Küf Knotz and Christine Elise release their homage to disco and soul with their first single, ‘High Vibrationz’

Feb 16, 2024 | New Release, Music

The first single to be taken from forthcoming album ‘Hypnagogia’, ‘High Vibrationz’ by Küf Knotz and Christine Elise is a captivating single that pays homage to Philadelphia’s soul and disco heritage.

Named Philadelphia Magazine’s Best Rapper of 2022, Küf Knotz (Producer/MC) and Christine Elise (Harpist/Vocalist) have brought their unique blend of hip-hop, soul and classical traditions to various communities. The unlikely pair connected and built a similar bond to creating positive, forward thinking music fusing hip-hop with the boom bap era and lo-fi inspired beats supported by the harp. Their performance takes you on an era fusing, genre bending journey. And, you can dance to it. The duo has opened for Wyclef Jean, Yellowman, Rising Appalachia, Slick Rick, Say She She, Afroman, Wax Tailor (US Tour Support), Liniker, G-Love, Talib Kweli, Ozomatli, Raging Fya, Eubanks & Evans Experience, Digable Planets and have been featured on NPR Music and WHYY.

In ‘High Vibrationz’ Küf Knotz and Christine Elise deliver empowering lyrics that inspire listeners to follow their dreams and embrace activities that ignite their soul. Mother Lion intertwines groovy melodies that glide seamlessly, reminiscent of the smooth movements on a roller rink. With its blend of throwback rhythms and soaring vocals, this track brings a wave of positive energy that encourages the passionate pursuit of doing what you love.

Listen to ‘High Vibrationz’ HERE

Press release courtesy of Only Good Stuff

BURNA BOY IS THE NEW FACE OF G STAR

Feb 15, 2024 | News, Fashion

G-STAR introduces its newest brand campaign starring the King of Afro-Fusion and Grammy award-winning artist; Burna Boy, a titanic figure currently making waves across the globe. Burna Boy is renowned for his groundbreaking music and impeccable fashion sense; a great match for G-STAR, with both the artist and the brand continually reinventing themselves as they forge their own paths.

The video for the collaboration features Burna Boy’s new song ‘On Form’. Shot in London and directed by the multi-award-winning director Dave Meyers, known for his famous music videos such as Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Billie Eilish. The black-and-white aesthetic pays homage to G-STAR’s creative heritage, yet with a contemporary twist, and shows Burna Boy’s dance crew performing his singular ‘stomp’, spreading his infectious rhythm through the city. Burna Boy comments on the synergy of this collaboration, “Denim isn’t just fabric; it’s an extension of who I am. Like my music, it’s personal, a dialogue between me and myself. Every stitch, every fade tells a story. G-STAR gets that. They’re not about following trends; they’re about challenging norms, just like me. Our connection goes beyond fashion; it’s about pushing boundaries and embracing authenticity. So, why not ride the wave with G-STAR? It’s a match made in denim heaven.”

For Burna Boy’s Double Denim Edit, G-STAR designed two limited edition, premium Japanese denim looks for the Nigerian talent: an ultra-long denim military coat combined with a relaxed take on the iconic Elwood. And a hooded sleeveless statement jacket with matching loose jeans. The utilitarian looks are completed with the new leather Benson Lea Boots. Gwenda van Vliet, G-STAR’s CMO, notes that “we are proud to continue our legacy in working with the world’s biggest inspirational icons. Burna Boy is one of the most innovative artists of our time and the embodiment of today’s youth culture, challenging the norm in both style and music, a vision that is very close to our heart.”

For the film, Burna Boy’s dance crew is wearing the Spring 2024 collection, packed with new styles and durable essentials. With utilitarian origins running throughout, technical details meet strong silhouettes. It features two new jeans fits; The Bowey is a 3D women’s style, engineered to be the ultimate boyfriend fit. With a back panel twisted towards the front alongside an artfully bowed leg and loose feel. Lenney underlines that the 70’s are back. Low-rise and boot-cut, with a slight opening from the knee. In celebration of the campaign, G-STAR launches a range of monochrome graphic tees with a unisex fit, made from 100% organic cotton.

The campaign launches on the 19th of February 2024. Watch this space.

