AW24/25 Fashion Weeks From Around the World to Add to Your Calendar

Jan 15, 2024 | News, Fashion

It’s a new fashion season – specifically, Autumn/Winter 2024/2025 for the northern hemisphere. While we await the dates for fashion show’s on the continent (from Joburg to Lagos), we thought it would be important to share some showcase’s around the world. For your ease of diarising, of course. 

Milan Men’s Fashion Week 
12 – 15 January 
Milano menswear originated in 1971 and is organised by the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana – the authoritative body tasked with promoting Italian fashion.
Head here to learn more.  

Paris Men’s Fashion Week
16 – 21 January 
Paris Menswear is a huge moment in fashion’s calendar, as the first showcase to happen in the city each year – across iconic venues like Palais Royal and Grand Palais. 
Head here to learn more. 

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week
22 – 25 January 
The most prestigious fashion week in terms of craftsmanship and exclusivity – Haute Couture is a nearly impossible showcase to qualify for and is highly regulated by Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. Some of the criteria includes; the fashion house must have an atelier in Paris with a minimum of 15 full-time employed technical crafters, strictly made-to-order collections and a limited number of clientele.
Head here to learn more. 

Budapest Fashion Week 
22 – 28 January 
With a strong focus on cultural heritage through a contemporary lens, Budapest Fashion Week seeks to showcase the potentials of Hungarian fashion and design.
Head here to learn more. 

Copenhagen Fashion Week
29 Jan – 2 February
CPHFW is *the* showcase of the Nordic region and has built a reputation as the most sustainability focused fashion week around the world – both ecologically, inclusively and socially.
Head here to learn more (their website is under construction.)

Seoul Fashion Week
1-5 February
As a global and refined platform for ‘K-fashion’ and ‘K-beauty’, Seoul expresses the cutting edge of South Korean sartorial sensibilities – particularly informed by the city’s iconic reputation for street-style, motivated by South Korean youth. 
Head here to learn more. 

Dubai Fashion Week
4 – 8 February
With Dubai as a luxury fashion hub and a key destination for Middle Eastern fashion, Dubai Fashion Week is a powerful space merging east and west.
Head here to learn more.

Berlin Fashion Week
5 – 8 February
Berlin’s fashion week is noted for its focus on technology and innovation – established in 2007 and as a younger fashion week, it is known to strongly support emerging talent.
Hear here to learn more. 

New York Fashion Week
9 – 14 February
With New York as a major, major fashion capital – NYFW has remained one of the ‘Big Four’ along with Milan, Paris and London. 
Head here to learn more. 

Alaia Fall 22, Paris, photographed by Filippo Fior.

Gigi Hadid photographed by Filippo Fior.

 London Fashion Week
16 – 20 February
LFW has always been recognised as a nurturer of talent; with many of the great designers, with many of them having attended London’s array of fashion schools, moving onto work for some of the most prestigious fashion houses to ever exist. This year, the platform is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Head here to learn more. 

Milan Fashion Week
20 – 26 February
Milano womenswear originated in 1958 and is one of the oldest fashion showcases to exist.  Organised by the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, Milano’s form part of the ‘holy trinity’ along with London and Paris. 
Head here to learn more.  

Paris Fashion Week
26 Feb – 5 March
The grandmother of all fashion week’s as we know it (though surprisingly, not the oldest) – Paris Fashion Week is organised by The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.
Head here to learn more. 

Tokyo Fashion Week
11 – 16 March
The true home of avant-garde fashion, Tokyo Fashion Week is referred to as the Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO and is regarded as one of the most important platforms for viewers, buyers and fashion folks with a deep interest in fashion history and technical ability. 
Head here to learn more.

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

‘MOVING FORWARD AND LEVELLING UP’ – WOOLWORTHS PRESENTS #STYLEBYSA WITH BEE DIAMONDHEAD

Jan 15, 2024 | Fashion, Community

South Africa’s favourite multi-faceted retail destination, Woolworths, were among the first brands to build a synergistic relationship with creatives – as wayshowers of style, fashion and trends. In 2014, their series ‘StyleBySA’ forged a legacy of creatives as embodiments of Woolies’ curated essentials – check out the Spring Summer 2017 iteration, here. A decade later, the series returns as #STYLEBYSA, with Woolworths revisiting their focus for their New In AW24 January collection, inviting a selection of South African fashion’s most important voices to curate their own edits.   

In this campaign, we see legendary creative director, stylist and fashion editor Bee Diamondhead articulate her vision for Woolworth’s seasonal suit offering; harnessing, literally, the power suit in an incredibly conceptualised and self-initiated series of images alongside  sleek luxury cars and motorcycles. The suit remains an emblem of aesthetic authority for women, often transcending its sartorial function as a symbol for strength and confidence. As Bee describes, “Woolworths does a great suit – because I’m in my power in their suits, I feel like this badass machine that is so well-oiled and so shiny, and so taken care of. I wanted to bring in these beautiful machines – like the Porsche, the Harley – and draw on their aesthetic beauty and their function, for moving forward, moving up – because every year, we’re levelling up.” This thematic interplay between concept and materiality is a precise example of Bee’s incisive vision for fashion and her ability to execute it; no wonder, then, that Bee remains one of Africa’s most important creative visionaries.

