The latest adorable kids fashions for Eid - your perfect excuse to go shopping!

WITH Eid celebrations just around the corner,emphasis is placed on togetherness, spending time with, and appreciating family and friends, and instilling in children a love of Eid, which will always remain with them.

As it is considered Sunnah to wear your best or new clothes at Eid, why not pick up something extra special for the children at one of the many children’s retailers at Cavendish Square?

And, while you’re at Cavendish Square, you can also buy presents, stock up your fridge for a special meal and buy some decorations to spruce up your house so that when the children wake up on Eid morning, the house looks festive and special.

For non-Muslim shoppers looking for perfect excuses to go shopping, the latest Spring/Summer children’s fashion ranges, which have recently launched at most of the Cavendish Square children’s fashion retailers, offer you all that and more!

Become a fan of Cavendish Square on Facebook and be the first to know about
fabulous special offers, promotions and competitions.

Visit www.cavendish.co.za or call 021 657 5600 for further information.

CAVENDISH SQUARE CREATES A STIR AT THE GOOD FOOD & WINE SHOW

STAND WINS GOLD FOR "MOST INTERACTIVE STAND ON SHOW"

The Cavendish Square Comtesse Alexia Champagne Lounge proved to be the showstopper of the Good Food & Wine Show held at the CTICC over the weekend. Cavendish Square won the Gold Award for “Most Interactive Stand” for the stylish design, conceptual and interactive elements of the stand, enthusiasm of the staff, superlative services and the finest attention to detail.

Said Madrie Verwey – Marketing Manager for Cavendish Square, “We wanted to create a lifestyle experience at the show which could highlight the diverse range of products and retailers available at Cavendish Square, and our aim was to make sure that as many people as possible were exposed to the Cavendish Square brand, so we are absolutely thrilled to have such high accolades at our first ever showing at the Good Food & Wine Show.”

The Cavendish Square stand was without doubt one of the busiest at the show and this was due to the constant activities and the “fashiontainment” on the stand. This was based on the concept of “How to rule the dinner party” – a clever play on the royalty theme.

Local stylist and blogger, Kim Gray, changed the settings four times a day for actors to enjoy a French Riviera Brunch, Fashion Lunch, Pret a PorTEA, and Baroque Banquet utilising product available from Cavendish Square home and interiors stores such as Isabelina, Poetry, House and Interiors, Maya’s Kitchen and Fabulous Flowers.

The actors were styled in different outfits for each scene by Cavendish Square’s exclusive fashion retailers, such as Long Street, Michiko London, Slate, Nicci Boutique and Holmes Brothers. In addition, food, wine and Champagne flowed throughout the day, thanks to the generous Cavendish Square restaurants (Crave, Doppio Zero, JB Rivers, Mugg & Bean, Ocean Basket and Col’Cacchio) and to Comtesse Alexia French Champagne, Parlotones Wines and Dewetshof Wines for the wine and champagne tastings.

Woolworths wine selector and Wine Editor of Taste Magazine, the legendary Allan Mullins hosted intimate tasting sessions on a daily basis at the Cavendish Square Comtesse Alexia Champagne Lounge.

Another real attraction to the Cavendish Square Comtesse Alexia Champagne Lounge was the opportunity to win a trip for two to see the Royal Wedding in Monaco courtesy of Pentravel, Emirates Airlines and Cavendish Square.

Added Madrie Verwey, “Cavendish Square has further extended the life of this campaign by photographing all the elements of the stand and placing these images on Facebook in order for customers to see exactly where everything is from.”

For more information, visit the Cavendish Square website; www.cavendish.co.za or become a fan of the Cavendish Square facebook fan page.

RULE THE DINNER PARTY & ACT LIKE ROYALTY - YOUR PERFECT EXCUSE TO GO SHOPPING!

In celebration of “ the Royal wedding fever” which has swept the world, and Cavendish Square’s official status as the Cape Town shopping partner to the Good Food & Wine Show, the centre is hosting some all together royal affairs.

Just when you thought wedding fever had died down, a second wave is building with the “other” royal wedding celebrations about to begin in Monaco. South Africa’s very own Charlene Wittstock marries long-time bachelor Prince Albert of Monaco in a two day celebration event on 1 and 2 July, and unlike Britain, where subjects had to camp outside the palace gates, Monaco will throw open their gates to all Monaco nationals for a buffet and show by French composer Jean-Michel Jarre on the first evening, after the civil wedding.

The religious wedding takes place on the second day. Cavendish Square is keeping with the “royal theme” by creating the Comtesse Alexia Champagne lounge at the Good Food & Wine Show which takes place at the CTICC from 26 – 29 May. Be sure pop in for a visit at the Cavendish Square Comtesse Alexia Champagne lounge where you will get all the information you need to be the queen or king of the dinner party.

