau a burst of freshness and its zesty edge. The iconic glass square bottle remains, but is now dressed in a rosy shade of beige-gold.
The new interpretation is a vibrant addition to the Gabrielle franchise, and it’s here just in time to update your spring fragrance collection.
Paris in January is freezing for someone who lives at the tip of Africa. No amount of joie de vivre can take the bite out of the air – and it wasn’t even snowing – but my arrival at Le Bristol Paris on the Rue du FaubourgSaint-Honoré changed everything. It was a fleeting stopover en route to the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, the prestigious watch fair held in Geneva, and I was travel weary. Stepping into the warmth and grandeur of this Palace Hotel’s foyer, however, sparked a delight I could never have imagined.
It had a lot to do with spotting Fa-Raon, the now-retired resident male Birman cat, reclining on an immaculately upholstered chair. But then I discovered my room, which opened with the original key – just like home, but infinitely more wondrous. The sumptuous accommodation is Parisian-apartment style, with Louis XV and XVI period furnishings, original artworks on the walls, and tailor-made bed linen by Quagliotti; the kind of decor that inspires cocooning whether you’re in a 35sqm Superior Room or the 320sqm Royal Suite.
There was no chance of that, however. I had an interview scheduled with three Michelin-starred Chef Eric Frechon of the hotel’s Epicure restaurant following a guided tour. I was blown away by the indoor pool on the sixth floor with views of the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and le Sacré-Coeur, as well as the Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie opening onto a quaint interior garden. Alas, there was no time to enjoy either, but I did savour my first glass of glühwein later at Le Bristol Bar, designed to resemble a “cabinet of curiosities”.
Palace Hotel par excellence
AN UNYIELDING QUEST FOR PERFECTION AND ENDURING PASSION MAKE GUESTS AND STAFF EQUALLY FAITHFUL TO AND APPRECIATIVE OF THE UNIQUE PARISIAN CHARM AT LE BRISTOL PARIS
WORDS DEBBIE HATHWAY
After 25 years at Epicure, Eric decided it was time for a changing of the guard when he left in pursuit of family time and “new fields of expression”, making way for Head Chef Arnaud Faye, who joined in May. Arnaud grew up in Auvergne and was appointed Chef of L’Espadon at the Ritz Paris at 29, earning the restaurant two Michelin stars, before going on to earn two stars for L’Auberge du Jeu de Paume in Chantilly. Arnaud then garnered another two stars, eight years in a row, at Château de la Chèvre d’Or in Èze, overlooking the Mediterranean.
For teatime treats, Le Jardin Français is open in the 13 000-square-foot courtyard garden – and is one of the city’s most lovely destinations for summer indulgences. Pastry Chef Yu Tanaka draws inspiration from nature’s vibrant flavours, the most emblematic being a Tahitian vanilla “key ring” tart shaped like the iconic room keys, a coffee and speculoos cake, and a scrumptious scone filled with hazelnut nibbles.
OPPOSITE, FAR LEFT:
Socrate the cat, who joined the hotel’s welcoming committee in October 2021
LEFT & BELOW:
From the Deluxe Suites to the landscaped gardens, guests will find luxury in every corner
ABOVE:
Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Faye’s cuisine and Pastry Chef Yu Yanaka’s teatime treats are just some of many indulgences for guests
BELOW:
Almost 100 years old, the hotel is an icon in the heart of Paris
Socrate the cat, Fa-Raon’s three-year-old son, is now part of the welcoming committee, a family tradition that’s been in place since Hippolyte Jammet established the palace almost a century ago. His son, Pierre, sold it to the Oetker family in 1978. With 190 completely renovated rooms and suites, Le Bristol Paris continues to be “a chic refuge of discreet luxury and savoir faire”. The hotel puts extraordinary effort into making each guest’s experience unforgettable. One really must have an excellent reason to leave. ■ oetkercollection.com
IN THE COLD MONTH OF JULY, TOYOTA SOUTH AFRICA INVITED YOURLUXURY AFRICA TO THE GRAND REVEAL OF ITS NEW LAND CRUISER PRADO IN VIBRANT MOZAMBIQUE
WORDS EDWARD MOLEKE MAKWANA
Master Terrains of all
Upon landing in Mozambique’s vibrant city of Maputo, we were greeted by a striking fleet of the fifth-generation Land Cruiser Prado. Our adventure began with a two-and-a-half-hour drive through the picturesque Maputo National Park, where we enjoyed a spot of game viewing before arriving for lunch at Ninho’s Pub and Restaurant, which overlooks the coastline in the Zitundo region. And this was just the beginning of a luxurious adventure that led us through the quaint forestry village of Ponta do Ouro to the breathtaking White Pearl Resort in Ponta Mamoli.
