Sowetan SMag April issue

B

e careful what you wish for. I’m a late bloomer when it comes to facial hair. In my teens, there was poor beard growth with barely-there facial hair. I could smell the desperation (if desperation had a smell). Imagine my excitement in my mid-20s when I was finally blessed with some facial hair. But it was not enough. It was patchy, scattered across my cheeks, chin, and jawline. The type that refuses to connect into full growth.

Then, in my early 30s, my sparse era was over. Suddenly, I had a masterpiece of a complete outlier of a family of facial hair. But the dream quickly turned into an utter nightmare. There was discomfort from “beardruff” and the effort of maintaining a decent grooming routine was exhausting. So, instead of trimming it, what did I do? I shaved it off completely. I felt like this offered a more timeless, hygienic, and youthful look. The irony of wanting facial hair for a lifetime, only to find it overwhelming when you are granted your wish …

In curating the April Beauty issue, I found inner peace in chasing the perfect symbol of masculinity through facial hair. That inner peace naturally triggered an outer radiance. The day before taking my editor’s letter picture, feeling unkempt and untidy, I visited my barber to get a clean shave, as usual. But I surprised him by asking for a bushy moustache. He replied, “How bushy should I make it?” and proceeded to give me a bunch of natural moustache options, ranging from chevron and lampshade to painter’s brush. My response? “Surprise me.” It didn’t matter because, for the first time, the connection between my mind, emotions, and appearance was aligned. There was no pressure; I could pull it off with grace. When I walked on set the next day, everyone embraced the new look. “You can call me Moustache Manny,” I retorted with a thick French accent.

THE EDITORFrom

Durag, stylist’s own; chain necklace, POR, Matthew Michael, matthewmichaelstudio@gmail.com; T-shirt, model’s own; coat, POR, David Tlale, davidtlale.com; dark-brown sweatpants, R3 499, Ted Baker, tedbaker.co.za

Audrey Hepburn said it better: “I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls.” That famous quote is one of the best beauty mantras, and it will never go out of fashion. Along with one of her other popular proclamations: “Laughter is truly the best calorie burner.” Once that natural inner light is shining through, it becomes effortless to style your glow and smile. After all, drinking water and minding your own, along with glowing from within, come at no cost. It’s refreshing that the beauty industry, now more than ever, is taking its cue from natural and philosophical practices. There is less pressure on consumers to find beauty solutions that promise unrealistic overnight miracles to correct imperfections. Finding inner peace is guaranteed to reflect in outer glow.

Our April Beauty issue, anchored by former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi and iThonga actor Unathi Mkhize, focuses on holistic mind–skin connections. And it’s important to get luminous pre-party skincare because our next issue is our big 10th anniversary celebration. Until then, stay hydrated.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMMANUEL TJIYA (smag@sowetan.co.za)

CREATIVE DIRECTOR ANNA LINEVELDT

FASHION DIRECTOR SHARON ARMSTRONG

BEAUTY EDITOR NOKUBONGA THUSI

SUBEDITOR IOLANDI POOL

FASHION ASSISTANT JENNIFER KRUG

DESIGN INTERN PATIENCE TSHABALALA

CONTENT PRODUCERS NOMBUSO KUMALO & MASEGO SEEMELA

FINAL EYE CARÉNÈ BOSHOFF

SOWETAN EDITOR SIBONGAKONKE SHOBA

CEO PULE MOLEBELEDI

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGERS

ANNE ATKINSON 0836804440 atkinsona@arena.africa

EMILY MALGAS 0839606430 malgase@arena.africa

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER CAPE TOWN

NADIA GOOL PEREIRA 0827011912 pereiran@arena.africa

DEPUTY CHIEF SALES OFFICER

PIERRETTE SPADONI spadonip@arena.africa

S.Mag is published five times a year PRINTED by CTP Printers, Cape Town, for Arena Holdings, Hill on Empire, 16 Empire Road (cnr Empire and Hillside roads), Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193

slide

Celebrating over

of Love & Legacy

TO THE MAX: A RETURN TO MAXIMALISM SIGNALS THE AMPLIFICATION OF AUDACIOUS COLOUR, INDIVIDUALITY, AND BRAZEN ARTISTRY

COLOUR- BLOCKED:

01.

