Southern Africa Luxury Association PROJECTING LUXURY IN AFRICA CONFIRMED INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS We are excited to build our presence through attendance of the following events.
Silvana Bottega FOUNDER
Southern Africa Luxury Association Africa is no longer the “dark continent” of the global luxury space. I am so proud and excited to watch how our work over the last three years has finally started to have real and recognisable results on the South African and international stages. We are proud to have steered and helped many artisans in their endeavors as they have built up a name for the region as a manufacturing nucleus capable of exporting high-end, hand-crafted luxury goods. Given our event-heavy focus of 13 business and HNW functions in 2011, the word that shaped our agenda and calendar was “Engage”. In 2012, the word providing momentum for course of this years agenda is “Projection.” This year I consolidated most of our SALA business-2-business Briefings into the SALA Wealth Summit that was incredibly well attended by heads of wealth management and luxury brands. We have received enormous coverage as a result of the event, with over 20 pages of coverage for our members and associates. The time spent with the brands here at the Summit, my time at Madison Avenue Watch Week in New York and attending the Merchants launch at Bluebird in London have awoken a desire in me to broaden the global reach of South African luxury brands and artisans. I am looking to spend more time in overseas markets over the next few months, to gain insight on international consumer trends shaping the HNW areas so that SALA can focus on ways to build our international profile and build a stable network on the macro luxury stage. As we gear up for the second half of 2012, we look forward to further collaborations and conversations in the months to come. Detailed in this document is a new way of working for SALA and I hope that the industry will find it of interest. Do call on us if you need our support. Kind regards, Silvana
IHT LUXURY SUMMIT Rome, Italy 15-16th November 2012 I have built a relationship with the IHT team and we have procured for members of SALA (and friends of SALA) a lower rate than even those of Luxury Society to attend this major conference in the luxury industry. Bringing together the key players on the international luxury stage, this is an unmissable opportunity as the summit addresses the promise of Africa on the global stage. With the rand and the market in distress, we have worked with IHT to make it affordable to African brands and have secured accessible rates for a function of this stature.
HOPEFUL (TBC) INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
CONFIRMED LOCAL SESSIONS
WE ARE ALSO WORKING WITH WESGRO & THE DTI ON OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBERS
GAVIN RAJAH SHOW - CT 26th July 2012
Although it is a hard but exciting process we are starting to engage with government to get sector support. After a few years, we are optimistic and would like to share that we may have a few international exposure opportunities. No commitments are made, however a lot of effort has already been put in which is part of a long-term plan for the industry.
MOSCOW LUXURY FAIR Moscow, Russia 19th-28th September This will be to support luxury enterprise and will require a three year growth plan to benefit from sector funding. Companies should be focused on bi-lateral trade. (Please note this financing is not open for PR Companies/Agencies, Service or Event Companies/Travel Agencies/Publishers). I would particularly encourage those in leather, fine ceramic, clothing manufacturing and jewellery manufacturing industries to approach us directly.
CHINA LUXURY SUMMIT Shanghai, China 28th - 29th November 2012 This will be a preparatory mission to China where we hope to meet key industry players to establish bilateral trade opportunities. China offers the highest scope for growth on the luxury stage and as yet South African brands have a long way to go in building their presence in this market. (If there is matched industry support we will take a stand to display a selection of fine artisans, artisan distillers and wine estates. )
20 seats have been secured for Gavin Rajah’s show in Cape Town.
VIP VERNISSAGE SOUTHERN GUILD - JHB 2nd August 2012 We will be hosting a private client function for Trevyn McGowan to provide an enprimeur glance at the best of the Southern Guild Collection showcasing the signature collaboration pieces born from South African William Kentridge and Gregor Jenkin.
PRIVATE CLIENT EVENTS We are excited to be working with Sanlam Private Investments on 2 key events and will share details of these events in the coming newsletter. We would like to thank the team at SPI for their continued support of the association. This year we will create special events with a host of member brands and equally invite you to share your event list with us.
In 2012, the word providing momentum for course of this year’s agenda is “Projection.” SNEAK PREVIEW *
SALA will be developing an online portal called SALA Masterkey to build sales & awareness with private clients.
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SALA is working on a large scale HNW consumer event at Hyde Park.