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

‘ETHERIC QUALITIES’ – WOOLWORTHS PRESENTS #STYLEBYSA WITH LOUW KOTZE

Feb 15, 2024 | Interviews, Fashion

What happens when icons collide in perfect symbiosis? With South Africa’s celebrated retail hub, Woolworths, as the container or vessel; so another era of their pioneering  ‘STYLEBYSA’ is taking shape. Initiated in 2014 and fast forward a decade, this series has re-emerged as #STYLEBYSA, with Woolworths redefining the series through their ‘New In’ AW24 collections. Woolworths have invited distinguished forces to demonstrate their distinct edits, showcasing the range of South Africa’s fashion landscape. In this latest edition of #STYLEBYSA, we witness fashion innovator and icon, Louw Kotze, seek the dunal and oceanic landscapes – in pursuit of his self-initiated campaign for #STYLEBYSA and featuring artist, creator and muse, Rharha Nembhard. 

Louw Kotze is an incredibly accomplished stylist and creative director, known for his bold approach to building sartorial stories through a visual lens. Whether it’s his collaborations with brands such as Maison Margiela, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Adidas or published features across Italian Vogue, Indian or American Vogue; Louw’s capacity to express both local and global visions with thoughtful and succinct impact has long established his significance within the pantheon of South African fashion. As Louw explains, his career has been rooted in connection, “I’m a fashion enthusiast and I draw a lot of inspiration from people, so I think what makes my career so magical is all the people that I meet.”

This capsule collection was an opportunity for Louw and Rharha to connect through their shared visions for sartorial and ecological consciousness, with Louw noting that “this was an opportunity to connect with an old friend – interestingly, we met on a shoot, so clothing has always formed part of our connection. Rharha has such a muse quality to me. It was such an honour to bring her into this project with Woolworths, particularly with this collection having an ‘ethereal’ theme. We decided to take it out into nature, and treat the dunes and the sea like a blank canvas or studio.” Louw styled Rharha as the serene and wild vision that she is – as Rharha is seen moving and shaping herself, enveloped by the elements of their chosen landscape. Regarding Louw’s inspiration for his career, he notes that the ability to return and reinvent is essential; similarly to the sentiment in which INHAUS AGENCY sought to bring back STYLEBYSA. Louw says, “I draw a lot of inspiration from not getting things immediately. There is a satisfaction of accomplishment when you go back to a problem and you resolve it – that is what keeps me going in my career, the notion that there is a lesson to be learned from everything. I am completely in touch with how the Ying Yang is part of what makes us in a constant state of co-creation.”

With this edit falling in the early part of 2024 – a huge year for South Africa with our upcoming elections – Louw imparts wisdom that should be heard the world over, “for South Africans and for all sentient beings on this whole planet, I think it is very important for us to realise our oneness and that we are all a part of one another.” With an awakened touch to all he does, Louw Kotze’s current playlist is a deep, inner knowing – “aside from being obsessed with shamanic chants at the moment – I am listening to my inner self and higher being.” Somewhere between a fashion master and enlightened guide; Louw Kotze’s reverence for beauty continually breathes life into South Africa’s fashion future. 

 

SHOP LOUW’S #STYLEBYSA EDIT HERE
SHOP RHARHA’S LOOKS HERE

Written by: Holly Beaton
For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

‘The Lost Art of the Meet Cute’ – How Dating Went Digital

Feb 13, 2024 | Lifestyle, Community

It’s not an unpopular opinion that “general” intimacy has changed since the pre-COVID era; with constant tech advancements and apps available to satisfy almost every interest you could have. It’s also no surprise that many of us feel that our lives, post-lockdown, have turned intimacy completely digital.

When the inevitable topic of ‘love’ comes up amongst friends, I find the conversation more often than not, an iteration of the same story with the same outcome as it was the last time we caught up. Maybe it’s because I’m Gen Z, and our teenage years are founded in chatting it up on Mxit and BBM –  we should be used to quick comms with zero return – but I was never that girl who would be chatting to a minimum of five friends at once, let alone a boy… I mean what would I even say to them that could be THAT interesting?! 

