Closing note:

With a couple of days left till we say goodbye to this eventful year, to all who read Da Stitch thank you for the support and without you this lifestyle blog wouldn’t be what it is. Only in its 5^th month of existence it feels like it’s been around for longer than its infancy.

Let’s all enjoy the holiday season and come back in the New Year to pick up where we left off. Again thanks for making the Da Stitch special.

Love and peace!

Ashley Mokwena

Email: amokwena@gmail.com

Twitter: @ashfonik

Facebook: Ash Van Katchum Mokwena

A taste of what’s right on the money

Its 10:30am (20/12/2012) and I am filled with excitement and also pumped up about what’s going down in the next 30 minutes. Entering the reception at the offices of the IntelliLab located on the Kingsway campus of the University of Johannesburg where the sexy and youthful television production SugaRushed is mastered, I was nicely greeted by the tall figure of Nico Steyn the creator and Co-executive of the production.

After being there for 2 minutes, the creative genius Nico offered me a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. Soon after Nico and I embarked on a mission, walking down the passage entering every single room meeting the hard working individuals who are behind SugaRushed.

Dupreez creating music with indie and alternative artist Taryn Paynter

SugaRushed recording booth

SugaRushed is a reality soap based on the drama and daily dealings of a music label and recording studio. What makes SugaRushed a great concept is that it’s a well thought of innovative product with an aim to discover exciting and fresh musical talent across South Africa. The first episode of SugaRushed aired on Top One, channel 150, on TopTV 26 November 2012.

When Nico and I finally got the chance to sit and have a chat, the first question I asked him was the inspiration behind such a production which he answered with great enthusiasm by saying that with SugaRushed he wanted to create an upbeat reality soap that aims to encourage and not destroy individuals who aspire to be artists. It took a great deal of time and effort to put together this show that’s straight on the market, youthful and trendy.

With a team made up of experience and youth, SugaRushed is right on the money and gives a fresh dimension which productions of its kind lack.

Not only did I have a chat with the commando, but I also had a quick chat with two individuals Dupreez Strauss and Bradley Africa both whom are music producers, shared their views on SugaRushed, what it really stands for and what it aims to achieve.

If you’re an aspiring musician who wants to share his or her talents with South Africa then be sure to record a video clip of yourself performing an original composition, and post it on Youtube. Then complete an entry form on the SugaRushed website (www.sugarushed.com) and include the URL link to the video clip.

The 30- minute show airs daily, Monday to Friday, at 17:30 on Top One (channel 150) on TopTV.

Twitter: @sugarushedtv

Facebook: SugaRushed

Tech Bite: Xmas goodies to get!!!

Two weeks ago I overheard a conversation between my uncle and his friend Kabelo about what they want to get their wife’s for Christmas. So I interrupted the conversation and gave some advice to the two men.

Instead of giving them weak advice they probably used to, I told them to pay a DionWired Store a visit or go on the website. The response I got from uncle a day later was, “boy I’m getting my wife and myself something from DionWired.” Not that uncle hasn’t heard of DionWired, but he was just amazed by what his eyes came across.

Sounding like a teenage football loving fan after purchasing a Barcelona t-shirt over the phone he said, “I got myself and the wife cool gadgets from DionWired.”

So here I decided to post six goodies someone my age and my uncle’s age (36-45 years) would want to get themselves or a partner this Christmas.

Stay connected with the stylish iPhone 5, R 9,300

Keep up with the... with the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, R 8,300

Play and charge you gadgets with the DVD Micro System from Philips, R 1,700

Enjoy watching the telly with the Sony 40 inch full HD LCD Bravia TV, R 5,299

Nikon let’s you capture the moment and create unforgettable memories, R 1,000

Feel like George Clooney and get the bragging rights by acquiring the Nespresso Citiz and Milk Red machine, R 3,600

Thanks to DionWired for igniting my uncles senses.

www.dionwired.co.za

  

WIN A HOME MAKEOVER WORTH R250,000

Purchase any product online or in-store between 17 November 2012 and 24 December and you could WIN a home makeover worth over R250,000 courtesy of premium brands.

Terms & Conditions

1.       The competition is open to all new and existing DionWired customers residing within the Republic of South Africa who are above 18 years of age. Employees of DionWired and Mass Stores (Pty) Ltd, their advertising agencies, promotional agencies and immediate families must not enter this competition.