Top local stylist, Kim Gray, will share secrets of how to design a dinner table fit for a royal banquet whilst top Cavendish Square restaurants will provide delectable treats for all those visiting the Cavendish Square Champagne lounge.

Woolworths Wine personality, Allan Mullins will host intimate food & wine pairing with Parlotones wines and Comtesse Alexia Champagne tasting sessions. Plus, as one of leading fashion destinations in South Africa, visitors to the Cavendish Square Comtesse Alexia Champagne Lounge can except the extraordinary and will be enthralled as the centre showcases “Dinner party wear” available at Cavendish Square in four “Fashiontainment” segments per day.

For detailed information on the daily programmes and a chance to WIN tickets to the Good Food & Wine Show, become a fan of Cavendish Square on Facebook.


WIN A TRIP FOR TWO TO THE ROYAL WEDDING IN MONACO

Pentravel, Emirates Airlines and Cavendish Square bring you a once in a life time opportunity to see South African born, Charlene Wittstock marry her Prince Charming – Prince Albert of Monaco.

The Prize includes four nights accommodation in Monte Carlo, Monaco at the iconic Fairmount Hotel from 30 June to 4 July on a bed and breakfast basis, return flights to Nice, and transfers from Nice to Monaco. To enter and for terms and conditions, go to www.cavendish.co.za.

WIN A TRIP FOR TWO TO SEE THE ROYAL WEDDING IN MONACO!

Pentravel, Emirates Airlines and Cavendish Square bring you a once in a life time opportunity to see South African born, Charlene Wittstock marry her Prince Charming – Prince Albert of Monaco.

The Prize includes four nights accommodation in Monte Carlo, Monaco at the iconic Fairmount Hotel from 30 June to 4 July on a bed and breakfast basis, return flights to Nice, and transfers from Nice to Monaco. To enter and for terms and conditions, go to www.cavendish.co.za.

CAVENDISH SQUARE HAS CYCLING FEVER!

[Cape Town - Tuesday 8 March 2011] Award winning shopping centre, Cavendish Square has long been Capetonians perfect excuse to go shopping and now, the centre is also the perfect excuse to "go carbo-loading" and "gear up for cycling!"

Whether you're riding in the biggest cycle tour in the world this year, or watching from the sidelines, the various events and promotions that Cavendish Square has planned are sure to thrill you!

CAPE ARGUS HISTORICAL CYCLING PICTURES DISPLAY - 7 to 13 March 2011 in Centre Court, Cavendish Square

Don't miss this fantastic display of photographs that highlight the Cape Argus' association with cycling over the past 30 years. The pictures are sorted into categories and include old photos from the 1980s, epic crashes, wind, rain and heat, cycle action, scenic shots, arty pictures, pictures of the start finish and aftermath, celeb pictures, and shots of tandems, disabled riders, winners and costumes!

Credit must go to Cape Argus photographers - both past and present including: Leon Lestrade, Brenton Geach, Leon Muller, Ian Landsberg, Henk Kruger, Andrew Ingram, Michael Walker, Matthew Jordaan, Sam Clark, Skyler Reid, Jim Maclagan, Oliver Hermanus, Denzil Maregele, and Alan Taylor.

CAPE ARGUS/CAVENDISH SQUARE CYCLING MEMORIES COMPETITION 5 - 31 MARCH 2011
Share your cycling memories for a chance to win your share of prizes worth over R30 000 from Cavendish Square! Do you have any old cycling pictures lying about? Send them to cvdspuy@vodamail.co.za for a chance of winning incredible prizes! Your picture should preferable be larger than 1MB and in jpg format.

Your picture will then be loaded to a gallery on the Cavendish Square Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=338457&id=206665934746), and then you must encourage your friends and family to "like" your picture as every week until the end of March, the picture with the most "likes" will win Oakley prescription sunglasses valued at R2000 from Muller's Optometrists PLUS a R1500 gift voucher from Le Coq Sportif in Cavendish Square, and the picture will be published in the Cape Argus!

For those of you haven't got pictures from previous tours, you still get out on race day this coming Sunday and capture cycling memories from this year's event and send them in for a chance to win.

The competition closes at the end of March and then all the pictures will be submitted for the final judging by the Cape Argus Pictures Editor, and the overall first, second and third place winners will be announced.

Digital Eye in Cavendish Square is sponsoring over R20 000 worth of camera equipment for these winners. The first prize from Digital Eye is a Sony HDR-CX350 Camcorder which is valued at R9999! The second placed winner gets a Sony SLT-A33 camera valued at R6999, and the third placed winner gets a Sony NEX-3 Camera valued at R5499from Digital Eye, Cavendish Square.

