What is on Wanted’s hot list this week

THE LITTLE PRINCE AT MONTBLANC

We all know and love the intense shine of a glossy black Montblanc pen with its distinctive white star on the lid. Well, for the first time, one of the world’s finest writing instruments is being produced in deep night sky blue resin – and it’s hypnotic.

Inspired by another classic, The Little Prince by French writer Antoine de Saint Exupery (one of the world’s most translated books), the design of the newest collection of Montblanc pens is based on Saint Exupery’s sensitive hand drawn illustrations. The book, about an imaginary encounter between a pilot and a little prince from a distant planet has as its central theme, the value of human relationships – something to which the act of writing is intrinsically linked.

It’s hard not to be touched by this reminder of the power of the written word – and not to fall in love with the exquisite design details on this new Montblanc collection: The yellow star, the fox motif – and the profound words engraved on the pen itself.

What makes the launch even more exciting, is the happy coincidence that the Market Theatre’s new company, Kwasha, will be presenting The Little Prince at the Grahamstown Arts Festival and bringing it to Joburg thereafter.

Perhaps it’s time for us all to re-read the book and remind ourselves about the power of human relationships.

THE OPERA HOUSE UNFOLDS

There is a distinct buzz around town, about a new members club that is opening in Sandton some time next year. While there’s nothing official being said, movers and shakers around the city have recently been hosting and attending a few seriously stylish events as something of a teaser campaign.

What is clearly being modeled on one of the coolest clubs in the world – the Soho Club in London – will offer members the ultimate in discreetly elegant entertainment, including a rooftop pool and several intimate restaurants and bars. The emphasis is clearly on recruiting the right kind of members – which is strictly by invitation and application only. So count yourself extremely flattered if you do get the call…

A. LANGE AND SÖHNE RECORD

We all know that A. Lange & Söhne watches are in a league of their own, but a recent auction for charity set something of a jaw dropping record.

Earlier this month, the only 1815 “Homage to Walter Lange” watch ever made in a steel case went under the hammer for US$852,414.00. That’s more than R11-million and is the highest figure that a Lange wristwatch has ever achieved. Every cent from the auction goes to the Children Action Foundation, a Swiss-based aid organisation that helps promote the physical and emotional well-being of disadvantaged children around the globe.

The 1815 “Homage to Walter Lange” watch was dedicated to company founder Walter Lange, who passed away in 2017. Its special features include a jumping sweep-seconds mechanism, a black enamel dial segment and a stainless-steel case. The astounding results of the auction prove that if there is one watch that is a collector’s item, it is an A. Lange & Söhne. For those who missed the auction, limited editions of the watch in white gold, pink gold and yellow gold will go on sale later this year. A. Lange & Söhne watches are available in South Africa, exclusively from The Vault in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.

THESE HEELS

Country Road launches a new capsule collection in June, featuring exquisite fabrics like cashmere and boiled wool and seriously directional styling. But if there’s one item I’m going to be queuing for, it is these beautiful black heels. I have a peculiar relationship with shoes, especially heels, and don’t always find what I like. But when the cut’s right, it’s right. And this time Country Road got it seriously right!

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

If, like me, your musical taste grew up in the 80s, you’ll be rushing to the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival this weekend, to see the premiere of The Fun’s Not Over – The James Phillips story.

He of Bernoldus Niemand and the Cherry Faced Lurchers fame was the poster boy of protest music for many an 80s student. He inspired the Voelvry movement that in turn inspired a generation. Gone too soon; his story is sure to be a good one.