Hot off the fashion runways, here’s a look at the cross-cultural fusion of African designers overseas. The following pages explore fashion as cultural diplomacy; the designer pieces not only contribute to current global trends but also challenge stereotypes allowing for a broader understanding of heritage, history and innovation.



Photography: Manelisi Dabata ; Assistant: Bokang Khuto | Styling: Deneal Van Wyk | Hair &amp; Makeup: SnehhOnline Beauty | Location: Houghton 1938, Johannesburg



TIA ‘TIMA REECE’ HERMAN Performing Artist, Singer/Songwriter, Vocal Producer, Vocal Coach



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="701" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2298-Recovered-701x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64078 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2298-Recovered-701x1024.jpg 701w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2298-Recovered-206x300.jpg 206w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2298-Recovered-768x1121.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2298-Recovered-1052x1536.jpg 1052w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2298-Recovered-1403x2048.jpg 1403w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2298-Recovered-scaled.jpg 1754w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 701px) 100vw, 701px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
TIA WEARS:



Gold Statement Earrings; ZAR480/$27, House of Ayi Pink Peony Corset Dress; ZAR21,999/$1,207, Nolanga Made Gold Oval Bracelet; ZAR1,000/$55, House of Ayi Poppy Red Tote Bag; ZAR8,490/$466, Tory Burch, Preview Designer Collection Black Heels; ZAR5,290/$290, Europa Art
</div></div>



KURT HERMAN Music Producer, Mixing and Mastering Engineer, Singer/Songwriter


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="871" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2364-Recovered-871x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64080" style="width:432px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2364-Recovered-871x1024.jpg 871w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2364-Recovered-255x300.jpg 255w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2364-Recovered-768x903.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2364-Recovered-1306x1536.jpg 1306w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2364-Recovered-1742x2048.jpg 1742w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 871px) 100vw, 871px" /></figure></div>


KURT WEARS:



Denim Jacket; ZAR15,000/$823, TSHEPO Jeans Purple Knitted Pullover; ZAR3,600/$198, GUGUBYGUGU Denim Jeans; ZAR10,000/$549, TSHEPO Jeans White Sneakers; ZAR3,690/$202, Europa Art


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="638" height="822" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699879852-3d8e3456-f9b5-4ad4-a208-da9b5b31ed95_1-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64091" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699879852-3d8e3456-f9b5-4ad4-a208-da9b5b31ed95_1-1.jpg 638w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699879852-3d8e3456-f9b5-4ad4-a208-da9b5b31ed95_1-1-233x300.jpg 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 638px) 100vw, 638px" /></figure></div>


<div class="wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
KURT WEARS:



Printed Suit Jacket; ZAR25,000/$1,372, MAXHOSA Printed Pants; ZAR17,500/$961, MAXHOSA



Brown Shoes; ZAR3,190/$175, Europa Art
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2590-Recovered-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64083 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2590-Recovered-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2590-Recovered-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2590-Recovered-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2590-Recovered-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2590-Recovered-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2590-Recovered-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="669" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2660-Recovered-669x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64071 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2660-Recovered-669x1024.jpg 669w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2660-Recovered-196x300.jpg 196w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2660-Recovered-768x1176.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2660-Recovered-1003x1536.jpg 1003w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2660-Recovered-1338x2048.jpg 1338w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2660-Recovered-scaled.jpg 1672w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 669px) 100vw, 669px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
TIA WEARS:



Sheer Dress; ZAR9,800/$538, Viviers Studio Gold Blazer; ZAR28,000/$1,538, Viviers StudioGreen Diamante Bag; ZAR6,990/$379, Karl Lagerfeld, Preview Designer Collection Gold Court Heels; ZAR3,690/$202, Europa Art Gold Oval Dome Ring, ZAR350/$19, House of Ayi
</div></div>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="612" height="848" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699889622-fdaa94cb-5643-4675-a613-c41418a72d28_1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64089" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699889622-fdaa94cb-5643-4675-a613-c41418a72d28_1.jpg 612w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699889622-fdaa94cb-5643-4675-a613-c41418a72d28_1-217x300.jpg 217w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" /></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="982" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2957-Recovered-982x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64074" style="width:616px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2957-Recovered-982x1024.jpg 982w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2957-Recovered-288x300.jpg 288w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2957-Recovered-768x801.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2957-Recovered-1473x1536.jpg 1473w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_2957-Recovered-1964x2048.jpg 1964w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 982px) 100vw, 982px" /></figure></div>


