By Kerry Hayes, Photography Christoph Hoffman
Every couple of months I get to feel like a bit of a celebrity, when I have photos taken for my Ed’s Note page. I like to do a couple at a time for practicality (so if you see the same hairstyle over a couple of issues, now you know why!)
So it was with great anticipation that I jetted off to Sandton last Wednesday to visit the Jenni Button showroom to source my outfits for the next couple of months. The collections were beautiful, from ready-to-wear to haute couture, and choosing just a couple of things from amongst the glittering, elegant and feminine selections was difficult. But it had to be done, so with ruthless focus and self-discipline I narrowed the selection down to three, signed everything out with the charming assistants, and took the outfits home, ready to accessorise and carry along the next day for my three hours of glamour.
Jenni Button has impressed me by more than just the outfits: firstly, she’s South African so that’s a huge plus (grin); secondly, she has an amazing business ethic where she promotes the empowerment of underprivileged women, creating special handiwork projects for them like embroidery and beading. These gorgeous additions to her clothing can be seen worldwide in her collections – exported as far as London, Paris, Geneva and New York.
Our location for the shoot was one well known and admired in elegant hotel circles. Tsogo Sun’s gorgeous Palazzo Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg, imbues all that is glamorous and opulent, from the grand fountain at the entrance, to the luxurious details within.
We were escorted to the Presidential Suite, a truly magnificent room fit for, well, the president, which was to be home base for my changes in attire for each shot. Marble, plush furnishings and mahogany extended throughout, from the welcoming foyer, through to the enormous en suite bedroom/bathroom (complete with a Victoria bath overlooking the stretching lawns outside), private study and separate dining room for eight guests. Our host, Amanda Murray, took us for a quick tour of some of the other suites, which the Palazzo is busy renovating with the help of renowned interior designer, David Muirhead – from gorgeous textured wallpaper, to luxurious draping and small touches like an individual pod-coffee-machine in every room.
Back in the suite, gentle classical music floated throughout, as I made ready for my first (very chilly!) shot. This took us down to the rose garden, which was pruned and ready for spring, but beautiful with rolling lawns, a water feature and spots of colour from the manicured flower beds. An arching pillared walkway stretched to an ornate gate, with direct access to Montecasino – superb for guests wanting to enjoy a spot of entertaining, great dining, theatre or comedy.
Then it was up again for the next change. After a few poses in yet another gorgeous and elegant Jenni Button frock, a knock on the door revealed freshly baked pastries and croissants, along with aromatic Earl Grey tea and French-plunger coffee for a moment’s respite, served with a smile. I was more than ready for the five-star refreshments and felt quite royal as I sat comfortably on one of the velvety occasional chairs, admiring the view and chatting about the 13-year-old hotel and its history with photographer Christoph Hoffmann.
Originally conceptualised as a mainstream hotel, the idea of the Palazzo quickly developed into far more than that, bringing in Tuscan and Baroque characteristics to create an exquisite and unforgettable destination, be it for a vacation or for business. The culinary side of the hotel draws from Mediterranean influences, giving you incredible choice for the palate; and a fully equipped business centre allows you to tap into the office quickly and efficiently.
It was so difficult choosing a spot for each shot – there were so many, each with its own allure and charm. But we finally got the last outfit captured, and I was very sad to pack everything away in the shiny Jenni Button bag, to return to the store.
All in all, I’d say it was a great way to spend a work day! Many thanks to Jenni Button and Tsogo Sun’s Palazzo Hotel for looking after us.
But wait, there’s more! You could also feel like a glamorous celebrity – answer these two questions and you could win a night’s stay at the stunning Tsogo Sun Palazzo Hotel, on a bed & breakfast basis (Ts & Cs apply; subject to availability, flights not included; own transport to and from the hotel).
1. What suite did the Palazzo Hotel book for us for the day?
2. Why would you like to win this fabulous prize, and spend a night like a celebrity at the Palazzo Hotel?
Competition ends 30 August 2013.
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