Rubicon’s Latest Collection at SA Fashion Week

Posted on April 23, 2023 by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem

21 April 2023 saw the House of Rubicon bring to life an authentic celebration of heritage with the showcasing of their latest collection at South Africa Fashion Week.

Commemorating twenty-one years as a style and culture institution in South Africa’s fashion landscape, Rubicon’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection marries the eastern and western influences with African elegance, while paying homage to the reimagined Myth of Origin story about the lost kingdom of Mapungubwe.

Founder and Creative Director, Hangwani Nengovhela draws inspiration from the landscapes and artifacts recovered at the world heritage site. The kingdom’s origins, passed through oral history, tell a tale of three brothers journeying through the region. One brother was inspired to stop and sleep over while the other two traveled on. He awoke the next morning to the breathtaking sight of Mapungubwe’s landscape with it’s beautiful salt pans. This brother went on to establish the kingdom that would later be known as both an economic and cultural trading hub inviting travelers from throughout the continent as well as overseas, including Europe and Asia to make the journey to trade in gold, pottery, beading, and other items that were highly coveted in the great iron age.

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L’Oréal Paris Appoints Their First Sub-Saharan African Dermatologist – Dr Ayanda Motau

Posted on April 18, 2023 by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem

L’Oréal Paris recently announced their partnership with Dermatologist Dr Ayanda Motau. A first ever for the African continent.

L’Oréal understands that there is no “one-fits-all” approach when it comes to beauty on the African continent. Their mission is to offer women and men in Africa the best of cosmetics innovation in terms of quality, efficacy, and safety because at L’Oréal, beauty is a science, a language and even a commitment. This partnership with Dr Motau represents a significant step towards this strategic mission.

Dr Motau is a young South African Dermatologist specialising in skin conditions affecting African skin and will be representing the Sub-Saharan Africa on their International Board of Dermatologists.

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Tyla Stuns in Front Row at Dolce & Gabbana

Posted on March 11, 2023 by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem

*Images Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana and Lucas Possiede*

Milan based Fashion heritage brand, DOLCE AND GABBANA’S SPRING/SUMMER 2023 show was a stunning affair that left attendees in awe of the brand’s innovative and unique approach to fashion. The runway show featured over 75 stunning looks, each one more impressive than the last. But it wasn’t just the fashion that impressed the audience, it was also the star-studded guest list that included some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. So, it goes without saying that having TYLA sitting front row was an incredible moment! It was TYLA’s first-ever fashion debut, and she did it big! DOLCE AND GABBANA seated South African rising pop star TYLA front row right next to global icons Kim Kardashian and J Balvin. She attended the show wearing a vintage archived look from the early 90s.

The photos of her seated next to Kim Kardashian were shared widely on social media, further cementing her status as a rising pop star. Tyla broke the internet with her jaw-dropping avant-garde look for the show which garnered attention from new fans worldwide. She had everyone stunned by her beauty with many asking on TikTok “Who is that girl next to Kim?”

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‘WE ARE EGG’ Officially Launches in Johannesburg

Posted on November 21, 2022 by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem

Last week, I attended the official launch of the award-winning, next generation, experiential department store called We Are EGG at the Zone in Rosebank, with over 650 esteemed guests.

Boasting a long list of the whose who of the fashion and entertainment world in attendance, including TV royalty Candice Modiselle, Angel Sithole, Thandy Matlaila, Cedric Fourie, Jason Willemse and Sipho Eric Ndlovu, media personalities Kim Jayde, Taryn Louch and Luthando ‘Lootz’ Shosha, artists Leanne Dlamini and Gigi Lamayne and many more.

Also in attendance was former Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida and newly crowned Mrs South Africa Palesa Matjekane. Award winners Yaya Mavunda and Tumi ‘Itumeleng ‘Powerhouse’ Mokwwatlo delivered the fashion. We are EGG brand partners Amanda Du Pont of Lelive and Roxy Burger of The Piercery also attended the official opening. Fashion designers Paledi Segapo, Hangwani Nengovhela, Sello Medupe and Craig Jacobs also showed up to support the opening.

Guests were welcomed by retail pioneers, We are EGG owners Paul Simon and Arie Fabian who handled formalities, followed by a night of colourful fashion, live entertainment and an endless flow of Patron Paloma cocktails and cold servings of Heineken. The Jagermeister Brass Cartel were a huge highlight of the evening, while various DJs entertained the guests. Guests got a taste of what to expect from Mamasamba, We are EGG’s Restaurant set to open next month, with delicious plates.