 

Critical to the launch of #STYLEBYSA in 2024, is its roots in encouraging the self-initiated skills of creatives. The ability to self-initiate is a key thread among creatives and artists since time immemorial; hence, it remained a focus for Woolworths for this moment in time in South Africa. As Brigitte Arndt of INHAUS AGENCY says of the campaign, “I think what has been really important for us in re-ideating #STYLEBYSA is to stay true to its essence, which has always been to spotlight/provide a platform for South African trailblazers – historically they were designers like Rich Mnisi, Thebe Magugu. So, we’ve brought it back with the likes of Bee and Oli as they are both doing epicand disruptive work in their respective fields. We wanted to highlight that and hoped that their creative visions for January would also encapsulate this feeling, which we really feel it has.”

In an array of suits for Woolworths AW24, Bee describes the absolute necessity it is to own a suit, “do yourself a favour and get yourself a classic, black suit. It’s one of the most versatile items you can have in your wardrobe. You can dress it up and dress it down – with simple adjustments, it can be worn totally differently. I am currently doing a lot of travelling and it’s the one thing that has been in my suitcase, consistently.” For the linen suit, which is trans-seasonal and can be worn across the the colder and months, Bee explains what caught her eye, “a lot of people don’t know this about me but I’m quite short – so, the pinstripe detail on the linen suit is great, because a pinstripe can elongate me and make me look a bit taller.” 

Then, in a 90s revival of denim as a set (but made chic and clean by Woolworths), Bee advocates for denim as one of the most interesting fabrications, saying that “denim is one of the oldest and most durable fabrics that can live forever in your wardrobe, especially when it’s treated correctly. I love that denim ages so beautifully too – I love the idea of denim growing and ageing with me. I love that I styled the denim suit as a ‘Canadian tuxedo’ for the campaign, which is such a statement, but it can be remixed any way that I want, too.” 

Embracing the essence of ‘newness,’ this campaign channels a dynamic pursuit of experiences and ideas, envisioning 2024 as a year abundant in innovation and freshness. Woolworth’s unwavering commitment to constant reinvention and evolution takes centre stage; as a leading retail destination in South Africa and as space that has continually archived and developed creatives in the last two decades. Led into an era of freshness by Bee Diamonhead; consider this drop as a short lesson in style by one of South Africa’s greatest sartorial minds. 

SHOP BEE’S #STYLEBYSA EDIT HERE

Written by: Holly Beaton

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

NTS X DIESEL TRACKS SA PRESENTS ARYU JASSIKA

Jan 12, 2024 | News, Music

Discover the incomprehensible sounds hidden in the shadows of Cape Town, South Africa, with Aryu Jassika. A self-taught DJ and producer who believes that we can all create, produce, mix, and master music in all its forms. His sound is like nothing you will ever experience again; defined as the approximations of brooding Gqom and Techno strung through a continuum of intergenerational trauma. After years of cutting his teeth in the dance music scene, Aryu co-founded SWAK and began hosting and throwing parties from London to Berlin, with stacked lineups involving an assortment of artists hailing from all genres and corners of the globe. SWAK has always been a platform to showcase artists that truly represent the depth of the creative community while simultaneously providing a space for new and rising talent.

Aryu Jassika achieves musical depth by offering and nurturing spaces where everything can co-exist in electro while breaking down South African sounds and rebuilding them into music that has listeners asking, “What planet is this from?”

Listen to Aryu Jassika’s mix HERE

MORE ABOUT NTS X DIESEL TRACKS ARRIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA
The exploration of music and club culture continues as NTS x Diesel TRACKS focuses on South Africa to showcase local emerging DJs. Rooted in the connectivity of music and nightlife, TRACKS brings together a mix of progressive musical talent from around the globe to promote the universal language of club culture, connection, and party, and now the spotlight is on South Africa to showcase local emerging DJs that fly the flag for SA’s distinctive music scene and nightlife culture. Every last Friday of the month, NTS x Diesel TRACKS SA will be championing local upcoming talents and allowing listeners to discover new sounds spanning GQOM, House, Amapiano, Techno, Club, Experimental, and Drum & Bass, just to name a few.

ABOUT DIESEL
Diesel is an innovative international lifestyle company, founded by Renzo Rosso in 1978. Rooted in denim mastery and evolved into being a leader in premium fashion, Diesel is now a true alternative to the established luxury market. The brand’s collections include apparel, accessories and a wide range of lifestyle collaborations: from fragrances, watches and jewelry, to interior design and real estate projects with Diesel Living. Discovering, supporting, and fostering creativity is part of Diesel DNA and of its parenting company OTB, the international fashion and luxury group powering a variety of global iconic brands and companies. 

ABOUT NTS RADIO
NTS is a global music platform and radio station, broadcasting from over fifty cities every month. It started as a DIY passion project in Hackney in 2011, with the aim of creating an alternative to stagnant mainstream radio. Since then, NTS has expanded with permanent studios in Los Angeles, Manchester, and Shanghai. The platform has over 600 resident hosts, composed of a mix of musicians, DJs, artists, and everything in between. Consistently championing the underground scene and a leading voice in alternative culture, over half the music played on NTS is available on Spotify or Apple Music. With a growing global audience of 2.8 million monthly listeners, NTS is broadcasting the best in underground music on a mass scale – completely free of charge and without on-air advertising.

