thediscerningstylist – Your Guide to Conscious Living and Style

LUSH x Spongebob Squarepants

It’s time to make waves and nautical nonsense with this new collection of completely plastic-free products! From a tropical body balm to fruity bath fizzers – this collection will help customers turn the tide and help keep oceans clean.

Findings from Mintel(1) show that plastic pollution remains one of the top three concerns for consumers when it comes to environmental issues in the last two years.

Today, 60% of Lush’s sales are entirely packaging-free. So, whether you’re taking your first step away from the pump or whether you’re motivated to move over to a fully plastic-free routine – Lush has you covered.

‘‘We love soap! So, to create a plastic free range of products on behalf of SpongeBob SquarePants, an iconic character, series and brand, representing an undersea world that we are all trying to protect, was an obvious fit for Lush. We’re thrilled to partner with Paramount Consumer Products and Nickelodeon on SpongeBob SquarePants: Operation Sea Change. We had so much fun with this collaboration and the Krabby Bathy is a new innovation for us — a hybrid soap, bath bomb and bubble bar. We think the fragrances are extra special, think tropical, pineapple and coconut, dreamy combinations that are unique to this range.” Melody Morton, Lush Concepts Creative Director.

In support of Paramount’s SpongeBob SquarePants: Operation Sea Change campaign, a global ocean conservation and sustainability initiative, which kicked off last year, Lush is thrilled to have been able to co-create a range of six new, fun and immersive products across bath, shower and skin care to ensure multiple steps of your body care routine are covered.

Krabby Bathy Bath Gift R290

Lovingly assembled by experts, Krabby Bathy features two fizzy and fruity bath bomb buns, scented with bergamot and lime oils.

Sandwiched between both of those is a lovingly handmade bubble bar patty with a cheerfully tropical fragrance courtesy of buchu and Sicilian lemon oil.

Lastly, don’t forget your toppings! Two lettuce and tomato-shaped soaps sit delicately on top, both perfumed with a refreshing watermelon twist. All packed and served fresh inside a fully recyclable box!

Spongebob Soap R89.50

Looking for a fresh and fruity soap? No problemo! Grab your soapy pal SpongeBob, lather up with a blend of cleansing and brightening fresh pineapple juice and uplifting buchu oil to cheer your mood, while extra virgin coconut oil keeps hands hydrated.

Surprised Patrick Bath Bomb R95

Hop in the tub with this fizzy friend for a sweet vanilla and coconut-fragranced bathe, transforming your water into a beautiful peach sunset.

Featuring coconut milk powder, Surprised Patrick Bath Bomb froths, foams, and crackles with popping candy, creating creamy, soothing bathwater that lightly hydrates your skin. Catch this packaging-free starfish soon, because he’s only available for a limited time.

Squidward Bubble Bar R95

Soak your aching tentacles, forget your cynicism, and relax under piles of soft, fluffy bubbles! Seaweed absolute softens you up, while violet leaf absolute and Persian lime oil leave you feeling fresh and cheery.

This packaging-free bubble bar is your bathtime equivalent of a citrusy poolside margarita, that’s sure to serve up smiles!

Home Sweet Pineapple Body Balm R165

Go plastic-free with this pineapple under the sea! Say ‘Ahoy!’ to brilliantly moisturised skin, thanks to this naked body balm’s base of Fair Trade organic cocoa butter and shea butter.

Meanwhile, fresh pineapple juice and davana oil will leave your soft skin with a sweet, tropical scent that’s pure piña colada perfection.

Spongebob Bath Bomb R165

For the best bath ever, make a splash into cheerful passion fruit-scented waters!

It’s party-time in the tub with everyone’s favourite sea sponge, so dive into a fresh and fruity blend of enzymic pineapple powder, sweet wild orange oil, and popping candy for a cracking good time.

_{Press Release and images supplied}

Five secrets to achieve the perfect work life harmony

Juggling your work and personal life can feel like an uphill battle, especially for self-employed individuals who wear multiple hats. Throw in the challenges of working in the entertainment sector, with irregular schedules and constant demands, and it becomes even more crucial to find harmony between professional and personal commitments.

Larry Soffer, Africa’s leading mentalist, together with his manager and wife, has successfully mastered the art of maintaining a fulfilling work-life balance and is keen to share his valuable tips and captivating stories with others seeking the same.

Find your switch off button
We struggle to switch off from work when faced with stressful situations or unresolved tasks. To combat this, I have developed a fail-proof strategy. I make a list of everything I need to do and create a clear action plan to tackle it. When my tasks are organised, it becomes easier for me to switch off and relax. I focus on finishing one thing at a time, crossing it off my list, and having a clear idea of what awaits me tomorrow.

