The Luxury Network International Africa Launch

The Luxury Network Launches in Sandton

The Luxury market in South Africa and Africa at large is undergoing a radical shift in the right direction due to the vision of two prominent and insightful businessmen - Jeremy Nel, CEO of LUXURY BRANDS, & Co-owner/ Director, Xolisa Gaca.

Together these two extraordinary mavericks have proven themselves a force to be reckoned with, having acquired the rights for Africa to manage The Luxury Network International – the world’s leading luxury B2B affinity marketing, partnerships and events group with 17 international offices (including Johannesburg and Cape Town) and over 250 luxury brand members, growing by over 20 new companies per month around the globe.

The 25 April 2013 marked the auspicious introduction of The Luxury Network to 16 carefully selected, potential members including American Express, Burberry, Ducati, Mala Mala Private Game Reserve, Quintessentially and Virgin Atlantic’s Ulusaba Private Game Reserve.The exclusive event took place at the exquisite Daytona Showroom in Sandton, where existing and potential members mingled and networked the evening away amongst McLarens, Lamborghinis, Rolls Royces and Aston Martins.

Guests were treated to the opportunity of winning half a carat diamond to the value of R 16 000 from Uwe Koetter, a Visconti pen valued at R 6000 (both won by Nombini Mehlomakulu from Ogilvy) and a 2 night stay for 2 at the KarkloofSafari Spa, valued at R 36 000 (won by ElnaDennings of Decorex).

On arrival, each guest was given a glass of Champagne containing a Cubic Zirconia, which, when presented to the Uwe Koetter team, was measured for size, with just six individuals qualifying with a potential diamond. Each stone was tested by a diamond screening device, which revealed that the true ½ carat diamond was in possession of NombiniMehlomakulu of Ogilvy.

Special thanks to the following Luxury Network members who contributed greatly to the evening:

The Daytona Group, Constantia Glen, International Wine Co, Evian, Uwe Koetter Jewellers and LIVEOUTLOUD.

Additional thanks go to;

Moemas Catering for their outstanding canapés and deserts

Peroni for their bar and beverages

Silverflute Musicians for the entertainment

Visconti for donating a pen to the value of R 6 000 and

KarkloofSafari Spa for donating a 2 night stay for 2, valued at R 36 000.

Visit za.theluxurynetworkinternational.com

New Luxury Network South Africa members already include: The Daytona Group (Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Audi, BMW, Mini and McLaren) Pam Golding Real Estate, ExecuJet, Seabourn Private Ships, LiveOutLoud, Sunseeker Yachts, Luxury Brands, Crystal Cruises, Val de Vie Estate, Uwe Koetter Jewellers, Ottimo Cibo, International Wine Co, Evian, Visconti Pens to name a few… 

About The Luxury Network International

The Luxury Network exists to create extraordinary, powerful and successful business relationships between many of the world’s most luxurious brands – a synergy that enables our members to gain unparalleled access to valuable, pre-qualified, high net worth private clients from around the globe. We generate and develop brand awareness and exciting new sales opportunities in ways high-end companies cannot achieve on their own.

The Luxury Network is the world’s leading business to business and business to consumer luxury affinity marketing, partnerships and events group - private consortium of premium brands in each luxury capital of the world working together at senior director level for mutual business and client development.

The Luxury Network, launched in London in 2007, covers all areas of the top-end market including: Marine, Finance, Motoring, Concierge, Health & Beauty, Wealth Management, Aviation, Property, Travel and Resorts, Finance, Sports, Events, Jewelry & Watches, Entertainment, Media, Fashion and many more…

The Luxury Network’s objective is simple: to facilitate co-operation and new business development activities between top-end companies under the umbrella of ‘Affinity Marketing’.

Through The Luxury Network unique partnerships are created via brand partnering, joint collaborations, privilege and reward programmes, client incentive projects, product launches, roadshows, luxury showcases, media sharing and high profile business to business and business to consumer networking and sales events.