LAND CRUISER AND PRADO’S RICH HERITAGE
The Land Cruiser lineage began 72 years ago on 1 August 1951 with the inception of the “Toyota BJ”, which soon cemented its legacy by conquering the formidable slopes of Mount Fuji. This pioneering spirit propelled the Land Cruiser to become a symbol of reliability, durability, and unmatched off-road prowess – traits that were showcased during our launch experience in Mozambique. The Prado variant, introduced in 1985, has continually evolved by blending luxury with its rugged roots, and the 2024 model is a testament to this enduring legacy.
WHITE PEARL RESORT: A LUXE SANCTUARY
Our stay at the White Pearl Resort in Ponta Mamoli was nothing short of magical. Nestled on Mozambique’s Lagoon Coast, the resort is an architectural marvel built on timber stilts along the pristine dunes. With 22 luxurious suites offering contemporary design, it’s an idyllic escape from reality.
The resort’s tranquillity, coupled with a range of activities, such as spa treatments, water sports, and the opportunity to witness the extraordinary turtle nesting phenomenon, makes it a haven for luxury travellers.
Dining is an exquisite experience, effortlessly blending Mozambican and Mediterranean cuisine. The rhythmic lull of the waves serves as a natural symphony, soothing the mind, body, and soul, making White Pearl Resort a destination worth revisiting. whitepearlresorts.com
THE NEW LAND CRUISER PRADO: FIRST IMPRESSIONS THAT LAST
The 2024 Land Cruiser Prado, which debuted in June, saw an impressive 690 units sold within the first month in South Africa. This robust start signifies Toyota SA’s confidence in taking on competitors, particularly the Land Rover Defender, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Porsche Cayenne. Toyota’s stance is that the latter three premium sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are geared for on-road driving and won’t manage difficult offroad obstacles.
Equipped with a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, the new Prado boasts enhanced driveability, fuel efficiency, and performance. The engine’s 150kW power and 500Nm torque, paired with an eight-
speed automatic transmission, ensures it has the muscle to tow up to 3 500kg.
Some of the Prado’s standard features in the lower range (Prado TX) include leather seats with lumbar support, eight-speed auto transmission, clearance and parking sonar, dual zone auto air conditioner, seven USB ports, Toyota Safety Sense 3, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, power back door, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The top-tier VX-R model elevates luxury with a digital rear-view mirror, 12.3” infotainment screen, power-folding seats, head-up display, fridge, wireless charger, wireless Apple CarPlay, five-mode drive selector (versus three-mode in the TX), and a premium sound system.
The exclusive First Edition, although already sold out, is distinguished by classic round headlamps, unique exterior paintwork, and bespoke interior accents.
“This pioneering spirit has propelled the Land Cruiser to become a symbol of reliability, durability, and unmatched off-road prowess”
Its limited availability only adds to its allure, making it a coveted gem in the Prado lineup.
We had the opportunity to test all three editions of the new SUV across sand, mud, and off-road terrains, and were thoroughly impressed. This was largely due to the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system, which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s steering, drive force, and hydraulic brake control to suit different off-road conditions. The system’s additional auto mode adapts seamlessly to changing terrains, ensuring a smooth drive in both high- and low-transfer modes. The ease of engaging MTS via the powertrain control switch and multi-function dial selector adds to the Prado’s appeal. With the Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-R priced at R1 448 900, it will be interesting to see if this new model can attract Land Rover Defender owners or if it will continue to win over loyal Toyota customers, including those transitioning from older Prado models or the Toyota Hilux.