Make downtime entertaining
As my career progressed, my life became increasingly multifaceted, demanding attention to various aspects beyond work. Balancing work with marriage, managing a home, and caring for our two dogs has taught me the importance of nurturing different aspects of life. Each component contributes to our overall joy and prosperity.

Planning enjoyable activities during downtime plays a crucial role in detaching from work and the importance of making solid plans with loved ones. When you schedule fun activities with your spouse, friends, or family, you assign more significance to them. This compels you to switch off from work and fully immerse yourself in the moment.

Switching off from work is a challenge I have faced. Passionate about my craft, work became an integral part of my identity. However, my wife, who also manages my career, has played a pivotal role in helping me find the right balance. My wife is excellent at reminding me to switch off and spend quality time together. Though it’s a continuous learning process, I’ve become much better at detaching from work and appreciating the beauty of life beyond my profession.

Find the right energy booster
When it comes to maintaining energy levels, I swear by power naps. A quick 15 to 20-minute nap recharges me and leaves me feeling refreshed. With frequent travel, I have mastered the art of sleeping on short flights, ensuring optimum rest before performances. I also find solace in going for walks after a stressful day, clearing my mind and gaining perspective.

Spending quality time with my wife and adorable dogs, Lily and Luna, also provides a welcome respite. Cuddling in front of the TV and enjoying a good movie or series allows me to unwind completely.

Be honest with yourself
I remain discerning about projects I take on. While money is essential for survival, it’s crucial to assess whether a project’s pressure is worth the reward.

In the past, I have cancelled projects when clients were difficult to work with. It is important identify and establish boundaries with challenging clients.

Know when to draw the line
Stay professional, even in the midst of exciting events and glamorous parties. It’s tempting to get caught up in the party atmosphere but remember that you’re there to work. Clients are always observing, and the industry is small. Strike a balance and know when to draw the line.

There were unique challenges posed by the pandemic. As virtual shows became the norm, work-life balance took a backseat. Transforming a room in my home into a studio, my wife and I managed all aspects of my shows together. Catering to audiences across different time zones, even performing in the middle of the night, added an extra layer of complexity. Despite the challenges, we embraced the adventure, resulting in successful and unforgettable experiences.

Now that things have returned to normal, with the occasional virtual show, Larry Soffer is excited to inspire others to achieve work-life balance. With his wisdom and remarkable journey, he motivates individuals from all walks of life to nurture different aspects of their existence, leading to fulfilment and prosperity.

For more on how Larry Soffer inspires his audiences to believe in the impossible so that can achieve their dreams, follow @LarrySoffer or visit his website for more information at www.larrysoffer.com.

Pick n Pay Clothing x Matte Nolim launch Inclusive High-End Fashion At Affordable Prices

Internationally acclaimed local designer Matte Nolim brings his skill and love of fashion home in his Pick n Pay Clothing x Matte Nolim range, so that everyday South Africans can wear his colourful yet minimalistic designs.

Nolim, born as Siyethemba Duma, is the latest designer to collaborate with Pick n Pay Clothing as part of its Futurewear initiative – a project in partnership with designer Gavin Rajah that mentors young, talented creatives to create a commercial clothing line.

Nolim quickly made a name for himself in the local and international fashion scene after launching the Matte Nolim brand in 2014 with a modern minimalist aesthetic. “The brand dresses a young mindset more than an age group,” says Nolim.

His designs captured the fashion world’s imagination, and he has showcased his designs on many runways and even styled the likes of Instagram celebrity Elsa Majimbo in a GQ feature. During the pandemic, he stepped out of his comfort zone and began exploring more print and colour.

His latest creative project is the exclusive, limited edition range for Pick n Pay Clothing through its Futurewear initiative. “This project seeks to showcase local designers as well as give them an entry into the commercial segment of the market, thus creating jobs as entrepreneurs expand their operations,” says Hazel Pillay, General Manager for Pick n Pay Clothing.

The inspiration for Nolim’s ‘Bloom SS’ collection, which launched in 40 Pick n Pay Clothing stores nationwide this week, stemmed from his desire to make high-end designs accessible to everyday people. “Through Pick n Pay Clothing, I have been able to create timeless pieces for customers to treasure; youthful energy is my brand ID.”

