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Vogue Singapore
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
At Cool Cats, an electric night unfolds in celebration of Vogue Man's ‘Gold' issue
It was a special evening in the vibrant ambience of Cool Cats , Singapore's premier jazz lounge. As guests streamed in, dressed to the nines in sharp suiting and fluid slips, it marked the opening of a special night to remember. Soon, the velvet-draped room was filled with the low hum of anticipation and clinking glasses—the mood set for a night steeped in style. A distinctive blend of classic elegance and contemporary edge, there's no place more fitting than Cool Cats to host the third annual celebration of Vogue Man , with the latest issue fronted by iconic Singaporean model and photographer Chuando Tan . Inspired by the issue's theme 'Gold,' the night paid tribute to golden standards—both past and present. The third annual celebration of Vogue Man took place at Cool Cats, Singapore's premier jazz lounge. Isaku Themed 'Sartorial Suits & Sounds: The '30s Edge,' the dress code of the night invited attendees to reimagine vintage silhouettes through a modern lens. Think midnight double-breasted jackets, louche neckerchiefs, and high-shine accents—each look a conversation between nostalgia and androgynous glamour. Joining the tailored elegance of the 1930s with a rebellious spirit, the soirée captured the bold essence of a distant era. Guests pose against the stunning photo wall, designed by Chun-Kie Filmhouse. Rueven Guests pose against the stunning photo wall, designed by Chun-Kie Filmhouse. Rueven Guests pose against the stunning photo wall, designed by Chun-Kie Filmhouse. Rueven Upon entering the venue, guests were greeted by a premium bar experience curated by Johnnie Walker, with its two labels—JW Gold Label and JW Blue Label —each taking over a corner of Cool Cats' intimate space. The velvety honeyed notes of the JW Gold Label, lightly kissed by vanilla spice, were juxtaposed against the sumptuous and smooth JW Blue Label, whose flavours boast a long, smoky finish. Throughout the night, in-house bartenders skilfully whipped up a variety of classic cocktails with a twist, including a unique Gold Apple Highball as well as a smoky while refreshing Blue Fashioned. Guests were greeted by a premium bar experience curated by Johnnie Walker. Isaku Guests were greeted by a premium bar experience curated by Johnnie Walker. Guests were greeted by a premium bar experience curated by Johnnie Walker. Isaku Guests were greeted by a premium bar experience curated by Johnnie Walker. Isaku Kicking the party off, editor-in-chief Desmond Lim took to the stage to share a few words about the latest issue of Vogue Man, ushering in a new era of modern masculinity. 'In this issue themed 'Gold,' we set out to challenge the tired narrative of decline that often accompanies ageing. Instead, we celebrate what is earned, embodied and endured over time,' shared Lim. Editor-in-chief Desmond Lim kicked off the night with an opening speech. Isaku Presenter and actor Edward Russell hosted the event. Rueven While guests showed off their impeccable suiting against the stunning gilded photo wall designed by Chun-Kie Filmhouse, others flocked to the sleek fragrance booth by Viktor&Rolf, engaging in a multi-sensory experience. Featuring the fashion house's new eau de parfum, Spicebomb Dark Leather, guests were invited to try out the fragrance firsthand while striking a pose by the stylish installation. Guests tried out Viktor&Rolf's Spicebomb Dark Leather while striking a pose by the stylish installation. Isaku Guests tried out Viktor&Rolf's Spicebomb Dark Leather while striking a pose by the stylish installation. Isaku Guests tried out Viktor&Rolf's Spicebomb Dark Leather while striking a pose by the stylish installation. Isaku From boundary-pushing creatives to C-suite leaders and entrepreneurs , the festivities brought together a diverse group of fashion-forward male tastemakers, spanning generations and industries. As guests mingled into the night, a spread of delectable canapés by Madame Fan circulated around the room, from suckling pig with caviar to a crispy cheese wagyu cube. The rich and innovative flavours of the award-winning modern Cantonese restaurant did not disappoint in the slightest, especially when paired with the night's divine libations. Guests mingle throughout the night. Isaku A spread of delectable canapés by Madame Fan circulated around the room. Guests mingle throughout the night. The celebratory bash kicked into high gear as talented musicians took to the stage. A lively jazz performance by the Alina Ramirez Trio set the mood, introducing Afro-Latin rhythms and Mexican folkloric music with a contemporary twist. Chillwave artist-producer Houg slowed things down with a sensual performance, weaving in his distinct analog sounds and introspective lyrics. As the night went on, Singaporean hip-hop artist and rapper Yaung pumped the energy to a crescendo, performing hits including Madman , Humble and Not Like Us . As the night heated up, DJ Prav kept the dynamic ambiance going with his live set—mixing hip-hop, R&B, trap and bass in his versatile tracks. Talented performers took to the stage throughout the night. Isaku Talented performers took to the stage throughout the night. Isaku Talented performers took to the stage throughout the night. Isaku Talented performers took to the stage throughout the night. Isaku Talented performers took to the stage throughout the night. Isaku Of course, no Vogue Singapore event would be complete without a best-dressed segment. At the end of the night, fashion features editor Maya Menon handpicked two best-dressed attendees, who took home prizes including a Johnnie Walker Blue Ice Chalet and a Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb signature trio set. Best-dressed attendees handpicked by fashion features editor Maya Menon. Rueven As the eventful night came to a close, guests left the venue in high spirits, each with a goodie bag containing the double 'Gold' issue of June 2025 and Vogue Man, alongside luscious sweet treats from Swiss chocolatier Läderach. Tucked within were also curated essentials to carry the glamour home—an ode to the night's opulence and enduring style. With jazz notes lingering in their ears and gold still glinting in the mind's eye, attendees stepped out into the city night with a little extra shine. Best-dressed attendees handpicked by fashion features editor Maya Menon. Rueven Get your copy of the Vogue Singapore June 'Gold' issue accompanied by the Vogue Man Issue here .
