www.cosmesis.co.

za

Eds Note
Its been a while and I am very happy to be back. Its amazing how you can forget, but a passion may be put on hold but the vision never loses. WELCOME to ITK ISSUE 10!

Can you believe that we have been around for just over 1 year. Fabulous I say.
So what has taken place over the past few months? Well we have a great team together called The World According To contributors. Lynnette Ou Tim, is a producer, events organizer and writer who has joined ITK and bringing creative views from the Film Industry ,behind the scenes as well as creative new s to you all. So be sure to read itkmag/ theworldaccordingtoninjalyn Bronwen VDM kept woman and gorgeous extraordinaire move over Bree van der Kemp there is new Housewife around and this one has bite just as good as her bark! These darlings have a great sense of humor and a good sense of life and worldly thoughts that will no doubt leave the pallet wanting more to taste. So spring is in the air and once again so much happening with regards to events, out doors and fashion weeks around SA. Happy Spring Nina

Contributors ITK MAG

Lynette Ou Tim AKA - Ninjalyn Works in the film industry and has a strong background producing entertainment shows for television, has worked on feature films with international actors and well known producers. ninjalyn@itkmag.com Bronwen VDM Divorced ,40 ,and well maintained. She adores luxury and has an appreciation for men who can provide it. Bronwen lives to travel, experience life and learn. She is a loyal friend, but has a tenancy to be brutally honest. Bronwen@itkmag.com

Guest Contributor Hayward Barends Sales Daniella Kurner daniela@itkmag.com

Cover Design Sean Chris Strydom

The views expressed in our publication is that of the author and not ITK (IN THE KNOW) Magazine.ITK is published by Seventeenoseven Marketing CC / CK2008/190201/23

where to feast your eyes?

Featured Article Ronnie Belcher Shortcut The World According to Nina Zani Granny Panties

Sean Chris Strydom Illustrator

New places to find luurve Fatbacks and my #1 Girl Review La Vie

ITK FAVOURITE ITEMS

www.wordsworth.co.za Red Hot Chilli Peppers

www.lookandlisten.co.za

www.lookandlisten.co.za

www.htch.com

FIAT 500 C

www.fiat.co.za

www.sony.co.za

THIS IS AN INTERVIEW....

NINJALYN: Hi Ronnie, thanks for joining us on ITKMag. Please tell us about your beginnings as a photographer. RONNIE BELCHER: I have always been interested in photography, even from a very young age. I eventually studied photography as part of my Jewellery Design NHDip. course and have been practicing the art ever since. NINJALYN: Your obvious preference for black and white RONNIE BELCHER: If you want to see in black and white, you have to look with your soul. NINJALYN: Your take on portraits and selection of models

RONNIE BELCHER: do many paying shoots where clients want specific images of themselves, but my true passion is of course my own personal shoots. I have a select few models and make-up artists that I am privileged to be working with, where both parties have input in the creative process. NINJALYN: I like your opening caption to your website Appreciate beauty within the unconventional.......please expand RONNIE BELCHER: My work isnt commercial, my images create questions. I like juxtaposing elements that make up an image most of which in this case isnt necessarily conventional. NINJALYN: I notice its mostly women that you photograph and very beautiful women..........are they your main source of inspiration RONNIE BELCHER: The female form and soul is the most beautiful source of inspiration that any artist could draw from. I like putting these elements within interesting locations.

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER

NINJALYN: Do you photograph men and how do you select RONNIE BELCHER: Yes, I do. Mostly private clients, but if I feel that a certain model will benefit my portfolio I would certainly work with them. NINJALYN: Theres also a warning on your site that it contains adult material and should not be viewed by anyone under 18 years of age.......are you intentionally risqu or is it subconscious RONNIE BELCHER: My website (www.ronniebelcher.com) does contain images of nudity, so that warning is necessary. But the process of creating such images is completely subconscious. I sometimes look at my work and think did I just shoot that? NINJALYN: Do you photograph landscapes, if so what kind of locations RONNIE BELCHER: Yes, I love landscapes, it forms a big part of my photography. Majestic, surreal landscapes always make me feel very overwhelmed and conjures up some feeling that I cannot explain. I have dreams about myself within such vast landscapes. NINJALYN: Of the different services you offer portfolios, boudoir, personal, product, fetish, films, events. Please explain boudoir and fetish. RONNIE BELCHER: I do many boudoir shoots where clients want beautiful images of themselves to present to their lovers. Mostly women that want to send their partners some beautiful images of themselves as wedding gifts or anniversary gifts. Fetish images are wonderful to shoot as the subject can be anything that brings out more personal emotions. These images are private reflections that are captured and remembered when viewed.

