Added Luxury on Google+ Added Luxury: November 2012

Friday 30 November 2012

Earn Your Stripes with Signature Jordy Smith Oakley Sunglasses


Ranked as one of the best surfers in the world, Jordy Smith is proud to be launching his new Oakley sunglasses. The EARN YOUR STRIPES campaign will feature three Jeep Wrangler Sahara's emblazoned in zebra stripes, hitting the streets of Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. Those who spot them around town stand a chance of winning a pair of Jordy Smith Signature Series Sunglasses or the star-prize of a surf trip for two to the island of Bali.


Jordy wanted to produce a range of sunglasses, which can be used for extreme sports but also, look stylish enough to be worn everyday. Because he spends a lot of time surrounded by sun-drenched scenery, it was important that his Signature sunglasses be packed with cutting-edge technology.

Including Oakley HDPolarized lenses which are optimized with the clarity and impact resistance of High Definition Optics. Being some of the best polarized lenses on the planet, they filter out 100% UVA, UVB and UVC, helping Jordy maintain sharp colour recognition whilst living his adventure-filled life.


In addition to blocking out all UV, the 0 Matter frames have Unobtainium added to the earstems so that they actually grip better when you sweat, ensuring comfort all day long. The ear-stems and their metal bands were inspired by switchblade knives; the result being a range of sleek Oakley sunglasses with sporty yet modern frames that don’t try too hard. The Oakley Jupiter Squared shape says attitude with refinement. Paying homage to Jordy’s South African homeland every pair has a unique zebra stripe in the Oakley frame ‘O’ and give the included Microclear bag its own custom look.

The iconic zebra-striped Jeep Wrangler Sahara's will be found at various hot spots, big events and interesting destinations in the three cities over the next month including Camps Bay, V&A Waterfront and False Bay in Cape Town, Umhlanga, Gateway Shopping Centre and Ballito in Durban and Parkhurst, Sandton and Soccer City in Johannesburg.

Jeep Wrangler is excited to be a part of the EARN YOUR STRIPES campaign.: “Jeep is enthused by this association with the famous Oakley Brand. The Jeep Wrangler embodies a spirit of robust adventure and high-tech action, much like that found in the Oakley product range. A feeling of great anticipation has been experienced by all at the Chrysler and Fiat groups to witness the finished ‘Earn your Stripes’ zebra Jeeps hitting the roads now.”

Here's what you need to do

Once you spot the branded Jeeps take a pic and upload to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram include the campaign hash tag: #earnyourstripes. For Facebook mention ‘Oakley South Africa and Jeep South Africa’. For Twitter ‘@oakleysa and @JeepSA’ or for instagram ‘@oakleysouthafrica’ to stand a chance of winning.

Available at all Authorised Oakley Dealers, Sunglass Hut Stores and Matrix Stores Nationwide, anyone who purchases a pair of any Oakley's during November and December and uploads a picture of the Jeep, also stands a chance to win the star-prize of an all expenses paid surf trip for two to Bali in 2013. The Competition runs until the 15th December 2012.


Tuesday 27 November 2012

Game ON - The New PLAYOUTLOUD App


Launched this month by LIVEOUTLOUD as a signature high profile event at the Audi Centre, Sandton. The PLAYOUTLOUD App contains a cache of luxury goods worth over R5.7 million in total, and offers a unique, competitive format to an exclusive subscriber base which is limited to a fortunate 500 members.



The PLAYOUTLOUD Vault has seen over 92 luxury items worth over R313 700 being snapped up by members for a mere R37 000, with booty ranging in value from a R35 000 Siversea Cruise for R4999, to Hugo Boss sunglasses worth R3500 which were picked up for R380.00 and a R650 bottle of Grey Goose Vodka for R90.

“This App is building excitement to breaking point, “remarks LIVEOUTLOUD CEO, Mike Eilertsen.”All I hear are reports from the members who are telling me that this is the most fun that they have ever had with their phone.”


