Just in case

The new-generation, lightweight polypropylene suitcases feature a functional interior, equipped with a shoe bag, laundry bag, packing frame and pockets to make your packing a breeze. The unique sliding rail system also allows you to adjust the elastic straps according to the packing contents. Pending on size, prices range from R2 995 to R3 595. This Samsonite Aeris range is available in a variety of colours. For a stockist near you, log onto www.samsonite.com or call (031) 266 0620.

Picture perfect

With the world’s first and only Full LED 3D TV, LG takes you to a world where virtual and reality merge – where soccer balls soar toward you, hands reach out to touch you, and animals seem to leap right into your living room. Prices range from R41 999 to R56 999. Those who opt for the 3D experience will also receive two pairs of Shutter Glass Type 3D glasses with the purchase of every LG 3D TV.

Spectacular spectacles

Just because the Soccer World Cup is over does not mean we don’t all still need to look like spectacular spectators. In order to be polished to perfection, designer sunglasses are critical if not essential for hiding boredom as the next sporting season approaches. Opt for the every trendy Gold-trimmed Dolce and Gabbana aviators, R1 870. For more information visit www.sunglasshut.co.za

Ahoy sailor

U-Boat watches offer Swiss precision and Italian design making them synonymous with stylish looks and cutting edge technology. The iconic large faced watches are a symbol of power and innovation. Featured here is the Classico AB which offers several options in terms of dials and straps. Price available on request from leading jewellers and watch dealers.

Penned to perfection

Montegrappa pens are of the highest quality, set with meticulous care and attention to ensure an exquisite writing experience. At the very high end of writing instruments Montegrappa pens are made from celluloid with coloured pigments and powdered mother of pearl, sterling silver and 18ct gold, embellished with precious stones. The Montegrappa pen featured here retails for R3 705.

Fancy footwork

When it comes to finishing a look, the perfect pair of shoes can put you steps ahead of the rest. A pair of heels should be sturdy, comfortable (if possible) and have just a little added glam, like this particular pair of platforms with a rose-T bar detail from Queue, for a mere R399. For more information visit www.queueshoes.co.za.

Unveiled

Barclay & Clegg recently opened a new store in Hyde Park Shopping, offering a wide selection of the finest swimwear and lingerie by brands such as Freya, Lejaby, Bali, Lingadore and Empreinte. Discerning shoppers who enjoy professional assistance and quality products that make one feel comfortable and confident, flock to Barclay & Clegg for undergarments to suit all occasions and body types. For further information visit www.bclingerie.co.za

Mother Earth

Earthaddict and Earthchild, leading organic fashion brands offering high-quality children’s and women’s clothing, have launched a new concept store at Tyger Valley Shopping Centre in Cape Town. The Earthchild range caters for newborn babies to eight-year-old boys and girls – focusing on superior fabrics (mainly organic cotton), classic styles and easy to wear fits. Earthaddict offers the environmentally-conscious woman relaxed, natural and flowing leisurewear, drawing its inspiration from the earth. For further information about the brand and the nearest store to you, visit www.earthchild.co.za.

Bravo Brio!

A setting of unrivalled opulence, Brio 1893 restaurant has restored the century-old ABC building on Adderley Street, Cape Town where the city bank once held its gold. From the charming chandeliers that light up the restaurant’s vaulted ceilings to the dark, lacquered wooden floors, the ambience and decor of the restaurant are warm and inviting. Try the signature peppered fillet or a seafood platter to share with a wide wine selection to choose from. For booking enquiries call (021) 422 0654.

Fit for a queen

Royal Stones retail store has opened in the new upmarket Piazza de Luz mall in Sea Point, Cape Town. The intimate store offers a comfortable environment to enjoy all the treasures they offer. Royal Stones specialises in the Big 5 of stones (diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds and tanzanite) creating rare pieces as well as once-off jewellery creations for the high-end market. For your private consultation or enquiries, email info@royalstones.co.za or visit www.royalstones.co.za.