Press release courtesy of Diesel

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

‘Eclectic Grandpa, Electric Blue and Bows Galore’ – Ten of the Internet’s Fashion Trend Predictions for 2024

Jan 11, 2024 | Lifestyle, Fashion

Long gone are the decades that are dedicated to specific trends; what punk was for the 1970s or the counter-cultural hippies were to1960s, for example. Today, with the advent of the internet and particularly with the acceleration of social media – trend cycles are fleeting, somewhat democratic and most of all, digitally-determined. Data analytics and algorithms shape consumer behaviour while cultural shifts are influenced by movements and discussions which largely take place in cyberspace. Yet, trends always (and arguably, most primarily) exist IRL, too. The internet is our interconnected mothership of information; from where we draw who we intend to be in the real world. 

With the rapid dissemination of visual content across platforms like Pinterest and social commentary on Tik Tok, trend forecasting appears less as an insidious and secretive tool by brands and corporations; rather, we as consumers are engaged with this process. I think of trend forecasters like Mandy Lee (@oldloserinbrooklyn) who is a trend forecasting veteran in New York, whose social media presence feels like hanging out with a bestie that has inside knowledge.

So, the verdict is in – here are ten of the most discussed trends set to shape 2024; particularly for fashion, but also – for vibes (mob wife energy, anyone?)

Indie Sleaze is Staying

Predicted by trend-analyst Mandy Lee (@oldloserinbrooklyn) two years ago, Indie Sleaze is the nostalgic revival for the late 2000s and early 2010s; Tumblr is kicking off, nostalgia for 90s grunge is bubbling beneath the cultural surface and life is far less curated than by today’s standards. Coming to fruition as per Mandy’s prediction, it appears we are only scratching the surface of this revival. With a vagueness to it, Indie Sleaze captures a kind of disparate time – its pre-internet even though the internet existed – its youth culture, unconstrained and rebellious, in a new millenia. It’s joyful and nihilistic; with TV shows like Skins encouraging a generation of ‘wasted youth’ edginess. 

Think Kate Moss at Glastonbury circa 2005, wearing muddy Hunter boots, slightly dishevelled and on the arm of a waif thin musician in a fedora (Pete Doherty, heroin’s sweaty poster-child). It’s Alexa Chung smoking a cigarette while wearing mary-janes and a babydoll dress (a reference to 90’s Mother, Courtney Love). It’s the ‘hipster’ aesthetic before the moustaches and clear Ray-ban’s; though these could certainly be up for grabs this year. As mentioned by Anya of the account @fashunadict, the 2010s is going to do for the rest of the 2020s what the y2k revival did for the first few years of this decade.

The Cheetah and Leopard Renaissance as Neutral Prints

When Wales Bonner dropped her latest Samba iteration with adidas – pony fur in leopard print – the rumours were confirmed. Leopard and cheetah print are back, and the girlies can rest, knowing the return of the busiest ‘neutral print’ that we  have ever known. Nothing whispers more of bold glamour than the cat print; specifically, Nature’s chicest, leopard and cheetah. Mother Nature not only gives the richest print; she also makes it the most flexible, meaning that there’s little a cat print doesn’t go with.

Electric Blue to Take Crimson’s Crown

In December, TikTok creator Katie Romero (@thekatieromero) took us through Pinterest’s annual trend forecasting event in New York. As a user-generated visual library, Pinterest is especially unique in its role to forecast, archive and analyse trends; in fact, it’s one of the most important assets in looking at trends. Especially as their digital moodboards are curated and ‘pinned’ by real people, in real time. So, Katie showcased that the team at Pinterest have detected increased searches for a variety of things; this one in particular, is the replacement of ‘a pop of red’ with electric blue. Or, as I say, the colour of Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech home, Fondation Jardin Majorelle.

Eclectic Grandpa is the new Preppy

Another prediction by Pinterest – Eclectic Grandpa is a more vintage, authentic expression of ‘preppiness’. Its loafers and boxer shorts, cosy and strange knits – its being a grandpa with great taste (especially in mid-century furniture, novels and gardening) and enjoying life with comfort. Personally, I am here for it – because it recycles the loafer, sambas and boxer short phenomena, extending the life span across a variety of key pieces that many of us might have already invested in. What’s in a name? The potential to be conscious consumers. 

Coquette’s Bow Mania Continues

Coquette is as much a socio-psychological phenomena as it is a fashion one (how distinct the two are from is a topic for another day) and refers to a specific manifestation of ideas around girlhood, womanhood – femininity – and its expression through fashion. At first glance, coquette appears as a naive attempt for child-like innocence; pastels, ruffles and delicate things –  deeper, though, seems to be subversion of femininity and the doll-like expectations that women have faced since time immemorial. Aesthetically, its big, satin bows – small velvet ones – basically, the Sandy Liang effect. Its exaggerated femininity – yet by no means traditional. Its Lana Del Rey musings for a time one never actually existed in; for me, I think firstly of Sofia Coppola’s The Virgin Suicides, one of the greatest films ever made and a portrait of girlhood as tragic, tender and inarticulable. Trend forecasters predict that the influx of bows stemming from Coquette will remain – long after our attentiveness toward girlhood wanes. 