This is why when I first pitched this story, my thinking was centred more around the fact that you barely ever hear of a couple’s inception story starting with any sort of physical in-the-flesh interaction like, “We bumped into each other at the grocery store”, or “I saw them walking on the street and I had to introduce myself.” The response is very often around something to do with an app. Specifically a swipe, a DM, or a stalk between a mutual friend’s followers because of a tag on Instagram.

DTS ‘Weirdly Ever After’ by Agustin Farias

In an article from the National Library of Medicine ‘Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on mobile dating’, Gibson notes that “while offering a mechanism for people to seek out sexual or emotional experiences and connections with others (both online and offline), such apps also produce various ‘institutionalised routines, habits and knowledge practices.” Meaning that how we behave in the world has “become further routinised through app use, including people’s self‐presentation and hyper‐aware impression management,” and in the context of dating, this often presents itself as a sudden ending in zero communication AKA ghosting or emoting through emojis. [insert Sparkles (✨) = magic, beauty, and awe.]

I’m not ignorant of the zeitgeist that we find ourselves existing in, it’s inevitable; technology is taking over to the point where some cannot function without a microchip on their person. Yet, the hopeless romantic in me can’t help but wonder what went so awry so quickly? What happened to musical sequences on bleacher steps as an apology, leaving notes in obscure places for your loved one to find during their day, or chasing a taxi through peak traffic because you can’t stand to live another minute without the person you love? It makes me wonder how much more comfortable with intimacy we might be if the digital space wasn’t such a dominant factor in our daily and dating lives.

That’s why this idea of a “meet-cute” fascinates me so much. Popularised to be embedded in the film genre of romance where the love interests’ paths suddenly cross and their worlds are changed, forever to be connected… The meet-cute is the story you hope to share with friends, family, strangers, and ultimately your grandchildren one day. Now, if you research how to write the perfect meet-cute, you’ll always find the following pointers:

  1. Conflict: There has to be high emotions – I mean, of course, this is high-stakes stuff, okes.
  2. Surprise: Adding a little unordinary detail into the ordinary of real life (see sparkles above).
  3. And, Resistance: Because who doesn’t love a little dramatic flair topped off with internal conflict!? “I could never be with him!” or “It would never work between us, they live 3000 miles away!”

This is all good and well when the story is spread across 300 pages or a 2-hour-long film with a cinematic backing track building and developing, along with a bird’s eye view of on-screen hints and POVs. But in reality, I’m an overthinker and I have standards so if you’re hitting me or anyone up with an opening liner that Google guaranteed you’d get a response with (to paraphrase the words of Mother Bella “Homeboy is like… not gonna get it”) then, there is absolutely zero surprise in that delivery and all of the resistant conflicting feelings from me. Vanessa Torre – a self-proclaimed relentless “hyper” of women in midlife, wrote that “the awful part of being a society totally trained to find romance by endlessly staring at our phones is that we’ve become convinced of one of two things: 1) Romance only lives in our phones and the only way to find it is to keep swiping on it until the genie in our phones lets it out or 2) Romance does not exist at all. I wholeheartedly resist both ideas.”

DTS ‘First date Pt2’ by Agustin Farias

DTS ‘First date’ by Agustin Farias

I think it’s about time in our trend cycle that we uno-reverse it. So this is my plea to you, my dear reader. I’m also just a girl, standing (sitting) in front of a boy (her computer), asking him to love her (asking you to please please, capitalise while the summer vibes are still here, to ‘fun times tan lines’ it up and put your cellular device down to respectfully go up to them.) If you’re stumped on what your opening line could be, tell them their fit is fire (and I don’t mean inflect it with the flames emoji), they have a great smile/ laugh, or maybe even pretend you have a question you need to ask them, then after the intros, confess there was no real question you just thought they were beautiful and wanted to talk to them. I can confirm that this will work, not just because the receiver will be flattered but because there is an element of surprise at the lack of the game that seems to linger around texting; and of course, internal resistance that a genuine human conversation with interest intent can be that simple.

So please don’t be that person, and you know who you are (insert face with raised eyebrow emoji), who goes out and proclaims to spot the love of their life and is too skaam to approach them. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, and if you get turned down, thank them for their time, wish them a good night, and move along. It’s that simple. My number one piece of advice is to just go for it. It’s not that deep, and the worst that can happen is they’re flattered but say ‘no’. Showing interest does not a marriage proposal equate, people. 

