Wears Prada or Armani (see our page 30 for more), of musical most prestigious creative debuts for industry has dubbed
at Gucci, collection at Milan
Known for his Balenciaga (we have Kardashians as facing both hype reeling from Sabato underwhelming stint direction. expectations, even small fresh from Balenciaga. His a brand often I do wonder perform. While Balenciaga’s ensured the collection.
Matthieu Blazy tenure at the delicate iconography –contemporary that tension most closely
Rachel Scott’s the founder distinctive identity
When people – I’m also ‘people’ – talk about the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals ...
grounded in craft and crochet. At Proenza, she could bring an artisanal sensibility that not only influences street style, but also sparks a wave of smaller-scale trend adoption. Meanwhile, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez – the duo behind Proenza Schouler – step over to Loewe, one of the most beloved and coveted brands of the last decade. Their signature tailoring and youthful energy may prove an interesting contrast to Jonathan Anderson’s tenure – whose debut collection at Dior was met with much reverence by fashion editors and celebrities (including Rihanna, whose son wore a custom look straight o the runway).
... they often double-click on clean energy, sanitation, and climate action. While this has driven awareness around sustainability, we forget that the first three of the 17 goals are: 1) No poverty, 2) Zero hunger, and 3) Good health and wellbeing.
“Luxury is not just defined by the label – it’s defined by the wearer”
What we consume, how we consume it, and how much we consume are equally as important as eradicating poverty, economic justice, and nurturing our physical, mental, and emotional health. Over the years, I’ve befriended food activists – people who champion indigenous ingredients, organic farming, and seasonal produce – and I’ve realised that while I have good eating habits, I have blind spots when it comes to food consumption and wastage. And I know I’m not alone.
With so many fresh creatives at the helm, the upcoming season promises reinvention, surprises, and perhaps even the birth of a new era in luxury design.
As the fashion world girds its loins for the most interesting year in couture, this issue brings you stars of the runway and the masters of threads. Innocent Ndlovu rounds up the top 10 trends of the season (page 46), while Leigh Herringer explores the most iconic bags of all time (page 42). As a proud Sowetan, I was pleased to read Oupa Nkosi’s profile on the team behind Boys of Soweto (page 40), while Jacquie Myburgh Chemaly brings the ultimate guide to the most sought-after international cult boutiques, from Polène to Toteme (page 52).
For this issue, we’ve chosen to zero in on the ingredients: from cocktails made with local ingredients in the continent’s finest bars (page 34) to chefs reviving indigenous recipes that have long been part of our unique African cultures (page 30).
If you haven’t gathered yet, I have a genuine reverence for nature, but an even more profound love for human beings. The internet will have you
think that we’re divided, angry, or hate each other. The futurists may predict that AI will destroy us. But I don’t subscribe to any of that. What I know for sure is that we’re more alike than we are di erent. The fact that the first three sustainability goals are centred around human beings gives me hope. Things often get worse before they get better – but they do get better.
Through my conversation with Bubu Ogisi (page 64), I was reminded that fashion is about more than just ru es, red carpets, and runways. The way we dress reveals how we see ourselves – it communicates long before we utter a word. From the structural brilliance of the Basotho hat and the vibrancy of Ghana’s Kente cloth to the coolness of Senegal’s boubous, style and fashion are the fabric of history and speak to our humanity.
But we’re not just focused on what’s on our plates – we’re also looking at the plants we keep in our homes and gardens (page 20). South Africa winning a Gold Medal at the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show reminds us how much greenery matters – not only to our nation, but to the world. Studies show that interacting with houseplants lowers blood pressure and heart rate. As a plant mom, I can tell you that they bring me immeasurable joy.
yourluxury.africa
PRADA’S Re-Nylon collection defines conscious luxury. Crafted from ECONYL – a hard-wearing, regenerated yarn spun from discarded ocean and landfill plastics – this bag proves that innovation and sustainability can coexist beautifully.
Kenyan designer Stephen Kamau transforms recycled prayer mats into distinctive, one-of-a-kind hold-alls with LOVE X AFRICA. Each bag is handmade in Mombasa, Kenya, and can be ordered through Path Nomad at 44 Stanley. Produced in small batches, bespoke orders take around three months for material collection and colour curation.
The only way we can heal our planet, care for each other, and coexist with other creatures is to start with ourselves. When you strive for health in all aspects of your life, you stop dumping on others. And eventually, not dumping on others will translate to your family, friends, community, country, continent, and eventually the world. I believe in our capacity to evolve, not just for ourselves, but for humanity.
Dr Maya Angelou said it best: “What I really want to do is be a representative of my race – the human race”.
STYLIST : Kay Kay Ribane ASSISTANT : Tebogo Ribane HAIR AND MAKE-UP: Nikkita Naidoo
A rare union of art and ecology, GROOTBOS FLORILEGIUM is a collection of botanical illustrations by 44 artists from across the globe. Through 120 exquisite works, it reveals the intricate beauty of South Africa’s fynbos flora – celebrating conservation, storytelling, and the delicate bond between plants and their pollinators.
and
With the brand’s connection to underwater exploration, improving the oceans’ health is critical. This engagement with the state of the marine environment led to a partnership with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO to develop the Ocean Literacy programme, a component of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
CREED Oud Zarian Eau de Parfum is a rare fragrance centred on 80-year-old oud, sustainably sourced through Creed’s trusted partner Jalali under strict CITES permits. Each harvest supports biodiversity and local communities, ensuring traceability from tree to bottle. Rich, resinous, and refined – Oud Zarian embodies ethical opulence.
BRAHMAN HILLS: THE MAKING OF A WORLDCLASS GARDEN showcases the award-winning gardens in KwaZulu-Natal’s Midlands. Under the guidance of landscaper Tim Steyn, indigenous plants, art, and architecture create a living masterpiece – and one of only two South African Partner Gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society in the UK.
ANDREA IYAMAH R25 LOOKBOOK
The PANERAI Luminor Due Goldtech™ Madreperla PAM01280 shines with its special gold alloy
red-copper sheen.
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We interview designer Shelley Mokoena, whose label Connade rejects fast-fashion through sculptural, intention-driven womenswear. Her garments are rooted in memory and African heritage.
Renowned jeweller Patrick Mavros tells us about the unveiling of the Kolisi Cu , a sterling silver piece that draws inspiration from the Kolisi Foundation’s emblem and is inspired by Springbok captain and philanthropist Siya Kolisi. Handcrafted in Africa, the cu is a powerful symbol of unity and giving back, with 10 percent of each sale going to the Kolisi Foundation.
We also introduce you to Cafe Sofi by tashas in Cape Town. The most personal project by siblings Natasha and Savva Sideris, the intimate space is a loving tribute to their late mother, Sophia, weaving her memory into a cool café experience that’s nostalgic and expressive. Explore more on YourLuxury.Africa.
MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS
WHAT SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES HAVE YOU ADOPTED INTO YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE?
KGOMOTSO MONCHO-MARIPANE
“Sustainability teaches me to be mindful. Even the smallest wastereducing decision – such as buying the veggies I need on the day I’ll be cooking them – makes a di erence for a sustainable food system.”
See: p30
CLIFFORD ROBERTS
“My desire to live sustainably drives me to constantly challenge my beliefs. An example of this is my diet. I recently started eating o al because I discovered that the healthiest portions of a carcass are commonly discarded – an unnecessary waste considering the resources we expend in keeping livestock.”
“In bars, sustainability carries a double meaning: it’s about lowimpact drinks and looking after yourself for personal longevity. This means making deliberate choices in what I consume and pacing myself: never saying no to water, accepting only every fourth shot (at most), and only finishing the drinks I genuinely enjoy.”
See: p34
INNOCENT NDLOVU
“I carry reusable shopping bags, prioritise homegrown products, and make a conscious e ort to choose clothing made from sustainable materials. Whether it’s food, fashion, or tech, I strive to be intentional with every purchase I make.”
See: p48
EDITORIAL & BEAUTY EDITOR Ingrid Wood ingrid@yourluxury.africa CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kate Walters COPY EDITOR Tamlyn Cumings CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Leigh Herringer IMAGE EDITOR Coralie Elske DIGITAL EDITOR Jessica Levitt jessica@yourluxury.africa TRAFFIC CO-ORDINATOR Rachel Ndawo
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 SALES EXECUTIVE: Sumeshni Pillay I sumeshni@yourluxury.africa ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: LONDON AND THE UK Louella Stocchi I louella@yourluxury.africa MANAGEMENT: MANAGING DIRECTOR Yvonne Sha DIRECTOR Jacquie Myburgh Chemaly
DISTRIBUTION & PRINT: DISTRIBUTION On the Dot, Media Support PRINTED BY CTP Printers, Cape Town for YourLuxury PO Box 1053, Sea Point 8060, Cape Town. All rights reserved. Whereas precautions have been taken 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.
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ART X LAGOS 2025
6–9 NOVEMBER | LAGOS, NIGERIA
A decade since it first redefined Africa’s place in the global art conversation, Art X Lagos returns with a milestone edition titled 10×10: Imagining Otherwise, No Matter the Tide. This year’s fair celebrates bold voices and cultural exchange, expanding into new commissions, performances, film, and cross-disciplinary collaborations. The 10th anniversary marks a reflective yet forward-looking moment – one that invests in the next generation and highlights the Resonance artist residency programme for curators, visual artists, and designers based in Nigeria. artxlagos.com
PARADISCO: CRUEL SUMMER
GREGORY PORTER –LOVE IS KING TOUR
29 NOVEMBER | CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Summer in Cape Town never arrives quietly – and Cruel Summer is the city’s official call to play. Hosted by Paradisco at the Grand Africa Café & Beach at the V&A Waterfront, the event draws a glittering crowd of creatives, collectors, and fashion insiders to an open-air celebration of music and style. DJ line-ups lean into Balearic house and sultry sunset beats with surprise back-to-back sets that stretch late into the night. Between curated beach lounges, champagne rituals, and a sea of linen and laughter, this is where Cape Town’s golden hour lingers longest. paradisco.howler.co.za
12–22 NOVEMBER | SOUTH AFRICA
Jazz icon and double Grammy Award winner Gregory Porter returns to South Africa for unforgettable shows in Cape Town (12 November), Durban (15 November), and Johannesburg (20-22 November). Blending jazz, gospel, and soul, the singer moves seamlessly from anthems like Liquid Spirit and Hey Laura to the reflective tones of his newer work. Having recently released his latest album Heart & Soul, fans can expect powerful and heartfelt performances. viagogo.co.za
CULTURE DIARY
FRANCA FUND GALA
8 NOVEMBER | DOHA, QATAR
Acclaimed director and photographer Francesco Carrozzini, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, and Vogue’s Anna Wintour co-host the inaugural Franca Fund Gala – a celebration for the advancement of preventative genomics in a tribute to the late Franca Sozzani, former Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Italia. The fund honours Franca’s transformative legacy and how she redefined fashion as a vehicle for social change across disciplines, including medicine. The Gala seeks to raise global awareness by blending art installations, runway moments, and highlevel conversations on innovation and legacy. thefrancafund.org
REGENT SEVEN SEAS AFRICA & ARABIA CRUISE
25 NOVEMBER | CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA TO DOHA, QATAR
Departing from Cape Town on 25 November, Regent Seven Seas’ Africa & Arabia sets sail for Doha via Mozambique, Madagascar, the Seychelles, Oman, and Dubai. The luxury 19-night trip includes shore excursions, exceptional dining, and curated cultural experiences, and the onboard wellness and spa treatments are unlimited. Pre- and postcruise itineraries include visiting Cape Town’s Winelands, going on safari, or an extended stay in Doha to explore its art and desert landscapes. rssc.com
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The new Ulysse Nardin Diver [Hammerhead Shark] is backed by Brand Ambassador Mike Coots, a shark-attack survivor turned passionate advocate for shark conservation and awareness.
