Lukhanyo Mdingi

 

2012 Winner Jane Elizabeth Kotze

 Nicholas Coutts' winning collection

Angela Illing with sister Julie from The Little Black Book

Thulane

Jackie Burger

With Jasna

Inge Wulff and Dylan Jack

With Fresh Face Winner Alexandra Robertshaw

With Natalie

On the 4th, I went to the launch for Vintage Lifestyle Magazine at the charming Starlings Coffee Shop. Editor Nicole Danielle Warr gave a heartfelt speech and presented the issue. I am so impressed with this girl, at only 19, she's gone out and followed her passion which permeates through her work. In this age I know a lot of the magazine industry is about copy and paste, especially South African magazines. Earlier this year, 3 girls I know interned for 3 different magazines and were disheartened as they found that local titles mainly adapt content and shoots from international titles, leaving no room for originality. Vintage Lifestyle really fills this void beautifully. The core team is Nicole and her family joined by artistic friends to help with shooting and make up. This gives the magazine a real intimate, personal feel that you can't find in major publications. The mag covers everything vintage from fashion to travel to music. Personal touches like inspirational quotes at the bottom of the page enhance reading very nicely.

Vintage Lifestyle Magazine's concept is to look at how vintage enhances our modern lifestyle - the new with the old - to come up with a unique look or experience. Not only is it South Africa's first vintage magazine but it's South Africa's first online vintage magazine which is a perfect fit for their concept; juxtaposing technology with classic content. With interesting interviews, gorgeous fashion shoots and a platform for young bohemians, Vintage Lifestyle Magazine is a refreshing and ornate piece of art. 

To sum up, just how the article on LPs talks about how vinyl has a warmer and fuller sound, Vintage Lifestyle Magazine is a warmer, fuller read. Looking forward to the next issue! You can subscribe and read the first issue at http://www.vintagelifestylemag.co.za/

On Thursday I attended the Elle New Talent Fresh Face Awards at Coord Studio. The faces of the eight finalists were displayed around the studio along with five words they chose to describe themselves. I quickly fell in love with Alexandra Robertshaw who called herself whimsical, weird, dreamy, daring and fanciful. The beautiful first time model from Johannesburg won the Talent Search receiving prizes to the value of R45 000 from various sponsors, including appearing in the Woolworths campaigns for winter and summer 2011, a wardrobe make over, make-up and a two-year contract with Boss Models,  who will network her to top international agencies. Robertshaw will also receive a year’s subscription to ELLE and will be featured in the January 2011 issue of the magazine, along with the seven other finalists, and will be on the cover of the April 2011 issue of ELLE.

I loved the genuine modesty Alexandra exudes and at just 17, girl has a real presence. The editor of ELLE Magazine, Jackie Burger said that, “To choose the one fresh face from the finalists has been a challenge as all the eight finalists had very unique and amazing qualities,” “This is the first time in South Africa ELLE’s done the fresh face search and the process has been very rewarding, speaking to these young women and understanding their psyche has made us realise the role we have to play in the industry in growing young talent.”

“Alexandra showed a very natural confidence, strong and healthy sense of self, natural beauty and comfort in her skin, and that’s what we were looking for, our brand represents a sexy, stylish, spirited, and independent woman. Alexander fits this description and has the right values to be a role model for other young people,” comments Burger.

All eight finalists of the ELLE New Talent Fresh Face Search will appear in the January 2011 issue of ELLE Magazine. The finalists also each received a photography portfolio with professional photos done by ELLE’s fashion photographers. Finalists also each received wardrobe and make-up to the value of R3 000.