NINJALYN: Would you care to mention anything more about portfolios and product
RONNIE BELCHER: My work speaks for itself. NINJALYN: Is one more of a favourite above the others and which one RONNIE BELCHER : I love them all just the same, but my work is constantly evolving and in return pushes me to evolve with it. NINJALYN: This leads us to your love for film......which came first film or photography RONNIE BELCHER: I grew up watching art house films and immediately found that it resonates with me. But it was only years later that I picked up a film camera and started making my own. So practicing the art of photography was first, but the passion for both was there simultaneously. NINJALYN: How does one influence the other RONNIE BELCHER: They are both moments in time, conceptualized in my mind and then only captured through a lens at a later stage. NINJALYN: Tell us about BlackMilk Productions and Thomas Dorman RONNIE BELCHER: I have always had much respect for Thomass photography, even before we met. He was planning on doing a photo shoot in my attic, which resulted in us collaborating to make a short film (KiTTY KiLL), shot on my handycam. We immediately knew that this would be the beginning of a very fruitful collaboration, which resulted in the birth of BlackMilk Productions (www.blackmilkproductions.com). We have made many films since.

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER

NINJALYN: What genre does it fall into and why RONNIE BELCHER: We love surrealism, symbolism, art, horror, to name but a few elements. Most of our films contain these elements. We are not interested in making films that appeal to a commercial mindset. NINJALYN: How many films have you produced with BlackMilk RONNIE BELCHER: We busy with our seventh short film, but have also done some smaller creative films. NINJALYN: What has been the audience response to your films and where have they been screened RONNIE BELCHER: We have been privileged enough to have won awards for most of our films. Our films are riddled with many layers, so they have to be watched a few times in order to grasp their true depth. They have screened at numerous festivals and events such as the South African Horrorfest, Short Cut, Auteur Film Festival, Future Shorts, On The Boil, etc. NINJALYN: You are also making commercials......how commercial are they RONNIE BELCHER : We would like to do more of them as they can be quite lucrative.

NINJALYN: I also believe there is real Black Coffee.....tell us more and where can we get some RONNIE BELCHER : Yes, we have launched a BlackMilk Coffee, which is a classic strong dark blend supplied by one of the top local coffee importers. We went through a very tedious process of selecting the right blend to ensure top quality. The BlackMilk coffee is a unique blend that is not available anywhere else. It can be ordered directly from info@blackmilkproductions.com at R70 per unit. NINJALYN: Any last thoughts or mentions and of course how can we find you....... RONNIE BELCHER : I welcome any feedback and you can find me any of the links below: http://www.ronniebelcher.com http://www.blackmilkproductions.com http://www.facebook.com/ronnie.belcher1 http://twitter.com/RODZ69 ronnie.belcher@yahoo.com

Thanks for your time with us and letting us get to you know you better, we look forward to see more of your work and films.
Interview by Ninjalyn

Global Spots

- UNITED KINGDOM

Galoupet is a new restaurant, bar and wine merchant at 13 Beauchamp Place, SW3 1NQ. We offer an all day menu, starting with breakfast from 8am and a full menu from 12 noon. Our wine list always features 36 wines available by the glass served using the Enomatic system, including four Champagnes, a range of Galoupet wines and selected other winemakers. www.galoupet.co.uk