I don’t expect anyone who reads this to suddenly stop swiping, reacting, or sliding into those DMs. It is all too easy and convenient with the odds being overtly in our favour choice-wise. Hopefully, this makes you think twice though and maybe, just maybe, it gives some of us the chutzpah to make 2024 the year of Hollywood-worthy meet-cutes, blind dates, and genuine human interaction.

So go forth and meet-cuties!

Written by: Briony Blevin

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

Lea Colombo Announces her latest exhibition in South Africa, titled ‘Seeing Beyond’

Feb 12, 2024 | News, Art

Casa Colombo is pleased to announce Seeing Beyond, Lea Colombo’s latest solo exhibition and first exhibition in South Africa for 2024. The exhibition follows Colombo’s ever-evolving journey as she finds new ways of expressing her unique visual language through an exploration of colour, light, form, and energy. ‘Seeing Beyond’ delves into the metaphysics of being, inviting viewers to contemplate an inner knowing and the power of the mind, the soul, and the current state of our existence. Colombo dives into the exploration of sacred bio geometry, allowing us to see form and matter through shapes as she explores the permanent fixture of energy, encouraging us to let ideas and knowledge flow through our souls, minds, and bodies. The works invite us to consider the interrelation between the structures of our bodies, the internal composition of matter, and the forms and matter present in the external world. The spaces that Colombo creates are reflective and interactive as she approaches colour and form in bold and exciting ways.

‘Seeing Beyond’ urges us to feel a sense of freedom, to tap into an openness that allows us to look inwards and find internal liberation that might lead us to see anew and unveil the mysteries that are all around us. Colombo’s most recent works continue to delve into the interconnectedness of the body, geometry and light resulting in a dynamic visual language that evokes new ways of seeing the world and ourselves. Her interest in sacred geometry and form allows her to look beyond visual attributes towards the symbolic, philosophical, and even spiritual meaning of the matter with which she works, as seen in her big stone sculpture that sways within a pyramid structure. This sculpture points to an elevated sense of awareness and directs our thoughts to the essence of shapes as the dispersion of light and energy continuously changes. Colombo’s work transcends conventional boundaries, unravelling the unseen to its simplest form as she harnesses the metaphysical aspects of shapes in her work, breaking them down and turning them into something new to convey deeper truths.

SEEING BEYOND LEA COLOMBO, Courtesy of the artist

In this exhibition, Colombo prompts us to question our perception of form and to trust our instincts. The artworks challenge viewers to immerse themselves in the constant flow of connection that always runs through and around us. Colombo’s work continues to evolve while maintaining an interest in the animation and dance between light and dark, seen throughout her hands-on photographic practice as well as her more recent sculptural works.

Colombo’s work provides a glimpse into her artistic philosophy. It poses thought-provoking questions about the essence of light, its influence on our presence, and the inherent instinct that we often neglect. The exhibition challenges us to imagine a world saturated with colour, movement, and vibration—a world where we are attuned to the life force that surrounds and defines us.

LEA COLOMBO, PORTRAIT

SEEING BEYOND LEA COLOMBO, Courtesy of the artist

Artist Biography

Lea Colombo is a self-taught artist born in 1993 in Cape Town, South Africa. She is a creative nomad. Lea’s commercial work as a photographer and director has cemented her place among the most influential global fashion names, whilst her profile as a fine artist rapidly gains clout. Recognized for her bold and saturated style, Lea examines the values and connections between colour, light, energy and form by guiding you to learn to see beyond.

Lea Colombo has exhibited throughout North America, South Africa and Europe including; Unseen Art Fair (Amsterdam, 2023) 3537.org (Paris, 2022),Terminal 27 (Los Angeles, 2022), Investec Cape Town International Art Fair (Cape Town, 2022), Spring Awakening at Southern Guild (Cape Town, 2022) and Open City Johannesburg for SMAC gallery (Johannesburg, 2021), Colours of My Body, solo exhibition (Cape Town, 2021).