He applied his same design process to this collection. “Instead of using pen and paper, my ideas are conceptualised in my head before I hit the sewing machine. I don’t like limiting a design to a technical drawing. Ideas and designs are generated in the mind. Improving a real-life sample is better than improving a drawing.”

The limited edition collab capsule uses bright oranges, blacks, gold and floral prints and includes beautiful jumpsuits, dresses, a skirt, shirt and kimono. The items range from R249,99 up to R399.99. The clothing can also be purchased online at www.picknpayclothing.co.za.

“The collection is inspired by bold florals reminiscent of my lush birth town, Pietermaritzburg. The collection’s silhouettes are feminine and flattering to the feminine form, with bright combinations of Hilton daisies and summery poppies,” says Nolim.

Pillay says the collection is a collector’s item due to the exclusivity of the range. “Once it is sold out, it is sold out.” She believes customers looking for something different and unique to wear this Summer will love this range, and it make them feel glamorous.

As Nolim moves into the commercial space, he is living his dream of creating an affordable range for those who want to wear his designs but couldn’t afford it. “Collaborating with Pick n Pay makes this possible. I have learnt so much so far, including how to work with a bigger team. I’ve really enjoyed the experience.”

Pick n Pay Clothing’s Futurewear initiative continues to grow and has successfully collaborated with five local designers to create unique designer items at affordable prices for customers.

Press release and images supplied.

Self Acceptance – How Our Physical Appearance Impacts Our Happiness

From some of our earliest childhood memories to the latest stages of our adult life, how others perceive us is largely based on our physical appearance. This is significant because it is often others’ perceptions of us that form the basis of our negative self-perception and unhappiness with our appearance.

However, we are fortunate to live in an era where small corrections to our appearance through non-invasive cosmetic procedures are more accessible than ever. Allowing us to change what we are physically unhappy with through less invasive and cost-effective ways to ultimately make us more fulfilled, confident and happy.

Digital aesthetics enthusiast, Dr Sheryl Smithies believes that the best improvements come from an in-depth understanding of the face as a whole, and is here to share her top three small changes you can make to get a big confidence boost.

Fillers

Fillers are targeted injections of hyaluronic acid into areas of the face that have begun to lose definition due to the natural muscle deterioration and migration of fat that is part of the natural ageing process. Fillers are incredibly effective at adding volume, filling in wrinkles, erasing lines and moisturising the skin. They are mainly used to slow down ageing so that women in their 30-40’s can age gracefully at a pace that matches how young they feel at heart.

Another bonus is that unlike traditional surgery the results are instant and last up to a year. Making them perfect for anyone wanting to trial cosmetic procedures for the first time.

Teeth Whitening

Poet Bryant H. McGill got it to spot on when he said, ‘The greatest self is a peaceful smile’ and having spotless pearly whites can bring lightness into your life and the lives of those around you. There are two ways teeth whitening is generally done. One is with professional products and an activating light by a dental professional. The great bonus of this is that the results are instant and can be professionally boosted every 6 months.

Home whitening is the other option and includes having individual whitening trays made that you use at home. Although less expensive upfront, results take about 2 weeks to set in. However, the results themselves are similar to the in-office whitening procedures. Whitening can be done for anyone over the age of 18 years old and works best for those wanting a light lift in the colour of their teeth.

Digital smile design

Digital Smile Design allows you to test-drive your new smile before you have the treatment. It is a process that involves using 3D scans, X-rays and images of your face to work together with your cosmetic dentist to plan a smile rehabilitation that is specially designed to fit with the natural aesthetics of your face.

Detailed planning means more minimally invasive treatment options are available allowing you to maximize your new smile without damaging your teeth. Depending on the type of smile design treatment you’ve had done, your smile will last 3-15 years. DSD is done for anyone wanting a better smile but is especially effective for people who have worn their teeth down. DSD can be done for any changes, small or large and generally takes a matter of weeks for the planning and execution of your new smile.

When it comes to making a great first impression there is no doubt that your smile has a huge impact on how secure you feel in an unfamiliar situation. Smiling has even been proven to increase the key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, endorphins and serotonin associated with lowering anxiety and increasing feelings of happiness.

Having a healthy relationship with your physical facial appearance communicates your emotions and radiates happiness through your appearance, demeanour, body language, and mannerisms. With these small corrections your confidence will skyrocket, and all without the invasive and costly process of surgery.

To book an appointment, visit www.enameldentistry.co.za.

Press release and image of Dr Sheryl Smithies supplied.