We offer ongoing support and a comprehensive pre planned programme of affinity marketing activities designed to maximise your relationships with other luxury brands and generate a significant ROI.

The Luxury Network are experts in luxury brand affinity and partnership marketing with over 20 years combined experience in this specific field. We are the professional team in the middle, proactively creating, facilitating and mediating unique partnerships for over 300 luxury brands and high-end service providers around the world.

In a nutshell we allow our members to access each other’s very valuable pre-qualified high net worth private clients in a number of endorsed, unique, highly effective and professional ways. 

www.theluxurynetworkinternational.com  

 

Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa Maldives

Not only has Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa been voted best beach hotel, it has also become a landmark for celebrities looking for privacy and a peaceful atmosphere. The April issue of Conde Nast Traveller UK features Gemma Arterton’s impression of her stay in the resort.

“I swam with the dolphins here, dived, went on boat trips and spent hours in the water – the corals’ incredible, I stayed in a wooden house over the sea. It all felt really relaxed: somewhere you could chill out, and do yoga, read, cycle around the island – and, of course eat delicious fresh fish,” Arterton said.

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa has 132 villas, including two spacious presidential villas that measure up to 957 square metres and offer the choicest amenities and accessories. Each presidential villa has two large bedrooms, an extensive garden with a spa pavilion, a private pool, an outdoor designer shower with body jets, a sauna and a personal gym with a private courtyard and garden.

Round-the-clock in-villa dining can be enjoyed in the living room on timber-decked verandas or in the air-conditioned or al-fresco dining pavilions. A variety of dining options are also available at the resort’s five restaurants and bars.

Shangri-La’s all-villa Villingili Resort and Spa is the first luxury resort located south of the equator in the Maldives. It is also the first in the country to introduce its own nine-hole recreational golf course plus cultural tours on neighbouring islands. Surrounded by a striking coral reef, the luxurious hideaway resort is a lush, picturesque paradise with six kilometres of coastline and two kilometres of white sand beaches.

Serving as the guiding principle of the British glossy Conde Nast Traveller, the slogan “Truth in Travel” certified the authenticity of the recognition of Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives as Best Beach Hotel 2013 in the Gold Standards list issued for 2013. Conde Nast Traveller United Kingdom ratings, based on readers’ surveys and journalists’ reviews and coming out every winter, has become a popular feature and powerful encomium in the travel industry.

About Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

The Hong Kong-based group currently owns and/or manages 78 hotels under the Shangri-La, Kerry and Traders brands with a room inventory of over 32,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.

Located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, India, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkey and United Kingdom.

Visit http://www.shangri-la.com/male/villingiliresort

Glen Grant 10yo Single Malt Scotch a Whisky Bible 2013 Award Winner

According to Jim Murray, who tastes, evaluates and grades the 4 500 whiskies alone, this year’s 10-year-old has excelled to the point of “taking the breath away.” Having been described as one of the most consistent whiskies for a long time, he says it is obvious that Glen Grant’s very high quality ex-bourbon casks and uniquely crisp barley are “meeting with rare panache.” “This is a tough category to win, but (Glen Grant) has done it with aplomb.”

Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible for 2013 is the world’s leading whisky guide and Glen Grant 10-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the winner of the 10 Years & Under (Multiple Casks) Category. While each whisky is scored in four key areas, namely nose, taste, finish and balance, the Glen Grant 10-year-old achieved an impressive 95%. Murray says the whisky is “rich in colour” and “lingers with a soft, almond finish.” 

Since the founding of Glen Grant in 1840, the distillery has been famous for its light, crisp whiskies, its history of innovation and tradition, and its beautiful buildings and gardens on the banks of the River Spey in northeastern Scotland. The tall slender stills and purifiers, which were introduced by James “The Major” Grant over a century ago, continue to give the whiskies a distinctive fresh flavour and clean colour.

Interestingly, “The Major” was the first person in the Scottish Highlands to own a car and Glen Grant was the first distillery to have electric light. In keeping with its pioneering past and progressive future, it is fitting that the Duke of Rothesay (more commonly known as HRH Prince Charles of Wales) recently opened the distillery’s state-of-the-art biomass plant and whisky-bottling centre.