Vernissage / Opening on 14th February, 5pm – 8pm

View ‘Seeing Beyond’ at Casa Colombo, 17 Buiten Street, Cape Town, from 15th February – 25th February 10am – 6pm and from 25th February onwards, by appointment only  

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

DIESEL’S FALL WINTER 2024 RUNWAY SHOW INVITES YOU

Feb 9, 2024 | News, Fashion

Diesel experiments with a new democratic show format, inviting a global audience to experience the fall winter runway show during Milan Fashion Week. 

Watching someone who’s watching you. Creative Director Glenn Martens will experiment with a new democratic show format for his Fall Winter 2024 DIESEL co-ed runway show during Milan Fashion Week. Scheduled for Wednesday Feb. 21, 2024, the show will take place at 12.30 pm.

For the first time, the entire show prep process will also be open for all to see. From Feb. 18-21, Diesel’s style-out, casting, atelier and the runway show set up will be broadcast via livestream on Diesel’s platforms. Anyone can log on to see what really goes into making the runway come to life. 

Watching and being watched. It goes both ways. For Fall Winter 2024, a global audience of 1,000 people will be able not only to watch but also to participate interactively in the show no matter their location. The show is envisioned by Glenn Martens as a uniquely voyeuristic and interactive experience.

DIESEL SS24 RUNWAY SHOW – LOOK 15

DIESEL SS24 RUNWAY SHOW – LOOK 19

DIESEL SS24 RUNWAY SHOW – LOOK 65

Everybody is invited to access e-tickets to the show through an online registration process, opening February 9 at 13.00 PM (SA Time) on Diesel.com. The e-tickets will be released on a first come, first serve basis. For those who are unable to register for special access to the show, they can watch it via livestream on Diesel’s digital channels on February 21, 12.30 PM CET. 

During Martens’ tenure Diesel has recommitted to its values of inclusivity and bringing fashion to a more democratic and larger audience. He continues to find new, unexpected ways to engage with clients, students, friends and fans of the brand outside the traditional fashion show audience. 

Press release courtesy of Diesel

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

Swedish band Dina Ögon release their latest album, titled ‘Orion’

Feb 9, 2024 | New Release, Music

The third installment from Dina Ögon, titled ‘Orion,’ marks a captivating progression for the band that emerged unexpectedly onto the Swedish music scene two years ago. Successfully encapsulating the essence of their self-titled debut and sophomore effort, ‘Oas,’ Dina Ögon maintains their playful spirit while venturing into new sonic territories. Unlike their earlier albums, which were steeped in nostalgic reinterpretations of old music, ‘Orion’ presents a modern soundscape, although the band playfully nods to their musical influences.

In ‘Orion,’ Dina Ögon directs their gaze more towards the heavens than the earth, crafting a celestial atmosphere that is both contemporary and nostalgic. Tracks like ‘Håll avstånd’ and ‘Glitter’ exude a laid back sound reminiscent of space, while the rhythm on ‘Milton’ grounds itself in Brazilian soul, delivering a beautiful, melancholic, and joyful fusion. ‘Det läcker’ unfolds like a cinematic road movie, stretching over four minutes of captivating storytelling.

The album showcases a newfound confidence, a testament to the band’s artistic strength. Progressing through different moods, ‘Orion’ maintains a coherent expression, exploring darker subject matter without sacrificing playful lyricism. The title track evokes a curious and joyful forest walk, while the opening track sets a bittersweet tone for the entire journey. The relentless groove on ‘Håll avstånd’ promises to become a staple on adventurous DJ mixtapes.

As with their previous albums, ‘Orion’ presents a challenge for radio DJs, as there are no weak tracks to be found. Each song could be promoted with confidence, from the electric organ-infused ‘Firad’ to the cinematic qualities of the title track. ‘Orion’ effortlessly navigates between urban and rural landscapes, expansive horizons, and vibrant club scenes, ensuring its place on dance floors and airwaves alike.

The album seamlessly weaves together Anna Ahnlund’s suave vocals and the band’s tight musicianship, creating a world that beckons listeners to escape their everyday lives. With ‘Orion,’ Dina Ögon showcases an impressive ability to meld disparate musical influences into an original and cohesive expression, solidifying their artistic alchemy.