The runways made a rebellious return to maximalism, with larger-than-life lashes at Courrèges, swipes of citrus hues on lids at Sportmax, flicks of electric blue at Moschino, and vibrant hues on lids, lashes, and lips at The Blonds. It was all about an unabashed maximalist aesthetic and considered styling, with makeup highlighting a single focal point while leaving the rest of the face pared back.

02.

Nothing “maximalism”screamsquite like extra-length, statement nails with a level of impracticality that would make Elphaba weep. The runways had just the thing at The Blonds and Philipp Plein, where being over-the-top extended right down to the fingertips, with long, bold nails taking centre stage. From iridescent chrome to molten textures and gem-encrusted finishes, it’s all about maximum experimentation and expression.

RIOT COLOUR

SOLO-ACT POUTS:

Tell The Truth, and sequinneddazzling,lips at Acne. Pouts stepped out with big charactermainenergy as models were sent out with ornate, statement lips paired with nothing else.

BLUSH DRAPING:

Thought blush blindness was taking a backseat to demure, minimally flushed skin? Think again. The runways proved that blush is only getting more severe. At Etro and Leonard Paris, it acted as a structure and was not restricted to colour or place — electric washes crept up the cheeks onto the temples, extending into the lids.

TRY: Benefit Juicy Stick Cream Blush in Figgie, R600 04.

TRY: Nivea Regenerating Serum-Infused Micellar Water 400ml, R130

MIRROR, MIRROR…

Dew wave

Glossed glaze Celestial braids Bionic gleam Mirrored gloss

01.

At Giambattista Valli, Rokh, Qasimi, and Jason Wu, dramatic glass-like finger waves added movement to wet-look hair. Models had slicked-back hair or long ponytails, paired with high-gloss waves. Hair was generously gelled until it looked drenched, and deep, sweeping waves were added to the front sections across the forehead and temples or down the length of the hair. 2.

02.

At Selasi, mirrored hair was interpreted to merge glossy, reflective, wet-look elements with protective styling. Models sported sections of hair gelled up with super-glossy edges, paired with oversized, undulating sculptural braids running down the centre of the head.

03.

Ultra-glossy hair entered the chat at Qasimi, The Attico, and Jason Wu, with strands taking inspiration from freshly drenched hair and hard-gelled synchronised- swimmer buns. Models were sent out with hair that looked lacquered with a high-shine, balmy wetness. At Qasimi, hair seemed fresh out of the water, with a super-drenched, glossy texture styled into polished, deep finger waves. At The Attico, hair had a slightly air-dried, lived-in quality, with partially damp strands clinging to balmy, glossy skin.

04.

If you’re not a fan of slick, gelled-up styles, lean into reflective shine in an abstract way by taking your cue from Maxhosa, where metallic accessories were woven into hair for a futuristic feel. Models sported braids and locs that were elevated with gold or silver cowrie shells intricately sewn into the hair, adding a tactile shine rather than a glossy finish.

05.

At Sportmax and Roberto Cavalli, locks looked as though they were the result of a salon-grade silk press or glossing treatment. Whether you prefer wigs, relaxed hair or a silk press, the runways were proof that glossy, light- reflective hair shows no signs of slowing down. At Sportmax, models were sent out with hair that looked almost AI-generated with an ultra-reflective finish.

3.

