calvin klein arrives in cape town in style

A fashion brand that needs absolutely no introduction, Calvin Klein opened it’s doors in Cape Town, South Africa in November 2014 with a soiree to rival all others. SA’s top celebrities and socialites including Cosmopolitan Magazine SA‘s Sexiest Man 2014 & TV Personality Jonathan Boynton-Lee, TV personality Maps Maponyane and Syfy Channel‘s ‘Dominion‘ actress Kim Engelbrecht took to the red carpet at this prestigious launch event. With mouth watering hors d’oevres, champagne and wine to celebrate, I was delighted to see so many friends and familiar faces including JP Duminy with his gorgeous wife Sue Duminy, Cindy Nell, Catriona Andrew, Ty Keogh, Tanya van Graan with her husband Kasper Kristoffersen, Tammy B, Bjorn Steinbach, Roxy Louw and, always willing to help with anything, comedian Anne Hirsch showed me around the store (pics on Denzil Jacobs Photography Facebook Page tomorrow). It certainly was a spectacular evening and after taking a look around the store, it’s all about casual chic for men and women (jeans starting at around R1800.00 per pair) all the way to formal suiting for men and everyone’s favourite, Calvin Klein underwear for men an women. All current ranges on par with what you’d find at CK globally.

Stop by at Calvin Klein at V&A Waterfront and pick up a little something CK… you know you want to!

luxury: tom ford private blend fragrance – tuscan leather

Most of my friends understand (or at least pretend to understand) my love of all things luxury, but here I’ve decided to talk a little about another passion of mine, fragrances. The Tom Ford Private Blend Fragrance range to me could be the best of both worlds, combining my passion for luxury and my love of fragrances. One of the most influential men in fashion (in the world), the genius that is Mr Tom Ford has released an impressive line of niche fragrances made of the finest ingredients. I sniffed a rose bases fragrance by Mr Ford called Cafe Rose, and it smells like an actual rose, like you’ve jumped into a rose… unparalelled! I’d like to talk a bit about one of my all time favorite Tom Ford fragrances that I recently purchased and love to wear out or even just at lounging at home if I need a little reminder of luxury (just to put a smile on my face), Tuscan Leather.

Tuscan Leather, this niche fragrance is so incredibly complex and actually smells like delicious, good old-fashioned fine leather. With a rustic robust opening, your senses are immediately whisked off to an ethereal vintage world. Hints of raspberry adds sweetness as the fragrance dries down, with the main note, leather, ever-present. It projects just enough (not too much, not too little) and lasts the whole day. It’s dry down is simply sweet leather, simple and elegant.

“THIS ULTRA-SEXY INTERPRETATION CAPTURES THE PRIMAL, ANIMALISTIC SCENT OF LEATHER AND IT’S SMOOTH VOLUPTUOUS QUALITIES. A MODERN CLASSIC, THE ADDITION OF OLIBANUM, NIGHT BLOOMING JASMINE, AND BLACK SUEDE GIVES IT A DISTINCTIVE, MODERN SPIN THAT IS RAW YET REFINED, SENSUAL YET SOPHISTICATED.” – Tom Ford describes Tuscan Leather.

I absolutely love this fragrance, with Tom Ford‘s Tobacco Vanille coming in at a close second in my starting line-up of my all time favorite fragrances. I have worn Tuscan Leather to many events, premieres and social occasions and find that it’s most suited for black tie events, a little dressing up with a cheeky touch (raspberry sweetness) but also perfect for casual wear. Confident, sexy, cheeky, fun, formal, strong and mostly… manly. This is a very masculine fragrance in my opinion, however it is marketed as unisex (as is all Tom Ford Private Blend Fragrances). That said, I don’t believe any fragrance is for men or women only, whatever fragrance you like, you should wear regardless of the marketed target demographic.

The best leather fragrance in my opinion – Tom Ford Tuscan Leather.