For ULYSSE NARDIN, the shark symbolises strength and sustainability. Partnering with OCEARCH aligns the brand with real-world marine conservation and shark research. Ulysse Nardin supports OCEARCH’s mission to protect the species – vital to ocean balance and scientific discovery –by advancing e orts in bacteriology, medicine, and marine ecosystem preservation.
“Timekeeping is central to understanding each animal we capture, study, and release,” says Chris Fischer, OCEARCH founding chairman and expedition leader. Once a shark enters the lift beside the ship, his team has just 15 minutes to complete 20 research projects. Time itself becomes a key data point – an essential baseline in every evaluation. ulysse-nardin.com, ocearch.org
WITH PIONEERING PROJECTS THAT RESTORE BALANCE TO OUR OCEANS AND ECOSYSTEMS, TODAY’S WATCHMAKERS ARE PROVING THAT TRUE CRAFTSMANSHIP DOESN’T JUST MEASURE TIME – IT PRESERVES IT WORDS DEBBIE HATHWAY
Sustained by Time
Billion Oyster Project Co-Founder Pete Malinowski (left) wears the New York Harbor Limited Edition II.
ROLEX’s Perpetual philosophy reflects enduring quality and sustainability, exemplified through its Perpetual Planet Initiative with Mission Blue. Among others, Rolex has supported e orts to protect Australia’s Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth Gulf – the west coast sister to the Great Barrier Reef and a significant marine UNESCO World Heritage site – providing unique habitats vital to humpback whales and numerous endangered species. Acclaimed marine biologist Ben Fitzpatrick’s lifelong advocacy secured the area’s Hope Spot status under Mission Blue, highlighting its global ecological significance. rolex.com
This year, ORIS renews its partnership with the Billion Oyster Project, a non-profit restoring one billion oysters to New York Harbor. An adult oyster filters up to 50 gallons of water daily, while oyster reefs nurture marine ecosystems and act as natural storm barriers – much like trees sustain and protect forests. To date, more than 150 million oysters have been reintroduced, thereby improving water quality and helping to rebuild marine ecosystems. To support this e ort, the climateneutral brand unveiled the New York Harbor Limited Edition II – a 2 000-piece Aquis Date with an aqua green, oyster-shell-e ect dial – dedicated to protecting ocean life and inspiring environmental stewardship through education and community action. oris.ch
naturally. Beyond environmental impact, IWC
True to its engineering ethos, IWC Scha hausen supports the recovery of marine ecosystems by replanting carbon-absorbing Posidonia Oceanica seagrass in Spain’s Costa Brava. Posidonia is threatened by climate change, ocean waste, human activity, and an invasive algal species. Moreover, it grows slowly, meaning that damage from a single anchor can take centuries to recover naturally. Beyond environmental impact, IWC champions Laureus Sport for Good, empowering youth worldwide. This year, sales from the 17th Portofino Automatic Pointer Date Laureus edition aid Figure Skating in Harlem, NYC. iwc.com ■
1. Inspired by a 1974 icon, POMELLATO’S Pom Pom Dot’s versatile jewels showcase two-sided gemstones. We love the Pom Pom Dot Reversible Earrings in 18kt rose gold with 36 white diamonds and malachite or mother of pearl. POA, bhhboutique.co.za, pomellato.com
2. At GRAFF’S atelier, each unique jewel begins with the stone, its natural beauty guiding the master craftsman’s hand. This is evident in the high jewellery pear and round diamond and emerald-cut emerald necklace, set in white gold (diamonds 87.36ct, emeralds 21.5ct). POA, gra .com
3. FABERGÉ’S Colours of Love Cosmic Curve yellow gold tsavorite eternity ring celebrates eternal bonds with 20 green tsavorites and a ruby set in 18kt yellow gold. The collection uses Mozambican rubies and Zambian emeralds from Gemfields’ mines. POA, faberge.com; murdocks.co.za
6. From one generation to the next, jewels endure – as do the masterful skills of the artisans behind them. The CHARLES GREIG Byzantine cross pendant with diamonds (3.45ct), emeralds (1.06ct), tsavorite, and green quartz is the perfect heirloom piece. R286 000, charlesgreig.co.za FROM VIVID TSAVORITES TO
4. These Monumental earrings from the LOUIS VUITTON Virtuosity high jewellery collection are one of 110 unique pieces set across 12 themes, representing the transformative journey of discovery that lies at the heart of the House. These earrings comprise yellow and white gold, four trianglecut diamonds, six emerald beads, and diamonds. POA, louisvuitton.com
5. The BOODLES Africa Collection features Single-Mine Origin gold from the Sabodala-Massawa Mine in Senegal, ensuring fully traceable, responsibly sourced gold from mine to showroom. POA, boodles.com
INSPIRED BY THE NATURAL WORLD, METCON AND KELLY JAY JEWELLERY CELEBRATE HERITAGE AND AFRICAN LUXURY WITH TIMELESS PIECES THAT SHOWCASE THE CONTINENT’S ENDURING BEAUTY
In a collaboration that elevates African craftsmanship on a global stage, Kelly Jay Jewellery and MetCon are redefining African luxury. Rooted in heritage, shaped by artistry, and inspired by the continent’s natural world, this partnership represents a bold and elegant evolution in fine jewellery – one that is authentic, aspirational, and unapologetically African.
Legacy in OGLD D
Originally from Zimbabwe and based in South Africa, designer Kelly Jay Maughan has emerged as a leading voice in African luxury. With a signature aesthetic inspired by nature’s lesser-seen creatures – from insects and animals to organic forms – she creates heirloom pieces that not only honour the soul of Africa, but hold strong symbolic meanings for the people that wear them. She is also committed to sustainability and responsible practices, sourcing materials from ethical mines.
“African inspiration is the largest part of my work,” Kelly explains. “I try to pick animals or insects that have been overlooked, turning them into a piece of jewellery to be loved and admired.” Through this lens, true luxury is not only defined by rarity, but by meaning – a philosophy Kelly Jay Jewellery embodies with elegance and purpose.
This artistic vision is brought to life by the technical mastery of MetCon, South Africa’s leading precious metals refinery and jewellery services partner. Since her student years, Kelly’s creative journey has been closely tied to the brand.
“MetCon has supported me since varsity,” she shares.
“Each year, the quality gets better. They’ve always had my interests at heart.”
MetCon’s expertise in precision casting, combined with a deep understanding of sustainable luxury, ensures that every bespoke design is created with exceptional quality and care. The result is a collection of timeless pieces that are not only beautiful, but authentic and culturally significant.
Together, Kelly Jay Jewellery and MetCon are creating a new narrative for African wealth and legacy, where gold evolves from a precious metal into a symbol of identity, creativity, and enduring elegance. The designs are bold yet refined, modern yet steeped in history – treasures meant to be passed from one generation to the next.
With Africa at its heart, the collaboration speaks to a global audience while remaining deeply rooted in local identity. It redefines the essence of luxury and celebrates authenticity, artistry, and heritage. Each creation captures the essence of Africa’s brilliance – its land and creatures, its people, and its boundless potential to inspire.
kellyjayjewellery.com
JOIN THE MOVEMENT TOWARDS MINDFUL LUXURY WITH THESE REFILLABLE BEAUTY ESSENTIALS WORDS INGRID WOOD
1. CLARINS Extra Firming creams contain a powerful trio of active ingredients to help boost collagen reserves for firmer skin. Both are now refillable. Day Cream SPF15, R1 690 (refill R1 370), and Night Cream, R1 775 (refill R1 440); clarins.co.za
2. You can refill your NARS Talc Free Powder Blush in any of the five bestselling shades, including Taj Mahal (pictured here) and the famous Orgasm. With high-impact colour, the blush is weightless and lasts up to 16 hours. R820 (refill R415), narscosmetics.co.za
3. NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra Rich Cleansing Gel Eco Refill is enriched with honey and sunflower for a rich cleanser with no drying e ects. It comes in a refill pack using 70 percent less plastic. R475, orleanscosmetics.co.za
4. The collagen regenerating complex in CHANEL Sublimage Le Sérum is complemented by Solidago extract to strengthen the collagen fibres. The refill, crafted from drawn glass, fits into the Le Sérum bottle. R10 535 (refill R9 355), Chanel Fragrance & Beauty Boutiques
5. New to SA, DRUNK ELEPHANT Lala Retro Whipped Cream reinforces the skin’s barrier by helping to protect against water loss. It’s free from essential oils, silicones, fragrance, dyes, and solvent alcohols. R1 560 (refill R1 350), arcstore.co.za
6. LANCÔME La Vie est Belle
EDP is a classic scent and with notes of iris, jasmine Sambac, orange blossom, and patchouli – one of our summer favourites. R3 450 (refill R2 600), arcstores.co.za
7. The BYREDO Makeup Tinted
Lip Care comes in an iconic refillable case. Infused with rock samphire, rose flower extract, shea butter, cocoa butter, and sunflower seed wax, it leaves lips soft and nourished for up to 24 hours. R1 160 (refill R800), skins.co.za
8. GIVENCHY Sculptural Crème Légère is your answer for wrinkles, fine lines, volume loss, and sagging skin. Its CollagivAct technology provides a double action on the collagen network to firm and densify. R3 200 (refill R2 720), edgars.co.za
9. The iconic DERMALOGICA
Daily Microfoliant is a rice-based powder, rich in Alpha Hydroxy Acids that polish the skin to perfection – and gentle enough for daily use. R1 599 (refill R1 249), dermalogica.co.za ■
CRAFTED BY MASTERS. DESIGNED WITH SOUL.
THAT’S WHY WE OFFER A 7-YEAR WARRANTY. STAN DARD.
Imagine dedicating 60,000 hours, nearly 25 years, to mastering a single skill.
That’s the journey of a Lexus Takumi Master Craftsman. Every stitch, every curve, every sound refined to perfection. It’s this unwavering dedication that shapes every Lexus vehicle, and the confidence behind our 7-year warranty. Standard.
TSDividend
Dividend The
WORDS BRIGHT KHUMALO
Van Cleef & Arpels necklace doesn’t lose value – it changes hands, collects history, and sometimes returns for restoration. What was once a second-hand trade has become a curated ecosystem.
And then there’s IWC Schaffhausen. Renowned for its engineering-led aesthetic and robust designs, IWC was perhaps boldest when it became the official sponsor of the MercedesAMG Petronas Formula One team in 2013. A watch brand on the wrist of Lewis Hamilton, racing past the competition at 300km/h, was more than marketing – it was symbolic. Engineering excellence, precision, and dominance: all values both brands share.
WORDS BRIGHT KHUMALO
ustainability in fashion was once the quiet side project of designers who cared more about principles than profit. Stella McCartney was applauded for championing ethical fashion before anyone else, but she was seen more as the industry’s conscience than its commercial heart. Today, sustainability is a movement that has slipped seamlessly into the world of luxury, reshaping how brands create and how people buy.
Kering, parent company of Gucci and Saint Laurent, published an environmental “profit and loss” statement, putting a hard number on fashion’s invisible costs. That changed the conversation. Gucci’s horsebit loafer is no less glamorous, but now it comes with the reassurance of cleaner sourcing and smarter design.
here’s a story that first surfaced in Panerai magazine, which is often spoken of reverently in horology circles. It’s said that South African businessman, Johann Rupert, noticed a wristwatch worn by another prominent South African entrepreneur, asked about it, and within weeks had snapped up troubled Panerai for just €1 million. But what he got in return was far more than a limited-edition diver’s timepiece – it was the crown jewel in what would become the world’s most formidable luxury watch empire.
