FRESH START WAYS TO WEAR ONE DRESS THE FABULOUS ELEMENT OF FREEDOM WIN WHICH HUE ARE YOU? KILLER (FASHION) JAM. Give your skin a new foundation

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1 WIN SOUT H AFRICA A LUXE WEEKEND AWAY WORTH R JAN / FEB 2017 WHICH HUE ARE YOU? FRESH START KILLER (FASHION) JAM Give your skin a new foundation WAYS TO WEAR ONE DRESS HOW TO GET THE MOST OF 2017 STARRING JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 R35 (VAT INCL) OTHER COUNTRIES R30.70 (EXCL TAXES) THE FABULOUS ELEMENT OF FREEDOM

2 the new N 5 CHANEL.COM # YOU KNOW ME ANDYOU DONT

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4 @ELLESouthAfrica JANUARY/FEBRUARY ON THE COVER 30 WIN a luxe weekend with Tsogo Sun 32 1 DRESS 20 WAYS this is what you call a multitasking item 40 THE VOICE Grammy winner and activist Alicia Keys talks feminism and being true to herself 52 FUTURE READING get ready for a year of 62 CAN T GET ENOUGH Kyle Deutsch drops the mic for fashion 88 BOLD VS NUDE what s your lipstick pick? 92 BEAUTY BEST BUYS in search of the best foundation? We ve got you covered (no pun intended!) FEATURES 48 FUNNY GIRL a funny thing happened on the way to adulthood it s called laughter 50 THE FUTURE OF SEX let s talk robosex, shall we? RADAR 14 FASHION wardrobe hacks that work 16 DESIGN FILES Iconic Invanity by Nancy Nwadire 17 FASHION DIRECTOR S NOTES 21 ART & SOUL art aficionado Mandla Sibeko on his passion 22 DECODED Dolce&Gabbana s latest bag collection is bella ELLE FELLA in courageous company 24 BEAUTY 24 hours of beauty with Cassandra Twala 26 BEAUTY 2017 edit of hot, new and multitasking buys 28 BEAUTY BANTER talking curls with Danielle Bowler SHOPPING 39 TREND Netflix & chill in lingerie FASHION 76 THE GET DOWN The coolest street wear today - vintage meets sport BEAUTY 93 TALKING SCENTS Narciso Rodriguez 94 FITNESS & SOCIAL MEDIA are hashtags and foodie flat lays giving you #fitspo? 96 FIT NOTES what s on our workout agenda in 2017? Read on ON THE COVER Photography: Kerry Hallihan / Styling: Donna Wallace / Hair: Chuck Amos for Pantene at Jump / Make-up: Dotti at Streeters using Eminence / Manicurist: Dawn Sterling at MAM-NYC using Dior Vernis / Set design: Bette Adams at Mary Howard Studio / Studio: Spring Studios NY / Talent: Alicia Keys / Alicia wears: black leather jacket, Ralph Lauren LIFESTYLE 99 LET S ESCAPE with TravELLE 105 MENU the perfect pairing REGULARS 62 2 CONTENTS 4 EDITOR S LETTER 6 GUEST LIST 7 MASTHEAD 8 COVER UNCOVERED 12 STYLE REPORTER through the lens of Themba Mbuyisa 18 CULTURE CLUB your guide to all things arts & culture 20 CALENDAR hot dates to diarise 60 INNER CIRCLE join ELLE s community 106 WOMEN FOR CHANGE the second annual ELLE Impact 2 Award celebrates local start-ups with a difference 110 ELLE CAREER Vumile Msweli on connecting people 111 ADDRESS BOOK 112 BACK PAGE in 2017 we go back to school! (well, sort of) PHOTOGRAPHY: KERRY HALLIHAN, RICARDO SIMAL, JASON HETHERINGTON, JASON LLOYD-EVANS, GRAHAM WALSER AT HEARST STUDIOS, SHUTTERSTOCK

5 Built for the Streets Cons Skidgrip Sneaker Available at Converse Mall of Africa, Converse Sandton, Converse Menlyn, Converse Gateway and Selected Retailers

