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Dominique Lamoer
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The hottest topics and the latest trends
Your Summer Fit
How to make SS25’s best trends your own
Hi I’m Luka, and I’m a fashion girlie.
And we could wax lyrical about whether or not Jonathan Anderson is a good fit at Dior, Anna Wintour’s contributions to Vogue and the fashion industry as a whole, or who wore what at the Durban July and whether or not I liked it.
But what about what you wear, how you style it and what it means to you? So instead let’s unpack what we like and how to apply it in practical and real ways.
Euro-summer isn’t just a time of year in beautiful locations; it’s a whole feeling! Wishing for Aperol afternoons in Lake Como; poolside loungers dripping in Jacquemus’ pastels and sticky ice cream fingers near the Cote D’Azur; diving into sparkling blue waters, yacht culture and Saint Laurent raffia boho bags.
Let’s talk how to wear SS25’s best trends right now, how to transition them to fit your summer wardrobe and what’s worth keeping long-term in your closet. Think a flowy boho dress paired with an oversized leather jacket and boots for winter, and switch it out for strappy sandals or sneakers in summer.
We’re wearing crisp shirts and layering them under a casual suit that transitions with white trousers or fresh linens when the weather is ready, or a knit dress that can be layered with your favourite cosy sweater till the weather plays along.
Butter Yellow
The season’s biggest colour doesn’t just look delicious, it’s also timeless and a perfect fit for almost every skin tone. Whether you prefer it in a suit, a tailored shirt, a flowy set or a cosy knit; butter yellow is soft and easy to style. It plays well with oceanic blues and peony pink in the warmer months; and burgundy, mocha brown and any neutral during chillier weather.
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Polka dots
No, not your granny’s polka dots. Think chic, timeless and classic. Miu Miu sent it down Paris runways in sheer and dreamy silhouettes and Valentino chose to showcase it in tailored and structured forms. When it comes to styling it for yourself, black and white will never disappoint, navy is strong and red is sassy. Even find it in black and butter yellow combinations or barely there blue for something more ethereal.
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White / Off White
White and white and more white; whether like snow, creamier or leaning grey if that’s your fancy. White on white and in soft, dreamy silhouettes or perfect tailoring. Think fabrics that feel like luxury- silk, lace, cotton. These don’t age or tire, can be dressed up or down and always feel timeless. If you’re a little more fearless, consider Chloe levels of sheer or keep it more conservative with tastefully placed cut-outs and full, voluminous structure.
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Why Many South Africans Are Over Mandela Day
Every year on July 18th, South Africans—and the world—are asked to give 67 minutes of their time in honour of Nelson Mandela's life and legacy. Known as Mandela Day, this symbolic act represents the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for social justice, aiming to inspire global citizens to make a positive impact in their communities.
But increasingly, a growing number of South Africans are expressing fatigue, disillusionment, or outright frustration with the day. While many still respect Mandela's contributions to the country, the ceremonial nature of Mandela Day and its growing disconnect from everyday realities have shifted public sentiment. Here's why some South Africans feel they're "kinda over" Mandela Day:
1.
Symbolism Without Substance
For many, Mandela Day has become performative—a once-meaningful act reduced to photo ops and PR exercises. Companies repaint schools, hand out sandwiches, or plant trees for an hour, only to return to business as usual. Critics argue that the day has become more about branding than systemic change. "67 minutes once a year doesn't fix 365 days of poverty," is a refrain commonly heard.
2.
Growing Socioeconomic Inequality
South Africa continues to struggle with stark inequality, high unemployment, poor public services, and a deepening crisis of governance. In a country where over half the population lives in poverty, many feel Mandela Day glosses over the daily struggles of ordinary people. The symbolic gestures are seen as a distraction from the real structural reforms needed to address the sea of service delivery issues that South Africans face daily—housing shortages, load shedding, failing infrastructure, and corruption.
3.
Mandela's Legacy: Celebrated or Sanitised?
Nelson Mandela is undeniably a global icon, but his legacy is not without controversy. Some younger South Africans question whether the reconciliation-first approach of the 1990s came at the expense of economic justice. They argue that the negotiated settlement preserved white economic dominance, leaving generations of Black South Africans with political freedom but little economic empowerment. For this cohort, Mandela Day can feel like an uncritical celebration of a compromise they never agreed to.
4.
Disillusionment with the ANC and Political Elites
Mandela Day is closely tied to the African National Congress, aka the "oh so loved" ANC, the party Mandela once led. However, with the ANC tainted in corruption scandals, service delivery failures, and declining credibility, Mandela's legacy is often used to prop up a party many feel has betrayed its promises. Celebrating Mandela can feel hypocritical when his successors appear to have abandoned the values he stood for.