Ps. Tom Ford Private Blend Fragrance range is now available at Edgars (V&A Waterfront) in Cape Town. It’s not cheap, but boy is it worth it!!

upcoming event: ‘the peace table’ – charity & fashion event of the year on table mountain

This year the annual Peace Table event will be taking place on Africa Day, 25 May 2014, just eighteen days after our heralded 20th democratic election. Each year, for the past fifteen years, the Peace Table has focussed on charities that care for the children of South Africa and to date, just over R15million has been raised. The event, which takes place on the slopes of Table Mountain, will host 700 ordinary South Africans at one long table and celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of our country. The only event welcomed onto the protected ground of our majestic Table Mountain, The Peace Table hosts a three course luncheon for 700 guests, which is prepared by a team of leading South African chefs including Peter Tempelhoff from the Cellars-Hohenort and Myatt Café from the V&A Waterfront to name a few. They all will be giving of their time and expertise to this worthy cause. Top South African artists also give of their time and take to the stage to keep guests entertained while they enjoy their delicious meal. Previous years have seen performances from Freshly Ground, The Parlotones, Heinz Winkler, Sibongile Khumalo, PJ Powers, Judith Sephuma, Vicky Sampson, Louise Carver, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Sipho Hotstix Mabuse. This year to add even more excitement to the event and in light of Africa Day, Jan Malan, well known fashion show director, will be putting on a fashion show with top African designers including David Tlale, KLÛK CGDT, Craig Port, Taibo Bacar from Mozambique, Loin Cloth & Ashes from Tanzania, MaXhosa by Laduma. They will be showcasing their latest fashions and will include some top celebrities modelling too with make up done by Gorgeous to Go with Bobbi Brown and hair styled by Marios Company for hair. Enviable items will also go up for the auction, which will be led by well-known auctioneer, Ariella Kuper. 100% of all the proceeds from the ticket sales benefit charities assisting abused children.  With a child being raped every 3 minutes in South Africa, it is our responsibility to raise awareness for this plight. This joyful celebration showcases SA’s multi-cultural diversity and brings together committed South Africans from all walks of life, creed and culture, and simultaneously, a wonderful opportunity to raise funds for charities that care for children in need. There is no better time than now to stand up and be counted. Re-evaluate. The organisers will seek out every platform imaginable to urge all South Africans – at the Table, and not – to be with them on that day, at that time, with that depth of commitment to our country’s future. Fiera Milano Exhibitions Africa operates a Section 21 company that organises this annual fund raising event and was founded by Christine Cashmore, CEO of Fiera Milano Exhibitions Africa. The Peace Table allows ordinary South Africans to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate and provides a beacon of hope and positivity. The mission of those involved is to generate a place where like-minded people can celebrate the goodwill amongst people who care for the common good of humankind. Those involved in this historic event are committed to building a better life for all; a life where peace is a given, where we all can interact and communicate, so that our understanding of each other can grow and bring us closer to the concept of one nation, one vision.

To book tickets please visit www.computicket.com.

For more information: http://www.fieramilano.co.za/giving-back/

Ticket prices:  VIP R550 General R480 For media enquiries please contact The Little Black Book PR: Jules Illing – jules@thelittleblackbook.co.za For sponsorship enquires please contact:

Marina Nestel – marina@thelittleblackbook.co.za

seelan restaurant opens at the v&a waterfront, cape town

Seelan Restaurant & Bar recently opened its door at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Seelan Sundoo who has worked in the restaurant industry for over 23 years thought it was time that he finally ventured out on his own which resulted in this latest addition to the Waterfront. Seelan Restaurant & Bar combines a variety of contemporary and European inspired dishes including all of Seelan’s signature dishes many of which he describes as “home cooked meals with a twist. Fresh and simple is the best approach”, he says. Seelan Restaurant & Bar provides a relaxed and vibey atmosphere, perfect for lunch, after work drinks, and dinner. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes including Rotisserie Chicken, Rotisserie Duck, the famous “Duck Rice Dish ” and Seelan’s world famous Prawn Curry.  The seafood platters are also great value for money and are a popular choice for patrons. Seelan also boasts an outstanding wine menu including a Seelan’s house wine, which is produced locally by Allee Bleue in Franschhoek.