Global Spots UNITED KINGDOM

Innovative design. Whatever/Whenever service. Chic and cool comes to London. At W London - Leicester Square Hotel the 192 Guest Rooms include 5 Fantastic Suites, 2 Marvellous Suites, 3 Spa Suites, 7 Studio Suites, 3 Wow Suites and 1 E Wow Suite, all feature custom-made furnishings and stylish accents unique to London, as well as a signature spa, fitness facility, a world-class destination restaurant and the W Lounge where guests mix, mingle and relax. www.wlondon.co.uk

WHERE TO SLEEP CAPE TOWN

Located on the upper reaches of Woodstock, the hip and happening mixed-use suburb adjoining the CBD, you are also within easy reach of The Fringe, Cape Towns Innovation District (formerly East City Design Initiative), focus for Cape Towns World Design Capital Bid 2014 www.uppereastsidehotel.co.za

WHERE TO EAT CAPE TOWN

iCafe brings you international food flavours and food trends. iCafe is about the spirit of international travel in your everyday reality-even though you may be worlds away from Paris, London or New York.

www.i-cafe.co.za

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO BRONWEN VDM

Just before my 40th birthday last year, strange and unspeakable things started to happen to my body. For someone who had been naturally thin most of her life, this wasnt taken kindly. My attitude towards aging has always been to fight back rather than age gracefully. The latter is for hippies and those that have left it so long, they are no longer thinking clearly. So I exercised and starved and detoxed and endermologied myself silly. And nothing happened. I started to ogle the shape wear A.K.A. Granny Broeks, at various stores. You know, the things that suck the unsightliness in. But I couldnt find any sexy ones, so I had to leave empty handed. I had almost given up when I saw a brochure overseas with not entirely vomitable shape wear. Some of it was actually quite attractive! I was hell bent on securing my new discovery, so I ventured on-line. The problem was that it was a German brochure and a German website and ,well, I dont speak nor understand any German. Bummer. Excuse the pun. Search as I may, there was just no English equivalent so I persevered, not actually knowing what I was doing. After numerous searches, I found a company that was willing to ship to deepest darkest fat-bottomed Africa. I trustingly handed over my credit card details and hoped for the best. The wait began..

I received numerous e-mails, in German of course, and 3 weeks later I received notification that my precious cargo had arrived. Now I failed to mention that this little beaut had cost more than a few bottles of Bubb to start with, so when I saw that Id been slapped with a further 50 % duty, fear set in. What if it didnt fit? Hell no, at that price, Id make it fit!I collected my treasure from the post office, which Ill have you know is a traumatic experience enough. Why, and where, do they find the most nauseating shade of curdled buttermilk to paint their walls with? Its standard issue post office paint. In a word: depressing! Gives a whole new understanding to the phrase going postal.Does someone actually mix up that awful shade in a dingy back room somewhere, for post offices all over Africa? Ok, ok, Im clearly traumatised and going off on a tangent here. Back to the magic box. After paying all the duty, and of course vat on the duty (got to love it), I took the precious cargo home. The moment of truth was upon us and I was nervous to say the least. I mean, I reluctantly spend this much on a dress, never mind Granny shapers! Well, it looked fairly harmless at face value, until I tried to put it on that is.Think of it as a wetsuit, without a zip.I got stuck. No, really, Im being dead serious here.I had this fleshy coloured straight jacket pressing my implants (boobs, not butt) into obscurity and cutting my blood circulation to my arms and I couldnt free myself from the offending object! I was in serious pain and contemplated the kitchen scissors, but couldnt bring myself to wasting all that money! I hadnt even managed to pull the thing down and over the tummy, hips and bottom bits, which were the real problem areas. Should I shout for help from my gay neighbours? Would they understand and free me from a certain amputation if left unattended?

Not those kinda broeks!