Listen to ‘Orion’ HERE

Press release courtesy of Only Good Stuff

‘Food Is Fashionable’ – With WGSN x COLORO A/W 26/25 Key Colours

Feb 7, 2024 | Lifestyle, Fashion

We love when an accidental series occurs. In 2022, I had a slightly hair-brained idea to merge together two aesthetic niches; the ugly beautiful cake trend and WGSN x COLORO Key Colours Forecast- you can read Volume 01 and Volume 02. Apparently, I am not alone in my immediate interpretation of colour through the lens of food; as these pieces continue to be some of our most read at CEC. So, I’m back, albeit with a slightly different lens; how food became fashionable. 

From local culinary studios like Studio H and John Joseph’s The Anatomy of Food – to international food design and creative spaces like GABFOODS, Cantine Laszlo, Tiberi Club, Casa Lawa and CENTÁ – the art of plating, catering and conceptual food design has left the kitchen of fine-dining restaurants and have become indisputable aspects of how brands and people seek to showcase their creative vision. 

Last year, The Zoe Report stated that the most interesting ‘influencer’ group on the rise were the foodies. While this piece focuses on the work of culinary studios working in the art and fashion world, it’s interesting to note The Zoe Report’s comment that “the most current examples of food/fashion influencers don’t share one specific style; they’re bringing their individual culinary backgrounds and inspirations to the table as well as their uniquely cultivated aesthetics, which embraces an even bigger online trend: accessibility. Some found their way into this collision of content as a way to create a healthier relationship with food, while others grew up working in family restaurants or creating recipes as part of a cultural tradition. The common thread among this emerging group is the ability to make cooking and baking more approachable, but also to present food as an artful and stylish form of expression — something to consider as thoughtfully as you might a favourite ensemble.”

The relationship between food and fashion from a design perspective is an interesting, interdisciplinary exploration that involves the visual and sensory aspects of both spaces. Whether its GABFOODS developing culinary offerings for Loewe or Tiberi Club’s showcase for Barcelona Design Week, creatives working in either food or fashion are wholly invested in the sensorial features of their work; whether felt on the skin with fabrics, or felt in the mouth of our palates. When curating aesthetic visions and embodying principles of design, the blurring of distinction between fashion, food, design and art invites us to dream up worlds in which beauty and play are at the forefront of the creative process. 

WGSN x COLORO ‘Color of the Year; brings together the trend forecasting proficiency of WGSN with Coloro, the global colour system that offers both physical and digital solutions to guarantee precise colour representation – and the key colours, released last October for A/W 25/26, are Celestial Yellow, Cherry Lacquer, Retro Blue, Neon Flare and Future Dusk, as released here.

Celestial Yellow- 048-90-17 

“Celestial Yellow is a glowing, luminous, multi-sensorial colour that feels both restorative and surreally off-kilter. It is reminiscent of the moon, the stars and the sun, and connects with the search for reassurance and guidance as people look to spirituality, astrology and astronomy in times of uncertainty.” This buttery yellow hue is best conveyed in the fashion-food realm by towers of whipped butter, such as the Christmas tree by Lisbon-based studio CENTÁ. Their signature bow application is already iconic – and yes, you guessed right, they have collaborated with the Bow Queen, Sandy Liang, for her wedding, no less!

Celestial Yellow – 048-90-17, via WGSN and COLORO.

CENTÁ, Cabbage & Bows, via @centa_project IG
Mateusz Ulman’s Butter, via @p.l.a.t.a.b.l.e IG
CENTÁ, Butter Christmas Tree, via @centa_project IG
 

Cherry Lacquer- 159-23-15

“Cherry Lacquer is a subversive dark with a luxurious appeal. In the age of rage and uncertainty, Cherry Lacquer feeds into themes of resistance and rebellion. It also has a seductive quality that taps into our deepest desires, taboos and pleasures as a form of radical escapism and self-empowerment.” Cherry might have been the obvious parallel here, however; the humble chicory variety, radicchio, deserves its time in the sun. Whether it’s Casa Lawa crudités or Cantine Laszlo’s ‘vegetable bouquets’, the purple, crimson leaves of radicchio are the perfect ambassadors for Cherry Lacquer.

