Innholdsfortegnelse for Modern Luxe i Modern Luxe

Is the idea of luxury in its traditional sense even a concern after The Longest Time In A Pandemic? There’s such an obvious focus on well-being, health, mindfulness and food in 2021. And then there’s the global (and seemingly permanent) shift that has taken place around working traditions, travel and socialising. But how has this impacted these industries – and others, like fashion? The good news is that there’s a renewed and more urgent focus on sustainability – one born out of a need to shop in a slower, more local, more environmentally friendly way. We simply don’t want to consume at the rate that we have been and we want, rather, to invest in something that we love, something that will last for years – or has lasted for…

Kriska-Leila Nepaul Attorney It’s clear that Kriska-Leila has a good relationship with vintage fashion. “I love the feeling of experiencing an escape to a different era,” she explains, “the historical charm of fashion, and the attention to detail and quality… But most of all, that moment of ‘meant to be’ when the vintage piece finds you!” And seriously, this vintage Matthew Williamson sequined number (once worn by Miley Cyrus, FYI) was destined to find Kriska-Leila.”It was a magical moment as I was zipped up and the dress fit like a glove,” she exclaims. Trust us, we were there: it was. But Kriska-Leila uses fashion to find magic in everyday life too. In fact, she claims, “it’s a manifestation of who I am”. Whether she’s going into the office, or working…

Fashion designer and creative director Wanda Lephoto, part of The Sartists, is clear about what kinds of partnerships appeal to him. “I’m interested in partnerships that get to look closely into our identity, representation, reflections, histories and our shared present and future, and scrutinise what that looks like from a South African standpoint in relation to the continent and what that back-and-forth conversation looks like,” he explains. The four-man, Joburg-based creative collective comprising Wanda, photographer Andile Buka, art director Xzavier Zulu and creative Kabelo Kungwane was founded in 2014 to capture and communicate authentic African stories through fashion, style and photography. Some of their most memorable work includes the Sports Series: Tennis, the adidas Originals Supershell campaign, The Sartists x Levi’s, and Stüssy: Our Tribe. Though they haven’t all worked…

Creative partnerships are not just limited to the conventional brand x creative; creatives are pooling resources and talent to challenge themselves and conceptualise and execute their ideas. Earlier this year, Rhulani Anthony Bila partnered with Indie founder and producer Dale Love-Ballantine to lead Indie Village. As one of the main shareholders, Bila manages creative strategy for clients and ad agency partners, while overseeing the outputs of its team of creatives. “Dale is a great business partner, who also has a varied background like myself, having worked as a cameraman, editor and running the administration of his business. It’s important that whomever you partner with compliments your own skills. “You often get a quick sense when a partnership will work or not, based on how the communication works and the work…

A watch is the ultimate everyday accessory – and investing in a classic design, from a brand with horological provenance and style, tops our wish list every single year. In keeping with global sentiment, much creativity and technical precision has been put into creating timepieces that have more sustainability credentials and more opportunity for personalisation (we love this trend in particular!). And the same can be said of jewellery trends too. Sustainability shines through, not just in the idea of pieces being passed on to future generations as heirlooms, but also in knowing where your stones are sourced, the increasing popularity of lab-made diamonds and pearls, and – yes, please – the opportunity for personalisation.…

MEET: Anna Rosholt @ANNAROSHOLT_JEWELLERY Anna’s journey in jewellery design began subconsciously as a little girl, while going through her grandmother’s jewellery box. “I’ve always had an eye for small details, and she had the most fabulous collection of both costume and fine jewellery, which totally captivated me,” she explains. During her school years, Anna developed a strong interest in design and the arts, and officially ignited her career in jewellery design by enrolling in the Creative Jewellery Design and Metal Techniques course at Stellenbosch University. From there she worked with luxury jeweller retailers to gain experience, and also studied Diamond Grading at the GIA in London. It’s perhaps this technical training that makes Anna’s design process a little more thought out and calculated than that of other designers. “Our jewellery collections…

