Miss SA Top 12 Soviet HQ Take Over

Miss SA Top 12

Soviet HQ Take Over - 9 March 2017


The Miss SA Top 12 of 2017, attended the #MissSASoviet HQ Take Over; where they gracefully showcased their best poses, allowing Kyle Cestari to capture their stunning pictures.The girls' good-natured presence was warmly felt by Executives and HQ staff who all had an opportunity to meet the beautiful Top 12.
Find out more about the girls here:   http://www.misssa.co.za/finalists/


Iman and Boipelo chat to Simon Wu(CEO of Soviet) and Andre Dumon



Yuta getting interviewed


Kayla Malherbe capturing her favourites



Nicole and Yuta giggle away with Caroline Hardman (MD of Soviet)
















Miss SA finalists being casual



Iman outshining the manikan



The ladies and the Soviet  management team


The ladies and some of the HQ staff




Sneakerheads in South Africa




Sneaker Collection – A new profession 

Properly, consciously and continuously looking for a good pair of sneakers (mostly known as sneaks), has become a new art canvas for some and a culture for many. This phenomenon has created a common interest to those who lovingly collect soles and a new form of art for those who create.

We dive deep into the growing subculture whose members are proud to call themselves – Sneakerheads.

The beginning of sneaker collection 

Sneaker collecting got its start in the late 1970s as part of the rapidly growing b-boy and hip-hop movement of New York City. Unique clothes were a craze in the early days of hip-hop, and sneakers were easily customized, either by colour coordinating laces to an outfit or by filling in the triple stripes on a pair of Adidas with a magic marker. The sneaker craze hit mainstream America when Nike and Michael Jordan introduced Air Jordans in 1985. The shoes proved so popular that, by the early 1990s, some estimates say that 1 in every 12 Americans had a pair of Air Jordans.

Doing it the South African way. 
We have come to see a rapidly growing culture of sneaker collection in South Africa. From street culture at the locations to social events to pop up stores to small businesses, the term “sneakerhead” has become customary. While there might be endless debates between a true sneakerhead and a person who claims to be a sneakerhead, the motivation behind the sale of the sole initially determines who the real sneakerhead is. 
The sneaker exchange event
Sneaker Exchange is a definition Eden to the devoted “sneakerhead. An event where sole lovers can buy, sell and trade their sneakers. An organic conversation for those accustomed to the event and rather a pretentious reality to those who are not acquainted yet. Be as it may, this event consorts the two together by educating the amateur and exhilarate the pro. It's quite heart-warming to be surrounded by people with a common interest under one roof, in this case, collectively collecting sneakers. The multiformity of having a variety of soles displayed on a table for these collectors to love, appraise, critique or simply collect is a long- standing devotion to both the craft and the love.

This type of event has bred a community of old and new connoisseurs to indulge in, educate and appreciate the culture. It has also become a marquee of opportunities for young stars to trade, businesses to grow and a new kind of canvas for artists to probe.

 Find a collection of different styles of Soviet sneakers here: http://www.sovietdenim.com/

MISS SOUTH AFRICA 2017 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED




The Top 12 Miss South Africa finalists – who are vying for the title of Miss South Africa 2017 – have been announced.

They will compete to wear the prestigious crown at the Sun City Superbowl on Sunday, March 26, in an event which will be televised live and simulcast on M-Net and Mzansi Magic.

Miss South Africa 2017 will receive R1-million in cash from sponsors Sun International and Cell C, as well as a bouquet of prizes that will elevate the competition to one of the richest pageants in the world.

The finalists come from three of the country’s nine provinces: eight are from Gauteng with two from the Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal. In Gauteng they come from Alexandra, Soweto, Lenasia, Pretoria, Benoni and Krugersdorp and the Western Cape finalists hail from Herold’s Bay and Sedgefield. Kwa-Zulu Natal contestants come from Durban and Mtunzini.

They are (in alphabetical order of their first names):

  1. Adè van Heerden – Herold’s Bay, Western Cape
  1. Boipelo Mabe – Alexandra, Gauteng
  1. Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters – Sedgefield, Western Cape
  2. Iman Mkwanazi – Lenasia, Gauteng
  3. Kayla Malherbe – Mtunzini, Kwa Zulu Natal
  4. Nicole van Niekerk - Môregloed, Pretoria, Gauteng
  5. Nompumelelo Mampholo – Diepkloof, Soweto, Gauteng
  6. Odirile Sepeng – Mabopane, Pretoria, Gauteng
  1. Priyeshka Lutchman – Yellowwood Park, Durban, Kwa Zulu Natal
  1. Shané Naidoo – Benoni, Gauteng
  2. Shelbe Pretorius – Pinehaven, Krugersdorp, Gauteng
  3. Yuta Raubenheimer – Kameeldrift, Pretoria, Gauteng

For the first time in the history of the Miss South Africa pageant, members of the public were invited to vote for their favourite Miss South Africa 2017 semi-finalist and propel her into the Top 12. The winner of the public vote was Pretoria’s Nicole van Niekerk.