TIA WEARS:



Printed Blouse; ZAR11,500/$631, MAXHOSA Printed Skirt; ZAR14,000/$769, MAXHOSA Gold Chunky Bangles (each); ZAR1,000/$55, House of Ayi Red Square Toe Heels; ZAR3,490/$192, Europa Art



KURT WEARS:



Black Blazer With Button Detailing; ZAR5,500/$302, GUGUBYGUGU Mesh T-Shirt; ZAR300/$16, GUGUBYGUGU Black Tailored Pants; ZAR1,820/$100, GUGUBYGUGU Black Suede Loafer; ZAR5,490/$302, Europa Art


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="658" height="851" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699897307-45b7b929-0c70-47f9-b628-79c94d4599be_1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-64088" style="width:528px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699897307-45b7b929-0c70-47f9-b628-79c94d4599be_1.png 658w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1734699897307-45b7b929-0c70-47f9-b628-79c94d4599be_1-232x300.png 232w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 658px) 100vw, 658px" /></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="682" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_3216-Recovered-682x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64076" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_3216-Recovered-682x1024.jpg 682w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_3216-Recovered-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_3216-Recovered-768x1154.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_3216-Recovered-1022x1536.jpg 1022w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_3216-Recovered-1363x2048.jpg 1363w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DSC_3216-Recovered-scaled.jpg 1704w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px" /></figure></div>


KURT WEARS:



Double Breasted Blazer: ZAR5,060/$280, GUGUBYGUGU, Black Shirt, ZAR500/$28, GUGUBYGUGU Black Cargo Pants: ZAR1,456/ $80.4 GUGUBYGUGU, Black Loafers: ZAR2,990/ $165, Europa Art



TIA WEARS:



Black Flower Detail Corset; ZAR18,999/$1,043, Nolanga Made Black Flared Tailored Pants; ZAR1,820/$100, GUGUBYGUGU Gold Tote Bag; ZAR6,000/$330, Tory Burch, Preview Designer Collection White Embellished Loafers; ZAR2,690/$148, Europa Art

Untitled design (17)

Luxury Holiday Fashion Guide: Africa’s Global Threads

<a href="https://www.forbes.com/"></a><a href="https://www.forbes.com/search/"></a>Plus: A $13.2 Billion Shopping Day; Holiday Spending Predicted To Hit Record Levels, But With Slower Growth; Inflation Makes Shoppers More Likely To Use Credit; Avoiding Shopping Scams



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-this-is-the-published-version-of-forbes-ceo-newsletter-which-offers-the-latest-news-for-today-s-and-tomorrow-s-business-leaders-and-decision-makers-click-here-to-get-it-delivered-to-your-inbox-every-week">This is the published version of Forbes’ CEO newsletter, which offers the latest news for today&#8217;s and tomorrow&#8217;s business leaders and decision-makers. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/newsletter/ceo">Click here</a> to get it delivered to your inbox every week.</h4>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



The holiday spending season is officially here. Shoppers are tapping mobile phones, typing on keyboards, and yes, even going into actual stores in search of gifts to make the darkest part of the year more festive.



While today’s shopping event—Cyber Monday—is really just a name for sales, it’s still enormous. (According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/internet-broadband/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Pew Research Center</a>, 96% of adults use the internet and 79% have a high-speed connection at home—a vast difference from the 2005 origin of the event, when people used their work computers to shop online.)&nbsp;<a href="https://capitaloneshopping.com/research/cyber-monday-statistics/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">CapitalOne predicts</a>&nbsp;that holiday shoppers will spend $13.2 billion today. In 2023, 94 million people shopped online on Cyber Monday, which was a 26.5% bigger shopping day than Black Friday.