In March, Seelan Restaurant & Bar hosted their launch event with guest including Jackie & Jacob Wiese, Sue Duminy, Thandie Kupe, Busisiwe Nyeti, Concetta Rothschild, Paul Newman, Nick French, Arie Fabian, Rafeeka Allie, Jasna Zellerhoff and many more, were treated to some of Seelan’s signature dishes and wines. With a stunning view when seated outside or a warm atmosphere when seated inside, Seelan has pulled out all the stops to ensure that his guests enjoy a world class dining experience at Seelan. For bookings please call 021 421 4906 or email reservations@seelan.co.za. Also visit Seelan Restaurant & Bar on Facebook and follow Seelan Restaurant & Bar on Twitter for more details about their menu. Seelan is open from 11:30 am – 11:45 pm daily, Shop 8 Quay 5, V&A Waterfront Cape Town.

Special thanks to The Little Black Book PR, Hilton Weiner, Levi Strauss SA and Spoilt Hair.

absolut elyx privé – sala africa luxury & wealth summit 2014 cocktail party

Privé Cocktail Reception – The Lookout, V&A Waterfront. SALA Africa Luxury & Wealth Summit 2014 co-hosted with GUILD and in collaboration with Vlisco and Absolut Elyx, the privé launch event for the summit saw guests from across the Luxury and Wealth Management sectors spend an evening with Trevyn McGowan and the exhibitors at GUILD. Friends of SALA, old and new enjoyed drinks mixed by the specialists behind the Absolut Elyx bar while exploring Africa’s first design fair. International guest speakers in town for the host event – SALA Africa Luxury & Wealth Summit, had an opportunity to open discussions about the relevance of Africa in the international luxury arena which was elaborating upon at the main Summit day at the Cavalli Estate in Somerset West.  Vlisco CEO Hans Ouwendijk was present to elaborate on the 168 year relationship, that the Dutch company has had with the African continent and the relevance of the textile industry and it’s exciting developments in elevating traditional West African wax textiles to the international luxury platform. Vlisco have also collaborated with GUILD featured designer Nacho Carbonell on a special installation – “Playground Closes at Dusk” located in the BMW Art Garden.

Thank you Marina Nestel and The Little Black Book PR for an inspiring evening with guests including Tanya Nefdt, Henri Slier, Barbara Lenhard, Tammy Cameron and more. Special thanks to Stuttafords (Tommy Hilfiger) and Hilton Weiner for dressing me and Spoilt Hair for styling me.

luxury: louis vuitton ‘wapity case’ in monogram canvas

This in certainly a little gem in the Louis Vuitton offer, the Wapity Case is currently only available in this french maison’s Monogram canvas.  This versatile piece with red fibre lining is perfect for any small items such as make-up, keys, money, credit cards. For it’s size, it carries a surprising amount of items and is probably the most used piece in my Louis Vuitton collection. For more about this product, visit www.louisvuitton.com or stop by your nearest store. If you’re in South Africa, call LV Sandton, Johannesburg on 011 784  9854 or LV V&A Waterfront, Cape Town on 021 405 9700. Stay up to date with the latest news from Louis Vuitton, follow @LouisVuitton on Twitter.

tiger of sweden launches in cape town

With a legacy for excellence in fashion and clothing design perfected over 110 years, Tiger Of Sweden has opened it’s doors in Cape Town. Guests including singer Danny K, television personalities Jennifer Su, Liezel van der Westhuizen and Leigh-Anne Williams, actress Vanessa Haywood as well as former Miss South Africa Nicole Flint were invited to enjoy an evening of fine fashion, canapés and champagne at the official launch of the new Tiger of Sweden at the V&A Waterfront. It was certainly a spectacular event with models showcasing some of the brands most iconic and modern pieces while guests browsed the collections and tried a few garments on.

“It’s a philosophy in a sense, we want to have a different cut to make us more unique, “ Ronnie McDonald, responsible for the menswear tailoring department, tells me, “It can mean a detail, it can mean a silhouette, fabric. It’s the idea that we’re constantly striving to be unique in some ways.” Over a glass of sauvignon blanc at the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town, I chatted with Fredrik Folkesson, Product Manager and Head Sourcer Denim, about their jeans. “We looked at the market, we wanted to do a different cut when it came to silhouettes and fits, to [take] out the cow-boy and put in the rockstar instead.” says Fredrik, “A bit of rock and roll.”