The entire process is independently run through an application development firm and separately audited, and yearly membership is purposely limited to 500 players to ensure everyone has a fair chance to win. The R5000 annual subscription fee buys one the coveted access key to the vault, while LIVEOUTLOUD treats members to a luxury goodie bag worth at least half the subscription fee.

Bis Badal from Badal Attorneys, who has been very active on the site from day one, remarks, “The uniqueness of PLAYOUTLOUD lies not merely in its concept or design, but that it combines the satisfaction of securing a bargain with the thrill of healthy competition”

Membership allows exclusive access to the PLAYOUTLOUD vault for one year. Everyday, registered Players receive an email or SMS at 09h00 revealing the identity of the sub R5000 prizes and the high value items which will be loaded during the course of the day.

When the virtual vault opens - which happens at random every 24 hours until November 2013 - members are notified via email and SMS; the first respondee has five minutes to accept the prize, otherwise they are kicked out the safe and the next quickest Player has their chance to successfully complete the transaction.


Dino Theodoulou, Director of Wheatcor, had only signed on as a member 15 minutes before he beat everyone else to the punch, “At first I thought it was too good to be true, but now I am a firm believer and a lifelong subscriber after claiming a R5800 Porsche Design bounce SL shoes for R950 on my first visit to the PLAYOUTLOUD Vault.”

Mike Eilertsen adds, “Through our distinguished brand partners at LIVEOUTLOUD, we have acquired a treasure trove of life’s desires which we are offering to PLAYOUTLOUD Players at 10%-25% of their retail price, with the flagship gift this year being a new Audi A4 which will be offered for R45 000. The positive response from our members has already been phenomenal and will no doubt reach fever pitch when some of the really high value items get loaded into the vault as we ramp up to holiday season. For example, over R400 000 worth of luxury goods will appear in the vault in the three days over Christmas which is sure to spread the festive cheer among the players” reveals Mike.


Mike Eilertsen adds, “The PLAYOUTLOUD App is open for anyone in the public to view, but with less than 100 enviable memberships still available, those keen on securing themselves unlimited access to one of the most rewarding Luxury Goods App should contact 086 123 63342 or info@playoutloud.co.za today.”

Monday 26 November 2012

Laureus SA Celebrates 10 yrs of Social Good


The objective is to fund and promote sport as a tool for social change. The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation's goal is to help young people overcome the limitations imposed by challenging social issues including poverty, homelessness, war, violence, drug abuse, discrimination and AIDS.


With backing from Discovery Healthcare the sport for good foundation has funded many sport-based community projects nationwide since its inception improving the lives of 11,000 impoverished children by tackling the social ills affecting these youths.


This mission was inspired by the words of Laureus Patron, Nelson Mandela. At the very first Laureus World Sports Awards in Monaco 2000, he said: "Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.”

This special event will mark the first decade of work performed by Laureus South Africa and will take the form of a press conference and panel discussion outlining the achievements of the foundation thus far. Its chairman, Springbok rugby legend, Morné du Plessis says “Seeing people from diverse backgrounds joining together for a common good has convinced me that sport truly has the power to change the world.”


The stellar guest list of Laureus South Africa Ambassadors include Paralympic Gold Medallist Natalie du Toit, chairman Morné du Plessis, Cricket ace Shaun Pollock, Paralympian Ernst van Dyk, Soccer star Lucas Radebe, Boxing legend Baby Jake Matlala, Top Endurance Athlete Ryan Sandes, former sportsman and radio personality John Robbie, Paralympic swimmer Achmat Hassiem, Surfer and motivational speaker Chris Bertish as well as actress Vanessa Haywood.

The new Laureus Ambassador for South Africa will be announced as well as the debut of the latest project- The Hout Bay Cycle Club. The Laureus Yes Project will be the highlight of the evening, YES being the Youth Empowerment through Sports Programme, which trains young people to become role models within their communities.