The biomass plant is designed to recycle the waste from the whisky-making process as animal feed, and creates electricity by burning draff and woodchips. The bottling centre produces 2 000 bottles an hour, mainly for export to Asia and Europe.

Glen Grant is one of the largest selling single malt whiskies in the world today. In South Africa, it is distributed by Edward Snell & Co. and is available at all leading liquor retail outlets.

For more information, go to www.glengrant.com. 

TASTING NOTES:
10-year-old (40% alc. Vol)
Appearance: Rich golden barley
Bouquet: Medium/dry, with a good balance of ripe orchard fruits
Palate: Creamy, fruity
Finish: Long, soft and nutty (almond)

About Glen Grant

Joining the Gruppo Campari portfolio in 2006. The Glen Grant range includes the Major’s Reserve, 10-year-old, 16-year-old, 1992 Cellar Reserve and the 170th Anniversary Limited Edition. Founded over 170 years ago in Speyside, Scotland by former smuggling brothers, John and James Grant. The unique and seductively smooth taste (for which Glen Grant is renowned) is the result of the innovative tall slender stills and special purifiers that James “The Major” Grant, son of founding brother, James Grant, introduced over a century ago and that are still used to this day.

About Gruppo Campari

Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliates (“Gruppo Campari”), is a major player in the global beverage sector. Founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. The Group’s portfolio, with over 50 brands, spans spirits, wines and soft drinks.

Internationally-renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton, Campari, Cinzano, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari owns 14 plants and four wineries worldwide with a distribution network in 16 countries.

For more information, go to: www.camparigroup.com.

Bushmans Kloof Expands Family Fun with a Deluxe Room

Located just 270km from Cape Town, at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains amidst staggering rock formations and endless open plains, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat offers a fun and enriching experience for the whole family.

With the introduction of the Niven Family Deluxe Room, the lodge has expanded its family offer even further to accommodate parents with children aged eight and older in the main lodge. Throughout the year, families with children of all ages are also welcome in the private villa, Koro Lodge, whilst special Family Fun packages at the main lodge during school holidays, offer a special children’s programme for little ones, sharing rooms with their parents.

The beautifully appointed Niven Family Room is centrally located and features two spacious bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. The master bedroom is king-size, while the second bedroom can be converted into a twin or a double, making it a convenient choice for families travelling together. In addition Niven also has a comfortable lounge area and a tranquil private terrace, perfect for a drink underneath a starlit sky.

Rates at Niven during low season (1 April – 31 August 2013) are from R2 100 per person sharing per night for adults (16 years and older); and from R1 130 per person sharing per night for children (8 - 15 years). The rate includes all meals, rock art excursions, nature drives and lodge activities.

For guests with younger children, or those wishing total privacy, Bushmans Kloof’s secluded, private villa Koro Lodge offers splendid luxury and exceptional comfort. Situated in the heart of the reserve, about 2km from the main lodge, the converted farmhouse provides an independently catered for experience and includes the services of a private chef, hostess and a guide with game viewing vehicle.

Accepting children of all ages, Koro sleeps up to four adults and four children and offers flexible accommodation options with two lavish suites and a fun loft bedroom. A spacious games and entertainment room comes equipped with two single beds and a bathroom for additional accommodation.

Winter rates at Koro Lodge are from R12 475 per night, fully inclusive for up to four adults and four children sharing - complete with all meals, drinks and activities. Bushmans Kloof’s special package, Koro Lodge Escape, allows guests to stay at the private lodge for four nights - for the price of three. (1 April – 31 August 2013 at a special rate of R37 425 for 4 nights - saving of R12 475)

BUSHMANS KLOOF WILDERNESS RESERVE and WELLNESS RETREAT
Tel: +27 (0)21 437 9278
Email: info@bushmanskloof.co.za
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Visit the www.bushmanskloof.co.za website

About Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat

Bushmans Kloof is a luxurious ecological oasis of 18 533 acres (7500 hectare), situated at the foothills of the breathtaking Cederberg mountains. Here majestic views, staggering rock formations, open plains, invigorating outdoor activities, 16 luxurious rooms and suites, award-winning Cape cuisine and a wellness experience deeply rooted in Nature, all combine to create an unforgettable, luxury wilderness adventure. Koro Lodge, the private villa, provides a fully independently catered for experience for families and friends travelling together, which includes the services of a guide with game viewing vehicle, and a dedicated chef and hostess.

