by ivis | Apr 2, 2018 | Travel
Also known as the city of roses, Bloemfontein is a must when you’re in the Free State, or on the road from Cape Town to Joburg. With great museums, amazing architecture and a city completely encircled by a nature reserve, it’s a fantastic South African city experience that you can’t miss out on. Although South Africa is one of the fastest growing countries in the world, It is often said that Gauteng is 5 years behind the world and that the Free State is 5 years behind Gauteng. So imagine travelling to a place that still lives in 2008, I don’t know about you but I miss the 2000s – the times before technology took over the world and before our entire lives revolved around social media. If you ask me Bloemfontein sounds like the perfect place to go to excel and be in your own little world of relaxation and be in touch with nature, you have the freedom to enjoy quality life experiences, you don’t have to worry about anything but living in the moment and appreciating the people around you. There is little stress and less haste; the peaceful atmosphere, which is somehow almost tangible, can be felt in every street, on every pavement – all of which are noticeably clean and free of litter. Sounds perfect right?
My Top 3 recommendation of things to do
Bagamoya Wildlife Estate –
A unique experience that allows you to interact with large cats such as lions, tigers and so much more. This is the ultimate African experience! And not only does it offer this but there is also a restaurant within the grounds.
Bloemfontein Boeremark
Held every Saturday from 06h00 to 14h00 and takes place at Bankovs Boulevard in Langenhoven Park. It has become the most renowned market in Bloemfontein and boasts loads of interesting stalls. Enjoy some traditional South African foods like kaiings, vetkoek, boerewors rolls and so much more!
Franklin Game Reserve
Established in 1930, this is one of the few city wildlife reserves in the world. Situated in the heart of Bloemfontein Franklin game reserve boasts an amazing array of wildlife including giraffes, blue wildebeests, zebras and a huge variety of bird species and lots more. Within the reserve you can take a relaxing day drive up to Naval Hill, to enjoy the wonderful views from this point. Picnics can also be enjoyed within the reserve.
Where to stay
College Lodge
Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein
Protea Hotel Bloemfontein Willow Lake
by ivis | Apr 1, 2018 | Fashion, Lifestyle
I may only be 17 but I cannot wait for the day that I get married! I have always dreamed of having the perfect wedding; so much that I plan on having 2 and wearing 6 dresses. I know it sounds ridiculous but being the fashionista I am I need a dress for each stage of my wedding; one for the ceremony, reception and after party. Secondly the reason for me wanting 2 weddings is because I want all of my loved ones to see me get married meaning that I need to have a wedding here in the UK and one in Africa, that way everyone I love gets to share the happiest day of my life with me and I get to do it twice! I envision it to be one of the happiest moments of my life and a part of my life that I will cherish for a lifetime.
The most important thing for me and all most every woman out there who dreams of getting married has to be the dress- we all want the perfect dress or in my case dresses. And for some of us money will not be an object when it comes to purchasing that dress. Although it’s not quiet the same process, what I found last year when trying on prom dresses is that our minds can change on what we perceive to be our ‘dream’ dress and that at times we end up picking a design that had never even crossed our minds. I guess what I’m trying to say is that visit as many stores as you possibly can, try on every style you can to get as much variation as possible – don’t just go on pictures because your ideal dress may not be what you expected. I remember last year before even visiting the first prom dress shop, I had already picked out my dress but when I got there it wasn’t the perfect fit I had pictured in my head, so DO NOT rule anything out – every dress is a possible candidate, but more importantly don’t stress, have fun with it and in time you’ll find the right dress for you!