Live Once, Live Loud

Party throwing veterans Thirst Bar Services, Anything Goes and Attica have teamed up to create a pop-up club-lounge-bar called YOLO (You Only Live Once) for the duration of the World Cup at the trendy Cape Quarter in Cape Town. International and local socialites can watch the games on big screens and then stick around to sip Champagne and yummy cocktails while listening to some of the country’s top DJs, with music and entertainment selected by local celeb DJ Shaun Duvet. For bookings and more information visit www.yolobar.co.za

The higher road

Hyde Park Shopping is known for exceptional retail stores offering the most sophisticated local and international fashion. The Woolworths franchise has been evolving for the past few years into more than just casual, comfortable and affordable clothing and now offers more imported high-fashion labels like fresh and young Country Road and the more mature Trenery from Australia, and their Hyde Park outlet has just undergone a revamp to reflect this further. The store’s clothing section has been taken over by Country Road and Trenery independent flagships including a broad range of Country Road homeware and children’s clothing. Visit Woolworths, Upper Level Hyde Park Shopping to experience it for yourself.

No snooze needed

Crowne Plaza Johannesburg-The Rosebank has expanded on their initial Sleep Advantage programme. When the hotel first opened they introduced ThisWorks kits of pure essential oils, Breathe In to clear the head and Deep Calm to encourage sleep and relaxation. Taking things to a new level they now promise weary tourists and businessmen on tight schedules in need of a more peaceful stay further services – like a quiet zone of bedrooms away from elevators and ice machines where noise is banned from 21:00 until 10:00; luxurious bedding for the most comfortable sleep; podcasts with advice on how to get the best night’s sleep as well as the ThisWorks aromatherapy kit. For bookings and info visit www.therosebank.co.za

Spicy Attraction

Following the success of its beach club prelude, Pepper Club on the Beach, the main attraction has opened its doors to praise – Pepper Club hotel, a R400 million development in the heart of Cape Town’s city centre caters to the growing need for luxury hotels in the city. The hotel offers 210 residences, a luxurious spa, top-quality restaurant, an intimate private cinema, swimming pool with 360 degree views, gymnasium and features Cape Town’s largest penthouse. For further information visit www.pepperclub.co.za

Bag to the bone

Focusing on high-end luxury bags in an array of materials, each S.C. Vizcarra bag is a unique creation, taking up to seven days to hand produce. All bags are beautifully lined with silk or canvas with stainless and brushed metal finishes. They are sold throughout Japan and Korea, and are available at Suzannah in London or by private order, info@vizcarra1925.com.

Boots and all

The trend in winter footwear sees heels take a step down and “rider boots” take centre stage. From pleated bottoms and buckled for a more grungy look to the super slick flats in clean exquisite leather – which is a key silhouette. Queue stores offer the full spectrum with its own signature styles as well as the exclusive Pringle Collection. Featured here is a classic Pringle riding boot, R2 199.

Lasting memory

The final whistle will soon be blown, and most of the excitement surrounding the FIFA 2010 World Cup will come to an end, yet, should you wish to carry the memory of the event with you, the World Cup Dome ring is perfect. The 18-carat black gold dress ring encrusted with 9.3 carats of pave set fancy grey diamonds, valued at R123 140. Whoever purchases the ring may have the name of their country’s football team, as well as all the names of the players in their World Cup squad, engraved on the underside of the football dome, using Shimansky’s cutting-edge laser engraving device.

Glorious glow

Online décor retailer Robert Thomson has announced his latest Glow Collection. Designed by acclaimed French designer Philippe Boulet, this alluring and provocative collection uses ambient lighting set within Louis 16th style contemporary furniture to give a cutting-edge combination. Each piece of furniture has a unique inner lighting system which enables the piece to glow in one specific or multiple colours, using rechargeable long-lasting batteries. The Glow Collection is available online exclusively from robert-thomson.com. Prices start from R6 999. Visit www.robert-thomson.com or call 086 111 5367 for any queries.

Sharp shooter

Sony has nine new additions to its range of compact and stylish Cyber-shot cameras. Featuring intuitive imaging and advanced video recording, the new Cyber-shot range delivers effortless photo capture and beautiful images for any user. Integrated for the first time (on the Cyber-shot TX7 and HX5V), is Full HD AVCHD movie recording. This allows one to capture high definition movies with smooth subject movement and sharp images even under low light conditions. Prices range from R999 to R4 499.