The second round of public voting opens at midnight on February 2. The public’s SMS votes will have a 25 percent weighting of the overall voting towards the winner, with 75 percent resting with the official judges. Voting is done via SMS. The public can SMS the number of their favourite Top 12 finalist to the short code number 45791.  Each SMS will cost R1.50. Proceeds from the competition will benefit the Cell C Girl Child Bursary Fund. Up for grabs for five lucky voters is a weekend at The Palace at Sun City and VIP tickets to attend the live Miss South Africa pageant and after party at Sun City. For more information visit the Miss South Africa website www.misssa.co.za.

Says Sun International PR Manager Claudia Henkel: “We are absolutely delighted with the finalists. The young women who have been selected depict everything that we hope the pageant represents; intelligence, integrity and beauty.”

Suzette van der Merwe, Managing Executive for Cell C says: “The Miss South Africa pageant provides a prestigious and respected platform for these dynamic, talented young women to discover their strengths, boost their confidence and propel their lives forward. It provides life changing experiences for all the participants and, for the winner, an opportunity to inspire and make a real difference.”

The young woman who is crowned Miss South Africa 2017 will automatically become the spokesperson for the Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work Day initiative.

Ntandoyenkosi Kunene, the current Miss South Africa who recently competed in both Miss World and Miss Universe, will crown her successor at the 2017 pageant.

The Miss South Africa Pageant is a proud collaboration between Sun International and Cell C. The new Miss South Africa 2017 will be crowned at Sun City on March 26 and simulcast live on Mzansi Magic (Channel 161) and M-Net (Channel 101).

Judges for the pageant include Maps Maponyane, Bridget Masinga and Ezra Davids, with more celebrity judges to be announced for the final.

Go to:

The Miss South Africa 2017 semi-finalists are (in alphabetical order with their unique key numbers for public voting):

01 ADÈ VAN HEERDEN
Adè van Heerden is a 25-year-old medical doctor and second lieutenant in the South African Military Health Services. She comes from Herold’s Bay in the Western Cape. She won Protea colours in rhythmic gymnastics at the age of 13 and was a gold medal winner at the All African Championships. As a junior doctor Adè doesn’t get much spare time, but when she does, she likes boxing and hiking as well as baking anything from extravagant cakes to brownies.


02 BOIPELO MABE
23-year-old Boipelo Mabe from Alexandra is a full time Masters student, model and news reader on Soweto TV. She was a classical ballet dancer for nine years. She credits her father as her greatest role model. “From him I have learned the principles of hard work, standing for what I believe in and to be independent. I used to be embarrassed by the fact that my dad was a taxi driver but today I have grown to embrace and celebrate it. I realised it was his presence, love and support that mattered most to my growth and development as a young woman, not his job title.” Boipelo loves the outdoors and road trips far away from the city.

03 DEMI-LEIGH NEL-PETERS
Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters from Sedgefield in the Western Cape is a 21-year-old final year B.Com business management and entrepreneurship student. She is also a part- time model at Boss Models and Vision Management. She was the first girl in her high school to be chosen as head girl of both the school and its hostel. Demi-Leigh was also elected as the Deputy Junior Mayor of the George City Council in grade 11. She makes handmade cards and does scrapbooking. She says her biggest motivator is her half-sister who was born without a cerebellum and is completely disabled.


04 IMAN MKWANAZI
Iman Mkwanazi (26) is a professional model who also happens to run her own construction company. Hailing from Lenasia, Iman says that she is really shy and often goes red in the face when meeting new people who pay her compliments. Her favourite Miss South Africa is Basetsana Kumalo whom she admires for her business skills. In her spare time, Iman reads while also visiting new restaurants, going to art galleries and hiking.




05 KAYLA MALHERBE
Kayla Malherbe is a 21-year-old model from Mtunzini in Kwa Zulu Natal. For her, former Miss South Africa and Miss World Rolene Strauss is the epitome of beauty with a purpose. Kayla wants to be Miss South Africa in order to inspire the whole of South Africa to want to make a change for the better. She is passionate about children and often helps out at the small school in her hometown.