By this stage my arms were pinned to my ears. Not a good look. Eventually mind over matter kicked in. A combination of guilt at the thought of wasted expense combined with the possibility of enough humiliation to make me have to move house again, forced that beasty down and over. I hobbled over to the box it had come packaged in, only to find a little gift from the supplier: A freaking slab of Swiss chocolate! The very thing that had put me into this predicament in the first place! Cheeky sods, I thought, as I realised I was probably going to need all that chocolates energy to get the bugger off again

WHERE TO SLEEP - DURBAN

Along the tropical belt of KwaZulu-Natal, nestled amongst the palm and giant milkwood trees lies Teremok Marine, a luxurious five-star boutique lodge which opened in November 2003.

www.teremok.co.za

WHERE TO EAT DURBAN

Food and music are essential components of a Mediterranean lifestyle and the opportunity to be exposed to a tapestry of cultures that are rich in heritage and diversity should be embraced by all. www.plaka.co.za

Sean Chris Strydom | Illustrator-Graphic Artist I am an artist with no formal training. I have been working as a professional illustrator since around 2004. I have worked on hundreds of Southern African educational books and publications and have sold over 5000 illustrations to date. I love all things of self expression whether music, art, hand drawn, organic and tangible. My intention is to have my own exhibition one day. I express myself through music; bass is my favourite instrument and for now I am simply expressing myself through music composition.

B_Macca album cover courtesy of Brendan Ou Tim mixed medium

Head Over Heels oil on canvas

Eight Views of A Secret ink on paper

SEAN CHRIS STRYDOM

Illustrations www.behance.net/illustrydom

Iain in Claremont ink on paper

www.ninazanifoundation.com

SINGLE, BORED OF NOT MEETING SUITABLE MEN OR WOMEN? BARS WEDDINGS AND NIGHTCLUBS ARE OVERRATED. WE AT ITK THINK WE HAVE FOUND THE SOLUTIONPOSSIBLY
Oh I hear you say, Ive tried it all and I have been through all, I would rather stay single and content in my own space. When the time is right the right person will swoon along and sweep me off my feet or I will fall in-love, I will know.but do we really know?

Are we too satisfied?

Well pucker up, herewith are some places we thought you most definitely could rustle up some good conversation and maybe even land up on a date or exchange of a BBM.

AT HOME (what do we mean?)

It would be a waste of a room if you live an apartment alone and have an extra room to rent. Dangerous liaisons you might think, but what about the latter? You could place an advert for the perfect descriptions of what you would want in an flat mate and you never know if Mr Forever or Mrs forever after walks through your door. Of course you would have to do the 5 point check and somehow take it slow and get to see where it all leads. You may end up good friends or might just be love at first sight and there you have it, hook, line and Hello new roomie, lets share the sofa, popcorn and a scary Film ITK FOREVER METER 3

COFFEE SHOP New trends have shown that more and more people are hanging out in creative spaces and coffee shops that offer free WI-FI. You never know what relationships you might strike up with local strangers who frequent a particular venue you visit. The easy conversation starter would naturally be something along the lines of (especially if you have seen them more than twice at the same place) , talk about the WI FI and what their thoughts are on the service and if they know of any other good WI FI or coffee places that offer the same dealsthis is a no brainer and most definitely easy chat topic. If you are on a good banter vibe, you could always suggest to meet up at another similar place if there was mention of oneor sneakily just send a note across to the table and suggest that you know of another good place that does good WI FIa conversation should strike up from it .ITK FOREVER METER 3

GOING FOR A WALK WITH YOUR DOG That is if you have a dog, or borrow a friends . Just make sure you are able to run after it if it decides to bolt and remember DO NOT FORGET THE DOGS NAMEwould be rather embarrassing if you had to run after a mutt shouting cooheeee or doggie The idea here is to befriend the he/she when on a walk if you find there is some CUTE or FANCY factor. Dogs generally run about and sniff one another (Yes, it does get a bit gross when they start sniffing strange places on dogs) as dogs do. Dont be embarrassed. Smile and have minor doggie talk etc.You can always plan a doggie playdate the following day, playing damsel in distress and that your poor pup is cooped up all day, even though you know its untrue as FiFi runs around in a plot gazillion times her size, it just means you will have to become permanent doggi walker- until you hook the GUY/GIRL and miraculously one day poor FIFI run away ITK FOREVER METER - 3