Pandora’s jewellery box

Through numerous pieces, creative collections and infinite options, Pandora aims to inspire women to celebrate their individuality. The concept behind the Pandora charm bracelet allows one to play with their creativity and create a beautiful piece of jewellery matching their personal taste. Whether creating, love charms, good luck charms, colour charms or fashion charms, it all starts with one piece. Prices range from R2 000 to R100 000. For more information visit www.pandora-jewelry.com

Puppy love

Aside from the fact that that the brand’s Basset Hound mascot melts your heart, the Hush Puppies label is internationally-renowned for stylish, casual shoes and accessories for the fashion-focused yuppies of today who still demand comfort from their footwear. Their newest concept store has recently opened in The Mall of Rosebank offering the latest international ranges, showcasing an eclectic mix of vintage material and contemporary design. Visit www.hushpuppies.co.za or call 0861 HUSHPUPS for more information.

Hot as ice

The latest Protea Fire & Ice hotel has opened in the Melrose Arch development. The sleek and sexy hotel with modern finishes is the perfect new spot for trendy socialites to enjoy a cocktail, some delicious Springbok or burgers and even a speciality milkshake from their vast selection of decadent flavours, enjoyed in a setting of rich colours and an underlying classic Hollywood theme.

Double the lovin’

Having fast become one of the most popular Doppio Zero (double zero) restaurants, the Green Point representative is bustling from early morning until the evenings. Showing off a wide range of Mediterranean dishes, it is the ideal spot to sit and relax for anything from a light breakfast to a three-course meal, with signature dishes like bolognaise on toasted sourdough bread for breakfast to the gnocchi with roast lamb, red wine and napolitana sauce for a more warming meal.

Opening at 6:30am you can even pop into their bakery for a quick coffee and croissant on the go. Joburgers are big fans of the chain too, with the latest Doppio Zero having moved to The Firs’ piazza area – ideal for a long Saturday of people watching. For more information visit www.doppio.co.za

Quality to the Maxim

Across from Maximillien restaurant, Sandton’s Legacy Corner Mall opens its latest trendy offering – Maxim Lounge. With smokers being shunned and pushed to the cold curb, this stylish cigar bar has been warmly welcomed. The lounge is an upmarket hotspot to enjoy a wide selection of wine, brandy, whisky and cognac to pair with your favourite cigar. A members’ programme allows patrons to keep their treasured cigars in a secure personal vault until their next visit. For more information visit www.maximlounge.co.za

Ring leader

Judith Ripka, the New York based jewellery designer, has a range of Monaco rings which are simply dazzling. Whether you are rocking the champagne quartz, black onyx, blue quartz, canary crystal, turquoise, mint green quartz or rose quartz (all in 18-carat gold) you are sure to be noticed. Prices range from R34 560 to R108 000. For more information visit www.judithripka.com

Framed

For ladies the trend is bold and beautiful, with Michael Kors and Fendi ahead of the rest when it comes to the perfect frames. Less of an aviator look, the design houses seem to be inspired by jewellery (mostly Kors) and Fendi influenced by its established handbag designs. Personal favourites from Kors; the Manhattan style (with curb chain/ID chain detail). Don’t miss the new style of the distinctive Fendi logo. Prices range from R2 499 to R3799. For further information, please contact Moscon on (011) 483 8001 or visit www.moscon.co.za, www.marchon.com.

Stylish year

We have hit the half way point in 2010, but that doesn’t mean the remainder of the year can’t be stylish. A Year in Fashion, R550, by Pascal Morché provides a look at the glittering world of fashion, presenting trends, designers and icons of style of the past century. All 365 days of the year are accounted for, with the added benefit of note space should you wish to record your own fashionable memories or appointments. For more information visit www.prestel.com

Keeping the cuff

What better way to keep your cufflinks in pristine condition than with a cufflink box from Penhaligons, R2 800. The interior red lining adds the perfect bit of style should you wish to leave the box open for all to adore. Option extra; Mont Blanc platinum plated cufflinks, R2 810.

Mighty sword

The Montblanc Meisterstück No. 149 Fountain Pen, R7 130, features an 18-carat gold nib inlaid with platinum together with three gold-plated rings for added elegance. On the odd occasion that one actually uses the pen, you might notice, “4,810” engraved on the nib – a tribute to the height of the Mont Blanc mountain. No doubt “Meisterstück” (meaning masterpiece) perfectly describes the luxurious degree of hand craftsmanship.