International Herald Tribune Luxury Summit The promise of Africa, The power of the Mediterranean REBRANDING AFRICA by Suzy Menkes for the New York Times
Hanneli Rupert, Manolo Blahnik and Donatella Versace are just three of the latest stellar names to be added to the line-up for the International Herald Tribune (IHT) Luxury Conference in Rome on the 15th and 16th November 2012, which will open with a keynote address from legendary designer Jean Paul Gaultier.
Africa is in the news — but not just for the sad and familiar reasons of conflict and suffering. The continent is entering the fashion arena, with the quality of its handwork, artistic creativity and its potential for economic growth bringing Africa literally in vogue. The key word for an overall résumé of changes in attitude and perception is “rebranding.”
Curated by IHT Fashion Editor, Suzy Menkes, the conference will also welcome Frida Giannini (Creative Director, Gucci), socially responsible bag designer Lauren Bush Lauren, Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri (Creative Directors, Valentino), and Simone Cipriani (head of the Ethical Fashion Initiative of The International Trade Centre). They will all discuss the power of the Mediterranean area and the promise of Africa as both a creative source and a new consumer of luxury.
The May Uomo Vogue is an all-Africa magazine with images of beauty and grace far removed from violence and poverty. And the magazine’s cover features an unlikely figure: Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations. Inside the magazine, an interview with Mr. Ban contains an impassioned plea to move Africa away from bad news toward positive thinking.
“They are not my own words — they come from Nigeria’s president, Goodluck Jonathan — but I do believe in the ‘rebranding’ of Africa,” said Franca Sozzani, editor in chief of Vogue Italia, which has devoted this month’s men’s wear issue to the continent.
“Africa does not need charity — Africa needs investment and partnership,” said Mr. Ban. “Joining forces with civil society and private sector, including non-traditional players, like the fashion industry, has become indispensable. Sustainable development is my top priority.” The editor has been appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for Fashion4Development — a global campaign that uses fashion-based initiatives to support the United Nations’ wider issues in helping Africa. But most of all in the May issue, she wanted to celebrate images of individual elegance and style. But the emergence of Africa as a source of fashion creativity is about more than elegant images. The continent’s craft work, varying not just between countries but also to specific tribes, offers to a jaded fashion world objects that have been touched by human hands — the greatest of luxuries in a 21st-century world. Aside from any idea of encouraging investment in the creative professions, Ms. Sozzani hopes that her joyous Vogue celebration will help to bring a shift in attitude. “The whole issue is packed with portraits of local personalities: not just presidents, first ladies and queens, but also artists, singers, musicians, actors, stylists, writers, models,” she said. “Every one has been portrayed in a positive light. They all agreed to take part in the issue precisely because presenting a positive image of the continent means focusing world attention on an area that has been hitherto excluded.” SOURCE: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/15/fashion/15ihtfafrica15.html
SALA MEMBERS RATE FOR THE IHT LUXURY SUMMIT ROME, 15 - 16 NOVEMBER This year we have partnered with the IHT Luxury Conference to gain below Luxury Society rates for delegates from SALA at their landmark conference with the thematic “The promise of Africa, the power of the Mediterranean” that will be taking place in Rome.
Regular Rate: £1,995 instead of the standard £2,495 CALL SILVANA ON 0791787867 FOR YOUR CODE TO BOOK
AFRICAN LUXURY GALA SPONSORSHIP This is as an excellent opportunity to gain international exposure please contact Silvana on 0791787867 for further information. --------------------------We are proud to be featured on their website:
http://www.ihtconferences.com/ luxury-2012/sponsors.aspx
Suzy Menkes said: “Diversity is the essence of the IHT series of luxury conferences. This year that word has a special meaning, for speakers will look at the increasing input on the catwalk and in craftsmanship of countries from Morocco to South Africa. Italy, with its creative and manufacturing force will be key to a seminar with true global reach. It will look at the influence of China in Africa and at the power of a growing middle class along the Mediterranean basin - and beyond.’’ Now in its 12th year the IHT luxury conference is the world’s most prestigious annual forum for the global fashion business, bringing together 500+ of the most senior business and creative leaders from the top echelons of the industry to gain insights, share ideas and expand their international networks.
