Too cute – little squishy baby faces…
Archive for the 'Johannesburg' Category
#1 Bar in Braamfontein
Our ever tenacious Cherise has been flat-out on the ground in Johannesburg, securing a number of both sumptuous, elegant spaces and more modest, everyday locations to expand our product offering in the Gauteng region. From rooftops to landscaped gardens, opulent classic to chic and modern, here’s a ‘best of’ selection to feast your eyes on this Friday.
Apartment, Velvet Truffle, located in the CBD
Stunning exterior with city view at Velvet Truffle
Solace Office in Westcliff
The courtyard at Solace Office
Water feature at Solace Office
Exposed beams, pine and glass interiors at Solace Office
Reflection, an exquisite, expansive, landscaped garden in Sandton
This location was aptly named, not only for the vast and reflective water surfaces, but also for the sense of tranquility it evokes
Modern, textured home, Quartz is situated in Edenvale
Another example of great texture at Quartz
Bright walls and wooden paneling at Quartz
Great mosaic, accents at textures at Quartz
Gorgeous, classic, quadruple volume hall at Picasso Square
Loads of light and plenty of open space - also great for events (Picasso Square)
Fun, on-trend wallpaper at Peppermint Place
Bright, almost mismatched, so-out-it's-in decor at Peppermint Place
Stone entrance to Martini
Loving this image - skylights, minimalist, dark grey walls and naked concrete at Martini
Modern family home, Java Cream, is situated in Parkwood
We love the outdoor living space and classic touches to otherwise modern Java Cream
Grand, palm-tree lined entrance to Cognac
Wooden floors and classically decorated interiors at Cognac
Gorgeous open-plan living area at Cognac
Classic-fusion decor at opulent Cinnebar
Grand exterior at dusk of classic boutique guest-house Cinnebar
Wooden decking at brand new rooftop space we're loving, Baked Earth
City view, naked space, raw textiles at Baked Earth
We were hugely fortunate to be able to work with Ginger Grape at a function we co-hosted last year in Joburg. Owner-managed, custom-caterers, they tailor food, bar services, event design and décor and entertainment to their clients’ individual needs with no job being too big or too small. They use only fresh produce and offer on-trend suggestions. Jacques is an absolute pleasure to work with and nothing is too much trouble.
Current trends include:
- Action Food Stations – food is prepared in front of the guests and is made to order
- Mobile Food Trolley – a single food item is served from a Mahogany food trolley which is wheeled throughout the venue. This works especially well at venues with multiple rooms where guests cannot move around easily
- Dessert & Cheese Installations – these are set up after dinners instead of traditional plated desserts
Key clients have included Norton Rose, 24 Carrots, Standard Bank, Investec, Sappi, SAB Brutal Fruit (Kardashian Event) and FNB among others.
Centrally located in Park Street in the Johannesburg CBD, contact Jacques directly for more information, quotes or ideas:
T: 011 026 6890
M: 072 517 0966
E: jacques@gingergrape.co.za
I just about hyperventilated when Cherise showed us this new location – 12 Decades Johannesburg Art Hotel, situated in the heart of the Jozi CBD in the newly developed, cultural, Maboneng Precinct. True to its name, it chronicals the history of Johannesburg from 1886 through 2006 with rooms conceptualised and designed by some of South Africa’s most celebrated artists and designers. Why did I get so beside myself with excitement? Because it is just choc-a-block FULL of never-seen-before design that will have you smiling at the least and gaping in wonderment at most.
See for yourself…
“Vision – Main Street Life” is the room-installation reflecting the decade 1886-1896. It reflects the artist’s understanding of how the speculated meteorite impact south of Johannesburg two billion years ago (which may have been the reason for the gold reef on which Johannesburg is built) is relevant to the future of the city.
“Sir Abe Baily” 1986-1906 focuses on the era of the great “Randlords” and the room and décor is designed in line with how an early Rand Club would have looked. These clubs were accessible to successful young bachelors, making their way in the finance world and the design elements pay tribute to Chinese indentured labourers who were among the first to work in the mines.
“This is the House that Jack built” 1906-1916 This room, furnished with pine boxes filled with gold objects, this translates the era of the gold rush in Johannesburg. ‘Jack’ refers to both the former owner of the building as well as Jack Barnato Joel, an early mining magnate.
“Minehaus” 1916-1926 is very much Bauhaus meets Joburg mining town. The wall treatments are indicative of gold-rush mining town style, while international art and design movement De Stijl and the modernest Bauhaus were gaining momentum at the same time.
“Marabi” 1926-1936 This room focuses on the Marabi Dance movement that was born of a post-gold rush era, of a crowded and dirty, yet vibrant and richly communal lifestyle. After dark the working class would join with rural immigrants, the unemployed and unemployable and congregate in the shebeens, drinking home-brews and enjoying the repetitive but infectious music that became known as Marabi.
