Forever 21 launches at Canal Walk on 13 September 2014

Forver 21 launch pic

If you’ve been to the USA, or even watched enough American movies, you will have inevitably heard of the retailer Forever 21. Not to be confused with the Australian brand, Forever New, this is the American equivalent of Mr Price, I’d say.

Well, Forever 21 will be opening its first store on the African continent on the 13th of September 2014. The 1,400-square metre store will open in retail developer Hyprop Investments’ Canal Walk shopping centre in Cape Town.

“We are pleased to welcome another leading international brand to our portfolio, which will further underpin Canal Walk as the premier, quality fashion destination in the Western Cape,” says Hyprop CEO Pieter Prinsloo.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, privately-held Forever 21 is primarily a youth brand known for offering the latest international runway trends at the greatest value, boasting stores across the US with an international footprint in ten Latin American countries, 19 Asian countries and five European countries.

“We are excited to enter the South African market and have plans for some exceptional stores for this market,” says Jatin Malhotra, Forever 21’s Director of Real Estate and Business Development. “Canal Walk ticks all the right boxes for us in terms of the kind of mall that we feel would be the best venue for our brand. We are happy to commence this relationship with a key landlord.”

Prinsloo adds: “Establishing a relationship with leading international fashion brands such as Forever 21 aligns with our strategy of driving a vibrant tenant mix and offering shoppers access to popular leading labels.”

Canal Walk (affectionately known as “Kanala Walk” to the Muslim locals – Kanala means please in Malay) is also home to UK-based chic brand Top Shop. Inditex’s fast fashion brand Zara has a store in Johannesburg. Swedish fashion giant H&M is also slated to open a Johannesburg store sometime in 2015.

Forever 21, with estimate sales of about $4 billion, operates over 480 stores under the Forever 21, XXI Forever, For Love 21, Heritage 1981, and Reference brands.

Continue reading

Land Rover Africa Cup Polo Tournament at the Inanda Club

Land Rover pic to use copy

I was pleasantly surprised when an invite for the Land Rover Africa Cup 2014 Polo Tournament popped into my inbox. The first thing I thought was “What does one wear to a polo match?” After some “research” I was relieved to see that it did not really involve fascinators and the like. But that did not stop Jen Su from wearing one. Of course, unusual hats are her trademark, and I bet that she has Philip Treacy and Albertus Swanepoel (renowned milliners) on speed dial.

Continue reading

Johnny Clegg to conjure Madiba Magic in the gardens this July

JohnnyClegg368

No weekend plans as yet? If you live in Gauteng, here’s something to do on Sunday, 6 July.

Iconic musician Johnny Clegg and indie rockers Shortstraw will headline the Old Mutual Music in the Gardens concert at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden on Sunday, 6 July 2014, as the country celebrates the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.

“The 18th of July would have been Tata Madiba’s 96th birthday,” says Old Mutual sponsorship manager Bandile Mngoma. “While we as a nation were grief-stricken by his passing last December, we are privileged to be able to honour his memory through this very special concert.
Continue reading

Holiday fun with Ben 10 and Mister Maker at DStv Kids’ Xtravaganza

DST kids

The June/July school holidays are here and if you are looking for something fun to do with your kids, then check out the DStv Kids’ Xtravaganza. This brings your children’s favourite television characters to life at Vodacom World in Midrand from 28 June to 6 July 2014.

Young children and tweens will be treated to regular 30-minute live shows featuring Mister Maker and Ben 10, from their favourite DStv kids’ shows.

Ben 10, the popular character from Ben 10 Omniverse on Cartoon Network (DStv channel 301), will be appearing in the multimedia stage show Top Secret Plumbers’ Academy from 28 June to 1 July.

Continue reading

Da Vinci The Genius – An Inspirational Exhibition

Da Vinci cover image

I was recently invited to the “Da Vinci – The Genius” exhibition, currently on at the Amazing Place in Woodmead, Sandton. Having watched a few episodes of “Da Vinci’s Demons” on FOX, I was familiar with some of his ingenious inventions, so it was with great excitement that I went to see the exhibition, which has been extended to the 27th of July 2014, due to public demand.

Continue reading