The prize includes flights, airport transfers and accommodation at a luxury hotel in Durban, as well as hospitality tickets to the Vodacom Durban July so that they can rub shoulders with the Kings and Queens of local fashion. The ‘Posh’ theme for this year’s Fashion Experience is undoubtedly in line with the prize on offer by KISS and Marketing Manager of KISS, Vanessa Adams, believes this competition is sure to be a hot favourite with fashionistas all over South Africa.

“We are delighted to be involved with this year’s Vodacom Durban July Fashion Experience. KISS has already aligned itself with a number of women and fashion focused events this year with the Vodacom Durban July being the ‘crème de la crème’ of style and glamour. The mix of fashion and fun with your girl friends is exactly what KISS is all about which is why it’s the perfect prize for KISS party shooter fans”, Adams exclaimed.

KISS Party Shooter is a delicious tasting party drink that is delightful when served chilled, on its own as a shot, or mixed into a decadent cocktail. KISS has the perfect balance of flavours to please the palate of every fun-loving party-goer with its signature fusion of virgin vodka with mandarin and exotic fruits.

The KISS competition runs from mid-May 2013 to the end of June. In addition, KISS will be giving away spot prizes on the day for fashionable punters that get the KISS seal of approval!

Please note that terms and conditions apply. For more information and to enter visit www.kisspartyshooter.mobi or www.facebook.com/kisspartyshooter

http://www.parc-cafe.co.za/

Address: 394 Esther Roberts Rd, Durban 4001
Phone:031 205 7285
Open 7:00 am–4:00 pm

VENUE                  Grand Arena, GrandWest

TIMES                   Doors open 17h00, show starts 19h00

TICKETS                R320 – R550

BOOKING            www.computicket.com

Entertainment icon and multi-platinum artist Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion, is ready to set South Africa ablaze with his SA tour on May 21, 2013 at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.

The rapper, singer-songwriter, producer and actor will perform an array of his classic and most recent hits such as “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Gin and Juice” and “Young, Wild and Free,” as well as new material from his forthcoming reggae and dancehall inspired album, REINCARNATED, promising all concert-goers a thrilling live music experience.

The REINCARNATED album features artists such as Drake, Chris Brown, T.I., Miley Cyrus, his daughter Cori B as well as dancehall stars Popcaan and Mavado, and more.

A Grammy award nominated rapper, producer and actor, Snoop is a legendary figure in the West Coast hip-hop scene, and one of producer Dr. Dre’s earliest and most notable protégées, whose ability to stay at the forefront of popular culture and new technology has resulted in unwavering relevance.

Check our facebook page to win tickets~ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yclad-Magazine/134260126667511

These international brands come as part of the extensive retail expansion currently underway at the V&A Waterfront. Both are a first for the Western Cape.

‘’Our consumer is a discerning one, and these brands are a strong differentiator for us, ‘’ said Alex Kabalin, Retail Executive, V&A Waterfront. He continues, ‘’this is a premier shopping destination, and we look for customisation of brands in order to differentiate our offering. Bigger is not necessarily always better.’’

The opening of these two international brands forms part of a long term retail strategy that has been in play for more than two years.

This strategy includes a strong focus on creating retail adjacencies. Visitors will discover a carefully selected and managed mix of local, independent and international retailers. The offering has not only been expanded but also carefully grouped for convenience. This increases consumer awareness and raises competition between retailers. ‘’A knock on effect of this is an increase in standards, which in turn impacts on the consumer experience. This is evidenced in the home ware section on the ground floor of Victoria Wharf, and features @Home, Entrepo, Fellowes Interiors, Woolworth Home and Above Rubies, ‘’ said Kabalin.

Keeping adjacencies is mind, it is often necessary to keep space vacant, or to develop it for the right tenant or brand.

This was the case with Top Shop and other new arrival, Call it Spring. Development work was necessary to create the desired and required space for the brands, and build a bigger and better space for Mango.

‘’We have welcomed a number of new brands, and this will continue throughout 2013. Joining us in May are Sweets from Heaven and @Home Living Space and in August, we will welcome Mamas and Papas and Cotton On Kids, ‘’ said Kabalin.

As development work continues on the new generation Pick n Pay store on the lower ground level, construction has also started on new mall that will link the two main malls of the Victoria Wharf, creating four additional shop fronts, as well as two additional shop-in-shops for Edgars. This extension will thus create space and bring exciting new brands to the Waterfront.

Kabalin says, ‘’this presents an exciting opportunity for us as we will shortly announce the new tenants for this space.’’

