Travel Zimbabwe | Victoria Falls River Lodge

A year later, after postponing this trip over 3 times due to Covid-19 lockdowns, we eventually made it to the beautiful Victoria Falls!

From Johannesburg you can fly with Airlink to Livingstone, however, we decided to extend our trip and fly from Johannesburg and stay in Cape Town a couple nights, then fly from Cape Town directly to Victoria Falls with Airlink. Fly Airlink make it really easy to book multiple destination flights. In a short 3 hour flight, I must have experience the landscape changing about 4 different times. Flying over the Karoo into Botswana, over the Kalahari, then over the magnificent Makgadigadi Pans and finally descending over the Zambezi National Park. It was such a beautiful flight.

Upon arrival, we were picked up by Victoria Falls River Lodge and taken to the beautiful Zambezi River. Victoria Falls River Lodge has two luxury lodges on site. One that is situated on the main land of the Zambezi River bank and the other that is just across the way, in the middle of the Zambezi River, on an island. Marc and I decided to give both lodges an opportunity to wow us, and when I say wow, I mean it. Victoria Falls River Lodge really exceeded our expectations!

First we checked into the Luxury Island Treehouse Suites which was absolutely breathtaking. Greeted by the friendliest and most accommodating staff, I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Every meal at both the lodges we were served three courses Lunch and dinner was always paired with a variety of wines to compliment the meal. If you are a foodie like me, then not only is Victoria Falls River Lodge a beautiful destination to stay at but the food prepared and presented by the chefs are phenomenal. 

Every afternoon you can enjoy either a game drive or a sunset cruise. Of course we opted for the sunset cruise as the scenery was a dream. Not only was the champagne flowing but we were greeted by herds of elephants along the river bed as the sun was setting and many pods of hippos in the river, wallowing in the water. Finding words to describe the beauty of the nature on the Zambezi River is very hard to describe as it is certainly the most breathtaking safari experience I have had the pleasure of experiencing. 

Victoria Falls River Lodge also offer morning excursions to the magnificent Victoria Falls with a guided tour by the rangers. I learnt so much on this trip and really valued the information that we were exposed to. Thinking about seeing the Victoria Falls for the first time gives me goosebumps. As you walk around the first corner at the falls, you are blown away by the magnitude of water and beauty that one of the 7 natural wonders of the world has to offer. 

Luxury safari experience at its finest. From the interior decor, which has an arrear of gorgeous Ardmore scatter cushions in the lounges and bedrooms, to the breathtaking sunrise views from your bedroom, this lodge exerts luxury. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or celebrating a special occasion, I cannot recommend Victoria Falls River Lodge enough. A lodge that is worth the visit! 

For more on this trip, follow Fashion Fundi on Instagram.

Book direct on www.flyairlink.com, our FlyAirlink app or your favourite Travel agent.

Travel extraordinary with Airlink’s direct flights, between Cape Town and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Combine iconic Cape Town with the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, or take the opportunity to travel onwards to Hwange National Park to see wild dog, lion, leopard, and cheetah. Travel onwards to other key leisure destinations such as Chobe, the Okavango Delta and the Kruger National Park, https://www.flyairlink.com/destinations/flights-to-victoria-falls

Fashion Fundi 

Written by: Tarryn Candice

Explore Namibia | Shipwreck Lodge | Skeleton Coast

It is not often one gets the opportunity to explore unique destinations in the world.

One such place, the captivating Skeleton Coast off the northern coast of Namibia. The Bushman of the northern interior referred to this region as ‘The land God made in Anger’. Portuguese seafarers of years ago stated to it as ‘The Gates of Hell’. In this hostile and inhospitable environment, you will find one of the most unique and magnificently designed lodges ‘The Shipwreck Lodge’.