Under Johann’s stewardship, Richemont has become the undisputed custodian of Swiss watchmaking heritage. While others chase trends, Richemont builds legacies. The group owns a glittering array of Maisons – no fewer than 11 luxury watch brands, including icons like Vacheron Constantin, A. Lange & Söhne, and the powerhouse that is Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Take Prada. When the Italian House launched its Re-Nylon collection, it made recycled fabric desirable. Carrying ReNylon said you cared about the planet – but also that you understood Prada’s language of cool.
Beyond individual houses, the industry itself is evolving. Digital product passports – QR codes embedded in garments – are being rolled out to let customers trace where their items came from. Takeback schemes are gaining momentum, turning waste into raw material for new collections. These aren’t structural shifts in how fashion is made and consumed.
But Richemont doesn’t just sell watches; it sells stories decades and centuries in the making. Each tick of a Vacheron, each chime of a minute repeater from A. Lange & Söhne, speaks of the impossible pursuit of perfection. And it’s this relentless dedication to detail that has built a cult-like following. In an era of microbrands and quartz fashion pieces, Richemont’s Maisons feel like temples of permanence.
Then there’s Hermès. Repairing bags, polishing hardware, restoring leather –it’s all part of the House’s service, not an afterthought. A Birkin isn’t just built to last; it’s built to be loved, repaired, and handed down. While we call it circularity, Hermès simply calls it craftsmanship. And it’s one of the reasons Hermès remains not only relevant, but untouchable in terms of brand equity.
Ah, Jaeger-LeCoultre – the watchmaker’s watchmaker. This Maison has been crafting mechanical marvels since 1833 and is responsible for over 1 200 calibres and countless patents. But what makes Jaeger truly magical is not only its innovation, but its restraint. You won’t find TikTok influencers showing off their Reversos. Instead, you’ll find seasoned collectors, diplomats, and CEOs checking the time before their next high-stakes decision.
Prada was just the beginning. LVMH is investing in traceable materials and lowimpact leather, and experimenting with projects that give products a second life. These initiatives build trust and protect the rarity that makes luxury irresistible.
Yet here’s the twist that only seasoned investors know. While the watches have become coveted collectables, Richemont’s shares have outperformed many of the pieces in its catalogue. The luxury business, when run with Johann’s rigour and obsession for heritage, prints profits as reliably as a Tourbillon keeps time.
And here’s where the investment case emerges. Sustainability is not charity – it’s a competitive advantage. Brands that can guarantee ethical sourcing, longevity, and circular value are better placed to capture the next generation of luxury buyers. In a world where the younger customer expects transparency, sustainability is the new measure of authenticity.
Panerai now makes an estimated 70 000 watches per year, a staggering return on that wrist-inspired purchase. But that’s just a footnote in a story about vision. While LVMH commands the spotlight and Swatch dominates by scale, Richemont quietly holds the heart of Swiss watchmaking. Its Maisons are timehonoured institutions.
The true pioneers of sustainable luxury aren’t just the ones who made the first recycled dress. They’re the houses treating sustainability not as a campaign, but as a craft, embedding it in every atelier, tannery, and workshop.
As the luxury world grapples with shifting tastes, younger buyers, and the digitisation of desire, Richemont’s steady hand (pun intended) continues to set the pace. ■
Bright
Luxury jewellery and watches tell a parallel story. Gold and diamonds now come with ethical certifications, and big players are embracing the certified pre-owned market. A Cartier watch or a
Sustainability, when done well, is the ultimate luxury: a promise that beauty today will still have value tomorrow. ■
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Khumalo is a Portfolio Manager and Analyst at Vestact Asset Management
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Bright Khumalo is a Portfolio Manager and Analyst at Vestact Asset Management
future BOLDAfrica’s
THE 2025 VEUVE CLIQUOT BOLD WOMAN AWARD CELEBRATES A NEW GENERATION OF AFRICAN FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS AND LEADERS WHO ARE REDEFINING THE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE ACROSS THE CONTINENT
What does it mean to be bold in Africa today? For a rising generation of African female entrepreneurs, boldness goes beyond business success. It’s about reclaiming power, leading with purpose, and creating new possibilities for others to rise. The 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award is an iconic global initiative that’s rooted in authentic leadership, cultural heritage, and collaborative impact, and it continues to celebrate bold leadership in South Africa and Nigeria.
SOUTH AFRICA: HERITAGE MEETS INNOVATION
Returning for its fourth year, the 2025 Bold Woman Award in South Africa was presented to Retang Phaahla, Co-Founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters – a brand that revives indigenous ingredients while uplifting rural communities in Limpopo. Her story exemplifies innovation anchored in cultural preservation. “Boldness is choosing to lead with purpose, even when the path is uncharted,” says Retang. “For me, success means showing up fully in my truth and creating space for others to do the same. I see myself as a builder of ecosystems, creating platforms where women and youth in rural areas can thrive and be seen and own their narratives.”
With 92 percent of her leadership team made up of women, Retang creates platforms that enable rural women and youth to feel empowered, visible, and valued. “I’ve embraced the opportunity to lead authentically. I don’t aspire to lead like a man – that would strip away the heart, intuition, and flair that comes with leading like a woman.”
Also recognised was Dr Phindile Cebekhulu-Msomi, CEO of Hazile Group and recipient of the 2025 Bold Future Award. She reflected on the resilience required to forge ahead: “I’ve learnt not to internalise criticism. I stay grounded by remembering who I’m building for: myself, my children, the women I represent, and the communities I serve. Being bold is building even when the odds are stacked against you and rising anyway –not just for yourself, but for the generation of women behind you.”
“Everything is richer when built with collective intelligence, shared insights, and collective passion”
IVORY COAST: CONVERSATION, CONNECTION,
AND COURAGE
In Abidjan, more than 100 female entrepreneurs gathered for Bold Conversations 2025, a vibrant forum hosted by Veuve Clicquot to spark dialogue and connection.
A key theme was risk-taking. According to the Bold Barometer, only 30 percent of women in Ivory Coast perceive entrepreneurial risks to outweigh the benefits – compared to 37 percent of men. “Risk is part of our lives; it even follows us in our sleep,” said panellist Vanessa Kuyo, CEO of KUYO Pipeline.
NIGERIA: SCIENCE, BEAUTY, AND LEADERSHIP
In Lagos, the Nigerian edition of the awards, also returning for its fourth year, celebrated innovation, legacy, and leadership. Remi Martins-Johnson, Founder of Texture Science Lab, received the 2025 Bold Woman Award for her pioneering work developing science-led beauty solutions for African skin and hair. Through Texture Science Lab, Remi’s not only revolutionising the beauty industry but also opening doors for women in STEM and innovation. “Boldness is standing firm in your vision, even when the odds seem insurmountable,” Remi says. “It’s about leading with purpose and creating a pathway for others to follow.”
The Bold Future Award was presented to Co-Founders Teniola Tunde-Oni and Funmilola Aderemi of PharmaRun – further proof that young women in Nigeria are disrupting industries and setting new standards. “The Bold Woman Award is not just about celebrating achievement – it’s about recognising women who are leading change, building legacies and shaping the future of business in Nigeria and beyond,” said Leye Adeniji, General Manager, Moët Hennessy Nigeria.
The importance of visible female role models emerged as another key topic. While many women are inspired by those who’ve gone before them, they often have fewer visible role models than men. “You don’t choose to be a role model – you become one through your choices,” says guest Anne-Emmanuelle Soumah-Yace. “But my ambition is not to be called that, rather to succeed and inspire those who follow me.”
This was supported by Laëtitia N’CHO: “What matters is not speaking the most or being a role model, but knowing your worth and being respected for your work. My success is the pride of my family. I value my values and my integrity more than the speed of success.”
THE LEGACY OF MADAME CLICQUOT
The Bold Woman Award honours one of history’s most dynamic entrepreneurs, Madame Clicquot, who took the helm of the champagne house in 1805 at a time when women couldn’t legally own or run businesses. She revolutionised the industry and left a lasting legacy. In 1972, Veuve Clicquot launched the Bold Woman Award in her honour, followed by the Bold Future Award in 2014. Since then, more than 450 women in 27 countries have been celebrated. In 2025, with every bold toast raised across Africa, her story continues.
No doubt, Madame Clicquot would be proud.
Created as part of the Maison’s Bold by Veuve Clicquot initiative, Bold Open Database is the first global, open-access platform dedicated to showcasing female entrepreneurs from around the world. It allows users to discover and connect with female founders across industries and geographies, breaking down cultural, technological, and geographic barriers. The platform is both a celebration of entrepreneurial spirit and a practical tool for building networks, sharing stories, and inspiring future generations of women leaders.
Brune Failliot, the Global Communication and Digital Director at Veuve Clicquot, highlights the importance of supporting female entrepreneurship. “It’s about independence, economic empowerment, and breaking down barriers. Making women entrepreneurs visible shows girls everywhere that anything is possible – that they too can change the world,” says Brune.
And the focus is indeed a global one. “With a presence in more than 20 countries – from Berlin to Tokyo and expanding into Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Brazil – Bold is committed to making a real, global impact,” adds Brune.
The database reflects Veuve Clicquot’s long-standing commitment to audacity and innovation, echoing the legacy of Madame Clicquot herself.
A CALL TO COURAGE
If you’re a female entrepreneur or you know one who deserves recognition, join the movement at boldopendatabase.com
THE BOLD OPEN DATABASE
BL OO MS beyondborders
AT THIS YEAR’S CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW, SOUTH AFRICANINSPIRED GARDENS REDEFINED LUXURY WITH ROOIBOSTINTED WATER FEATURES, SCULPTURAL RIVERBEDS, AND FIELD-MICE POLLINATED BLOOMS – PROVING INDIGENOUS GARDENING IS BOTH AN ESSENTIAL ECOLOGICAL STATEMENT AND A CULTURAL EXPORT
WORDS PETRA MASON
This year, the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) annual Chelsea Flower Show in London – the world’s most prestigious showcase in horticultural excellence – celebrated South African flora, a powerful reminder that the natural wonders we live alongside are admired globally.
At the heart of this tribute was the representation of the Cape Floral Kingdom, led by landscape designer Leon Kluge and artist Tristan Woudberg. The exhibit – which included more than 25 000 stems – was a vivid expression of how sustainability and cultural heritage intersect in the South African landscape – a privilege and prestige we must handle with care.
Winning Gold for Best Exhibit and Best New Design, the Cape Floral Kingdom display was inspired by the convergence of the Atlantic and Indian oceans, and the effect they have on the South Africa’s surrounding flora. Fragrant fynbos, proteas, and pincushions, including the Ground Protea varietal – which is pollinated by field mice who spread the seed by covering their faces in the fragrant yeast-like pollen – brought life and whimsy to the scene. An amber Cape River water feature was naturally made on site using a rooibos tea mix.
Back on South African soil, Leon Kluge recently recreated the goldwinning display in Stanford in the Western Cape for local viewers. Proceeds from the event supported the Grootbos Foundation, an NGO for the conservation of the Cape Floral Kingdom and community upliftment.
“By composting home kitchen waste, we can attract pollinators, butterflies, birds, and mammals”
Another intriguing display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year was the Karoo Succulent Garden, a collaboration between South African farm Babylonstoren and its sister hotel, the Newt in Somerset in the UK and the headline sponsor of the show. The exhibit, designed by Babylonstoren’s Dr Ernst van Jaarsveld, presented the arid beauty of succulents in their natural setting of rock and red sand. Viewing paths flowed through sculptural installations on a dry riverbed, which not only highlighted waterless gardening, but South Africa’s Succulent Karoo region – the most biodiverse arid region on the planet and home to thousands of succulent species and diverse wildlife.