Since the holiday spending season brings so much business—according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://nrf.com/research-insights/holiday-data-and-trends/winter-holidays/winter-holiday-faqs" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">National Retail Foundation</a>, it’s driven an average of 19% of total annual sales for the last five years for retailers—we’re devoting Forbes CEO today to what retailers and shipping companies call the most wonderful time of the year. We’ve got statistics and projections about what consumers are likely to spend and how it can impact the economy. I also talked to Jim Yu, CEO of BrightEdge, about how Google’s AI is impacting e-commerce this holiday season.



Thanks so much for reading, and may your registers ring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spending-projections">SPENDING PROJECTIONS</h2>



It’s high shopping season now, but the projections about how people were likely to spend have been coming out since August. The good news:&nbsp;All predictions have shown more spending this year. The not-so-great news: Many see slower growth than in the past.



According to the National Retail Federation’s annual holiday sales predictions in October,&nbsp;total retail sales are expected to increase 2.5% to 3.5%&nbsp;over 2023 levels.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanverdon/2024/10/15/retail-group-upbeat-about-holidays-expects-980-billion-in-spending/">Forbes&nbsp;senior contributor Joan Verdon wrote</a>&nbsp;this is a modest increase but still would be a spending record, with shoppers expected to spend at least $25 billion more than last year. NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said retailers are fairly upbeat and optimistic about the holidays, even though they’re concerned that shoppers will be more price-conscious.



Deloitte made a similar projection in September, expecting holiday spending to increase between 2.3% and 3.3%. Michael Jeschke, leader of Deloitte’s Retail &amp; Consumer Products Practice,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanverdon/2024/09/12/moderate-holiday-sales-growth-of-23-to-33-forecast-by-deloitte/">told Verdon</a>&nbsp;in an interview about this forecast that they see a “return to normal spending” in 2024—more in line with the last 10 to 15 years in terms of growth than the previous three, which were all deeply impacted by the pandemic and its after effects. But still, Deloitte found that consumers plan to spend an average of $1,778 this holiday season—8% more than 2023—with the largest increases on experiences, decor and holiday clothing.



In August,&nbsp;Salesforce predicted online global holiday sales of $1.19 trillion, growth of just 2%&nbsp;from 2023’s $1.17 trillion,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanverdon/2024/08/29/holiday-online-sales-expected-to-increase-2-to-119-trillion/">wrote&nbsp;Forbes&nbsp;senior contributor Joan Verdon</a>. Adobe’s online forecast, made about a month later in September, predicts a record $240.8 billion in online spending in the U.S., an increase of 8.4% over 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanverdon/2024/09/25/adobe-expects-record-online-holiday-sales-of-2408-billion-up-8/">Verdon wrote in another article</a>. Patrick Brown, Adobe’s vice president of growth marketing and insights, told Verdon that they anticipate consumers to do more splurging on bigger ticket items—and more deep discounts coming on them this year.



The spending got off to a rousing start last week.&nbsp;Black Friday online sales approached $11 billion—an increase of more than 10%,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanverdon/2024/11/30/black-friday-online-sales-up-10-as-in-store-traffic-falls-8/">Verdon reported</a>&nbsp;from Adobe Analytics and Salesforce data. But there was a loser on Black Friday: actual stores. There was an 8.2% drop in in-store traffic, according to Sensormatic Solutions. Grant Gustafson, Sensormatic’s head of retail and analytics, told Verdon this was likely caused by retailers improving their online shopping experiences and spreading sales to the entire week.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-indicators">ECONOMIC INDICATORS</h2>



While analysts predict that more money will be spent this year,&nbsp;consumers have also borne the brunt of inflation for the last several years. Prices of most items, from food and fuel to gifts and experiences, are still a little more expensive—something that could make a big difference in what people spend.