Sanlam Private Investments (SPI) is a private client wealth management business which engages on an individual basis with high net worth individuals and families to design, deliver and personally manage bespoke investment solutions for both South African and international clients. SPI provides a comprehensive and holistic suite
of
including advice,
wealth
management
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multi-asset class investment stockbroking
&
portfolio
management, fiduciary and tax services, a
range
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services, and South Africa’s first specialist art advisory service. Established in 1999, headquartered in Cape Town with eight offices around South Africa, SPI currently has a staff complement of 160, and R60bn assets under management and administration.
South Africa
Spotlight on Key Market Trends in Luxury Goods With value sales of R5.6 billion (US$684 million) in 2010, the South African luxury goods market ranked 23rd out of the 26 countries covered by Euromonitor International’s luxury goods research and accounted for 0.4% of the global market. In terms of real growth over the 2005-2010 period, South Africa ranked 10th, just behind Hong Kong and ahead of Singapore. Over 2005-2010, four of the 10 categories researched recorded positive real value growth. Luxury electronic gadgets led the way with constant retail value growth of 68%, followed by fine wines/champagne and spirits (21%), super-premium beauty and personal care (14%) and luxury travel goods (7%). Luxury jewellery and timepieces (-4%), writing instruments and stationery (-7%), accessories (-14%), fine china and crystal ware (-16%), tobacco (-35%) and designer clothing and footwear (-9%) all registered negative growth.
Operating environment South Africa’s recovery from the global economic downturn of 2008 and 2009 has been relatively subdued, reflecting the country’s elevated unemployment levels. GDP is exceeding the pre-crisis peak but the economy is still operating well below its potential. Real GDP is expected to rise by 3.6% in 2012. Public investment (mainly in infrastructure) is an important driver. More than R160 billion of state money is being put into new roads, ports, energy and other infrastructure, but this spending is likely to create fiscal problems. Economic growth (in real terms) averaged around 5% per year over 2004-2007 but the pace began to slow in 2008 and real GDP contracted in 2009. The recession (the first since 1992) was mainly due to a downturn in manufacturing and mining, two key areas of the economy. Nearly one million jobs were lost in South Africa during the recession. Much of South Africa’s economic rebound can be attributed to the massive stimulus programme launched by the government. Short-term investment and consumption related to the football World Cup in 2010 was estimated to have contributed 0.7% to the overall rate of growth. A somewhat better performance was recorded in 2011 when real GDP rose by 3.4%. Many communities remain woefully short of public services and their discontent is growing. In response, the government has promised clean water for everyone and electricity in all homes by 2012. These goals seem increasingly unlikely given the slow pace of progress, which is being held back by a lack of managerial expertise and skilled workers. A shortage of spare power capacity is another concern. A period of rolling blackouts in 2008 was halted only by the downturn. The problem can be expected to return as the economy gains momentum.
Retailing environment In 2010, the level of competition within the luxury goods retail market was intense as consumers were still somewhat limited in terms of their spending power, and the key drivers of overall sales in the market were non-luxury retailers, offering consumers prices which were relatively low. South African consumers saw their retail spending power decline further as a result of the rise in inflation, particularly due to an increase in electricity tariffs in 2010. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) granted the state-owned power utility company Eskom a nominal 25% tariff increase for the 2010/2011 financial year in March 2010.
This is set to spark a rise in the rate of inflation as producers will experience an increase in the cost of production, which will also then be passed on to retailers in the form of price increases. This, in turn, will have a negative impact on consumer purchasing power. With the South African economy still recovering from the recession, this tariff increase has been a major blow. Most retailers have already begun to increase their prices in order to meet their operational costs. Luxury retailers are already feeling the impact of reduced spending as consumers are now focusing on buying basic and essential products, and they are cutting the quantities previously purchased of most non-essential products, including luxury goods. Whilst low- and middle-income consumers tend to shop at department stores such as Edgars, Woolworths and Foschini, which offer a range of designer labels at the lower end of the premium scale, high-income consumers wanting to buy international luxury goods have to visit the luxury boutiques located in the large regional shopping centres, such as the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town or Sandton Mall and Hyde Park Corner in Johannesburg. This is where the bulk of luxury brands are based.
