On page 164 of our October issue, Robyn Cooke, fashion writer, stylist and founder of Style Guide CT, travels to Berlin to discover its cool capital status.
We asked her for her take on what’s hot and stylish this summer:
3 favourite summer fashion trends?
My three favourite trends for this summer are focused on colour:
1. I love the black and white trend and it is the easiest trend in the world to get right.
2. I am so excited to wear soft, feminine, ice-cream colours this summer.
3. I am definitely going to introduce one item in bold, hot pink into my wardrobe. This season is going to be driven by colour.
Summer shopping hot spots?
When the sun is shining, I hit the streets. No need to cower in the malls anymore, hiding from the rain. I think our fantastic markets have the best of new local designer fashion and the stores along Cape Town’s Kloof, Long and Bree streets offer the best in variety.
Stylish supper venues?
Sitting outside at Societi Bistro in Cape Town is my summer supper indulgence. I am also a fan of hot dogs and local live music in the beer garden at &Union. Stylish and cool, that’s the perfect pairing.
And for sundowners?
Catching the last of the rays on the deck of the Raddison at the V&A Waterfront is hard to beat for sundowners in summer. But I am usually out at my country home in Stanford, where the sun sets over the mountains as I look out across my lavender-strewn garden. Now that is proper relaxation.
Your must-have sunglasses…
Hand-made Cutler and Gross or vintage Paloma Picasso. I have prescription lenses, so investing in great frames is an absolute must. If I were to pick up a fun, fashion pair for the season, I would snatch the floral bedecked Dolce & Gabbana shades in a heartbeat. They are super cool and just shout ‘summer’.
Beach bag essentials?
Sun block! I have at least four different varieties of sunblock in my beach bag as premature aging is not on my agenda. Then I add an iPad with my books and music on it. Throw in a straw sun visor, a light-weight scarf and a kaftan and I am good to go.
Healthy summer snacks?
I love fruit, but it is very high in sugar, so I snack on Richard Bosman’s chorizo made from pasture-reared, free-range pork and biltong sticks. It is great for anyone on a paleo diet, and super tasty. Then when I need to indulge I grab an ice cream. It creates a healthy emotional balance as it makes me very happy!
Best summer-time getaway?
I always head to the tiny village of Stanford in the Overberg for three weeks in the summer. It is ten minutes from the Hermanus beaches, filled with fun village activities and is ideal for daily walks and playing in the river.
The swimwear you need this summer?
I am so excited that full-piece swimsuits have staged a comeback. I am a huge fan of 50s-style designs and those that flatter and support a fuller figure. Dax Martin does the best of the local designers, and his swimsuits are made entirely locally. And they are affordable. I am just deciding which one to get right now!
Any tips to stay in shape?
If I had advice on staying in shape, maybe I would be in better shape. But I can say that I thoroughly enjoy adult ballet classes and yoga. I hope to take up Pilates this summer and I also regularly take a walk along the Sea Point promenade, which is like your social life and exercise all in one. There is nothing so fun as to stride along, waves crashing on the one side, sublime mountain views on the other, chatting to mates and greeting all those familiar Cape Town faces. It’s a blast and so good for you.