MEET: Olga Goodman @OLGAJEWELLERY Olga Goodman’s transition from art teacher to jewellery designer seemed like a natural progression to her. Having always had an interest in design, Olga sees her creations as “beautiful jewellery works of art.” And frankly, we find it hard to disagree with her. Olga’s designs are eclectic, there’s something to appeal to everyone’s taste, but each piece unmistakably displays Olga’s signature sense of proportion and style. This is why she simply doesn’t have a signature piece – “I don’t believe that a single signature piece can capture my essence”. Olga’s approach to personal jewellery collections is just as distinctive. “Jewellery reflects a person’s unique style and taste,” she says, “I believe that rules are made to be bent and everyone should wear what they love!” And this…

Oris revived their Divers Sixty-Five line with a ‘Cotton Candy’ extension – a “peppy palette” of shades to offer “light at the end of a long, dark tunnel”. The 38mm case is unisex, and bronze, so wearers will develop a unique patina through the natural process of oxidisation. Water-resistant to 100 metres, with hands and applied indices filled with bright Super-LumiNova®, the production quickly sold out. Oris, R46 000 (leather strap), oris.ch “Little diamonds do great things”. Indeed, the playful, free-spinning gems continue to delight fans of Chopard’s Happy Sport collection. The designers applied the golden ratio to the diameter of the Chopard 09.01-C automatic movement to reimagine the 33mm case to suit female wrists. Chopard, R133 000, chopard.com Zenith’s Defy 21 SPECTRUM series expresses its passion for high-frequency chronometry…

Hunting for the Rolex you’re sure you left on your dressing table? Check the wrist of your nearest and dearest because they may well have claimed it – and possibly even changed the strap. Some brands, such as Roger Dubuis and Purnell, are forsaking his-and-hers timepieces entirely and are only making unisex watches, while others demonstrate that size really does not matter. Jaeger-LeCoultre CEO Catherine Rénier wears the Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 comfortably on her wrist. Although Vacheron Constantin’s Historiques American 1921 is available in two case sizes (40mm and 36.5mm), don’t assume that the smaller one is for women. Neta-Porter says men are actively shopping for the 36.5mm version on their platform. Vacheron, R855 000, vacheronconstantin.com Patek Philippe’s Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph Reference 5990/1 comes in a rose-gold…

The Swiss watch industry recognises the increasing importance of sustainability and ethics across its entire value chain, be it in the form of recycling or upcycling materials, responsible sourcing, looking into animal product alternatives, or reducing their overall carbon footprint. Inspired by the delicate symmetry and poise of a butterfly, the Classic Butterfly watch is a contemporary timepiece featuring a kaleidoscope of diamond butterflies that appear to float effortlessly over an underlying pavé diamond dial. An enduring source of inspiration for the House of Graff, the butterfly has inspired signature jewellery collections, unique diamond masterpieces and entrancing horological creations that capture the graceful beauty of this most delicate of creatures. Graff, R2.2m, graff.com Panerai’s Luminor Marina features the new eSteel dial, made from recycled steel via a manufacturing process that…

MEET: Kholofelo Xesha Masha @XESHA_SA Why watchmaking? My inspiration is drawn from the Japanese master watchmaker Masahiro Kikuno. I was first exposed to his work when he created a timepiece called Wadokei Temporal Hour for Baselworld. It was his artistic approach to the craft that drew my attention. Where did you study horology and what were you most determined to create afterwards? I studied online via the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) in Switzerland, which improved my knowledge of watchmaking and made it much simpler to understand the very complex craftsmanship involved. I am more drawn to traditional creations. I hope to visit FHH postpandemic. When did you establish Xesha? My company was incorporated in 2019. However, I started learning watchmaking skills in 2018. What does Xesha mean? Xesha means…

Our pre-lockdown panic buying and scrambles to stock our pantries suggest a global anxiety surrounding food availability and possible interruptions to its supply chains. The sobering reality is that, if anything, the opposite is true. It is estimated that as much as 1.3 billion tonnes of food are wasted annually, with an overproduction of food resulting in much of it being unfit for consumption. A growing number of sustainably minded, future-thinking designers around the world – many spurred on by the teachings of design institutions including Central Saint Martins and Design Academy Eindhoven – recognise the need to address such concerns by transforming food waste into desirable home accessories and furniture. CORN/FERNANDO LAPOSSE Mexico For most of us, the husk of a corn cob is a frustrating and unnecessary barrier…