Fine wines/champagne and spirits, super-premium beauty and personal care, luxury electronic gadgets and luxury travel goods were the only growth areas over the review period. Accounting for almost half of all luxury goods sales, fine wines/champagne and spirits is by far the largest category in South Africa, estimated to be worth R2.8 billion (US$343 million) in 2010, having increased in constant terms by 21% (70% in current value terms) since 2005. Led by fine still light grape wine, which accounted for almost 40% of value sales in 2010, the category has been driven by demand from higher-income earners looking for quality over price. These consumers have been less affected by the economic crisis and would sooner cut back on the quantity rather than the quality of the wines and spirits they consume.
As the economy struggles to come out of recession, consumers are still feeling the economic pinch and are curbing their spending when it comes to “absolute luxuries�. Nevertheless, consumers are still choosing quality and are prepared to pay more for premium and affordable luxury products within certain areas.
This is especially true when it comes to superpremium beauty and personal care. Indeed, superpremium beauty and personal care, led by superpremium hair care, registered real value growth of 14% (60% in current value terms) over the 20052010 period to reach sales of R945 million, making it the second largest category in South Africa after fine wines/champagne and spirits. Relatively ostentatious products such as luxury electronic gadgets continue to perform well in South Africa. Indeed, luxury electronic gadgets was the fastest growing area within luxury goods over the review period, with constant retail value sales rising by 68% (136% in current terms) to reach R138 million (US$17 million) in 2010. However, while luxury electronic gadgets led growth over the review period, the category accounted for just 2.4% of overall luxury goods sales and was one of the smallest areas covered by Euromonitor International’s luxury goods research. Similarly, while luxury travel goods registered 6.5% real value growth (58% in current terms) over the same review period, in 2010 its total estimated sales reached R116 million (US$14 million) to account for 2% of overall luxury goods sales. As a result, growth within these two areas had only a very limited impact on the overall luxury goods market. Luxury jewellery and timepieces, writing instruments and stationery, accessories, fine china and crystal ware, tobacco and designer clothing and footwear were all underperforming categories.
Fashion & Accessorization
Outlook
Unlike in more traditional luxury markets, such as France and Italy, where designer clothing and footwear is the largest category, in South Africa it was valued at an estimated R648 million in 2010, giving it a ranking of third behind super-premium beauty and personal care and fine wines/champagne and spirits. This suggests that South African consumers are less interested in designer wear, borne out by the fact that during the recession women’s and men’s designer outerwear declined by 11% and 9% in real terms, respectively, as consumers reined in their expenditure on such items in favour of other luxury goods.
Although South Africa possesses the most unequal level of income distribution in the world, total consumer expenditure is still expected to rise strongly by 42.2% in real terms over 20112020. Over this period, spending among poorer households will expand more rapidly than among richer households across most categories, thus somewhat narrowing the country’s income inequality. The wealthiest groups in South African society are typically middle-aged and living on the Western Cape, a luxury goods hotspot. The government has pledged to create five million jobs by 2020. Officials have identified infrastructure, mining and agriculture as priority areas. Economic prospects, however, are being held back by energy problems and weak external demand.
Luxury jewellery and timepieces registered value sales of R313 million (US$39 million) in 2010, having declined by a real 4% over the 2005-2010 review period. The decline experienced by the category over the review period was tempered by buoyant sales in the men’s categories, while women’s luxury jewellery and timepieces both registered real double-digit declines. Men’s luxury jewellery was a significant growth area, up by 41% in real terms in the five years to 2010. This growth was in line with the general trend towards male luxury, but also, ironically, can be attributed to the recession. Worried about job security, many men have abandoned casual business dress for a more formal look in the office, and are therefore interested in accenting their wardrobes with jewellery such as a gold ring or a discreet neck chain. All categories within luxury accessories (R379 million in 2010) declined in real terms over the review period, with the worst performers being luxury eyewear (-15%) and women’s luxury accessories (-48%). Similarly, luxury fine china and crystal ware, amounting to R123 million (US$15 million) in 2010, and luxury writing instruments and stationery, with sales totalling R50 million (US$6.2 million), have been adversely affected by the recession as consumers have deferred purchasing such items until the economy picks up. In addition, the decline in weddings during the 2008-2009 downturn also had a negative effect on sales of such products.