Clean Girl is out, Mob Wife is in

 Get ready to channel your inner Carmela Soprano; because clean girl is out and ‘mob wife’ is in. The clean girl aesthetic, embodied by celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, are markers of a woman well taken care of; its sleek, gelled buns, flawless skin, minimal accessories and clean, tailored pieces. The clean girl aesthetic is the ‘investment banker’ energy of fashion; and mob wife, set to sweep 2024, is the gangster energy. Take ‘being well taken care of’ and imagine yourself dressing like the man (woman, or you) in your life would die by the sword to get whatever you wanted? Yes, mob wife aesthetic is THAT bold and THAT glamorous; it’s the faux furs, the stacked jewellery, the bold lip colour – its opulence and richness as an antidote to the restrained ‘quiet luxury’ trend of 2022 and 2023. It’s Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface – sexy as hell and unapologetic as can be.

Adriana wearing the iconic tiger-print onesie in ‘The Sopranos’. Courtesy of Alamy.

‘Mob Wife Energy’ Opulence, by Marlen_Stahlhuth, courtesy of DTS.

Fur is Back, Vintage or Faux

The return of fur is both a ‘mob wife’ and ‘indie sleaze’ phenomena; and it’s a contentious one, too. Supposed to be a thing of the past, it seems fur is back – though, only faux or vintage furs. I had a bunch of fur coats in the early 2010s (there used to be a great place to thrift fur in Salt River) and perhaps, I am pinching myself for giving them away with reckless abandon. I am not here to spark an ethical debate on this trend; simply to communicate that, it seems can’t shake our penchant for the fabric itself. 

Golden Eyes and Glitter

What chrome was to 2022 and 2023, it appears gold will be to 2024; think glitter eyes make, in shades of amber and gold. Think the warmth and light cascading across this year, reflected in our make-up; we love the switch up of our Mother minerals, silver and gold – mix and match, perhaps?

Dainty Shoes Supercede Chunkiness

Ballet flats are here to stay, along with kitten heels and the hybrid sneaker-sports-pump; basically, forget anything chunky ever existed and make sure the platform you have is MINIMAL – dainty shoes are in, chunky heavy shoes are *out*. Tying into coquette, indie sleaze and with slivers of y2k revival; when shoe shopping, think sharp, clean and snatched silhouettes; and go wild on colours, materials and details.  

Fashion’s Quality Crisis will Be Irrefutable

Less fun yet very important;  trend-forecaster Mandy Lee (@oldloserinbrooklyn) has been discussing the inescapable truth that we are facing, with the rapid loss of quality in fashion and how we, as consumers, have traded longevity for the fast-fashion, devastating practices of corporations. The clothes we buy are cheaper but they also fit terribly, prone to falling apart (even when well taken care of) and the material blends are becoming more and more dodgy. This could mean that any push towards thrifting, upcycling and DIYing (learn to sew, I promise it’s the best) will only increase; as consumers decide to take matters into their own hands as a response to an overall dissatisfaction with their usual retail platforms.

Written by: Holly Beaton

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

Thebe Magugu injects Sotho sartorial sensibilities with a limited edition Canada Goose collaboration

Jan 10, 2024 | News, Fashion

Thebe Magugu unveils the Limited Edition Mystique Parka, a collaborative masterpiece adorned with a mesmerising print inspired by the Basotho Blanket from Lesotho. Enhanced with a luxurious Merino wool Heirloom Shawl Hood Trim, it becomes a beautiful and unique addition to the Mystique Parka.

“I am thrilled to present the Heirloom Mystique Parka in collaboration with Canada Goose. I wanted to design it as an homage to my Sotho heritage and upbringing from times spent in Mafeteng (Lesotho), which has influenced so much of my work as a fashion designer. The Heirloom Mystique Parka – combining the heritage explored by the Thebe Magugu brand and the cutting-edge protective outerwear from Canada Goose. The jacket is made from performance satin, in two stylish colour options of Azure Blue & Messina Black. Alongside various sustainable fabrics, the design features a  black down-filled scarf-inspired hood trim. In addition, the parka is enhanced with a luxurious Merino wool Heirloom Shawl Hood Trim, offering maximum protection in harsh environments. Use the interior backpack straps to comfortably carry it over your shoulders when temperatures rise” says Thebe on this release.

Thebe Magugu x Cananda Goose ‘Heirloom Mystique Parka’ in Azure Blue.

Thebe Magugu wears the Heirloom Mystique Parka in Messina Black, image courtesy of the brand.

Shop the Thebe Magugu x Canada Goose Heirloom Mystique Parka online HERE or at the below Canada Goose stores:

North America – Toronto (Yorkdale) and NYC (5th Ave)
Europe – London, Paris, Milan, Manchester, Edinburgh and Amsterdam
China Mainland – Beijing Santilium, Beijing SKP, Shanghai IFC and Shanghai IAPM
APAC – Hong Kong (Gateway), Japan (Ginza)

Press release courtesy of Thebe Magugu

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

Winners at the 81st Golden Globe Awards

Jan 9, 2024 | News

On Sunday 7th January 2024, the 81st Golden Globe Awards took place to honour achievements in both television and motion picture production. The awards are unique in that they celebrate excellence in both mediums of television and film; with a focus recognizing exceptional performances, directing, writing, and production. 