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
A Day of Prestige: Johnnie Walker Blue Polo Unites Icons of Fashion, Whisky & Polo in Johannesburg
Set against the glittering skyline of Africa's richest square mile, the event brought together polo enthusiasts, whisky lovers, celebrities, and cultural tastemakers for an unforgettable afternoon that blended sport, style, and storytelling, all under the banner of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Image: Supplied Set against the glittering skyline of Africa's richest square mile, the event brought together polo enthusiasts, whisky lovers, celebrities, and cultural tastemakers for an unforgettable afternoon that blended sport, style, and storytelling, all under the banner of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Image: Supplied Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with signature Johnnie Walker Blue Label cocktails. Image: Supplied The highly anticipated return of the Johnnie Walker Blue Polo on Sunday, June 8th, transformed the heart of Sandton into a dazzling celebration of rare craftsmanship, bold fashion, and timeless sophistication. Set against the glittering skyline of Africa's richest square mile, the event brought together polo enthusiasts, whisky lovers, celebrities, and cultural tastemakers for an unforgettable afternoon that blended sport, style, and storytelling, all under the banner of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with signature Johnnie Walker Blue Label cocktails, setting an elevated tone for what would become an immersive journey into the world of Blue Label, one defined by excellence, elegance, and experiential richness. 'On behalf of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, we are honoured to welcome our guests to an afternoon where legacy meets contemporary luxury, this event is a celebration of excellence, a convergence of whisky, fashion, and sport, curated to honour the rare craft of Blue Label and the cultural icons who continue to inspire and shape the future,' said Mpimy Mashimbye, Senior Brand Manager Reserve Scotch (South, West & Central Africa). The event was graced by some of South Africa's most influential figures, a reflection of the brand's deep connection to those driving local culture forward. Among the high-profile guests was fashion designer Mmuso Maxwell, who collaborated with Johnnie Walker Blue Label to dress the brand's official Blue influencers, offering a stunning display of contemporary African design. Also showcasing their creative flair was BamCollective, known for their bold, avant-garde fashion perspective. Bringing further star power to the afternoon were Sarah Langa, Natasha Joubert, Siya Bunny, and former Bafana Bafana footballer Teko Modise, the official Johnnie Walker Blue influencers who embodied the brand's prestige and style with effortless charisma. The event featured a curated line-up of immersive experiences that allowed guests to explore the depth of Johnnie Walker Blue Label through every sense: The event was graced by some of South Africa's most influential figures, a reflection of the brand's deep connection to those driving local culture forward. Image: Supplied A polo-inspired fashion showcase staged in elegant stables, where equestrian heritage met high fashion. staged in elegant stables, where equestrian heritage met high fashion. The Blue Label Discovery Lounge , where guests were guided through a personalised whisky tasting journey featuring ambient visuals, immersive soundscapes, and rare storytelling. , where guests were guided through a personalised whisky tasting journey featuring ambient visuals, immersive soundscapes, and rare storytelling. A bespoke Personalisation Station , offering engraved miniature Blue Label bottles — a lasting memento of an exceptional day. , offering engraved miniature Blue Label bottles — a lasting memento of an exceptional day. Styled content zones throughout the venue, from horse-led photo moments to high-design backdrops, provided picture-perfect opportunities to capture the elegance of the day. throughout the venue, from horse-led photo moments to high-design backdrops, provided picture-perfect opportunities to capture the elegance of the day. More than just a polo match, the Johnnie Walker Blue Polo was a celebration of legacy, culture, and aspiration. Every element from fashion and sport to whisky and design came together to reflect the Blue Label ethos Set against the glittering skyline of Africa's richest square mile, the event brought together polo enthusiasts, whisky lovers, celebrities, and cultural tastemakers for an unforgettable afternoon that blended sport, style, and storytelling, all under the banner of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Image: Supplied
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Is Cell C using Pick n Pay/Boxer's strategy? Broke mobile network plans to list on JSE