VISIT THE CAVENDISH SQUARE STAND AT THE CAPE ARGUS LIFECYCLE EXPO - 10 to 12 March 2011 - Good Hope Centre
Be sure to pop into the Cavendish Square stand at the Lifecycle Expo. You can catch Guy McDonald and the Afternoon Drive Team from Good Hope FM broadcasting LIVE from the Cavendish Square stand on Friday 11 March between 3pm and 7pm and SeanO along with Leanne Williams from Good Hope FM will present the ever-popular Good Hope FM Top 30 show from the Cavendish Square stand on Saturday 12 March between 9am and 12 noon!

All the Good Hope FM deejays will be dressed by Le Coq Sportif, who has always been the official partner of the greatest years of cycling! In 1930, Le Coq Sportif created the Number 29 which was the brand's first ever cycling jersey, and in 1951, the great Tour de France officially ordered ALL of its cycling jerseys from Le Coq Sportif. From there, the brand has gone from strength to strength with all of the world's greatest cycling icons having worn the Le Coq Sportif jersey, at some point.

The Cavendish Square stand will feature a "Crazy Cycling Memory Photo Booth" where all the crazy cyclists and their families can get their pictures taken in mad dress courtesy the only specialist fancy dress store in Cape Town CBD, Mardi Gras - http://www.mardigrascostumes.com/. These pictures will also be loaded to the Cape Argus/Cavendish Square Cycling Memories Competition gallery on the Cavendish Square Facebook Fan Page, making all those featured in these pictures also eligible for the incredible prizes mentioned above!

Cavendish Square will also be handing out FREE PARKING TICKETS valid for the Cycle Tour weekend PLUS branded water bottles and sun visors, while stocks last.

You'll also be able to get vouchers and discount offers from various Cavendish Square retailers including some fabulous carbo-loading promotions from Mugg & Bean and Simply Asia.

Digital Eye will be at the Cavendish Square stand handing out loyalty cards, and you'll also be able to pick up "R350 off prescription wrap sunglasses" vouchers from Muller's Optometrists at the Cavendish Square stand. Muller's Optometrists is South Africa's first and oldest Optometrist, established in 1890 and offer a complete eye care facility.

TUNE INTO GOOD HOPE FM FOR FANTASTIC DAILY CAVENDISH SQUARE GIVEAWAYS - 10 - 19 MARCH 2011!
Be sure to tune into Good Hope FM between 10 and 19 March 2011 to win daily prizes from Cavendish Square retailers valued at a minimum of R1500 per day! Prizes include vouchers from Col'Cacchio's Pizzeria Cavendish Square, Mugg & Bean Cavendish Square, Dream Nails Cavendish Square, Primi Piatti Cavendish Square, Wellness Warehouse Cavendish Square, Le Coq Sportif Cavendish Square, Simply Asia Cavendish Square, and Sunglass Hut Cavendish Square.

CAVENDISH SQUARE SUPPORTS BEAUTIFUL GATE RIDERS - WIN A R2000 CAVENDISH SQUARE GIFT CARD!
Cavendish Square is also supporting Beautiful Gate’s Child and Family Centre and the organisation’s plight to raise funds for the children and families of Crossroads & Philippi, outside of Cape Town. Members of the public, including presenters from Expresso, will be riding the Argus in support of Beautiful Gate’s programmes. Pledge your support by sending an email to support@beautifulgate.org and visit the Cavendish Square stand at the Lifecycle Expo to find out more, PLUS one lucky pledger will also walk away with a R2000 Cavendish Square Gift Card

For more information, visit the Cavendish Square website; www.cavendish.co.za or become a fan of the Cavendish Square facebook fan page.

CAVENDISH SQUARE SUMMER SALE GOES LARGER THAN LIFE!

Plus, Win 10 tickets to Cirque du Soleil PLUS VIP J&B Met tickets

The much-anticipated Annual Cavendish Square summer sale is going to be bigger than ever, and this year will literally be LARGER THAN LIFE, thanks to the Centre’s status as Official Shopping Partner to the J&B Met.

The CAVENDISH SQUARE LARGER THAN LIFE SALE takes place from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 January 2011. Hundreds of Cavendish Square retailers will be using the opportunity to clear their shelves in preparation for the arrival of new autumn stock. Throughout the malls, sale tables will be set up where shoppers will be able to find the best bargains in town and possibly get that J&B Met outfit for less!