6 EDITOR S LETTER A TALK TO ME By the time you read this letter, we would have just wished 2016 goodbye, along with its fair load of challenges and controversies, and welcomed 2017 and its fair load of hopes, dreams and possibilities. After a mistletoe dance, or two, and a glass (or more) of bubbly, we would have hailed the new year and the many prospects it brings into our lives. And while there is something inexplicably wonderful about the idea of turning a page (goodbye 2016!), and sitting in front of a new blank one (ciao 2017!), there is also a little apprehension at the idea of filling its 365 days of vastness with meaningful, purposeful, lifecaring content. And I know the feeling very well: every month, as we sit as a team to talk about what the next issue will be about, we relive time and time again the new year celebration scenario; we raise our glasses of bubbly to the issue that was and get ready for what lies ahead with a mixture of excitement and trepidation; we throw at each other (figuratively) stories that we hope will better the way we think and experience fashion and beauty while empowering the women of South Africa. We sit in front of our own personal and collective bare pages and scribble words that will set the tone for the issues and months ahead, perhaps even define our own personal journeys. Because of the era we live in (social media frenzy, deadline madness, the fast-paced chaos that is daily life), that mistletoe dance may turn into a neon light flash mob. Still, the plan remains the same: let s turn whatever life throws at us (literally) into something positive, empowering and fabulously inspiring. So how do we do this? We write, we talk, we share, we dance, we love, we document, we sing, we create, we innovate, we come together, we craft, we change, we learn, we discover, we let go, we grow, we cry, we smile. We do not fear the blank page. That blank page is our own story and our own chance to do something different, shift life a little, move things around, make things meaningful. And if the first day of January always seems like the obvious gigantic blank canvas of our Gregorian calendar, 365 days, 8760 hours, minutes are as many blank pages you can wish for to lay down your dreams, one after the other. I say cheers to a whole new year of meaningful, purposeful, life-caring stories told by you, by us, by everyone. Enjoy the read! PHOTOGRAPHY: NIQUITA BENTO, SHUTTERSTOCK ELLESouthAfrica

7 MORE! ENTER INTO When shopping at Eastgate Shopping Centre, you can expect so much more - more fashion, more shopping, more entertainment, more style and more experiences. Visit Eastgate today!

8 Guest list Welcome to 2017! Here s to many more inspiring moments ahead, kicking off with our Jan/Feb issue powered by these creatives cassandra twala Brand Manager THE GIG Lifestyle blogger aka digital creator, brand manager, management consultant and co-founder of Blackbase, Cassandra gives us insight into her beauty and skincare routine. THE HASHTAG THAT SUMS UP YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW? #cantstopwontstop #vibratehigher. STYLE IS Dressing with meaning. CLOTHES YOU CAN T LIVE WITHOUT? Black jeans, a black blazer and basic tees in black and white. HEALTH TIPS? Sleep enough not too much and not too little. FAVOURITE EXERCISE ROUTINE? Sweat with Kayla. LAID-BACK SANDALS OR KILLER HEELS? Hmmm, both. SLEEK CLUTCH OR HOLD-ALL TOTE? Life in a tote on most days and a sleek clutch when I m feeling cute. ON REPEAT ON YOUR IPOD? Anderson.Paak s Silicon Valley. SUMMER ESCAPE? Bali I dream about it all the time, haven t been but would love to visit. INTROVERT OR EXTROVERT? Introvert. WORST HABIT? Not cooking and getting kyle deutsch THE GIG A former top-five SA Idols finalist and a 2016 MAMA winner (only a year after his music industry breakthrough), Durban native Kyle has us swooning. But in this issue of ELLE, he drops the mic (well, sort of) and strikes a pose for our Can t Get Enough fashion editorial, named after his chart-topping single. GREATEST FEAR? Not being able to provide for my family. SUMMER ESCAPE? Bazley on Durban s south coast to our holiday home on the beach for fishing, and surfing and sliding down the banks. STYLE IS Personal. CURRENT STATE OF MIND? Free. LIVING PERSON YOU MOST ADMIRE? David Beckham. HIDDEN TALENT? A highly critical point of view. P62 buhle lindwa ELLE Digital Intern THE GIG As digital intern, Buhle creates local content, sources the best reads for the day from the global ELLE network, keeps readers updated on what s hot and her eyes and ears on what s happening on the streets. CURRENT STATE OF MIND? Protect your peace. If it does not bring you peace leave it, whatever it is. GREATEST FEAR? Sleeping in the dark. BINGE WATCH? Rob & Chyna and Keeping Up With The Kardashians. ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO THE 16-YEAR-OLD YOU? Carbs are not your friend, my friend. ON REPEAT ON YOUR IPOD? Distruction Boyz, Shut Up And Groove. CLOTHES YOU CAN T LIVE WITHOUT? Maxis dresses or skirts they re my favourites. SHADES OR HAT? Shades, but I pull off both when I m channelling my inner Cookie Lyon. PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED, RICARDO SIMAL ELLESouthAfrica