Our indigenous flora – particularly bulbs – have long influenced European gardens. Historically, aristocrats across Europe competed for rare and unusual plants, relying on plant collectors who sailed the world seeking new species for cultivation. When the first South African bulbs arrived in Europe in the 1600s, they caused a sensation, sparking a ‘Blood Lily’ craze, which introduced the continent to what is still considered the richest collection of bulbs on Earth. More than 2 500 South African species are now grown in gardens and conservatories across the world.
But this popularity comes with a price. The ongoing global demand for ornamental succulents – driven by social media aesthetics and a desire for low-maintenance house plants – has fuelled a rise in illegal plant poaching and smuggling across Southern Africa. While 99 percent of the indigenous plants sold in nurseries are legally sourced, it’s better to purchase the cheaper varieties as the pricier they are, the more likely they’re endangered.
“While all gardens provide opportunities for wildlife, none do more so than those featuring indigenous plants,” says Dr Elsa Pooley, renowned South African botanist, landscaper and co-author of this year’s encyclopaedic publication, South African Indigenous Garden Plants: The Gardener’s Guide (Struik Nature). “It’s not just the pleasure of watching birds, insects and other regional wildlife. If one follows organic gardening principles – no poisons, natural fertiliser, mulch – we soon create a haven for plant and birdlife.
“By composting home kitchen waste, we can attract pollinators, butterflies, birds, and mammals. Wildlife wastes no time in establishing itself in a welcoming environment; we can do this within months in our African gardens,” she adds.
NATURAL HEALING
Celebrated entrepreneur, global speaker and author Amanda Dambuza is also a passionate gardener. She emphasises the role of gardens as sanctuaries of spiritual and psychological healing. “The healing comes not just from consuming the plants, but from interacting with them” she says.
Grounding and Connection (Earthing): Gardening is a deeply grounding activity. Putting your hands in the soil, feeling the sun on your back, and listening to the birds and insects connects you to the natural world and its rhythms. This pulls you out of the anxiety of the past or future and into the calm, present moment.
Mindfulness and Presence: A garden forces you to pay attention. You notice the first sprout, the unfurling of a leaf, the busy bee on a flower. This is a form of active meditation, quietening the “monkey mind” and reducing stress and cortisol levels.
The Cycle of Life and Acceptance: A garden teaches profound lessons about life, death, patience, and renewal. You learn that some plants thrive, and others fail, that there are seasons of growth and seasons of rest. A powerful metaphor for accepting the cycles in our own lives, helping us process grief, celebrate growth, and practise patience.
Agency and Nurturing: Tending to living things and helping them flourish provides a deep sense of purpose and agency. The act of nurturing another life is fundamentally healing, building responsibility, hope, and a sense of accomplishment.
Sacred Space: A garden is a sacred sanctuary – a place for contemplation, prayer, or simply being away from the noise and demands of modern life. ■
LOCAL IS LEKKER
Keith Kirsten, South Africa’s OG ‘Original Gardener’ built a sustainable gardening franchise in the 1970s. He has contributed enormously to indigenous gardening and continues to do so. A recent prestigious project includes the restoration of a wetland habitat for a local frog species on the Norval Estate in Steenberg, Cape Town.
“As South Africans, we don’t completely comprehend how lucky we are”, says Keith. We go to the Kruger and are in awe of Fever Trees in Pongolapoort, but we don’t realise that we can do the same in our own gardens. It’s not just the right thing to do – it’s a no brainer. And once you get into it, you’ll see how quickly and how many birds arrive,” says Keith.
He adds, “I support invasive plant removal; embrace what we have – our indigenous plants are water-wise, low maintenance, and beautiful.”
In South African writer Adam Welz’s international bestseller, The End of Eden: Wild Nature in the Age of Climate Breakdown (Jonathan Ball), he explores the impact of climate change on natural ecosystems. “It’s important to plant plants that are indigenous to your area, as in locally indigenous. South Africa contains many different climatic regions, each with their own plants. Just because a plant is indigenous to South Africa does not mean it’ll do well in your area or that it belongs there,” he says.
“Once established, locally indigenous plants should do well without needing much extra water, because they are adapted to your climate. Planting locally indigenous species creates a place for indigenous birds and animals to live. They have adapted to eat indigenous plants and use them for nesting.”
Looking to create an indigenous garden? Here are Dr Pooley’s safe bets that are water-wise, look good, and protect our unique biodiversity.
• Agapanthus (all species)
• Aloe marlothii
• Aloe ferox
• Aloe arborescens
• Aloe cooperi
• Aloe maculata
• Buddleia (all species)
• Clivia miniata
• Clivia gardenii
• Clivia nobilis
• Dietes (all species)
• Kniphofia (all species)
• Leonotis (all species)
• Strelitzia (all species)
• Tulbaghia (all species)
INDIGENOUS PLANT GUIDE
TRANSFORMATION toast A to
RETURNING FOR ITS SIXTH EDITION, THE VASTLY SAGE UPLIFTING BRUNCH UNITES CORPORATE LEADERS AND CREATIVE VISIONARIES FOR A POWERFUL DAY OF CONNECTION, EMPOWERMENT, AND CELEBRATION, HOSTED BY AMANDA DAMBUZA AND NOMONDE WHITE-NDLOVU
Now in its sixth year, the eagerly awaited annual Vastly Sage Uplifting Brunch is one of Africa’s most prestigious calendar events. It celebrates women’s empowerment and transformation among the continent’s most influential female leaders and change makers.
Held each November, the brunch is hosted by award-winning international speaker, author, and entrepreneur Amanda Dambuza. The event not only indulges and inspires, but also offers a powerful platform for entrepreneurs, corporates, and aspiring women to forge new legacies and lasting connections.
What began as an intimate community gathering for Amanda’s Instagram followers has now become one of the most sought-after events for women seeking to unlock their potential and realise their dreams.
This year’s stellar line-up is led by Amanda’s co-host Nomonde White-Ndlovu, Bidvest Bank’s Chief Information Officer and a leading voice for gender equality in the workplace. No stranger to the Vastly Sage stage, she was an impactful speaker back in 2022. “She is going to be bringing current corporate experience and insights to the brunch,” says Amanda.
Also speaking is Nomi Bodlani, Head of Direct and Private Clients at Allan Gray, who explores the psychology of wealth, and Canva Africa Lead Dr Mzamo Masito, a renowned brand executive across technology, telecommunications, sport, and consumer goods fields. Reverend Kabelo Motlhakane, a recognised thought leader in Afro-centric theology, shares his powerful personal story, while psychiatrist Dr Clementine Chawane joins a wellness panel discussion alongside Shirley van Wyk, Managing Director of Terre Paisible Medical and Rejuvenation Spa, to discuss vitality and longevity in women’s health.
Of course, the Vastly Sage Uplifting Brunch wouldn’t be complete without its influential collaborators. YourLuxury Africa returns as media partner, and Telkom as main sponsor – a relationship now in its fourth year. Other premium partners include Mercedes-Benz SA, Clarins, Veuve Cliquot, Uyandiswa, Hendricks, Fitch & Leedes, with new support from Terre Paisible and Canva.
Such is the demand that tickets and corporate tables sell out a year in advance – a testament to the brunch’s influence and lasting impact. The author of several books, including the recently published Stable but Turbulent, Amanda says, “The tables next year will include a fabulous bottle of the exclusive La Grande Dame by Veuve Clicquot.” Visit amandadambuza.com for more details.
Returning to the magnificent Mercedes-Benz Sandton showroom in the heart of Africa’s richest square mile, the luxurious venue sets the tone for glamour, growth, and connection. With its strong network of sponsors and thought leaders, the 2025 Vastly Sage Brunch is poised to uplift and inspire.
As Amanda reiterates, this is more than an elegant event – it’s a movement that empowers women to realise their potential and to forge meaningful connections and conversations. “Vastly Sage is a community built on the pillars of transformation, evolution, collaboration, and excellence,” she says.
BY GROUNDING COUTURE
IN SUSTAINABILITY AND STORYTELLING, DESIGNERS SINDISO KHUMALO AND LEZANNE VIVIERS ARE HELPING TO DEFINE A DISTINCTLY AFRICAN EXPRESSION OF LUXURY FASHION
WORDS NEIL BÜCHNER JNR
As the industry grapples with its environmental footprint and sustainability becomes fashion’s new frontier, it’s safe to say that South Africa is shaping that future with quiet force. At the helm are Sindiso Khumalo and Lezanne Viviers, two visionaries who see circularity as foundational to the future of African couture. Both designers elevate artisanship, centre women’s narratives, and treat their distinctive creations as vessels of cultural storytelling.
Where Lezanne frames fashion as a spiritual dialogue with nature, Sindiso grounds it in tradition. Both blend heritage and conscious luxury.
In Johannesburg, the forward-thinking, sustainable brand VIVIERS is redefining local, luxury ecowear. Founder Lezanne’s avant-garde creations, which amalgamate various media and New Age philosophy through a love of natural materials, were recently presented at Milan Fashion Week. She describes her methodology as rooted in unity and intention, by designing with love, reverence, and an awareness of our shared responsibilities.
“Ultimately, our influences are as much about the personal – our shared humanity, our sense of community, and our spiritual awareness – as they are about cultural and artistic expression,” Lezanne explains.
For Cape Town’s Sindiso, the craft has always been deeply personal. Drawing from her background in architecture and textiles in the United Kingdom, she sees clothing as both functional and symbolic, with legacy serving as inspiration – and responsibility. Much of this inspiration comes from her family, including her children and mother, a freedom fighter during the apartheid era.
“Ultimately, our influences are as much about the personal – our shared humanity, our sense of community, and our spiritual awareness – as they are about cultural and artistic expression”
Growing up with Zulu traditions shaped her vision, but it was motherhood that crystallised her commitment to sustainable design. “Having children was probably one of the most defining moments in thinking about what I’m leaving behind,” she reflects. “You start to question everything: what you’re eating, how you consume. That’s actually how I became a sustainable designer.”
For Sindiso, clothing transcends utility. She strives to create heirlooms imbued with comfort, confidence, and charm, much like the works her pattern-maker grandmother left her. This has resulted quite naturally in an informed, conscious approach to slow fashion. “The crucial thing for me is to have everybody ask themselves, 'Why am I making these clothes?’” she says. “If you are bringing in a product, make sure it’s going to be of value; something that lasts.”
Sindiso’s commitment was internationally recognised with a joint win for the prestigious LVMH Prize in 2020, followed by a two-year collaborative project with & Other Stories, which placed her designs in 25 of the brand’s stores worldwide. “It was a huge honour just to be recognised and design for them,” she says. “My friends saw me in Times Square.”
VIVIERS’ journey has its share of triumphs, too. Yet for Lezanne, one of her most meaningful achievements remains the ability to consistently sustain and support her team each month. This is just as important as collaborations and headlining projects like NURU African Collective Showroom at Cape Town Art Fair, or Wool World at the Karoo Winter Wool Festival.
“These milestones are expressions of our spiritual and ecological philosophy,” Lezanne says, referring to the principles grounding the studio’s approach. She sees it as a chance to “honour the rhythm of nature, celebrate human creativity, and nurture the luminous potential in both our team and the communities we form a part of.”
CIRCULAR FASHION: Sindiso Khumalo (opposite, top left) and Lezanne Viviers (top) are two designers making sure sustainable fashion stays in vogue
For Lezanne, fashion is not a solitary pursuit but a collective ecosystem, dependent on trust, collaboration, and care – so much more so when creating a brand that’s ecologically conscious.
“I feel deeply grateful for my team; together we have reached many milestones, learnt hard lessons, and found our shared rhythm, all while discovering joy in creating,” she reflects.
Sindiso echoes her sentiments. “Every single big house started off with one small designer at some point,” she says.