2.        Competition runs from 8am 0n 17 November  until midnight on 24 December 2012.

3.       Entrants stand a chance to win the following products:

§  1x Samsung French door fridge (RFG28MESL)

§  1x LG 34L SolarDOM (MP9488S)

§  1x SMEG (Cooker C9GMR)

§  1x SMEG Extractor (KSE9)

§  1x Whirlpool Metallic Dishwasher (ADP7955SL)

§  1x Whirlpool Metallic Front Loader (AWOE81200DS)

§  1x Samsung 75” smart INT led TV (UA75ES9000)

§  1x Samsung Galaxy S3 Smartphone (Vodacom- VSAMGLXS3W)

§  1x Samsung Galaxy TAB 2 10.1 (P5100)

§  1x Canon EOS-M Mirrorless camera (EOS-M Black)

§  1x WD TV Live Hub (WDBACA0010BBK)

§  1x Samsung Series 5 i5 Ultrabook (530U4C-S04ZA)

§  1x Bose Clinemate 1SR (CINEMATE 1SR)

§  1x Kenwood Food Processor (KM020)

§  1x Delonghi Fully Automatic Coffee Machine (ECAM 26.455)

§  1x PS3 500GB + 2 Controllers + 3 Games

4.       Valued over R250 000.

5.       To qualify to enter the draw, entrants must purchase any item of any value at a DionWired Store or online at www.dionwired.co.za during the competition period. Entrants must keep a copy of their till slip as proof of purchase during promotion dates.

6.       If you spend R500 or more on your DionWired card you will get a double entry into the competition.

7.       DionWired cardholders are not required to complete an entry form in store. Entry into the competition will be automated based on transaction period.

8.       No entries by post or any other form will be accepted. Entry is via entry forms in store and online at www.dionwired.co.za only.

9.       The Winner must have their valid TV licence present for the Samsung 75” Smart INT LED TV, which is part of the Home Makeover bundle prize.

10.   Upon transfer of ownership to the validated winner, Mass Stores (Pty) Ltd shall not be liable for any direct or indirect loss or damage the participants may suffer as a result of participating in this competition or in fulfilment of the prize.

11.   Mass Stores (Pty) Ltd reserves the right to disqualify any entrant suspected of fraud or cheating including without limitations, through the manipulation of code or otherwise frequently falsifying data.

12.   Entrants can at any stage request that their details be removed from the Mass Stores (Pty) Ltd database, and should also be aware that their details will not be shared, or sold onto third party and will be held confidential Mass Stores or its agents.

13.   The right of admission into the competition lies solely with Mass Stores (Pty) Ltd and is non-negotiable.

14.   The winner will be randomly selected and notified telephonically and/or via email. Positive identification will be required to confirm winner’s identity. The winner will be selected no less than 30 days after the draw has taken place.

15.   The draw for winners will take place at Mass Stores head office, Liberty Towers, Corner of Samora Machel and Monty Naicker Streets, Durban 4000.

16.   The judges’ decision is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into.

17.   Prizes are not transferable and not be converted to cash.

18.   Entering this competition indicates acceptance of these rules.

19.   Entry is exclusive to DionWired.

Couture Corner: Beauty moments on runways Part 3

In our Part 3 of Beauty moments on runways we take a peek at Spring/Summer 2013 collections created by fashion houses such as Valentino, Burberry and designer Salvatore Ferregamo.

It’s all about a mixture of bright colours and sophistication...

Valentino

Event: Paris Fashion Week

Burberry

Event: London Fashion Week

Salvatore Ferregamo

Event: Milan Fashion Week

Beat Box: The shining stars of African music

This being our last music post for 2012, Da Stitch has decided to celebrate African muso’s who have shown and shared their talents with the world. The stars have done the whole African continent proud and for flying the African flag very high we’ll salute the stars.

The five Acts that have been great ambassadors for mother African in 2012 are:

#5 Davido (Nigeria)

 

#4 Sarkodie (Ghana)

 

#3 Lira (South Africa)

 

#2 Psquared (Nigeria)

 

#1 D’banj (Nigeria)

 

To all African musicians may you all have a wonderful holiday season!!!

 

Ashley Mokwena

What dem say in Tweet City

@missearth_sa: Today is the official inauguration of #TableMountain as one of the 7 wonders of the world. Congratulations to @SANParks!