Reflecting on the releases of 2023, it was expected that Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer would be particularly favoured; the three-hour motion picture won five awards in total, with our favourite Irish king Cillian Murphy cinching best actor for his portrayal of the ‘father of the atom bomb’, J. Robert Oppenheimer. Then, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie also took home some awards; for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement and Best Original Song, “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish and Finneas. 

This year, history was made for indigenous representation; as Lily Gladstone became the first Native American woman and two-spirit (gender non-conforming) actor to win Best Actress in a motion picture; for their portrayal in Martin Scorcese’s Killers of the Flower Moon; telling the story of the murders of the Osage people in Oklahoma and the intersecting formation of the FBI. Lily opened (who uses her/they pronouns) her speech in Siksiká, the language of the Blackfeet nation they belong to – a profound moment in a landscape that has been unable to prioritise Native American storytelling in previous years.

Lily Gladstone accepting their award, courtesy of @cbstv IG

Margot Robbie photographed by Virisa Yong, courtesy of @goldenglobes IG
Timothée Chalamet photographed by Benjamin Askinas, courtesy of @goldenglobes IG

Jeremy Allen White, courtesy of @goldenglobe IG
Ayo Edebiri photographed by Benjamin Askinas, courtesy of @goldenglobes IG

As for television series, best believe that acclaimed financial family-drama ‘Succession’ received recognition following the premier of its final episode in May 2023. Other notable wins include ‘Beef’ – with the dark-comedy, limited series being the first show made by and starring Asian Americans to win, with Ali Wong and Steve Yeun winning respectively. Lastly, new kids on the block ‘The Bear’ also swept the show, with Ayo Edebiri winning Best Actress in a TV Series, Musical or Comedy and Jeremy Allen White winning Best Actor in the same category. 

The dual focus of the Golden Globe’s reflects the evolving landscape of entertainment, as the television series format has advanced in the last two decades to artistically compete at the level of film. More than most other awards, the Golden Globes is said to influence public opinion and shape the trajectory of the entertainment industry.

Winners List: 

Best Motion Picture, Drama
“Oppenheimer” (Universal Pictures) (WINNER)

Best Picture, Musical or Comedy
“Poor Things” (Searchlight Pictures) (WINNER)

Best Director, Motion Picture
Christopher Nolan — “Oppenheimer” (WINNER)

Best Screenplay, Motion Picture
“Anatomy of a Fall” — Justine Triet, Arthur Harari (WINNER)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama
Cillian Murphy — “Oppenheimer” (WINNER)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama 
Lily Gladstone — “Killers of the Flower Moon” (WINNER)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
Emma Stone – “Poor Things” (WINNER)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
Paul Giamatti — “The Holdovers” (WINNER)

Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture 
Robert Downey Jr. — “Oppenheimer” (WINNER)

Best Supporting Actress, Motion Picture 
Da’Vine Joy Randolph — “The Holdovers” (WINNER)

Best Television Series, Drama 
“Succession” (HBO) (WINNER)

Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy 
“The Bear” (FX) (WINNER)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Drama 
Kieran Culkin — “Succession” (WINNER)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Drama 
Sarah Snook — “Succession” (WINNER)

Best Actress in a TV Series, Musical or Comedy 
Ayo Edebiri — “The Bear” (WINNER)

Best Actor in a TV Series, Musical or Comedy 
Jeremy Allen White — “The Bear” (WINNER)

Best Supporting Actor, Television
Matthew Macfadyen — “Succession” (WINNER)

Best Supporting Actress, Television 
Elizabeth Debicki — “The Crown” (WINNER)

Best Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television 
“Beef” (WINNER)

Best Performance by an Actor, Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television 

Steven Yeun — “Beef” (WINNER)

Best Performance by an Actress, Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television 
Ali Wong — “Beef” (WINNER)

Best Original Score, Motion Picture 
Ludwig Göransson — “Oppenheimer” (WINNER)

Best Picture, Non-English Language 
“Anatomy of a Fall” (Neon) — France (WINNER)

Best Original Song, Motion Picture 
“Barbie” — “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish and Finneas (WINNER)

Best Motion Picture, Animated 
“The Boy and the Heron” (GKids) (WINNER)

Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy or Television
Ricky Gervais — “Ricky Gervais: Armageddon” (WINNER)

Cinematic and Box Office Achievement
“Barbie” (Warner Bros.) (WINNER)

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

An Astrological Glimpse at 2024 – ‘Less Triggers, More Glimmers’

Jan 9, 2024 | Lifestyle, Community

When a New Year begins with a Virgo Moon and Mercury going direct, it can be tempting to pull out that long list of never-ending goals and get stuck in, because let’s be honest, Capricorn Season loves a goal. My suggestion, though, is to just take a pause and make sure you’ve blown away last year’s cobwebs before thinking about the year ahead. 2023 ended on a pretty heavy note for a lot of people, with waves of fatigue and intensity – so give yourself some time to just be (if that’s what you need). In the astro world, the New Year technically only begins with Aries Season on March 20th anyway, so enjoy this lingering pause…

In fact, why can’t this whole year be a bit of a pause? 2024 is an “8” year which, being ruled by Saturn, is all about karma and a sense of abundant wholeness. What goes around, comes around – and all that jazz. Don’t be fooled though, even though it’s a Saturn year, it’s not about more work, more hustle, more more more. This year, less is more. What if your main goal this year was to just come home to yourself? To focus on kindness, compassion and creativity as a form of “religion” or practice? Well, you bet the planets are going to consistently nudge us in that direction this year.