An advantage of new retailers arriving and the development work is that some retailers have taken the opportunity to rejuvenate their offering. Toy Kingdom will undergo a renovation and include Art Jamming on their upper level. Frank Fowden moved to a newly fitted out space in March, as did Accessorize. From a small pop-up store, Superdry is now a permanent tenant and development of their new store is underway.

Taking place on the Freedom Day weekend, Utopia promises to put a new twist on one of South Africa’s favorite venues Nekkies, featuring the first full on Electronic ‘Oasis’ stage meters from the riverside.

Main Stage:

A one of a kind astonishing stage structure situated at the heart of the festival grounds, will feature SA’s top Live Performer

Fokofpolisiekar are known for their explosive live performances and raw on-stage energy.

Controversial and ever questioning in their lyrics as well as their lifestyle, the band has generated much controversy in the South African media. Fokofpolisiekar has become a household name.

Desmond & the Tutus formed in December 2005 and play an infectiously awesome blend of Rock ‘n Roll and Indie Kwela Pop. Energetic, tongue in cheek sings and a frantic live show make Desmond & the Tutus an unforgettable act.

Karen Zoid has become such an important part of the South African music scene, that her name is now the byword for emotionally charged, downright incendiary South African rock music.

Over a career that has last 10 years, Zoid has earned various accolades (including gold album sales) but she says that what continues to drive her is a deep-seated desire to create music that she can get up on stage and play live.

The Plastics began in 2007 as an evolution of the punk band Hoax. It’s now its own thing. Completely. Along with a cult following that tends to turn their sentences into acronyms and get the dance floor riled up, The Plastics set out to take over the world, or at least play some pretty damn good gigs along the way.

Mr Cat & The Jackal is a unique five piece multi-instrumental group often described as experimental acoustic folk whilst exploring blues, tango, pirate, Balkan and Irish themes. With a circus of sounds created by foreign and handmade instruments – their live performance calls for a complete theatrical experience.

Stay tuned to find out what other acts will be performing at Main Stage during the festival.

Oasis Stage:

On a stomping ground of soft sand, meters from the beautiful riverside this electronic stage brings the best in Deep House and Techno.

Dean FUEL’s distinctive musical style is versatile, and uniquely his own – fusing an intercontinental blend of Minimal, Funk, House, Techno, Electro, Progressive & Trance – the FUEL adds that something special, igniting all dance floors and keeping them burning with his passion and infectious energy delivered through the turntables – ALL ATTITUDE.

Chris Jack’s selection and range of music is endless. Age race and gender is not seen in a crowd when Mr. Jack is in control of the decks. This is where his true ability of giving the crowd what they want makes Chris such an entertainer.

When it comes to genre its Tech House, Techno and Progressive House that pump’s through the audio waves.

James Copeland has been making electronic music professionally for over 8 years – most successfully with his psytrance project Broken Toy, with which he has released 2 albums and toured over 20 countries. In yet another fit of musical hyperactivity, he felt the need to move away from synthetic and “cyber” sounding music and make some tunes focused on vintage tones and slightly more tropical flavours. The result is jazz-infused tech house and cheeky basslines moving from double time swing through to sultry burlesque beats.

Oasis stage additional acts to be revealed.

The Rustum August ‘Eat Life’ Comedy Stage:

Once upon a time there was a cool guy with really short jokes and a great attitude. “Eat Life,” he said- and so we shall.

Cape Town’s Top cutting-edge Comedians, the Starving Comics, a large dose of Cape Town’s

5-minute wonders and you. You lucky Fish!

This stage will run throughout the day with regular shows, a tweet activated billboard (#eatlife) and an opportunity for everyone to join in the fun.

Go ‘Bos’ Stage:

Nestled in our camping area and playing host to some awesome up and coming musicians- The Go ‘Bos’ stage will also give festival goers the chance to show people what they are made of. Bring an instrument, your band, or even create a band there and then. All you have to do is book a slot and the stage is yours!

COMPETITION TIME:

To stand a chance of WINNING 1 of 2 x double full weekend tickets:

1. Like UTOPIA FEST AND YCLAD on Facebook.

2. Follow UTOPIA and @YCLADmag on Twitter

3. Share this competition link with your friends and tag us!

Please comment below to let us know you entered!

All steps must be taken to qualify – winners announced by 22 April ’13 – please check your email/ our facebook page promptly and respond to accept your winning tickets!

–

Ticket Prices as follows:

Early Bird: R280

Full Weekend: R380

Saturday & Sunday: R320

Sunday: R70

Available from Webtickets and Selected outlets

There will be limited amounts of tickets available for purchase at the door

This is the only African event which coincides with 125 cities from 25 nations around the world.