@FunnyorTruth: I hate when people don’t understand my sarcasm. They ruin everything.

@piersmorgan: wenger trusts in Chamakh, Arshavin, Ramsey, Squillaci, Gervinho etc – it’s why I no longer trust in him. #WengerOut #inArseneWeRust

@KattHumor: I just saved a bunch of money on car insurance by switching... my car into reverse and driving away from the damn scene.

@iamsuede: like the amount of time it takes light to reach earth, things exist in Twitterverse, long before they actually make it onto your radar.

Box Office: The spy who saves his own and a young clownfish

Skyfall

Director: Sam Mendes

Cast: Daniel Craig, Naomi Harris, Judi Dench and Berenice Lim Marlohe

The 007 franchise is one of the world’s successful and remarkable movie feats. It’s been around for 50 years, with the Bond character been played by six different actors. In Skyfall, Bond (Daniel Craig) has a heavy task of finding the villain that’s orchestrating the killing of MI6 secret agents all over the planet.

Bond is in Turkey with another MI6 operative, Eve, played by Naomi Harris, who is trying to trace the villain who’s disposing the secret agents. Skyfall still plays around the style and content that made the franchise huge and that gave some level of longevity: The travelling of the world, the chasing of Villains, the inclusion of the Aston Martin and who could forget the Bond Babes.

Finding Nemo 3D

Director: Andrew Stanton

This under water animation film tells a story of a clownfish, Marlin, who is searching for his abducted son Nemo. The first Finding Nemo film was the most successful animated film in 2003; let’s hope this one can live up to the same heights of its predecessor.  

Travellers see the Lite with Samsonite

Samsonite is pushing the boundaries with Litesphere- its strongest and lightest softside luggage collection ever. The range was recently honoured with red dot award for product design, an internationally renowned award for exceptional design.

Advanced Hybrid Technology makes for ground-breaking hardware combined with sleek lines. PointShock Technology provides unprecedented abrasion protection for good looks every step of the way.

Soft rubber wheels on uprights and spinners ensure comfort with less vibration and less noise- ensuring that you can travel the world without your suitcase holding you back.

The Samsonite Litesphere range comes with a double tube (with a unique laser engraved number) and a soft touch handle. You can add a smart sleeve briefcase or back pack and your Litesphere remains comfortable enough to carry right by your side.

Litesphere interiors feature butterfly cross straps for wrinkle free packing and PORON XRD laptop protection in selected models.

Available in sophisticated combinations of Space Black and Moon Grey, Earth Brown and Comet Maroon and Stardust Silver and Titanium Grey, the Samsonite Litesphere collection is available from leading luggage stores nationwide. To locate a stockist near you, visit www.samsonite.com or call (031) 266 0620.

 

Retail Selling Prices:

Samsonite Litesphere 55 cm Upright - R3 995

Samsonite Litesphere Mobil Office (Business upright) - R4 295

Samsonite Litesphere 55 cm Spinner suitcase – R4 295

Samsonite Litesphere 65 cm Spinner suitcase – R4 595

Samsonite Litesphere 75 cm Spinner suitcase – R4 995

Samsonite Litesphere Spinner Rolling tote – R 4 295

Samsonite Litesphere Rolling tote – R3 995

Samsonite Litesphere laptop backpack – R2 995

Samsonite Litesphere Laptop Shoulder Bag – R2 295

Samsonite Litesphere Toilet Kit – R599

 

 

 

Ster-Kinekor Girlfriends Getaway



Tech Bite: Will.i.am and Selfridge launch i.am+

A week ago, the creative Black Eyed Peas singer and Producer Will.i.am launched his photo and video capturing application i.am+ foto. Sosho. The application will be compatible on iPhone 4 and 4S, with the iPhone 5 compatible application only coming out next year.

The costly application and accessories will be priced between R2 900 and R3900 for the luxurious one. Now that amount is crazy, with that much I can get a couple of things done. What’s fascinating about the application it performances differently from photo sharing and editing social network Instagram. But the application still allows one to share photos and videos on social networks.

i.am+ gives slightly more than just give your iPhone a wide-angle view of your environment and in actual fact there are quite a few different models that all operate  differently.

Here they are:

Foto.sosho C.4, a basic model that costs about R2900 (estimated figured), which includes a flash module, three interchangeable lenses and a grip to make it easier to operate on your iPhone 4 or 4S.

