Kojo Baffoe

I Quit My Job For My Children

Jun 18, 2016 | Commentary, Fatherhood

It’s an ordinary Monday, in that blurry space between autumn and winter, when the sun seems to beat a hasty retreat into alternate hemispheres. I am sitting on a beat-up plastic chair watching a boy - my son - go through non-stop drills at football practice, his orange football boots reflecting the fading sun’s rays. Twice a week, most weeks, I sit watching my son at football practice. This particular Monday, when he is done, we hop into the car, rush through to pick up his younger sister from kindergarten and head through to swimming lessons. And, at home, I sit with him as he does his...

Daniel Wellington Watches

Jun 13, 2016 | Design, Lifestyle

In the fashion, style and accessories worlds, Instagram has been a great tool for sharing. Whether it is brands highlighting their products or individuals sharing their aesthetic and style, Instagram provides a foundation for telling stories in a very visual (obviously) way. I have found many an item that I ended up ordering online on IG. Daniel Wellington watches are one of those brands that I’d seen and was on my list of items to order. I still wear watches. I like watches that reflect my style and my mood. Daniel Wellington’s backstory makes for great telling: a young Swede called Filip...

Thierry Mugler: A*Man Pure Tonka

Jun 9, 2016 | Lifestyle

Thierry Mugler is the quintessential renaissance man. Having studied classical dance and been part of the ballet corp for Rhin Opera, he also studied interior design before going on to flourish as a fashion designer. He has also produced photography books, directed film – shorts, advertising and videos. This includes the video for George Michael’s Too Funky (which has always been one of my favourite songs and videos), and collaborated with the Cirque du Soleil. Another realm Thierry Mugler has explored to great success has been in fragrances. Despite being a fragrance collector of sorts, I...

Let The Ride Begin, Life On Two Wheels

May 30, 2016 | Lifestyle, On The Road

There is a time for everything. And when it comes to my life, the time for a motorcycle was definitely not in my 20s. I was a bit of a speed freak and I probably would not be writing these words, if I had explored bikes then. Three years ago, as I drifted into my 40s, I decided that it was time to try life on two wheels. My clichéd line was “I reckon I’m at the age where I can ride somewhere on a Sunday for pancakes, especially because I love pancakes.” At that point, my only previous experience with riding a bike was attempting to ride in a friend’s yard at 16, dropping it on my thigh and...

Men’s Style: Tread+Miller Gentleman’s Club

May 19, 2016 | Design

The Cape Union Mart Group, while synonymous with outdoor clothing and gear, launched Tread + Miller, a men’s footwear and accessories store in August 2015. Having recently opened their 13th store at the Mall of Africa, the demand for the brand has surpassed their expectations. The store design, style and aesthetic is very gentleman’s club with wood, brown leather and shoe shine facilities. Their positioning is a focus on men with the women’s section being minimal and very much in line with the men’s footwear. The brands they carry include Sebago, Sperry, Caterpillar, Crockett & Jones and...

A Weekend At The Jaguar Simola Hill Climb

May 18, 2016 | On The Road

The annual calendar in South Africa is filled with many a gem that doesn’t register beyond specific audiences. I had heard about it but never really engaged until I was invited by Jaguar to attend the Jaguar Simola Hill Climb in Knysna between May 6th and 8th, 2016. To begin with, Knysna is a beautiful part of the country and where we were put up, the Leisure Island Lodge, was exquisite. We stayed in Leisure Island Villa which used to be the owner of the Lodge’s home and is now available for short-term rental while it is on the market. With views of the ocean and the Heads, it was an effort...