Your best way of getting to the Shipwreck Lodge is to fly in via a charted flight. The flight from the city of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital is via top class flight companies that operate from the two main airports, Eros airport, which is regional and international as well as the main hub into Namibia Hosea Kutako International Airport. These independent flight companies will fly you directly to Mowe Bay (German for Gull Bay), where you will be collected by a highly competent guide navigating you over a 1.5 hour journey across rocky terrain, sand dunes & shoreline past shipwrecks and relics of the past to this magical haven. This is when you realize how remote you are from any form of civilization.

Approach: on the last leg of your trip towards the lodge, through the windswept dunes, the unmistakable & inspiring silhouette of the lodge makes its appearance. You are welcomed by Sakkie (the manager) and friendly staff, who make you feel comfortable from the time you arrive, with a cool drink in hand, while you admire your surroundings.

Cuisine: The delicious fare is well prepared from breakfast through to dinner by ‘chef Arron’ and so is the presentation thereof. Every evening you have a selection of a few dishes, prepared by the chef and his team. Vegan meals are also available or other dietary requirements you may have.

Beverages are on tap at any time, from soft drinks through to alcoholic beverages to warm you up after an exciting day out in the barren wilderness. 

Activities: Weather permitting breakfast or lunch is provided al-fresco in the dunes, on the beach or on the dry riverbed of the Hoarusib River (when not coming down in flood during March - April). Known as an ephemeral river, meaning it does not flow for up to 75% of the time, however in areas this river has some surface water at certain times of the year.

Where you likely to see the abundance this region has on offer, is that of the desert Elephant, Springbok, Oryx, desert Lion, Brown Hyena, Jackal, Baboon wonderful bird life amongst others. 

The lodge offers inclusive to your rates sandboarding, quadbike trails through the dunes, fishing for those that are lucky enough to hook and want the chef to prepare their catch of the day. 

Architecture: The exterior theme of the main building, reception, lounge, dining, and patio area is indicative of a shipwreck. With slanted glass panels in the dining area giving, you a feeling of been in a Galion, albeit eclectic and modern in comparison.

The rooms are well appointed, amazingly spacious and comfortable with inspiring architecture, giving you the sense of being inside a ship, including large expanses of windows with a chaise lounge to enjoy the magnificent views. Each room is equipped  with a coffee station and freshly baked biscuits available daily as well as a fireplace for those colder evenings, although the rooms are well insulated from the harsh environment. 

As you settle down for the night, the sound of the wind buffeting against your cabin with the occasional call of the Brown Hyena affords you the opportunity to savour the environment you find yourself in. 

The lodge is designed to have minimal impact on the environment, meaning in this concession should they need to leave the total structural milieu can be disassembled with no physical footprint impacting the ecosystem.

It must be noted that this lodge is a joint venture with Sesfontein and the Purros conservancies known as Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM). Which in short benefits the rural Namibians to financially sustain themselves and manage their natural resources through tourism and through this it has become a highly successful intervention. 

The Shipwreck lodge is highly recommended and we would definitely travel there again.

Fashion Fundi

Written By: Kevin Els

VALENTINO | BORN IN ROMA YELLOW DREAM

“Born in Roma is a dream that never dies.” Pierpaolo Piccioli

 

In Roma, daylight hits the streets. The sun advances across the cityscape. Memories of the night become another new beginning. Imaginations of our past inspire dreams of tomorrow.

Bathed in yellow light, the eternal city stirs.Roma’s most emblematic color alongside red, yellow’s story is woven in the very fabric of this city. And today, in Piazza Mignanelli, inside the Roman Couture house of Maison Valentino, where Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli applies his color mastery to reinvent yellow into breathtaking Couture for a world that needs to dream. 

The dialogue of this evocative color between past, present and future is the inspiration for Born in Roma Yellow Dream.

 

Yellow as a state of dream

Day reaches the Palazzo gardens. The steadfast gaze of Adut Akech and Anwar Hadid speaks the power of their dreams. Adut Akech in Valentino Haute Couture worn last night or tonight?  Immersed in the energy of this city, their Roma story is eternal. 

