Saturday Star 2023-11-18

Until next season, folks. The SA fashion week calendar for the year is officially closed. Last week, African Fashion International hosted the 16th edition of Joburg Fashion Week. The prestigious event took place at The Forum Campus in Bryanston, Johannesburg. Designers from across Africa showcased their latest collections, including veterans in the fashion game such as Gavin Rajah, David Tlale, Scalo by Sello Medupe and Bongiwe Walaza, who made a huge comeback after disappearing for 12 years from the fashion scenes. Also part of this year’s line-up was Niger’s Alia Bare, Botswana’s Kaylaamiel Creations and Nguo, and the DRC’s Urban Zulu, whose designer, Papy Kaluw, conveyed a powerful message about the country’s challenges. While the already-established did exceptionally well this season, all eyes were on emerging designers: Malondie, Masango, Bathini…

Nutrition plays a vital role in the promotion of health and vitality as we age. Murray Hewlett, CEO of health-care provider Affinity Health, says ageing brings about various changes in our bodies. “Our metabolism slows down, bone density decreases, and we may face challenges like heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline,” he said. “However, a well-balanced diet can significantly impact how we age, helping us maintain physical and mental health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.” Hewlett listed the following foods that help the body thrive as it ages, as well as to ensure a healthier and happier quality of life. Leafy greens Leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, watercress, kale and Swiss chard are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. “They are abundant in vitamin K, which…

NEW Showmax series Spinners debuted on November 8 and has had motorsport enthusiasts glued to their screens since. The series, made in Lavender Hill in Cape Town, shines a light on the spinning culture in the Cape Flats. Spinning has often received a bad rap, but Yaseen Damon, spinning co-ordinator on the series, says there is more to the motorsport than meets the eye. Spinners follows the life of Ethan, 17, a driving enthusiast who grows up in the gang-riddled and crime-stricken community on the Cape Flats. Cantona James, who plays the role of Ethan, says the spinning aspect of the film was an adventure. Damon said: “Back in the day, spinning was seen as a hooligan sport. Spinning has evolved a lot since. It was never recognised as…

Every time we think Balenciaga has taken fashion too far, they do it again. And every time they showcase one of their bizarre designs, people are left dumbfounded. Now, as part of the brand’s Spring 2024 collection, Balenciaga has released a “towel skirt”, which retails for a whopping $925 (about R16 800). The garment looks exactly like a towel that’s been wrapped around your waist when you step out of the shower. According to the website, the $925 towel skirt is held up by two buttons inside the waistline and an adjustable belt with a buckle inside with the designer logo embroidered tone-on-tone at the front. It’s made in Italy and has to be dry cleaned. The model on the Balenciaga website is wearing the grey towel skirt over…

South Africa is grappling with one of the highest burdens of tuberculosis (TB) in the world. Every year, the country sees a high number of TB infections, resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of lives. This issue is further compounded by the prevalence of HIV-TB co-infection and the emergence of drug-resistant TB strains, making treatments longer and more expensive. “It’s hard to believe that a curable disease that has been around for over 2 000 years is still a major health challenge in 2023,” said Janke Draper, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA). Unfortunately, TB disproportionately affects people living in poverty and, as unemployment rates rise and income inequality persists, poverty becomes an increasing problem. Those facing economic hardships are…

With the festive season just under six weeks away, now is the time to get your ducks in a row when it comes to planning the festive feast. By planning during this busy time of year, you can be organised and take the stress out of entertaining at home with family and friends and avoid food waste. Get started with the list Begin by creating a complete festive shopping list and stick to it, it’s the best way to stop yourself from overspending and forgetting the crucial bits. Begin with meal planning around your typical festive celebrations. Planning your meals, not only for Christmas Day but on the days surrounding it, allows you to best use leftovers and reduce any food waste. Then you can plan drinks and nibbles. Always…