Cotton On Foundation Launches Mental Health Campaign with Lady Gaga’s Born this Way Foundation

Australian-born fashion and lifestyle brand Cotton On have partnered their philanthropic arm, Cotton On Foundation with US-based non-profit Born This Way Foundation, founded by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Bissett Germanotta, in 2012. Together, they aim to raise $5 million USD for global mental health, with R2 500 000 being donated to provide mental health support for youth in South Africa. 

“We’re honored to partner with Cotton On Foundation for our first global campaign amplifying our mission to build a kinder, braver world together,” said Lady Gaga, Co-Founder of Born This Way Foundation. “We are constantly working to uplift the stories of young people worldwide, and through this partnership, we invite everyone to practice kindness and learn how to better support one another. Our research tells us that kindness is one way we can support each other’s mental health.”

The two organisations came together to create a range of limited-edition products available from 1 September – 10 October 2023 with Cotton On donating 100% of the net proceeds to Born This Way Foundation, making Cotton On one of the biggest corporate contributors to global youth mental health resources and support in 2023. Customers can purchase items, including caps, T-shirts, tote bags, stationery, and a denim jacket online and in select stores globally. The ‘Kinder, Braver, Together’ product design was inspired by Born This Way Foundation’s mission of supporting youth mental health and working with young people to build a kinder, braver world. An ethos shared by Cotton On Foundation on their journey to create a world where everyone can thrive.

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Gert-Johan Coetzee dresses the finalists of the Miss South Africa Pageant 2023

Images courtesy of Zebra Square PR

The highly anticipated Miss South Africa 2023 pageant took place on the 13th of August at the SunBet Arena in Time Square, Pretoria. Accompanied by 5 other leading South African designers, Gert-Johan Coetzee presented the five finale gowns, designed specifically for the glittering event and the graceful finalists.  

Coetzee, who is no stranger to designing stunning couture gowns, stated that the handmade pieces took seven women over 2000 hours to craft.  

“In creating the final gowns for the Miss South Africa top 5, I’ve drawn inspiration from the captivating diversity of our country. South Africa’s spirit, especially embodied by its incredible women, is a wellspring of inspiration,” says Coetzee.  “These gowns are a testament to the power of unity – just as countless individual beads come together to form these dresses, our rainbow nation’s strength shines brightest when we stand together.” 

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Joburg Polo in the Park

I attended the inaugural Standard Bank Polo in the Park in 2019, and it was indeed a spectacular day!

Now, this much awaited polo event is back for 2023!

African Deluxe Company, event producers of the Joburg Polo in the Park, have officially confirmed the 2023 edition of the Standard Bank Joburg Polo in the Park, set to take place this September at the Polo Fields at the esteemed Inanda Country Base in Kyalami, with tickets sales currently open.

Back for a third year, the Joburg Polo in the Park first launched in 2019, encapsulating the time-honoured sport of Polo with high fashion, good music and delectable gourmet food and drink.

The Standard Bank Joburg Polo in the Park offers a delightful way to enjoy the sport of kings as they host a unique format of polo featuring only three players aside from an inflatable ball, unlike the hard ball used in traditional matches. The game captures the imagination of equestrian lovers in grand style, allowing spectators to get up close to the exciting action while enjoying all the thrills of the matches.

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L’Oréal Paris Announces Sponsorship of Miss South Africa 2023

L’Oréal Paris is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of Miss South Africa 2023.

As the official makeup, skin, and hair care sponsor for Miss South Africa 2023, L’Oréal Paris is dedicated to empowering women to embrace their worth and showcase their beauty inside and out.

In this ground-breaking partnership for the brand, L’Oréal Paris has provided an array of high-quality products to the finalists, ensuring they radiate confidence and glamour throughout the competition. Additionally, L’Oréal Paris has assembled a team of talented Makeup Artists who have contributed their expertise to the five-part reality “Miss South Africa” TV series and the highly anticipated Miss South Africa finale.

What sets this sponsorship apart is L’Oreal Paris’ commitment to inclusivity and diversity. This aligns with the recent rule changes for Miss South Africa 2023, allowing married women and those with children to participate in this iconic contest for the very first time. The age limit has also been modified, reflecting a bold approach that embraces L’Oreal Paris’ long-standing commitment to supporting all women worldwide.

With this collaboration, L’Oréal Paris aims to inspire everyone to “Walk Your Worth.”

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Sandton City spearheads the integration of AI in “Future Icons” campaign

True to its promise to stay at the forefront of the African retail landscape, Sandton City has taken another leap forward. In 2022, the centre launched its “City of Icons” campaign, profiling iconic fashion staples such as the little black dress, denim, trench coat, hoodie and suit, with shoes, sunglasses, handbags, and lipstick, all must-haves for any fashion forward shopper. Now, the esteemed shopping centre has taken the campaign to another level, inviting shoppers to imagine what the city of icons will look like, in the future, featuring these iconic items, tech-nified.

Driven by a futuristic vision, tech savvy shoppers will be delighted to see artificial intelligence (AI) generated iterations of these items, and others, crafted in the same approach, that propel the imagination on a futuristic journey. Generated using a Midjourney Bot on Discord, a generative artificial intelligence program, the campaign aims to help visitors to the centre envisage incorporating these essential items into their future fashion routines and to imagine future possibilities, where technology and icons integrate.

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