The New World of Interior Intelligence

Creative behavioural strategist Kim Williams – recently shared her insights as keynote speaker at Decorex 2021, on how we have entered a time where great design has moved past purist notions of practicality and become centred around creating strategies that produce spaces that are mindful and serve our life and work objectives. There is a depth and an insight that we have into what we want from our spaces that Kim refers to as interior intelligence and it is taking interior designers and clients alike on a whole new journey.

Having grown up spending many hours indoors in her yellow bedroom as a child because of a club foot, Kim has a particular insight into feeling isolated in our interior world and shares her top insights on how the evolution of intelligent interiors can facilitate a better experience of living.

Evolution of perspective

As a child, I spent many hours looking out at the world which shaped my understanding of how interior spaces can be a sanctuary during chaos. As I shared my story in my new book – MyYellowRoom – I realised how my experience of feeling isolated in my room prepared me for the needs of my clients before social distancing was even an idea, and helped me understand the power our spaces hold. My room was a place I could control and change, and I was fascinated by how people’s engagement with my room would alter when I changed the elements within it.

It taught me that our behaviour is largely influenced by how we experience the elements around us. There is real power in shuffling the objects you already have in a space to refresh your personal perspective and renew a space’s emotive power. By valuing both the designer and the client’s unique perspectives we can create new life stages to facilitate specific experiences in our spaces that are truly expressive of the client’s desires and absolutely authentic to the people who inhabit them, regardless of the budget limitations.

Evolution of residential spaces

Our homes and interiors have evolved alongside us through the various stages of lockdown to become places that facilitate the experience of living well. Corporates had always known that our spaces have a drastic impact on us and over the last year, we have seen residential clients awaken to the same truth.

The sudden transition from open-plan living illustrates this perfectly. Nowadays, people are prioritising places for focused work, managing the movement of others in their spaces and desiring nooks in which to cocoon and self soothe in solitude before feeling recharged enough to rejoin the jubilance of typical family life.

Evolution of the virtual space

We are seeing a radical integration between our physical and virtual spaces. The virtual and physical worlds are set to merge and we are looking to designers to make sense of this integration. To help make sense of the potential chaos at the intersection of these worlds through balancing technology and comfort within the personal narrative of their client’s space.

The evolution of individualism

Individualism emerged before Covid and has been bolstered by it and we are far more attentive to expressing individual aesthetics in space. Younger generations have been challenging us on how we perceive people, what our contribution to society is and how important it is that we understand who we are and who we are seen to be.
We are thinking critically about our experiences of space from sight to sound to shape to texture and how these principles can be used to express parts of our client’s personalities. The process of pulling out individualism and combining that with trends and how we put the two together to help individuals, families and brands express themselves in interesting ways that are meaningful to them, will be the catalyst for many exciting innovations in the near future.

The evolution of mindful connection

The importance of mindfulness is on the rise with many more people creating spaces to practice whatever mindfulness activities support them. Mindfulness is amazing for productivity. The sense of connection we gain from these practices gives us clarity on how we think about what we are executing.

We have also realised how important nature is to refresh, recharge and heal. A connection to nature is a powerful dynamic we must factor into our spaces. The emphasis on the awareness of our impact on nature is not going anywhere either. In fact, I think we will become more aware of what our design products are made from, where and how the raw materials are collected, where the manufacturing takes place and the final carbon cost the product has.

The evolution of nostalgia

We have started to design with our own memories as we once did with the latest trends. In part due to us not being able to travel, or see family, we have learned to create better memories when we are presented the opportunity. For a while, we were not able to just grab a coffee, or pop away for the weekend or have big family gatherings. Now when we do have those opportunities we feel a strong desire to document them and incorporate them into our spaces with special items and photographs.

We also see people trying to immerse themselves in cultures that they love, or an era that they loved, to trigger the memories of that wonderful holiday they had or romantic memories of a less complex world. This all fits perfectly with the uprising of repurposing and DIY, both of which are long-standing stable trends that have become mainstream – as is seen with the second-hand malls all over Europe. Repurposing gives us the opportunity to make things our own.

Designers are at the precipice of assisting clients to create spaces that set the stage for their lives on which to play out. Every client’s microenvironment is a stage of the story of their lives and the duty of a great designer is to make those stages facilitate a great experience of life. With the potential that technology carries, the deepening of our mindful connection, the change in our perspective and the groundedness we find in our memories we are capable of creating amazing spaces that are truly riveting to experience.

Press release and Kim Williams images supplied.