“THAT’S CUTE” “Thanks. It’s arental” With a move away from fast fashion, there is a considerable uptake in online clothing rentals, especially when it comes to luxury items. The concept allows for consumers to rent items for a predefined period. Online rental portals offer designer apparel, footwear and accessories in a wide range of sizes, colours and brands. Not only does the retail rental model allow the budget-conscious to wear luxury items for a fraction of the retail selling price, but it also appeals to the conscious consumer looking to reduce the impact fast fashion has on the environment. Common sustainability approaches include reusing pre-owned apparel, utilising minimal plastic packaging and efficiently using recyclable, renewable production resources, such as power and water. However, it’s the response to the consumer behaviour…

Whether it’s an Off-White-T-shirt, a Balenciaga bomber jacket or Burberry track pants, luxury streetwear is all the rage. It also means big money to highend fashion houses. In the past, these brands would have looked down on fashion direct from the streets, but now it’s an important way of reaching new and younger audiences. It may seem counterintuitive, but streetwear and designer clothing are a match made in heaven. Both realms have a penchant for the flash and exclusivity. They’re also equally status-driven and attract fans, whether they are devotees of the Nike Air Jordan 1 or the Hermès Birkin bag. But when did this philosophical shift happen and why? There is no doubt that Covid has impacted on the way we think about clothing. Forced to stay at home,…

When the weather heats up, the act of drenching oneself in a rich fragrance can feel a little stifling. And thinking back to times gone by where our only option for summery perfume was a distilled rose splash that vanished before you’d finished your first coffee, it started to feel like fragrances should be reserved as a winter accessory – one you layer over your favourite blanket scarf. Today the beauty world offers us serious longevity. From all-day, no smudge mascaras to 24-hour hydrating serums and body butters, why shouldn’t you get the same staying power out of your perfume? The good news: fragrance houses have finally played with molecular-rich ingredients to ensure your fragrance evolves beautifully throughout the day (even in the heat) without ever feeling overbearing. 1 COOL YOUR…

Fashion designer Thebe Magugu is a poster child for South Africa’s cultural renaissance. Since winning the prestigious LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers in 2019, through his collections and projects he has continued to applaud the country’s ordinary heroes – his community, traditional healers and Black women. And his collaborations have allowed him to push this narrative even further. On his partnership with adidas, he says, “When you’re young, you think about the surface. It’s all about the flash and the glamour. Having matured a bit, I see that fashion has a bigger responsibility. All my collabs must have a purpose and communicate key values. “For me, the purpose became about empowering communities, and adidas has the same brand ideals. This collaboration is enabling me to harness the power of…

As a young, up-and-coming photographer who one day dreams of collaborating with Frank Ocean, Cole Ndelu firmly believes in driving her own destiny, advocating for herself, and more intentionally, setting aside time each week to seek out potential projects and partnerships to pitch or apply for. She’s worked with Adobe Max and Adobe Stock and was a recipient of the Adobe Creative Residency Community Fund, commissioned to create and share 20 Lightroom Discover Files for a selection of her images. “At first, I was incredibly intimidated by Adobe. It’s one of the greatest exporters of creativity in the world. And they have these pretty intense processes. I think it’s a level of professionalism that I hadn’t experienced. I felt like I couldn’t ask too many questions, and be annoying ……

MEET: Katherine-Mary Pichulik @PICHULIKAFRICA As a fine arts student at Michaelis and a pastry chef trainee, jewellery started as a hobby for Katherine-Mary Pichulik. “I enjoyed assembling unlikely combinations of materials and seeing how they could become wearable objects with the capacity to capture and portray stories,” she explains. PICHULIK is instantly recognised for its distinct innovation and sculptural use of rope, with embellishments made from a variety of unique materials. And while the designs are certainly original and unique, even more so is the storytelling that Katherine-Mary brings with each collection. In her own words, “it is the marriage of empowered narratives that affect both the women who make the pieces and the women who wear them. PICHULIK is inspired by mythology and folklore. Ancient wisdom is healing,” she continues,…