“Who is Herbert Dlomo?” 1936-1946 Inspired by the Bantu theatre movement that was curbed at the start of the apartheid era, this room forces the question of how many voices were never heard as a result of the oppression. Herbert Dlomo was a teacher, journalist and musician who attempted to fight colonial domination through drama, but was cut off when the apartheid laws came into practice. Elements in the design all strongly allude to the notion that there will always be a light shining through the dark.
“A part love A part hate” 1946-1956 The artist brings a sense of humour to one of the most controversial and tumultuous times in South African history with his satirical design and the tongue-in-cheek design elements help to make this room a pleasant representation of a particularly unpleasant time in Johannesburg’s history.
“Main Street Constellations” 1956-1966 This room explores the theme of connectivity between human beings. It chronicles and connects the proprietors of Main Street since the birth of Johannesburg City.
“50 stories” 1966-1976 This room explores the history of the Carlton Centre which opened in 1969, and its influence on the way of life during this turbulent period. As well as being one of Joburg’s only suburban malls, it was also one of the only places in the city where inter-racial socialising was permitted. The layout of the room pays tribute to the Carlton’s 360-degree viewing deck over Johannesburg which has been witness to the transformation since the early 1970s.
“Ponte Obscura” 1976-1986 Focusing on the Ponte city building and housing a camera obscura, this installation highlights how seamlessly reality and fiction have been integrated to become a patchwork of myths and projections, leaving one with the feeling that the building’s notoriety is somewhat exaggerated. During this decade the vacated areas of the building, a result of the mass exodus of residents to the Northern Suburbs, became associated with crime and urban decay. Whilst much of the legend of the Ponte is true, the message conveyed is that its decline is as fictional as its initial utopian intentions were misplaced and unrealised.
“Catwalk Customs” 1986-1996 One of the most fashion-focused decades in history, this room brings to light all that was ‘in vogue’ in the 80′s – complete with catwalk, designer rails and backstage lighting rigs.
“Perpetual Liberty” 1996-2006 The design of the room focuses on the setting up and understanding of a new democracy. The room is divided into three distinct parts representing the journey from the past, through present toward the future. The room moves from the dark rigid structures of the seating area toward the light and the incredible view. One is grasped by the intensity of light and the expanse of a redeveloping, layered city. The space is not intended as a destination, but merely a starting point for the future.
What do you think?
We had a great time last week Thursday at Shine, where we sponsored and held the last Jozi Wrap Party of the year in conjunction with Film & Event Media. Everyone was encouraged to wear a touch of red and to bring their festive spirit to the fabulous venue in Braamfontein. A huge thank you and well-deserved enthusing goes to:
First off, the venue itself. Film- and event-friendly with highly adaptable facilities, super-willing and helpful staff and the attitude whereby nothing is too much trouble. We have built up an excellent relationship with Shine in a relatively short space of time, hence approaching them to host this event in the first place. With two awesome venue spaces (loads of light, height, balcony space and great views), two film studios, a fashion space complete with infinity curve and plenty of breakaway rooms – it’s a no-brainer to give this venue a try for your next shoot or event.
Ginger Grape catered most exquisitely and more than adequately (in fact just to think back on their food is making my mouth water) with the most delectable canapés. After the speeches we were treated to a bread, cheese, turkish delight and truffle selection which was of course beautifully presented. The staff were also phenomenal and ensured that guests drinks were continuously refilled, they were impeccably mannered and simply top-class.
Thanks also to Lourensford Wines, VISI and Lindt for their sponsorships and to R1 Security for their guards and services provided throughout the night.
We’ve got a number of new spaces to brag about in the upcoming weeks. Here’s a little taste of what’s to come…
Melrose Arch Precinct (header image and below):
Hotel Lamunu:
The Grove:
The view at night from Randlords:
We also had our first film shoot at Shine last week (pictured below) – thanks again to Feel Good Films who were impeccable and an absolute pleasure to work with.
1. Creative license in taxi-driving extends to the North.
2. Getting horribly lost in Joziburg is a rite of passage.
3. Garmin GPS devices are like little technological miracles. Every time. It seriously does not get old.
4. GPS coordinates are not quite what they seem. Make sure you understand exactly how they work before going on blind faith. Better yet, stick to addresses.
5. It’s possible to be spitting mad in one moment, ranting and raving with bulging eyes, and totally calm the next when your perspective has been shifted.
6. The mistake is totally irrelevant when the depth and proportion of the apology blindsides you with magnificence. And chocolate for good measure.
I was blown away by the Fire and Ice in Melrose Arch last week. With its opulent decor, plush fabrics and rich colours and textures, it’s an absolute feast for the senses. With something vivid and vibrant catching your eye at practically every moment, it’s difficult not to stay enthralled from start to finish. It has a great breakfast buffet every morning, the meals are delicious and not overly fussy, the milkshake bar offers any delight you could possibly imagine including ‘spiked’ shakes. And they’ve recently introduced Jazz evenings on a Thursday with a phenomenal showcase of local talent.
Here are a few more snaps of the hotel itself. This is a top choice in terms of current trends and is available as a film and stills shoot location. They also pride themselves on being film-friendly, so chat to us about film crew rates.