Said Madrie Verwey – Cavendish Square Marketing Manager, “As the official shopping partner to the J&B Met, Cavendish Square has created a full programme of events and activities to highlight the Centre’s association with Cape Town’s longest running sporting, social and fashion event. This includes the Cavendish Square Larger than Life Sale. We have long been known for having the best sale in town, and now, through our association with the J&B Met, the sale promises to be even bigger and better!”

For a chance to win two VIP tickets to the J&B Met valued at R7000, sign up to be a fan of Cavendish Square on facebook and find the LARGER THAN LIFE Competition Photo Gallery and follow the instructions! The winner and their partner will be able to live the celeb lifestyle and schmooze with the rich and famous in the Exclusive J&B Met VIP Marquee on Saturday 29 January 2011. Winners must be 18 years or older. Drink responsibly.

Plus, Cavendish Square facebook fans, could also win one of five double tickets to see Cirque du Soleil by sharing their stories about their CAVENDISH SQUARE LARGER THAN LIFE SALE experiences. Go to the Cavendish Square facebook fan page, to find out how to enter.

BEAUTIFUL NEW FOSCHINI CONCEPT STORE OPENS AT CAVENDISH

A brand new Foschini concept store will open at Cavendish Square tommorrow, Thursday 2 December 2010. Cavendish Square customers are in for a real treat as this store is a first of its kind and promises shoppers an all new retail therapy experience.

Customers can expect a boutique-like feel in the new concept store which has premium quality fittings and fixtures. The smartwear area containing the Foschini Collection and Oasis by Foschini brands leads you in with high gloss panels, exquisite wallpaper and a twist of modern lighting fixtures. This is cleverly contrasted by the casualwear area carrying the News, Instinct and WWW ranges, with textured floors and natural colours, creating a more relaxed environment.

The most exciting part of the Foschini Cavendish Square store update is the Stoned Cherrie’s Love Movement brand housing that combines a modern juxtaposition of textures with antique finishes. This area shows off the bold, bright and fun range by local designer Nkhensani Nkosi.

In addition to being a top-to-toe destination for ladies fashion, this store carries exciting ranges of kidswear, featuring the in-house brands Renegade for boys and Gossip for girls, as well as the Instinct surf brand for both boys and girls.
This store is set to be the top-to-toe shopping destination for fashion lovers. Come in and take advantage of the store’s opening discount offer, only valid from 2 to 5 December 2010.

SASSY NEW ACCESSORIES OUTLET, SASS DIVA, OPENS AT CAVENDISH SQUARE

One of the hottest new fashion accessories labels to hit South Africa, Sass Diva, opens their doors at Cavendish Square today

Said Brenda Bibby, Cavendish Square Centre Manager; “We are thrilled to add Sass Diva to our fashion tenant mix, which is a perfect fit for the centre.”

“Although Cavendish Square is 37 years old this year, the Centre is still viewed as a youthful, fashion forward brand amongst its target audiences. We have managed to keep the centre’s youthful energy through inclusion of fresh new tenants as well as regularly refurbishing and upgrading the centre, ensuring that it is always at the forefront of international retailing trends.”

Sass Diva is a vibrant, young and fast paced company that is always at the forefront of style, aspiration and fashion and has quickly become a market innovator in the fashion accessories industry, with their products featuring regularly in magazine editorials.

The new Sass Diva store at Cavendish Square can be found next to Levi’s on the first level.

To be the first to know about other exciting changes happening at Cavendish Square become a fan of Cavendish Square on facebook. The centre also offers numerous daily competitions and will keep you informed of retailer special offers and events. Go to www.cavendish.co.za to sign up now.

Movember fashion for mo-bros and mo-sistas – the perfect excuse to go shopping!

Cultivate the perfect moustache to go with latest men’s fashion trends
After years in the fashion wilderness, moustaches are back, and with good reason! Celebs such as Brad Pitt, Jack Black and George Clooney have all been spotted sporting moustaches. Moustaches are also a hot trend on the international runways, and there springing back everywhere from university campuses to the corporate world.

You may ask why? Well, because November is no more - it has been officially renamed Movember. Movember began in Australia in 2003 with a plan to bring the moustache back into fashion and as a bit of a joke, and to do something to raise awareness about men’s health issues. It has since swept the world and this is South Africa’s first official year participating and upper lips around the country are getting a little fuzzier this month.

Movember aims to raise awareness for men's health issues such as prostate and testicular cancer by getting guys to register with a clean shaven face at the beginning of Movember at www.movember.com and then they have the month to grow and groom a Mo (moustache)! All funds raised go to CANSA’s Men’s Health Programmes.

Local Southern Suburbs resident, comedian Stuart Taylor - best known as the “Going Nowhere Slowly” guy and the “Learner Husband” was spotted trying out his “mo” with some stylish new men’s wear available at Cavendish Square. Stuart recently became a dad for the second time, and when not being kept busy running after an almost three-year-old and changing nappies of his one month old baby, he is very busy on the corporate circuit.