1. Redken Acidic Color Gloss Conditioner 300ml, R600 2. Mizani Press Agent Thermal Smoothing Raincoat Styling Cream 150ml, R520 3. L’Oreal Tecni.Art Web Design Sculpting Paste 150ml, R490 4. Hair cuff, R179, Tessa Design, superbalist.com 5. Moroccanoil Treatment Mist Ultra-Light 100ml, R980 6. Eco Style Professional Styling Gel Coconut Oil 473ml, R150

How radio broadcaster Xolani “Xtremme” Mthombeni brought Y listeners along when he said “I do” to sweetheart Dithapelo Segodi

THE MEETING

Xtremme: We met at work in 2023. She works as an executive producer at eMedia, and I was the breakfast host of Y [youth radio station]. Since we worked in the same building, I used to see her pass the studio every single day, and I’d wonder to myself: “Who is this beautiful woman?” I even told my technical producer. However, my technical producer said: “Forget it, my brother, not this one, maybe others, [but] there you won’t win … she’s in a higher class.” Dithapelo: You know how DJs are. He came to me and introduced himself, saying, “Hi, I’m DJ Xtremme.” I said, “What is that?” and he switched up real quick and said, “I’m Xolani Mthombeni.” I said, “Oh, okay. Nice to meet you.” I burst his bubble because I wanted to see who he truly was, because every time he’d bump into me, he’d tell me I should come to his studio. This one time, we parked next to each other and walked up the stairs together. He then asked if we could go for coffee. He proceeded to ask for my number, but I told him I’d take his instead — and I took some time to text him. Eventually, I texted him, but he took almost a year to make a move.

THE ATTRACTION

Xtremme: I came from a hectic breakup and wasn’t looking for a new relationship. What attracted me to her was her body, yes, I’m being a man about it, but I couldn’t get over how perfect she was. When I got to know her, I loved the way she took care of her kids. I’m a father and I wanted someone who was going to love my son like her own. I also noticed the relationship she had with her two kids; it blew me away.

THE DATING LIFE

Xtremme: Our first big date was in Cape Town in 2024. I was working in Cape Town a week before she had to fly down, and we then turned it into

a mini vacation. What I like about my wife is that she’s extroverted; I’m more introverted. I prefer being indoors, watching movies, and she’s more of an explorer. She got us going to the best restaurants and places that kept us active and outdoors.

Dithapelo: When we started dating, I’d listen to his shows and realised that he had more content to share on Mondays after the weekend he had. I’d look forward to listening because of the stories he’d tell about the new places he’d tried. Our dating phase went by quickly — after close to two years, he told me he wanted to come to my house and pay lobola.

THE LIGHTBULB MOMENT

Xtremme: I was single for almost two years. I would do radio and attend events, but a lot of my listeners didn’t know that I went into a very depressed stage. When I started dating Dith -

apelo, my father, without knowing her, said to me, “Whoever she is, please allow her to come into your life because my fear is, you’re so closed up.” The same day, I drove back to Joburg from home in the East Rand, went to her place, and told her, “Baby, I’m giving you my all today.” Dithapelo: We started dating in January 2024. At Easter, he came to me in tears and said he was giving me his all. I was taken by what he said, but I already knew he was the one because I had a dream before he came into my life. My late grandmother, who I was close to, came to me [in a dream] and told me the love of my life was coming … this was three months before he approached me.

LOBOLA NEGOTIATIONS

Xtremme: I spoke to her first before proposing or buying the ring. I told her that I wanted to ask her father for her hand in marriage. This was the first time I’d meet her father, in Nelspruit. After her father gave me his blessing we went to pick out the ring. My father wrote a letter to Dithapelo’s father, which took two weeks to arrive. They chose to do that as opposed to using PostNet or email, and then my father had to wait for a response. Eventually, a date was set, my uncles went to her family’s house, and after an agreement was reached, we had a whole celebration with both our families.

THE PROPOSAL

Xtremme: I wanted to give her her moment. She came back from work, all dressed up. She had already seen the ring, but we’d decided to put it back in the box for our wedding day. She wasn’t expecting the proposal. I took her to a very nice restaurant

and went down on one knee. The whole restaurant was celebrating and cheering us.