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/sharonedelson/2024/10/07/consumers-start-holiday-shopping-early-but-high-prices-on-essentials-drives-cutbacks/">Forbes&nbsp;senior contributor Sharon Edelson reported on</a>&nbsp;a survey from ESW at the beginning of October that found 61% of consumers said they planned to spend more than $600 this holiday season, but 47% said the&nbsp;high prices of food and fuel will lead them to spend less than they would otherwise.



Salesforce&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanverdon/2024/08/29/holiday-online-sales-expected-to-increase-2-to-119-trillion/">predicted back in August</a>&nbsp;that value will be top-of-mind for consumers this year, with&nbsp;one in five online purchases expected to be made on a Chinese-headquartered shopping app: namely Temu, Shein and TikTok. In August, 63% of consumers had made purchases from one of these apps during the previous six months, and half had already planned to buy from them during the holiday season. Salesforce said TikTok was likely to be the big winner; its customer base increased 24% between April and August.



Deloitte’s Jeschke&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanverdon/2024/09/12/moderate-holiday-sales-growth-of-23-to-33-forecast-by-deloitte/">said in September&nbsp;</a>that&nbsp;inflation is likely to have both a positive and negative impact on holiday spending. With decreased inflation comes an ability to spend more, but the prolonged period of inflation has eaten into many households’ savings, which could lead to more credit card debt.



An overwhelming majority of consumers—85.1%—said they expect to use credit&nbsp;or borrowing to make holiday purchases, according to Coresight Research’s Holiday 2024 Consumer Survey and Retail Outlook,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanverdon/2024/11/18/why-shoppers-are-using-credit-cards-more-this-holiday-season/">Verdon wrote last month</a>. Four in 10 expect to put the majority of their spending on credit, and more than a third are using credit cards more than last year, according to Salesforce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tomorrow-s-trends">TOMORROW’S TRENDS</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-google-s-ai-is-shifting-the-holiday-e-commerce-playing-field">How Google’s AI Is Shifting The Holiday E-Commerce Playing Field</h3>



It’s hard to miss the changes that Google has been making to its search results pages this year, especially when it comes to shopping. As the tech giant continues to improve its AI-powered search results, it’s doing more to impact what it shows to consumers. I talked to Jim Yu, CEO of SEO and content marketing firm BrightEdge, which keeps close tabs on what Google and other search engines are doing. I spoke to him about some of the changes and what they mean for businesses. This conversation has been edited for length, clarity and continuity.



What are some new things Google is incorporating in its e-commerce search results?



Yu:&nbsp;Google’s doing a lot in some of these commerce shopping queries [with] experimentation around YouTube. It makes sense if you think about multimodal content. If you are shopping for the new Sonos, buying a new iPhone or looking for a big screen TV, a lot of times people go to YouTube and find reviews. But it takes a lot of time to watch those videos.



Google’s AI overview automatically goes and looks at the video, watches the video, transcribes the video, then figures out what query is relevant for in search and summarizes. For example, if there are some pros and cons to buying something, it automatically looks at the video, along with regular reviews, and then summarizes that into the AI overview.



This is a very interesting hint into the future of AI. The last 18 months has been around large language models, which have been about just text. From a shopper perspective during the holiday season, you don’t have to watch all that stuff and spend a ton of time researching.



Is it doing a good job of picking credible reviews? I mean, anybody who wants to do a product review can, but I imagine that an editor at&nbsp;Consumer Reports&#8216; review might carry more weight than one from my neighbor.



I think they’re doing a relatively good job with this. It’s an interesting dynamic because on YouTube they have a lot more signals around content moderation. Bigger picture, you saw this evolution with AI overviews, where in the beginning it was using a lot of Reddit and Quora content—user-generated, creator-generated content, but with maybe less on moderation and authority. With YouTube, there are better controls and guardrails around the authority they ascribe to a creator.



What else has Google changed and added for the shopping season in terms of AI and search results?



