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BONANG TAKES NEW YORK

17 Sep 2012
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In case you didn’t know (and if you don’t, it’s time to get a Twitter account) our October cover star is Bonang Matheba! Yes. All it took was an invitation to shoot the Louis Vuitton resort collection in New York and editor Jackie Burger, senior fashion director Poppy Evans and photographer Justin Polkey set off to the Big Apple with SA’s It-girl in tow. The exclusive shoot in which Queen B wears prints inspired by the legendary artist Yayoi Kusama, is a fashion moment that we will never forget! Turn to page 44 of the October issue to read the full story, ‘Who’s that Girl?’ Here we get the scoop from SA’s celebrity darling herself as she dishes on shoot day, fashion, and what’s on her radar. Plus, join us behind the scenes of our cover shoot that we are extremely proud of!

Who’s that girl? Read the full story on page 44 of the October issue.

Highlight of the shoot?

Being at the opening of the Louis Vuitton Store on 5th Avenue in New York and being spotted by the street fashion bloggers of New York magazine. That was quite cool. They loved my outfit that day – I was wearing clothing from the Winter 2011 Collection of Louis Vuitton.

Bonang dressed in head-to-toe Louis Vuitton, of course!

Describe your personal style.

It’s very glamorous and sometimes over the top. It’s very trendy yet always elegant. It depends and relies on my mood, though. My feelings will determine the colours I wear, the items I pick and the make-up I wear.

The team and Bonang met Yayoi Kusama at the launch of her range at Louis Vuitton’s 5th Avenue, New York store.

Yayoi Kusama exhibition

Aha moments?

It was in New York and with Louis Vuitton! That alone was phenomenal. It’s not every day that you go on a shoot and mingle with the CEO of a billion dollar luxury goods company. It is the highlight of my career so far – no doubt about it.

Kusama 5th Avenue windows

What’s on your summer wish list?

A Yayoi Kusama tote bag, an all-expenses-paid trip to Bora Bora and Swarovski-encrusted Apple iPad.

Favourite shot and why?

The one where I’m wearing the blue Louis Vuitton coat and the Louis Vuitton scarf as a turban. That look was very African inspired and very far from the typical ‘Bonang’ look.

‘We shot the cover on a hot and humid summer’s day in NYC but the team was on a roll as ever-professional Bonang transformed the Louis Vuitton collection in to the “universally beautiful and happy” designs Yayoi Kusama envisaged.’ – Jackie Burger

The Louis Vuitton Yayoi Kusama collection

How do you feel about your hair being styled into a bob?

I felt ‘in character’. Like an actress preparing for an Oscar winning role, I loved it. I was happy that I was being captured in a completely different way. No curls, long eyelashes, bling bling. I was digging deep into my other personalities.

Renowned hairstylist Seiji working his magic of the lovely Bonang.

Any funny moments on shoot day?

The entire shoot had hilarious moments. Poppy is extremely funny and had the entire team in stitches throughout.

Giselle from Louis Vuitton SA with our cover star.

Which local designers are you loving and why?

Gert Johan Coetzee, naturally. I’ve been the face of his couture line for over three years now and I fall in love with the brand more and more each time. I also LOVE Avant, their clothes are very modern, very chic and very Victoria Beckham.

What’s on your radar?

My new fragrance, my new TV show, my handbag line (which will be available at a major retailer soon) and my second TV production.

Which woman do you most admire?

There are two – Basetsana Kumalo and Carol Bouwer.

Has there been a moment that changed your life?

Too many to mention but the one that stands out because it changed my life forever was landing the job on the music show Live on SABC 1. I have since left the show after five years to start my own TV show and work on my second TV production under my production company, Bonang Matheba Entertainment.

Best for a girl’s night out?

The VIP Room at the Michaelangelo Towers.

Favourite place for sundowners?

The balcony at my house. It has the best of everything!

What did you want to be growing up?

A pre-school teacher or neurosurgeon.

Who do you love following on Twitter and why?

Rachel Zoe because I love her, Sbosh Mafu because she is hilarious, Sentletse because he is so wise and ‘The Illuminati’ because they dish out some great advice.

What’s on your iPod?

Goyte’s new album, Making Mirrors.

Want more Bonang? Follow us on Pinterest to see Bonang’s Pinterest Board for ELLE here! Plus we’ve got pics of Bonang on Instagram! Follow us at ELLEmagazineSA

Photographs: Justin Polkey, Fashion Director: Poppy Evans. Fashion: The Louis Vuitton Yayoi Kusama collection. Hair cut: Kevin Epstein / Hairstylist: Seiji at the wall group / Make up: David Tibolla at Next Management