Less than three hours’ drive from Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof is unequivocally recognised as a conservation success story, and was awarded the Relais & Châteaux Environment Trophy (2007), in recognition of its exceptional environmental and conservation projects. In 2012, Virtuoso presented Bushmans Kloof with its coveted Sustainable Tourism Leadership Award, for outstanding leadership and commitment to sustainable tourism principles.

Malaria and predator free, Bushmans Kloof is a sanctuary for many indigenous plants, animals and birds, including the endangered Cape mountain zebra. It is also home to over 130 Bushman rock art sites, is recognized as one of South Africa’s Natural Heritage Sites, and is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. It bases its entire business ethos on preserving the precious natural environment, while providing guests with the ultimate African wilderness experience in the beautiful surroundings of the Cederberg Wilderness Area, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region – a recognized World Heritage site.

A mere 270km from Cape Town, the 5-star Relais & Châteaux lodge, voted Best Hotel in the World 2009 (Travel + Leisure), is renowned for its warm, caring service and exceptional hospitality. In 2010 it was listed on the coveted Condé Nast Traveler USA, as one of the Top 50 Resorts in Africa in the World’s Best Awards, and for the past three years (2010 – 2012), was included in the Condé Nast Traveller UK Gold List for Best Hotels for Food in Africa, Middle East and the Indian Ocean.

About The Red Carnation Hotel Collection

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection is an award-winning collection of five- and four-star family-run boutique hotels in London, Dorset, Guernsey, Geneva, Florida and South Africa. Each property has its own individual character and unique location that reflects the local environment, culture and cuisine. They all share the qualities central to the Red Carnation’s ethos that win them so many prestigious awards – splendid luxury, generous hospitality, inventive and traditional cuisine, private art collections, passionate service and loyal staff committed to creating richly rewarding experiences for all their guests.

Bella Baci - A Kiss Of Wellness

The BellaBaci Body and Facial Massage Systems are a modern and contemporary innovation based on the ancient traditional alternative/natural healing treatment methods of Chinese Cupping Therapy and Hajima.

The Bellabaci Facial Massage Therapy System

While facial massages are a great way to remove the daily stresses and strains from your face and restore that healthy youthful glow to your skin, nothing comes close to the Bellabaci Facial Massage System for optimal stimulation of skin and underlying tissues and the most relaxing, deep, comfortable massage for your face.

By improving blood circulation to the skin and by gently stimulating the fibroblast cells, natural collagen and elastin is produced and improved. Your skin will reveal a healthy glow and expression lines are plumped up! Massage the face and neck according to the diagram provided. Apply your favourite toner and anti-ageing moisturizer after the Bellabaci Facial Massage completion.

The Benefits

Use it to cleanse pores, tone skin and remove excess oil and dirt by penetrating deep below the skin’s surface. Stimulate blood supply to the skin and increase its suppleness and help firm flab. Increase your skin’s resistance to harmful elements. Use it to improve and soften scar tissue. Smooth stretch marks and clear broken capillaries.

Improve skin tone and texture by gently stretching the fibroblast cells, stimulating them to produce better quality and quantity of natural collagen and elastin enhancing product absorption. Expel toxins which are then removed by the lymphatic system. Use it to refines pores and improve micro-circulation. Lift drooping muscles, smooth wrinkles and fine lines. Use it to drain eye bags and double jaw. Use it to strength the vascular integrity of the face.