5.
Shifting Priorities Among Young People
A new generation of activists and thinkers in South Africa is demanding more than charity—they want justice, redistribution, accountability, and lasting change. Movements like #FeesMustFall, climate justice campaigns, and youth-led economic empowerment programs are focused on systemic transformation, not symbolic action. For these young South Africans, Mandela Day feels outdated, even patronising for some.
What Should Replace It?
Rather than abandoning Mandela Day entirely, some propose reimagining it. This could mean:
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Turning symbolic acts into sustained community programs.
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Redirecting corporate resources toward long-term investment in skills, education, and infrastructure.
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Using the day as a platform for civic engagement and government accountability, rather than just charity.
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Creating space for critical reflection, not just celebration.
Nelson Mandela's legacy is far too important to be reduced to a single day of Mandela's gestures. South Africans aren't rejecting Mandela's ideals—they're calling for a more honest reconsideration of how Mandela's ideals have been implemented, distorted, or ignored. Mandela Day, in its current form, may have lost its impact. But the conversation around it reflects a society still deeply engaged in defining what justice, freedom, and dignity truly mean.
And that, in its own way, is a tribute to Madiba's enduring influence.
UMSILA WENKOMO
As we reflect on the profound legacy of our beloved Madiba, we are reminded of the countless lessons he taught us about love, leadership, and perseverance. His mark on our nation will forever be etched in our collective consciousness, inspiring us to strive for greatness.
One of the most enduring symbols of our country's rich cultural heritage is Madiba's favourite, Umsila wenkomo, aka Oxtail Stew, a dish that embodies the very essence of our nation's spirit. The ox, strong and resilient (stubborn… wink wink ;), is a fitting metaphor for the South African people, who have faced countless challenges and emerged stronger and more united as a result.
When we combine this noble ingredient with humble, lovingly prepared ingredients and add a dash of time and attention, we are rewarded with a dish that is at once rich, comforting, and more-ish. It's a true reflection of our nation's ability to transform even the most ordinary elements into something extraordinary.
Ingredients:
1kg oxtail
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp mixed herbs
Oil for frying
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, diced
2 bay leaves
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
150g green beans, chopped
1 tin (400g) copped tomatoes
200ml dry red wine
500ml beef stock (1 knorr bouillon)
STEPS:
Step 1: In a large sealable container, place flour, paprika, mixed herbs, salt and pepper to taste, and your oxtail. Close and give it all a good shake!
Step 2: Now that your oxtail is beautifully coated, fry in shallow oil on all sides till golden, around 5 minutes.
Step 3: With your oxtail placed to the side, add your onion, celery, garlic and carrots to the pot, frying till nice and aromatic. Around 5 minutes.
Step 4: Return oxtail to the pot with fried off vegetables, and add your wine, stock, tomatoes and bay leaves. Cover your pot with a layer of foil, and then with oven proof lid. (you can transfer from pot to an oven proof dish if needed).
Place pot in the oven, for 3 hours.
After 3 hours give your oxtail a good stir, add water/wine if needed, and add your chopped beans. Now return to the oven for another 1 hour.
Remove from oven, allow to stand for 30 minutes, serve with and enjoy!
The beauty of this, you can serve it with anything, from rice, to pap, to samp and beans (Umngqusho), mash potato and ofcourse if you really want to put in the time, DOMBOLO!
COC' Tales
Salutations, celebrations and congratulations!
Back To School
Videographer:
Given Mashego, Sisa Canca, Emmah Ngomane, Tebogo Moletsane, and Washu Ratshiungo
BoxOffice
Here Are Your Top Six Titles That You Can Rent On BoxOffice for July to August.
DIRECTOR: Joe Johnston
CAST: Sam Neill, William H. Macy, Téa Leoni
A decidedly odd couple with ulterior motives convince Dr. Grant to go to Isla Sorna for a holiday, but their unexpected landing startles the island's new inhabitants.
DIRECTOR: Gerard Johnstone
CAST: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ronny Chieng
A mystery-filled sci-fi thriller that will take you on a gory roller coaster ride. M3GAN is a life-like doll programmed to be a child’s best friend. Although her “friendship” with a young girl has unimaginable consequences.
DIRECTOR: James Madigan
CAST: Katherine Brunt, Lucas Reyes, Aaron Hunter
Fans of Bullet Train will enjoy this chaotic, fun, over-the-top and high-stakes showdown aboard a plane. A mercenary takes on a job to secure and deliver a high-value target on a flight swarming with assassins assigned to kill them both.
