This is the season for indulging in precious gifts and sophisticated accessories, all sourced by Stellenbosch Visio.
#1: Louis Vuitton
Bags from the latest Louis Vuitton offering, the Since 1854 collection, have the gentle feel of old memories – and with reason. The canvas features the date 1854, the year the House of Louis Vuitton was founded. Since then the jacquard pattern has become an international symbol of sublime craftmanship. The figure 8 has now become a petal, forming part of the canvas’s heritage together with the timeless LV monogram. What a gorgeous and timeless gift for someone precious.
#2: Rolex
Imagine checking the time on your new Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 with its hands and hour markers in 18ct white gold on a bright black sunray-finish dial. Or imagine wearing one with a lacquer dial in candy pink, turquoise blue, yellow, coral red or green. The new generation of Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual watches remains at the forefront of watchmaking technology, but with design variations that will take your breath away. The ultimate in chronometer desirability, for giving and receiving.
#3: Kat van Duinen
Kat van Duinen has become a byword for exquisite creations. These beautifully crafted handbags will be coveted possessions for your entire life. The Intambo genuine python drawstring bag has knotted drawstring ties to create a scrunched top and a detachable strap to turn it into a cross-body bag (R15,340). The Ntombi genuine ostrich crossbody tote (at the back) with its detachable strap is a sophisticated carry-all for busy days (R39,500). Both bags are proudly made in South Africa.
#4: Tokara
The Tokara Collection finds its inspiration on the farm Tokara itself, where a mountain stream courses through fynbos, lily ponds and ginkgo trees underplanted with ferns, plectranthus and exuberant hydrangeas. Purple velvet salvias, phylica and swamp cypresses dot the wooden pathways looping through the garden. Here, among olive groves and mountains, the Tokara Collection was born. Every pillowcase, tablecloth and apron from this new linen range captures a piece of this beauty. All pieces are available at the Tokara delicatessen.
For information and orders, send an email to theresa.fourie@gmail.com or sarah@tokara.com.
#5: Moët & Chandon Impérial: Nectar and Rosé limited edition gift boxes
To celebrate 270 years as the world’s most loved champagne, Moët & Chandon is unveiling three limited-edition designs that will make the perfect gift. There’s a champagne to suit each taste, from the classic Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial in a golden gift box to the Nectar Impérial in royal blue and Impérial Rosé in pink. Available from: Brut Impérial R549, Nectar R649, Rosé R729.
#6: Artistic and imaginative
Skep, a Stellenbosch-based company founded in 2012 by Carla Gerber and Geraldine Heyns, specialises in architecture and interior design and products. ‘Skep’ means ‘to produce through artistic or imaginative effort’ – and there’s no better description for the studio’s bright yellow Mosbolletjie chair. Set on an oak base and legs, the 800 x 800mm chair is available in fabric or leather and is perfect for any corner that needs a pop of colour. Contact the studio directly for price, delivery fee and manufacturing lead time. What’s better than getting a Stellenbosch-designed product delivered to your door? For more information, send and email to info@skepstudio.co.za.
#7: Canache Caramels
Imagine a combination of caramel, Cape sea salt and Swiss chocolate. Then add an infusion of pure CBD extract and you get Canache Caramels. The team believes that with Canache you can find peace in a deep slumber, a meaningful conversation with a close friend or a walk on the beach. The brand is inspired by an unspoilt place where generations of the same family have found a breath of fresh air away from their busy lives.
#8: Bringing nature home
The Hope collection of silk scarves, Mantua Silkwear’s latest, was inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact it has had. And from every Hope scarf sold, R500 will be donated to the Saartjie Baartman Foundation in Klipfontein. “As a local female-owned business, we work with creative female entrepreneurs who fight for change and equality, using this platform for women in need,” says founder Juandi Andrag. “The Hope scarves sold will provide real hope for victims of abuse that they can return to safety.” The scarves can be purchased online for between R1,100 and R1,200.
#9: Boeke, boeke, boeke!
Die trefferboeke van hierdie seisoen is nét wat jy nodig het: doepa wat jou grendeltydse lewensmoegheid in lewensdrif sal omskep. Daar is meesleurende, menslike verhale wat jou soos ‘n vloedgolf sal tref. En boeke wat jou sal ruk met vertellings van onreg en verdriet. Spanning, vermaak, woede oor mense se misbruik van mekaar; dis als daar. Die somer lê oop voor jou en hierdie boeke sal dit onvergeetlik maak: DONKERDRIF (Deon Meyer), DIE HEELAL OP MY TONG (Anoeschka von Meck), DIE VERDRIET VAN BELGIË (Hugo Claus vertaal deur Daniel Hugo), EXCITING TIMES (Naoise Dolan), MEMORIAL DRIVE (Natasha Tretheway), en A WILDER LIFE. THE JOURNEY OF AN ADVENTURING DOCTOR (Joan Louwrens).
#10: A taste of Poland
The luxury vodka brand Belvedere recently revealed its latest innovation: the Belvedere Single Estate Rye Series, which is perfect for sipping in a South African summer. The series comprises two distinct vodkas – Smogóry Forest and Lake Bartężek – and each has taken its name from its single estate of origin. The former is crafted from rare Diamond Dankowskie rye from a single estate in Smogóry, a village in western Poland surrounded by forest. Belvedere Lake Bartężek is made from the same rye, but from an estate on the shores of Lake Bartężek in Poland’s Masurian Lake District. To appreciate the differences in terroir, both vodkas should be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.