 

To translate the powerful optimism of yellow in scent, Valentino Beauty invited two pairs of perfumers to create distinct olfactory stories around a singular and most unexpected note. Yet a note that simultaneously has the power to feel reassuring and comforting in this uncertain world.

Born in Roma Yellow Dream Donna

For Born in Roma Yellow Dream Donna, perfumers Anne Flipo and Nicolas Beaulieu were inspired by Rome, bathed in a warm, comforting light to reveal the character traits of the Valentino woman: sparkling, vibrant, confident. Composed in three steps around Valentino's Color, Cool, Couture notes, this musky floral intrigues with its pure and reassuring accord.

 

Head Color Note Donna

Hand-harvested in Calabria, south of Italy, bergamot essence awakens the senses with its radiant and sparkling take-off, energized by fizzing, zesty notes of Italy's primofiore lemon. A citrusy burst to illuminate the dripping, gourmand, juicy notes of a lychee accord. This celebration of color from the fragrance’s very top notes highlights the energy and joie de vivre of the modern Valentino woman.

 

Heart Couture Note Donna

The airy, yet tender freshness of peony flowers enhances this joie de vivre and enlightens Turkish rose essence. Obtained by re-injecting rose water into a solid form, rose essence simultaneously reveals the flower’s fresh green facets, together with its silky, opulent trail. This floral heart is soothed by reassuring, comforting notes of a pure accord. This warm heart affirms the confidence of the Valentino woman today.

 

Base Cool Note Donna

A white musk accord continues this clean accord of sweet and carnal notes. In total contrast, the trail is built gradually between the reassuring power of white musks and the addictive signature of a creamy, spicy Madagascan vanilla absolute with a vibrant Virginia cedarwoord. This trail’s sensual addiction symbolizes the bright flamboyance of the Valentino woman of now.

Born in Roma Yellow Dream Uomo

For Born in Roma Yellow Dream Uomo, perfumers Julie Massé and Violaine Collas were inspired by Rome in a deep, reassuring light to reveal the character traits of a radiant, energetic and determined man. Composed in three steps around Valentino's Color, Cool, Couture notes, this spicy oriental surprises with its gingerbread accord.

Head Color Note Uomo

Radiant, sparkling, Italian tangerine gently awakens the senses. Zesty, tangy facets of Mexican lime infuse their positive energy into a bright and color-filled pineapple accord. This explosion of colorful, energizing freshness celebrates the optimism of today’s Valentino man.

Heart Couture Note Uomo             

An aromatic, herbaceous heart of Provence lavandin, with Madagascan geranium contrasts Uomo’s fresh, luminous flight, and introduces the gingerbread accord. Cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg shape this gingerbread accord with smoky and oriental notes that creates a sense of refined addiction. This warm heart celebrates the generosity of the Valentino man.

 

Base Cool Note Uomo

Madagascan vanilla completes this gingerbread accord, with its soft, smooth facets. Its leathery and animal character blossoms in the warm sensuality of woody notes. The amber woody accord matches Virginia cedar to leave a vibrant, warm trail. This powerful and bewitching base signals the Valentino man’s determination.

Valentino Born in Roma Yellow Dream will be available nationally from September 2021 at select 

Edgars, Foschini & Truworths stores.

Fashion Fundi

xoxo

@Valentino.Beauty #ValentinoBeauty #BornInRoma

DIOR MICRO BAG LAUNCH | THE TRENDIEST BAG OF 2021

The micro bag tree lives on! When influencers showcased Dior's iconic bags on 23 June 2021 in mini form, the collection of Dior Micro Bags made the internet go crazy! Small bag trends are not new to the fashion scene, with Jacquemus Fall 2019 collection of the Chiquito bag taking the trend from Instagram to the red carpet. Chanel also released their mini flap collection last year October in their Spring '21 collection. But Dior just blew up the internet yesterday when they launched their version of mini bags!

on 23 June 2021, Dior released their most iconic signature handbags in micro format. The most beautiful designs created in the same way just in smaller dimensions. The Dior Saddle Bag, the Lady Dior and the Dior 30 Montaigne all come in mommy and me sizes now. The micro bag version is just to cute for words with each style and silhouette designed the same way as the original bags but in miniature form. The colours of the bags celebrate the founder's favourite colours with all the Dior micro bags coming in red, black, mint green, sky blue, latte and rose des vents. 