If last year was about taking leaps and getting comfortable with saying no, then this year sees this theme continue, but in a way that feels softer and more approachable. Those boundaries are planted firmly now, and if they’re not, you’ve still got time to do the work. Saturn will keep moving through Pisces until early 2026, so let yourself get lost in your imagination a bit. Create for creation’s sake. Make art, tell stories around the braai, play music and don’t worry about monetising from it. Just unleash that creative soul hiding within. You know the one I mean – that little voice that keeps urging you to let yourself play.

‘STARS’ photographed by Shauna Summers, courtesy of DTS

Of all the years to explore, experiment and express yourself, this is the one! First up is Pluto guiding the way.  On January 21st, Pluto is plunging into Aquarius until 2043 -with a brief tease back into Capricorn during its Retrograde Season from September 2nd until November 19th. Pluto is no joke and that brief hiatus will ensure all the old out-dated structures and systems are left behind before we move forward with a clean slate, once and for all. 

The Lunar Nodes are still moving through Aries and Libra and so that push and pull of walking your own path but making sure it meets up with others along the way, will remain centre-stage. On March 25th we have the Libra Lunar Eclipse and this one is going to be like a little tap on the shoulder, reminding us to scale back on commitments that don’t fit with how we want to move through the year. We’re not here to do it all alone, we’re here to share the load, to process everything happening in the world together and, damn do we need some collective healing ‘round about now. During this first Eclipse, both Venus and Mars will be in Pisces, so compassion will hopefully start to flow out. Kindness is medicine for all. Next up is the Aries Solar Eclipse on April 8th where little doors might start to open, leading us down paths of courage with like-minded souls dotted along the way. 

Speaking of courage, on April 21st we have the much-talked about Jupiter – Uranus conjunction. That’s right, the planet of expansion and the planet of surprise are going to be snuggling up to usher in whatever changes we need. This only happens once every 14 years, and with it being in Taurus, we’re looking at big shifts in the foundations of society. Political breakthroughs, radical social change, financial leaps…good timing, right? The world needs it. On a personal note, wherever you have Taurus in your natal chart will get a shake up too. Perhaps that’s a career change, or maybe the end of a toxic relationship. It might not be comfy, but removing stagnant energy never is – oh man, will it feel good afterwards!

The Zodiac photographed by Jakub Pabis, courtesy of Pexels

This is just in time, because on May 26th, Jupiter shimmies over to Gemini, and that marks the start of a lightness entering our year. Gemini is an Air sign and is mutable energy (flexible and flowing), so those claws that might have got stubbornly stuck with all of last year’s Earth energy, are about to be peeled away and encouraged to take flight in new directions. Until June 2025, Jupiter will be reminding us to broaden our horizons, to use our voices to help drive real change, to exchange ideas and to come back to communication as an art form. Ghosting is out this year and so is small talk; the stars are encouraging us to come back to real honest conversations – DMC’s (deep, meaningful conversations), if you will. Storytelling that takes time, not a mere status update. This is what will help make our year feel more abundant in true ‘8 year’ form as we’re all about that real-life connection this year as we cut through the superficiality. 

Open-mindedness and positivity will also take us far in 2024. Look at what you’re consuming on the daily and change it up – as you try to avoid getting roped into the neverending doom-scroll. Jupiter in Gemini wants you to send a postcard when you travel this year. Even a letter to your lover. Let’s go old-school and romanticise life a bit and rediscover passions from your childhood and share them with others. Join a club and embrace that sense of community. Boozy book club, anyone? 

Then, come September 18th, when we have our first Pisces Eclipse, giving us a glance at what’s to come when the Nodes move into Virgo and Pisces in 2025. It’s a Lunar Eclipse, so don’t hold back on sharing your creations from the year. On October 2nd, we’ll have our final Libra Solar Eclipse, so it’s a perfect moment to reflect on all the work you’ve done on letting go of people-pleasing and not feeling guilty for chasing the glimmers and rejecting the triggers. Also, this year continues to focus on prioritising your emotions and taking care of yourself. Lest you forget.

This wouldn’t be an accurate guide to the astro of the year without mentioning the pesky Retrogrades, right? The chatty planet Mercury will be causing mischief three times this year, and unlike last year where she retrograded in Earth signs, this year she’ll be setting things alight in the Fire signs. Firstly from April 2nd to 25th in Aries – so watch your words during this time – secondly from August 5th to 28th in Leo. Eek, everyone is going to be easily offended. Finally, from November 26th until December 15th in Sagittarius, so double check those December vacay plans don’t go astray.