As of February 2025, Blue Label's financial results revealed that Cell C remains technically insolvent, with its liabilities continuing to exceed its assets — a condition that has persisted since shortly after 2019. Blue Label acquired 45% of Cell C in 2017. Pictures: Blue Label and Cell C Facebook pages Blue Label, parent company to Cell C is looking at restructuring the business, which will allow a separation and potential future listing of struggling mobile network, Cell C on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). According to reports, Cell C's financial woes began around 2015, when it was unable to make a profit despite reselling airtime. It was during a restructuring process that created three special purpose vehicles to restore Cell C's debt, following Blue Label's acquisition of a 45% stake. Mobile network still technically insolvent The company's financial challenges intensified, and it began a restructuring process that included a recapitalisation in 2022 to reduce debt. In early 2021, Cell C began migrating its customers to roam on partner networks, specifically MTN and Vodacom, and deactivated its physical towers and RAN in June 2023. Blue Label's financial results in February 2025 showed that Cell C is still technically insolvent, meaning its liabilities exceeded its assets, which has been an issue since 2019. The financial results showed that the mobile network had a negative equity of -R3.3 billion. Negative equity means that a company will not be able to settle all of its liabilities with its assets if it is liquidated. Analysts warned Blue Label that acquiring a stake in Cell C is not a very good idea, because the South African telecommunications market is dominated by Vodacom and MTN. Plans to list the mobile network Blue Label's Stock Exchange News Service (SENS), said, 'the proposed restructuring is expected to encompass various ancillary transactions, aimed at optimising Cell C's capital structure and balance sheet in preparation for a potential separation and future listing on the JSE. 'Should Blue Label elect to implement the proposed restructuring, it is envisaged that the various restructuring steps will be inter-conditional and contingent upon the potential listing of Cell C. 'The implementation of the restructuring and potential listing will remain subject to, among other conditions, approval by the boards of Blue Label and Cell C, requisite shareholder and regulatory consents, and favourable market conditions.' How the restructuring will work • 'Airtime asset transfer: The Prepaid Company Proprietary Limited ('TPC'), a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Label which holds shares and debt claims in Cell C, will transfer Cell C airtime currently held by TPC on its balance sheet to Cell C in exchange for newly issued additional equity in Cell C. • 'Debt-to-equity conversion: TPC's outstanding debt claims against Cell C will be capitalised and converted into equity, further reducing Cell C's leverage. •' Acquisition of Comm Equipment Company Proprietary Limited ('CEC'): Cell C will acquire 100% of CEC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Label) from TPC in exchange for additional Cell C shares. CEC is a subsidiary responsible for Cell C's postpaid offerings. The internalisation will enable Cell C to assume full responsibility over its postpaid customer base, including oversight of supply chain, commercial operations, marketing, billing, credit, and collections. • 'SPV restructure: The Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) currently holding equity interests in Cell C will also be restructured as part of the broader initiative, aligning their ownership structures with the redefined capital framework.' ALSO READ: Cell C has suspended 400 workers, but it's not about race, says ICTU How does listing make money? According to the JSE, listing a company primarily benefits the company by enabling it to raise capital through public share offerings. This capital can then be used for various purposes, such as expansion, debt repayment, research and development, or gaining a competitive advantage. 'Well-established companies seeking equity funding to grow their business list on the Main Board. Almost a fifth of the Main Board companies are dual-listed. This means that a company is listed on two or more exchanges. 'If a company has a secondary listing on the JSE, it has its primary listing on another exchange and is regulated by the exchange holding its primary listing. Companies have secondary listings to enable them to raise capital in markets other than the market accessed by their primary listing.' Pick n Pay lists Boxer to make money Pick n Pay Group listed its pride and joy, Boxer, on the JSE with the aim of taking it out of its financial woes. Before the listing, Pick n Pay Group was technically insolvent; the retailer's revenue increased from R109.28 billion to R115.37 billion, while trading expenses rose from R20.15 billion to R22.55 billion. Total liabilities exceeded total assets by R183 million. However, CEO Sean Summers said the retailer has a strategy to turn the ship around, including the listing of Boxer. 'The Boxer IPO remains pivotal to our strategy, and their remarkable performance continues to prove it is an exceptional business. We are excited to see it thrive as a listed entity,' said Summers. Through Boxer's initial public offering (IPO), Pick n Pay was able to raise more than R8.5 billion from the 157.4 million shares allocated to qualifying investors at a share price of R54. Pick n Pay still owes 63% of Boxer. NOW READ: How did Pick n Pay do it? From technically insolvent to growing sales in months