Local Beau-Trepreneur Launches Viral Marshmallow Beauty Sponge in SA

If you’re a Beautuber, an MUA (makeup artist) or just a beauty-lover with a TIK TOK obsession – you’ll know the Marshmallow Sponge Beauty Blender craze by influencer and hashtag. This revolutionary product is changing the way we face beat! Yup! It’s affectionately known for its baby-like softness, faster application and steak-free finish! Which is a total win if you’re planning a full weekend of close-up content creation.

This squad-approved slice of makeup heaven has exploded onto the international beauty scene and will soon be available in SA! Receiving rave reviews for its spongey superpowers from local Tik Tok beauties, bloggers and influential instagrammers – there’s no doubt that beauty lovers will hitting that sparkle emoji, to share their excitement!

Internationally adored and makeup-artist-acclaimed, it was only a matter of time before this game-changing beauty blender hit South African shores! The first to launch the product in SA is Tasneem Nagdee, creative director and founder of Marble Skin Co. – a local beauty brand with an international passion for revolutionary self-care beauty products and trends.

The brand first graced the e-commerce scene with its groundbreaking IPL Hair Removal Handset, amidst the 2020 beauty home-care frenzy. They kept wow-ing South African beauty-lovers with innovative products – such as their Alya Skin Pink Clay Mask (which works wonders by the way) and their Slick Stick Hair Slicking Wand – all amazing and all available in SA!

‘‘After months of sourcing, testing and product-refinement, we are so proud to launch our Marble Skin Co. Marshmallow Sponge Beauty Blender to South-African beauty lovers. We’ve been absolutely blown away with this product, which is why we knew we had to share it with our local beauty community!’’ – Tasneem Nagdee, Creative Director and Founder of Marble Skin Co.

When it comes to beauty – it’s all about blending! Which is why the brand will be introducing not one, but two incredible Marshmallow Sponge Beauty Blenders. Online shoppers will be able to experience the rounded marshmallow sponge – for easy foundation application. Or the half-cut marshmallow sponge – for precision application around the eye area and for powder contouring. The revolutionary beauty blenders will be available for purchase, either individually or in a beautiful set of four – perfect for sharing with beauty-besties!

The Marble Skin Co. Marshmallow Sponge Beauty Blender range will officially be launching on the brands’ e-commerce site (www.marble skinco.co.za) on Friday 1 October 2021. So best you get your primer, foundation and ring lights ready… because it’s bound to get blended!

Press release supplied.

Choosing Your Perfect Lash Get the Perfect Lash Look

Many women dream of having luscious lashes to brighten up their faces and let their souls shine out to the world. Eyelash extensions are an exciting innovation; when done correctly they can maximise our beauty and minimise our insecurities.

Yolandie Venter – Owner entrepreneur of Yolandie’s Lash Extensions Boutique – is an award-winning lash extension expert and shares her top secrets on lash extensions to leave you fluttering with excitement.

What are lashes made from?

In general, there are three kinds of extensions. Mink, Faux Mink, and Silk. The most common eyelash treatment is the application of synthetic individual eyelashes. These are made from Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) which is a flexible and lightweight fibre with a soft sheen.

Many years ago, eyelash extensions were made from real hair, from the mink which is a small mammal similar to the ferret. Unfortunately, these animals are still farmed for their fur, the strands of which are used as the extension. Thankfully, it is now very rare to see real mink eyelash extensions used in the industry – but it is worth checking that your salon’s products are vegan and cruelty-free.

Both lashes labelled Faux Mink and Silk are generally made from PBT. Confusing, I know, but suppliers often label their lashes to describe the feeling of the lash, not the material it is made from. PBT lashes are soft and flexible which helps them bond effortlessly and flex with the movement of your natural lashes. This makes them comfortable to wear and prevents you from rubbing them which aids in their longevity.

What Lash styles are there?

Classic eyelash extensions

Classic eyelash extensions are a soft natural way to achieve that glorious youthful no make-up make-up look. They are applied at a 1:1 ratio to your natural lash line only. So, if you have 50 natural lashes per eye, 50 extensions will be placed, one next to each lash to achieve the look of a doubly full lash line.

Classic eyelash extensions are a great choice for anyone with a decent amount of healthy natural lashes, younger clients who just want to fill a few gaps in their lash line and clients looking for a medium intensity boost.

Flat lashes

The Flat lash is still applied on a 1:1 ratio, but the design of it is very different. The regular classic lash mimics the natural bend of your own lashes and is conical under a microscope. The Flat lash is shaped like a long plank with a double tapered tip that looks like a snake’s tongue.
The tapered split starts at the middle of each extension, giving the illusion of each lash strand being thicker, while the tapered tongue softens it to make it look natural. Flat lashes come in both sheen and matte. Matte Flats are more natural-looking whereas the standard sheen lashes are darker, shiny and more dramatic.