9 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emilie ART ART DIRECTOR Jo Youens JUNIOR DESIGNERS Carla Latsky Bonolo EDITORIAL ASSISTANT EDITOR Tidi Benbenisti ONLINE EDITOR Malibongwe Tyilo DIGITAL INTERN Buhle Lindwa CONTRIBUTORS Dimeji Alara, Veronica Exter, Themba Mbuyisa, Rebecca Newman, Mary Hegarty, Lorraine Candy READ The ELLE team s beauty edit on page FASHION FASHION DIRECTOR Tarryn Oppel tarryn@elle.co.za CREATIVE ASSISTANT Niquita Bento niquita@elle.co.za FASHION INTERN Mpumelelo Ndlovu fashiondeskjhb@elle.co.za Tendai Mushonga fashiondesk@elle.co.za BEAUTY BEAUTY EDITOR Nicole Newman nicole@elle.co.za BEAUTY INTERN Keneiloe Nkomo beautydesk@elle.co.za ADVERTISING ACCOUNTS MANAGERS (JHB) Thalia Pallotta tpp@futurejhb.co.za Jessica Fairman jess@elle.co.za ACCOUNTS MANAGER (CPT) Jacelize Rust jacelize.olivetree@gmail.com ADVERTISING PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Naazneen Baulackey naazneen@elle.co.za MARKETING MARKETING AND NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Ryan Sorgente MARKETING: PROMOTIONS & EVENTS Jeanine Fonseca jeanine@elle.co.za MARKETING ASSISTANT Lungile Nkosi lungile@elle.co.za SPECIAL PROJECTS Ayanda Molefe ayanda@elle.co.za SUBSCRIPTIONS Times Media (Pty) Ltd ONLINE mysubs.co.za/elle INSTANT ACCESS TO EVERY ISSUE OF ELLE BUY IT NOW! ELLESouthAfrica ELLESouthAfrica MANAGEMENT PUBLISHER Gisèle Wertheim Aymés gisele@elle.co.za BUSINESS MANAGER Louise Birkner louise@elle.co.za MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT Robert Hood ENQUIRIES POSTAL PO BOX 2316 Randburg 2125 EDITORIAL MARKETING GO TO ELLE.CO.ZA DISTRIBUTION BY RNA, Bianca Davis PRINTED BY CTP Cape Town REPRODUCTION BY Hirt & Carter, Cape Town TRADEMARK NOTICE ELLE is used under licence from the trademark owner, Hachette Filipacchi Presse. LAGARDÈRE ACTIVE CHAIRMAN & CEO LAGARDÈRE ACTIVE Denis Olivennes CEO ELLE FRANCE & INTERNATIONAL Constance Benqué CEO ELLE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA LICENCES François Coruzzi SVP/INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR OF ELLE Valéria Bessolo Llopiz SVP/DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL MEDIA LICENSES, DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT & SYNDICATION Mickael Berret ELLE INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTIONS Charlotte Deffe, Virginie Dolata DEPUTY SYNDICATION TEAM MANAGER Thérèse Genevois SYNDICATION COORDINATOR Olivia Ciardi COPYRIGHTS MANAGER & DIGITAL SYNDICATION Séverine Laporte INTERNATIONAL AD SALES HOUSE: LAGARDÈRE GLOBAL ADVERTISING CEO Francois Coruzzi SVP/INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING Stéphanie Delattre Lagardère Global Advertising POSTAL 124 RUE DANTON, LEVALLOIS-PERRET, FRANCE WORLD S LEADING FASHION MAGAZINE 46 INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS Argentina - Australia - Belgium - Brazil - Bulgaria - Canada - China - Croatia - Czech Republic - Denmark - France - Finland - Germany - Greece - Hong Kong - Hungary - India - Indonesia - Italy - Japan - Korea - Mexico - Norway - Oriental - Poland - Portugal - Quebec - Romania - Russia - Serbia - Singapore - Slovenia - South Africa - Spain - Sweden - Taiwan - Thailand - The Netherlands - Turkey - Ukraine - UK - US - Vietnam ELLE (ISSN ) January/February Editorial contributions are welcome and should be sent to The Editor, ELLE, PO Box 15793, Vlaeberg All due care will be taken with material submitted, but the magazine and publishers cannot be held responsible for loss or damage. ELLE assumes no responsibility to return unsolicited editorial, graphic or other material. All rights in letters and unsolicited editorial and graphic material will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and material will be subject to ELLE s unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. ELLE is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted in whole or part without written permission from the publisher. While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to readers, the editor, publisher and proprietor cannot accept responsibility for any damage or inconvenience that may arise therefrom.