MEET: Kirsten Goss @KIRSTEN___GOSS There’s no way you can speak about local luxe jewellers without mentioning our very own Kirsten Goss. Before opening her first store in London, 19 years ago, Kirsten completed a BA Fine Arts degree with Jewellery Design and Gemology at The University of Stellenbosch. She has subsequently opened four stores in South Africa since then. Very few designers have conquered the balance between locally manufactured, high-end everyday jewellery quite like Kirsten has. And her designs are now worn by the independently minded around the world. Some of whom, FYI, include major celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Rosamund Pike, Milla Jovovich, Helena Bonham Carter, Nicole Scherzinger and Miranda Kerr. So if you’re wearing Kirsten Goss, know you’re in good company. Kirsten designs and conceptualises all of the collections,…

MEET: Janine Binneman @JANINEBINNEMANJEWELLERYDESIGN Cherished keepsakes for the dreamers, the magic wielders and the mermaids – a tribute to my tribe and the art of custom jewellery design. When an Instagram bio reads like this, you know you’re not scrolling through your run-of-the-mill jewellery brand. But it seems it was written in the stars for Janine… “I got into jewellery by total accident,” she explains. “I applied to study graphic design at Stellenbosch University and the head of the art department suggested that my portfolio was more suited to jewellery design… I loved it from the minute I started. [It’s] amazing how one’s life can be directed by someone with the right eye.” Fast forward and Janine now describes herself as a “gem-obsessed mermaid”, who created magic with “Mother Nature’s gemstone…

Omega’s 2021 Aqua Terra collection comprises an array of 38mm and 41mm models. They all have a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, encircled by an applied subdial ring: many in 18K Sedna™ gold and some set with diamonds. The hull-shaped indices shimmer with an iridescent mother-of-pearl inlay. The collection sports matching bracelets, as well as rubber or leather straps. Omega, from R117 000, omegawatches.com “The Must watches are part of the Maison’s heritage and legend …. They have withstood the test of time thanks to their instantly recognisable style, but also their excellent craftsmanship, which Cartier applies to all its creations right down to the smallest detail,” says Pierre Rainero, director of image, style and heritage at Cartier. Cartier, POA, cartier.com The rich tone of the sunray-brushed lacquer dial…

Being able to change straps and bracelets allows wearers to get more out of their watch – creating different looks for different moods and needs. There is a noticeable swing back to something dressier and the use of precious metals in sports – or tool - watches. Take a look at the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight, which is available in 18ct yellow gold, as well as silver, and the Aquaracer from TAG Heuer. In the long term, some experts expect to see sporty and dress watches moving in the same direction. With its 42mm case and satin-finish bracelet in 18ct rose gold, the Tondagraph GT Rose Gold Blue is a stylish companion for the modern collector. The dial is finished with Parmigiani Fleurier’s iconic “clou triangulaire” guilloché motif, while the…

Kering launched The Fashion Pact in 2019 – a global coalition of companies to stop global warming, restore biodiversity and protect the oceans – making this the first step towards taking responsibility for the impact of their industry as a whole. Under their umbrella, Ulysse Nardin uses blockchain to extend the warranty of their watches, thereby guaranteeing their authenticity and tracing owner history. The Deloitte report highlights the recent release by the Swatch Group of their ‘1983’ collection made from two newly introduced bio-sourced materials extracted from the seeds of the castor plant in fully biodegradable packaging. In 2019, Oris released two limited-edition Aquis diving watches in a box made from 30% algae. Meanwhile, IWC is redesigning its packaging to reduce the materials used by 30% and Breitling is presenting…

Pearls Diamonds are forever, this we already know, but there’s another precious gem with equal everlasting appeal. Yes, the pearl. As the oldest known gem, pearls are celebrated for their classic style, much like a buttery leather jacket, expertly tailored trousers and just about anything cashmere. Before they could be cultured (that’s created under meticulous conditions by experts), pearls were classified as even more rare than diamonds. Which makes them more covetable in fashion circles. In fact, some might say that right now, they’re even more adored than the glitzy rocks. Harry Styles might be the unofficial spokesperson for how to rock a pearl necklace. If you’re like him, you’re wearing them in choker fashion and usually to soften a structured look. Above, we have his most Iconic pearl moment…

As home and work lives merged during the pandemic, work dominated – the National Bureau of Economic Research in the US found that the average workday grew by almost an hour during the pandemic in 16 large metropolitan areas in North America, Europe and the Middle East. It makes sense then that the priorities in terms of what we want from our home space and from our holidays have changed dramatically. Homes need to work harder and smarter to deliver a space that cocoons, as well as multi-tasks, while travel is set to be more escapist and also more experiential.…