The programme’s first graduates will be presented with certification. A selection of leaders underwent training in Durban and Cape Town. Taking courses in Sports Management and Facilitation, Radio journalism and IT allowing them to go back into their communities to create a critical mass of change Achmat Hassiem will be awarding the certificates.


Wednesday 28 November 

2pm-5pm 

At the South African Sport Science Institute, Cape Town

 


About Laureus International and the South African Sports Science Institute

Laureus comprises the Laureus World Sports Academy, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and the Laureus World Sports Awards. Founded by South African Johann Rupert in 1990 the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation funds 91 community sports projects globally with a particular emphasis on underprivileged children. He is the founder and Executive Chairman of the Swiss-based luxury-goods company Richemont,  the world's second largest luxury goods group which is also one of the foundations major sponsors.

He co-founded the South African Sports Science Institute with his friends Morné du Plessis and Professor Tim Noakes. For more information about the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa, please visit www.laureus.co.za 

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Fabiani Launches at Cavendish Square


Last Thursday saw the launch of Fabiani, Cavendish Square, the only new concept store in the Western Cape and the first of 6 stores opening countrywide within a month, phew!


The luxury menswear brand is synonymous for its exceptional quality, unique Italian style, vibrant colours and distinctive detail amongst both locals and internationals.


Upon entering, the store takes you on a 360 degree journey from formal wear to accessories straight into casual wear with denim brand Denham and G- Star Raw. Established in 1978 and is now recognised as the leading luxury menswear retailer in Southern Africa. Stocking an edited selection of leading exclusive brands such as Prada Sport, Etro, Fabiani, G-star, 7 for all mankind and Puma. The Fabiani collection is exclusively available at all Fabiani retail stores.


The evening started on a swinging note courtesy of DJ Rus Nerwich, setting the tone in style with big band classics. Cape Town fashionista’s where out in full force appreciating everything from store design to irresistibly sophisticated men’s fashion. Including Natalie Becker, Anton Pietersen, Visi Magazine's Art Director and Tanya van Graan.



Classic prints such tweed and paisley get a much need colour update which I love. Guests were treated to delicious Chivas Whiskey and G.H.Mumm Champagne flowed all night. Sumptuous hot pink canapés, decadent macaroons and sweet treats from the Wings Group doing the rounds.



Worn with passion, Fabiani has become the benchmark of men’s style in South Africa, and the new store design will deliver nothing less. For more information on Fabiani and their new campaign, go to www.fabiani.co.za. View more images of the launch.

Saturday 17 November 2012

Zik - The World's Most Advanced Wireless Headphones


Parrot unveils its first wireless audio & telephony headphones, designed by the legendary French interior & product designer Philippe Patrick Starck, the Zik is packed with unique functions making it the most advanced wireless headphones to enter the market.


A cut above the rest with the most state-of-the-art technologies: highly performing active noise control, “spatialized” musical image, touch panel that enables sensual movements, head detection sensor, bone conduction sensor, five microphones and a powerful digital signal processor reinventing audio headphones for a never-before sensorial experience.

Seamlessly compatible with all devices iPhone, iPad, tablets, smartphones, PC, Mac, etc. with NFC technology for instant pairing. Crystal-clear conversation with two technologies for pinpointing the sound of your voice, two directional microphones (for high frequency) and an Osseous conductor sensor (for low frequency).


Sensing vibrations from the jawbone & merging it with voice signals making hands free telephony quick & easy. Active noise cancellation reducing 98% of ambient noise with 4 microphones located inside and outside each earpiece offering complete clarity while listening. Just one short press of the headset to accept a call and a longer press to refuse.

The intuitive touch panel directly on the headset facilitates smooth and simple music control with a touch sensitive panel on the ear cup and Intuitive gesture detection. No need to operate functions from your device. With the Automatic Head Detection simply remove the headphone & place it around your neck for the music to pause, whilst on a call it will automatically switch to your phone.