South Africa is one of Africa’s most important and attractive consumer markets. While the largest social class in South Africa in 2010 was social class E, with 46.4% of the population aged over 15 in the lowest-income category, the anticipated expansion of social class A by 6.7% between 2011 and 2020 will increase demand for luxury goods. In turn, this will make for a positive outlook for luxury goods, which is forecast to grow by 16% in the five years to 2015 to reach a value of R6.6 billion. Two of the 10 categories covered by Euromonitor International’s luxury goods research are expected to post above-average growth in percentage terms over the forecast period, with all categories, apart from luxury tobacco and super-premium beauty and personal care, set to achieve double-digit growth over 2010-2015. The strongest value growth over the forecast period is expected to be seen in luxury electronic gadgets (36%), fine wines/champagne and spirits (34%) and luxury fine china and crystal ware (13%), while luxury tobacco and super-premium beauty and personal care are set to be the poorest performers, declining by 78% and 2%, respectively, over the same period. Accounting for 56% of total luxury sales, fine wines/champagne and spirits is expected to retain its leading position, reaching a total value of R3.7 billion by 2015, followed by designer clothing and footwear and super-premium beauty and personal care with sales of R961 million and R924 million, respectively. Together, these three leading categories will account for over 80% of overall luxury goods sales by 2015. Marketers of luxury goods which are looking for more sophisticated consumer markets should seek out the country’s wealthier regions, such as the Western Cape or Gauteng. However, the poorer regions also provide scope for strong consumption growth at the lower, more affordable end of luxury. The region that will see one of the largest per household rises in nominal consumer expenditure between 2011 and 2015 will be Limpopo, one of the poorest regions, with growth of 11.1%. Meanwhile, the region with the highest nominal growth in total consumer expenditure over the same period will be Mpumalanga, at 29.8%, also one of the country’s poorer regions.
Luxury Goods South Africa: Retail Value 2010 RSP
Luxury Goods South Africa: Forecast Value % RSP 2010-2015
SOURCE: EUROMONITOR
http://blog.euromonitor.com/2012/04/south-africa-spotlight-on-key-market-trends-in-luxury-goods-.html
FT Business of Luxury
Insights from Marrakech: “The Lifestyle Revolution” FT.COM COMMENTARY Following in the footsteps of Richemont’s annual report, the presentations from the FT Business of Luxury conference for 2012 points to a single continent: Asia. According to the Financial Times’ report entitled “Tourist buyers pose sales conundrum”, shoppers from mainland China made up half of all sales of luxury goods in Europe in 2011. The Eurozone crisis is obviously taking its toll on local sales but, it is the Chinese demand for € 400 Mont Blanc Starwalker pens and €2,000 Louis Vuitton Lockit bags that boosted luxury brands numbers positively over the last year. First-quarter results for 2012 from the largest luxury brands confirm that the trend for spending among the global wealthy is changing the shape of the industry. Using China as an example, this change of shape focuses on tourist spending as Chinese duty charges are often absurdly high. Other emerging market spenders that were identified as big spenders were India and, our members will be happy to learn, Africa.
More than 400 guests gathered at the Financial Times Business of Luxury Summit on 30 May–1 June 2012 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Marrakech, including luxury sector executives, business consultants, brand experts, financial services professionals and retail analysts from around the world. The theme of this year’s summit was The Lifestyle Revolution. Now in its eighth year, the conference was chaired by FT editor Lionel Barber and gathered some of the biggest names in luxury to share their thoughts on the state of the industry and predictions for the future. Speeches and debates were focused around the definition of lifestyle in luxury terms, the emerging market effect on brand extension and the global macroeconomic outlook. Lionel Barber, editor of the Financial Times, said: “A list of top class speakers at the FT Business of Luxury Summit in Marrakech has made the event a tremendous success, and the audience feedback has been extremely positive. The role of new markets, e-commerce and how far to push brand extensions are questions that most luxury companies are grappling with.” In his opening keynote speech, François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of PPR, said: “Luxury is more a style symbol than a status symbol. It should be appreciated for what it is: exceptional and almost anachronistic attention to the quality of materials, innovative style and real craftsmanship.” Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, chairman, Ferrari SpA, said: “At Ferrari, we are selling a dream, not a car. For us, the most important thing is to have great relationships with our people, suppliers, research centres and partners. The culture of the brand is crucial, as is passion. When you have passion, brains and focus you deliver excellence.” Other distinguished speakers included: • Chris Blackwell, Founder, Island Records and Island Outpost Hotels & Resorts • Sidney Toledano, President & CEO, Christian Dior Couture • Tory Burch, CEO and Designer, Tory Burch • Aerin Lauder, Chairman and Creative Director, AERIN and Style and Image Director, Estée Lauder • Remo Ruffini, Chairman, Moncler • Martha Stewart, Founder, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Select sessions were live-streamed and recorded for ft-live. com and are available for viewing. SOURCE:http://aboutus.ft.com/2012/06/01/luxury-leadersdebate-brands-and-lifestyle-at-ft-business-of-luxury-summit-inmarrakech/#axzz1yFV6mbsO
SALA Suggested Reading List Africa: Lions on the move by McKinsey&Company
2012 Wealth Report by Knight Frank & Citibank
SALA’s current contributions to global research (ongoing) We are excited and happy to facilitate global knowledge sharing and provide introductions between members and established companies with a strong research reputation that will bring about an enhanced understanding to the market.