OUT AND ABOUT AT THE SUPERMARKET Who says going to Woolies or Pick n Pay has to be dull? Define your mate? Burbs Preppy , Atlantic Seaboard High Maintance, but you get the idea.how many times have you not walked past a cutie in the pasta isle or spice isle and wanted to give them advice or ask for advice? Here you have two scenarios. You can either ask them for advice on a particular product or bump into them accidentally. If you bump into the person, apologize and please dear heavens do not do a cheesy one liner if you are a guy or fluster if you are a girl. At least bump into them again ( meaning secretly seeing which isle they visit next) and happen to be close by if you happen to lock eyes, smile and slowly make your way overSay something along the lines Oh dont worry, I will not bump into you again, youre safe if youre bold enough you can strike up a mini chat, maybe even exchanges BBM pins. ITK FOREVER METER - 2

......find the wings of luurvvee..

....just make sure if you find a roomie that they are old enough and mature.....

...if youre opting for the shopping isle, make sure you pick a store with at least a few souls....

Vidas have a lot of gorgeous guys and girls, plus u get free WIFI...so hop on you scooter, what are you waiting for?

ANYWHERE WHERE THERE IS GADGETS, GAMES AND MUSIC

Incredible connections, The MAC store, MUSICA these places a lot of men feel at ease. They are out to find toys they like to play with or music they enjoy listening to. What better way to expose the gamestress you are in front of the cutie and a perfect way at a MUSICA to show your soft side if youre the guy, especially when the girl of your dreams picks up a copy of BRIDGET JONES DIARY and you express that you quite enjoy that particular film around Christmas. Showing of the true you or the fun/geek you to either parties involve spells only to fabulousness and many romantic nights in or out. ITK FOREVER METER 4

THE WORK PLACE Ok, sometimes this can be tricky, but rather than poop on your doorstep(explaining this in good manner) . Dont ever date a person that works in the same department floor or space as yours. If you work for a big company why not find out when the different departments are having drinking dos or gatherings where other people from other departments are allowed to join and show the HANDSOME or GORGEOUS you off. Remember, dont booze too much and never kiss at the first soiree you meet. ITK FOREVER METER 4

PLEASE NOTE TAKE THE ABOVE ADVICE WITH CAUTIOUS MEASUREMENTS

THE PINK LUNCH

FATBACKS.........................................

the birthday party.....

Presented by The Fez club and

Divine Intervention

Burtonesque 30th

Sugurhut Club

WHERE TO EAT - JOHANNESBURG

Allora Ristorante Classico is designed around the concept of a traditional Italian village. The focal points of the restaurant are the central fountain and the very distinctive wood burning ovens, enchantingly decorated using warm mosaic brickwork that gives a sun- drenched effect. The style of this casual yet sophisticated restaurant is closer to fine dining than most contemporary Italian. www.allora.co.za

WHERE TO SLEEP - JOHANNESBURG

Morrells boutique venue has all the elements that create a truly unforgettable occasion. From the moment you walk through the gates you are enchanted by the beautiful olive grove and enveloped by the smell of lavender and roses, feeling as if you where in the south of France. www.morrells.co.za

FATBACKS and my #1 GIRL

Article by Hayward Barends

With ambivalence, I accepted another invite to Fatbacks, after my recent matinee experience. This time, I was armed with my own entourage in the form of Laverne, Rico and PR Guru Lynette.
The night looked promising with a proper DJ on the decks, and a sleigh of trendoids on the couches. We spotted Rico loitering at the bar, he expected a super club, I was happy to disappoint him. A first timer would also walk right past the front door.

I was captured in passing by the darkened windows and the gold foiled printed font on the front door. It reminded me of the 70's, any moment Foxy Brown would step out in faux fur and afro to match. We (Lynette and I) met the owner of FATBACKS, Jeremy Hutch at another trendy watering hole Xian Xian, a few blocks down loop street. The first thing you'll notice is his shades at night and the light blue shimmering suite. Again, the 70's makes a strong statement. I must admit, I own the same color suit.