Cherry Lacquer – 159-23-15 via WGSN and COLORO

Cantine Laszlo’s bouquet of veggies for @thyrse.paris via @cantinelaszlo IG
Casa Lawa, crudités for Opera Festival, via @casa.lawa IG

Retro Blue- 100-64-14

“Retro Blue is an offbeat, analogue colour with a warm and sentimental quality. It has an undercurrent of soft joy and innocence brought on by memories, aligning with the rise of kidults and nostalgic sentiments reimagined among Gen Z.” GABFOODS are a Spanish creative, culinary studio and a firm favourite of brands like Loewe and Marni, to bring a sensory layer to activations and launches. Note, their retro-blue Ongiri for Marni, or the blueish curation for Loewe’s takeover of Rosewood Villa Magna, in Madrid.

Retro Blue- 100-64-14 via WGSN and COLORO

GABFOODS, Oysters w Faux Pearl for @ruinart, via @gabfoods IG
GABFOODS for Marni, & GABFOODS for Loewe’s takeover at Rosewood Villa Magna, via @gabfoods IG

Neon Flare- 014-68-51

“Neon Flare is a transient neon with a kinetic and synthetic quality. As the planet faces code red and climate anxiety becomes more pervasive, this AI-inspired colour has an igniting and stimulating effect, fuelling a sense of collective urgency as we strive to unlock solutions to ‘wicked problems’ (those with interdependent factors, which seem impossible to solve). Its charged character speaks to the need to come together and restore our spirits in a burst of communal effort and energy.” Though synthetic it may seem, Neon Flare instantly reminds me of one the greatest (albeit retro) cocktails; the grenadine-laden Shirley Temple. This hue can be seen by Cantine Laszlo’s custom cakes for the brand VIOLETTE’S lipstick launch, or Tiberi Club’s astounding installation for Barcelona Design Week.

Neon Flare- 014-68-51 via WGSN and COLORO

Cantine Laszlo’s five cakes inspired by petal red lipsticks for VIOLETTAFR Make-Up, via @cantinelaszlo IG
Heat Wave, pica pica by Tiberi Club for Formica Group Europe, Elisava and Barcelona Design Week via, @tiberi.club
The infamous Shirley Temple, a Neon-Flare icon, via @shakedrinkrpt

Colour of the Year – Future Dusk- 129-35-18

“This will be a year of strategic imagination, when individual and collective creativity will be harnessed to generate new economic and ecological solutions. Future Dusk aligns with this theme, sitting between blue and purple, and bringing a sense of mystery and escapism through its dark and moody qualities.This surreal and otherworldly shade also has a celestial and futuristic character inspired by the emergence of the second space age. It aligns with themes of moving from darkness to light, dusk to dawn, preparing us for new horizons.” Who better to embody Future Dusk’s ominous yet deep hue, than Thalia Ho’s rich array of confectionery? As the author of ‘Wild Sweetness’, Thalia’s commitment to injecting violet across her recipes perfectly marks the age of ‘Future Dusk’.

Colour of the Year – Future Dusk- 129-35-18 via WGSN and COLORO

Thalia Ho’s blackberry and almond custard tart & blueberry preserves, via @thaliaho

Written by: Holly Beaton

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

Tyla Brings Home A Grammy for Hit Song ‘Water’

Feb 5, 2024 | News, Music

Tyla continues to reach superstardom and make South Africans incredibly proud. In the latest chapter of her journey on the world stage, Tyla was awarded a Grammy for her viral song ‘Water’. This award is the first win of its kind in the newly added ‘Best African Music Performance’, launched by the Recording Academy for 2024 with the intention to highlight and include African music as part of the winning list going forward. 

Proudly South African! via @tyla on Instagram

Tyla accepts her Grammy award, via @mtvbasewest on Instagram

In true, cute-as-HECK Tyla fashion, her acceptance started with “Oh my – what the heck!” and “If you don’t know me, my name is Tyla. I’m from South Africa and last year God decided to change my whole life, so thank you so much to God. Thank you to my team, my family; I know my mother’s crying somewhere in here.” This win is an astounding one, with Tyla being the youngest South African to win a Grammy award, joining other homegrown musicians like  Zakes Bantwini, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Soweto Gospel Choir, Black Coffee, Nomcebo Zikode, Wouter Kellerman and Miriam Makeba.