Astrology spread by Ekaterina Bolovtsova courtesy of Pexels

Lunar Cycle by Farzad Mohsenvand, courtesy of Unsplash

To end the year, just for fun, Mars is going Retrograde which only happens once every two years. From December 7th until February 24th the planet of action is going to have us slowing right down, first in the sign of Leo before moving back into Cancer, which isn’t such a bad thing actually. Like we said, this year is about coming home to what really matters, so spending the festive season with your family or chosen family, sounds like the perfect way to wrap up the year to avoid burnout and to slowly ease into the following year.

And so we come full circle, just like an ‘8 year’ loves to do. Find the synchronicities this year, spread compassion and let those airy winds of change help you transition to where you know you’re supposed to go. Less triggers and more glimmers. Here’s to 2024, where less is most definitely more.

Siohban Lumsden is an Intuitive Astrologer, explore her website here and follow her IG here.

Written by: Siobhan Lumsden

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

ASA SADAN Presents its Resort ‘24 Collection in collaboration with XZAVIER ZULU

Dec 15, 2023 | News, Fashion

ASA SADAN reveals its inaugural collaboration with none other than Xzavier Zulu, a creative consultant, art director and fashion designer who explores aspects of culture, fashion and music with established and emerging brands, platforms and communities to exchange practices, learnings and insights to sustain the developing dialogue on sustainability. He is also a conceptual and creative brand based in a global community led with the nuances of South African culture. 

ASA SADAN is a heritage, luxury apparel brand based in, and operating out of Cape Town, South Africa. The brand references themes and motifs from South Africa’s rich cultural and political history, shedding light on the contributions of various ethnic groups and organisations in the struggle for freedom and liberation. The brand also serves as a medium through which the historical ancestral narrative and lived experience of the African-Asian diaspora may be told. Named after Mohamed’s grandmother, the name ‘ASA’ (pronounced ‘ay’ – ‘sah’) is a Malaysian/Indonesian adaptation of the Persian name of the same spelling (pronounced ‘ah’-‘sah’), with a multitude of meanings including: ‘beautification’, ‘adornment’, ‘might’, ‘power’ and ‘capability’.“ 

“The aim was to collaborate with someone perhaps unexpected at face value, yet truly aligns with the brand manifesto. Xzavier’s utilitarian approach to design complements the ASA SADAN design positioning at the intersection of form and function. The brand opened up its archive of silhouettes, which were redefined through the collaborative effort utilising ASA SADAN’s library of technical fabrics, with details incorporated through the lens Xzavier Zulu’s upcycling and customisation approach.” says Imran Mohamed, the Founder and Creative Director at ASA SADAN.

Taking everyday experiences informed Xzavier Zulu on how to approach and edit silhouettes within ASA SADAN’s archive, utilising the existing textiles library within the house, introducing unique details, resulting in the collaborative designs reflected within the Resort offering. 

“Sizing was a huge factor for me when I thought about this collection. ASA SADAN was the first local brand that didn’t have to size me at a XXXL to make me feel comfortable in their clothes. I felt seen.” says Xzavier. “I wanted to highlight that, firstly. Secondly, coming from my time in Europe, I wanted to have the collection reflect my travelling woes – having clothes that could wash and dry within an hour, for example, was a big part of that process. The fabrication led to a nylon-based range, which is perfect for the summer-time. This is something for everyone,” Xzavier reveals more behind the inspiration.

With both brands having experience in creating moments between lifestyle and sustainability, “We wanted to create a Resort Capsule, as a perfect embodiment of the Cape Town summer time. An offering that allows for the creation of looks that move seamlessly between beach life during the day, to dinners on a warm summer’s evening.” says Imran Mohamed. 

The capsule is available exclusively through AKJP, Cape Town

Campaign Credits:
Creative Direction: Imran Mohamed @i__h__m and Xzavier Kunene @xzavierzulu 
Photography: Larnelle Bakala @lordnelle 
Videography: Larnelle Bakala @lordnelle and Vahid Davids @vahiddavids Editing & Color Grading: Sulaiman Peck 
Stylist: Imran Mohamed @i__h__m and Xzavier Kunene @xzavierzulu 
Art Direction: Xzavier Kunene @xzavierzulu 
Photography (Collection): Byron Geduld @byrongeduld 
Model: Amy Florence @amyflorencex and Zandi Pretorius @zandi_pretorius 
Copywriter: Lelo Meslani @lelowhatsgood

Written by: Holly Beaton

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

‘From Street To Skate, Tennis To The Tate’ – Introducing ‘Found’, The Brand Reinvigorating Golf Apparel

Dec 15, 2023 | Lifestyle, Fashion

A brand that blurs the boundaries between street fashion and golf wear? Found is here and it’s everything you could hope for when it comes to inclusive fashion on the golf course.  Established in 2023, Found is a South African born, international golf apparel brand that reflects a collection whereby women, men, and non gender conforming people of all ages will feel comfortable and look great whether on, or off the course. 

On 13 December 2023, Found introduced their much anticipated inaugural range of golf clothing and street apparel. The collection reflects the brands commitment to build an inclusive golf culture whilst supporting sustainable manufacturing and economic empowerment. The garments are designed to appeal to classic old timers, those new to the game, or those who hardly play at all. 

