When I met you in the summer

To my heartbeat sound

We fell in love

As the leaves turned brown

And we could be together baby

As long as skies are blue

You act so innocent now

But you lied so soon

When I met you in the summer

With burning hot temperatures and sunshine for days on end, Summer has jumped on us fast and furiously. While most people are happy to pack away their heaters and blankets, there’s one part of you that wishes it still had the protection of long-sleeved shirts.

That’s right.

Your skin is known as the largest organ of the human body and protects you from microbes and the elements, helps regulate body temperature, and is the conductor of touch, heat and cold sensations.

And, of course, it is the pathway to skin cancer, if you do not take care of it.

Whether you are shopping for fashion on a hot Summer’s day, chilling on the beach, or having a pool party at your BFF’s house, your skin needs protection.

Here are a few tips from Soviet to keep you safe this Summer:

If your plan is to look sexy this Summer, stay out the sun and visit a Soviet store for our wide range of jeans and denim apparel. If you are hitting the rays, see our Summer collection for clothes that will help you stay safe on the sun.

The adrenaline is pumping, hearts are beating. The whistle is about to blow, and then…

The 212 km, three-day Wine2Whale race begins in the vineyards of Lourensford Estate, and carries on right through to the whale-watching town of Hermanus. This gorgeous part of the country boasts everything that is beautiful about the Cape province: breathtaking sandy beaches, exquisite wineland scenery and the most adventurous roads that lead to more beauty.

While the route alone is enough to entice some cyclists to take on the gruelling 3-day race, for others it is about more than just what you see and feel: it is about the lives you touch.

So it is for the six warrior riders of the Soviet team, who have elected to ride for a very inspiring purpose: The Alpha School for Autistic Children, based in Woodstock (Cape Town).

Started by the Society for Autistic Children in 1974, Alpha School caters for the disadvantaged children of the Western Cape province. The school was started in the lounge of Mrs. Rosalie Alexander in Athlone, but in the last 41 years has grown to a school of 76 pupils. 

The school has since relocated to Woodstock, and now boasts 10 classrooms providing classwork, swimming and a “peace”garden to learners. Students are also asked to develop their own projects in order to teach them responsibility and initiative.

Although they are under the administration of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), they receive very limited funding from the government in the running of the school, and rely heavily on funding from parents and the community.

With a personal investment in the school (Achmat Joseph’s son attends the school), the riders are hoping to raise R20 000 for the school. This will allow the school to develop new projects and get more resources in order to support the children. Each rider is also, in addition to paying for their own entry fees into the race, donating R1 per kilometer that they complete. This adds up to a total of R1 272. The exposure will also help raise awareness for the school.

You too can be part of this amazing cause by donating funds to the Alpha School for Autistic Children in Woodstock. By donating R1 per kilometer (as the racers themselves), or any amount, you can give these children hope and make a difference in their lives. The school appreciates any contribution made.

Please note that all funds collected will be handed over to the school after the event. Banking details below.

Alpha School for Autistic Kids

First National Bank

Account Number: 50130041010

Branch Code: 201909

After a radical make-over and some serious style improvements, the Soviet Store in Canal Walk Shopping Centre is thrilled to announce its re-opening.

Proudly showing its in-vogue jeans, footwear and accessories, the revamped store now takes on the rustic, unpolished look of the brand’s successful “Real People. Real Denim” campaign. The new design of the store personifies the trendy, fashionable attitude of Soviet’s target market, and also heightens the atmosphere, presenting a whole new shopping experience for its customers.

After re-looking the design and layout of the store, the store has a completely different feel to what it had previously. No effort was spared in creating a premium-interior that is more fashion forward and comfortable, mimicking the same experience you would have shopping at a New York City premium retail store. Practically, the store has also improved its shelf layout, making it easier for customers to find what they want.

Come see the new store open on 5 November 2015, at Shop 462A Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century Blvd, Cape Town. Watch out for special deals and offers on the day. The store will be open from 09:00 to 21:00 at night.

Superman, Batman, Spiderman… The imaginary heroes of children across the world. Heroes who’s purpose it is to take on the bad guys and keep humanity safe from evil, dysfunctional individuals.

Soviet has a team of its own heroes. Six very real heroes who are riding through the challenging hills of the Cape in order to bring hope and joy to Autistic children. Using their determination, skill and generous spirits, these six heroes are facing 212 km of tough riding to bring attention to the needs of the small Alpha school in Woodstock, CTN.

Soviet introduces their six heroes proudly:

Ashraf  Kathrada:

Riding since December 2014, Ashraf Kathrada completed his first 3-day challenge racing in rain, slush and mud - not the perfect conditions for a first-time racer. While Ash admits that single tracks and cliff edges are only some of his fears, he claims “smiling for the camera” is his biggest vice. However, once he has achieved his dream of winning at least one “King of the Mountain” stage race in his age category, we are sure he’ll be smiling all the way.

Achmat Joseph:

The best looking rider on the Soviet team, Achmat Joseph can teach his team mate (Kathrada) a thing or two about smiling for a camera. For the past 18 years, Joseph has been known for keeping his “don’t leave anyone behind” attitude alive and well. However, he would prefer to leave any hot riding conditions in his tracks. His highlights include completing 18 Argus races, including Sub 3, W2W Race, Amashova and EP Herald.