The Bellabaci Facial Massage System for at home anti-aging treatments consists of 2 superior grade medical silicone cups that are pliable, manipulative, easy to use and long lasting. It’s the natural, holistic and therapeutic treatment the world has been waiting for.

The Bellabaci Facial Massage cups provide optimal stimulation for the skin and underlying tissues (dermis and subcutaneous tissue). This gives you a relaxing, deep, comfortable massage while increasing circulation and exfoliation of the skin.

Bella Baci Facial Massage Therapy is Available at Suntra Spa

  

The BellaBaci Body Massage System

An ideal treatment for women or men suffering from tight and sore muscles, digestive disorders, joint pain, cellulite, headache, migraines, stretch marks and spider veins amongst others. It works wonders on the back, stomach and arms – actually almost all areas of the body will respond to this unique product.

The therapeutic effect of the Bellabaci Body Massage Cup procedure results in: eliminating stagnation, intensifying metabolism and dermal respiration in the massaged segment of the body, creating elasticity in the skin, increasing the resistance to temperature and mechanical factors and improving muscle retracting function.

 

 

When used on the back or on tight, sore muscles, it helps to break up lipid pockets (knots), improve blood circulation and eliminate toxins and other waste products from your muscles. It tones your skin, assists in body contouring, stimulates your lymphatic and blood circulation, regulates the autonomic nervous system and generally relaxes and rejuvenates the body.

For your convenience there are two cups – the softer cup to be used initially or on more sensitive areas such as the arms, stomach and inner thighs and the harder cup to be used on the back or any other areas which need intensive work. During the first couple of weeks of using the Bellabaci Cup, apply a very light suction for about eight minutes at a time to provide some drainage until your skin becomes elasticised enough. Increase suction gradually to stimulate circulation, remove stagnation and loosen adhesions.

How it all started

Discovered by its originator Keren Trabelsi after suffering from inflamed back muscles after her second pregnancy, she tried everything – from massage to physiotherapy, but found no relief. Quite by chance she stumbled upon cupping therapy. After just one session, her excruciating pain was gone for good!

She was keen to introduce cupping therapy to her clients and patients, but was concerned about the “bruising” associated with the practice. Knowing they would shy away from treatments. She started researching different materials and after a few years of testing and failures found the perfect solution to eliminating the bruising and actually improving on the traditional cupping therapy techniques. The original high grade medical silicone Bellabaci Massage Therapy Cup was born.

Bellabaci Cupping Therapy Massage Systems are approved by Doctors, Spas and Professional Massage Therapists world-wide.

Keren Trabelsi is the CEO and owner of Suntra Spa. A certified and licenced professional massage therapist since 1998 as well as a holistic and alternative therapy practitioner. The founder and originator of the Bellabaci Body and Facial Cupping Therapy Massage Systems and Techniques. She resides in Cape Town with her husband and 2 daughters.

Bellabaci International is a South African company located in Cape Town and is the originator and manufacturer of Bellabaci Body and Facial Massage Systems. 

Bellabaci International

15 On Orange |15 Orange Street | 7Th. Floor | Cape Town | 8001 | South Africa Tel: +27 081 271 0384 Tel: +27 083 459 9357 www.bellabaci.com info@bellabaci.com 

Traffic Clothing Winter 2013 Fashion Show

 

Expect to see street glam, sport luxe, and utility, embellishment trends interpreted by Traffic Live. On 22 April 2013, Cape Town's fashion elite will gather at luxe lifestyle destination, Shimmy Beach Club for a showcase of this season's hottest looks.

The fashion show is followed by an after party at Shimmy Beach Club featuring DJ’s Candice Heyns and Andre Swanepoel. Traffic Live will integrate the event with their digital community by setting up a photo booth for guests to be photographed and view live stream photography of their party experience, as well as share it via social media.

Style spotters from popular fashion platform ‘A Fashion Friend’ will be using on the newly launched BlackBerry Z10 to capture, edit and upload photography of the evening's best dressed guests to their blog.

