Fairlady Mar/Apr 2026

Most of the young adults we know who live overseas – either studying or working – come home in December. And this past December, for the first time in a long time, a lot of them really didn’t want to leave. It’s not just the Trump factor, although that obviously has an impact (despite the fact that none of them lives in the US). It’s mainly about what’s happening here. I don’t want to overstate it because we clearly still have huge problems that we need to deal with, but I’m sensing a new kind of cautious optimism in the air. And it’s not just me: Recruitment group DNA Employer of Record (EOR) reported a 70% increase in the number of South Africans who actively want to come home, not…

Some Lines a Day: The 5 Year Memory Book (Leuchtturm1917) I’ve never kept a diary, but this memory book has five years of the same date on one page. There’s literally only enough space for about three lines per write about the same date on the same page, if you know what I mean. So you keep the journal for five years, and can see a snapshot of your life on the same date over a five-year period. I like the fact that the space is so limited – and I love the idea of a five-year record, too. Seascraper by Benjamin Wood This tiny gem of a book confounded my expectations. Thomas Flett heads out to the beach every morning, scraping for shrimp – the trade he learnt from his…

Winning letter The art of self-keeping I read the November/December 2025 feature on ‘mankeeping’ with great interest – and a fair amount of chuckling. It painted a vivid picture of modern men who seem ill-equipped on a social, physical and emotional level to sustain marriage or lead a household. While the humour (or reality) certainly landed, I couldn’t help but feel that the conversation deserves more than a collective eye-roll at the current crop of husbands and boyfriends. If we desire stronger families and healthier relationships, the solution starts long before anyone says ‘I do’. Instead of sharpening our man-keeping skills, perhaps we should be teaching our daughters the far more empowering art of self-keeping. Girls should be raised to develop a strong sense of identity, to set boundaries early,…

1 From Derry to Belfast Full disclosure: I haven’t actually watched it yet, but I’m really excited about How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, now streaming on Netflix. Mainly because it’s written by Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee. If it has any of the same uniquely Irish wit, I’m in. Here’s the gist: Clever, chaotic TV writer Saoirse; glamorous, stressed-out mother of three Robyn; and dependable, inhibited carer Dara have been a tight-knit group since school. Now in their late 30s, they receive news of the death of the estranged fourth member of their childhood gang, which sets off a series of eerie events at her wake, and a dark, dangerous and hilarious odyssey through Ireland and beyond as they try to piece together the truth of the past.…

Bronwyn Day Creative director at Superbalist ‘My style is eclectic. I love colour, mixing prints, and blending vintage with modern pieces. I love the thrill of a unique find, almost like treasure hunting. Leopard print has been a lifelong obsession – my mother wore a lot of it in the ’80s, and I fell in love with fashion watching her get dressed for work or parties.’ Liz Letsoalo Founder and CEO of Masodi Beauty ‘I love to blend daring masculine pieces with playful feminine ones. I want to be comfortable, but I also dress for my mood, so I’ll go from an oversized blazer and shirt to a flowy backless dress, depending on the occasion.’ Roxanne Ferreira Owner of interior and design brand Arrange Studio ‘My style is comfortable and…

‘The ’40s and ’50s had the best fashion.’ ◗ Have you always been interested in fashion? I remember falling in love with fashion at a young age. My mother, grandmother and Lady Diana were huge style influences in my life then, and I played dress-up almost every day from my mother or granny’s wardrobe. ◗ What are some of your favourite pieces that you’ve bought from Superbalist? Barrel jeans from Cotton On, statement boho blouses from H&M and Trendyol, oversized tees from Adidas, suede loafers from Mango and statement jewellery from Zoe on Trend are just some of the many items I’ve bought this season. ◗ Any underrated brands we should keep an eye out for? Forever New and Ted Baker. ◗ What is the one trend you just cannot get…