Russian Volume

Russian Volume is an extremely advanced technique that only experienced and highly skilled eyelash technicians should offer. Sadly there are eager but underskilled technicians offering this treatment which leads to overloading your natural lashes.

Russian Volume eyelash extensions use multiple ultra-fine hairs that are handcrafted into fans at the time of application by the therapist using specially designed tweezers. The therapist places these bouquets of the eyelash onto the natural lash in a fanned effect, to create coverage and fullness. Although each fan is made of multiple strands, the connection point to the lid is still 1:1. This ensures that the extension is encased within the natural lashes, and results in great retention of the extensions.

Russian Volume is perfect for the older client with sparse natural lashes, where extra coverage and a soft fluffy look is required. If you are looking for that thick, glamorous look, rather try heavyweight classic lashes (or mega/dark volume set 5/6D) as you can achieve a similar level of fullness.

The Russian Volume technique is intricate and time-consuming and takes many hours of practice and training. These technicians are rare, so it is worth making sure you research your technician.

Cluster and Flare lashes

Cluster and Flare lashes are not the same as handmade Russian Volume extensions. CLuster lashes are machine-made multi-strand lashes that are purchased in beauty stores. Unfortunately, some salons are trying to pass them off as Russian Volume extensions and charge high prices for a subservient treatment.

Cluster or Flare lashes – sometimes called ‘party lashes’ – are temporary and for short term wear only. These should be applied with a weak latex-based strip lash glue and removed after a few days. Some therapists use strong glues on multiple lashes which inhibits the growth patterns of the natural lashes and causes damage over time.

Pre- and Pro-made Volume Fans

Pre- and Pro-made Volume fans are a relatively new eyelash extension treatment. Pre-made volume or Pro-made extensions (as they can be called) create the illusion of a Russian Volume set without a high skill level. These fans are pre-made and save the therapist loads of time during treatment. Each pre-made fan is selected to suit the natural lash, using a combination of 2/3/4/5/6/7/8D on the natural lashes to ensure that the lash artist never overloads them.

No matter what you are seeking, lash extensions come in such a wide range of product shapes, colours and sizes there is bound to be one for you. The important consideration is to choose the expert carefully, as their advice makes the difference between a fairy tale or a nightmare ending. So, make sure you thoroughly vet your lash salon to avoid losing your eyelashes due to a bad application.

Press release supplied.

PnP Clothing brings affordable designer clothing to customers with emerging local talent collab

Pick n Pay Clothing is shaking up the local fashion industry by making designer wear more affordable and accessible to its customers by collaboration with three young emerging South African designers – Zarah Cassim and Julia Buchanan from Cape Town, and Sipho Mbuto from Durban.

This is a continuation of the partnership launched in 2020 between PnP Clothing and award-winning fashion designer, Gavin Rajah, who will mentor the designers, creating exclusive and limited collections for PnP Clothing over the coming months.

“The success of the designer collaborations when first launched last year and the positive response from PnP Clothing customers to the exclusive collections spurred us to build onto what we had achieved and to get them excited once again about updating their wardrobes.

“Pick n Pay Clothing is passionate about supporting local and this project has unlocked an opportunity to elevate local designers and local manufacturing,”

says Hazel Pillay, General Manager for Pick n Pay Clothing.

The exclusive ranges from Zarah, Julia and Sipho, will be available in-store and online in the coming months.

A special 2021 collection by Gavin Rajah Atelier, his second in the collaboration, will also be launched later in the year.

The aim behind the collaborations is to support local talent and make designer clothing more accessible to more South Africans at affordable prices.

“This is an initiative that celebrates and nurtures the incredible design talent we have in South Africa, and with invaluable input from one of South Africa’s veteran designers, allowing them to carve out a niche in the fashion industry and the space to showcase this.

“The pride, at the end of the day, is being able to place these unique and beautiful fashion items in the hands of our shoppers who may not ordinarily have access to designer pieces based on affordability,” says Pillay.

For Gavin, the initiative has been a personal passion point, sharing his years of experience with new and upcoming designers and giving them the freedom to express their unique art while helping to hone this to create exclusive pieces with everyday stand-out appeal.

“Now in its second year, this watershed collaboration has brought to designers a much-needed platform to flex their talent, access support from a technical and entrepreneurial perspective, as well as understand the clothing manufacturing landscape from a mass retail perspective. We are slowly building a community of creatives that can lean on each other for mentorship and direction,” says Rajah.