With the Concert Hall Effect (CHE) sound is coming from the front as if you were located in a concert hall. Traditionally with a standard headphone your right ear can only listen to sound from the right ear cup and similar with the left ear. The CHE effect is completely different bringing a more natural way of listening to your favourite tunes.

Taking your music anywhere has never been easier distributed in SA by SMAC, offering the perfect answer to hands free Bluetooth solutions. The Zik can be purchased online at at leading music and IT stores for R3999 or visit Parrot.
 

Parrot Audio Suite app

Active Noise Cancellation
Parrot Concert Hall Effect
Equalizer
System (Firmware update)
Battery level
Helpdesk

Battery life:

- With all features activated: 6 hours
- With ANC only: 18 hours
- On standby mode: 24 hours

Dimensions

Width: 150 mm - Height: 198 mm
Depth: 80 mm - Weight: 352 g
Micro USB cable: 1 m
Line-in cable: 1,30 m

Kit Contents

1 Micro USB cable for charging and updating
1 line in cable 3,5 mm
1 Li-lon battery 800mAh
1 Quick-start guide
1 Protective pouch


"Best Bluetooth Headphones Ever? In our listening test of the Zik, we felt the sound quality was excellent" – Mashable



Friday 16 November 2012

Yswara Precious African Teas


 Introducing an inspired new AFRICAN LUXURY BRAND -

 YSWARA - Curator of precious African Teas


A new luxury company has introduced a proudly African product unlike any other. YSWARA, a unique gourmet tea company, is the first of its kind to introduce a curated experience of fine African teas. This unique company offers a collection of top quality rare tea blends, refined tea accessories and fine living goods, created exclusively by African artisans from African materials laden with epicurean inspiration.


Each tea blend is carefully hand-selected and forms part of a precious collection of 23 teas, which has been carefully composed by YSWARA’s tea masters, and many by the founder, Swaady Martin-Leke herself, who selects each note and fragrance to flow and compliment one another by tasting and testing each spice, leaf and flower until they perfectly harmonize.


YSWARA is the exercise of passion of a driven tea artisan. Every detail of YSWARA is woven together to create an exceptional experience tinged with the splendour of Africa, and infused with the passionate vision of its founder, Swaady Martin-Leke. Their signature blend “Or des Anges”, epitomizes the pure luxury of the YSWARA brand. It’s a fusion of rare peony white tea from Southern Malawi’s Satemwa Estate, blended with precious 22-carat edible gold petals - it’s an African born tea like no other.

It was founder, Cote d’Ivoire born Swaady Martin-Leke’s vision to create an African luxury tea brand that inspires people to enjoy the precious moments in life. YSWARA’s products come together to create the ultimate luxury teatime experience, intended to transport you to a timeless moment where you can enjoy the combined aromas of crisp scented tealeaves, fragrant flowers and exotic fruits of Africa. Says Swaady, “It was my dream to capture true African luxury, and produce a luxury brand that is truly African in origin, nature, and tradition.”


YSWARA has launched with a collection of 23 unique teas from 3 different collections - “The Seven Wonders of Africa”, “African Queens” and “Kingdoms of Africa” which includes their signature tea “Or des Anges” a collection of 7 scented candles (“Johari la Africa”) and tea accessories consisting of porcelain tea sets (“Sankofa”), and a set of gilded tea spoons (“Secret Garden”). This unique range of products provides consumers with the chance to engage in the moment, slow down and find greatness in the small things.

YSWARA’s teas are comprised of a wide range of distinguished orthodox teas, inspired blends and herbal infusions, from the basic black, white and green teas, to the more exotic varieties, such as oolong and Pu-Erh. Held within its signature ebony and gold-copper packaging, handcrafted by African artists, you will find infusions of the rarest, handpicked leaves dried by the African sun and processed with only the most natural methods.