Luxury & Leather Goods by Mintel
African Cities
by Economist Intelligence Unit
CAMPS BAY PROPERTY IN NUMBERS BY SEEFF Confidence in Camps Bay property market not misplaced say agents Around 31 properties have already sold in the suburb this year to the value of more than R251 million, almost 50 percent of the total of just over R584 million sales recorded in 2011, says Slot. Sellers have achieved an average year-on-year capital growth of 12,5 % over an average six year period compared to 11% for the last year. While the highest sale in the area last year was just over R18 million in 2011, two homes have already sold this year around the R20 million price mark; a stunning Atholl Road villa and a home in Brook Street that sold for R25 million. A further four homes also sold above the R10 million price band compared to 2011 when the majority of properties sold under R10 million. Camps Bay also holds the record for four out of five of the highest priced properties sold in the area since 2008 (one sale at R20m, two at R21m and one at R28m), add the agents. More than 90 percent of the buyers have been locals, advise the agents. These include buyers from Johannesburg and Pretoria and a few from KZN who have mostly invested in second homes here. Two properties were also bought by foreign-based buyers; an apartment that was sold to a Singapore buyer for R3,4 million and a new townhouse development that was bought for R8,5 million by a South African who is now based in the UK. We are also seeing an increase in interest from ex-pat South Africans and are currently working with five serious buyers. The weak Rand makes it attractive to invest in the area coupled with the abundance of good stock. Many buyers who have been looking around over the past two years, are also now putting pen to paper as they view the market as offering good value right now, add the agents. For more information, contact Seeff Atlantic Seaboard on 021 438 1055 or visit www.seeff.com.
MALÉE OPENS IN HYDE PARK Malée is inspired by the scents of the African landscape and its transformative, aromatherapeutic power. Named after the founder, Zeze Oriaikhi’s great grand mother who was affectionately known as Malée; we were proud to host the owner of this exciting new beauty brand from Africa at the SALA Wealth Summit. Look out for her dynamic new store displays in Hyde Park Corner. Website: maleeonline.com
THOMAS PINK OPENS IN HYDE PARK Named after an 18th century London tailor, one of the world’s most exclusive, luxury clothing brands, Thomas Pink, has opened its first store on African soil at Hyde Park Corner in Johannesburg. Now part of the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey (LVMH) group, the esteemed brand which is known for its tradmark shirts is finally giving South African men an opportunity to shop items locally. Source: gq.co.za www.thomaspink.com
BURBERRY IN JOHANNESBURG Burberry has launched its first flagship in Johannesburg in the upscale Hyde Park Corner. The 315sqm space reflects the global Burberry store design concept, incorporating British materials and themes alongside a flat-screen video wall showcasing Burberry digital content. Website: burberry.com Source: WWD
TAUNINA Taunina is a sustainable luxury brand synonymous with artistry and social impact. Committed to meaningfully contributing to the lives of women in need, Taunina employs artists from disadvantaged communities and affords them the opportunity to use their traditional artistry and heritage to create exquisite one-of-a-kind handmade collections. The rare beauty of each collection piece lies in how it transforms the life of the women who made it, and establishes a lifetime connection between the artist and the purchaser. Website: taunina.com Source: www.splashpr.co.za
AVOOVA OPENS IN HYDE PARK After six years laying its foundations in the Western Cape, Avoova is thrilled to take its collection national. As a gateway to the rest of Africa and as a means to cater to increased requests from their Johannesburg based clientele, Avoova decided on the stylish Hyde Park as a springboard to meet the demand for their creations in the Gauteng region. In a relatively short time Avoova items have found their way into some very special private residences, hotels and yachts across the globe including leading lodges in the &Beyond portfolio, Singita, the Red Carnation Group and even Roman Abramovitch’s yacht ‘M.Y. Eclipse’. Website: capeoriginals.com