06 NICOLE VAN NIEKERK
Twenty-six-year-old Nicole van Niekerk from Môregloed in Pretoria is an events planner who specialises in children’s parties, a part-time model and au-pair. She likes spending time with her family and her labrador Kaylee. Nicole says she takes inspiration from her mother who got a degree when she was in her 50s. Nicole – who recently took up ballet classes – admits to being terrified of heights. She is a vegetarian whose favourite meal is pasta mixed with an assortment of vegetables.


07 NOMPUMELELO MAMPHOLO
Nompumelelo Mampholo (20) from Diepkloof in Soweto is a shareholder in Conquerors, an event and management company. Growing up, Nompumelelo used to be a real tomboy. She loves spending time with family and friends, playing sport, going to the gym and reading inspirational books. Nompumelelo would use the Miss South Africa prize money to go back to school and complete her studies. Her father works in the field of arts, culture and heritage and her mother is a sergeant in the South Africa Police.



08 ODIRILE SEPENG
Twenty-three-year-old Odirile Sepeng from Mapobane in Pretoria is a BCom Law student at Varsity College. She loves drawing and painting and is interested in photography. Odirile always says that the best days are unplanned, random and spontaneous, so a hike with friends or a picnic at the park is always a good idea. She is also a Latin American and ballroom dancer. She currently focuses on her law books but when she needs a dose of inspiration she references one of her favourite books, The Secret by Rhonda Bryne.


09 PRIYESHKA LUTCHMAN
Priyeshka Lutchman (24) from Yellowwood Park in Durban is a business management student and model. She likes spending her spare time with friends enjoying long lunches and board games. Other favourite pastimes are listening to music, going on picnics and traveling to beautiful and adventurous destinations. Priyeshka loves amusement parks and will always go on the scariest rides which give her an adrenaline rush. She has three brothers.



10 SHANÉ NAIDOO
Shané Naidoo (24) of Benoni is an industrial engineering student at the University of the Witwatersrand who is set to graduate in 2016. She enjoys being outdoors and staying fit and active. Another favourite pastime is trying out new restaurants. Shané loves to bake and often spends Sunday afternoons trying out new healthy recipes to satisfy her sweet tooth. Shané – a Miss South Africa finalist in 2015 - boxes to keep fit and says she throws a mean right hook!



11 SHELBE PRETORIUS
Shelbe Pretorius (23) from Krugersdorp is the owner of Flair promotional models. She enjoys having lunch dates with her friends on one of her rare days off. She is a committee member at House Jade (a haven for orphaned children); a volunteer youth worker at Christ Kids Trust and works at the West Rand School, a school for children with disabilities and special needs. Shelbe – who loves making people laugh – says her favourite meal is a good rump steak and vegetables!



12 YUTA RAUBENHEIMER
Yuta Raubenheimer, from Kameeldrift near Pretoria, is a 25-year-old customer service supervisor for Gautrain. To be Miss South Africa has always been her dream for as long as she can remember. She loves dancing and used to do some contemporary ballet but now does sh’bam, zumba and advanced aerobics. She is also involved with Toastmasters, sings at her church’s worship team and takes part in a number of charity projects. Her first career choice was to join the South African Defence Force as an air force pilot, as serving South Africa has always been her heart’s desire.

Issued by Ninesquared Communications and Events on behalf of Sun International. For more information please contact Stephanie Weil at stephanie@ninesquared.co.za on 084 999 8181

Denim trends to help you build up a better denim wardrobe in 2017

From interesting finishes and unconventional cuts to modern size-inclusive styles,
denim is at an exciting place right now. 2017 is bringing the 80’s back with a futurist twist set to get you obsessed with denim. We have picked 3 denim trends that we think will help you build a better denim wardrobe this year. 

Block Silhouette
In 2017, be prepared to branch out from the slim cut jean and be all about the bigger breezier hems. This 70’s inspired style with a modern yet retro boot cut silhouette, will allow you to switch from a laid back look to a straight from the runway look with just a change of shoes.

Destroyed or Distressed
This denim style made its entry in 2016 and what a warm welcome it received. Thanks to the frayed edges, distressed finishes and the destroyed touch, offering that flattering “dangerous look”, this trend is going to be around for a very long time.

Patchwork
Contrasting blues to creative embellishments, you are going to fall in love with this trend. The contrast panels are placed so thoughtfully along the back pockets or right above the knee, taking your street style to another level. 

Visit Soviet for an up-to-date look to add to your denim collection.



Denim DIY Inspiration - Jazz Up Your Jeans

DIY denim was a massive trend in the 90s, and has since made an epic comeback. In order to make the most of this fun fad, here are Soviet’s top suggestions for transforming your old jeans into a real feast for the eyes.


Lace


Add a delicate, feminine touch to your favourite pair of jeans with some lace. While it might take a while to achieve the look as pictured above, if you’re aiming for something a little more subtle, it should be a relatively simple experiment overall. Visit Youtube and search ‘DIY Lace Jeans’ for a multitude of video tutorials that should help streamline the process.