There are larger AI overview panels. And by larger, I mean the real estate the AI overview takes now. We have not seen a lot of ads appear. I know they&#8217;re talking about that, [and because] the space that the AI overview is taking is increasing, that may be a precursor to having more real estate to add ads into that format.



You’re seeing more of the introduction of AI overviews at the top of search results, and a lot of times, integrating more details around the product so it’s a richer experience if you have a high-intent shopping query.



The product carousel, where in the AI overviews you can actually see different products, went up 300%. It’s not just describing products, describing attributes to consider, talking about the latest trends and things like that, but [it can] go ahead and show you the products that you can click through and buy. Those are going to be very important aspects heading into the holiday season.



What does this mean for CMOs and CEOs?



You’ve got to start analyzing this. If Google is important to your business, which for many people it is, especially as you head into the holiday shopping season, make sure you understand and monitor where AI is showing up in your portfolio of shopping keywords. If you have products [that would be in its] carousels, make sure that the product feeds you’re sending Google are in there, they’re timely, accurate and optimized because it’s pulling that right into the front of the AI. You want your image of your product and the information from your products to show up in that AI overview. And the best chance of that is making sure that you are feeding that directly into Google.



You also want to make sure you are very focused on the quality of the data and the content that you’re sending. Before, nobody was going to page two of the results. Now, you really want to be the trusted, accurate information that’s right in the AI portion at the top of that page.



One other thing I would [recommend], especially for shopping, is visual content. The trend here, especially in commerce, is people don’t just shop by looking at words. People are looking at pictures and videos and things like that. You want to make sure you are the source of that beautiful picture of that product and that is going to be another important element of winning in the AI-assisted shopping experience.

Google

How Google’s AI Is Changing E-Commerce For The Holidays

COMPILED BY: BONTLEFEELA MOGOYE PHOTOGRAPHY: MOTLABANA MONNAKGOTLA ART DIRECTION: LUCY NKOSI



THE HIGH-END LUXURY MARKET HAS NO DOUBT TAKEN A BACK SEAT DURING THE PANDEMIC, BUT FINE AESTHETICS CAN TRAVEL ACROSS TIME, SPACE AND BOUNDARIES. HERE ARE A FEW WAYS TO REVISIT OPULENCE AND LUXURY OVER THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME.



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1761-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-49434 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1761-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1761-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1761-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1761-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1761-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1761-300x450.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1761-600x900.jpg 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1761-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
Lungile Radu (South African media personality)



Printed suit R6,500 ($422,10); Imprint ZA



Kefilwe Mabote (A digital creator and luxury lifestyle enthusiast in South Africa)



Blue and black printed loungewear and Corset belt; both designed by Gert-Johan Coetzee (Price on request)
</div></div>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1470-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-49427" width="360" height="539" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1470-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1470-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1470-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1470-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1470-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1470-300x450.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1470-600x900.jpg 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1470-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /></figure></div>



Black tuxedo jacket R2,800 ($181,83), Black pants R1,050 ($68,19) and Shirt R695 ($45,13), all Carducci Slip-on shoes R3,500 ($227,29)&#8211; Relevance for Men from Africa Rise, Sandton, Johannesburg



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1534-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-49429" width="434" height="650" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1534-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1534-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1534-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1534-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1534-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1534-300x450.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1534-600x900.jpg 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1534-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px" /></figure></div>



Black two-piece: Pants R7,437 ($482,95) Top R8,437 ($547,89) all Taibo Bacar Cars supplied by: Zebra Square Gallery Hyde Park Furniture by Ligne Roset (www.lignerosetsa.co.za)



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1631-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-49431 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1631-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1631-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1631-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1631-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1631-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1631-300x450.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1631-600x900.jpg 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1631-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
Over the years, I’ve invested in a few beautifully designed and custom-fitted suits that have stoodthetestoftime. Theseare significant purchases that I can still appreciate the value of.