“Those who were sequestered in a small home without much outdoor space are now looking to relocate to homes which enable more outdoor living, and those who found themselves secluded on their own far from the city are looking to move closer so that they can enjoy city life as and when restrictions are lifted,” says Basil Moraitis, Pam Golding Properties regional head in the Western Cape. Lockdown has pushed many people to reassess their current existence because lives really do depend on being versatile, adaptable and resilient. The work-from-home trend, coupled with a yearning for improved well-being and a more nurturing environment, has heavily influenced decisions on where to live. As usual, residential property is weathering the pandemicinduced economic shocks, with role players reaping the benefit. The Reserve Bank…

Lockdown restrictions have highlighted the benefits of access to safe open spaces for exercise, sports and recreation, more spacious homes, and on-site facilities such as childminding, shopping and schools. Some estates offer affordably priced sectional title units and retirement components, as well as luxury homes and apartments. When Douw Steyn and Giuseppe Plumari envisaged Steyn City in Gauteng, they decided that every aspect of the parkland residence – from location and setting to on-site facilities and recreation amenities – would be designed around family. The magic starts with Steyn City’s signature parkland: 809 hectares planted with a million indigenous trees and shrubs. Other features include outdoor exercise stations, children’s play nodes, family-friendly poolside dining, the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus designed championship golf course, an indoor aquatic centre, and a 45km well-lit…

“The relationship we have with our living spaces has changed significantly since March last year and we have all had time to reflect and re-evaluate how we live in our homes. The key factors to consider when it comes to renovations are what would make your home as comfortable as possible for the immediate future and which upgrades make the most financial sense for re-sale value,” says Claude McKirby, co-principal for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs. Several trends have emerged as a direct result of the pandemic. These include creating a home office, sprucing up the outdoor living area, updating the kitchen and repurposing underutilised spaces such as basements, attics, spare rooms or garages. More time spent at home has led to a greater desire…

MAURITIUS | ANAHITA “Before Covid-19, affluent investors chose where to reside based on somewhat predictable factors, such as quality of life, access to education, and travel freedom. Now the big draw cards include safety and security, access to first-class healthcare with strong capacity, reliable infrastructure, pandemic preparedness and management, good air links, and most importantly – better prospects for their children and grandchildren and a safe and comfortable retirement for their parents and grandparents,” says Henley & Partners CEO Dr Juerg Steffen. It’s no wonder that governments that tick those boxes – and are open to foreign investment in exchange for citizenship and residency – are attracting the talent and economic support they want. It’s also these countries that continue to perform well on the Henley Passport Index, which rates…

Has the last year-and-then-some of a global pandemic impacted the way in which we dress and the way in which we all consume fashion? You bet it has! Demand for pre-worn (you can call it vintage) clothes has jumped as we have all become increasingly conscious about our carbon footprint. Thanks to e-commerce options and rental services, the secondhand market has never been as accessible, nor as lucrative. Then there’s the concept of workwear – what does that even look like after 18 months of working from home in sweats? We’re more dressed-down and waaaaay more into sneakers than ever. And we’re not planning to change this casual approach. Welcome to your new look.…

Whether it’s creatives partnering with brands or each other, the idea is to create, challenge, unlock and disrupt… South African Ndebele artist Esther Mahlangu was the first woman to create artwork on a BMW 525i sedan, turning it into a unique and colourful BMW Art Car. IKEA partnered with African designers to create the Överallt collection of furniture, textiles and glassware. These brand collaborations have spawned iconic work. As consumer expectations increase, more brands and organisations are turning to creatives in arts and culture to create more authentic campaigns. It’s a symbiotic relationship. The brand gets kudos and credit for reflecting the stories and people of the environment in which it operates, while the creative gets financial reward, more visibility and the scope, budget and resources to turn dreams into…

