Sisters do it for us

A gender violence campaign event was utterly moving and not depressing in the least

AS the Christmas spirit is on us, it was nice to light a candle for a worthy cause - the Avon and People Opposing Women Abuse shindig in honour of the 16 days of activism against gender violence campaign. The event on Thursday night, held at the beautiful Turbine Hall in Newtown, Johannesburg, was well attended.

I still get goose bumps at the thought of women occasionally raising their fists and shouting: "Igama la bafazi malibongwe" (praise be to the name of women) on the night.

A serious cause, of course, but the vibe was not one bit depressing. It was a celebration of women.

We enjoyed poetry by Myesha Jenkins, and music by Zain Bhika, who had us all on our feet when he sang Tracy Chapman's She's got her ticket.

Former Generations actress Rosie Motene, a survivor of physical abuse, radio producer Claire Mawisa and TV talkshow host Kgomotso Matsunyane were among the crowd.

Seeing red

It was nice to take part in an honourable cause after walking the red carpet at the Hugo Boss Red Label store launch in Sandton City on Wednesday night.

I managed a brief chat with the beautiful Marie Claire editor Aspasia Karras, but it was cut short because madam needed to tweet about the event. An informative chat with the man behind the new store, Fazel Surtees, followed.

I cannot say I was surprised when he said he used to be a lawyer, because he still has that courtroom look about him.

The man has a seriously impressive glam portfolio, including a stake in the Montblanc store. He is also scheduled to open South Africa's second Burberry store in Hyde Park soon.

Most of the guests seemed to be just browsing on the night, but a pretty mercantile lawyer, Simone Smith, said she was eyeing two suits.

Someone who is becoming a bit of a regular on the social circuit, SA Idols judge Randall Abrahams, said he coveted a pair of patent-leather shoes to compliment his tuxedo. I am not sure if he snapped them up, but he did seem unfazed by the R4500 price tag.

Also spotted were trends analyst Dion Chang and his partner, Chris Marquard, both in crisp white shirts, blue denims and white shoes. Chang also sported a trendy African-print fedora.

The stylish editor of Destiny Man, Kojo Baffoe, commented that trends were reverting to the 1980s in terms of thin ties and waistcoats. He was in the market for a beige summer suit: "You can never go wrong with the right summer suit," Baffoe said while giving me a crash course in men's fashion.

Kaizer Motaung jnr, accompanied by his wife, Katherine, showed off pictures of their six-month-old baby, Tyler-Rhys. Heider let slip that they would be having a big wedding ceremony in her native Germany next year.

The food pretty much made my night. It included phyllo tartlets with roasted butternut, feta and crushed pistachios, Hong Kong prawn spring rolls with a sweet oriental dip and char-grilled chicken in a wrap with avocado and tomato. A variety of desserts included my favourite, little red velvet cupcakes!

French infusion

Some guests seemed peeved that there was only cranberry and apple juice on offer and I wondered if this was the reason why I bumped into many of them at my next function, held at the interior decorating store Tonic in Parktown North later that night.

Everyone, including Chang and Karras, seemed much happier once they had a glass of French bubbly in hand.

Fashion editor Jenny Andrew looked lovely in a striking black-and-cream rouched skirt bought at Whistles in London. Mingling outside the store, which is owned by Greg Gamble, were Marion and Lindie designer Danica Lepen and Visi editor Jacquie Myburgh.