10 ALICIA IA BEHIND SCA A THE SCENES 15Grammy Awards Sons Egypt and S Genesis with husband, producer Swizz Beatz +30 MILLION 2009 Albums sold Honoured with a humanitarian award at the BET Awards Albums released, including VH1 Storytellers: Alicia Keys (Live) and Unplugged COVER UNCOVERED Collaboration with Black Coffee (yes, we re still crushing on Common ) 2014 Riccardo Tisci, Givenchy creative director, taps Alicia to headline the Dahlia Divin fragrance campaign 1 Candles for her birthday cake on 25 WOMAN OF THE MONTH BULELWA BASSE Poet and a performing artist, Bulelwa Basse delivers important social messages, and as founder of Sisters in Solidarity South Africa, she is also helping to empower women Describe Sisters in Solidarity South Africa in one sentence? Sisters in Solidarity South Africa is focused on elevating women from all walks of life through skills development, networking events, capacity building workshops, and by presenting business venture opportunities. Best advice you ve ever received? We should not quantify the success of our work by how many people access it, but instead, by how much it has impacted those who encounter it. You are a writer and a performing artist, how do you manage both? I ve learned to design structure in my daily life, by planning my schedule weeks in advance, and applying the discipline of following things through to allow room to catch any curve balls that life may throw at me without being too overwhelmed by them. Do you think women support each other enough? In some instances I think they do, and in some I don t. We have so many societal responsibilities to fulfil, and we re often expected to succeed in all of them. If I do feel women are not supporting each other enough, I take stock of the fact that it might have to do with their own capacity to reach out and stretch themselves any further than they already do. Compassion among women is essential. It s what makes or breaks us. I do think more successful women should consider sharing the knowledge gained from their path to the top, because it is about giving each other a hand-up rather than a hand-out. What do you do when you have time off? I treat myself to the simplest pleasure of being in silence, since my life revolves around transformational and developmental work of others. On the very rare occasion, I ll chase a glimpse of the sunset at Bloubergstrand, take a drive through the winelands, or get lost in someone else s words by reading a good book or a magazine. Words you live by? So many, but my favourite and a phrase of my own is: No commodity in the world could ever equate to the quality of your dreams; no silver, no gold could match your ideas as a symbol of wealth. A dream home has All the love to carry one through turbulent times, and settle in all things calm. Best holiday destination? India anytime. PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF BULELWA BASSE, SHUTTERSTOCK, KERRY HALLIHAN / INTERVIEW: DIMEJI ALARA ELLESouthAfrica

11 CREATIVE CONNOISSEURS Young, bold and brilliant: meet the women redefining the African art scene & the art of conversation BEAUTY REVEAL They work like magic and they add sparkle to our routines: the best of beauty in the annual ELLE Beauty Awards ON THE ROAD¼ A taste of majestic Africa in Zambia NEXT MONTH IN WOMEN IN ARTS CREATING A NEW REALITY PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK MARCH 2017 ON SALE: FROM 20 9

12 PROMOTION #SUMMERMOMENTS WITH HUAWEI P9 AND P9 PLUS Hello summer, hello memorable moments, lensed so effortlessly, with your best accessory, the Huawei P9 smartphone. Capturing your every move, mood and mode, it s your summer must-have and BFF #summermoments ELLESouthAfrica