Having officially opened last month, the store not only offers the ultimate curated shopping experience under one roof, but really is more of a lifestyle destination, with a coffee shop and soon-to-open restaurant. Featuring some of the freshest fashion brands for men, women and kids, this beautifully curated fashion hub includes over 150 carefully selected brands, 85% of which are South African owned, with a significant percentage being female owned.

The carefully curated, multi-faceted department store operates from Monday – Wednesday 9am-6pm, Thursday to Saturday 9am-7pm and Sunday 9am-5pm.

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KENDALL + KYLIE Launch in South Africa

Posted on November 18, 2022 by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem

KENDALL + KYLIE is a global lifestyle brand created by beloved style icons and fashion authorities, Kendall and Kylie Jenner. With a unique and unparalleled presence across the digital landscape, Kendall and Kylie have defined themselves as two of the most popular icons and personalities of this generation, with over 350 million fans globally.

Their clothing captures the unpredictable essence of today’s young fashion lover: confident, stylish, on trend and in charge.

By designing for their own lifestyle and tastes and identifying with the woman they inspire, the KENDALL + KYLIE brand serves an ambitious audience of taste makers who appreciate authentic style and who have influence among their immediate peers and social groups.

The KENDALL + KYLIE audience are social media followers and savvy web users who closely follow fashion trends every season.

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WE ARE EGG opens in Rosebank, Johannesburg

Posted on October 12, 2022 by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem

The award-winning next generation experiential department store, We Are EGG opened its 2^nd store at The Zone in Rosebank last week. The first day of trading was a massive success with Jo’burg shoppers queuing an hour before the official store opening to shop and support local and international brands.

Originally launched in Cavendish Square in December 2020, in the thick of the COVID-19 lockdown, by retail pioneers Paul Simon and Arie Fabian in partnership with Old Mutual, the new Rosebank store has been specifically created with the Jo’burg customer in mind and has been built on a similar model to the iconic UK based Selfridges department store. The beautifully curated 3000 SQM space features the very best local and international in mens, womens and kids fashion, beauty, home and jewellery departments and a high-energy, quintessential restaurant & bar, all under one roof.

Much like Selfridges, We Are EGG Rosebank is a wonderland not only fashion enthusiasts, but all lovers of high-end retail experiences, appealing to the hyper connected Jo’burg customer. With the spirit of an independent, EGG has the scale of a department store. The 150 brands have poured their creative souls into this project, and when you enter, you will feel the passion in the air.

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Cotton On Group unveils R300 million new headquarters and distribution centre for Southern Africa

Posted on July 23, 2022 by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem

The Cotton On Group has long been loved for the brands and trend-driven value products that it has brought to South Africa’s shores, such as Cotton On, Typo and Factorie. Now, the retail group has taken its presence in the region further by investing in a R300 million custom-built new central office and distribution centre in Johannesburg, that will further enhance their customer experience. Beyond signifying a commitment to the country, the new premises are an extension of the company’s pledge to Doing Good in all areas of its operations.

I was part of a handful of selected media to attend a VIP walk through of the new facility, and I got to see just how massive an operation it is to house millions of items, and to satisfy customers when they “add to cart” and order online.

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Cell C Inanda Africa Cup 2022

Posted on June 16, 2022 by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem

The Cell C Inanda Africa Cup is a knockout polo championship that offers an action-packed day with a display of exceptional horsemanship amongst competing teams from all over the African continent. The polo season continues to bring together a premium audience, with a taste for fashion, delectable dining experiences and an action packed game of polo with teams competing for the opportunity to be crowned the winners. This year’s tournament is set to take place on Sunday 26 June 2022, returning to the picturesque Inanda Club, situated in the heart of Sandton, where the influential polo set will experience a high-octane polo demonstration of talent and horse power in the dual for the coveted trophy. Teams from South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria, Tanzania as well as Zimbabwe have announced their return to the tournament to reclaim their winning title.

The polo season has had the country abuzz as fashion savants and polo novices all the way through to experts join in on enjoying and celebrating the fast-paced sport. The Cell C Inanda Africa Cup is no exception to this experience and promises to bring together patrons to enjoy an afternoon of horsemanship, swinging mallets and a social experience like none other.

“We are excited to join forces with the Inanda Club as they continue to pioneer and create development opportunities while retaining the entertainment value of the sport of polo. At Cell C, we pride ourselves in meaningful projects that drive unique experiences for consumers and the Cell C Africa Polo Cup will do exactly that. We are excited to see our South African development team showcase their skills against teams from the continent.” – Chief Commercial Officer, Simo Mkhize.

Well-known as the Sport of Kings, polo has always been known as a spectator sport for equestrians and high society, however with Cell C’s support, it is now accessible to all. The Cell C Inanda Africa Cup promises to bring a luxe experience with its Africa Now theme celebrating Africa’s elite fashion and social experiences in the 21^st century. The event invites patrons from all walks of life to enjoy unique experiences tailored to perfection.