As a leader in the paint industry for more than 130 years, Plascon is a global success story with a proudly South African heritage, developing innovative products to improve the lives of others. With the help of AugmentedCities.co, the brand worked with designer, artist and illustrator Tonton, aka Maximillian Goldin, on a mural project on Cape Town’s Sea Point Promenade. The mural has been painted with colourful, water-based paints, Plascon Super Acrylic Polvin. When scanned with a smartphone, additional information about the collaborators pops up. Tonton, whose work centres on play, nature and imagination, says, “The idea of this mural, titled Seaside Circus, was to create a playful and relevant piece of art which enriches the environment and brings smiles to all people, young and old, who see the artwork…

Contemporary mixedmedia artists Blessing Ngobeni and Teresa Kutala Firmino’s creative partnership began as mutual love and respect for one another and for their shared passion and careers. Dubbed the new art power couple by the UK’s Financial Times, the two independent artists share three children, gallery representation and, until earlier this year, a studio space. Says Firmino, “Though we each have our own ideas, and we come from very different cultural backgrounds and languages, we know each other, as individuals and as artists, understanding that we have our own careers and we want different things. But when it comes to the home and the house, we are clear on what we want to build together. Because of our cultural differences – he is Shangaan and I have a mixed but…

MEET: Mary-Anne Grobler @MATTEROFFAKT Mary-Anne Grobler’s jewellery line, Matter of Fakt, came to life after she saw a glittery, gaping hole in our local jewellery offering. It was “the result of a perpetual (and disappointing) search for bold, handmade jewellery that was available locally,” she tells us. Which is perhaps why she favours her launch collection the most. “The Mirage collection will always be the most special to me.” And it’s not difficult to see why. This collection showcases the cowrie shell in unique designs, including chokers, a pendant and even a statement ring bound to strike up conversation in any setting. The collection also features raw stones, which Mary-Anne explains were inspired by holidays spent in the Namibian desert as a child. In fact, look through all of Mary-Anne’s four…

MEET: Dani Martin @MOXIEJEWELLERY Dani Martin, designer of affordable, fine diamond jewellery brand, Moxie, has gems in her blood. “I’ve had my eyes on sparkles since I was tiny. I come from a family who have been in the diamond business for four generations, so it felt natural for it to be my thing too.” And with sparkles in her blood, Dani has established a jewellery business known for its quality and classic cuts. Her business, still family-run, is heavy on the #BossBabe inspo. “I’m inspired by women doing it for themselves”, Dani tells us. In fact, “we’re working on a new collection hugely inspired by protection for oneself and drawn from female superheroes across all cultures.” Moxie jewellery can be recognised by its classic designs that have been given a…

Where The Trends (And Also Happiness!) Are Born Watches And Wonders Geneva is one of the top two showcases for new watch launches held annually in Switzerland, and invariably reveals watchmaking trends for the year ahead. Select journalists covering the 10-day event online for the second consecutive year had to absorb the brilliance of 38 brands presiding over more than 1 000 presentations and meetings in more than 20 languages. One of the standout themes for 2021 is colour – with particular reference to dial designs and interchangeable straps that inspire happiness and joy, as seen at Zenith and Purnell; and make people smile, as seen at Oris and Chopard. Purnell only makes tourbillons, which form part of the mechanics of a watch movement to improve precision and accuracy, and its…

Inspiration is constantly drawn from the past – ever-popular heritage lines that are redesigned referencing the archives. Swiss watch designer Emmanuel Gueit says he can design easily around brand DNA when there is an established history, but he starts from scratch with a new brand, giving free reign to his imagination. Gueit was only 22 years old when he was approached by Audemars Piguet to create a 20th anniversary model for the Royal Oak. He has since launched watches for Rolex and Piaget, among others, and has launched his own design company. What is more eyecatching? The red alligator strap or the mother-of-pearl dial of the new Panerai Piccolo Due MadrePerla? The lustre of the natural stone elegantly complements the pinkgold hands, applied numerals and date window, and reflects…

“Nature moulds the way we think and act, and affects us subconsciously,” writes Jack Lundeen in the Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics at Colby in the US. Lundeen found that just as investors favour buying property that has trees and is close to water, so, too, do they want these in art. The same applies to fans of high watchmaking. The timepieces crafted by experts in miniature painting, gem setting, engraving and enamelling, among others, are artworks in their own right. They are collector’s items too – as rare as the skills required to create them. Fabergé’s new Compliquée Peacock watches are inspired by the Imperial Peacock Egg of 1908. Says master craftsman, André Martinez: “These additions to the Fabergé Compliquée collection fuse high-end horological complication with the ancient…