“I think teaching creators how to run the finance and business sides of their creativity, and giving them room to nurture it, is really important. I’m very lucky. My brother’s an engineer, and he taught me about lean manufacturing quite early on.” What unites these two artisans is a shared belief that young
“Fashion is not a solitary pursuit but a collective ecosystem”
talent should be fostered, and that fashion must move beyond excess and spectacle. “Too often, sustainability here is practised instinctively but without enough institutional backing,” Lezanne says.
“I get so inspired by meeting new designers and seeing what they’re up to,” says Sindiso, reiterating the need for institutional and practical industry-driven support for young talent.
“I think the industry has room to grow in terms of how it responds to young talent and how it works with it. Because you can’t get the talent out there if you don’t support it, right?”
In the hands of Lezanne and Sindiso, sustainability is no fleeting trend – it’s a blueprint. Through every thread they weave, their creations demonstrate that fashion can be both a vessel for cultural storytelling and a catalyst for a more sustainable future. ■
FOLLOWING THE RECENT LAUNCH OF RÉMY MARTIN VS SUPÉRIEUR IN SOUTH AFRICA AND NIGERIA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
AMAURY VINCLET
DISCUSSES THE REVIVAL OF A HISTORIC LABEL AND ITS MODERN APPEAL TO A NEW GENERATION OF COGNAC LOVERS
IN A GLASS Renaissance
Under the craftsmanship of Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau, Rémy Martin has launched VS Supérieur across South Africa and Nigeria, marking a milestone for the brand’s relationship with the African market. Reviving a historic label, this new expression is crafted exclusively from grapes grown in the Petite Champagne region and is aged for three years in French oak casks. Versatile and expressive, Baptiste Loiseau has reinterpreted the blend for today’s modern palate. VS Supérieur fully embodies Rémy Martin’s dedication to honouring heritage while celebrating Africa’s vibrant luxury culture and celebration.
“Versatile and expressive, Baptiste Loiseau has reinterpreted the blend for today's modern palate”
Amaury Vinclet, Executive Director of Rémy Martin (pictured left), shares how the House continues to balance French savoir-faire with Africa’s dynamic energy, celebrating moments of success and modern sophistication.
WHY WERE SOUTH AFRICA AND NIGERIA CHOSEN FOR THE LAUNCH OF VS SUPÉRIEUR? They are at the forefront of cognac culture in Africa. Both countries reflect a deep appreciation for cognac as a symbol of success, often enjoyed during moments of celebration. Rémy Martin VS Supérieur embodies this spirit – a powerful expression crafted to elevate life’s essential milestones.
HOW DOES PETITE CHAMPAGNE SET THIS BLEND APART? The grapes are sourced exclusively from Petite Champagne, one of the most prized terroirs in the heart of the Cognac region. Its chalky soils and optimum climate give rise to eaux-devie of exceptional quality, aroma, flavour, and texture. We take this further with 100 percent distillation on the lees and maturation in French oak casks. The result is a cognac that is refined and powerful.
HOW DOES RÉMY MARTIN BALANCE TRADITION WITH MODERNITY? Heritage is at the heart of Rémy Martin, but we are equally committed to dreaming forward. Like our Centaur – aiming for the stars while staying grounded – we honour the savoir-faire of our previous cellar masters while reinterpreting our blend for today.
HOW SIGNIFICANT IS DESIGN IN SHAPING PERCEPTION? In luxury spirits, first impressions matter. Packaging is not just a vessel – it’s the first expression of the brand’s identity. The dynamic bottle with gold and black metallic details reflects modernity and refinement, creating an immediate sense of prestige.
THE HOUSE OFTEN SPEAKS ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY AND ITS CONNECTION TO THE LAND. HOW IS THIS REFLECTED IN RÉMY MARTIN VS SUPÉRIEUR?
Sustainability is integral to Rémy Martin, rooted in deep respect for the land and its terroirs. With VS Supérieur, this commitment runs through every stage –from sourcing grapes in Petite Champagne to responsible production that preserves soil and quality. Our focus is on protecting the vineyards, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring each bottle reflects both heritage and a sustainable future.
LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT ROLE DO YOU SEE AFRICA PLAYING IN THE GLOBAL COGNAC STORY? Africa represents one of the most exciting opportunities in the luxury world. There is a unique energy rooted in local pride, and it's shaping how the world understands modern luxury. Cognac has a natural place in that story, and we’ve created an expression that resonates with this spirit: aspirational, versatile, and connected to moments of success and celebration.
SBYA VISUAL ART 1984–NOW, ON VIEW AT THE STANDARD BANK ART LAB IN JOHANNESBURG, STANDS AS A LANDMARK CELEBRATION OF 40 YEARS OF THE STANDARD BANK YOUNG ARTIST AWARDS
Four DECADES Forty
Standard Bank Art Lab is Johannesburg’s dynamic new art hub at Nelson Mandela Square in the heart of Sandton’s CBD. Reflecting the bank’s commitment to innovation and democratising the visual arts, the space is a vibrant centre for artistic talent and art lovers alike.
Last month, The Art Lab unveiled a significant new exhibition titled SBYA Visual Art 1984 – Now, which showcases four decades of South African visual arts history and celebrates 40 years of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award (SBYA).
“These are represented in the works of 40 SBYA recipients, including, among others, William Kentridge, Mary Sibande, and Blessing Ngobeni”
This landmark exhibition explores the transformative changes South Africa has undergone through the works of 40 SBYA recipients for Visual Arts between 1984 and 2025. It invites art enthusiasts to not only celebrate the artistic brilliance of the works on display, but to reflect on our socio-political history and rich cultural tapestry. Furthermore, it recognises the vital role Standard Bank has played in South Africa’s art evolution since taking over the sponsorship of the awards in 1984, presenting Young Artist Awards in all the major arts disciplines, as well as posthumous and special recognition awards.
Compiled by Dr Same Mdluli, Curator and Manager of the Standard Bank Art Gallery and Art Lab, the exhibition forges a path through time by bringing together works from the art collections of six major institutions in South African art, all of which broaden how we view the way art and heritage is collected, preserved and made available to the public. The collections represented include those from the Standard Bank Corporate Collection, the SABC Art Collection, the Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch, Wits Arts Museum, the Johannesburg Art Gallery, and the Iziko Museums of South Africa.
Presenting rarely seen masterpieces of contemporary South African art, Dr Mdluli notes that the collection not only highlights the works and artists behind them, but reinforces Standard
Bank’s visionary empowerment of artistic talent in South Africa and across the continent. “This exhibition marks a significant milestone for the bank as we forge ahead with our commitment to championing the arts,” says Dr Mdluli. “The exhibition reflects both the artistic and institutional dynamics that shape our art historical reality,” she says.
Through these artistic perspectives by SBYA alumni – depicting tumultuous times in our history as well as the hope borne from them – the show provides a window into pivotal moments within the development of South African art. These are represented in the works of 40 SBYA recipients, including, among others, William Kentridge, who was awarded in 1987, Diane Victor (1988), Mary Sibande (2013), and film director Mohau Modisakeng (2016), as well as sculptor Beth Diane Armstrong (2017) and painters Helen Sebidi (1989) and Blessing Ngobeni (2020).
In keeping with Standard Bank Art Lab’s growing role as a centre for innovation, exploration, reflection, dialogue, and creativity, the exhibition also offers a series of interactive programmes and immersions. These range from talks by SBYA alumni to activations for pupils to engage with the artworks and their history, and fun experiences for families to enjoy during the holiday season. “The exhibition affords us an opportunity to present these works in a way that enriches our ongoing conversations about who we are, who we have been and who we are becoming as a culture and society,” Dr Mdluli adds.
As South Africa prepares to host the G20 and B20 later this month, Dr Mdluli notes the essential role of the arts in our country. “We are presented with an opportunity to spotlight the arts as a key contributor to economic growth and the responsibility among private and public stakeholders to ensure the industry is sustained and profitable,” she concludes.
SBYA Visual Art 1984 – Now is on until 31 January 2026. Visit standardbank.com/sponsorship and follow @StandardBankArts for more information.
THE TASTE OF ORIGIN
FROM THE WILD HERBS OF LIMPOPO TO THE NATIVE BERRIES OF KWAZULU-NATAL, INDIGENOUS INGREDIENTS ARE EXPERIENCING A RENAISSANCE AS CHEFS, FARMERS, AND ENTREPRENEURS TAP INTO THE RICHNESS OF SOUTH AFRICA’S LOCAL TERROIR WORDS KGOMOTSO MONCHO-MARIPANE
South Africa’s indigenous ingredients are currently undergoing a powerful resurgence across culinary and cultural landscapes. After centuries of being overlooked in favour of Westernised diets and agriculture – due to the country’s repressive history and the march of urbanisation – local produce is once again sparking curiosity and innovation amongst chefs and food entrepreneurs.
As many of these chefs garner international acclaim, there’s a growing need to cook in a way that reflects who they are and where they come from – subsequently reshaping the essence of South African and broader African cuisine. In a post-pandemic world facing climate change, sustainability, together with the medicinal and nutritional value of indigenous ingredients, makes them vital for contemporary living.
This renaissance also aligns with the current redefinition of luxury – where meaningful experiences, cultural authenticity, and deeper connections are favoured over excess. Part of this reawakening stems from the broader food industry’s alignment with what some pioneers have championed for years. One such example is the 2016 book, Eat Ting, by dietician and African food researcher Mpho Tshukudu and food anthropologist Anna Trapido. It’s now considered a treasured resource when it comes to cooking with South African superfoods.
FROM GARDEN TO PLATE
The culinary alchemy at fine-dining restaurant The LivingRoom, led by this year’s Eat Out Chef of the Year Johannes Richter (pictured below), is another standout example. Located at the family-run Summerhill Guest Estate in Cowies Hill, KwaZuluNatal, the restaurant’s ethos is shaped by Johannes’ authentic, sustainable approach and his passion to showcase Durban’s culinary heritage and diversity.
Since its establishment in 2017, The LivingRoom has had sustainability at its heart, and was a recipient of the 2025 Eat Out Woolworths Green Star Award. Driven by a seasonal and endemic approach to cooking, the restaurant operates entirely off-grid using 90 solar panels. A custom wood-fired oven adds flavour dimensions, while reducing electricity consumption and ecological impact by using the invasive black wattle as firewood.
Summerhill’s on-site garden eliminates the need for plastic packaging and features a range of indigenous plants and herbs including umsobo berries, imbuya amatungulu amadumbe, rose geranium, ukhova banana, marula, and umdoni (see glossary).
The menus are faithful to these ingredients and the natural rhythm of the seasons, showcasing Johannes’ technical precision and poetic mastery.
“We ferment umdoni into wine or vinegar because we don’t use balsamic, for instance. As a substitute, umdoni is good because it is similar to a grape with a bit of tannin and sugar in the fruit,” he explains.
“Working with foraged, indigenous produce that is completely acclimatised to the conditions really sets us apart. Additionally, no herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides need to be used as the plant has developed a natural resistance to pests.”
“Mung beans, Bambara nuts, amaranth, and sorghum add nitrogen and phosphorus to the soil”
Johannes’ wife, Johanna, is a brilliant sommelier, whose nonalcoholic pairings like kombuchas, juices, and tonics are made inhouse, illustrating an artisanal touch that favours locality.
Armed with a deep knowledge of these indigenous ingredients that he’s continuously acquiring, Johannes believes what we know is just the tip of the iceberg.
Elsewhere, Chef Wandile Mabaso refines and elevates indigenous flavours through his Afrique Moderne approach at his restaurant Les Créatifs in Johannesburg. Michelin-starred Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen is reimagining the food and beverage offering at The Palace Hotel at Sun City with his ‘Lost Ingredients’ concept, celebrating forgotten South African ingredients, and next month sees the opening of his new restaurant at the Intercontinental Table Bay Cape Town.