About the 2021 Collection and Designers:

Zarah Cassim, a 29-year-old fine artist from Claremont, Cape Town, will have her exclusive PnP Clothing collection – Pick n Pay Clothing x ZARAH – land in stores and online mid-year. The collection is inspired by the artistic movement, Romanticism, and focuses on femininity.

Sipho Mbuto is a fashion designer and creative director who launched his own label in 2016 at the age of 26. His Pick n Pay Clothing x SIPHO range takes inspiration from the cultural hub that Durban is and its warm climate.

Julia Buchanan’s 2021 collection is her second collaboration with Pick n Pay Clothing, having designed an exclusive range in 2020, which was inspired by South Africa’s powerful women. The collection proved widely popular with PnP Clothing shopper, selling out in just over a month. Her new collection tis a daring tribute to people across the world who have suffered at the hands of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Press release supplied.

Lifting The Veil on Facial Thread Lifts

10 Must-Know Facts

In our virtually inclined reality, more of us are spending our days running the world through an endless stream of Zoom calls. As we squint against shabby cameras, shoddy lighting and shiny screens we are left feeling vulnerable as we examine every imperfection in our faces. It is not surprising then that the facial aesthetics industry has seen significant growth in non-invasive treatments over the last 18 months.

Non-invasive facial enhancements, in general, create structure, soften ageing and remedy sagging. However, certain treatments are tailored to specific problems. The facial thread procedure, in particular, is exploding in popularity for its ability to lift your face making you look reinvigorated.

Digital aesthetics practitioner Dr Sheryl Smithies is an authority on holistic facial treatments that look at beauty through an integrated approach and explains everything you need to know about thread procedures.

What is ageing anyway?

When you age your facial tissues, like the muscle in the deep plane, diminish which leads to the increased laxity of the skin. The bone and the fat pads underneath the skin also change shape, migrate and often get smaller over time making the skin slightly saggy and wrinkly as the support underneath it decreases.

What are threads?

Facial threads are sutures that are placed under the skin in the deep plane to encourage our bodies to create the collagen needed to replace the facial structure that is naturally lost due to ageing. There are several different types of threads nowadays. Including barbed and smooth threads made from polydioxanone (PDO), polylactic acid (PLA) or polycaprolactone (PCA).

Whether you have smooth or barbed threads done, they work by causing a slight irritation under the skin that stimulates collagen growth. Over time, the thread is replaced by a band of collagen. This means that once the thread has dissolved, your collagen will remain, creating a stronger support structure for your skin.

Even though the threads themselves last 12-18 months, the effects last longer due to the collagen build-up. Whilst by no means permanent, the collagen that is stimulated will last in your skin for 18 – 24 months.

What can I expect?

First, you need to have had a consultation with your doctor and settle on the ideal treatment as every face has unique asymmetries that make it beautiful. Every procedure begins by mapping out your face and giving you a numbing injection which will also decrease post-treatment bruising. Once you are numb, a small puncture site is created through which the thread will be inserted.

Depending on the type of thread treatment done you can expect to feel varying levels of discomfort. If you are having anchor threads done to lift skin, you may feel significant tightness during the procedure. Threads are so popular particularly because they are not unusually painful. However, they are still a medical procedure that involves inserting a foreign body under the skin and tugging on it so you can expect a little discomfort.

How can I prepare For treatment?

Mentally preparing for any procedure, even non-invasive ones have been proven to have a positive effect on your healing process. Knowing the facts, having realistic expectations, being content with your motive for having the procedure, and having a doctor you trust is important to your treatment outcome. You will also need to stop any blood thinners or supplements that may cause bleeding such as Turmeric and Omega 3’s. In terms of home care, a good quality skincare regime will maintain your skin in its best form for this procedure.

What are the risks?

Because of its minimally invasive nature, not much goes wrong with the thread procedure. However, there will always be a chance of having unwanted effects after the treatment such as bruising and uneven skin are all potential side effects of a thread treatment. Luckily, however, these are all short lived.

Whilst the risk is very minimal, any treatment that involves needles can have unwanted outcomes such as haematoma formation, nerve damage, uneven results and allergic reactions. The chances are minimal but this is why it is very important to tell your practitioner all of your medical history before proceeding with the treatment.

If there is a medical reason such as allergies or auto-immune diseases you should not proceed with the thread treatment.

Why is the latest technology important?