The Seven Wonders Collection is rich with the depth, diversity and distinction of Africa offering the seven best teas of the continent. The YSWARA African Queens Health Tea and Infusion Collection is inspired by the continent’s legacy of female leadership, concentrating on the herb, spice and flower macerated teas of Africa, whilst the fragrant and solemn Kingdoms of Africa collection offers herb and spice-laden epicurean infusions.

YSWARA’s Candle Collection, Johari la Africa, uses essential oils to create individually hand-poured candles with custom-created scents that incorporate the spices of ancient Marrakech and the urban heart of Johannesburg in one scent. The eco-friendly soy candles use aromatic oils, which are therapeutic in nature offering the possibilities of relieving stress, revitalizing and bringing a sense of clarity.


YSWARA also offers a range of luxury tea accessories to complement its exquisite blends. The Secret Garden Spoon Collection is the artwork of South African, Pamela Schroeder, who crafts her works from organic materials. She has designed YSWARA’s teaspoons around Rooibos tea bush twigs, jacaranda pods and honey dippers which combine Rooibos wicks and poppy seed pods; both gilded in a gold finish. The Sankofa Tea Set Collection by South African ceramist, Adrian Lombard, exhibits black-glazed African earthenware rimmed in extravagant gold detailing.



South Africans will be able to experience the YSWARA range of teas and luxurious accessories at their pop-up store in Hyde Park. It is also stocked amongst some of the most desirable brands in the world at The Wish Collection store in Sandton City. Also available on the Yswara online store worldwide for more information visit www.yswara.com

Wednesday 14 November 2012

Jazz Legend Abdullah Ibrahim & Ekaya to Perform in SA

Legendary Abdullah Ibrahim 

to Perform in SA 


Staging two concerts in Johannesburg and Pretoria, on the 7th and 8th of December straight from their sold out world tour. Jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim and his US band Ekaya will treat concert goers to unforgettable music, with a repertoire of best-loved pieces from the critically acclaimed Ekaya CD, ‘Sotho Blue’.

Songs will be brought to life through Ibrahim’s acclaimed collaboration with Ekaya (meaning homeland or hometown) the of jazz greats, all from New York, include Cleave Guyton (alto sax, flute), Keith Loftis, (tenor sax), Tony Kofi, (britone sax), Andrae Murchison (trombone), Noah Jackson, (bass), and Will Terrill (drums). Sotho Blue is a recapitulation of old songs, some over 26 years old. Ibrahim says that the music from Sotho Blue, keeps the exuberant poetry of favourite songs, but are set in a new historical context.

It will be the first time the band play in Pretoria, and jazz pioneer Ibrahim, will dedicate his Maraba Blue song to Marabastad in Pretoria/Tswane, his inspiration behind the composition. Ibrahim says of his experiences/memories of Marabastad in Pretoria: “Marabastad, the birthplace of Jazz in South Africa and the Orient Cinema, are now both demolished, but I still have vivid memories of Marabastad as the most vibrant and informed township.”

He also remembers Jazz loving communities Atteridgeville, and Mamelodi, which he says had traditional links to Kofifi-Sophiatown and the Odin Cinema, the home base for live concerts. “I have a vivid memory of a usual all night Jazz party in Atteridgeville in a small community friendly house, packed to capacity and the people forming a circle around a solitary dancer - a young man dancing his own choreographed creation to the recording of Sonny Rollins' Blue Seven - Solos included,” he says.


Described as one of the most gifted jazz musicians in history, Ibrahim previously known as ‘Dollar Brand’, has enjoyed a career that has lasted over half a century. He has worked with many legends of South African and global jazz and created the soundtracks for many movies including the award-winning Chocolat.

Ekaya started playing South African folk music in 1983, and transferred its hymnic magic into the context of instrument jazz. The first album of the septet was simply called ‘Ekaya’. The saxophonists Carlos Ward, Ricky Ford and Charles Davis were part of the band then. ‘Water From An Ancient Well’ followed two years later with the same band members. Ibrahim says the band members of Ekaya have changed completely since its founding, but not its spirit.