The occasion was Jocelyn's birthday. Jocelyn if I could describe her, is the closest I will come to an IT GIRL. She embodies the spirit, in fact she embraces the idea. If she could sing, she would be a songbird, if she could run, she would be a 400m hurdler, and if she had to have a job, she would be an assassin and someone's muse. The last I checked, she was the host at the oh so trendy champagne bar The Reserve. Needless to say, I had to up my game.

The music was pumping the drinks were flowing. I spotted her walking in. My number one girl. My number one gym girl. We all have them, our favorite people in the gym. We spot them, we watch them, we know their routines, their stretching and warm-up regimes, their favorite machines. In fact you make sure that you are on the right step machine to have the right angle in the hope when they get to their machine, you would have the best vantage. She is a goddess on the step. Her stretching prowess is a Pirelli Calender in the making. She came to the bar, yes it was her, I had the best view, old hand I am. Instead of her trademark nike twin set, I swear it was vintage Vivien Westwood, I imagined. Game plan, Game Plan, think think.

Fortunately, my crew offered welcome distraction. Lynette accosting us with her camera, a black diamond lusting after Laverne, he was smooth though. Laverne had an open mind and loose hips, I joined her on the floor, matching her every move. As life would have it, my luck turned later. I duly did my own PR work on the dance floor with the birthday IT GIRL. As if no one is watching and everyone is watching, we did a dual worthy of a sword fight. And yes, my number one girl was watching, she was dancing next door, and like a seasoned lawyer I seized the moment and made the circle bigger.

What transpired is stuff of fantasy and high school musical. We waxed lyrical about the gym that has taken over our lives and her favorite running shoe brand. I got a name and an open invitation to approach her on the step machine and remind her who I was:)

Thank you FATBACKS! You rock!

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FAVOURITE SITES

Dolcegabbana.it Drmartins.com Dsquared2.com Dior.com Dolcegabbana.it Ellemachpheresonintimates.com Emanuelungaro.com Ermannoscervino.it Falke.com Fendi.comFredperry.com Fez.co.za Givenchy.fr Giorgioarmani.com Gucci.com Huggoboss.com Hermes.com Jilsander.com Johngaliano.com Jasmindimilo.com Jacksbarcs.co.uk

Marioscompanyforhair.com Marcjacobs.com Miumiu.com Mulberry.com Mawi.co.uk Myla.co.uk Madamev.co.uk Moltonhouse.co.uk Moschino.it Prada.com Pierrehardy.com Pepejeans.com Puma.com Princesspirate.com Qmsmedicosmetics.com Robertocavelli.net Reportshoes.com Reliklondon.com Ryanmcelhinney.co.uk Stellamcartney.com Screamingmimis.com Scribd.com Showgirlslatexboutique.com Selfridges.co.uk Sugarhutclub.co.za Tattydevine.com Tommy.com Veuveclicquot.com Versace.com Viktor-rolf.com Valentino.it Wrangler.com Wunderkind.de

Review
La Vie, Sea Point, Cape Town
Forget the glamour, forget 5 star, forget the pretence and lets forget all the Fs just mentioned here. La Vie in Sea Point has become a popular new eclectic hang out along the Atlantic Seaboard. Trend setters, movie producers, DJs and creatives alike are frequenting the beach spot. Great for afterwork drinks or just weekend socialising. I have to admit, there is nothing better than eating a great pizza and I know for a fact that there are only 4 pizza places around Cape Town that does a fabulous pizza and La Vie is one of them. My favourite being the classic bacon and avo (forget the calories here darlings!) The chef prepares the pizzas thin based and just the right amount of toppings and tomato.Dont feel bad if you finished a pizza on your own, The Prominade is across the road, so be sure to pack your trainers as a good walk after will make you feel better. The vibe is very relaxed and internet based radio station MUTHA radio has recently launched. So if you fancy listening to dance music, then head on down on the weekends as the atmosphere is very vibey. Fancy an office away from home? You can plug in and play get a wi-fi code drink great cappuccino and observe as the day goes by. Just remember, its a relaxed atmosphere a place to enjoy and take it easy. Prices are very reasonable and you can pick up a cuppa and not break the piggy bank. by Nina Zani