WIN “MO-VELLOUS” FASHION FROM CAVENDISH SQUAREFor your chance to win “mo-vellous” fashion, become a fan of Cavendish Square on facebook. Find the Cavendish Movember 2010 photo gallery and tag the famous person who you think has the coolest “mo”. Cavendish fans can also send in their pictures of themselves with “mos” to get into the draw for the Best Fan “Mo”
These hot prizes are up fro grabs from Cavendish Retailers:
• R4000 gift vouchers from Jay Jays – Cavendish newest and hottest unisex fashion retailer
• A Fabiani sanforized mercerised cotton Shirt available in white, light blue, red, navy and black, valued at R799.99, from Fabiani Cavendish Square
• Canterbury vintage red 100% cotton twill flat front shorts, and 100% cotton shirt, as worn by Stuart Taylor, valued at R739.99 from Canterbury Cavendish Square
• R500 gift voucher from Old Khaki Cavendish Square
• Denim jeans valued at R699 from Polo Cavendish Square

SPORT UNLIMITED OPENS “ROCKING” NEW STORE AT CAVENDISH SQUARE

Sport Unlimited has recently launched a “rocking” new store at Cavendish Square shopping centre in Cape Town.

This well known retailer caters to just about all sporting codes but specialise in surf and skate brands. At the Cavendish Square store, situated on the First Level, customers will find an altogether new shopping experience, making it easier for them to find items amongst the wide selection of surf and skate brands.

Said Brenda Bibby, Cavendish Square Centre Manager, “Although Cavendish Square is 37 years old this year, the centre has also prided itself on being fashion forward in its thinking. This is represented in the mix of tenants that the centre houses, with brands constantly evolving to stay ahead of trends. Sport Unlimited brings to Cavendish some really hot brands such as Billabong, Quiksilver, Roxy, Rip Curl,Hurley, and Fox – brands that our youthful shoppers love.”

Added Bibby, “We must commend Sport Unlimited on the brilliant job they have done with their brand new store at Cavendish Square, which is fresh, functional and contemporary. The Sport Unlimited team have a knack for reading what their customers would like to see in store and this is reflected in their merchandising.”

For more information about Sport Unlimited, go to www.sportunlimited.co.za.

To be the first to know about other exciting changes happening at Cavendish Square become a fan of Cavendish Square on facebook. The centre also offers numerous daily competitions and will keep you informed of retailer special offers and events. Go to www.cavendish.co.za to sign up now.

A WORLD AWAITS YOU AT THE NEW MUSICA STORE AT CAVENDISH SQUARE

The new Musica store situated next to Clicks in Cavendish Square is a must visit destination for movie buffs, music lovers and gaming junkies. South Africa’s most popular music store has revamped its Cavendish store making it one of the most state of the art entertainment stores in the country.

Said Cavendish Square Centre Manager, Brenda Bibby: “Cavendish Square is one of Cape Town’s oldest centres, and a much-loved destination for both locals and visitors. Over its illustrious history, the centre has seen many changes but has always remained true to its roots and ensures that it offers all that its customers desire. Musica is an old favourite in our centre, and it is just one of our many long term tenants that have revamped this year.”

Added Bibby, “New Clicks Holding has shown their faith in Cavendish Square by not only revamping Musica but also adding a brand new Clicks store to the mix. We are sure that our customers will enjoy the new shopping experience at Musica which offers all the latest in CDs, DVDs and gaming. Their friendly staff are always happy to source rare items for customers and offer product advice, ensuring customer satisfaction.”

In addition to CDs, DVDs and gaming options, Musica at Cavendish Square is also a retailer of cellular phones and contracts, media players, and speakers and docking stations.

For more information about Musica, go to www.musica.co.za.

To be the first to know about other exciting changes happening at Cavendish Square become a fan of Cavendish Square on facebook. The centre also offers numerous daily competitions and will keep you informed of retailer special offers and events. Go to www.cavendish.co.za to sign up now.

ENDS

NEW AMERICAN SWISS STORE AT CAVENDISH SQUARE SPARKLES

114 years after opening in Cape Town, American Swiss has recently opened a brand new beautiful concept store in one of Cape Town’s oldest shopping centres, Cavendish Square.

Said Brenda Bibby, Centre Manager for Cavendish Square: “Much like Cavendish Square, which has been Capetonians’ perfect excuse to go shopping for 37 years now, American Swiss is also steeped in history and has managed to maintain its market leader position through constantly keeping abreast of trends.”