If you really want to make your special day even more special I would recommend getting your dress custom made that way you know that no one else will have worn the same dress as you making your wedding day that little bit more unique! But if you don’t know where you would even start with the design process or you’re just simply a lazy bride here are some of my favourite couture gowns from my top 10 favourite bridal designers to help you in your search for your dream dress;
Marchesa
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Zuhair Murad
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Monique Lhuillier
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Oscar De La Renta
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Elie Saab
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Vera Wang
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Alex Perry
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Viktor and Rolf
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Georges Hobeika
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Mira Zwillinger
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by ivis | Mar 25, 2018 | Interview, Lifestyle
A few weeks ago I had the privilege of interviewing the incredibly talented Mr Vusi Nova. Vusi Nova is one of my all time favourite South African artists, his music is soulful, full of passion and it honestly makes you want to fall in love and find that one person that you want to spend the rest of your entire life with It’s that amazing! I don’t want him to sing at my wedding, I need him to! I love everything about his sound and but most importantly I love how he incorporates his Xhosa roots in his music, his album NANINA is 99.9% Xhosa and it is such a vibe, whether or not you understand xhosa you need to listen to it because trust me when I say that you will fall in love with this man just as I have.
Vusi was named “Music Royalty “after he performed his song “Ndikuthandile” in front of a crowd that loved his music. The SAMA 23 came and saw the afro pop sensation being nominated and winning an award for the Nanina album. 2017 being the year for Vusi Nova, afro pop singer also won 2 awards at the South African Afro Music Awards in 2017, winning Best Afro Album and Best male.
When did you first get into music? was becoming a musician always part of the plan?
I come from a family that was musical in a church way, it was my mom who really inspired me to pursue my dreams. My mother was my number 1 supporter and she inspired me after me joining her in JHB to start performing.
Who are your musical influences?
It would have to be R Kelly and Marvin Gaye. R Kelly has this way of fusing the old school with the new school, and that’s what I try to do in South Africa with my music as well. With Marvin Gaye, he is classic, and how he uses love in his music is amazing.
How would you describe your sound in 5 words?
Hmmm wow – Love, Life, experiences, hurt and blessings
What made you finally decide that it was time to take charge and follow your dreams of becoming a musician?
It was my mom; she was the one who encouraged me to pursue my dreams. She always believed in me.
What inspires you when writing music because a lot of your songs revolve around love, have you yourself ever been in love?
I am a firm believer in love, I believe in that Cliché love – love can heal the world. So the music I write is about my experiences, about love found and love lost, love for family, friends, heart ache and everything in between. That is all in my music. Oh, and I have been in love, and when I was it was blissful and amazing, that when it ended I was heartbroken. However, music is very therapeutic in that it helped me get over a lot of things. My love
What can we expect to see from your music wise in the next coming months?
I’m back in the studio now, since Naninina I have experienced life a bit more and I’m ready to express that through music as well. So I’m working on some new material.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
I’d love to be travelling all over the continent, world. I’d also love to be mentoring other artists, there are so many talented artists in SA that we haven’t discovered yet
What is your favourite song from Naninina and why?
How can you make me choose, wow. I love my entire album, so I can’t choose one but I can try and give you my best 5 – Naninina, Ndikuthandile, Thandiwe, Impazamo and Memeza.
What is your proudest achievement so far in your career?
Well for the first time in 2017 I won BEST AFRO POP ALBUM for my album Naninina, at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), and at the South African Afro Music Awards, I walked away with BEST MALE and BEST AFRO Album as well which was a total shock for me. However, I must say one of the proudest moments has been mentoring 047 – this young afro soul group of boys who are incredible. They have grown so much, and they’re actually working on their first studio album. When I say Vusi has to sing at my wedding I mean it with every part of my body,
What advice would you give to all South Africans our there who want to start a career in the music industry?
It’s really not what it seems. Don’t look at the flashy cars and houses and assume that’s exactly how it will be from the get go. If music is really what you want to do, make sure you understand every aspect of the music industry, and you’re also willing to work hard.
Thank you again to Vusi for doing this interview with me! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!