THE WEDDING

Xtremme: I’d been on radio for 11 years, but I’d never had a moment that felt life-changing on air. Last year, a lot of listeners didn’t know I’d be leaving Y, but I did. So I wanted to leave them with something memorable. I decided to do my journey to the aisle where they’d follow me until the day I said, “I do.” I took them through all the content. From the suit fitting and cake tasting to finding suitable venues, as well as the lawyer doing the marital contract. One of my most memorable moments was when I put the ring on my wife’s finger. Because we were blending our families, she gave each of our children their own bracelet with their name on it. Dithapelo: We tied the knot in November last year at the Fortress Venue in Joburg. Months before the big day, I created a proper schedule of when we’re arriving, when Xolani will be wearing his suit, when the artists are arriving. It was a proper call sheet for the day’s running order. I wanted to be at peace on that day.

TOP TIP

Xtremme: Plan for your wedding, especially as a young couple. Many people take out loans, but we budgeted and made sure we wouldn’t have to worry about any debt because of our wedding.

One Piece actor Anton Jeftha has found love in the digital age with sweetheart Tegan Goldman

text : MASEGO SEEMELA

THE MEETING

Anton: We met in the DMs [direct messages] during the Covid-19 lockdown. We started talking on Instagram — it took us about a year to finally go out on a date. I was the one who slid in. Tegan: I’m from Gqeberha and had recently moved to Cape Town. Anton had come back to Cape Town from Los Angeles. Before we could meet [in real life], he got a role to act in Legacy and had to move to Joburg. So, we didn’t get an opportunity to meet until later in the year [December 2020]. We went on a few dates, but he had to move to Joburg permanently to continue on the show. Due to the distance, we didn’t get to see each other for many years, until he moved back to Cape Town in mid-2023. We didn’t really keep in touch. We’d just send each other birthday and Merry Christmas messages.

THE ATTRACTION

Tegan: I thought Anton was a Brazilian model [laughs], but he turned out to be from around here, which left me impressed. I thought he was a very attractive man, but when we got to know each other, I realised what a family guy he is and, being a family person myself, our connection grew even more. Anton: The same goes for me. When I first saw Tegan I saw something that left me intrigued, but once I got to know her, I was blown away by how much we had in common. Our families are also somewhat identical, which is very strange; even though she grew up in the Eastern Cape and I grew up in Cape Town, our parents are so similar.

DATING LIFE

Tegan: In April 2023, we started taking our relationship more seriously because Anton had moved back to Cape Town. He’d message me to come over or meet up for coffee. I wasn’t keen.

But I had a stack of books; he’d grab one, finish reading it within a day, and then take another book. This was his excuse to come back the following day just to see me. Anton: We decided to keep our relationship low-key for a year. I wanted to protect Tegan because I know how brutal my world can get. I wanted us to enjoy ourselves before we

shared our love with the world. We’re not particularly camping people, but we enjoy doing outdoorsy things. We’d join our families on hikes and trips. Our favourite thing was going to the gym together.

THE PROPOSAL

Anton: I was planning it in the background

for some time, from the beginning of 2024. I started designing a ring with a jeweller in Cape Town. I decided on a design that I thought she’d like, which took from February through 27 December 2024, when I proposed. We visited her family for Christmas. I put the ring in the safe as soon as we got to our hotel. I had to wait for the most opportune moment to get her dad alone. He didn’t say “yes” immediately, as he wanted to chat to his wife. They then had a meeting with both of us, but they didn’t give the game away to Tegan on what I was about to do — they just wanted to pick both of our brains to check if she was happy with our relationship. They finally said “yes” the night before we left. I then planned

the proposal with her sister and family. When Tegan said her goodbyes to her family, she had tears in her eyes because she didn’t know when she’d see her parents again — little did she know I had planned for them to follow us at a safe distance behind our car. I told Tegan we should go on a hike to the Tsitsikamma Bridge. There were a lot of tourists, which was frustrating because I didn’t want to make too much of a spectacle, but at the next incline, she turned around and found me on one knee.

