Favourite city: London. It’s totally interesting because it is the world in one city. I love diversity. I love its grandeur and its grunge. I love its reverence for history and culture. I love it in every season. I’m never bored. Also, the world’s artists come to London and I love theatre, ballet, music, and art. I love the parks. I love that there is always a new area to discover.
Rejuvenated by: Going on a meditation retreat for two weeks in the Eastern Cape twice a year. It’s my lifeline.
Fridge essentials: Organic yoghurt and free-range eggs from Babylonstoren. I drive to Franschhoek especially for them. I’m trying to eat only produce from farms where I know the cows and chickens are treated well. Plus, the yoghurt is wonderful.
Indulgence that is impossible to forgo: A massage once a week. I have an excellent masseur in every port. As I get off a plane, I have a session.
Person who’s got my attention: Jordan Peterson. This obsession started six months ago and hasn’t abated. I read 12 Rules for Life, then I went to a lecture of his in London, then I started to read all his books. Now I’m listening to his YouTube lectures. I think he is completely brilliant, fascinating, and life-changing.
Dream dinner-party guests: My daughters, but if I have to get fancy, I’d choose funny and interesting people. Oscar Wilde because he was reportly spell-bindingly funny and articulate. Diana Vreeland — a hilarious, original thinker — and Karl Lagerfeld to discuss his diet and how he lost all that weight. And, he was incredibly witty with fashion gossip. Then, alive — Jordan Peterson — though the problem is, I’d want to talk only to him. Oprah (I’ve always wanted to meet her) and Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Theresa May. Hopefully, I could get their take on what the hell is going on in the world.
What makes me happiest: My daughters and watching their fascinating lives unfold. And, most importantly, when I take action and do what I say I’m going to do. When I live through action and with integrity.
Watching: The Crown was my absolute favourite. I’ve already rewatched it. And Mad Men and Deadwood were completely brilliant. When I was in Scotland for two weeks I watched Outlander every night. Plus, I hate to admit it, but I love Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Southern Charm too.
Book, album, and luxury item to take to a desert island: A down pillow would be an essential if I were to be happy. Or even a down-cushioned, spring-edged sofa? The Ladies in Lavender soundtrack album would do. And surely it would have to be a book on how to build a boat? Practicalities abandoned, I’d choose War and Peace.
The artist I’m keeping my eye on: My daughter Clementine Teniqua Crawford, who has been commissioned to do a giant triptych titled Whippet for the chicest new restaurant in New York, American Bar. She does edgy work and brilliant portraits.
Style icon: For clothes, creative director Giovanna Engelbert and British Vogue deputy editor and fashion features editor, Sarah Harris. For South African décor: Cécile & Boyd, Stephen Falcke, and Ineke Henderson.
Gifted
Quick questions with interior designer Serena Crawford
The interior designer has more than 40,000 followers on Instagram. Her eye for beauty and enthusiasm for life has us all enthralled
Image: Supplied
Building everyone should visit: Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia. I wrote my thesis on it.
Tech: My iPhone. I thank Steve Jobs every day for how he changed my life. Let’s start with WhatsApp: I get to speak for hours to people I love around the world for free. It’s life-changing.
Beauty balms: I love Sisley and Clarins — Clarins Double Serum and Sisley Sisleÿa Radiance Anti-Aging Concentrate in particular — as they both use plant extracts. No one does any of this better than the French. I love Dior and Chanel makeup.
Drink of choice: San Pellegrino in its green, glass bottle… very, very cold.
Restaurants: I dream of Bistro Moncur, Sean’s Panorama, and Fratelli Paradiso in Sydney; 5 Hertford Street in London; and Willoughby & Co in Cape Town.
An item I’ve had for years and still love: An Etro multicoloured coat.
Essential furniture item: Sofa first; everything else second. Commission a top upholsterer to make you the best, sprung-edged, proper depth, and proper rake sofa you can afford. Use the best fabric to make a loose cover. You may need to involve an interior designer of the old school in its design. It will last forever and change your life.
Listening to: Spotify is a game changer. I adore musical scores from films. My new favourite is W/E by Abel Korzeniowski.
Quick questions with former public protector and national treasure Thuli Madonsela
Favourite city: London. It’s totally interesting because it is the world in one city. I love diversity. I love its grandeur and its grunge. I love its reverence for history and culture. I love it in every season. I’m never bored. Also, the world’s artists come to London and I love theatre, ballet, music, and art. I love the parks. I love that there is always a new area to discover.
Rejuvenated by: Going on a meditation retreat for two weeks in the Eastern Cape twice a year. It’s my lifeline.
Fridge essentials: Organic yoghurt and free-range eggs from Babylonstoren. I drive to Franschhoek especially for them. I’m trying to eat only produce from farms where I know the cows and chickens are treated well. Plus, the yoghurt is wonderful.
Indulgence that is impossible to forgo: A massage once a week. I have an excellent masseur in every port. As I get off a plane, I have a session.
Person who’s got my attention: Jordan Peterson. This obsession started six months ago and hasn’t abated. I read 12 Rules for Life, then I went to a lecture of his in London, then I started to read all his books. Now I’m listening to his YouTube lectures. I think he is completely brilliant, fascinating, and life-changing.
Dream dinner-party guests: My daughters, but if I have to get fancy, I’d choose funny and interesting people. Oscar Wilde because he was reportly spell-bindingly funny and articulate. Diana Vreeland — a hilarious, original thinker — and Karl Lagerfeld to discuss his diet and how he lost all that weight. And, he was incredibly witty with fashion gossip. Then, alive — Jordan Peterson — though the problem is, I’d want to talk only to him. Oprah (I’ve always wanted to meet her) and Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Theresa May. Hopefully, I could get their take on what the hell is going on in the world.
What makes me happiest: My daughters and watching their fascinating lives unfold. And, most importantly, when I take action and do what I say I’m going to do. When I live through action and with integrity.
Watching: The Crown was my absolute favourite. I’ve already rewatched it. And Mad Men and Deadwood were completely brilliant. When I was in Scotland for two weeks I watched Outlander every night. Plus, I hate to admit it, but I love Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Southern Charm too.
Book, album, and luxury item to take to a desert island: A down pillow would be an essential if I were to be happy. Or even a down-cushioned, spring-edged sofa? The Ladies in Lavender soundtrack album would do. And surely it would have to be a book on how to build a boat? Practicalities abandoned, I’d choose War and Peace.
The artist I’m keeping my eye on: My daughter Clementine Teniqua Crawford, who has been commissioned to do a giant triptych titled Whippet for the chicest new restaurant in New York, American Bar. She does edgy work and brilliant portraits.
Style icon: For clothes, creative director Giovanna Engelbert and British Vogue deputy editor and fashion features editor, Sarah Harris. For South African décor: Cécile & Boyd, Stephen Falcke, and Ineke Henderson.
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• From the May edition of Wanted 2019.