SOIL SEARCHING
Small-scale farmer Siphiwe Sithole (pictured left) is another driving force of this movement. Through her organic farming business African Marmalade, she’s championed indigenous crops since 2018, producing heirloom and heritage seeds, training farmers in sustainable farming, and engaging with the culinary industry.
African Marmalade produces a variety of indigenous grains such as sorghum, foxtail, and pearl millet; wild leafy greens including amaranth and spider flower; tubers such as cassava and cocoyams, as well as beans, Bambara nuts, African watermelon, cucumbers, and pumpkin.
RETAIL AND RITUAL
Across the country, local brands and artisans are turning indigenous ingredients into premium retail products that combine tradition with luxury. Caterer and entrepreneur Noni Masombuka, through her company Black Olive House and its pre-packaged food range BOH at Home, has created popular products such as Impepho Granola, Umhlonyane Butter, and Wild Garlic Pesto. These celebrate the healing properties of traditional ingredients for modern wellbeing. For Noni, it’s important to exploit the ingredients’ versatility and flavour dynamics and rebrand them from the outdated ‘poverty food’ narrative.
There’s a wider consumer shift towards “clean” labels, ancestral knowledge, and functional luxury – especially in the wellness and beauty spaces. Brands like Skoon and Lelive are part of the A-Beauty (African Beauty) movement, drawing on botanical powerhouses such as buchu, green rooibos, Lesotho rosehip oil, and marula.
And in Limpopo, Retang Phaahla – winner of the prestigious 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award – produces indigenous, herbal tea infusions made with Tepane leaves and Diya root through her agri-business, Setšong Tea Crafters. Not only is Retang preserving traditional Bapedi health knowledge, but she’s creating sustainable income for rural women.
From fine-dining restaurants to regenerative farms, a new generation of chefs, producers, and food entrepreneurs are reimagining luxury as something deeply rooted in place, people, and purpose. ■
“Sustainable agriculture and indigenous farming methods prioritise soil care,” she says. “We intercrop and interplant to support plants. Mung beans, Bambara nuts, amaranth, and sorghum add nitrogen and phosphorus to the soil. African crops are droughtresistant. This can help with food insecurity. Indigenous plants have a longer shelf life, and the food is nutrient-dense”.
Now relocating her operations from Gauteng to her home province of Mpumalanga, Siphiwe is preparing to better equip herself with more education and advocates for the correct documentation and labelling of the ingredients.
GLOSSARY
Amadumbe: A starchy root vegetable, commonly known as taro.
Amatungulu: Natal plum, also called big num-num.
Imbuya: Amaranth or pigweed – a nutritious leafy green – also known as thepe in Setswana, Sepedi, and Sesotho.
Impepho: African sage, used with spiritual significance.
Ukhova: KwaZulu-Natal’s heritage banana, widely known to be King Shaka’s favourite fruit and often referred to as banana ka Shaka
Umdoni: Waterberry, a small fruit used in fermentation, also known as umswi or umjomi in isiXhosa.
Umhlonyane: African wormwood, a herb used medicinally, known as lengana in Setswana and wilde-als in Afrikaans.
Umsobo: Black nightshade, a fruit.
YourLuxury Africa stepped into a world of enchantment, opulence, and playful mischief at the second edition of The Luxurious Marble Circus – South Africa’s most whimzalicious food and music festival.
Presented in collaboration with The Marble Group, G&G – The Goosebumps Company, Grid Worldwide, and Investec, the twoday festival was held at Ground The Venue in Muldersdrift, Johannesburg. Sprawling across 75 000m², it welcomed 6 000 guests daily for a spectacular showcase of sound, taste, fashion, fantasy, and legacy.
A playground of surreal theatrics and indulgence, the event truly needs to be seen to be believed. Inspired by the dazzling creativity of last year’s guests, the 2025 edition dialled up the magic, doubling down on immersive energy to deliver an even more enchanting experience.
The main stage – an impressive 66 metres wide and 20 metres high – formed the heartbeat of the festival, alive with performances by Oskido, DJ Zinhle, Mi Casa, Maphorisa, and the Soweto Gospel Choir. But beyond the stage antics lay a rich tapestry of surprise and delight.
For the YourLuxury Africa team and guests, a memorable highlight was the Grand Dining Room. Created by the Marble Group in collaboration with Moët & Chandon and Hennessy, this exclusive area reimagined fine dining in festival form. Chef David Higgs, along with guest chefs, curated an indulgent menu, enjoyed alongside premium pours, live music, and sweeping views of the main stage. Nearby was the Royal Lounge inspired by Saint (the Italian-inspired Sandton restaurant and bar), which offered refined hospitality in collaboration with Don Julio and Johnnie Walker.
Then there were the fantastical features – from the La Vaulta Spectaculum, a trampolinepowered stage delivering mid-air marvels, to Investec’s Wheel of Wonder, which offered a bird's-eye view of the extravaganza. Culinary surprises awaited at every turn, with collaborations like the BBC Food Tasting Station and Playground in the Field, inspired by The Pantry by Marble. Guests explored Moët & Chandon’s Vista Veranda, Johnnie Walker’s Afro Exchange, the Tequila Temple by Don Julio, and the Grand Vinarium, courtesy of Vilafonté and Creation Wines. The Emporium, meanwhile, was a treasure trove of Luxurious Marble Circus merchandise.
THE LUXURIOUS MARBLE CIRCUS WAS A FANTASTICAL FUSION OF FOOD, DRINK, AND EXCELLICIOUS MUSICAL TALENT – ALL WITH A THEATRICAL FLAIR
a WORLD WORDS
beyond
A LEGACY BEYOND LUXURY
In partnership with Investec, LMC Legacy continues to prove that while luxury can be the stage, legacy is the story. In 2024, more than R800 000 was invested into food and creative community projects, 49 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions were saved, and 51 percent of waste was recycled. This year, the goal was to recycle at least 70 percent of event waste and invest R1.5 million into impact initiatives.
Legacy partners include Food & Trees for Africa, Holanathi, the National School of the Arts, Vega, the University of Johannesburg, and TSHEPO, with projects spanning nutrition, creative mentorship, and fundraising through upcycled waste. From transforming waste into treasure to growing food gardens, LMC Legacy ensures lasting impact – nurturing talent, feeding futures, and redefining purpose-driven celebration in South Africa.
The Luxurious Marble Circus 2025 wasn’t just an event – it was a whole new world. One where circus met haute cuisine, theatre collided with vibrant culture, and legacy took centre stage. We’ve already secured our place for the next chapter in this razzle-dazzle revolution.
luxuriousmarblecircus.com
CULTURE on the rocks
ACROSS AFRICA, BARTENDERS AND MIXOLOGISTS ARE RAISING THE BAR WITH COCKTAILS THAT PRIORITISE SUSTAINABILITY AND CULTURAL PRIDE. HERE, LOCAL INGREDIENTS MEET CONTEMPORARY TECHNIQUE, PROVING THAT INNOVATION AND RESPONSIBILITY CAN COEXIST
WORDS LEAH VAN DEVENTER
Sustainability has become a buzzword in the global drinks industry, with bars and brands eager to showcase their steps towards reducing waste. While this is a welcome trend in the Global North –where excess is often the norm – being wasteful is not a luxury we’ve been afforded in Africa.
Here, “low-impact cocktails” are less of a trend than a continuation of everyday reality, where making do with what is readily available has always demanded ingenuity. We are, if nothing else, resourceful – accustomed to working around loadshedding, water outages, and infrastructural headaches that would have a European bartender weeping into their warm Negroni.
What is new, however, is a conscious refinement of that DIY ethos, pairing local ingredients with some modern techniques – such as clarifying or emulsifying – to
CAUSE EFFECT COCKTAIL KITCHEN
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
At Cause Effect, sustainability starts in the soil, with owner Kurt Schlechter’s ‘bar terroir’ initiative. “The best way to learn about endemic plants is to start growing them yourself,” he explains. “Study the flavours and aromas and see what you like, then use mediums like infusions, emulsions, or extractions to create tinctures or cordials, and experiment.”
The bar itself takes inspiration from ocean, mountain, fynbos, and vineyard, with its best-selling Table Mountain cocktail (opposite left) encompassing brandy, rooibos, citrus, pineapple, bitters, and whey.
causeandeffect.co.za
“We
launched the ‘Bar World of Tomorrow’ programme to challenge bartenders to embrace the five Rs: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Respect, and Rethink”
drive efficiency, maximise the shelf life, and elevate flavour. And, as this technical toolbox reimagines cocktail menus across the continent, Africa’s indigenous pantry is being explored like never before.
While we have our First World brethren to thank for many of these skills and methods, in African hands they feel less imported than inevitable – the next chapter in a long tradition of creating magic from minimal means. Equally significant is a move towards cultural sustainability, where pride in heritage is as important as environmental responsibility. After all, as we say in South Africa, local is lekker
What’s emerging is an interpretation of sustainability that’s distinctly African –where bartenders and mixologists lean into what makes their regions unique, and storytelling becomes a key ingredient in giving drinks a truly local flavour. You might even call it the sustainability of culture itself.
MOROCCAN MIXOLOGY
CASABLANCA, MOROCCO
In Morocco, Achraf El Moufadal of Moroccan Mixology approaches sustainability by blending heritage with contemporary technique. “We preserve our identity by incorporating iconic ingredients such as orange blossom, rose water, and mint, while applying modern methods,” he says.
An example is his Ginger Twist, a carbonated and clarified drink with gin, lemon leaves, ginger cordial, cucumber water, and orange blossom.
He also encourages mainstream sustainability. “We launched the ‘Bar World of Tomorrow’ programme to challenge bartenders to embrace the five Rs: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Respect, and Rethink.”
moroccanmixology.com
SERV’ BARTENDER INSTITUTE
ST PIERRE, MAURITIUS
Dean-David Oxenham at Serv’ teaches bartenders to avoid waste by perfecting their service techniques. “We start with the hard basics: precise pours, the correct glass, and garnishes that serve a purpose. Too often, we see good products going down the drain because measures or the correct glass haven’t been respected,” he says.
Additionally, Dean-David encourages students to express their multicultural heritage through fruit pickles, herbal infusions, and spices, while highlighting Mauritian rum. “It’s our one and only product that’s truly Mauritian, from field to glass.”
He also highlights the sustainability of the bar business. “Our vision at Serv’ is to bring recognition to the trade through professionalism, with the purpose of creating a virtuous circle for all stakeholders involved. Better bartenders drive better service, making happier guests, and ultimately driving better revenue. The plan is that everyone wins. Better hospitality, better recognition and pay, better bottom line for the venues.”
HERO
NAIROBI, KENYA
Hero’s philosophy is to put Kenyan produce first. With fertile soil and a yearround growing season, Kenya is a global breadbasket, exporting tonnes of non-native crops. While lucrative, Richie Barrow, GM of Food & Beverage at Hero, laments that this means farmers increasingly grow less local produce. To correct the trend, Hero uses Kenyan ingredients as much as possible.
Indeed, signature creations like Kijabe Kayama is 100 percent Kenyan, featuring Procera gin, lemon, fresh juniper, and holy basil. Richie changes the menu when ingredients aren’t available. “Overcoming challenges is part of what makes us African,” he laughs.
hero-kenya.com
With these practices, the next generation of African bartenders and mixologists are learning to combine craft, culture, and sustainability in every glass, leaving the continent’s cocktail scene as diverse and proudly local as the ingredients it celebrates.
serv.mu
TALKING TO STRANGERS
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
At Talking to Strangers, sustainability intersects with cultural storytelling, and co-owner Alessandro Galassi sees cocktails as a means to spark memory. “For us, cocktails are about nostalgia and identity. We craft drinks that speak to both individual experience and collective memory, inviting guests to taste and feel stories,” says Alessandro.