THE WEDDING

Tegan: We were planning to get married this year on 27 February, with a 250-person guest list. We had decided on the décor and everything, but one day, we woke up and decided we needed to change our plan. We decided to do it sooner and have a smaller wedding. The initial plan was to have our wedding halfway between Cape Town and Gqeberha. This was for both our families to travel and meet in the middle. We chose The Hawthorn Boutique Hotel with a 65-person

guest list, which was intimate. We tied the knot on 19 December 2025. My very special moment was when Anton surprised me by singing my favourite song by Teddy Swims, God Went Crazy. He showed me that he had recorded the song in the studio for me, which was the highlight because I didn’t expect him to sing. His dad also sang for us when we entered the venue.

THE DRESS

Tegan: It didn’t take me long to find my dress. The first one I tried on, my two best friends were in tears, and I knew that was the one. I tried on others, but we all knew the first one was the one. I found it at Calegra Bridal House [in Cape Town]. I asked them to make the lace choker, as it didn’t come with one.

THE SUIT

Anton: It was by Frank Bespoke, whom I’ve worked with many times before. I reached out to him and he was more than happy to fit me and do something simple for me. I wanted a classic blackand-white suit with a slim fit.

TH E ART BEAUTY

pg. 14:

Mistra halterneck drape dress, R38 000; Ondetto Anthracite cupless corset, R48 000, both Viviers; equestrian boots, R6 290, Europa Art; bracelet, model’s own

ART OF BEAUTY

ON JOINING TOP BILLING AND REDEFINING BEAUTY, PLUS GETTING MARRIED AND DIRECTING ZOZIBINI TUNZI

The last time Zozibini Tunzi was featured in SMag was on the eve of her Miss Universe win in December 2019, when she changed attitudes towards beauty. “I was doe-eyed, fresh, new in the industry,” she remembers.

While she’s become a siren-eyed, seasoned icon, her narrative on transforming beauty standards has stayed the same. Tunzi remains a future-facing game-changer, moving the needle towards making the beauty industry more inclusive, driving innovation, and pioneering authentic representation. Whether being Miss Universe, collaborating with Nivea Micellar Water, or acting in Bad Influencer, she has always championed natural beauty, cultural heritage, and self-acceptance.

“I love where beauty is right now,” she says. “I feel like it is so much easier. Even in terms of makeup and trends, we are talking about a more natural, easier glow. I love Nivea, especially the product we are working on together, Nivea Micellar Water. I love that it’s effortless and you get that natural glow. Natural is something that I’ve always been. I appreciate that it has moved with the times and we’re now more about skincare and making sure that what is inside is reflected on the outside.”

Tunzi is making her debut as a presenter on the newly revamped Top Billing — yet another example of how her post-Miss Universe trajectory makes for a phenomenal entertainment career that goes far beyond the traditional definition of “beauty queen”. “I’ve always loved the arts, media, and entertainment. I’ve always known that’s where I was going, regardless of what happened in life, whether it was going to be through Miss SA, Miss Universe, or Top Billing. I’m an artist, I want to perform, and 2026 is the year of art for me,” Tunzi says.

Her addition to the lineup at Top Billing, which has been off air for six years, is a dream come true. She notes that it has been almost 10 years since she first auditioned for the Presenters Search competition.

“I auditioned and made it into the top 10. It’s a full-circle moment to be able to come back and check off this other thing that I’ve wanted to do,” she affirms. “It’s always about storytelling. It’s important to preserve culture, African culture, and tell it in such an elegant and beautiful way. To show Africans, Black people, in a beautiful light is very important to me. That’s how I first saw them on Top Billing, [and I appreciated] being able to see us achieve and do things. It’s such an aspirational show and such an important part of South African pop culture.”

Her first day on set was nothing short of magical, with her sharing the screen with businesswoman and producer Basetsana Kumalo, a former Miss Soweto, Miss South Africa 1994, and Miss World first runner-up.

“It was such a beautiful experience. I shot my first [segment] with Auntie B, Sis Bassie. She’s like, ‘Yeah, I’m Auntie B. Not Basatsana,’” Tunzi says. “That was pretty special. Again, [she’s] one of the people I looked up to, growing up. She was a Miss South Africa. She went on to do Miss World, and came back and built this empire. I always tell people that Miss South Africa or Miss Universe is only the beginning of the rest of your life. It’s what you do with the platform after that that makes it special.”

