Mall magic and high tea

The opening of SA's first Zara had the celebs acting like children in a candy store

FAB people, high-end fashion and exceptionally great vibes had me on cloud nine this week. I kicked off events with high tea at the lush Oakfield Farm in Muldersdrift for the annual O Magazine party on Monday, at which there were plenty of pretty cupcakes and colourful roses in tiny bird cages.

By Wednesday, I was partying with the right crowd - businessmen and women, entertainment stars and fashion gurus - at the opening of the new wing of one of Africa's biggest shopping centres, Sandton City.

The mall now has an extra 71 stores.

The organisers pulled out all the stops for the launch, which had fashionistas and celebs abusing their credit cards.

The highlight, no doubt, was the opening of South Africa's first Zara store, which had the celebs acting like children in a candy store.

It was a nice touch that several Zara bigwigs, including Victor Herrero, who heads up its operation in China, flew in for the occasion.

It was great to see property mogul Sharon Wapnick - her family business owns Killarney Mall - with hubby Frank Kramer celebrating someone else's shopping centre.

I had to giggle when I spotted Edith Venter and her husband, Johnny Schwartz, with a young man in tow. Don't worry, he was just carrying her shopping - loads of it!

Zuraida Jardine Lindberg arrived with hubby Joshua and looked great despite her recent trip to the maternity ward. Their son, Shia, is now eight months old and daughter Zaria is two.

Zuraida wore a silver sequined number and the juiciest red lipstick. Pity there were two other women in the same dress, although Zuraida rocked it.

Another celeb fresh from the maternity ward was Sandy Ehrenreich - formerly Ngema - with her husband, Peter.

I commented that they had been out of sight for a while, to which she laughingly replied that it was because they had been busy making babies.

The 44-year-old beauty said five-month-old Troy-Thando was doing well.

I managed a quick chat with the ever-sweet and humble fashion designer Thula Sindi, who is still basking in the glory of his distribution deal with a major retailer.

He said the orders were flying in at a rate that his small company had not expected. But he was definitely not complaining.

Danny K, in a very good mood, pitched up with girlfriend Lisa Gundelfinger, who he quickly reminded me was an advocate. Lisa's shorts suit by Chanel was my winner for the night.

I canvassed some expert opinion on Zara's wares and thought Dion Chang said it best: "My advice is for the other department stores in South Africa: 'You had better watch out.'"

For entertainment, a violinist played some mellow tunes while strapped to a giant white ball suspended from the newly constructed dome.

Trays of champagne floated around throughout the night, coupled with delicate cocktail snacks. These included bite-size smoked salmon pieces and fresh chilled oysters, all of which were served on massive ceramic dishes.

We were looked after by 12 pretty girls dressed as angels with huge white-and-gold wings.

It came as no surprise when I bumped into the same celebs the following day at the opening of Tiger of Sweden, the Scandinavian fashion outlet. I was extremely chuffed to meet the CEO, David Thunmarker, who had flown in from Stockholm to personally open the store. He looked dapper in skinny jeans and a tailored, double-breasted blazer in green-and-black checks.

However much I loved it, the Sandton dos left me exhausted. Pity I had had my pamper session on Monday at the O Magazine party, where we were treated to foot massages, manicures and makeovers for those in the mood.

The ladies all looked very pretty in their summer dresses and hats and fascinators. The only downside for me was that wine lovers had the luxury of an open bar, whereas those of us who don't do wine were subjected to a cash bar for our sodas.

Shouldn't it be the other way round?

I had loads of fun watching people win gifts - you know that an Oprah do will be incomplete without these give-aways.

Those with a streak of luck walked away with designer handbags and spa vouchers, including one worth R30000, and there was also a three-day luxury trip to Zambia worth more than R46000.

I give this week's party planners a platinum star for a job well done!