Red carpet shine

All eyes were on the red carpet when the winning celebrity-inspired pieces of the PlatAfrica 2012 Design Competition were announced on 6 November in Johannesburg, at the launch of the third annual issue of jewellery and luxury book SHINE (and the Afrikaans version, SKITTER). A floral tri-pendant neckpiece designed for Charlize Theron, an astonishing platinum-enhanced take on stilettos imagined for Oprah Winfrey and a bold futuristic ring created for Tulisa Contostavlos were the show-stopping winners unveiled at the event, and are showcased in the magazine's current issue.

The launch, which was hosted by the Mercedes-Benz Lifestyle Centre, was an extravaganza of fashion and design coordinated by Jan Malan, a name synonymous with SA fashion. Featured along with the glitter and glow of gorgeous jewellery were the designs of Malcolm KLûK and Christiaan Gabriel Du Toit, the creative forces behind the South African fashion label KLûK CGDT and a host of celebrities were in attendance, including Gugu Zulu - affectionately known as the 'fastest brother in Africa', Survivor and Fear Factor contestant Letshego Moshoeu, fashion designer Craig Jacobs and 'Step Up or Step Out' reality television presenter Dalen Lance.

The announcement of the PlatAfrica winners is a regular SHINE/SKITTER highlight, and the magazine features the winning designs from the competition, now in its fourteenth year. The theme of this year's competition was 'Red Carpet Platinum', with the designers briefed to conceive pieces for specific celebrities, and the winning creations are guaranteed to attract the lens of any paparazzi.

Sponsored by Anglo American Platinum, the competition reflects the company's promotion of local design and manufacture, and celebrates the best of South African platinum design, with entries from students just starting out to established designers.

Bling it on:

SHINE/SKITTER was first launched in 2009 and the annual full-size glossy magazine showcases top local and international jewellery and luxury brands. It is bagged with the bumper December issues of three top women's magazine titles - FAIRLADY, Sarie and True Love -- offering readers an extra read gleaming with bling, style, trends and celebrity photos.

This issue of SHINE/SKITTER also offers precious rewards for lucky competition entrants, with a combined total giveaway of R92,000 to be won, including a fabulous pair of Diamond Studs courtesy of Beverly Jewellers, a stunning cocktail ring courtesy of the Jewellery Council, and a gorgeous his-hers set of watches from Michel Herbelin.
SHINE/SKITTER is bagged with Fairlady, Sarie and True Love magazines and will be on sale from mid November.