13 PROMOTION ALL SHOT WITH HUAWEI P9 AND P9 PLUS... The P9 s ground-breaking dual-camera, subject to the industry s most stringent quality screening requirements, specialises in capturing vivid colour and acquiring precision imagery through the camera s monochrome capabilities. Love to create bold stories in vivid colours? With the P9 dual-camera, you can become an expert photographer and capture images with superior detail and depth. Need superb selfies? Say no more, the P9 has an 8MP front-facing camera that can turn you into a professional and keep you on top of your selfie (and shoe) game! The P9 is available in three remarkable colours: Prestige Gold, Titanium Grey and Mystic Silver. The P9 will be available at all local operator networks from today both on contract and prepaid packages from a recommended retail price of R and from a recommended retail price of R for the P9 11

14 RADAR A NEW MOOD IF WE COULD BUY A GARMENT THAT S SUITABLE FOR ANY OCCASION, ANY WEATHER CONDITION, AND WITH AN EXTRA ACCESSORY OR A SMALL TWEAK, TURN IT INTO SOMETHING COMPLETELY NEW FOR A DIFFERENT YOU" by THEMBA MBUYISA Time and time again, we start the year with a renewed sense of hope and fresh ideas, while trying to bounce back from the festive season spending spree (at least me!) and fighting the lingering dream of updating our closets with new buys. I often wonder if fashion could be repaired or reconstructed to newer concepts? If we could buy a garment that s suitable for any occasion, any weather condition, and with an extra accessory or a small tweak, turn it into something completely new for a different you. That would certainly save us some cupboard space. With the idea of repairing and reconstruction in mind, I chose The Bike Hospital in downtown Jozi as the set-up for my pictures: some of these used parts get a new lease on life and I love how it shines a light on the concept of fast-fashion. o PHOTOGRAPHY: THEMBA MBUYISA / MODEL: YAONE MAPHUNYE / YAONE IS DRESSED BY TOVCH

15 our edit of this season s hottest fashion and beauty trends RADAR FASHION HACK PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK

16 RADAR FASHION 1 FASHION HACKS Some things are worth a mental note to make wardrobe managing easier, shopping a pleasure and the simple things in life simpler TAKE NOTE: 7 IRON A BUTTON-UP SHIRT INSIDE OUT to avoid hooking on the buttons. 4 SHEDDING MOHAIR KNITS is messy and itchy; zip-lock your sweater or cardi and freeze it for about three hours. 2 DON T CRY OVER SPILT RED WINE, dip a clean cloth in white wine and dab it away. MOISTURISERS AREN T FOR YOUR SKIN ONLY; mend a scratched leather bag by 3filling the gap with a drop or two of moisturiser (apply with a cotton bud for precision). ALREADY DRESSED AND MISSED YOUR COLLAR? Save time by using a hair straightener. 5WHEN LIFE THROWS YOU LEMONS, remove sweat stains. DON T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF suede and leather protectors. 6 GET DRESSED ONCE YOU HAVE FINISHED YOUR HAIR AND MAKE-UP to avoid foundation or powder from dirtying your favourite silk shirt or uncontrollable hairspray staining your satin dress. 8 ELLESouthAfrica

17 RADAR FASHION ZAC POSEN PHOTOGRAPHY: NIQUITA BENTO, SHUTTERSTOCK, SUPPLIED / COMPILED BY: TARRYN OPPEL WARDROBE WONDERS When hanging shirts on hangers always do the buttons up this will help them keep their shape and quality. Don t hang heavy sweaters or knitwear on hangers because the shoulders and sleeves will stretch over time. You ve walked the world in your favourite shoes and they re falling apart; we know how emotional that can be, but don t throw them out just yet (you love them remember?), have them resoled instead, and pretend this very near-death experience never happened. A five-day closet clean-out prevention: let your hangers do the work for you by hanging everything in one direction. Once you ve worn an item, put it back the opposite way. After a year, you ll spot those golden oldies that are yet to be worn. Be brutal. Remove them. Vintage pieces been in storage for some time, or you ve just purchased some? Remove odours with a vodka cocktail: 1 part vodka, 2 parts water and spritz. Cheers! KA 1 P AT A T1 PART VODKA + 2 PARTS WA E ER LET S GO SHOPPING! If you find a dress you love, especially a beautifully fitted classic black number, but don t have an occasion to wear it to, buy it anyway it s an investment and the occasion will come. Repeat after us: Shop mirrors are the enemy and are not to be trusted! Ok, but on a friendlier note, if the return policy is fuss-free, take the item home, and try it on in your own environment. The best part is that you can see how the item integrates into your existing wardrobe. Just in case you need a refresh, memorise your (shoe) size: EU 36 / 3 UK / 5 US EU 37 / 4 UK / 6 US EU 38 / 5 UK / 7 US EU 39 / 6 UK / 8 US EU 40 / 7 UK / 9 US EU 41 / 8 UK / 10 US Even if you re confident about your lingerie size, try before you buy. You can t take these items back, and quality lingerie doesn t come cheap either, so don t waste money on something that doesn t fit well. Heading out for a long day of shopping? Make your change room experience a breeze wear easy-to-remove clothing because taking off layers of clothes in every store is bound to make you throw in the towel. Invest in one good trouser ELLESouthAfrica 15