There is growing awareness among global and South African citizens, that the drug war propaganda against the Cannabis plant and its consumers is not scientifically based; does not justify criminalisation; is at its roots racist; and promotes profits in many organised crime sectors within our own economy.

Marchers are seeking to claim equal rights to adult users of alcohol and tobacco who may freely produce, consume and trade these products
responsibly without fear of criminal prosecution.

Citizens will meet at the corner of Keizersgracht and Chapel Street, Cape Town, at 10am on May the 4th for a Festive Walk through the streets of Cape Town.

There have been global winds of change regarding Cannabis. Prohibition started here first. Let’s end it here!

This season, Shoe HQ launched their incredibly on-trend range of ankle & full length boots. Everything from cowboy to riders to all things embellished. Making them your one stop online shop, as well as the most visited destination store(s) in the Western Cape, with one in Stamford, Durban.

You can find them in Blue Route Mall, Ottery, Long Street, Cavendish Connect, Salt River, Stamford (KZN) and let’s not forget, online at www.shoehq.co.za

Not only do Shoe HQ offer a wide variety at great value, their shoes (and bags) are incredibly fashionable and of great quality.

When asked about the business Chris is quick to explain that he believes Shoe HQ’s success lies in their ability to source the latest ladies and men’s footwear directly from overseas factories. The Shoe HQ customer is getting the same quality product as can be found in major fashion chain stores & retail outlets without having to pay chain store prices. In addition most of the shoes and boots they stock are unique to Shoe HQ and they are introducing new styles all the time to keep their range interesting and fresh for the customer.       

Christa Zietsman, Buyer at Shoe HQ says the ankle boot is the big fashion statement this winter. The military look is in with lace up boots and the classic rider. The ever popular Cowboy Boot remains in fashion this season with the introduction of a new stylish higher ankle boot.  The pattern madness of summer has been extended to winter and can be found in bright coloured ankle boots, flatforms & colourful pumps. This season’s footwear has something for everyone says Christa. “We find ladies are comfortable trying on our winter boots as we have had them manufactured to our specifications not an overseas fit which can often be quite different” she added.

Shoe HQ started their online store in December. Chris says he is delighted with how and online store is going. “Our online store provides an opportunity for customers who do not have easy access to one of our stores to still buy our footwear. We are getting orders from all over South Africa”. “Online shopping is a worldwide reality and here to stay so it is something we intend to focus on & develop going forward”.

Social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ShoeHQ/104509936283817?ref=stream

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShoeHQ_SA

Blog: http://shoehq.co.za/?p=83

Stores info: http://shoehq.co.za/?page_id=16

ONLINE STORE: http://shoehq.co.za/?page_id=13

Venue:             Carnival City, Big Top
Date:               2^nd June
Time:               19h00
Cost:                R350 – R 450
Tickets:            Computicket

Hilltop Live presents, the Platinum-selling alternative act Chevelle Live in SA in association with Monster Energy and Sounds Good. The American rock trio will be rocking Cape Town at the Grand Arena, GrandWest on Friday 31 May, and Johannesburg at The Big Top Arena, Carnival City on Sunday 2 June, bringing their iconic alternative sound to your ears.

Living up to the postponement promise that was made back in 2011 when the band was unable to make it to Oppikoppi Unknown Brother, the band is thrilled to finally have found dates that work for South Africa.

For Chevelle, 2012 was filled with intense touring, sold out concerts and the release of their sixth full-length album Hats Off to the Bull: which scored the group one of their biggest career hits with the explosive single “Face to The Floor”. Most artists with over 12 years in the music industry lose their initial fire, but Chevelle burn brighter than ever on Hats Off to the Bull. Rather than simply subscribing to a tried-and-true formula, they made a conscious effort to incorporate new sounds and textures into their patented airtight anthems. As a result, the group composed its most infectious, intriguing, and impressive offering to date. In December 2012 the group released their first-ever collection of hits – Stray Arrows-A Collection Of Favourites.

Of their postponement announcement in 2011 Chevelle said “Obviously everyone is really disappointed; there was such enthusiasm and support from all over South Africa and it’s a country we all wanted to see. But we will get there soon.” – soon has become now

Not being too keen moving our sexy asses to an electro line-up on Friday night, brought to us by West Coast Production, to our surprise, we ended up enjoying the music for the most part and I would guess my fellow folk getting drunk helped out quite a bit. Darth & Vader, the international electro act, played quite a dangerous set filled with some lekker dubstep whoppers. Niskerone followed by entertaining the crowd with his trademark bouncing dreads and drum & bass beats, whilst some hard hitting beats from SFR vs Hyphen made sure we bounced up and down one last time before crawling into either cars or tents to rest it out for one of the sickest psy line-ups starting the next day at the Celestial Beings stage at noon.