Later, the festivities continued as a select few guests were invited to enjoy dinner and champagne at Shimmy Beach Club. One of Cape Town’s hottest summer spots, the evening was enjoyed by celebrities and some of South Africa’s top bloggers including Leigh van den Berg, Elrico Bellingan, Karisa Nichols, Clouds Drummond and Jasna Zellerhoff.

Visit the new Tiger Of Sweden Cape Town Store at the V&A Waterfront or visit the international store at www.tigerofsweden.com.

Special thanks to ZebraSquare PR.

 

 

tommy hilfiger launches in cape town

International fashion label, Tommy Hilfiger recently opened it’s doors in Cape Town with a star studded launch event at their new V&A Waterfront store. Special guests including radio & television personalities Tracey Lange, Janez Vermeiren, Jennifer Su, Liezel van der Westhuizen and models Cindy Nell and Tanya van Graan were invited to be dressed by Tommy Hilfiger for this exclusive event. Guests invited to enjoy champagne, canapés and a special gift from Tommy Hilfiger included Ryan Botha, Vanessa Haywood, Roxy Louw, Sue Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Sherrin Davie, Jackie Wiese, Jacob Wiese, Clayton Morar, Sharlene Lawrence, Thandie Kupe, Jasna Zellerhoff and myself. Later, VIP guests were invited to celebrate further with Moët & Chandon champagne at the official after party at Shimmy Beach Club. In addition to an amazing launch and party, guests were treated to a personalized monogramed blanket by Tommy Hilfiger.

Special thanks to Marina Nestel for The Little Black Book PR.

sunglass hut ‘out of the box’ events

Sunglass Hut, the global leader in the retail distribution of fashion, luxury and sports eyewear has announced the launch of their designer pop-up retail concept in a truly ‘Out Of The Box’ experience. To reveal the cutting edge pop-up retail experience, Sunglass Hut will be hosting two exclusive events on 22 November 2012 in Melrose Arch Johannesburg and on 29 November 2012 at The Quayside at the V&A Waterfront. True to Sunglass Hut style, the events are a celebration of everything fashion-forward and glamorous, entertainment by one of South Africa’s rising stars and attended by Sunglass Hut’s A-list friends. Guests will get a first look at trend focused and fashion forward products from brands such as Ray-Ban, Prada, Persol, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Bvlgari and Burberry.

In keeping with the brands holiday campaign featuring global brand ambassador Georgia May Jagger themed ‘Out Of the Box’, the events will unwrap luxury to selected guests who will be able to purchase exclusive styles including the Dolce & Gabbana Sicilian Baroque Collection. In addition, customers will have the chance to win tickets to the Sunglass Hut exclusive ‘Out of the Box’ summer parties by joining the Sunglass Hut Inner Circle. Winners will have the opportunity to win the grand prize: a trip to New York. The Sunglass Hut pop-up retail concept will be open to the public in each location for two days after the official reveal.

For more information visit www.innercirclesunglasshut.co.za.

grand hotel fabiani event

Fabiani hosted a Grand Hotel Fabiani event at their V&A Waterfront recently to celebrate their Summer 2012/2013 collection and treat their loyal customers to a night of fashion and entertainment. The Waterfront store was transformed into a scene from a European resort hotel, complete with faux grass, hotel and travel themed decor, and even a putting green. VIP guests including Matthew Booth, Ryan Botha, celebrity stylist Marilize de Clercq and VIP Fabiani customers were treated to Chivas whisky, Bos Ice Tea, San Pellegrino water, Wings Group chocolates and Daniela‘s decadent treats, with the entertaining modern jazz sounds of Rus Nerwich and the Collective Imagination.

Look out for the new look Fabiani store at Cavendish Square opening soon! Visit Fabiani for more info.

Special thanks to Vivid Luxury PR.