Connect with Vusi on:
Twitter: @VusiNova
Facebook: @VusiNova
Instagram: @vusinova1
by ivis | Mar 16, 2018 | Fashion
Incase you missed it, during PFW last year in October Stella McCartney unveild her SS18 collection and there was a lot of controversy around it, the brand incorporated Ankara designs into their new collection to create dresses, jumpsuits and tops and people were pretty angry. Ankara, which is also known as wax print, is a popular pattern in West African countries like Nigeria, according to All Things Ankara. The print is distinguished by bright colors, tribal designs, and cotton material. It’s frequently used on dresses and is popular for everyday and formal outfits.
“Are we going to talk about Stella McCartney using Ankara prints, meanwhile there was only ONE African model on her runway?!” asked writer Amarachi Nwosu on Twitter, while OkayAfrica accused the designer of “fashion colonialism,” requesting that Western designers “please stop taking designs that Africans have been wearing for years, calling them your own, and charging people out the ass for them.”
As someone who is African I completely get where people were coming from, first of all they could have at least have had the decency to hire more black models to represent the culture behind the designs rather than have white models wearing them, this is where I believe Stella McCartney went wrong. Secondly, anyone of sound mind would never spend £3000 on an Ankara style item when there are so many amazing and underrated African style designers out there that sell great quality pieces for less 2% of the price. Last year during my annual trip back to Zimbabwe I had my local tailor make me 3 Ankara style tops for £4 each and yet Stella McCartney are out here trying to rip off by putting £3000 on a piece of cotton I can buy back home.
“The prints were about celebrating a unique textile craftsmanship, its culture and highlighting its heritage,” Stella McCartney chief marketing officer Stephane Jaspar told Fashionista via email.
by ivis | Mar 12, 2018 | Fashion
Just over a year after leaving his position as creative director of Givenchy, Riccardo Tisci effective March 12 is now the chief creative officer of the very traditional British brand Burberry. The appointment of the former Givenchy designer means that the two top jobs at Burberry are now held by Italians — Marco Gobbetti took over from Mr Bailey as chief executive in October. Mr Gobbetti said Mr Tisci is “one of the most talented designers of our time”, describing his creations as having “an elegance that is contemporary”. This is something that I totally agree with, in my eyes during his years at Givenchy Riccardo reinvented the brand without it completely losing it’s brand image, he took a Parisian house best known for its links with Audrey Hepburn and modernised it by putting smoking, burnt-out wrecks of cars on the catwalk, Kardashians in the front row, and emeralds dangling from the septums of models. He was a man that was not afraid to try new things and I can’t wait to see what he has on the cards for Burberry.
Kim Kardashian West with North front row at Givenchy during PFW 2014
Marco also added that his fellow Italian had a “skill in blending streetwear with high fashion” that is “highly relevant to today’s luxury consumer”. Everything now revolves around streetwear, it’s the now and although traditional British brands like Burberry are still very relevant, in my opinion I feel as though if they don’t catch up with the times they may be left behind. There is now a new generation of consumers that need catering to and they love edge and all things cool. Tisci’s Burberry is likely to look different than Bailey’s – I predict he will bring a huge twist to this classical brand making it more up market. Burberry is best known for its classic trenchcoats, it champions British heritage. Tisci is known for darkly subversive, unapologetically sexual, deeply urban, boundary-pushing fashion, we can’t forget that he’s the man that talked Kanye West into wearing a black leather kilt during his 2011 Watch the Thrones tour. Where Bailey valued British values and traditions , Tisci celebrates hedonism. Having produced haute couture at Givenchy, Tisci also has a great deal of expertise (and red carpet exposure) for eveningwear, a category that Burberry hasn’t really invested in. I cannot even describe how excited I am about this. I need it to be September!
Burberry Spring 2017 Runway
Mr Tisci “I am honoured and delighted to be joining Burberry as its new Chief Creative Officer and reuniting with Marco Gobbetti. I have an enormous respect for Burberry’s British heritage and global appeal and I am excited about the potential of this exceptional brand.”