18 RADAR FASHION MOTTO YOU LIVE BY DESIGN FILES SIGNATURE SCENT? Niche scents a variety from Annick Goutal. DAILY UNIFORM? I C O N I C I N V A N I T Y B Y N A N C Y N W A D I R E Iconic Invanity is the brainchild of Uganda-born and London-raised Nancy Nwadire. Keeping things proudly African, she produces her collection in Nigeria. The ethical luxury fashion brand is inspired by a woman with a great sense of self, driven by craftsmanship, innovation and the passion to create special pieces with impeccable attention to detail. Being an African designer means so much to me. Both personally and as a brand, it means I have a responsibility to set a tone and ignite a conversation, which spotlights the inequivalent potential Africa has, says Nancy. Splitting her time between Lagos and Kampala inspires her; Kampala for the youthful energy that allows her to reflect, while Lagos gets her thinking innovatively. AFRICAN LABEL LOVE I see so much talent, passion and creativity amongst young designers like Sisiano. RECENT READ Humans Are Underrated by Geoff Colvin. WAY TO END THE DAY? BEAUTY SECRETS Drinking a good amount of water before every meal, getting enough sleep, healthy eating, exercise and juicing. I use the Crème de La Mer range for my daily facial routine, and I avoid wearing make-up unless I have to. ON YOUR PLAYLIST Adele and Geoffrey Oryema. PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK / SUPPLIED / COMPILED BY: DIMEJI ALARA

19 @tarryno RADAR FASHION DIRECTOR S NOTES TAKE IT TO THE MAX PHOTOGRAPHY: NIQUITA BENTO / TARRYN WEARS: DRESS AND SANDALS, HER OWN; DENIM JACKET, R799, H&M; NECK SCARF, R99, OLD KHAKI The maxi dress has received an entry ticket back into fashion and it s a resident for a while, so get it while it s hot! by TARRYN OPPEL There are many myths when it comes to fashion and who can wear what. Some may be true, others not so much, right? For example, at 1.61m tall, I used to hold on to several no, I can t do reasons behind my clothing picks. I used to think I d drown in extralong wide leg pants; short pieces teamed with very high heels would make me look taller (*rolls eyes*); and anything ankle-grazing and voluminous would make me look and feel heavier. But there s a time and a place to step outside of our fashion comfort zone and explore new avenues. And looking at a photo of myself wearing a particularly long and voluminous maxi dress that I happily worked for the camera, it s official, I m dismissing all the above no, I can t do excuses. I say this for three reasons: 1. I immediately ignore the length and love the colour; 2. Despite my flat chunky sandals and the added denim, it still looks feminine; 3. I can still see my face, which means I am, in fact, not drowning. The thing is I haven t worn anything past my ankle since the late 90s, mostly because my memories of a maxi anything always included 1. Sliders, R499, adidas 3. Lace-up platforms, R1 599, Aldo MAXI DRESSING FOOTWEAR STYLES GO BEYOND SPARKLY THONGS Sneakers, R1 400, Dune London 4. Sliders, R399, Zara 5. Flatforms, R449, Utopia at Zando.co.za some sort of elasticated or drawstring waist paired with overly embellished thong sandals. That s how they wore it then, and I am so happy that s over, but the maxi, just like fashion and clothing styles, has evolved. Mid- to floor-length pieces have resonated with fashion lovers in recent seasons, resulting in many floorsweeping options (pants, skirts and dresses) to pick from for all. Even the Spring/Summer 2017 Resort Collections showed an overwhelming number of fresh renditions of longer length lust-haves. So how has it evolved, you re asking? Surely a maxi is just something that s long, right? Well, yes, it is, but what the likes of Christopher Kane, Gucci, Giambattista Valli, Rochas, Prabal Gurung, Calvin Klein and Roberto Cavalli (the list is much longer, just so you know) have done is extend the maxi (pardon the pun) trend to the sleeves. And while it may seem on the conservative side of dressing and very warm, it ties in with the seasonless collections taking centre stage (a topic I will address in a future column). With it in mind, I went on a hunt for a dress that would be timeless. Black would have probably made more sense (or is that just the old me playing it safe?), but the bright Russian Red sealed the deal. And even though I am only 1.61m tall, I feel storeys-high in the clouds of femininity and fun when I wear (and twirl in) ELLESouthAfrica 17