Watch collecting is a top hobby for high-net-worth individuals in South Africa, according to a study by wealth intelligence firm New World Wealth and luxury lifestyle development Steyn City. Some of the more popular super-luxury watch brands in the country include Patek Philippe, Breguet, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet (or AP, if you’re a watch nerd). “Prices for these watches range from R300 000 to well over R10 million. Vacheron Constantin, founded in 1755, is considered to be the oldest watchmaker in the world. Patek Philippe, which was established almost a century later (in 1839) tends to achieve the highest prices, both for classic and new watches,” says Andrew Amoils of New World Wealth. Why so pricey? Because they’re hand-made, mechanical (either self-winding or manual winding) and often innovative. “Their…

Sustainability has been top of mind for a growing number of consumers in recent years. By 2030, it will be a given. 2030 is the deadline for a number of major climate initiatives, including the European Green Deal climate and energy framework, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. You’ll see sustainability initiatives coming through high-end luxury brands like Panerai, who is intent on creating the world’s most sustainable watch from recycled materials. It will play an increasingly important role in buying decisions, prompting creative industries, like fashion, to be more transparent and accountable and industries, like design, to be more innovative.…

Six years ago, globally, our ears were glued to the voice of Sarah Koenig, narrator of the true-crime Serial podcast. Over multiple episodes, Koenig retraced the steps of Hae Min Lee, a popular high-school senior, who disappeared after school one day. Her boyfriend Adnan Syed was arrested, tried and convicted of her murder. Years later, many believed he didn’t do it. And the podcast, through audio interviews with his friends, possible witnesses, and the trial transcripts, tried to examine what could have happened and who else could have been responsible for her murder, besides Adnan. The podcast and the ensuing media attention helped earn him a retrial. Audio storytelling when masterfully done, and particularly the true-crime genre – arguably the most sought-after in this format – has experienced a rise…

“In astronomy circles it is often remarked — mostly by envious northerners — that God, in creating the universe, perversely located all the most interesting regions of our galaxy in the southern hemisphere, but all the astronomers in the north.”Professor Neville H. Fletcher, Australian National University Picture the scene… Its 9pm – almost three hours after sunset – you’re on the Savuti plains in the middle of the Chobe National Park in Botswana. Around you are the sounds of the African bush – the same African bush that is so brilliantly documented in Nat Geo Wild’s Savage Kingdom, where the focus is on the competing Northern Pride and Marsha Pride lions of Savute, fighting to keep control of their overlapping territories. The director ofSavage Kingdom describes Savute as “the remote…

Samuel Seeff, chairman of the Seeff Property Group, quotes aLos Angeles Times report that states ultra-rich Americans are still buying $50m homes while The Guardian reports that London’s super-prime luxury property market was the world leader in 2020. Meanwhile, the Financial Times reports that super-luxury sales in Sydney rose by 42% compared to 2019. “While the top-end revival of the market is spearheaded by foreign buyers, it is also South African expats who are showing confidence,” says Seeff. “Although they are buying predominantly in the coastal areas of Cape Town, Plettenberg Bay and KwaZulu-Natal (Zimbali), sales are also taking place in the suburbs.” In South Africa, many areas are achieving record sales and prices. According to Seeff, the latest deeds office and sales data shows the top 10 suburbs in…

Cape Of Good Hope ALTIMA SAUVIGNON BLANC Altima is situated in Elandskloof, an isolated valley flanked by steep topography, which makes for a very cool climate and a unique terroir for the wine. The cool climate origins are apparent in the flinty, herbaceous, snapped green bean and grapefruit zest aromas. Groote Post SEASALTER SAUVIGNON BLANC Groote Post’s flagship Sauvignon Blanc – with a Semillon component and touch of oak – was first released in 2015. The 2020 Seasalter Sauvignon Blanc boasts the Sauv’s zesty acidity balanced by the richer notes and fuller mouth feel of the Semillon component. Fat Bastard ROSÉ The 2020 Fat Bastard Rosé – produced from Cinsaut grapes harvested from the Robertson valley – offers up ripe, sweet strawberry and watermelon aromas with floral overtones, which follow…