"In each group, there is a continual process of interaction, which takes place in three stages: a few come, a few remain, a few go," according to the master. "Ekaya, native country, has become established as a kind of institution. Its centre is a universal code; regardless of where you go, you remain at home."


The 2012 concerts featuring Abdullah Ibrahim and Ekaya take place: 

 

7 December 2012, at 8pm, at the Linder auditorium, Wits University, education campus, Johannesburg; 

 

8 December 2012, at 8pm, at the ZK Matthews Hall, UNISA, Pretoria. 

 

Tickets for these once-in-a-lifetime concerts are available for R250 from 

Computicket at www.computicket.com



Workshop

Ibrahim and Ekaya will also be running a free 3-hour workshop on a first come first served basis, which will examine improvisation, practice and scale techniques, for aspiring musicians on 9th December at the Laager Theatre, Market Theatre centre in Newtown Johannesburg; sponsored by the Department of Arts & Culture and the National Arts Council of South Africa.


About Abdullah Ibrahim


He has not lost any of his eagle-like sharpness despite being in his mid 70s he embodies living history and emanates an aura of impregnable eternity telling stories with his music. Born Adolphe Johannes Brand in 1934, Cape Town, he worked as a professional musician under the name Dollar Brand starting in 1949.

Despite distrust in the Apartheid regime of his native country, until the beginning of the 60s he performed with Miriam Makeba and founded the first noteworthy jazz band in Africa the Jazz Epistles. International recognition prompted him to move to Europe in 1962, performing in Switzerland and Denmark, discovered by Duke Ellington in 1965.

Ellington took Brand back to New York. He set off on a spiritual path on the side of Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane, which he has not left till today. He never broke off his close connection to Africa, but he also constantly sought alliances in Europe and Asia. Starting from 1968, his closest collaborators included musicians such as Don Cherry, Gato Barbieri and the legendary South African bassist Johnny Dyani.

He converted to Islam in 1968 and took the name Abdullah Ibrahim, which slowly replaced the trademark Dollar Brand over the next decades. The foremost integration figure for African jazz in the 70s and 80s. The abolition of apartheid was also an act of liberation for him. Playing at the inauguration of Nelson Mandela in 1994. He expanded the context of his African roots and American memories into a global experience with the reflective solo album "Senzo".

Visit www.abdullahibrahim.com for his full biography and more.

Friday 9 November 2012

Luxe Property - 7 Bantry Bay Rd


Property Details

  • 5 bedrooms
  • 4 bathrooms
  • 3 storeys
  • 2 dining areas
  • 2 lounges
  • 1 Parking garage
  • Pool
  • Jacuzzi
  • Sea View



                                                                       
Price R 9,500,000
7 Bantry Rd, Cape Town 8005, South Africa
For Sale By Owner
Size (sqm) 267
Total living space 380 sqm
Available 06/11/2012



A Bantry Bay home with a European style aesthetic on three stories with two separate entrances and a sun drenched studio on the third floor.

The ground floor comprises a lounge, dining & kitchen area, two bedrooms & two bathrooms with an outside veranda, pool, rap around garden. Outside it has a separate change room with bathroom/steam room and garage.


First floor includes lounge, dining and kitchen area. Two bedrooms & two bathrooms en suite.
Third floor with separate spiral staircase comprising entire floor space including jacuzzi bathroom with wrap around balcony offering views of Lions Head and the sea.
A mere two minute walk to Saunders Rocks.



Please note can either be used as:

7 bedrooms & 4 bathrooms a reception including a veranda, swimming pool, garage and steam room
OR
5 bedrooms & 4 bathrooms & 3 receptions
OR
2 separate units, each including 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms and 1 large reception.

 

Contact

 simone@addedluxury.com