Playful cocktails such as Mielieees – a burnt-butter tequila margarita with charred-corn syrup – embody this philosophy perfectly.
Alessandro emphasises that sustainability “isn’t only about thoughtful sourcing, it’s about nurturing people, ideas and culture… creating an inclusive space that contributes to the community’s emotional and cultural longevity.”
cocktailbarcapetowntalkingtostrangers.capetown ■
in paradise
COSTA RICA IS WHERE CONSERVATION MEETS ADVENTURE. YOU’LL FIND BUTTERFLIES THE SIZE OF YOUR PALM, RAINFORESTS ALIVE WITH MONKEYS, AND HOT SPRINGS BUBBLING BENEATH VOLCANOES
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY LESLEY STONES
How far would you travel to feel the magic of a giant, iridescent blue morpho butterfly landing on your hand? Or for the delight of locking eyes with a fuzzy-haired sloth –one of nature’s most wonderfully bizarre creations – as it slowly crawls from one branch to another? If your answer is 12 500km and a 24-hour journey – how far it is from South Africa – then Costa Rica is calling.
Visiting this gorgeous country – a global poster child for conservation – is an unforgettable trip, and for my two weeks there, I wore a near-permanent silly grin. When those giant butterflies settle on your hand, you can’t help smiling. When you spot a sloth, that smile spreads from ear to ear. When you climb a volcano and see wafts of smoke drifting in front of endless forests; or when you taste the delicious, tangy fruits, fall asleep listening to monkeys, or float in the warm Caribbean sea – those smiles stay with you for weeks.
ENDLESS BEAUTY:
From it’s magical creatures to natural wonders, a visit to Costa Rica will leave you constantly in awe
A sliver of land in Central America, Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. It covers just 0.03 percent of the world’s land mass but is home to five percent of all known species, which are thriving in its 28 reserves and national parks. There are more than 200 volcanoes, beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, 50 species of hummingbird, and the country generates 98 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. It’s hugely popular with North American tourists, sparking a boom in luxurious lodges and adrenaline-fuelled adventure tourism. You can zipline or swing across bridges in the cloud forests, scale volcanoes, hike, go canyoning, luxuriate in hot springs, or go rafting, surfing, and diving.
From a conservation perspective, Costa Rica is celebrated globally for its transformative policies. The country shifted its approach from agricultural expansion to prioritising conservation and sustainability, proving that degradation is reversible.
But it wasn’t always a Garden of Eden. The banana and pineapple plantations were
notorious for poor working conditions in the mid 20th century, and deforestation due to monoculture farming and cattle ranches, threatened biodiversity. In fact, during the 1990s, Costa Rica had one of the worst deforestation rates in the world. Recognising the devastating effect on ecosystems and wildlife, the government designed strict conservation strategies, and it’s now the only tropical country that has actually reversed deforestation. Land has been rewilded and regenerated, industry monopolies broken, and sloth-protection measures applied so that they can live freely in the wild. Across the country, you’ll see signs reminding you that animals aren’t here for our amusement – so no selfies with the monkeys, please.
The national motto of Pura Vida –pure life – captures the country’s ecoconscious spirit. On the downside, however, the boom in tourism brings fresh challenges with it, and high-season tickets for popular parks sell out weeks in advance. Travelling in the low season from May to November is an alternative, but you’ll need a raincoat and some
flexibility as heavy rain and mudslides can cause road closures. Most visitors land in the capital city, San José, which has a few attractions of its own, but mainly serves as a gateway to Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
One of many highlights is Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast, accessible only by boat from the town of Caño Blanco. It’s wonderful to chug along jungle waterways with a guide who points out colourful kingfishers, toucans, lazy iguanas, or sharp-toothed caimans basking in the sun. The rustic Evergreen Lodge sits in this ‘mini-Amazon’ with chalets connected by wooden walkways and glassless windows so you fall asleep under a mosquito net to the open sounds of nature. The lodge is a boat ride away from the car-free village of Tortuguero, where more than 5 000 green turtles nest annually, and is a unique ecotourism experience.
Across the country on the Pacific side lies the Savegre Cloud Forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Talamanca mountains and home of the resplendent quetzal, an exquisite but elusive bird with a red breast, green crest, and a long, shimmering tail. To be honest, I skipped
the quetzal quest for time in the sauna and steam room in Savegre Nature Reserve and Spa, a lodge with spacious rooms and a cosy bar.
Slightly further north on the Pacific coastline, Manuel Antonio National Park offers pristine beaches where rainforest meets the sea. An area renowned for its diverse fauna and flora, this is where sloths abound – although they’re devilishly hard to spot in the treetops.
Despite the distance to get there, visiting Costa Rica is an extraordinary natural adventure and a lesson in eco-tourism. Pack your binoculars, swimsuit, and a poncho – and you’ll be smiling long after you leave.
“It’s the only tropical country that has reversed deforestation”
HOLIDAY OF DREAMS:
HOW TO GET THERE
Flights with just one connection include Johannesburg to Zurich with Swiss Air, onto San José; or from Cape Town via Newark in the US with United Airlines. Qatar Airways flies via Doha and New York, or go via London and Miami with British Airways and Avianca.
Uber operates in San José, and several local tour companies, such as Adventure Tours (adventuretourscostarica.com), can arrange bespoke itineraries. ■
Opt for a bridge walk in the cloud forest, hang out with white-faced capuchins, attend a cooking class, or visit the national theatre – Costa Rica has plenty to offer its tourists
SLOTH SPOTTING: Ironically, your best chance of spotting a sloth might be in the city – they’ve taken to the rewilded campus of San José University.
MONKEY BUSINESS: Listen to the ghostly cries of howler monkeys, try to outsmart the scavenging capuchins, and enjoy the acrobatics of spider monkeys.
HOT SPRINGS: Once you’ve hiked to the smouldering crater of Arenal Volcano, relax in the natural hot springs it produces. Several hotels are open to day visitors, like the luxurious Tabacón with its five pools and a swim-up bar, or find pools amid lush vegetation at the Springs Resort and Spa.
BEACH BLISS: Torn between the Caribbean or the Pacific? Costa Rica is so small that you can do them both in one holiday. The Pacific side is more developed, and it’s great for surfing. The Caribbean coast is laidback with jungles and rustic hotels.
FOODIE FEASTS: Try the national dish of gallo pinto – rice and beans usually served at breakfast alongside scrambled or fried eggs. Other local staples include corn and fried plantains, jazzed up with nicely spicy Lizano sauce and served with chicken and beef. Another traditional dish typically served at lunch is casado, a plate of rice, beans, salad, tortillas, fried plantain, and meat.
GOOD TO KNOW: The US influence has increased prices to make Costa Rica expensive by Latin American standards. On the plus side, you can travel with US dollars, because they’re accepted everywhere.
WHEN IN COSTA RICA
& memory light Zohra Opoku iWev a ng
Exploring the intersections of cloth, memory, and identity, Zeitz MOCAA presents We Proceed in the Footsteps of the Sunlight, the first museum survey exhibition dedicated to Ghanaian-German artist Zohra Opoku. The exhibition’s title is inspired by the Book of the Dead, the ancient Egyptian text known as Coming Forth by Day For Zohra, it is a poetic metaphor for her artistic and spiritual journey – a declaration of endurance and illumination. Positioned at the centre of her universe, she's both protector of – and protected by – the sun, a symbol of ancestral presence and the continuity of the soul.
Currently on show and running until October next year, the exhibit charts 10 years of artistic evolution, tracing what the museum describes as “quiet revolutions in cloth, memory, and self.” Trained in both fashion design and photography in Germany, Zohra’s practice transcends disciplines, extending her command of textiles into a rich, layered visual language that encompasses photography, printmaking, and textile-based installations. Across these mediums, she reflects on how identity and memory are woven into fabric, treating cloth as canvas and archive.
SPANNING A DECADE OF WORK, ZEITZ MOCAA UNVEILS WE PROCEED IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE SUNLIGHT , THE FIRST MUSEUM EXHIBITION OF ARTIST ZOHRA OPOKU with
Delving into the intimate relationship between cloth and the body, revealing garments are showcased as living vessels of memory that record both personal and collective histories. Textiles – whether inherited from family or sourced from local markets – carry stories that conceal and expose, protect and reveal. Through them, Zohra reconstructs her narratives.
This exhibition also explores the tension between concealment and revelation, a theme in Zohra’s exploration of identity and heritage. Three recurring elements – water, breath, and ground – anchor the exhibition’s curatorial structure. Water speaks to fluidity and ritual, seen in After the Prayer/Before the Prayer (2018); breath evokes the delicate balance between life and death, expressed through The Myths of Eternal Life (2020–2024); and ground signifies rootedness and belonging, embodied in Queen Mothers (2016), Unraveled Threads (2017), and Give Me Back My Black Dolls (2024–ongoing).
Through We Proceed in the Footsteps of the Sunlight, Zeitz MOCAA continues its commitment to present research-driven solo exhibitions that spotlight African and diasporic artists whose practices engage with Pan-African history and global interconnectedness. And this one undoubtedly positions Zohra as both guardian and witness of ancestral lineage and personal transformation.
We Proceed in the Footsteps of the Sunlight runs until 4 October 2026 at Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town. Visit zeitzmocaa.museum for more information.
ONCE OVERGRAZED, HUNTED, AND FORGOTTEN, THE CAMDEBOO NOW BREATHES AGAIN. AT SAMARA KAROO RESERVE, THE RETURN OF WILDLIFE, REVIVAL OF FLORA, AND DIGNITY OF COMMUNITY CRAFT INITIATIVES OFFER A BLUEPRINT FOR RENEWAL WORDS CLIFFORD ROBERTS
great the Karoo reset
Unexpectedly, my driver kills the engine – and with it, the headlights – plunging us into the near silence of the Camdeboo bush. The car door opens and shuts. When my eyes adjust, I find him dusted in starlight, looking up.
“See the great battle?” he asks, pointing out the constellation of Centaurus. Now a ringmaster, he illuminates the mythical characters of the ancient – but often unseen – drama that plays out every night above us. I’m mesmerised. He returns to the vehicle as quickly as he left and continues our search for game.
It felt like the perfect metaphor. Care to look around, and you soon see the great battle on terra firma: to restore an environment once under threat.
I’d arrived at the Eastern Cape’s Samara Karoo Reserve that afternoon, already familiar with its mission to revive a long-lost wilderness. The 27 100ha property, some 50km from Graaff-Reinet, spans five biomes, encompassing streams and rivers, succulentrich grasslands, and several peaks of the Sneeuberg mountain range in the Great Karoo.
Most recently, Samara has rejuvenated its Karoo Lodge, a collection of freestanding suites within its varied accommodation portfolio. This follows the earlier opening of its luxury off-grid tented camp, Plains Camp. To my mind, that was perhaps the most sustainability-oriented option
available to a responsible traveller – but I was wrong. We can attempt to shrink our carbon footprints to near invisibility, but what’s needed most is action.
The reserve – where restoration work has been underway for more than three decades – falls within the Mountain Zebra Camdeboo Protected Environment (MZCPE). This interconnected region spans 877 000ha – just over four times the size of Mauritius – where landowners agree on ecologically focused principles.
“Migrations of springbok were once like torrential rivers streaming across the plains of the Camdeboo,” says amateur historian, guide, and owner of Karoo Connections, David McNaughton, when we venture into Graaff-Reinet for a look-see. We’re standing atop Magazine Hill, where the
ABOVE & BELOW: Plains Camp, the luxury off-grid tented accommodation, makes use of sustainable practices at every turn
“Migrations of springbok were once like torrential rivers streaming across the plains of the Camdeboo”
raconteur lays out the expanse of the area’s history. This includes how one 19th-century trader exported more than a million animal skins to London in a single year.