Their premier collection is titled ‘Golf Cart, Yet Street Smart.’ and is showcased in their debut campaign shot by Kent Andreasen and styled by Courtney Eley, as they present to us, garments that “transcend the green”.

FOUND Campaign, Cr. Kent Andreasen

In the words of co-founder Lance Peach “Found is for everyone. Every type of alt culture acolyte who has discovered the joys of an ancient game but needs it to reflect the way they show up. We are leading a revolution against golfwear that is curiously stuck in a cul-de-sac of tastelessness and blandness.” 

The brand’s design is focused around clothing that allows you to comfortably belong on a golf course without closeting your authentic self. The garments are intentionally created to blur gender binaries and are intended for both playing golf or participating in any other pastime. Think “From Street to Skate, Tennis to the Tate” 

“Found is inspired by streetwear as much as by the salubrious surrounds of golf course havens, so that you will look at home whether sitting at the pub or driving off the 1st. The better you look, the better you feel, the better you play  (that’s the theory anyway, the game will do with you what it wants).” says Lance. 

The garments are exclusively manufactured in Cape Town, South Africa. Co- founders Ellen Keillar and Lance Peach have lived and worked in Cape Town for a combined 20 years. Through Found, they are bringing their knowledge and expertise of South African manufacturing to an international market. Found has partnered with local artisans to produce limited run collections that champion craftsmanship and support economic empowerment.

Their first collection includes a reinterpretation of the classic golf polo, baggy trousers, oversized knits, t-shirts, boxy sweaters, shorts & skorts, a boiler suit and more. The clothes are intended to be loose fitting and  designed with adjustable detailing so you can wear them the way you choose. Found produces golf clothing with a particular focus on non-gendered garments and women’s styles, moving away from the traditional short skirts and tight trousers. Inspired by surf and skate culture brands where garments have their origin in the sport but are suitable for everyday use, they believe that clothes should be worn and seen. Found garments are intended as much for the course as they are for the street.

FOUND Campaign, Cr. Kent Andreasen

Shop Found Golf HERE
Follow Found HERE 

Campaign Credits:
Photographer: Kent Andreasen 
Stylist: Courtney Eley 
Models: Donny Truter, Zeeka Sellidon, Elie Bisimwa, Andile Dlamini 

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

Bongeziwe Mabandla & Ntokzin release soulful Amapiano remix of hit single ‘Sisahleleleni’

Dec 15, 2023 | New Release, Music

South African multi-award winning singer and songwriter Bongeziwe Mabandla has released a soulful Amapiano remix of his hit single ‘Sisahleleleni’ from his highly successful album amaXesha, released earlier in the year. The single has now been reimagined by South African Amapiano producer and DJ Ntokzin, securing the #1 position on Apple Music’s Amapiano Lifestyle playlist.

‘Sisahleleleni’ was first premiered on A Colors Show earlier this year, with the video having garnered over 200 000 views since release. Bongeziwe became the fourth South African artist ever to perform on the celebrated music platform.

Following the single’s release was his highly anticipated album amaXesha, which became The Guardian’s Global Album of the Month, and an exclusive interview and editorial shoot with the coveted Nataal magazine, who showed deep fascination to his sound, saying, “There’s always something new about the Bongeziwe Mabandla experience. In this album, he opens with a storm before the first track ‘Sisahleleni (ii)’, an upbeat introduction driven by a powerful voice and choral background – it’s a striking sound of things to comeAfter selling out international tours across Europe, the UK, and most recently eight in South Africa, his talent and demand is unmatched.”

sisahleleleni, ntokzin remix

Bongeziwe Mabandla

On his recent South Africa tour, legacy South African newspaper The Daily Maverick described his stage presence brilliantly, “His connection with the audience is visceral, the captivation experienced by the crowd a simple, thrilling product of the musical captivation of the performer on stage.” Now breathing new life to one of his most successful global anthems, prepare to indulge in a vessel of warm melodies and beats, masterfully transforming a melancholic emotion into the healing properties of the dancefloor.

“When I wrote this song I was going through a lot of changes and I was excited about the future,” says Bongeziwe, “This song is about finally following your calling and path. I realised that I had imprisoned myself in many ways and this song was about getting free. In essence it’s a song that asks ‘Why are we still here if we are no longer happy? What is it that keeps us here?’”

“Teaming up with Ntokzin on the album’s most recognisable songs was a suggestion from the label Platoon,” adds Bongeziwe, “we had an instant connection and I think we share a mutual respect for each other’s work. This remix really captures the kind of song that I have been wanting to do for such a long time. What I love about it is that it has all the elements of a soulful song and also the dance Amapiano sound.”

Listen to the ‘sisahleleleni’ remix by Ntokzin HERE

Connect with Bongeziwe Mabandla and Ntokzin:
Facebook: @BongeziweMabandlaOfficial / Ntokzin ((Ntokozo Rarane)
Twitter/X: @Bongeziwe / @RealNtokzinTwitter
Instagram: @BongeziweMabandla /@realNtokzinDj
TikTok: @RealNtokzin

 

Press release courtesy of Sheila Afari PR