Shoulder strap

The hand-stitched shoulder satchel from Billykirk is modelled after a WWII Belgium Map Case. One solid piece of cow hide is stitched with heavy wax cording to form the satchel. All in leather, it features an adjustable strap with shoulder piece, dull silver rings and collar buttons. Available from Croft&Co – 66 Tyrone Avenue, Parkview. For more information call (011) 646 3634.

More and more vehicle manufacturers are launching their latest models in Cape Town now. Interestingly it has little to do with the scenery and everything to do with the quality of the roads. Potholes are conspicuous in their absence and that augurs well for low slung sports cars that come between one and two million a piece.

We’ll start at the top with the Panamera Turbo because this is the first of the three derivatives I drove with my delightful companion, Linda Ransome of Habitat magazine. We had Porsche PR Manager Christo Kruger in the rear introducing us to the features of the car as we made our merry way from Lanzerac in Stellenbosch to Franschoek.

The turbocharged 4.8litre V8 is sublime and in the supercar league of 0-100 in 4.2 seconds (3.8 seconds according to Car magazine). Yet the manners are very refined, the engine growl audible but not deafening and the poise through the twisty Helshoogte pass impeccable. Its seven speed double clutch PDK gearbox means driving in traffic is effortless and when you need to get on the gas, it immediately puts you in the right gear to maximise drive, together with immediate engine response.

We then swopped the Turbo with the Panamera S, the “bottom of the range” 4.8 litre V8 without the turbo, only rear wheel drive and a six speed double clutch PDK gearbox. The Franschoek pass and sweeping bends toward Caledon brought out the best in this car which felt more responsive and a bit edgier than its flashier sibling. There is more engine growl and you feel closer to the road, yet the poise and refinement are still there. The magnificent road between Caledon and Gansbaai with its long cambered bends were made for this responsive derivative and our Porsche chaperone Teengs Snijders looked very comfortable in the rear seats.

Gansbaai to Gordons Bay was spent with the Panamera 4S which had the specifications of the Turbo, including all wheel drive, without the actual turbo. It’s very refined and sits perfectly in between the other two models but lacks the spirit of the S or the performance of the Turbo.

The Panamera design is a bit like a pregnant 911 although this is not a small car at close to five metres long and two metres wide. Porsche designers have retained the distinctive front end aesthetic featuring the side and bottom air intakes, the flush bonnet, high shoulders and slanted headlight cluster. From the rear and in profile it’s definitely related to the 911.

Inside it’s a very comfortable four seater and sports a distinctive centre console where most of the settings are found. You sit low in the front seats and slightly elevated in the rear without your head getting close the ceiling, thanks to the extension of the roofline and the gradual angle across the cabin. If you’re concerned about luggage don’t be. The boot is huge for a car in this category, which takes us to the business end of the conversation. What exactly is the category?

The folk at Porsche talk about the Gran Tourer and luxury sports segment. They will mention the Maserati GranTurismo the Aston Martin Rapide in the same breath as the BMW 760i and the Mercedes Benz S63 AMG. To my mind it’s closer to the sports end of the spectrum, providing superb performance from the S to the Turbo with luxury surrounds. But, having experienced the BMW, I would say performance is the lasting impression with the Panamera, so it would (prefer to) be more at home in the company of the Maserati and the Aston than the more limousine character of the Merc or BMW. This is a four seater sports car in every sense of the term.

At the time of going to press the Panamera was priced thus:

Panamera S R1 040 000.00

Panamera 4S R1 065 000.00

Panamera Turbo R1 665 000

The Gran Tourismo combines elegance, space, comfort and variability in truly unique style. As an attractive, future-oriented extension of the BMW 5 Series, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is quite unparalleled worldwide in the upper middle segment, combining the characteristic features of a prestige saloon, a modern, highly versatile Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo in brand-new, unprecedented style.

Through its body design, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines the proportions so typical of a BMW, an elegantly stretched silhouette and a coupé-like roofline, as well as four doors with frameless windows to create one complete, harmonious unit. The front view of the car animates powerful dynamism through the sheer presence of the upright BMW kidney grille, large air intakes and dual round headlights slanted back at an attractive angle. For the first time the daytime driving light function is provided by corona rings with LED technology.