About Traffic Clothing

Traffic Live has brought on-trend street fashion to Cape Town’s fashion lovers since 2004. The brand offers a bold and edgy range of women’s and men’s clothing available in their Long Street, Canal Walk and Cavendish Stores and has recently appointed a new creative team to take Traffic Live and its community to new heights. The Winter Fashion Show 2013 marks this exciting new direction for Traffic Live.

From inception the brand’s roots were deeply entrenched in the street culture aesthetic, resonating with a youth market that identified with hip-hop music, skateboarding and nightlife. In recent years the range has diversified and now reflects a celebration of Cape Town street culture as a whole.

Through the eyes of Traffic Live, the city’s streets are a diverse showcase of the best in fashion, art, culture and lifestyle. A brand new logo has launched digitally to reflect this growth and the rebrand will be rolled out across all Traffic Live stores during 2013. An e-commerce store will be launching in September 2013 that will extend the offering nationally. No guests will be allowed to enter the event once the show has started, or while it is running.

Visit them at

 www.trafficshop.co.za/

https://www.facebook.com/trafficliveclothing

5 for Change 2013: Making A Difference One Party At A Time

5 For Change is a platform dedicated to raising awareness about five inspiring social enterprises which are changing the way Cape Town gives back. Every year 5 fledgling social enterprises doing something unique and innovative in their field are selected and showcased at the annual black tie fundraiser.

The aim of 5 For Change is to raise awareness about 5 inspiring social enterprises, change the way young professionals, entrepreneurs, and other young South African opinion leaders think about philanthropy and social change and create a rewarding, fun and enjoyable avenue for people to give back.

Following on from the inaugural 2012 event, which saw the likes of Hollywood actress Kristanna Loken from Terminator 3 in attendance, this year’s event will be held on Saturday 18 May 2013 at the Cape Town City Hall and promises to be a spectacular affair. Tickets can be purchased via Quicket.co.za for R300 which includes welcome drinks, canapés and entertainment by leading SA bands.

5 For Change is a philanthropic initiative based in Cape Town founded in 2012 by Ross McKernan, David Deetlefs and Adriaan Dippenaar.

“We feel that, despite the immense need in South Africa, the act of giving back or philanthropy is a nascent concept. We feel it often carries negative connotations, is seen as “boring”, or frustrates people as they feel that they cannot do something which would have a measurable impact. We want to change that mind-set and create the perception that not only can people give in a variety of ways but also that it can be done in a meaningful, rewarding, fun and enjoyable manner.” Comments Co-founder Adriaan Dippenaar.

“We are of the view that inherently most people do want to contribute but that they just need the correct platform that appeals to them to do so. Furthermore, the organisations we are showcasing are run by a group of very talented young leaders, but whose networks and level of publicity do not necessarily give them the broader reach to connect with other young opinion leaders in Cape Town.” Adds Co-Founder Ross Mckernan.

“We hope through 5 for Change we can bridge the gap between the leaders of social enterprises and young professionals, entrepreneurs, and other young opinion leaders in Cape Town, leading to a mutually beneficial outcome for all parties.” ends Co-Founder Dave Deetlefs.

The 5 selected charities involved in the second annual 2013 campaign are: Waves for Change, Ilizwi Photography Club, Iyeza Express, See-Saw-Do and Trashback. For more information on these amazing organisations check out: 

 

Waves for Change

www.nikonafricatrust.co.za/ilizwi-photo-club.html

Iyeza Express

See Saw Do

Trashback

For further press information or details about the event & sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kirsten Hopwood on kirsten@prestigecommunications.co.za or Joanne Rose-Innes on joanne@byinviteonly.co.za / info@5forchange.co.za or alternatively call 0827488887. View 5 for Change website on www.5forchange.co.za

Virgin Active’s new Classic Club - Alice Lane

Working next door to Alice

The journey to Virgin Active’s new Classic Club, Alice Lane, began in 2003 with Virgin Active’s first Classic Club, Melrose Arch, which redefined what a health club could, and should, offer an increasingly discerning market.