Added Bibby, “American Swiss is just one of many long term tenants that have recently undergone a makeover and we are thrilled with their new store which has opened up on the ground level. The store combines some very modern retailing trends with the traditional, and makes fine-jewellery accessible to everyone.”

American Swiss remains the contemporary jewellery retailer of choice – offering stylish and fashionable jewellery and international watch brands to aspirational individuals. Throughout its history, American Swiss has been at the cutting edge of jewellery trends, complementing the hottest look of the time with the luxury and brilliance of fine quality diamond jewellery and watches.

This is also reflected in its very modern store, which opens up into common spaces outside its Cavendish Square store, through the introduction of a jewellery “barrow” which offers more affordable jewellery

American Swiss is home to some top local and international fashion jewellery brands including Chete, Donna Mia and Charm School. In addition, American Swiss is also a leading stockist of international watch brands including Guess, Fossil, Michel Herbelin, Calvin Klein, Diesel and Michael Kors.

In time for Christmas, American Swiss has added an online application called “The StyList”, which allows shoppers to browse through its catalogue online and select merchandise that they would like, and share with friends via facebook. What better way to drop a hint to a husband or boyfriend who is always buying the wrong Christmas gifts?

For more information about American Swiss or to start using “The StyList”, go to www.americanswiss.co.za.

To be the first to know about other exciting changes happening at Cavendish Square become a fan of Cavendish Square on facebook. The centre also offers numerous daily competitions and will keep you informed of retailer special offers and events. Go to www.cavendish.co.za to sign up now.

CAPE TOWN WELCOMES HOME SA’S GOT TALENT TOP THREE

TOP THREE TO PERFORM AT CAVENDISH SQUARE – SATURDAY 13 NOVEMBER AT 13H00

Cape Town really proved that they have talent at the finals of SA’S GOT TALENT last week with the top three and winner all hailing from the Mother City.

Cavendish Square has organised a heroes welcome for Cape Town’s top talent, and ALL of the top three will perform at the Centre Court next Saturday 13 November from 13h00.

Performing will be winner, James Bhemgee – a former street sweeper and unemployed tenor, runner-up, Constable Madalene Abrahams – a local policewoman and third placed group, Limited Drum Corps, who also come from very humble backgrounds and had to borrow drums for their show stopping performance.

Facebook fans have dubbed Bhemjee as “South Africa’s own Susan Boyle – only better” and South Africa was reduced to tears when the 45 year old former street sweeper and unemployed tenor James Bhemgee won SA’s Got Talent on SABC 2. Bhemjee won R250 000.

Bhemjee beat fellow Capetonian vocalist and policewoman, Madalene Abrahams (32) who came second, with The Limited Drum Corps coming third making it a 1,2,3 for Cape Town.

Bhemjee was first “discovered” on the streets of Cape Town by a woman who overheard him singing whilst he was working as a street sweeper. She was so impressed that she paid for Bhemgee to have vocal lessons and today he performs with the group, the Cape Flats Tenors, but until now, was waiting for his big break.

Runner up, Constable Madalene Abrahams, sang her way into second place with a near perfect performance of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” By day a policewoman, the transformation tonight into glamorous diva left the audience speechless.

The three judges had no say in last week’s grand finale and it was purely based on public votes. But they did have a lot to say about Bhemjee’s win: “You are so humble but blessed with a stunning talent” said Ian von Memerty; “You are natural and proved there is no need to show off” commented Randall Abrahams; with Shado Twala telling him that he could “perform anywhere in the world.”

Shado Twala also added that “Cape Town’s proved that they’ve REALLY got talent!”
Join Cavendish Square in welcoming the top three home next Saturday 13 November at 13h00 at Cavendish Square Centre Court. The event is FREE of CHARGE.

An ideal position to watch the proceeding is at Col’Cacchio’s pizzeria in Cavendish Square. Call them on 021-674 6387 to reserve a table.

For further information go to Cavendish Square’s Facebook fan page where you’ll also find details of exciting competitions and retailer specials, or call Cavendish Square on 021 657 5600.

LOCAL CELEBRITIES GIVE UP THEIR TIME TO READ STORIES TO CHILDREN

These celebrities will be reading from some of Exclusive's Books' best selling children's stories in a bid to raise awareness for the importance of Children's Literacy.


The schedule for readers is:
Thursday 4 November at 14h00 - Heart 104.9FM's radio presenter, Saskia Falken
Friday 5 November at 14h00 - ETV Weatherman, Derek van Dam
Saturday 6 November at 12h30 - Former Miss Universe, Michelle McLean
Saturday 6 November at 13h30 - SAFM radio presenter, Nancy Richards


The Centre will also be hosting a Charity Book Sale in conjunction with Wola Nani and Heart 104.9FM in aid of Children's Literacy programmes from Thursday 4 November to Sunday 7 November.

