Jewellery hand made from antique cutlery is possibly one of the best things I've seen in a long time. I love the idea of taking something old and making it new, especially when it's as beautiful as this. Rollin Vintage can be found at the monthly I Heart Market in Durban, or you can have a look at their blog.
Spoon pendants.
A bangle made from bending a fork. How cool?
Dear Rae Jewellery
Simple yet stunning is what I think of the products from Dear Rae jewellery. I love their rings as I have really small fingers so I know what a struggle it is to find rings that don't look huge on tiny fingers, and I also quite like their pendants and bangles. The designers, Karin Rae Mathee, Morgan Xekethwana, and Raymond Kama are based in Cape Town but their jewellery can be ordered online.
Genevieve Motley
These are some new products from Genevieve Motley. These striking necklaces and other jewellery can be found at the flagship store in Durban, at various boutiques throughout the country or ordered online.
I thought that having a favourite band was something we did
in our teen years when we were young and impressionable and liked to be able to
say ‘that’s my song’. I thought that
we’d grow up and learn to tolerate whatever was played on the radio when
driving to work, much like our parents do. That we wouldn’t always religiously
follow a band, be it Linkin Park, My Chemical Romance or heaven forbid,
Westlife, just because it defined the years and the experiences, the good, the
bad and everything in between.
I thought all of these things until I heard Gangs of Ballet
on the radio for the first time. It was one of those wait stop what is that song that’s playing moments. When I realised they were just a small band
from my home town – Durban - doing something big in this world, I was blown
away. And just when I thought I could not have more love for their music, I
heard them live a few months later.
In a dark, crowded club with a cold beer in
hand surrounded by good friends and one of the most amazing guys I know, Gangs
of Ballet began to play and I found myself shouting ‘this is my song!’ to no
one in particular.
"...Someone's got to fight for it. No one's here to give it
up. Someone's got to fight for you..."
Cue goosebumps.
I now accept the possibility that I may never hear anything
as beautiful as Hello Sweet World live again. And that’s ok because that one
experience is enough to make my life. The music is
powerful. It’s haunting. It’s anthemic. Most importantly, the message that comes through from their lyrics is so genuine and beautiful.
I recently read an interview in which the lead of Gangs of Ballet, Brad Klynsmith said, "It's only those that make it to the end that win; you can't give up halfway." I get the feeling that they take this approach in the music and in the videos they make, which are exceptional.
My only hope for you, dear reader, is that you too will experience
their music live (if you haven’t already), and that you too will learn that no
matter how old you are, there will always be a band that defines all the moments
that matter. In my case, it is the Gangs of Ballet.
A member of Civil Twilight wears a Gangs of Ballet shirt. That's how cool they are.
