Fairlady November - December 2020

Well, here we are, almost at the end of the weirdest year I can remember: lockdown felt endless, but at the same time it feels as if one minute it was March and the next it was October, and now we’re hurtling towards Christmas and 2021. The festive season is usually all about family, friends and fun for me, but my socialising muscle seems to have atrophied through lack of use – I can’t remember how to do it properly any more. What did we all do? What did we talk about pre-Covid and before Netflix became a common language? Luckily, I think I know the cure: sun, proper time to read and reconnect, no deadlines – and buckets of bubbly, obviously. I know I’m not alone: I think pretty…

Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love Nick Broomfield’s documentary is about singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen and his relationship with his muse, Marianne Ihlen, which started on Hydra and faltered as a result of his growing fame (and unstoppable womanising). It’s fascinating for a whole lot of reasons: his egotism and selfishness – but also his kindness and insight; Marianne’s elusiveness (she remains a cipher); and the children who were casualties of their parents’ unexamined hedonism and pursuit of artistic freedom. Catherine Gillespie of Mother Shucker Oysters My lovely brother suddenly got married a short while ago – no shotguns involved, just a beautiful love story – which, obviously, I felt we had to celebrate instantly with oysters and champagne. Catherine, who usually delivers only on a Friday, went out of her…

WINNING LETTER FIERCE AND FABULOUS FAIRLADY I recently took a four-day break from the real world to clear my head. I’d turned 40 and needed some time to figure out my next move. Tired, overworked and overweight after lockdown, I dragged myself to the local hydro to sip on juice, sleep and think for a few days. My sparkle was gone. I felt like a worn-out rag. On my way out of town, I grabbed a copy of FAIRLADY to keep me busy through the tech-free dinners. The first line of the article ‘Life’s a Drag… and So It Should Be’ [Sep/Oct, 2020] stopped me in my tracks: ‘If you allow someone else’s negativity to affect you, it’s because YOU forgot you’re fabulous.’ And that was it! I realised I…

You don’t need to be a millionaire to feel like one. Paco Rabanne Lady Million disarms with fresh floral notes, and segues into jasmine, orange flower and neroli, all the while pulsing with the heady, intimate, woody warmth of patchouli and amber. Seductive and sensual, this scent is inspired by the opulence and elegance of gold – perfect for the woman ready to succeed. THIS HAMPER COMPRISES: Lady Million EDP (50ml), Lady Million Empire EDP (50ml) and Lady Million Lucky EDP (50ml)…

JUST GORGEOUS Gorgeous George is the first hotel in Cape Town to join the Design Hotels stable, a unique collection of 300 privately owned and operated hotels in 60 countries. We did this issue’s fashion shoot there, and… wow! The lighting and furniture have been sourced from David Krynauw, Studio 19 and more, and there are murals by David Brits in every room. You’ll definitely find me there, enjoying a cocktail and the city view from the Gigi rooftop bar, or taking a dip in the pool. gorgeousgeorge.co.za – Annelee ROOM WITH A VIEW Not quite able to afford that beachfront property or the loft with a view of the mountain? Cara Saven’s new Collab range of wallpapers makes it easier: she turned local illustrator Lucie de Moyencourt’s black ink…

Zodwa Kumalo-Valentine WRITER, EDITOR, MUSIC SELECTOR ‘I love feeling comfortable in my clothes. I generally go for simplicity, clean lines, great tailoring, then something a little loud and unexpected – whether it’s in the cut, colour or print.’ Sarah Jane Valken OWNER OF CLOTHING, JEWELLERY & HOMEWARE STORE JANE VALKEN ‘Even though I use prints a lot, I am generally quite classic in my design and prefer not to clash different prints. I would almost always mix a floral or a stripe with a plain colour.’ Bont lefeela Mogoye FASHION STYLIST, DIGITAL CREATOR, ENTREPRENEUR ‘My style is a reflection of my personality and life journey: flamboyant, yet chic. I like to experiment with print, colour and textures – your clothes should never be boring! I like to evoke positive emotions…