Away from the camera, Tunzi celebrated her first wedding anniversary with husband Luthando Bolowana in March.

pg. 17: Chain necklace, POR, Matthew Michael; deconstructed striped shirt dress, R14 770, Thebe Magugu; equestrian boots, R6 290, Europa Art

“I thought marriage would be magical and beautiful — and it has been exactly that,” she says. “We’re still in our honeymoon phase. I’ve been with him for a very long time, so this feels like a continuation of our lives. Not much has changed except that we’re married now. The biggest change, I guess, is being comfortable in knowing that this is my person for life. This is my life partner. I have someone next to me I can go through joys and troubles with … there’s something so comfortable when he’s there. I don’t have to worry about things at all.”

So, what advice does she have for single people?

“When you are picking that someone, you want to make sure that it’s a good someone, a kind someone, because life can get a little crazy. Somebody who balances you out, and also, love is not enough, hey? You have to [complement each other and] have the same values.”

HER CAREER EVOLUTION

pg. 18:

Top, R8 399, Diesel; chocolate skirt, R179; shoes, R120, both Mr P; blue stockings, stylist’s own

pg. 19:

De-Ansis-Fsh2 sleeve jacket, R8 999, Diesel; bowler bag, R159, Mr P; embellished bodysuit, R2 999; baggy trousers, R2 299, both Stella McCartney x H&M

HEART AND SOUL,

HE IS

LEADING MAN IN TOWN

Cover Man:

Chain necklace, POR, Matthew Michael; TAD print jacket, R21 999, Diesel; Sipho Mbuto skirt, R5 999, Africa Rise; tracksuit trousers, R299, Mr P; shoes, model’s own

pg. 25:

Cape tweed and silklamé double-breasted coat, R42 000; raw-silk Signature trousers, R20 500, both Viviers; shoes, model’s own

pg. 26:

Chain necklace, POR, Matthew Michael; Sky-Blue Khanga shirt, R22 500, Thebe Magugu; skirt, R229, Mr P; socks, model’s own; boots, R4 990, Europa Art

When actor Unathi Mkhize steps onto the set of his cover shoot on a chilly autumn morning, a day after the Easter long weekend, his glow lights up the room. It’s not just his fresh smile and smooth skin; there is a light from within, oozing with vigour and joy.

In that moment, it becomes clear to me that without wellness, there is no beauty. Now more than ever, the world is catching up to the idea that beauty comes from the inside out. The 27-year-old heartthrob understands this holistic approach to inner health all too well, and in his daily skin routine there is always a linkage between mind, body, and external aesthetics to enhance his physical radiance. When we break for a lunchtime chat later in the day, I learn that the beauty philosophy of “skin first” — dedicating quality care to grooming rather than covering flaws — is the backbone of his collaboration with the Nivea Derma Control deodorant range.

“Nivea is one of those brands where you get a brief and you just feel like that brief is for you,” he says. “Other brands … want to put you into their world. Nivea wants to come into your world. Then they come up with a new product that you didn’t think of. It’s not like you’re doing a normal deodorant. They are saying, ‘Have you ever thought of underarm skincare?’ And I started to think, ‘No, I haven’t,’ so let me try this product. I’ve been using it. I’m a huge believer in using the products you promote.”

Born in uMzimkhulu on KZN’s south coast, the middle child of three boys admits he was never the popular one while growing up. “A lot of these things are for my younger self. I was tiny and skinny,” he says. “I also had like these weird sores on my head. In my primary-school phase, no girl wanted me. There is a young kid in me that’s bruised. I remember that young kid searching for a place, belonging, approval, and external validation. I just want to prove to that guy that this is a life worth living. There is love worth giving. I offer something to the world. I share great energy, and that’s my purpose in life, trying to build a connection from that broken young man to the man I am right now.”