Technology is continuously improving and allowing us to digitally map and tailor holistic facial improvement programs to give patients results better than they dreamed of. I personally love working with the Aptos brand as they are at the forefront of material technology. Their use of embedding Hyaluronic acid – which is naturally found in skin cells – into the threads creates an extra boost of moisture and tissue conditioning for better results.

For anyone battling against the emotional drain of feeling like they look less than their true selves, threads can offer not only a more youthful appearance but hope. Ideal for anyone looking for minor reshaping that will enhance their natural beauty threads can leave you feeling empowered, confident and revitalised if your motivations for the procedure are sound. The gift of looking and feeling like yourself again through facial enhancement improves how you perceive and are perceived by the greater world and will leave you feeling comfortable in your skin – no matter your age.

Press release supplied.

Cover image and flatlay image by Canva.

Spotlight on Women in Business: Jessica Molebatsi

Wife, Mother & Fashion entrepreneur on life and career in a male dominated industry

For this year’s National Women’s Day, I want to highlight women in business. I had the pleasure of chatting with wife, mother and business woman, Jessica Molebatsi of eponymous fashion label JessicaJane on how she balances running a business in a male dominated industry and raising a family.

There is this erroneous belief that women can’t have it all. But what does “having it all” even mean? While it may mean different things to different people, the general concept of having it all is the ability to raise a family, have a social life while also maintaining a successful career. Some women put the pursuit of raising a family on the backburner until they achieve a certain level of success in their career. Conversely, there are others, like entrepreneur Bushra Shaikh, who believe that it is best to first raise a family and only afterwards should your career take priority.

“Everything can’t be 100% all the time, but you learn as you go along.”

Jessica Molebatsi; wife, mother and entrepreneur admits that it’s not easy. “Everything can’t be 100% all the time,” she says, “but you learn as you go along.” During my chat with Jessica, we discuss the challenges of a woman running a business in a male dominated environment while raising a family. How she prioritises it all and what her advice would be to aspiring fashion designers.

Jessica’s passion for fashion began in her formative years. Her grandma used to sew and this inspired her to later study fashion design and eventually create her own clothing line, JessicaJane. Jessica remembers the start of her business venture as being very difficult. She had no capital and, having just moved from Durban to Johannesburg, no network. But her determination and dedication paid off. Over time and through word-of-mouth, her business grew.

Jessica’s appreciation for beauty and femininity is evident in her designs. Her latest winter collection is a surprising burst of colours and sequins that will appeal to the bold and feminine woman. Jessica believes that true style is not about standing out but being remembered.

On Business

Jessica is both the creative director and business manager of her brand; a task that she says is not for the faint of heart. Juggling both of these roles and the various responsibilities that they demand can be taxing, but she finds that the demands help to inspire her designs. As she often has to split her time juggling work and life pressures, she designs clothes for women with similar challenges. Women want to look good but not have to sacrifice the limited resource of time. Jessica designs classics that inspire women to look and feel their best.

While the South African fashion industry is growing, research conducted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the South African Cotton Cluster show that designers who form part of the clothing and textile sector in South Africa contributed R1 billion to South Africa’s GDP in 2019. The country is recovering from the impact of Covid-19 and will continue to recover for years to come but Jessica’s hope is to see more government support of female designers.

There is tremendous opportunity to boost the economy and further growth by upskilling and creating jobs in the fashion industry.

On Life

Jessica believes in balance. She believes in taking each season as it comes. The start of the pandemic was a good time for her to slow her pace and spend more time with the family. As most working mothers, she, too, experiences mum-guilt, but the support of her husband makes it easier. When Jessica is not working or raising a family with her husband, she likes to relax by getting dressed up and going out to lunch, or staying at home to watch Netflix. Her latest guilty pleasure, she says, is a documentary about creative director Olivier Rousteing. It’s called Wonder Boy. The show is a look behind the scenes of how Rousteing brings his bold designs to life and goes in search of his origins.

Advice

“Just because you like fashion doesn’t mean you’re going to be a good fashion designer”.

When I ask Jessica what advice she would give to a budding fashion designer, she says: “Just because you like fashion doesn’t mean you’re going to be a good fashion designer”. As someone who studied Garment Construction myself, thinking I wanted to be a fashion designer, I couldn’t agree more.

Jessica’s favourite women empowerment quote is a remix of ‘empowered women empower women’. She says, “empowered women should empower other women.”

I completely agree. It is our responsibility as women to truly support and encourage one another to create a better future.

As I bid Jessica goodbye, I could not but think: “what an inspiration she is!”

Happy Women’s month.