Getting Personal with Ms. Mandela

Swati and I at StyleCon. (Swati's jacket is from her own collection).

Swati Mandela meeting and greeting influencers at StyleCon.

When I met Swati Mandela I naturally, addressed her as Ms. Mandela. Being the granddaughter of Nelson and Winnie Mandela, her last name speaks volumes. And right from the begining, she dropped the formality, “Please call me Swati,” she said. And that’s how our interview started.

Swati has a presence about her and whether her last name is a blessing or a burden she carries it well. Although she’s gracious she doesn’t have any airs or graces, which shows she’s comfortable in her own skin. Visiting from Johannesburg, South Africa where she lives, she was the keynote speaker at StyleCon. She spoke about her family legacy, women’s empowerment and her love of fashion. Afterwards, I got the chance to ask her some questions:

SA:What are the pros and cons of your iconic last name?

SM: Oh my goodness, let’s start with the cons. Actually there are no cons. I got over that and worked through that a few years ago. I thought that it was getting in the way of me being myself. So the pros are I have a great platform. I have this amazing legacy. I have the principals and values that both my grandparents taught me and I can take that on and live my life however I want.

SA: You’ve recently collaborated on a fashion line (Swati by Roi Kaskara). The collection showcases capes, scarves and a lot of color. You’ve also called fashion your armor. If you could be a superhero, who would you be?

SM: I’d be myself!

SA: What magical power would you like to possess?

SM: I’d love to be able to see the future. If I could see what is to come I could plan, I could strategize a way forward. Sometimes the scariest thing is not knowing what’s around the corner and not knowing if you’re making the right decision. So if I could have a looking glass and see what’s coming, that’s what I would love.

SA: In terms of style, what can we learn from South African women?

SM: Right now South African women are going through an emancipation of the self and they’re going back to their roots. You’ll see a lot of women wearing their natural hair or wearing “kente” cloth and just going back to being African. So it’s not about looking to the world for answers as to who we are, but knowing we are great within ourselves and building on that. I see a lot of that happening and it’s really empowering.

SA: What’s your favorite item in your closet?

SM: My old vintage Chanel handbag that I stole from my mom! Chanel was so ahead of her time. I don’t know any woman that wouldn’t want a vintage Chanel handbag!

SA: What do you like to take back home from California?

SM: Nice clothes! (She laughs). I think great connections and the amazing people that I’ve met and the experiences. You’re blessed when you go through life and meet interesting people, that add value to your life!

Thank you.

Sabrina x

What's a Weekend?

Weekend by Max Mara Opens at South Coast Plaza

Of all the malls in, in all the cities, Max Mara, have opened their only Weekend store in the U.S. at South Coast Plaza. The quintessential Italian brand worn by sophisticated women around the world picked Orange County as their launching pad. Without sounding ungrateful, there are down sides to any place, even a fabulous place like Orange County but SCP (which sounds very much like another fashion icon SJP) has got to be a bonus, the icing on the cake.

And speaking of cakes, this bag at Weekend stopped me in my tracks. It’s aptly called the “Pasticcino” Italian for small pastry. When the well-meaning sales assistant said it was inspired by cupcakes, I may have, unintentionally, rolled my eyes. Italians eating cupcakes? Cupcakes and Cappuccinos? Whatever next?

I couldn’t get enough of this sweet Pasticcino Bag, it's a cross between a giant cream puff and a grandma style coin purse. 

I’d like to think it was inspired by one of the tiny delicious Italian pastries that you first admire in the shop window of a bakery/coffee shop, along a cobblestone street far from the madding crowd. It's in a part of town that tour guides seldom frequent. You'll sit at a small table, order an espresso and point to the pasticcino in the window. When it’s presented, you pop it in your mouth and wash it down with bitter espresso. And then, decide to taste 100 more.

But Weekend isn’t all about handbags. They're an entire look, a lifestyle. They’re the off duty version of the career driven, Max Mara lady, which means this is what she wears on the weekend—for leisure. The Dowager Countess of Grantham (Downton Abbey fans this one's for you) may not have approved. “Weekend? What’s a Weekend?” she, once asked.

Aristocrats didn’t have jobs, therefore the concept of the weekend was for ordinary, common folk, like me. Max Mara would have a field day with me. If they only knew I hardly get out of my PJs on the weekend. Perhaps I’m not their target clientele, but I was inspired by what people with proper jobs get to wear on the weekend. I’ll be happy to wear anything in their store. Monday to Friday and through the weekend.   

And coming back to the yummy bag. If it was inspired by cupcakes, someone please inform House of Sillage. I prefer my own version of the truth. Now, how about a nice cup of tea?

The jacquard art-deco inspired print is eclectic but not loud, ladylike but fun! After all isn’t that what weekends are all about? Available at Weekend Max Mara, South Coast Plaza, $295.

Until next time, Sabrina x