20 RADAR CLUB CULTURE CLUB CULTURE CLUB CULTURE CLUB CULTURE CLUB CULTURE ROMANCE ON THE BIG SCREEN AS THE YEAR KICKS OFF, WE LL BE WATCHING... SCI-FI PASSENGERS 30 DEC 2016 After a spacecraft transporting thousands of people to a distant colony planet has a malfunction in one of its sleep chambers, a single passenger (Chris Pratt) is awakened 90 years before anyone else. Faced with the prospect of growing old alone, he decides to wake up a second passenger (Jennifer Lawrence), marking the beginning of what becomes a unique love story. COMEDY WHY HIM? 30 DEC 2016 Why Him follows overprotective but loving dad Ned (Bryan Cranston) and his family as they journey to visit his daughter at college over the holidays. Upon arrival, Ned meets his biggest nightmare: his daughter s well-meaning but socially awkward tech-billionaire boyfriend, Laird (James Franco). And, so the battle for her affections begins. #INSTACRUSH With a passion for colour, New York-based photographer and art director, Adrienne Raquel is our #instacrush What inspires your Instagram aesthetic? It is heavily inspired by bold colour palettes, tropical vibes and the essence of femininity and black beauty. But I also have an undying love for the colour pink. Planned pictures or spontaneous snaps? Planned pics all day. I love for my photographs to set the mood and tell stories through colour play. So, planning helps me execute this in the best way possible. What it s like to be a colour expert? My sense of creativity revolves around colours, and how I interpret them. I follow colour trends wherever I go, and I m constantly on the lookout for cool combinations. Style is What you make of it. Style is all about you being you, unapologetically. Three people to follow on Instagram @QueDuong DRAMA MUSIC TO MOTIVATE SEA OF TREES 13 JAN 2017 This powerful story of love and redemption follows American professor Arthur Brennan (Matthew McConaughey) as he travels to Japan amid a personal crisis. Wandering through a mysterious forest, he meets an enigmatic stranger who is lost and injured. Arthur is devoted to saving Takumi, and the two embark on a journey of friendship, discovery and healing, which may ultimately re-connect Arthur with his love for his wife. MUSICAL LA LA LAND 27 JAN 2017 Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone make sparks fly on screen as Sebastian (Gosling) and Mia (Stone), a couple drawn together by their mutual desire to do what they love. But as success mounts they are faced with decisions that begin to fray the fragile fabric of their love affair, and the dreams they worked so hard to maintain in each other threaten to rip them apart. Major Lazer Music Is the Weapon Supercharging summer with signature mix of electronic, trap and pop, Major Lazer drops Music Is the Weapon this month. Lead single Cold Water, featuring Justin Bieber and MØ, is just a taste of what s to come, and collaborations abound with Sia, The Weeknd, Travis Scott and MØ. John Legend Darkness and Light John Legend s fifth solo album has been three years in the making, and collaborations with Miguel, Chance the Rapper and Alabama Shakes Brittany Howard, as well as the track Right by You (for baby daughter Luna), means it s on repeat. The xx I See You Almost five years after Coexist, highly anticipated I See You is here, led by single On Hold a refreshing and more upbeat direction away from the band s sultry sounds. ELLESouthAfrica