The launch in Mozambique was the perfect blend of adventure with opulence. Whether conquering rugged terrains or enjoying serene landscapes, the Prado epitomises Toyota’s commitment to luxury, reliability, and unparalleled performance. toyota.co.za
Aston Martin’s Opulent WinningFormula for Thrills
ASTON MARTIN CONTINUES TO
CELEBRATE ITS ARAMCO FORMULA 1 TEAM WITH THE RELEASE OF THE ULTRALUXURIOUS DBX707 AMR24 EDITION
Inspired by the brand’s F1 challenger, Aston Martin’s AMR24 Edition is a tribute to the AMR24 F1 car and the Medical Car of F1, infusing the DBX707 with a potent racing identity.
This exclusive edition elevates the DBX707’s already impressive presence on the road, blending the high thrill of F1 with the sophistication of an ultra-luxury SUV. It also boasts unique colour and trim finishes that bring the dynamic spirit of the racetrack to life in a powerful package.
The exterior of the AMR24 Edition offers a choice of striking paint options: Podium Green, Onyx Black, or Neutron White. These are complemented by Aston Martin Racing Green or AMR Lime brake callipers and paired with 23-inch Fortis wheels in satin or gloss black. An exclusive AMR24 engine plaque completes the look, underscoring its limited-edition status.
Inside, the Inspire Sport trim is available in two fabulous colourways: Onyx Black (Monotone) with lime stitching and piping, or the sophisticated Onyx Black/Eifel Green Duotone with lime contrast stitching. The interior is further enhanced with options for extended carbon fibre, dark chrome jewellery, or titanium mesh accents paired with satin chrome. The Aston Martin logo adorns the dash panel in foil, and AMR24 is elegantly etched into the door sills. A unique lime hand-stitched saddle strap highlights the wireless charging station, affirming the vehicle’s racing lineage.
The luxurious interior experience is elevated by a bespoke sound system developed in partnership with Bowers & Wilkins. Tailored to the DBX707’s interior, this system comes with technologies such as exceptional loudspeakers that ensure an unparalleled auditory experience.
Under the hood, the DBX707 AMR24 Edition is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system capable of delivering up to 100 percent of the 900Nm torque to the rear axle on demand. With a power output of 520kW, the DBX707 AMR24 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in a breathtaking 3.1 seconds. daytona.co.za ■
LUXURY JETS AND HELICOPTERS ASIDE, WHAT FURTHER DISTINGUISHES
BASTION AVIATION IS THE EXCEPTIONAL HIGHALTITUDE EXPERIENCES ON OFFER
WORDS INGRID WOOD
Flying the
EXTRA MILE
O“The second tasting commences at 41 000 feet – a 2021 Domaine Cornin Pouillu-Fuissé, followed by the merlot-dominated Château de Ferrand, St Emilion 2015”
ne trip on a private charter and taking to the skies in anything else will always fall short. Very short. On a recent flight from Cape Town International Airport to Lanseria International Airport with bespoke air charter service Bastion Aviation, YourLuxury Africa was reminded exactly how a private charter tailors every flight to its passenger’s needs.
It’s the flexibility of being able to customise your schedule, the direct access to smaller airports that cannot service commercial airlines, and the personal security guaranteed by controlled access. It’s being able to arrive at the private lounge 20 to 30 minutes before departure and having your bags whisked o for expedited boarding. And upon arrival, Bastion Drive, a new o ering, will chau eur you to your next stop in top-spec vehicles.
“Bastion Aviation response times are among the best in the industry, matched with competitive pricing, but our ability to think out the box is our best attribute. We o er a high- and lower-tier product for guests’ requirements and are able to recommend experiences and destinations. We regularly host marketing trips and flights with our travel industry partners, contributing in whatever way we can to its growth,” explains Claude Oberholzer, Commercial Director of Bastion Aviation, which has a fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft that service Southern Africa.
passengers from the travel and luxury industries who had been invited to a high-altitude French wine tasting hosted by The French Wine Guy, Hervé Delabesse of Premier Cru Wines, all agreed.
Reclining in the plush leather seats and served by a personal hostess, the second tasting commenced at 41 000 feet (which we reached in under 25 minutes) – a 2021 Domaine Cornin Pouilly-Fuissé, a chardonnay from Burgundy, followed by the delightful merlotdominated Château de Ferrand, St Emilion 2015.