Craig James, Polo Manager at Inanda Club concludes: “The Cell C Inanda Africa Cup is an exciting project for us at the Inanda Club. We are thrilled to be teaming up with an incredible partner such as Cell C who have made this prestigious event possible. Over the years we have seen a tremendous growth and interest in the sport of polo in communities where the sport was previously inaccessible and with every game we wish to execute bigger and better experiences so that patrons can come and enjoy an affair like none other.”

Patrons and guests can expect to be whisked away with upbeat sounds from Mzansi’s much loved DJs, while soaking up the sun, enjoying a delicious cocktail or drink of choice and, of course, enjoying the sport of polo and its well-known traditions such as divot stomping.

Let’s get ready to paint the polo field orange!

Packages include:

Picnic sites from R 3,000 for 5 pax OR R 5,500 for 10 Pax.

Go to Howler.co.za to book your tickets or click here: https://www.howler.co.za/cellcinandaafricapolo

Address Inanda Club, Forrest Rd & 6th Ave, Inanda, Sandton, 2196.

Panier des Sens Launches in South Africa

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem

I recently attended the launch of luxury French brand Panier des Sens, at the gorgeous LUEUR Wellness Spa in Parkmore, Sandton in Johannesburg. Lush, exquisite and truly French, can best describe the event, set in a tropical looking garden filled with Panier des Sens (meaning basket of the senses) products around every corner.

Inspired by the natural resources of France and old Mediterranean know-how, the company creates perfumes, soaps, luxurious creams and oils as well as candles and home fragrances , all of which magnify the beauty of Provence in the south of France. Now South Africans can get a taste, or rather indulge in the botanical fragrance of France, right here!

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SA Fashion Week 2022

Posted on April 4, 2022 by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem

Ecological sustainability, women’s empowerment, inter brand collaboration and proudly local production investment are some of the dynamic developments that mark SA Fashion Week’s 25th Spring/Summer Collections.

The SAFW’22 Spring Summer Collections will be showcased from 28 – 30 April, Parkade G5, Entrance 24 at Mall of Africa in Johannesburg.

Twenty iconic names including Ephraim Molingoana for Ephymol, Amanda Laird Cherry and Palesa Mokubung of Mantsho as well as cult Kasi brand, Loxion Kulca, now designed by Olé Ledimo, will launch their 2022 collections to the media, buyers, selected VIPs and a limited edition of public tickets through Quicket, alongside exciting new stars including 2021 New Talent winner Artho Eksteen as well as Fikile Zamagcino Sokhulu and Sipho Mbuto who both participated in the Fashion Bridges collaboration with Milan Fashion Week last year.

Hosted by SA’s favourite social personality, Maps Maponyane, the 24^th New Talent Search will again open the event with a line-up of six of the most promising young designers to watch. This year’s contenders are:

·       Thando Ntuli – MUNKUS
·       Nichole Smith – Ipikoko
·       Mikhile du Plessis – MeKay Designs
·       Calvin Lunga Cebekhulu – Czene.24
·       Sanelisiwe Gcabashe – Gjenelo Couture
·       Mimangaliso Ndiko – Sixx6

Other highlights of the first day is the CRUZ COLLECTIVE featuring Sokhulu and Mbuto as well as another new generation notable, Michael Ludwig Studio.

Day two opens with The OPPO COLLECTIONS which brings Artho Eksteen, Ezokhetho, the gender-neutral signature, The BAM Collective, and the much revered, Amanda Laird Cherry, together in a celebration of technology and perfection that will speak to OPPO’s Reno 5 mobile phone as the quintessential tool with which to capture the ethos of contemporary living as “the new spectator sport” which happens where everyone, everywhere engages, interacts, captivates and comments.

“We are excited to go into our second year of partnership with SA Fashion Week. This is an important partnership for OPPO, as it gives us the space to connect with our customers and it shows our commitment to empowering local talent through our technology to curate a line of sustainably resourced fashion that represents both the heartbeat and heritage of our country. We are looking forward to our second collection and what our designers will come up with this year. For us, it is all about the creative collaboration that translates South African culture into design, which is the essence of what the OPPO brand represents both locally and globally.” says Avashnee Moodley, Head of Marketing at Oppo South Africa.

This is followed by the high-profile trio of Cape Town-based Helon Melon who wowed audiences in 2021 with her all-white, sustainable collection, fashion forward Judith Atelier, an ardent supporter of South African mohair and perennial fashion week darling, Palesa Mokubung of Mantsho.