What was the last object that you instantly fell in love with?
A gorgeous, high-quality, white linen pant suit from Witchery. It said “take me to the winelands with you this holiday” and I just had to.
A watch brand that you love?
Cartier. To me, they represent timeless elegance and they’re very well made.
The last place you travelled to that captured your heart?
Marrakesh. The beauty, the architecture, the creativity, the use of colour and patterns, the effortless way in which people live, the gardens, the food, the culture — I was blown away.
What books are on your bedside table?
You will always find my Bible and The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian. I’m currently reading The Gift by Edith Eger and The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck.
What’s the last meal that blew you away?
My daughter’s baked cheesecake. Heavenly.
Which musician really appeals to you at the moment?
Bongeziwe Mabandla. I love everything about his music.
Gifted
Founder of luxury consulting agency Vika Shipalana on making living an art
The founder of VS Luxury Group chats talks through the art of living and really good cheesecake
Image: Supplied
What is your personal definition of luxury?
I define luxury as “the art of living”. I love art, sustainable fashion, and creativity, and I believe in Africa and our creative power. I’m very intentional in terms of what I buy, what I invest in, and how I show up in the world. There’s a Henry Miller quote that I love: “To make living itself an art, that is the goal.”
The one indulgence you would never forgo?
Coffee-table books and high-quality teas from all around the world.
What are your essential grooming and treatment lotions and potions?
For my face, I can’t go without QMS Collagen System (and a monthly QMS Urban Repair facial). It is the key to healthy, youthful, glowing skin. I’ve also recently discovered Babor Lifting Cellular Collagen Booster Cream. I love how good it feels on my skin. For fragrances, I like to layer different types. My favourites currently are Oud Jaune Intense by Fragrance Du Bois and Initio Parfums Privés’ Psychedelic Love. When I travel, I always ensure that I have Chanel Hydra Beauty Essence Mist to keep my skin hydrated.
Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied
What tech gadget couldn’t you live without?
My Apple AirPods Pro.
What is the single-most sentimental object to you?
My vintage dressing gown, which was gifted to me by my mother-in-law after the birth of my first child. She says it was gifted to her by her mom-in-law.
What is your drink of choice?
An Old-Fashioned. It’s the perfect combination of bitter and sweet.
When you eat out, where do you go?
I always go to Olives & Plates in Hyde Park. Every week. The décor is super stunning, their healthy buffet lunches are out of this world, and if you have a sweet tooth you’ll never find better-tasting cakes anywhere else in Joburg.
Image: Supplied
What was the last object that you instantly fell in love with?
A gorgeous, high-quality, white linen pant suit from Witchery. It said “take me to the winelands with you this holiday” and I just had to.
A watch brand that you love?
Cartier. To me, they represent timeless elegance and they’re very well made.
The last place you travelled to that captured your heart?
Marrakesh. The beauty, the architecture, the creativity, the use of colour and patterns, the effortless way in which people live, the gardens, the food, the culture — I was blown away.
What books are on your bedside table?
You will always find my Bible and The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian. I’m currently reading The Gift by Edith Eger and The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck.
What’s the last meal that blew you away?
My daughter’s baked cheesecake. Heavenly.
Which musician really appeals to you at the moment?
Bongeziwe Mabandla. I love everything about his music.
Image: Supplied
What item in your wardrobe signifies your individual sense of style?
My Valentino silk-pyjama suit. I love high-quality, well-made garments that fit me well and provide me with a great level of comfort.
What’s next on your list of must-haves?
An Hermès Kelly bag. It’s timeless, classy, and elegant.
The best gift you’ve been given recently?
A limited-edition book set by William Kentridge. Inside was a stamped silkscreen print of one of his works from his “Why Should I Hesitate: Putting Drawings to Work” dual exhibition.
Image: Supplied
A gift that you’ve recently bought for someone?
The Epicurean Ceramique d’Art gift set by Jana Nel from Botanicus in Hyde Park. I bought it for a friend who curates stunning mini tablescapes.
What place inspires and rejuvenates you?
My home in Bisho, where I grew up. There really is no place like home.
What was the last item of clothing that you added to your wardrobe?
The cutest yellow two-piece linen shorts suit, from a concept store in Sandton.
Your favourite region in the world?
Provence- Alpes-Côte d’Azur in France.
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• From the February edition of Wanted, 2022.