Tisci will bring a mass audience, and a youthful following, to Burberry. I am so excited to see what the future has to hold for Burberry and to see it’s transformation this September when Mr Tisci presents his very first collection with the brand.
by ivis | Mar 11, 2018 | Lifestyle
Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city of love. The city of lights. The fashion capital of the world. The city of Paris is so many things to so many people, with so much to see and so much to offer a weekend in Paris is one that you just simply cannot refuse.
The French cuisine has always been so intriguing to me, like anyone else I love food however I’m not really one for trying new things, especially snails but then again life is too short and you only live once.
Growing up Zimbabwean we have weird traditional dishes too such as fried caterpillars, every single year I am forced to try them again and again but it’s official, I have never liked fried caterpillars nor will I ever like them. On the other hand, I have always wanted to try frogs legs because I heard they taste like chicken and I would love to see it for myself. Although I am sceptical to the idea of trying snails, If the opportunity does one day arise for me to try them in the wonderful city of Paris I won’t say no, after all travelling is about trying and experiencing new things in a new city. You just can’t say no in Paris!
The Best 6 Michelin Star Restaurants in Paris
Although I have never been to Paris myself I have heard that these are the best Michelin star restaurants in the city, so if you ever visit one of them I’d love to hear about your experience!
Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athénée Hotel
Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée is a showpiece restaurant, serving dishes — often displaying unusual and interesting bitter notes — that are both unexpected and delicious. The dining room ceiling drips with 10,000 crystals. Ducasse has raised eyebrows in Paris by offering no meat on the menu; instead, expect seafood (turbot, langoustines, lobster and caviar), vegetables from the gardens at Versailles and a range of pulses. Starters cost from €60 with main courses ranging from €85-€135. The restaurant, which has silver banquettes, a wall cabinet of the chef’s culinary equipment and shimmering crystal-drop chandeliers, overlooks a courtyard restaurant that transforms into a skating rink in winter.
Christian Le Squer at Le Cinq, Four Seasons George V Hotel
Le Cinq, determined to up its game on the culinary scene, did so with the arrival of chef Christian Le Squer, long-time three-star chef at Ledoyen, in late 2014. In February 2016, he won Le Cinq its third Michelin star. The Brittany-born chef is particularly at ease with fish and shellfish, including inventive marine and citrus fruit combinations. Unusual starters might include a ‘deconstructed’ onion soup.
Guy Savoy et La Monnaie de Paris
Set right on the banks of the River Seine, Guy Savoy’s flagship restaurant resembles an elegant hotel particulier. Updated by star French designer Jean-Michel Wilmotte, the historic interiors abound with centuries-old soul. Original period features like ornate mouldings and open fireplaces are wrapped in a slate grey hue giving the string of dining rooms a contemporary look, while the large floor-to-ceiling windows frame picture-perfect views of the River Seine, the tip of the Ile de la Cité and the magnificent Louvre visible beyond
Yannick Alléno at Pavillon Ledoyen
The neoclassical pavilion first opened as a small inn in the late 1700s and was moved to its present location at the bottom of the Champs Elysées in the mid-1800s. Discreet, the Parisian landmark counts some of the world’s A-listers among its regulars and in the past, Napoleon and Josephine are said to have met here several times as well as celebrated artists and writers like Monet, Zola, and Degas. Surrounded by blooming gardens, the two-tiered pavilion’s first-floor dining room’s period interiors speak for themselves, as does the bucolic view onto the surrounding trees and the Grand Palais.
Le Meurice
With its extravagant Louis XVI decor, mosaic tiled floors and modish restyling by Philippe Starck, Le Meurice is looking grander than ever. All 160 rooms (kitted out with iPod-ready radio alarms) are done up in distinct historical styles; the Belle Etoile suite on the seventh floor provides panoramic views of Paris from its terrace and you can relax in the Winter Garden to the strains of regular jazz performances.