It was a boom time. When diamonds and gold were discovered inland, promotional booklets sent new prospectors via a route from Algoa Bay to Graaff-Reinet and beyond. “If there’s one building that symbolises those golden years, it’s the Dutch Reformed Church built in 1886,” says David, referring to the Victorian Gothic landmark and its dramatic 46m central spire. Farming intensified, too. David points out slivers of spekboom in mountain ravines, inaccessible to generations of that era’s overgrazing.
Later, the arrival of the railways and other developments removed Graaff-Reinet as the prime stopover of choice. The drive for urban expansion dissolved, essentially saving its iconic architecture.
In recent years, wealthy families with ties to the region have joined both preservation and conservation efforts, while attracting influential connections from around the globe.
Back at Samara, I loved seeing ways I could help make a better world. The gift shop sells creations from the Graaff-Reinet Protective Workplace, a non-profit supporting some 40 adults with disabilities, as well as Blankets from Africa, a local company providing income for women in rural communities. Funds are also raised for the Vuyani Safe Haven, which supports children in need.
That evening, beside a roaring fire in the dining room, Executive Chef Vandeline Pienaar serves a memorable ostrich pot pie. The stemware, I note, is crafted from recycled glass by the world-renowned Ngwenya Glass. Every guest receives a complimentary glass water bottle in a bid to reduce plastic on the property – and when it simply can’t be avoided, it’s made from recycled materials.
Come bedtime, I’m ensconced within a nest of blankets. On the bedside table is a note to plant the spekboom that comes with it. The words resonate with me. “Nearly everyone takes action – as long as they’re asked,” writes Rutger Bregman in his book, Moral Ambition – Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference (Bloomsbury, 2025).
I leave the curtains of the sliding doors open, so when I finally turn off the lights, I can see the darkened veld outside. Everywhere are the brightest stars you can imagine. ■
CAMDEBOO LIVING: From bush walks and fishing to the food and gift shop, every corner of this Eastern-Cape gem is a lesson in rest and revival
OUT AND ABOUT
What to do while you’re in the area:
• Visit the new Rocco Torro distillery in Cronje Street that makes tequila-style agave spirit (daroccacraft.co.za), as well as the tasting room of Afrikanis Rum at 52 Somerset Street (afrikanis.co.za)
• Head 50km north of town to The Owl House in Nieu Bethesda, former home of reclusive artist Helen Martins (theowlhouse.co.za).
• Wander around the Hester Rupert Art Museum for a surprisingly comprehensive collection of some of South Africa’s most famous artists (hesterrupertartmuseum.co.za).
• Get a bird’s eye view of the Karoo landscape in the Valley of Desolation in the Camdeboo National Park (sanparks.org).
CHARGING
SWHETHER SERENE SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN OR BOLD BAVARIAN FUTURISM, THE VOLVO EX90 AND BMW IX XDRIVE60 ARE SHAPING TOMORROW’S ROADS TO SUSTAINABLE LUXURY WORDS EDWARD MOLEKE MAKWANA
ustainability is one of the defining words of our era – found globally in annual reports, brand manifestos, and boardroom conversations. In the luxury automotive world, it’s become a driving force that fuses ecological responsibility with engineering brilliance and design elegance.
I recently explored the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable luxury through two electric flagships: the Volvo EX90 and the updated BMW iX xDrive60. We also take a look at what’s next with the all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW’s newgeneration iX3, both unveiled at this year’s IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Germany.
THE VOLVO EX90
My first encounter with Volvo’s all-electric SUV was in April at its national media launch in Cape Town – a brief half-hour glimpse that left me intrigued. Fast-forward to July, and I finally had the opportunity to live with it for a week, driving from Johannesburg to Potchefstroom and back along the N12 Treasure Route.
The trip didn’t start smoothly. In the world of EVs, attention to detail is not optional – it’s essential. Minutes before departure, I discovered the EX90’s key fob had run out of battery. After a mild panic and a call to the fleet manager – who reminded me I could charge it on any wireless device – I was back on the road. But my charging plan for the car itself had gone out the window. With just 195km of range showing for a 152km journey, I pressed on, carefully balancing efficiency and pace.
Arriving in Potchefstroom with 32km to spare, I found a charging station, plugged in, and took a moment to reflect on how EVs are reshaping not just mobility, but mindset. Patience, planning, and precision – those are really the new luxuries.
True to Volvo’s DNA, the EX90 exudes serenity and safety. Dubbed “the safest Volvo ever built,” it’s cocooned by an invisible network of LiDAR sensors, cameras, and radar systems, all powered by NVIDIA DRIVE AI and Volvo’s proprietary software. It feels like driving with a silent guardian – one that never blinks.
Beneath its sculpted, minimalist exterior lies a formidable dual-motor setup producing 380kW of power and 910Nm of torque, sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds. The 111kWh battery promises up to 751km of range and can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes on a 250kW charger. It’s luxury made effortless: elegant, composed, and quietly confident.
“They redefine what it means to move responsibly without compromising soul”
THE UPDATED BMW IX XDRIVE60
Just weeks later, I found myself behind the wheel of the updated BMW iX xDrive60. Instantly, it felt like I was meeting a very different personality: bold, expressive, and unapologetically futuristic. Every movement felt deliberate, each response immediate.
If the Volvo EX90 represents the calm of a Scandinavian lounge, the BMW iX is the cutting-edge penthouse of tomorrow. With sharper headlights, a reimagined illuminated kidney grille, and sculpted surfaces that catch the light like a tailored suit, it’s a masterclass in modern design. Inside, the cabin is expansive, tactile, and intelligent; futuristic yet warm.
The updated iX xDrive60 now delivers 400kW of power and 765Nm of torque, launching from 0 to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds. Its adaptive recuperation and new “MAX RANGE” function can stretch distance by up to 25 percent, offering a range of up to 738km.
Charging from 0 to 100 percent at an AC station takes just under six hours, while a DC fast charge adds 80 percent in about 35 minutes. What truly impressed me was the My BMW App – allowing route planning, charger selection, and cost estimation before you start the car.
PRACTICAL LUXURY
Pricing starts at R2 975 000 for the BMW iX xDrive60, while the Volvo EX90 begins at R2 650 000, and both offer impressive after-sales support. To sweeten the deal, each brand includes two years of complimentary public charging and a home wallbox installation – thoughtful touches that make EV ownership more seamless.
The iX is for the driver who wants to feel the future: sharp, daring, and dynamic. The EX90 is for those who want to glide through it: graceful, intelligent, and safe. Together they redefine what it means to move responsibly without compromising soul or style.
ON THE HORIZON
At this year’s IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Germany, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its all-electric GLC EV – the brand’s first model to feature a certified vegan interior, approved by The Vegan Society. Every soft-touch surface, from the seat upholstery to the headliner, is free from animal-derived materials. It’s a quiet revolution in conscious craftsmanship – proof that compassion and sophistication can coexist.
Meanwhile, BMW showcased the first series-production model of its visionary “Neue Klasse” – the new-generation BMW iX3. With sixth-generation eDrive technology, a range of up to 805km, and peak charging at 400kW, it promises unmatched efficiency in the premium segment. Its “Heart of Joy” system – four high-performance onboard computers that harmonise driving dynamics and AI – offers a glimpse into a future where machine and driver move as one.
“Mercedes-Benz unveiled its allelectric GLC EV – the brand’s first model to feature a certified vegan interior, approved by The Vegan Society”
A GREENER DEFINITION OF GRANDEUR
As I unplugged the Volvo EX90 and BMW iX xDrive60 for the final time, I realised that sustainability is no longer about sacrifice. It’s about progress that feels good, looks beautiful, and drives even better. The future of luxury mobility isn’t just electric – it’s enlightened. ■
F u l l Circle
AWITH A CAREER SPANNING
COMMUNICATIONS, DESIGN, AND CULTURAL STRATEGY, NIGERIAN CREATIVE AND BRAND CONSULTANT ZARA ODU DRIVES
SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES THAT PRIORITISE ARTISANSHIP AND CIRCULAR
THINKING
COMPILED
BY
INNOCENT NDLOVU
WHEN DID YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY START? I grew up in a creative home. My mother was an interior decorator and that influenced my desire for creativity. But I studied communications in Paris before receiving my Master’s degree in fashion in the UK. While I was in Paris, I also pursued fashion internships, which introduced me to the industry. The first fashion shows I was involved in were for Chanel and Valentino.
THROUGH YOUR COMPANY, DESIGNERS CONSOCIATE, YOU HELP BRANDS GROW IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY BY DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS AND INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START IT? I wanted to return to the process of handcrafting. Having worked in fashion for a while, it was always about runway events, shows in Paris, and shooting beautiful campaigns. All those things were great, but I also believed the industry needed to change. WHAT SPARKED YOUR FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY? Designers Consociate was initially based around production processes, ensuring that designers source locally and that we add value to the work of artisans. Sustainability as a niche wasn’t my vision, but I welcomed it because it was a nice segue from my communications background into something industry specific.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUSTAINABILITY WITHIN AND OUTSIDE OF FASHION?
My mentor always described sustainability as care and respect. And that idea has stayed with me. It’s about respecting materials, processes, food, and places. HOW DO YOU INTEGRATE MINDFUL LIVING IN YOUR EVERYDAY CHOICES?
I never buy anything without looking at the ingredients or tags. When I shop, I enquire about fabrics. I encourage my children to think consciously and educate them why certain products are harmful. It’s about doing your best and finding
balance, because living fully sustainably is not easy – especially in today’s world. There are always grey areas.
HOW HAS YOUR MOTHER’S CAREER INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU APPROACH BUSINESS, DESIGN, AND CREATIVITY? I didn’t realise how much her ethos influenced me until 2023 when I was developing Roundabout – a platform to share experiences, dialogue, and discovery about circularity and innovation in Africa. As a child, my mother had her work studio behind our house, and I grew up seeing craftspeople and carpenters making furniture. I understood the process of making things at a local level from a young age. That subconsciously informed my decision to work in this space.
HOW DO YOU FIND THE BALANCE BETWEEN YOUR WORK AND PERSONAL LIFE? They are intertwined so I don’t have to separate them. I obviously rest and pause to have family time and to reset. But generally, even when I’m on holiday, I’m thinking about fashion and work in the most organic way that doesn’t feel hectic. I’m blessed in that sense.
WHAT DOES LUXURY MEAN TO YOU, AND HOW DOES IT ALIGN WITH YOUR VALUES AROUND CIRCULAR FASHION? For me, luxury is sustainability – when something is made from the highest quality materials and can be worn over and over again.
HAVING LIVED IN LAGOS, PARIS, CALIFORNIA, AND LONDON, WHICH CITY BEST REFLECTS YOUR FASHION SENSIBILITY WHILE ON THE MOVE? I would say a mix of Paris and Lagos. But Paris is more me.
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO RITUAL WHEN YOU NEED TO FEEL INSPIRED? Pinterest puts me in a positive mood. I can go onto it and feel like I’m in a different world. IS THERE A MOVIE THAT BEST CAPTURES YOUR TASTE? I used to like Funny Face, but I don’t know if it still resonates with me. It’s very fashion coded. I’m not sure if there’s a specific film that defines my taste at the moment.
YOUR ULTIMATE STYLE MUSE? I used to be obsessed with editor and stylist Shala Monroque. She has the most incredible style. The way she dresses herself and mixes brands like Prada, Miu Miu, and Dries Van Noten is so good. She’s the original fashion influencer. ■