The journey continues to establish the world’s leading collection of health clubs, where like-minded individuals can identify and achieve their personal health goals. They are also able to access a dedicated team of fitness and nutrition experts through inspiring and personally designed wellness programmes. The big idea is for executives to unwind in a club designed to deliver the ultimate Virgin Active Classic experience.

Virgin Active Alice Lane is due to open in August 2013 but such is the excitement around this exclusive Club that Virgin Group founder Richard Branson visited the building site to see how this extraordinary project was progressing on Wednesday 27 February. It will be the 108th health club to be opened by Virgin Active South Africa (VASA) and like the other two Classic club offerings, is designed for a discerning market.

“It represents an R150 million rand investment by Virgin Active South Africa,” says Managing Director Ross Faragher-Thomas. “This is a considerable commitment to what we believe is a project that will set a new standard in health clubs in South Africa.”

Virgin Active Alice Lane occupies a prime location in Sandton - the financial and premier business hub of Gauteng where companies such as Discovery Health, Nedbank, Investec and RMB have established their head offices and adjacent Sandton City offers a premier retail experience. Faragher-Thomas says, “With Alice Lane we have literally brought the health club to the target market.

Ten years after opening Virgin Active Melrose Arch, we have a different SA landscape. Well-travelled, cyber-smart, health-club members have moved from simply working out to wanting – and expecting – their health club to offer much more.

Virgin Active Alice Lane is in the epicentre of this discerning market and we are creating a club which aims to exceed their expectations rather than meet them. And a capped membership will ensure exclusivity.”

While Virgin Active clubs are considered ‘third spaces’ after work and home, Virgin Active Alice Lane is being described as a ‘fourth dimension’ in wellness, where members will be able to escape, network, relax, cocoon, unwind, as well as hone their bodies. Members’ needs will be met on a physical level through personal training and dietary preferences in a club that centres on heartfelt service.

The integral focus is on the life of mobile executives, which means the club is designed to offer a work space away from work, with networking and conference areas and breakaway rooms. For those executives who subscribe to the concept of ‘blue sky thinking’ in their companies, Virgin Active has taken a literal step up and designed a lift that takes members to a rooftop training area.

Here they will be elevated physically and psychologically and will be able to enjoy a ‘high fliers’ view of the Sandton skyline. It will also provide a safe outdoor space to train – a rare commodity in Gauteng. Innovative interior designers were commissioned to create mood and ambiance with everything from lighting to the colour scheme.

Materials used for walls and floors dampen sound without compromising on high aesthethic standards.
Aligned closely to the club’s service offering, is convenience. Joining Alice means tailored routines and bespoke programmes from a shoe-shine service to an in-club dietician who will create personal eating plans for members.

August is the launch date when business dynamos and discerning executives will all be wishing they worked next door to Alice! Membership enquiries can be made on www.virginactive.co.za/alicelane

Gucci Green Carpet Challenge Handbag Collection

Gucci and the Green Carpet Challenge are pleased to introduce a new line of signature handbags designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini. By introducing the world’s first bags certified as zero deforestation from Amazon leather, the Florentine House furthers its commitment towards ecological consciousness. 

The three exclusive designs of the Gucci for the Green Carpet Challenge Handbag Collection convey Gucci’s mission to interpret the modern desire for sustainable products in a responsible way. Coinciding with the launch, Gucci will donate 50.000 euro to the National Wildlife Federation, funding work to promote deforestation-free Brazilian leather.

“I believe that today more than ever before customers want to be associated with brands that are thoughtful and responsible. Through our sustainability, humanitarian and philanthropic actions we would like Gucci to not just be synonymous with Made in Italy, but also Made with integrity,” said Giannini. “This project with the Green Carpet Challenge was conceived to show how we can be proactive on environmental issues, by raising awareness and demonstrating action on the subject of deforestation.”