Boasting clear-cut horizontal lines, the rear end comes with that characteristic look of width, power and muscle further enhanced by L-shaped rear light clusters with homogenously illuminated rows of lights in LED technology. The luxurious and, for a car with this kind of coupé-like silhouette, surprisingly generous and variable interior gives both the driver and passengers a spontaneous feeling of comfort and well-being. This superior feeling is further enhanced by comfortable entry to the car, the slightly elevated seating position, the large window areas, the optional panorama glass roof, as well as exquisite materials and supreme quality of finish.

Flexibly adjustable, the interior of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo enables the driver and passengers to vary the generous space inside the car as they wish to their individual, personal requirements. In their standard position, the rear seats offer the passengers the same kind of legroom as in the BMW 7 Series combined with the same headroom as in the BMW X5. In this configuration, luggage capacity is already an ample 440 litres. Thanks to the partition behind the rear seats, the passenger and luggage compartments are separated acoustically and in terms of climate conditions from one another like in a saloon. When required, the rear seats may be moved individually to the front by up to 100 millimetres, with legroom still remaining the same as in the BMW 5 Series Saloon and an increase in luggage capacity to 590 litres. And after folding down the rear-seat backrests together with the partition, finally, luggage space increases to its maximum capacity of 1,700 litres.

Offering unique functionality, the two-piece tailgate on the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo provides exceptional variability and maximum comfort in loading the luggage compartment. Opening the small, sedan-like luggage compartment lid beneath the rear window, with the tailgate as such remaining closed, the driver and passengers are able to conveniently load the rear compartment without causing any unpleasant noise, draughts or changes in temperature within the passenger compartment. To load large and bulky objects, on the other hand, all they have to do is open the large tailgate for maximum convenience.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is also available as an option with the complete range of features including Cruise Control with Stop & Go, a High-Beam Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, and Surround-View camera.

The wide range of standard features offered by the BMW 5 Series Gran ¬Turismo includes telecommunication and navigation systems, a USB port, an 80 GB hard disc for navigation data and the user’s private music collection, a multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, a panorama glass roof optimised for noise control and attractive design, automatic air conditioning, an AUX-In connector bush and the Integrated Owner’s Manual. Optional features include four-zone automatic air conditioning (standard in the BMW 550i Gran Turismo), a DVD entertainment system at the rear, a Head-Up Display, as well as an electrically swiveling trailer hook.

• Engine variants:

BMW 535i Gran Turismo: straight-six petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC, Capacity: 2,979 cc,

max output: 225 kW at 5,800 rpm,

max torque: 400 Nm from 1,200–5,000 rpm,

Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 6.3 seconds,

Top speed: 250 km/h,

Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 8.9 Litres/100 kilometres,

CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 209 g/km,

emission standard: EU5

BMW 550i Gran Turismo: V8 petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo and High Precision Injection

Capacity: 4, 395 cc,

max output: 300 kW from 5, 500–6,400 rpm,

max torque: 600 Nm from 1,750–4,500 rpm

Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 5.5 seconds

Top speed: 250 km/h

Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 11.2 litres/100 kilometres

CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 263 g/km,

emission standard: EU5

BMW 530d Gran Turismo: straight-six diesel engine with aluminium crankcase and third-generation common-rail direct fuel injection (piezo-injectors),

max injection pressure: 1,800 bar

Capacity: 2,993 cc,

max output: 180 kW at 4,000 rpm,

max torque: 540 Nm from 1,750–3,000 rpm

Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 6.9 seconds Top speed: 240 km/h

Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 6.5 litres/100 kilometres,

CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 173 g/km,

emission standard: EU5

With flared mugs and espresso cups available in new shades of yellow and pink, green and blue as well as brown and black. Maxwell & Williams products are available at leading homeware stores nationally. For stockist information contact MIC on (011) 417 6600 or email marketing@micsa.co.za

The nüvi units offer bright sunlight-readable screens and text-to-speech voice navigation for every turn, which will not only tell you to “turn right” but also add the street name you’ll be turning into. The New Garmin nüvi 1000 series all come preloaded with SA street maps from Garmap. The recommended retail price for the Garmin nüvi 1410 is R4 275.