We can’t wait to see what Tyla does next.

Featured image: Tyla wins ‘Best African Music Performance’ for her song ‘Water’, via @nomcebo_zikode on Instagram

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

Barcelona-based gallery Suburbia Contemporary announce salon-style pop-up exhibition ‘Ifestile’ at Kitsune in Bo-Kaap

Feb 5, 2024 | News, Art

Suburbia Contemporary proudly announces their first pop-up exhibition in the vibrant Bo-Kaap neighbourhood of Cape Town, titled “ifestile”. Suburbia Contemporary’s exhibition proposes a selection of artworks that manifest through different types of media, from emerging and established artists in the heart of Cape Town. 

By expanding beyond the four walls of the gallery, and similar institutional spaces: ifestile offers a window into aspects of everyday life that uniquely inform the art world as we know it. Curated by Kim Makin and Francesco Ozzola in a salon-style (as a nod and play on the host space Kitsune), ifestile seeks contact across alternative contexts. 

In this way, different paths have been chosen that, through the artists’ gaze offer new possibilities for discovery and adventure in and out of the city. Where ifestile presents the isiXhosa translation for ‘window’ in English, through a play on language it is interesting to note the manner in which the word similarly translates across local languages with reference to the same root word: “ifasitela”, in isiZulu, “venster” in Afrikaans, “lefasetere” in Sepedi, “fensethere” in Setswana, to name but a few. Thus, the exhibition presents unique aspects of the every day, that simultaneously speak to some shared experience across space, place and people.

ifestile will feature a diverse array of talented artists, including Alexandra Karakashian, Amy Rush, Ciara Dunsby, Jacob van Schalkwyk, Jake Aikman, Ed Young, Han Bing, Kim Karabo Makin, Kutlo Mabua, Shana-Lee Ziervogel, and Yolena Doda, Lucy Jane Turpin each contributing their unique perspectives and artistic expressions to enrich the showcase.

Curator Kim Makin, courtesy of Suburbia Contemporary

 

Kitsune in Rose St, Bo-Kaap, courtesy of Suburbia Contemporary

 

Investec Cape Town Art Fair
Unbound City
We are excited to participate as exhibitors in the eleventh edition of the The Investec Cape Town Art Fair, an annual event that showcases contemporary art from Africa and around the world. 

The 2024 edition of the fair will have a new theme: Unbound City, focusing on emerging and unbound voices. The role of the city of Cape Town becomes even more relevant for its local artists and for an international audience of collectors and institutions. This year the fair provides individuals a platform for expression, a space where diverse voices can be heard. Unbound serves as a conduit for exploring alternative possibilities and breaking free from constrictive narratives.

Suburbia Contemporary
Based in Barcelona, Suburbia Contemporary is on a mission to showcase challenging and innovative creations from various cultures and backgrounds. Founded in 2017 in Granada with the purpose of providing visibility to artists with a geographically balanced variety, transcending traditional artistic forms with their unique and distinctive perspectives. Suburbia Contemporary curates a well-balanced selection of art, representing a wide range of styles and mediums, from painting to sculpture and performance. In 2019, the gallery introduced Satellite spaces in Cape Town and, in 2020, in Florence. Demonstrating a forward-thinking approach, Suburbia Contemporary seeks to connect people across borders through its international art collection, fostering a global dialogue in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art.

Kim Karabo Makin, Ceramic Basket (series), 2023, courtesy of Suburbia Contemporary

Jingle Bells by Kutlo Mabua, courtesy of Suburbia Contemporary

Jacob van Schalkwyk, untitled, 2024, courtesy of Suburbia Contemporary

10 – 15 February 2024
Opening Hours: 10.00 – 17.00 h
Kitsune, 72 Rose St, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, 8001
Admission: Free

Curated by: Kim Makin and Francesco Ozzola

Artists: Alexandra Karakashian, Amy Rusch, Ciara Dunsby, Jacob van Schalkwyk, Jake Aikman, Ed Young, Han Bing, Kim Karabo Makin, Kutlo Mabua, shana-Lee Ziervogel, Yolena Doda, Lucy Jane Turpin

‘ifestile’ forms part of the program of Unbound City by Investec Cape Town Art Fair

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za