Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani once said style is the only luxury that is truly desirable. For this festive season’s gift guide, we’re staying true to timeless style and sophisticated elegance as we showcase a curated selection of luxurious gifts set to turn heads.
A macaron moment
Marnella Art Du Macaron is the secret to all whimsical celebrations. At its local bakery in Stellenbosch, each macaron is prepared with an elegance attained through paying attention to the finer details. And the brand echoes this sweet sentiment: “May every macaron gently transport you back in time – reminiscent of sweet memories – or into the future to a time and place where a beautiful journey awaits.” Marnella’s Luxury Macaron Hatbox calls for joyful soirées with a gorgeous array of 24 perfectly crafted macarons – each bite a compelling burst of flavour. From locally sourced pistachio and subtle garden rose to perfectly balanced salted caramel and espresso Valrhona ganache, these macarons entice all the senses. For a range of exquisite macaron gift options, shop the Marnella range online. Flavours and colour combinations can be customised to every client’s specific needs.
Marnella Art Du Macaron Luxury Macaron Hatbox | From R350
Incomparable cognac
Handcrafted and mouth-blown by skilled artisans from the finest European crystal houses, each of LOUIS XIII’s captivating decanters is individually numbered. The distinctive design, featuring a 20-carat gold neck and spikes, is inspired by a 16th-century flask. Each bottle of LOUIS XIII cognac boasts only the finest and most precious eau-de-vie, made by using grapes grown in Grande Champagne and slowly aged in old Limousin casks.
LOUIS XIII (750ml) | Jonathan Hugo, Executive Private Client Manager at Edward Snell, 066 280 6441 | Norman Goodfellows | Johnny’s Liquor Hypermarket | R74,999
A symbol of strength
Luxury French brand Messika recently introduced a variation of five novel jewels as part of the Lucky Move Color collection – daring to fuse onyx and rose gold. This instantly iconic collection is inspired by talisman medallions, combining a palette of nine shades across fine and organic stones: mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli, turquoise, malachite, onyx, cornelian and ziricote wood. The necklaces, bracelets and rings are an ode to colour in its purest form.
Messika Lucky Move Color Necklace Baby Onyx | BHH Boutiques | V&A Waterfront, Hyde Park Corner | From R54,800
Everlasting appeal
Dreamy, dashing and oh-so desirable… Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual Datejust in oystersteel and white gold sports an azzurro-blue floral motif, diamond-set dial featuring 24 diamonds in 18-carat gold settings, and an oyster bracelet. Synonymous with excellence and reliability, Rolex watches are designed for everyday wear and, depending on the model, are perfectly suited for a wide range of sports and other activities. Every Rolex dial is designed and manufactured in-house, largely by hand, to ensure perfection. Built to last, these timepieces are characterised by their distinctive and timeless aesthetics.
Rolex Datejust | R158,200
Liquid gold
QMS Medicosmetics is all about incorporating optimum concentrations of active ingredients resulting in maximum absorption and effective action. The brand, formulated by aesthetic surgeon and international authority on skin ageing and regeneration, Dr Erich Schulte, was developed from a medical understanding of skin functioning. The QMS Advanced Collagen Serum in Oil (R4,615, 30ml) is a uniquely nourishing, intensive collagen serum with a threefold anti-ageing effect that combines the premium ingredients in a serum with the benefits of a facial oil. This skincare wonder is especially suitable for mature skin with hyperpigmentation and uneven tones.
Summer elegance
With his first collection, revealed in 1947, Christian Dior revolutionised the codes of haute couture with his unique architectural creations reshaping the essence of femininity. The emblematic silhouette, renamed the New Look, was a triumph, delighting women around the world. Over the course of many fashion shows and travels, the House of Dior became the absolute symbol of Parisian luxury and elegance. More than ever, this timeless modernity is passed on boldly thanks to the excellence of Dior Studios.
DiorSignature | Picot & Moss Eyewear | 011 669 0796 | Suggested retail of R7,900
Ask for the moon
For 2022 the entire CHANEL galaxy takes on a celestial shimmer, enveloping the skin in scented oils studded with golden and pearlescent particles. Rouge Allure L’Extrait (R1,130) coats the lips in warm, luminous colour; Bleu de CHANEL Eau de Toilette (R2,195, 100ml) lifts the spirit; CHANEL N°5 Eau de Parfum Spray (R3,015, 100ml) offers a floral bouquet; and N°1 de CHANEL Revitalizing Serum (R2,830, 50ml) revolutionises skincare.
CHANEL Beauty and Fragrance Boutiques | Sandton City, V&A Waterfront, Menlyn Park, Gateway
Step out in colour
Louis Vuitton’s Spring in the City collection, dressed in shades of warm beige, powder pink and blush, exudes a sunny glow. Pieces such as the Papillon bag in Midnight Fuchsia
Monogram canvas (R47,000), Petit Sac Plat in Sunrise Pastel Monogram canvas (R31,000), Petit Bucket bag in raffia and caramel or black leather (R43,000) and the Saint Jacques bag dazzle in the collection.
Louis Vuitton | V&A Waterfront, Sandton City
Dancing diamonds
Perpetually on the move and brimming with joie de vivre, such is the nature of Happy Sport. Constantly reinvented since its creation in 1993, its dancing diamonds whirl as freely as the creative imagination. Chopard is presenting new variations of this ever-entertaining concept. Two 36mm-diameter Happy Sport models flaunt new dials that create a warm, lively and precious presence.
Happy Sport in ethical rose gold, stainless steel and diamonds (278608-6004) | BHH Boutiques | V&A Waterfront, Hyde Park Corner
Blissful bubbles
Moët & Chandon
If ever there were a Maison that forged the association between celebration and champagne, it’s Moët & Chandon, the 279-year-old Grande Maison that brought champagne to the world. This year, Moët & Chandon released three special-edition gift boxes that cue the festive spirit.
Brut Impérial, R649,95 | Nectar Impérial, R749,95 | Rosé Impérial, R799,95
Ruinart
RuinartAs a Maison with a reputation for innovation and stringent sustainable practices, Ruinart’s second skin case is part work of art and part environmental champion. This alternative to the traditional champagne gift box has some seriously impressive eco credentials: it’s recyclable, crafted from 99% paper and lands with a 60% CO2 reduction.
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs | R1,399,95
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel
Kaapse Vonkel was the very first Cap Classique, produced in 1971 thanks to the passion and perseverance of Malan family patriarch, Frans Malan. Since then, Simonsig and the Malans have proudly continued the pioneering tradition and developed Kaapse Vonkel to an international benchmark of quality and a standard-bearer for Cap Classique. Earlier this year, Simonsig received two trophies at the 2022 Amorim Cap Classique Challenge: Best Rosé (Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé 2020) and Best Nectar (Simonsig Vonkel Satin Nectar Rosé 2020).
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut 2020, R190 | Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé 2021, R190 | Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar 2021, R190 | Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar Rosé 2021, R190
For the wine connoisseur
While only a handful of South African cellars produce a single-variety Carignan, Stellenbosch estate Hazendal’s Limited Release Carignan 2017 is sure to delight any wine connoisseur this festive season. Carignan is revered for its bold and unique character, and Hazendal’s impressive New World expression perfectly showcases its voluptuous power and restrained elegance in the 2017 vintage.
Hazendal Limited Release Carignan 2017 | R1,200
The legendary Paul Sauer boasts a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The depth of flavour, structure and complexity of these three cultivars are accentuated by 24 months’ ageing in new French oak. This regal wine is recognised as one of South Africa’s best – as its five-star rating in Platter’s by Diners Club South African Wine Guide attests.
Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2019 | R850