All activities will take place in the Cavendish Square Centre Court on the lower ground level.

Kids-themed Charity Book Sale at Cavendish Square

Get to Cavendish Square this weekend and show your support for children's literacy.

The centre will be hosting a charity initiative for Children's Day (Saturday 6 NOvember) and will be hosting a Kids-themed Charity Book Sale to support children’s literacy.

The sale will be held in conjunction with Heart 104.9FM and will be held in support of NGO Wola Nani's programme for orphans and vulnerable children.

It takes place in Cavendish Square Centre Court from Thursday 4 – Sunday 7 November.

Apart from a normal array of adult fiction and non-fiction, the book sale will specifically showcase children's books featuring both contemporary and classic children’s titles for today’s younger readers. In addition, there will be vintage children’s books for adult collectors (Hardy Boys, Just William, Biggles, etc) as well as investment quality volumes showcasing famous children’s illustrators (Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac, etc).

“This is a great opportunity to celebrate the joys of childhood – at any age” says Mark Leach, sale convenor of Well Read Books. “From Harry Potter to the Famous Five, from Dr Seuss to the Borrowers and from Arthur Ransome to Roald Dahl – our November Cavendish Square Book Sale will not only promote children’s literacy but will celebrate the inner child in us all”.

“We are starting our charity book sale calendar with Children’s Day,” said Madrie Verwey, Cavendish Square marketing manager. “ To promote children’s literacy, we will be launching a kiddies reader programme, where readers will either be celebrities, local children’s authors, Heart 104.9FM DJ’s or children’s literacy volunteers.

Additionally, local radio personality, Heart 104.9 FM’s Saskia Falken, will host her Book Club author meetings at the Mugg & Bean in Cavendish Square.

The Cavendish Square Children’s Day charity book sale starts on Thursday 4 November and runs until Sunday 7 November.

This will be the first in a series of ongoing, themed charity book sales at Cavendish in support of children’s literacy.

For further enquiries, to volunteer as a children’s reader or to donate books, CDs and DVDs, please contact Mark on 083 342 2261, (021) 424 0497 or mark@wellread-books.com

Win two tickets to the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Women's Workshop

Cavendish Square is giving away two tickets to the official Two Oceans workshop, entitled ‘POWER, STRENGTH and BEAUTY in WOMEN’S RUNNING’. The workshop is organised by the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon race office and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA), and presented by Runner’s World Magazine, and will be held on Saturday 13 February 2010 at the SSISA conference centre in Boundary Road, Newlands.

For a chance to win, simply reply to this message or mark that you like this on the post on Cavendish Square's facebook fan page.

The workshop is intended to help those participating in the 2010 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon prepare for the race day on 3 April and promises to be highly informative with practical presentations which will focus on essential training concepts, nutritional, motivational and technical advice as well as “beauty-on-the run” for women runners.

Speakers will include a dietician, physiotherapist, sports scientist, Fairlady Beauty editor, Urban Sanctuary and our very own Frith van der Merwe (Old Mutual Two Ocean’s women’s record holder).

Topics will include training tips for the fairer sex, running kit for women, healthy eating for an active lifestyle, coping as a female runner, making life changes, financial fitness, beauty routines-on-the-run and plenty of inspiration, including insights into Frith van der Merwe’s most amazing running experiences and performances.

The workshop fee is R295 and this will include a PUMA goodie bag, handouts from the presentations, light refreshments and a finger-lunch. Registration is at 08h30 and the workshop will end at about 14h30.

Attendees stand a chance to win great prizes from our sponsors in the lucky draw and there are also spot prizes, including four pairs of Puma running shoes, state-of-the-art foot scans, Moyo foot and hand rituals and others. By signing up for the Cavendish VIPs, you can win a R3000 Cavendish Square gift card.

Seating is limited and pre-payments are required, so contact Nthabeleng Meso on [021] 659 5649 or email workshop@ssisa.com to book your seat and make the necessary payment arrangements.

For the latest information and the Old Mutual Virtual Coach training programmes visit www.twooceansmarathon.org.za.

Cavendish Square makes a fashionable entrance at the J&B Met

Always fashionably first, Cavendish Square embarked on an incredibly unique project at this year’s J&B Met - Cape Town premier fashion and social event. Partnering with FEDISA, Cavendish Square took the 2009 Cavendish New Faces winners and finalists to the J&B Met, dressed in stunning, completely over the top creations, designed by the first year students at FEDISA.

