Shopping in Cape TownBy Barbara Kingstone
It seemed so appropriate for a shopping column when I read an email which a friend had sent me . It was a take off of Psalm 23 but in shop-ese. “Give us this day, our Visa Gold, And forgive us our balance, As we forgive those who charge us interest”. After visiting the various shopping areas in Cape Town, South Africa, that so-called Dark Continent, the flash of the plastic was seemed to light up every boutique at the several shopping areas I visited. My homework could have easily become a work hazard since the temptation to buy was ever present. Sure there were the imports from Europe, America and Asia, but the emphasis for this column is on made in South Africa products. Since one of the busiest shopping areas is the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, it seemed the place to start. Since I had been there before, naturally, I went back to the shops which a few years ago were excellent. All were still thriving and the array of terrific articles from crafts to diamonds designs were still mind boggling.. Because African Heritage, in business for 11 years, (shop 103 in Victoria Wharf) is near the main entrance, this small but significant shop became my starting point. Hand made, one of a kind, limited editions African jewellery makes a great statement. Now along with cocoa beads, silver and semi-precious stones are handmade, clay “beer pots” which have an incredible contemporary look. The mall is dotted with kiosks with very interesting articles and shouldn’t be dismissed. Dargant, a contender for jewellery, is not far from the above shop. Their very interesting assortment of silver and gold designs includes charms, rings, brooches, bracelets and neckpieces with a wonderfully knowledgeable salesperson to tell you if there’s an symbolism. Another kiosk near by, is Osiri’s (Barrow Court Lower Level), where there are wonderful socks and ties with African motifs, the perfect, easy to pack and light to carry gift for men, women and children. Who could possibly pass Crazy bout Cape Town ( (Shop 132) with their plethora of children’s clothing, again studded with colourful African animals. Outfits are from outer wear to t-shirts to party wear. For absolutely everything from kitchen towels to exotic masks and ostrich eggs, Out of Africa (Shop 6147) is a must for that special gift for yourself or a friend. Its large selection is a draw for the cognizanti. “Our business is many to the locals,” says the sales person at Carrol Boyes (Shop 6180 , Lower Level) at their newly opened gallery-looking store, tells me. Boyes has been exporting her functional art silver pewter items to the US and Canada for several years. The curves of the handles of her flatware are her signature. But she’s added to her inventory and now has trolleys, large bowls with the whimsy bases being held up by a pewter figures. The beaded place mates, the best selling water jug and the colander don’t stay in stock too long.. If you going to walk, and one does in this city, then Planisphere (Shop 6178) is the place to buy shoes. They take the best from the European and American designs and are able to have them manufactured at a fraction of the price. Over the years, I’ve found the quality and comfort hard to beat. And when new designs come in, this small boutique is heel to heel. Upstairs on the second level is Indaba ( shop 1) where there’s some of the best carefully selected curios including placemats, pillows, carved masks beaded jewellery hand painted dishes.. If your plans include going into the bush perfect then Out of this World (Shop 6147). Not far at Shop 6274 is Olga Jewellery Design Studio- haute couture of fine jewellery and a family owned business, where Olga herself, greets clients. This stunning woman is the perfect model for the serious, high priced pieces she designs. Diamonds may be the same price just about everywhere in the world, but it’s the design that shine through here. Labour is much cheaper in S.A, hence the price tag for comparable jewellery is much better and besides you do get the 14% tax rebate .The mall is just one huge source but outside, where the marina sparkles with large yachts and the water glistens is the Old Port Captain’s building where the three story African Trading Port is located. For the largest selection of quality African crafts, this is the place to visit. The sales staff is knowledge and can tell where each item is made. Not far is the Craft Market where the stalls are filled with items by local artisans. There’s a freshness about these designers and the range goes from clothing to crockery to wood designs. Knowing that most travellers want to bring home momentos for themselves or for gifts, The Red Shed is another building filled with innovated designer’s wares and price points are most agreeable. A stall to look for is Masizakhe (Xhoso for, Let’s grow together) with innovative recycled wired items. Before leaving the waterfront area, check out ClockTower Building’s, African Origins (#115) for a treasure trove of unusual ceramics, Ndebele dolls and African bags. Although transportation is needed to get to Green Point, it is, in fact only about 5 Km away. However, few people walk, so concerned are they about crime element, which I didn’t observe or was even aware of. Once known for its colourfully painted houses in this Malay area, there is now a booming and very chic shopping square. Tank, the trendiest Restaurant that had just opened (Shop B15, 72 Waterkant Street, Tel 21 419 0007) where reservations are a must, has the usual group of beautiful fashionistas lounging at the bar near the huge aquarium that separates the room from the cool blue restaurant.. The blue floor lighting surprisingly, makes everyone look years younger. It’s botox-free heaven. New wave sushi and Pacific Rim cuisine with a photo op presentation, is a perfect fusion. Within that complex is ICUBA where t-shirts take on a new meaning with the smart mixing of fabrics and colours. Although the modern bathtubs and sinks may be too much to consider packing, Komaneka Stoneware, has wonderful stone soap holders, candle sticks and towels. It’s worth a look if only for design inspiration. My favourite, just around the corner, is African Nova (Main Street), where the sculptors and beaded men, the hanging hand made paper window treatment and the jewelley are awesome, surely the best collection in the city. If time just leaps away, the airport’s Out of Africa is duty free with a huge selection of just about everything African including beaded Yuroba arm chairs. TIPS All purchases have tax rebate of about 12%-14%. However, always ask the vendors for a tax rebate form, have it stamped at the Tourist office building at the waterfront or other stamping bureaus before going to the airport…just to save time and energy. Otherwise you chance the huge line-ups where custom officials often demand to see your purchases. For your cash refund, there’s another line up to get your cheque cashed at the nearby bank. So bottom line, have all forms stamped and avoid one often- long queue. ) I flew to Cape Town with South African Airways and stayed at Cape Grace Hotel, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Tel 27 21 410 7100
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