Mkhize follows a strict schedule for his workout routine and for fuelling his body. No surprise that he has the physique of a Greek god. When he

takes his shirt off on set, everyone is thirsting over his muscular torso. “5am is my wake-up time,” he shares. “Every day I have to do a 5km run, that’s really to shed the fat and keep the six-pack alive. Then, every day, it’s two hours of gym. If I’m doing hyrox, I specify the workout, and at the moment, I’m trying to work towards getting bigger. So I do more bodybuilding stuff.”

Having attended eight different schools by the time he was in matric, Mkhize notes that a creative career has always been his first choice. “I was the worst when it came to academics, but then there was this teacher,” he remembers. “She came to me and said, ‘Let’s go to a poetry class.’ It was the first time in my life that I was good at something. I was stimulated. From that moment, I’ve never looked back. It has been my safe place.”

Before his breakout role in The River as playboy Nkanyiso Hlophe in 2022, Mkhize was a lecturer at Afda Joburg, where he also obtained his honours degree in editing and directing. He had a smaller role on Is’phindiselo before hitting it big. Since The River, he has had supporting roles in Roomies, Levels, Blood Legacy, and Ithonga. For his next role, he won’t settle for anything less than leading man.

“I’ve probably rejected three or four roles offered to me this year that were supporting — I’m not interested in doing that at the moment,” he says. “I want something that’s going to challenge me and bring more range. Sometimes it’s not that you don’t have range, but you don’t have the space to show it. So I’m searching for the space to show it. I’ve done quite challenging and different roles from what I thought I would do. I thought I was going to be typecast as the ‘cheese boy’.”

But his most important role is the one he plays at home, as a proud father and fiancé.

“Fatherhood is the best thing. When my child was born, I was still on The River. I was so scared. It was three years ago, so I was 25. It was an oops,” he shares. “But luckily, it was with a long-time partner. Now, it’s the best thing ever. You see life from a different perspective. My son sees things in the simplest terms, which also helps me calm down and understand that you don’t need a lot of the external things to make you happy.”

Africa

Thebe

ACTING UP!

Have you noticed your skin starting to act up a little? Dry patches, tightness, increased sensitivity, dullness, breakouts, possibly even some redness? As temperatures drop and necklines rise, your skin is begging for some muchneeded attention. The transitional season — that tricky period when you’re wearing a vest in the morning and discarding your jacket by noon — is not the time to panic. Instead, take stock of your current grooming routine and deal with all the environmentally induced skin concerns affecting you right now. The best winter skincare routine is always the one that helps to protect, nourish, and hydrate the skin while addressing pressing concerns. Whether you need to streamline your arsenal or bolster defences with more hydration and soothing ingredients, our guide has just the thing.

RATHER THAN LETTING THE ELEMENTS GET THE BETTER OF YOU, ARM YOURSELF WITH THESE

One with nature

From weather-beaten skin to rained-out hair, the runways took inspiration from the elements. Slick Rick: The runways of Emporio Armani and Pronounce favoured the slicked-back, wet-look hair of the 1990s, reimagined to look cool and unbothered, with a slightly air-dried, damp, lived-in quality, as though caught in the rain or drenched after a dip in the ocean. Locks looked like they’d been dried on the go, casually combed back with fingers or left to their own devices. Coil revival: There was renewed appreciation for natural coils and curls on the runways of Dolce & Gabbana, Saint Laurent, and LGN Louis Gabriel Nouchi as models were sent out with short coifs that highlighted their natural texture. Not overly styled or fussed, hair was made to work with the elements, as natural textures play nicely with the effects of humidity. Wind-beaten: Take your cue from the runways of Dior, Louis Vuitton, Pronounce, and Juun.J, which looked to the elements for the coolest way to wear blush. Inspired by skin beaten by a chilly wind or flushed after a winter-morning run, blush is muted and lived-in, using deeper red or berry tones. For a natural finish, placement is crucial, so keep blush low in the cheek hollows, dragging down into the jawline.