Said Madrie Verwey, Cavendish Square’s Marketing Manager, “We wanted to do something a little bit different and really make a statement at this year’s J&B Met, and in so doing get the Cavendish brand exposure in a subtle and sophisticated way.”

The 6 2009 Cavendish New Face winners and finalists were dressed in unique creations, specially designed by some of the first year students at FEDISA (Future Excellence Design Institute of South Africa) - the only registered and accredited private institution offering a BA degree in fashion in the Western Cape.

Allan Le Roux, FEDISA’s CEO and Academic Director, said, “We are always looking for opportunities to expose our students to real working situations whilst their studies are on-going, and we jumped at the opportunity to get involved with Cavendish Square’s J&B Met promotion which was an entirely unique concept.”

Allan adds, “The students worked through the holiday period to complete signature looks for Cavendish Square, working within the J&B Met theme for this year, “In full colour”, whilst still making sure that Cavendish’s brand identity was easily identifiable. We are incredibly proud of their achievement and have received fantastic feedback about their designs, and a lot of interest from the public.”

Added Madrie Verwey, “Cavendish Square’s 2009 Face of Fashion winners, Tamsin Groom and Don Madge, actually made into the semi-finals of the J&B Met Most Elegant Couple Competition – an incredible achievement considering that their competition were wearing creations from some of the country’s top designers!”

“We were also very honoured to have walked away with the coveted “Best J&B Met Centre Court display” in a shopping mall in the Western Cape, where we up against the likes of Tygervalley and V&A Waterfront. In keeping with the J&B Met theme, “In full colour”, the team created a stylish and elegant display which included mannequins with handmade J&B branded bodices and a burst of textures and bright colours in the skirts. The concept for the display was devised entirely in-house and featured beautiful floral creations by Fabulous Flowers, a Cavendish Square tenant.”

For further information, go to www.cavendish.co.za, or register to become a fan of Cavendish Square on facebook where you can see all the spectacular creations for yourself, plus pictures of J&B Met celebs and Most Elegant Couples.

Free parking at Cavendish

FREE PARKING AT CAVENDISH SQUARE

Have you been out to the Cape Town International Airport lately? The new parking garages they are building are about three times the size of the international and domestic terminals put together, and I’m willing to put money on them all being full.

As the world grows, so too does the number of cars and there are few things more stressful than finding somewhere to park yours. Cavendish Square has bays for thousands of cars, and a very clever system with little red and green lights which show you where there is an empty space. It sure beats driving up and down, getting frustrated. Besides that, the cost of parking at Cavendish is probably the lowest anywhere in Cape Town, including the street. Even so, they’ve gone and made things even easier and more convenient with the introduction of the Cavendish Parking Card.

Available from the Parking Concierge Desk on the P1 parking level, it costs just R10. It can be recharged and topped up at any time, and will allow you to skip the queues when leaving Cavendish. No more standing behind those people fumbling in their wallets for loose change – what bliss!

The card is being launched with a special promotion – get yours now and you’ll get a bonus of three hours free parking to be used anytime, plus free – yes, you read right – free parking between 6pm and midnight from now until December, 31 so there’s no reason not to linger longer and enjoy everything Cavendish has to offer. Don’t dilly dally over this offer though; it’s for the first 1000 customers only.

WIN YOUR SHARE OF R150 000 WORTH OF PRIZES WITH CAVENDISH VIPs

Let’s face it – being one of the classiest centres in Cape Town, shopping at Cavendish Square is always a special experience. With more than 200 highly desirable stores, cinemas and restaurants under one roof, and plenty of parking, it’s the destination of choice in the leafy southern suburbs.

To make it even more singular and unique, Cavendish is introducing a loyalty programme – CAVENDISH VIPs - which will give its members benefits above and beyond those of the average shopper. You’ll be the first to hear about what’s hot and happening at Cavendish, for example, and you’ll also be invited to exclusive events like book launches and movie premieres. There will be special offers from stores just for you, as well as from partners like the Baxter Theatre and Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts at Kirstenbosch.

But wait, as they say, there is more…not only will you be in line for ticket giveaways from Big Concerts for mega stars like Elton John, Kelly Clarkson and Cliff Richard, but if you sign up for the programme between the end of November and January 10, 2010, you could walk off with your share of more than R150 000 worth of prizes from some of the Square’s generous tenants.

How would you like to have dinner for two at Col’Cacchio – every month for a year? Heck, I’d say yes to that; their pizzas are fantastic and the giant salads are to die for, doll. Fossil watches, sunglasses from Eyelights, beauty and pampering sessions from The Edge (see below for more on that) and all manner of fashion vouchers are up for grabs...and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The way I see it, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Go to www.cavendish.co.za to sign up now and become a winner!

By Bianca Coleman