– Lungile Radu



Nguni Cow Suit R6,800 ($441,58) By Imprint Za
</div></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1859-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-49438 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1859-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1859-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1859-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1859-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1859-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1859-300x450.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1859-600x900.jpg 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_1859-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
I have noted that luxury is something one needs to do for oneself. Whether I shop online or in-store, the experience is the same.



– Kefilwe Mabote



Alex lime green dress R18,000 ($1168,90) Taibo Bacar
</div></div>

IMG_1694

Luxury Gift Guide: The Luxe Factor

Our tech guru rounds up the coolest tools for 2021 and beyond. 



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-lifesmart-magic-mirror">1. LIFESMART MAGIC MIRROR</h4>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LifeSmart-Magic-Mirror-1024x894.png" alt="" class="wp-image-49412" width="508" height="443" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LifeSmart-Magic-Mirror-1024x894.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LifeSmart-Magic-Mirror-300x262.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LifeSmart-Magic-Mirror-768x671.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LifeSmart-Magic-Mirror-1536x1342.png 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LifeSmart-Magic-Mirror-600x524.png 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LifeSmart-Magic-Mirror.png 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 508px) 100vw, 508px" /></figure></div>



The Magic Mirror merges fashion with technology. It can be mounted at a central location like the entrance to the home, the bedroom or the bathroom. It has smart features that let you control supported home appliances, similar to a smart speaker. It features an auto-wake-up function, health management, voice control, entertainment functions, and has a built-in camera. The Magic Mirror is Android-powered and runs on a MediaTek chip with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of memory. You simply scan a QR code to set up and select personal preferences. 



R29,995 ($1,915) from Mikrotech.co.za



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-2">2. SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FOLD 2</h4>



The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is the gadget to own for early adopters. Samsung’s newest folding screen device is an incredible piece of tech, boasting an ultra-thin glass top over last year’s plastic one. The Infinity-O display, 120Hz refresh rate and multi-tasking capabilities make it a pleasure to use. Add to it a triple lens camera, 5G support, a massive fast-charging battery and what more could you want? If this is the future of mobile, we’re excited.



R46,995 ($3,000) from Samsung stores.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-ipad-air-64gb-cellular">3. IPAD AIR (64GB CELLULAR)</h4>



The new iPad Air takes Work From Anywhere to another level. Weighing just under 500g, it runs on Apple’s fastest A14 Bionic chip and is more powerful than most PCs. Plus, the pencil and keyboard accessories give you flexibility on what you can do or how creative you get to be. It has a 10.9-inch display, narrow bezels and 12MP camera; ideally suited for today’s environment as a result of the global pandemic. Work or play, it has an excellent battery life. This sleek tablet now comes in pastel hues like blue, green and pink, in addition to silver and grey. 



R14,999 ($958) at the iStore.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-ring-video-doorbell-3">4. RING VIDEO DOORBELL 3</h4>



Amazon’s popular Ring Video Doorbell 3 is now available in South Africa for the first time. For added peace of mind, it has motion detection and live view, above its two-way talk system. It features a 1080p full HD camera, enhanced dual-band 2.4-5Ghz WiFi connectivity and Alexa support. It works with the user-friendly Ring app, accessible from a mobile device. The adjustable Near Zone feature detects motion within 1.5m to 4.5m from the front door. Privacy features support areas that can be excluded from the camera’s field of view and the ability to turn off video or audio recording.



R3,999 ($255) from Takealot.com



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-smeg-d-g-espresso-machine">5. SMEG D&amp;G ESPRESSO MACHINE</h4>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Smeg-DG-Espresso-1024x955.png" alt="" class="wp-image-49414" width="377" height="351" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Smeg-DG-Espresso-1024x955.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Smeg-DG-Espresso-300x280.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Smeg-DG-Espresso-768x716.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Smeg-DG-Espresso-1536x1432.png 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Smeg-DG-Espresso-600x559.png 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Smeg-DG-Espresso.png 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 377px) 100vw, 377px" /></figure></div>



The Smeg Dolce &amp; Gabanna manual espresso machine is for serious coffee-lovers who also appreciate a touch of luxury. This retro statement piece with its Sicilian-inspired geometric pattern deserves a special spot in the kitchen. It has a removable 1L tank, adjustable coffee temperature and supports three cup sizes (Ristretto, Espresso and Lungi) with a milk froth function. Other features include an anti-drip system, descaling indicator and adjustable stand-by times between nine minutes to three hours. The 1350W espresso machine is made in Italy. 