Waking up to raindrops made me sigh unenthusiastically, thinking it would be yet another splashing wet weekend, yet it remains to be a serious factor for fun in the outdoors if you can wrap your head around it.

Depsypil opened up with a nice progressive set with minimal peeps on the dance floor by this time to stomp the day away, as I am sure lots were still arriving or awakening from the previous night’s slumber. Enjoying the blissful droplets, Satori continued the line-up with a set that picked up the energy and the crowed started to grow slowly but surely.

With the sun shyly teasing us every now and then, the weather gradually started to get our hopes up, but a full sunshine day was definitely not in the cards for us.

We went back up with a fun-filled, bumpy as fuck tractor ride to grab a bite and the sorts and found ourselves at a dance floor that has been deserted for the most part, but had the sickest beats pumping by the hands of none other than El Gordo. In the past I have seen this master soothing my soul with his deep hard beats and it made me glad it worked all out that I didn’t miss at least most of his set.

When the sun eventually said his goodbyes, we welcomed the night for the full on masters who came out to play and that of course put me, and I am sure a lot of my other companion troopers in instant heaven.

Rubix Qube ensured for a pleasant set with some new tracks thrown into the mix making sure our engines are geared up for what is to come. Consequentially Tune Raider made me pretty happy with a set packed with one of my beloved female producers’, Iliuchina’s tracks. During the course of the night the LED-lit hoops were being danced with on stage creating quite a spectacle.

At midnight, a personal favourite, EMP accompanied the stage whilst the fire dancers who came out to play and entertain with their infernal antics; quite a talented bunch with the flaming hoops and all that, I must say.

Possibly the set for the weekend for me, Hiyamyzo, killed every limb in my body. They played a few tracks I have not heard prior to this weekend, but I most definitely loved every bone-crunching, bouncy, dark-edge beat the mischievous couple dropped, I am truly thankful for the space I had to move my body in at the back of the floor, ‘cause I would definitely have caused a few injuries in I had to be crunched up in a small space.

As the sun rose for its next awakening, Plusminus and Sway kept the bodies moving. Of course, I’ve been alert all along (I mean really, whoever compiled the weekends’ line-up, seriously had no sleep in mind for the party-goers).

In the midst of a deep bouncy set we had to head up to the parking lot with yet another fun-filled social tractor ride to freshen up a bit before the rest of the Sunday madness commenced.

Back at the playground, we arrived just in time for 22-year old Mystical Complex with his ridiculously cheeky stage presence and we were in for another set filled with bone-breaking thumpers. I sure as hell hope he will be returning to South Africa real soon since I enjoyed the tracks more than a bit.

As always Bruce, another headliner, Harmonika and eventually Headroom made us bounce around like an energizer bunnies; in between the mind altering sets played, we also paid at least more than one visit to the mesmerizing river nestled in the side of the quarry that I have been so excited to revisit ever since my initial visit to the venue. Sliding on rocks in the very much shallow, cold yet cooling river resulted in epic fun, laughter and created a great set of memories.

Back at the, by now, pretty much muddier than before dance floor, I made it my mission in life to colour the cleanest folk with mud; I’m sorry, but if there is mud, you should be getting dirty. Additionally I know I have been the cause of more than a few mud fights and I am dearly thankful for each and everyone that took the initiative to catapult a mud ball back into my direction and enjoy the dirty war with me. To any inconvenience caused… I’m not seriously not sorry, karma got me already with sludge in the eyes and a heavily damaged toe and cut foot, but I’m also sure worse things has happened to both me or you…

Another lady close to my hard with her fun and fluffy sets, Cooks, amused us with the second last set and soon enough the realization started seeping in… another round at Ground Zero is almost over again…

Luckily, I am sure a better goodbye to truly one of the best weekends of my life could not have been given than anyone other than Mac.

From deep down in my muddy heart, I would love to thank each and every person that contributed to making the weekend what it was. I feel immensely privileged to have been back at what has been become probably my favourite venue and I honestly can’t wait to get back (I didn’t want to leave in the first place). Damn, I hope the next one is not too far in the future… Much love to you all and massive thumbs up to Beartrap Productions, you guys kick some serious ass and well done to West Coast Productions for joining in on the outdoor escapades, I’m sure you guys will be doing this again? See y’all soon. Love & light!

-  Zian Blignaut

Images by Chantelle Joy Ova