Patchwork


This quirky trend is probably the easiest to embrace - even inexperienced DIYers will manage to pull it off. All that you will need is a few pieces of pretty material (navy blue patterns work best; however, if you want to make a statement, feel free to go as colourful as you’d like!), some scissors, thread and a needle. Easy-peasy!


Fabric Paint



For those who have an artistic flair, this DIY fad is sure to be right up your alley. It’s quite simple, really. Just grab some fabric paint from your local art store and let your creativity take over! One thing’s for sure: your jeans are going to be truly one-of-a-kind by the time you’re done with them.


Rhinestones


Bling-bling is still in… and so are rhinestones. Dazzle your denims by gluing a few sparkly delights all over your trusty jeans - and don’t be shy! The shinier, the better.

Need a new pair of stylish denims? Take a look at the latest Soviet selection here: http://www.zando.co.za/women/soviet/

Everything You Need to Know about Rocking Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans have been immensely popular since the early 00s, and show no signs of going out of fashion any time soon! Here are Soviet’s top tips for rocking this timeless look, regardless of where you are going.

Choose One Statement Piece

Seeing as though your skinny jeans will make a big statement all on their own, it is advisable that you put the rest of your outfit together wisely, choosing only one additional item that will stand out. For instance, if you opt to wear sky-high, colourful heels, then wear muted jewellery and a plain T-shirt or blouse. If you opt for a patterned T-shirt or blouse, pair it with neutral pumps or sneakers. Finally, if your jewellery is attention-grabbing, keep the rest of your outfit as simple as possible.


Choose Your Skinny Jeans According to Your Body Type

The unwritten rule that states ‘not everybody should wear skinny jeans’ is a total myth. Everyone has the ability to rock a pair of skinny jeans, as long as they know what works best for their unique body shape. The secret is to shop around extensively before you buy - and only fork out the cash when you find a pair that makes you feel as great as you look!


Don’t Be Afraid of High-Waisted Designs 

High-waisted skinnies are extremely trendy at the moment. However, many find them slightly intimidating and a massive style challenge. Luckily, styling high-waisted skinnies is really easy if you know what you’re doing. When it comes to pairing other items with these statement jeans, we recommend giving crop tops, button-down shirts (tucked in so as to enhance the shape of your waist), cropped sweaters and edgy leather jackets a try. Feel free to experiment!

Now that you know how to rock them, if you would like to invest in a new, fashion-forward pair of skinny jeans, be sure to visit Zando and take a look at the latest Soviet selection: http://www.zando.co.za/women/soviet/

The Best Materials to Wear to Stay Cool in Summer



Rayon

Rayon is a trusted companion when the weather is hot, but seeing as though it is a semi-synthetic material and is not as absorbent as most of its natural counterparts, it is best worn on those days that promise lower levels of humidity, hence less perspiration.

Chiffon

Just as delicately beautiful as silk, chiffon also has the added benefit of being a slightly more absorbent and breathable fabric all-round, making it the perfect choice for balmy spring and summer afternoons.

Soviet’s Tip: Extend the life of your favourite chiffon items by washing them by hand instead of laundering in the machine.

Cotton


Cotton is arguably the most popular summer fabric. Lightweight, affordable, and ensuring the ultimate in breathability, it is the number one choice for a day spent outdoors. It is versatile in that it will help keep you cool during those scorching days, regardless of the presence of humidity or lack thereof.

Soviet’s Tip: In order to preserve the lifespan of your favourite cotton garments, be sure to hang them on the washing line to dry as opposed to using a tumble-dryer which could cause them to shrink over time.

Linen

Another lightweight, breezy fabric, linen is often used to manufacture summer dresses and blouses. The only downfall is that it has the tendency to wrinkle more than most other summer-friendly fabrics - luckily, this can be easily remedied. If you aren’t a fan of ironing, just keep a spray bottle filled with water handy. Spritz some water onto the garment and flatten out obvious creases with your hands.

Lace


Lace is a timeless fabric that boasts plenty of summer appeal. Along with being delicate and breezy, it is also very trendy right now and will effortlessly add a dash of femininity to any outfit.

Denim

Most people are under the impression that denim is too heavy to be a suitable summer fabric. However, this depends on the type of denim that you choose to wear. Why not invest in a pair of stylish denim shorts? Or perhaps a fashionable mid-calf design? You can even wear your favourite full-length jeans if you plan the rest of your outfit strategically - sandals, cotton t-shirt / crop top etc. Make no mistake… denim is, and always will be, a fabric that will see you through all seasons!