Exploring new horizons has become a newfound obsession for us, as we discover places that feel new and refreshing; lands that almost make the daily grind feel out of context. Travelling around South Africa was one of those jaw-dropping adventures that completely alter your perception of the African continent and of its gem in the south. Perhaps we couldn’t imagine the contrasts and grandeur this country has to offer, from its exotic white-sand beaches to its charming townships, and from its vibrant urban life to its absolutely un-spoilt wilderness.

Our adventure began in infamous Cape Town. It’s a city that feels as European or western as you can get, lit by stunning sunsets and wrapped by the epic Table Mountain. That was followed by an amazing safari in the Kruger National Park, and then by reveling in the soul of the country, Johannesburg.

Africa is a place that provokes one’s deepest feelings, as the warmth of its people made us fall in love with their land as we embarked on the making of this portfolio, The South African Affair.

This journey in images captured by Carlotta Manaigo showcases not just the beauty of South Africa, complemented by the most exotic spring and summer fashion. It also features the unique and memorable characters we met along the way.

Those types of hearty and unforgettable personalities can sometimes be found beyond the African subcontinent – in the wild depths of the fashion world. So we fleshed out this issue by featuring men and women who are equally about substance as they are about style. These include fascinating designers that are taking the world by storm such as Trussardi’s Umit Benan and Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing, Safari expert Benedetta Mazzini, and the iconic interior designer Nicky Haslam. Add to that dozens of pages fully charged with our pick of the summer collections sumptuously shot by Paola Kudacki.

Vibrant, soulful and diverse, we hope that we have captured some of the spirit of South Africa with this (and a lot more) in The South African Affair.