Although he often misses the beautiful views on offer during long-distance races, the heart-racing, blood-pumping, head-rushing effect that downhills, single tracks and jumps has on him, is what has kept Reon Smal racing since May 2014. He has completed 100 Miler and the Karoo to Coast race.

Chris Skosan:

Riding for over just over a year now, Chris Skosan already has a 100 Miler Race and the Karoo to Coast race behind his back, Skosan has developed a knack for technical and speed riding, however he feels that his long, slow climb riding still needs some work.

Andre Oberholzer:

With over 9 years experience in riding, Andre Oberholzer is a champion when it comes to single track racing and taking on long, open stretches. Like most riders, steep climbs is not his thing, but facing this challenge, Oberholzer has already completed two Karoo to Coast rides, with a 1 hour improvement from one race to another.

Garth Carnell:

As the most experienced rider on the team, with just short of 30 years of riding behind him, Garth has perfected his technical skills by competing in various multi-stage races, including Joberg2C, Dr. Evil Classic and Gravel  & Grape races. His vices lie with long, slow climbs, but with so many years experience, he makes all other racers look like babies.

Soviet wishes its team of heroes the best of luck with their challenge. We are proud of you for being a real-life, modern-day hero for Autistic children.

You too can be part of this team of heroes by donating generously to the Alpha School for Autistic Children in Woodstock. If you would like to make a donation, please see banking details below. You can donate R1 per km for the total 3-day race distance of 212 km, or any amount you wish.

It’s Awards Season and the world is giving praise to their favourite TV shows, movies, music artists and actors. And as the world’s favourite music entertainers, MTV is not sparing an ounce of effort to host the most extravagant events the world has ever seen.

On 25 October 2015, Italy hosted the 22nd MTV EMA’s in Milan’s flamboyant Mediolanum Forum.

The red carpet produced numerous celebrities of various stature, showing off the best in designer apparel and flaunting their svelte bodies in front of the cameras. With Ed Sheeran and Amber Rose as official hosts, the night was destined to be one of the most memorable events this year.

Of course, the fashion and flair isn’t the only reason we watch the event closely. Artists are nominated for various categories, including “Best Song” and “Male/Female Artist”. The public is then left to vote for their favourite artists. Soviet looks at the top nods awarded to the worthy this year:

Best Song:

Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar: Bad Blood

Best Pop Artist/Band:

One Direction

Best Female Artist:

Rihanna

Best Male Artist:

Justin Bieber

Best Live Act:

Ed Sheeran

Best New Act:

Shawn Mendes

Best Video:

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: Downtown

Best Rock Band:

Coldplay

Best Alternative:

Lana Del Rey

Best Hip Hop:

Nicki Minaj

Best Electronic:

Martin Garrix

Best Push:

Shawn Mendes

Best Collaboration:

Justin Bieber, Skrillex, Diplo: Where are you now

Biggest Fans:

Justin Bieber

Best Look:

Justin Bieber

Best World Stage:

Ed Sheeran - V Festival, Hylands Park, UK 2014

Video Visionary Award:

Duran Duran

Endurance, skill and motivation. The three things you need if you want to take on the hills of the Cape with nothing but two wheels and a strong pair of legs. With less than a week to go before the start of the 3-day mountain bike race, cyclists are making sure they are fit and ready to take on the trails. From the beautiful orchards and wine farms of Lourensford Estate, right through to the whale-watching town of Hermanus, this will be a race to remember.

And to prove Soviet is “more than just a pretty face”, the famous fashion brand has 3 teams entered into this year’s event.

“'A group of our cycling friends have been keen to take on the challenge of entering the Wines2Whales race for the past few years. This year, we decided to team up with our experienced MTB & road race friend, Achmat Joseph who was previously committed to another racing team',” says Mr. Ashraf Kathrada, Owner of Soviet Concept Stores in Cape Town, and one of the team members for Soviet.

Known as one of the “more difficult MTB challenges” in the cycling world, the Wine2Whales race is held from 6 - 8 November 2015 and consists of 3 stages, with distances of 70 - 80 kms each day. The race starts in the magnificent Lourensford Estate, nestled in the beautiful bowl of the Helderberg Mountains. Starting here, over 1 300 riders will be crossing through 13 wineries, 26 private farms, 6 mountains, historic roads and nature conservation areas, finally ending at the Onrust Caravan Park near Hermanus. The caravan park is placed in an idyllic seaside village setting. Minutes away from Hermanus, Onrust offers a relaxed, tranquil environment surrounded by natural beauty.

The 3 Soviet teams, consisting of 2 partners in each team, have been preparing for the race for some time now. Armed with an expert training program, the 6 cyclists have been training with regular rides around Cape Town and the Northern Suburbs. As preparation, the teams have also entered into a number of local league races. The riders include:

Soviet has provided each of the cyclists with a riding kit for the event, including clothing, tees, caps and a “chill zone” area for the riders and supporters. The riders have elected to "ride for a purpose", with their chosen charity the Alpha School for Autistic Children, based in Woodstock.

“Just being part of and competing in this widely recognised, well-publicised event is an achievement on its own. But to be able to bring these children some hope in their lives is what is getting us really excited” notes Kathrada.

If you would like to make a donation, please see banking details below. You can donate R1 per km for the total 3-day race distance of 212 km, or any amount you wish.