R24,699 ($1,576) from Yuppiechef.com



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-jekyll-hide-montana-backpack">6. JEKYLL &amp; HIDE MONTANA BACKPACK</h4>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jekyll-Hyde-Backpack-784x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-49411" width="336" height="438" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jekyll-Hyde-Backpack-784x1024.png 784w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jekyll-Hyde-Backpack-230x300.png 230w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jekyll-Hyde-Backpack-768x1003.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jekyll-Hyde-Backpack-1176x1536.png 1176w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jekyll-Hyde-Backpack-300x392.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jekyll-Hyde-Backpack-600x784.png 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Jekyll-Hyde-Backpack.png 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px" /></figure></div>



The Montana overnight business backpack from Jekyll &amp; Hide is stylish and durable, made from full-grain leather available in a beautiful colt shade. The layout is organized with compartments for a laptop, tablet, travel documents, business cards, cables, pens, etc. Its dimensions are 31 x 15 x 45cm and have secure fastening straps; a front zipped pocket, and a secure RFID slot to protect bank cards and passports from identity theft. The main zipped pocket has dedicated 15” laptop and tablet slots. As an overnighter, the middle compartment accommodates a change of clothes or shoes.



R6,999 ($447) at JekyllandHide.co.za



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-under-armour-hovr-machina">7. UNDER ARMOUR HOVR MACHINA</h4>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/UA-Hovr-Machina-1024x633.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-49415" width="380" height="234" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/UA-Hovr-Machina-1024x633.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/UA-Hovr-Machina-300x186.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/UA-Hovr-Machina-768x475.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/UA-Hovr-Machina-1536x950.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/UA-Hovr-Machina-2048x1267.jpg 2048w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/UA-Hovr-Machina-600x371.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 380px) 100vw, 380px" /></figure></div>



If lockdown had you turn to fitness, check out Under Armour’s Hovr Machina running shoes. The Bluetooth-powered sneaker connects to a smartphone app to provide stats like step count, cadence, stride length, foot strike angle, etc. It also acts as a real-time running coach with personalized guidance, and how to better manage the risk of injury while improving performance. The Hovr Machina provides a ‘zero gravity feel’ through its responsive carbon-plated propulsion soles and has the right amount of cushioning. It’s comfortable to wear when not training and suitable for marathons and long distances. Available in sizes for men and women in various shades.



R2,999 ($191) at UnderArmour.co.za



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-sony-playstation-5">8. SONY PLAYSTATION 5</h4>



Sony’s much-anticipated next-generation gaming console has landed in time for the holiday season. The PlayStation 5’s futuristic design has gained a lot of attention since its reveal but given the uptake in gaming during lockdown globally, it’s a no-brainer. There will be two variants available, one with an optical drive and one without. The PS5 supports graphics up to 4K, a high-speed 825GB SSD, and 3D audio on its wireless controller. Exclusive titles at launch include Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Sackboy A Big Adventure, and Horizon Forbidden West. Digital Edition:



R9,999 ($638) and Blu-Ray: R11,999 ($766) via Raru.co.za



Dollar prices are approximates as per the exchange rate at the time of going to press.



 &#8211;BY NAFISA AKABOR

Tag: Gift Guide

FORBES AFRICA SOCIAL MEDIA

Luxury Holiday Fashion Guide: Africa’s Global Threads

How Google’s AI Is Changing E-Commerce For The Holidays

Luxury Gift Guide: The Luxe Factor

Luxury Gift Guide: A Mirror With Memory?