Le Bristol
Set on the exclusive rue du Faubourg St-Honoré, near luxury boutiques such as Christian Lacroix, Azzaro, Salvatore Ferragamo, Givenchy and Dolce & Gabbana, the Bristol is a supremely luxurious ‘palace’ hotel with a loyal following of fashionistas and millionaires drawn by the location, impeccable service, larger than average rooms and a three Michelin-starred restaurant with Eric Fréchon at the helm
by ivis | Mar 2, 2018 | Lifestyle
It’s been a long time, a very long time in fact since I last did a what I would buy if I won the lottery. But I’m bringing this series back and to kick it off I’m bringing you the most luxurious thing you could ever purchase as a multi-millionaire/ billionaire; a private jet or even multiple if you want to build a collection!
Everyone dreams of living their best life and mine involves owning a private jet. I want to be able to fly wherever and whenever I please. I mean if you have the money why would you not want to own a private jet? First of all, it means no more long queues, no more crying children, no more hours waiting at baggage claim, no more having to share a toilet with hundreds of other people and you get to fly according to your own schedule. I mean what more could you ask for?
Imagine on a cold winters day like today and you can literally just call a pilot and fly to somewhere far far away and soak in the sun in another country! That’s the ultimate dream right there.
Private jets offer the uttermost comfort and make flying bearable, think of it as your very own mini house that flies. Transform it, add a bar, a bedroom, a shower – make it your own and you’ll fall in love with flying!
My favourites
If you’re lazy as well as impatient like myself my top tip when choosing a jet is to choose one with an interior that you love because having to refurbish it is only going to take more time and money. However, if you love renovations then go for it!
For those who don’t want to own one but would still love the advantage of flying in a private jet, here are some great services I’d recommend;
https://www.netjets.com/en-gb/
https://jetsmarter.com
https://www.privatefly.com
by ivis | Feb 18, 2018 | Fashion
Fashion month is here meaning 2018 can officially begin! What is there not to love about fashion month? It’s so good that it happens twice a year. I mean I can’t get enough of it, every season my love for fashion grows deeper and deeper.
I have said it a million times before and I will say it again and again, no season is ever the same! This years NYFW took a lot of inspiration from the 80s, we saw bright colours, nipped in waists, oversized everything and huge shoulder pads. It doesn’t get any more 80s than that. But what is the reasoning behind it? Over the last few months there has been a huge cultural shift and movement focusing on women and the way that we are treated within the workplace, the 80s was the first time that women really began to emerge into the workforce therefore designers in a way are celebrating women and how far we’ve come since then. If anything it is empowering and shows just how big of a statement fashion can make – it’s more than just clothing, it’s art and a form of expression!
Another key thing we can take from this years NYFW is the level of diversity, designers are starting to care less and less about having the perfect uniformed look, they are starting to embrace models of all sizes and ethnicities more than ever and I’m loving it!
NYFW is over and incase you missed I’m here to give you my top 10 favourite shows:
Tom Ford
Animal prints were the dominating factor in this years tom for fall 18 collection. Am I a fan? Hell yes! Us Africans love animal prints and Tom Ford has given the trend the glamour that it has needed! It’s sparkly, bright and bold – a little too much but who cares! View more here.
Camilla and Marc
This is the first time I have ever come across this brand and I am in absolute awe! This collection is clean, effortless and everything the modern woman needs this fall! I love everything about it! Make the perfect statement at work this fall. View more here
Brandon Maxwell
Can we just talk about how gorgeous the colour scheme is. The way the yellow brings out the black models’ complexions – I love it!! Also how amazing is the knitwear, I am obsessed with it! Fall is not ready for Brandon Maxwell. View more here.
Diane Von Furstenburg
This collection honestly speaks for itself. It’s beautiful in every way. The colours and patterns show so much youth and fun, it shows that winter doesn’t always have to be dull and boring! View more here.