LAMELLE RESEARCH LABORATORIES’ DR BRADLEY WAGEMAKER SHARES THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION FOR EFFECTIVE TRANSITIONAL SKINCARE

What are some of the biggest mistakes when adjusting skincare to the winter? Not switching to richer moisturisers, as using the same lightweight summer lotion can leave skin flaky in cold weather. Overexfoliating and using strong exfoliants can damage already drier winter skin. Skipping SPF is a huge mistake. People assume the sun isn’t an issue in winter, but UV rays can still cause damage. Ignoring hydration and omitting humectants or barrier-supporting ingredients can leave skin feeling tight and irritated. Using harsh cleansers can strip the skin of oils. What are the most common skin concerns as the seasons change? 1) Dehydration, as colder, drier air can strip moisture from the skin. 2) Sensitivity and irritation, as skin can become more reactive to products or environmental factors. 3) Issues like acne, eczema, or redness may worsen. Which summer skincare habits can one keep, and which should be retired? Gentle cleansing is vital, as it helps maintain clean skin without stripping oils. When using hydrating serums or humectants, look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture. Swap lightweight moisturisers for richer creams or barriersupporting lotions, and adjust the use of oilcontrolling products, as these may over-dry skin. What professional skin treatments are the most effective in winter? When you’ve had a peel or any other kind of treatment that removes the uppermost layers of your skin, it will become more sensitive to the sun. Winter is the ideal “peel season”.

FHATUWANI MUKHELI

The inspiration behind “Black Figuration”: The collection documents the lives of Black people in a beautiful way, demonstrating honour and pride • Through an artist’s lens, I’m looking at Renaissance work and then placing Black bodies in a time when they were largely excluded • Black people deserve great things too — they deserve peace, relaxation, opulence, royalty, and joy. Expo Chicago exhibition: I’m so excited. It’s been my dream to participate on the world stage, and Expo Chicago is one of the top-tier art fairs • I’ve always wanted to be part of the art world and not just hustle around it, which is what I’ve been doing • I can’t wait to see my world and my new collection presented on that stage • I want people to leave feeling pride and love for what I do and what I see in my people. How Soweto and Venda shaped my artistic acumen: I was born in Soweto, but during the December holidays, my parents would take us to Venda to spend time with my grandfather and extended family • Soweto is fast-paced, and you learn to be street-smart • In Venda, it’s rural, quiet, and rich in food, culture, traditions, and language • Experiencing both worlds shaped me into the man I am. Turning art into a career: In 2022, I applied to exhibit at the Venice Biennale, and they accepted me — not inside the main pavilion, but I was asked to send my work. • It was a moment of truth for me, when I knew this career is real; since then, I have given it my all. How dyslexia became my superpower: Being dyslexic made me feel inadequate and sidelined, and I was labelled as dumb by all my teachers • Dyslexia is a superpower. It has allowed me to interrogate things differently and has given me a better perspective on life • The beauty of it is that it has allowed me to experience hardship, which has made me resilient • Now, as an adult, I’m able to navigate through anything that, even when people say you won’t make it or you can’t do this, I’m able to do it regardless. Advice

The 41-year-old multi-disciplinaryartist tells of honouring Black lives in his latest collection, overcoming dyslexia, and showcasing at Expo Chicago

for parents raising dyslexic

children: Not being able to spell or read and write well is not a definition of being smart or dumb

• Protect and help your children • If your child is struggling with spelling, writing or reading, you can seek help • Be more present with your kids. Look at them, check on them, search online to see what the signs of dyslexia are and what help they need

• Support your kids with simple switches, such as using a font that dyslexic people find easier to read, and read more slowly • There’s nothing wrong with dyslexic people — you might be sitting with a superintelligent kid who is simply misunderstood. Tips for upcoming artists: Talent [on its own] is never enough • If you pair talent with hard work, you stand a good chance • It will be hard, and you will get many no’s; that’s why pursuing art must be first for you • Find a job outside your art that will sustain you and allow you to buy art supplies.