“Our recent high-altitude wine tasting is one of many unique experiences we o er on our flights, subject to availability,” says Claude. “We also o er a Louis Xiii Cognac tasting on board with the Louis Xiii representative. This is paired with fine foods. We also o er inflight storytelling by professional guides and historians. Depending on the size of aircraft you choose, the cabin is your canvas to take your experience to the next level.”
It is these kinds of touches –French wine served by a French sommelier on a French-built VIP jet – that sets Bastion Aviation apart. Who could ask for more? flybastion.co.za ■
Despite our flight being on an inclement day, the Dassault Falcon 50 was taken to 30 000 feet before we had the chance to finish a glass of Philipponnat Royale Reserve Brut Non-Vintage (one of the bestkept secrets in Champagne). Admittedly, there was a sense of relief that we were flying high above the grey clouds and that it would be smooth sailing all the way to Johannesburg. The seven other
AT THE AGE OF 30, FASHION EDITOR AND ENTREPRENEUR SITHASOLWAZI KENTANE FOUNDED SEVEN, A SOUTH AFRICAN LUXURY LEATHER GOODS AND HANDBAG LABEL. WE SPEAK TO THE AESTHETE ABOUT FASHION, HER FAVOURITE LUXURY BUYS, AND QUIRKY HOME INDULGENCES
COMPILED BY PHILA
TYEKANA
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FASHION JOURNEY
I initially wanted to study fashion design at a tertiary level but ended up going to the School of Journalism at Rhodes. That’s where I started my first business – at a Sunday market. After leaving school, I got an offer to work at Elle magazine under then Fashion Editor Asanda Sizani, my first real mentor who introduced me to the working world of fashion. I then job hopped, working mostly at fashion start-ups – some of which didn’t end up actually launching – and then found myself working at Viviers Studio. I was part of the team that launched the fashion brand and learnt pretty much everything I know about making clothing with exceptional integrity and a true vision from Creative Director and Founder, Lezanne Viviers.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND seven?
From a young age, I knew I wanted to create a fashion house that offered apparel and accessories. We live in a country where fashion isn’t a luxury most can afford, so I started with handbags. My grandfather’s death put things into perspective for me – if I wasn’t going to live out my dream, what was the point of being here? I needed to prove that a South African fashion brand could operate on the same level as international luxury brands.
WHERE DID THE NAME seven COME FROM?
It’s the perfect number. Earth was created in seven days, and spiritually speaking, seven represents completeness. The culmination of all my life and work experiences brought me to a place where I believe I am living out my true purpose. What may have seemed chaotic at the time has now come full circle; it is complete.
ON STARTING AND MAINTAINING A LUXURY BRAND… I think the creative industry in South Africa is malnourished. There’s potential everywhere you look, but resources and support are predominantly reserved for tech companies or “serious” industries. The fashion and creative industries could blow things out of the water on the continent, contributing to the creation of jobs in the process.
LADY LU CK
YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHTS? There are three: launching seven, a window display we did for the AKJP Studio store in Cape Town, and a collaboration at UNI FORM’s store in Parktown North. It was the first time I saw people outside of my family interacting with the brand.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? I keep a Parisian-inspired capsule wardrobe that’s masculine with a sprinkle of femininity.
A RECENT LUXURY BUY… A local fragrance called Please Wait Here by Apartment.
YOUR FAVOURITE AFRICAN FASHION BRANDS?
Lukhanyo Mdingi has an incredible sense of grounded-ness and undeniable integrity, and the founder is a genuine sweetheart. UNI FORM’s founder Luke Radloff creates the clothes I want to wear every day of my life.
IAMISIGO – the messaging Bubu Ogisi shares through her craft is something to behold.
YOUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS?
Paris is my favourite city I’ve been to; it’s just so beautiful. London is a close second.
I’m dying to visit Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Mauritius. They are culturally rich countries that I’d love to experience.
WHAT DO YOU COLLECT? Little brass ornaments in my living room that I love to look at. I also collect gold rings, mainly because I love gold and have the skinniest fingers on Earth, so if I find a ring that fits, I buy it. And black shoes, because they go with everything. ■ thesevenstore.co