Alice and Olivia
This is the brand that every teenager and young woman should know! It brings all sorts of badass vibes with inspiration from different eras within fashion. View more here.
Alexander Wang
Alexander’s ‘boss lady’ collection is empowering af. It’s mini skirts on mini skirts, it’s the 80s meets 2018! View more here.
Oscar De La Renta
Elegant, tasteful and classic are the only words needed to describe this beautiful collection! View more here.
Michael Kors Collection
If there’s one collection you buy this fall, it will have to be Michael Kors, it’s preppy school girl meets the modern it girl. I am loving the winter coasts, hints of camo and animal print and the plaid is EVERYTHING – it is sure to be one of the biggest trends this coming fall! View more here.
Calvin Klein
Not to be cheesy or anything but this show was honestly out of this world! This collection isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s a little bit of me, everyone knows I love oversized items and it’s something different and I’d love to experiment with some of these pieces! View more here.
Marc Jacobs
If this collection doesn’t remind you of the 80s then please get your eyes checked. I freaking love this, it’s so over the top and extravagant! Believe me when I say if you purchase anything from this collection all eyes will be on you. View more here.
by ivis | Feb 14, 2018 | Lifestyle
It has been MONTHS, I’d like to say even almost a year since I last did one of my fine dining posts. I am seriously slacking on this whole blogging thing but I promise you that from today onwards I will be consistent!
Manchester is one of the biggest and most exciting cities here in the U.K. and of course it has a huge food scene but where is the best place to go for the finest dining experience? When most people visit cities they never really focus on where they’re eating, however, I love food too much, so much that I have to google the best places to eat before even leaving my house. But today you don’t have to do that because I’m making your life 10 times easier and giving you the top most highly rated restaurants to try out whilst you’re in Manchester.
The evening menu consists of tapas-like small plates (Voltini) – perfect for sharing – and delicious larger plates that offer tasty alternatives to standard restaurant food such as belly-stuffed seabass, the lamb shwarma naan burger or hake with black daal. As well as amazing food, after eating why not retreat to the Winter Garden to enjoy a house cocktail beneath the fairy-lit trees.
Known as Manchester’s most prestigious restaurant, Manchester house specialises in some what ‘unconventionally traditional’ dishes, updating classic flavour combinations with unusual twists and breath-taking presentations. The 10 or 14 course tasting menus (vegetarian options available) offer delectable flavours that are designed to give diners a taster of the full à la carte menu with dishes such as steamed pigeon with cherry broth and mustard, carpet clam with morels and asparagus and Manchester tart ice cream. If you’re planning a really special evening, book the chef’s table to watch the kitchen in action or the private dining room to enjoy the views over Manchester while you eat.
Located in the Midland hotel, The French is one of the most elegant and romantic restaurants in the city, it was the location of David and Victoria Beckham’s first date! The evening tasting menu stays true to the refined dining the restaurant is renowned for, albeit with a contemporary twist.
Hawksmoor is the place to dine if you have a love for steak. Alongside their iconic steak menu (larger cuts such as Chateaubriand or Porterhouse are ideal for sharing while their smaller sirloins, fillets and rumps are frequently talked about as the best in the city), fish is the dish of the day with whole lobster, roast scallops and house-cured salmon appearing as highlights on the menu for those who aren’t so keen on beef. Located on the edge of Spinningfields inside a Victorian courthouse, the interior of the restaurant is suitably grand, with upcycled reclaimed materials used throughout.
With a place in Restaurant Magazine’s Top 100 this is a must. The city centre’s only Michelin Bib Gourmand, Lancashire Life’s Restaurant of the Year, and Manchester Food and Drink Festival’s Newcomer of the Year, there is no stopping Simon Shaw’s King Street Restaurant. The food is as good as ever, but it is the setting, the location and that delightful al fresco rooftop bar that make this a place to return to.
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