PIAGET LAUNCH at Emanuels Emanuels Luxury Watch and Jewellers, family jewellers since 1999, that have a store at Nelson Mandela Square recently hosted an event to launch the diamond encrusted range of Piaget watches. The store also stocks Panerai, IWC, Jaeger Le Coultre, Montblanc, Baume & Mercier, Piaget, Franck Muller and Girard-Perregaux watches. Visit Emanuels at Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton
HALDANE MARTIN NEW SHOWROOM IN CAPE TOWN A gallery-like interior, punctuated with dynamic yellow features, characterises the look and feel of Haldane Martin’s new retail showroom in Woodstock, Cape Town. The iconic furniture designer chose to strategically locate the showroom in the epicentre of Woodstock’s creative district, ensuring that the space is easily accessible to art collectors, design enthusiasts, ad agency moguls and tourists. website: haldanemartin.co.za source: designindaba.com
UWE KOETTER JEWELLERS NEW SHOWROOM IN CAPE TOWN Look out for the world-class showrooms that Uwe Koetter Jewellers have just opened. The destination boutique will still offer their famous workshop tours but will take the buying experience for jewellery one step further by partnering with South African winery Allée Bleue to create an instore Bubbly Bar and will have a dedicated desk for one of the top Cape Town events companies, The Aleit Group. The new showroom at the Cape Quarter now showcases a selection of top international watch brands.
Lifestyle is the bedrock of luxury. As any well-travelled contemporary Italian furniture aficionado will tell you, Chateau d’Ax is one of Europe and the world’s highly regarded furniture brands. With over 150 Chateau d’Ax stores in Italy and a combined total of over 350 stores worldwide, this reputable, innovative leader in the world’s luxury furniture market is now available in South Africa. The product’s distinguished, elegant lines are true to its Italian design and a commitment to exceptionally high-quality forms the cornerstones of this acclaimed leader in cutting-edge furniture. Catering to the discerning buyer, the finish of the brand excels not just in the intrinsics of the fabric and technology used in its production, but equally in the service that clients receive in the showroom. Chateau d’Ax will be extending its reach with numerous outlets across South Africa in the next 18 months.
SPECIAL THANK YOU I am thankful for the guidance of Timothy George of Malus who as a director of SALA has provided constant support without which, at times, I would have been unable to continue. I am equally grateful to have the enthusiasm and kindness of Richard Schafer of Cape Cobra Leathercraft as a director of SALA. We were truly excited to involve Ehrard in the launch of the Ensemblé collection. Ehrard Vermaak, our membership executive, deserves many kind words for all his efforts which makes me proud daily. Over the last few months I have also forged relationships with some of South Africa’s finest talent and truly rely on them as friends to steer the direction of the association. My warm thanks goes to Tony Romer Lee of The Cellars Hohenhort, Sandro Fabris of The Orient-Express and Kevin Arnold of Waterford Estate who are equally noteworthy for their conversations and support. If you wish to contact me, please email me on silvana.b@sa-la.org. I would like to thank all our members for your support of the Association and our sponsors for the support of the Summit We have grown beyond our listed members and are now at a network of 3000 key players in the luxury industry. I feel truly blessed with the media coverage we have received in the last 5 months and would particularly like to thank: Finweek (Cover & 6 pages), Private Edition (2 pages - a story in the next issue), Prestige (2 articles by SALA), Private Life (3 page article by SALA & 3 page article on Bain & Company, VISI (African luxury story), House&Leisure (Malée & this month’s feature story), Sunday Times (stories on artisans), CNBC for the coverage of the Summit & the Richemont Results, Wealthwise and Luxurysociety.