A dream would be to own each design in real size and micro size, but a girl can dream!

You can now shop all Dior Micro Bags in store and online !

TC

xoxo

A NEW FRAGRANCE BY YVES SAINT LAURENT BEAUTÉ | LIBRE EAU DE PARFUM INTENSE

Starring Dua Lipa, Global Fragrance Ambassador for Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, Libre Eau de Parfum Intense is a perfume of "an intense woman living her roaring freedom and following her instincts,".

Libre, the French word for 'free', pays tribute to YSL's most defining value: freedom. Freedom to be yourself. Freedom of choice. No compromise. Your own rules.The new Libre Eau de Parfum Intense are for the untamed ones, the ones who dare to turn up the heat and embrace freedom. It is a full-bodied grand floral fragrance boasting a burning-hot character with a deep sensuality.

The signature notes of lavender essence from France and the orange blossom from Morocco are combined with a blazing orchid accord, pushing the perfume to its extreme for a long-lasting and unique twist on the floral fragrance.

The signature Libre bottle is designed to reflect the powerful character of the fragrance, just like the way Yves Saint Laurent designed the first tuxedo for women.

More intense than ever, the bottle is set alight by the burning colour of the juice, a shade between fire and gold. Encased in the sharp bottle silhouette, the fragrance is embellished by the oversized YSL logo in gold- tone hardware.Feel free to love, and show your love. Indulge yourself with Libre and share it with those most special to you. A luxurious gift, suitable for all of life's most special occasions.

Fashion Fundi

#yslbeauty #Iamlibre #libre #yslbeautyfragrance

EXCLUSIVE ART PRINTS TO ELEVATE YOUR HOME | Studio&Me

Looking for an online studio offering a boutique selection of art prints at affordable prices, aimed at revolutionising the art reproduction sphere from tacky to tasteful, with exquisite style and quality guaranteed with every offering? Then look no further.

The Covid-19 era has brought on many changes in the world. One of them being the migration of numerous small- and medium-sized businesses (including décor stores) into the online sphere. This is excellent news for the consumer, who benefits from an even greater choice of interesting items to adorn your home or working space. 

One such business that has embraced the online world with aplomb is Studio&Me, a ‘virtual ’ décor store offering customers a personalised service where you can shop for unique but budget-friendly boutique art prints to decorate your walls at the touch of a button. 

The inspiration for Studio&Me came from founder Hayley’s realization that with more people spending a greater amount of time at home in South Africa, the demand for affordable décor items that create joyful spaces in which to live (and work) 24/7, has increased. And what better way to help people in their décor choices than giving them everything they need online! 

Hayley is a renowned interior decorator with more than half a decade of experience in the décor sphere. With her love for design and accessories, she brings her in-depth business knowledge and customer insight into what people want for their homes, not to mention enthusiasm and style, to the online brand. This is a big plus for her clients, giving you curated art pieces, personalised service, and safe delivery to your door, without the hefty price tag. 

Studio&Me offers customers a diverse selection of curated, on-trend prints on the highest quality paper that will suit any space, taste and décor style because of their versatility and wide-ranging subject matter (think black and white; nature and botanicals; travel and architecture; nursery and kids; fashion; and much more). 

The exclusive collection is constantly evolving to stay abreast of current international design and art trends, which means there are always new treasures to discover for done all the hard work for you already; all you have to do is choose your favourite prints and frames (or select your desired gallery wall), and your décor scheme will be complete 

A bare room should be seen as a blank canvas. Studio&Me has created the artistic tools for you to decorate it with. Next step? Create and enjoy. 

Fashion Fundi

xoxo

Follow them on Instagram: @studioandme; Facebook: @studioandme and visit www.studioandme.co.za.