A stylish updo or wig may have been your saving grace on many an awkward hair day, but sometimes even wigs have their not-so-good days; and there comes a time when that slick ponytail can no longer be your daily go-to. Enter the latest in headgear for the AW19 season. From Marc Jacobs beanies to Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Dior bucket hats, as well as our very own Rich Mnisi’s Nwa-Mulamula: Milorho ’19 hats, here are the top five headgear trends this season has to offer.
Written by Afika Jadezweni

Beanies

When Marc Jacobs had models walking down the runway in knit beanies and hat hair at his AW19 show, Vogue dubbed the designer’s unlikely accessory choice a moment of ‘undone elegance’. The beanie has never really had a fashion moment, at least not one that would deem it runway worthy; however it looks like it’s set to be a street-style hit this winter. Complete with a statement coat or jacket, the knit beanie has earned its spot in the accessory hall of fame.

Berets

This has been a big one for some years now, drawing inspiration from both 1920s sportswomen and the uniform of the Black Panther movement of the 1960s. The beret can also be attributed to the ‘chic French girl’ look, while South Africans might also attach a certain nostalgia about their grandmothers to the beret. Perhaps the fact that the beret isn’t an item of fashion only associated with one group or a particular time in history, is what makes it such an enduring piece to own.

Baker-boy hats

If you’re into 1920s trivia, you’ll know that the baker-boy/paper-boy hat was not the kind of headgear you’d find in the wardrobes of the sartorially elite. As the name implies, it was literally worn by the poor working class – bakers, paper boys, fishermen and chauffers for the rich. The British crime drama Peaky Blinders has also popularised a version of the flat cap that the gang adopted as part of their signature look. The multiple reimaginations of the baker-boy hat have now hit retail shelves in a big way.

Head scarves

The purpose of the head scarf wasn’t always about looking ultra-glam as you drove off into the sunset in a red convertible. Besides looking like money, the purpose of wrapping a scarf around your hair in said convertible was to avoid getting wind hair á la Bridget Jones. Images of Hollywood glam aside, the head scarf is quite symbolic for women across the world, especially in the context of religion. Islamic women wear the Hijab as an empowering form of modesty and worship, for example. On the other hand, in various African cultures, it can also be a way of showing respect to a bereaved family. Conversely, married African women also wear head scarves when visiting their in-laws. While the function of the head scarf might not primarily be that of glamour, the power of reclamation means it can be worn in an array of style-savvy, head-turning ways. Even on celebratory occasions!

Faux fur

The faux-fur hat historically was all about practicality – in frigid Russia – but it’s taken on a new look. For a dramatic look that makes a statement, try mixing your textures by pairing fur with leather or patent.


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It’s no secret that a good night’s sleep is great for your skin – it’s not called beauty sleep for nothing after all. But for most of us, it takes more than eight hours of shuteye to achieve a truly radiant complexion. That’s where the latest crop of high-powered overnight treatments comes into play. Created to support, boost and even mimic the skin’s nightly repair process, they do all the heavy lifting while you’re in dreamland. From masks to moisturisers, serums to oils, here’s the lowdown on the beauty products that will take your skin from drab to fab.

REGENERATING SERUMS

Serums are able to penetrate the skin at a deep level, where the active ingredients can work their magic. A night-time serum specifically aimed at hydration and regeneration will boost your skin’s cell renewal process for a naturally radiant look.

INTENSE MOISTURISERS

A rich night cream packed with potent extracts that facilitate skin renewal is a must. Select products with powerful anti-ageing ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, as well as peptides and vitamins, which are all known for their restorative properties.

ADVANCED EYE CREAMS

The area around the eyes is the most delicate skin, so a nourishing and firming formula is key. Peptides and antioxidants help to improve the appearance of dry, tired skin, as well as minimise expression lines.

SUPERHERO MASKS

Applying a mask once or twice a week could just be the moisture-boosting step your skin needs to look its best – especially as we head into winter. An overnight mask is the final step in your evening beauty ritual, locking in the benefits of the products that came before for hydrated, plumped and refreshed skin.

THE BEST BEAUTY OILS

Face oils are a valuable addition to your nightly routine, no matter what your skin type. Dry, sensitive skins will love the intense moisture, while those with oily and combination skins will find that beauty oils help to clear the congestion caused by blocked pores, reducing breakouts, blackheads and enlarged pores.



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Gut health is the inspiration for the gorgeous new cookbook The Mandala Kitchen by food blogger and nutritional therapist Marlien Wright, with 101 fabulous recipes to heal and restore your digestive system. A healthy gut has significant benefits for your general wellbeing, including a stronger immune system, improved mood and increased energy. Normalising the bacteria in your body even has positive spin-offs for sleep and appetite regulation. Kick-start your journey to better gut health with these nutritious, family-friendly recipes.

Gutsy Oat Smoothie 

Serves 2

2 green-ish bananas (they should be on the cusp of becoming ripe; the less ripe a banana, the higher the resistant starch content in them)
¼ cup whole rolled oats, soaked overnight in ½ cup filtered water
1 cup baby spinach or kale
2 tbsp maca superfood powder
1 tsp chia seeds
1 cup almond or coconut milk
pinch cinnamon and drizzle of raw honey

1. Add all the above ingredients to your blender jug, and pulse/whiz until you have smooth mixture.
2. Add some water if you prefer a runnier consistency.

Brownies for your Bacteria (recipe originally from The Good Gut by Justin and Erica Sonnenburg)

Makes 16 brownies

5 tbsp unsalted, cultured butter or ghee
100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
1 cup almond meal
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp cacao nibs
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp orange zest

1. Preheat the oven to 180˚C.
2. Melt the butter and chocolate in a saucepot on low heat, stirring occasionally to make sure the chocolate doesn’t burn.
3. Add the almond meal, sugar, cacao nibs, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, salt and orange zest and whisk until all ingredients are incorporated. Pour into a 20 x 20cm greased baking pan.
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Banana Flour Pancakes 

Serves 2 – 4 

¾ cup banana flour
2 eggs
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
salt to taste
50ml of A2 milk, water or a milk substitute like coconut, almond or rice milk
ghee or coconut oil

1. Add all the ingredients, except the ghee/coconut oil, to a mixing bowl and beat well until you have a smooth consistency.
2. Scoop/pour the batter into a hot pan that has been coated with a ghee/coconut oil. The size of each pancake should more or less resemble that of an American pancake, or ‘crumpet’.
3. Wait for small bubbles to appear on the surface before turning over, aiming for an attractive golden appearance, and serve with your choice of topping, such as fresh berries, bananas, yoghurt and raw honey. For a more savoury option try streaky bacon with some real maple syrup.

Chocolate Pots 

Serves 4 

1¼ tbsp powdered gelatine
3 tbsp water
1 (400g) tin coconut cream
½ cup raw cacao powder
4 tbsp brown sugar
coconut flakes to serve
salt to taste

1. Mix the gelatine with the water in a small bowl and set aside for five minutes to allow the gelatine granules to expand and soften.
2. Place the coconut cream, cacao powder, sugar and salt in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk to combine. Bring to just below simmering point and remove from the heat.
3. Add the gelatine mixture to the warm coconut milk mixture and stir until the gelatine dissolves. Transfer to four 150ml ramekins and place in the fridge for one hour to set.
4. To serve, add a few coconut shavings.

These recipes were extracted from The Mandala Kitchen by Marlien Wright (Jacana Media, R330)