Comprising the hobo, top-handle tote with detachable shoulder strap and the iconic New Jackie bag, the versatile and functional accessories all feature hand-selected and natural calfskin originating in Brazil, with craftsmanship respecting important environmental issues such as traceability and anti-deforestation. Gucci’s attention to detail includes lining in organic cotton on each style. The first steps of the production chain follow the requirements of internationally recognized standards, embracing processes that avoid the cutting-down of trees in the Amazon Forest.

Every model mirrors a unique blend of relaxed elegance and modern innovation, characterized by the daubed semi-matte and uneven grain appearance, the extreme softness and the slightly wax feel of eco-certified leather. Each piece features a special label embossed with the “Gucci for Green Carpet Challenge” script and will be accompanied by the Gucci GCC passport, which documents the origin and traceability of the handbag.

Alongside the plush surface in a warm red-wine colour, the bags boast embellishments such as exquisite hand-stitching and woven detailing for a three-dimensional effect on the exterior, paired with antique gold hardware and bamboo tassels.

This project symbolizes an important challenge and commitment for Gucci, maintaining the balance between the timeless values of style and superb quality and the growing understanding of the need to protect life-sustaining resources. www.gucci.com

Related Post
Gucci Women's Collection Autumn/Winter 2013

Win a Vantage V8 Roadster with Hackett of London

Hackett London launched an integrated global campaign that offers one of the world’s most prestigious sports cars as the top prize, in a luxury brand tie up with Aston Martin, this week. Since 1 April, local consumers will have the chance to participate in Hackett’s international competition.

With a chance to win a soft top Aston Martin, the Vantage V8 Roadster, this competition celebrates the launch of Hackett London’s 2013 Spring/Summer collection, during Aston Martin’s centenary year. Devised and implemented by marketing agency B STREET London, the integrated global campaign will run in 14 markets, including South Africa, double the number of markets that participated last year when Hackett and Aston Martin first collaborated.

This campaign promotes the existing relationship between Hackett, Aston Martin and Aston Martin Racing and allows Hackett customers the chance to win exclusive and rare rewards in return for making a purchase. Based on sales basket analysis, customers have four entry levels linked to spend for the chance to win a prize.

On purchasing at the required level, customers will receive an entry card which contains a PIN code to enter on the multilingual microsite. Prize funds become more luxurious at each spend level. As these levels increase, customers will also be automatically entered into the prize funds below it. Customers spending R8700 or over have the chance to win the Aston Martin Vantage V8 Roadster.

At the R6400 level there are two Aston Martin weekend experiences to be won including a 3-night stay at a UK country house hotel with one of the latest Aston Martins to drive. At R4600 there are four VIP excursions to the Le Mans 24-Hour race to be won where winners can enjoy the thrill of Le Mans first-hand, side by side with the Aston Martin Racing team. And at the R2900 spend level there are ten Aston Martin Racing by Hackett Kit Bags to be won.

Hackett London’s Marketing Director, Mark Owens:
“There’s no denying the synergy and consequent strong appeal of these two luxury British brands in this campaign. The idea translates extremely well around the world, and thanks to the execution by B STREET, enhances brand values whilst at the same time encouraging strong sales. Last year, we saw a significant (20%) increase in spend at the top entry level as a result of offering our Aston Martin prize.”

Hackett London’s local Director, Moosa Mayet:
“The collaboration between the brands locally is growing from strength to strength with this campaign securing the bond even further. South Africa’s footprint in the luxury arena is enhanced by campaigns like these that allow us to compete with developed international markets such as the United Kingdom.”

B STREET’s Creative Partner, Kevin Exley, adds:
“The strategy behind the campaign is simple – to bring customers of the most quintessentially British style label the chance to win the most quintessentially British car. Working closely with international markets, the offer is being supported around the world with local language POS kits, promotional window display, digital advertising, a dedicated microsite and social media.”

The promotion is running in over 90 Hackett stores and concessions in the following markets around the world: UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Malaysia, South Africa, India, Belgium, Holland, Hong Kong, Philippines and Mexico.

To participate in this exciting competition visit the flagship store at the Protea Court in Sandton City or online 

 www.hackettastonmartin.com 

The promotion closes on 31st May 2013.