Foto.sosho V.4 is for that individual who prefers vintage styling.  It costs about R3900 and adds a slide-out backlit QWERTY keyboard that pairs with your iPhone over Bluetooth. It’s also compatible with the iPhone 4 and 4S.

Foto.sosho V.5 and the luxurious L.5 are also QWERTY, and take a different route to social-digital photography. They will only be available next year, but will only be compatible on iPhone 5.

If the superstar Will.i.am can think beyond the music scene borders why African mega musician such as D’banj and HHP can’t follow the same route, that of investing in African tech start-ups?

Ashley Mokwena

Couture Corner: Beauty moments on runways Part 2

 Today’s Couture Corner piece we carry on with our highlight of runway best beauty moments for spring/summer 2013 at some of the globes big fashion events.

In this piece we look at the 2013 Spring/Summer collections from Viktor and Rolf, Ralph Lauren and Vivienne Westwood.

Viktor and Rolf

Event showcased at: Paris Fashion Week

Ralph Lauren

Event showcased at: New York Fashion Week

 

 

Vivienne Westwood

Event showcased at: Milan Fashion Week

 

 

Beat Box: The Architect of Beats and Vibes

Ralf Gum is one of the well respected and much talked about figures within the house and dance music scene. His exceptional dj-sets and fine productions have seen the German house music maestro conquer the world and steal many hearts.

Ralf Gum’s musical career began in the early 90s and has never in a mad moment thought of trading his passion for anything. Passion has seen him travel the globe sharing some of his well crafted tracks with house music lovers. Ralf Gum has worked with acts such as Monique Bingham, Robert Owen, Beate S. Lech, Kenny Bobien and Caron Wheeler to name a few.

It was only in 2008 that he released his first album ‘Uniting Music’ which featured dazzling dance songs such as ‘Kissing Strangers’ which he featured the talented soulful female vocalist Monique Bingham.

Through his music label Gogo Music, Ralf Gum recently released his second album titled ‘Never leave you’, that contains the hit song ‘Take me to my love’ which again features the beautiful soulful voice of Monique Bingham.

To Ralf Gum welcome to South Africa the republic of house music and hope our beautiful land inspires your creativity to gift us with hotter house music.

Ashley Mokwena

    

Editors Shout

With November gone, now we face the silly and hectic month of December. The vibe has begun, the birds are going to sing a different tune and Father Christmas and his Reindeers will be invading our space... Oh! And my 8 year old cousin has completed her letter ready to send to the white beard man. I hope her letter gets to the intended recipient.

This month on Da Stitch we carry on dishing out fabulous content that’s readable and informative. So if you want to know about your favourite musician, Fashion happenings, techno news and gadgets, and on films be sure to stay a frequent reader of Da Stitch.

Enjoy the festive season, but remember take good care of yourselfness (messed up English) and please don’t do things you might regret.

Ashley Mokwena

Twitter handle: @ashfonik

Facebook: Ash ‘Van Katchum’ Mokwena

E-mail: amokwena@gmail.com     

Couture Corner: Beauty moments on runways Part 1

 For the next three Couture Corner pieces to be put together we will look at some of the best beauty moments at some of the globes big fashion events, from the happenings on runaways in New York, London, Paris, Milan, Johannesburg, Beijing, and Sao Poalo to name a couple. Let’s go...

Today we look at the 2013 Spring/Summer collections from Marco Jacobs, John Varvatos and Herve Leger.

Marc Jacobs

Event showcased at: New York Fashion Week

 

 

 

 

This time around the iconic designer’s collection revolves around the mixture of colour and well put patterns. The collection is perfect evidence of why some of the planets celebrities align their figures with a Marc Jacobs design.

John Varvatos

Event showcased at: Milan Fashion Week

 

 

 

 

The first time I saw a design by John Varvatos I was in grade 9, when a History educator was going on the whole period about his soft and light John Varvatos jacket which he acquired when he was on vacation in London... Okay! Enough with that BS. This collection by John Varvatos takes us back to the era of prohibition.

Herve Leger

Event showcased at: Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

 

 

 

 

Max Azria has neatly and elegantly put his collection, actually the designs could fit someone of Mbali’s figure like a glove. Oh by the way Mbali is my varsity crush who still manages to freeze the living daylight out of my knees.